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The
Kenya
trip
For the love of
THE GREAT MIGRATION​
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WARRIOR CULTURE​
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UNTAMED SAVANNAHS​
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NAIROBI NIGHTLIFE
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GOLDEN COASTS​
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SWAHILI SPICES​
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THE MAASAI MARA​
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SAILING PARADISE​
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kenya
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Kenya caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, diverse street food flavors in Nairobi, and ivory coastlines full of vibrant Swahili culture in Lamu.
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Kickstart the adventure of a lifetime with a crew you’ll never forget in the Kenyan capital, where tantalizing nyama choma sizzles along streets buzzing with colorful languages and ancient traditions. Eventually, concrete towers will give way to Acacia Trees as we head west past the Great Rift Valley toward the legendary wildlife of the Maasai Mara. Between heart-stopping safaris in rugged grasslands and close encounters with rhinos and lions, you’ll even forge connections with the local Maasai community.
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After the excitement of Kenya’s savannah, round out your adventure on the relaxing, white sand beaches of tropical Lamu. Explore coral stone Swahili architecture, try spicy local cuisine, and shout out those magical words you’ve known for years: Hakuna Matata!
Included
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9 nights of accommodations (2 nights in Nairobi, 4 nights in the Maasai Mara, and 3 nights in Lamu)
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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24 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners
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In-country ground transportation
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Roundtrip flight from Nairobi to Lamu
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Entrance fees to Kenya’s national parks and reserves
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Two full-day guided game drives in the Maasai Mara
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Immersive Maasai cultural experience and overnight stay at tribal camp supporting the local indigenous community
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Warrior training with a local Maasai Tribe
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Private tour and tasting at a women-owned tea farm in the Kenyan highlands
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Locally led Nairobi street walking tour
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Swahili cooking class in Lamu village
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Traditional wooden dhow boat cruise around Lamu Island
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FTLO Trip Leader
*Activities are weather-dependent on our Kenya tour; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to & from Nairobi
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses
day by day
*Itinerary is subject to change
eXPLORE
Day 1 - Nairobi
Mother Continent
Welcome to the gateway of adventure! With thundering herds of migrating wildebeests and infectious rhythms of Swahili tunes, Kenya is an experience like nothing else.
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After touching down just outside of Nairobi, hop in a cab and make your way to our hotel in the center of the capital. More than 40 ethnic groups call this city home, and with Kikuyo, Luo, and Kalenjin influences (just to name a few!), this cultural melting pot is just as diverse as the nation’s wildlife. Settle in and soak up the scene over drinks with the crew before we head out to a nearby restaurant for a taste of local cuisine.
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We know getting to Kenya isn’t exactly quick or easy, so we left the night free—you can grab some early shut eye or check out the Nairobi nightlife if you’re feeling up to it.
learn
Day 2 - Nairobi, Maasai Mara
Tea Partay
We’re getting up early and heading west for some of the most staggering scenes in Africa—Maasai Mara, here we come!
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Don’t worry if you’re still a bit jet-lagged or if you had one too many Tuskers last night; we’ll be stopping at a working tea farm for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Fuel up on some much-needed caffeine in the rolling highlands as you learn the inner workings of one of the country’s most important industries, and then grab lunch with a view. That afternoon, we’ll hit the road again and ride toward endless golden savannahs pulsating with the promise of adventure.
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Welcome to the legendary, magical, almost unspeakably moving Maasai Mara! We’ll spend the next three nights in a riverside camp near the Tanzanian border, so settle in, sit down for an early group dinner, and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
witness
Day 3 - Maasai Mara
Wild Country
Mornings in the Mara are something else. Imagine golden savannah light and crisp, clean air filled with the sounds of African wildlife. Don’t worry about setting an alarm—your new neighbors will let you know when it’s time to get up.
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Today, we’re headed out on a full-day game drive in 4x4s, with safari guides leading the search for the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard). Though these are the most iconic creatures in Africa’s most legendary land, they won’t fill the lion’s share of your day’s sightings. The Mara’s sprawling grasslands are also home to giraffes, cheetahs, and watering holes that sustain more than 32,000 zebras and 37,000 wildebeests!
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As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to camp for dinner and fireside stories underneath clear African skies.
safari
Day 4 - Maasai Mara
Natural Habitat
Rise and shine, and get ready for another day of feeling blissfully inconsequential as we hit the park for round two.
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Today, we're heading deeper into these wild plains, past termite mounds that litter the horizon like miniature apartment blocks. We’ll drive through groves of Acacia Trees shading sunny landscapes, where evocatively named plants like the African Bushman's Hat, Whistling Thorn, and Torch Lily are constant reminders that these untamed grasslands are far, far from home.
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Just make sure you keep your camera ready, in the Mara, you never know what’s around the next bend. We'll head back toward camp for another group dinner followed up by a campfire where you can argue over who's got the best shot at a Nat Geo cover photo.
immerse
Day 5 - Maasai Mara
Warrior Culture
Today, we’re switching gears from epic wildlife to warriors who share a deep connection with these famous landscapes.
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We’ll head to a nearby camp to spend the day and night with a local Maasai tribe, the semi-nomadic community who’ve roamed the Mara for centuries. Immerse yourselves in this self-sustaining society as you learn about traditional beadwork, the symbolic meaning behind facial scars, and a warrior way of life. You’ll even get the chance to visit a school and discover what it’s like to grow up in the Kenyan savannah. As thousands of Maasai men, women, and children still call this region home, the camp plays an integral role in society, actively supporting local communities through education and work projects.
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That evening, at the foot of the lush, spiritual Loita Hills, you’ll forge connections that transcend language and culture as you discover the importance of these sacred lands.
mesmerize
Day 6 - Maasai Mara, Nairobi
Cradle of Humanity
Grab breakfast and say “ole sere” (goodbye) to your new Maasai friends before we hit the road back to the capital.
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Along the way, we’ll stop off at the Great Rift Valley, a geological marvel that stretches 6,000 kilometers from the Middle East to Mozambique. Inhabited by humans for millions of years and home to countless archaeological sites and ancient settlements, this is one of the cradles of human civilization. After we get back to the capital, head out for lunch and a tour of the town with a local crew as you discover the city through the lens of these enterprising teens who raised themselves on Nairobi’s streets.
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That night, sample the diverse cuisine that this place is known for—maize porridge Ugali and vegetable Sukuma Wiki—before you hit the bars in Westlands playing genge, Nairobi’s home-grown brand of hip hop.
relax
Day 7 - Nairobi, Lamu
ISLAND TIME
Today’s our last day in the capital, and your morning is free to check out the rest of Nairobi. If you’re after souvenirs, scour the local flea markets that pop up throughout the city every day of the week.
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We’ll head east to Lamu Island, our final stop in Indian Ocean paradise that afternoon. A labyrinth of narrow winding streets, coral stone homes, and ancient mosques, the timeless little town at the center of it all is full of Swahili tradition. Beyond the village, pristine beaches with powdery white sand fringe the coastline and lush mangrove forests teem with wildlife.
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We’ll kick off our balmy, breezy, beachy final leg in style at a group dinner as we feast on the freshest ingredients harvested by local farmers and fishermen.
ROAM
Day 8 - Lamu
Swahili Cooking
You're officially on island time, so spend your day relaxing with the Kenyan crew and soak up some rays any way you like.
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If you're looking for sand between your toes and a tropical concoction or two, head out for Shela Beach's laid-back vibes and dreamy views. If you're into history, don't miss the old town; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Swahili settlement along the East African coast. Between the two, just make sure you dive into Swahili cuisine at a seaside restaurant somewhere along the way (pro tip: there's even one floating on the water). That'll give you a head start on the evening's festivities.
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That night, we’re headed into the kitchen for Swahili home cooking, with a Lamu island local leading the way. Learn how to make everything from samaki wa kupaka (fish-marinated coconut curry) to viazi karai (deep-fried spicy potato balls)!
sail
Day 9 - Lamu
sET saIL
Grab breakfast if you’ve got any space left over from last night’s Swahili spread, and then head for the sea; it’s time to feel the wind in your hair and experience true paradise.
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Sail away with the amazing group of friends you’ve met on this wild adventure and soak up Indian Ocean vibes aboard our own private dhow (a traditional wooden sailboat). Cruise past thick mangroves and powdery white beaches, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a sea turtle unwinding like the rest of us. We’ll make stops in Matondoni, a fishing community where dhows are built, and Kipungani, a tranquil, traditional coastal village for some more Swahili magic along the way.
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That evening, it’s time for one last meal in turquoise paradise. Eat up, drink up, and raise a glass to Kenya.
indulge
Day 10 - Lamu, Nairobi
Kwaheri!
Share a final breakfast with friends at the hotel before we head to the airport and say goodbye.
Today, we're flying back to the capital, where you can catch your connection or keep on traveling the Mother Continent. It is a long haul home, so we recommend the second option (if you've got time to spare)! Kenya's full of great parks; check out Lake Nakuru National Park and its flamingos or the rare species in Samburu National Reserve if you want more wildlife. If you're a culture tripper, head west toward Morocco for legends and stories beneath the Saharan sky.
It's been one unreal adventure! We've seen landscapes and seascapes that most people only dream of, and we hope you've had the trip of a lifetime!
Book!
“We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.”
- Wangari Maathai
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
Humanity's earliest ancestors lived between 1.2 million and 500 thousand years ago in modern-day Kenya.
Though there’s big game practically everywhere you look in Kenya, hunting is completely illegal across the country.
Lamu has no cars, so an estimated 6,000 donkeys are used to transport people and goods!
Trip notes
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For more information on vaccines required to visit Kenya, see the CDC website.
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When you go on a Kenya safari, you'll head out early in the morning. Animals are most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset.
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Please note that our bush camps are less like traditional tented camps and more like modern rooms with beds, ensuite showers, and wash facilities. Though they’re located amidst incredible nature, they include the amenities you’d expect in a hotel.
about Kenya
Kenya is a colorful mix of unique cultures, breathtaking nature, and rich history. Its ethnic groups, including the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Luo, among others, each contribute unique traditions and customs to the country's cultural fabric. From the iconic wildlife of the Maasai Mara to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, the country's natural landscapes offer unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Kenya's history, from ancient civilizations like the Swahili Coast to the colonial era and struggle for independence, has shaped a resilient and dynamic nation celebrated for its heritage, wildlife conservation efforts, and stunning landscapes.
Good to Know
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In Kenya, the official languages are English and Swahili.
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10%-15% tips are standard at restaurants.
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Kenyan currency is called the shilling.
Flights
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you’re flying in on day 1, you should arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by 1:00pm to reach the hotel by 4:00pm. The cab ride should take about 40 minutes.
Fly out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Check out of the hotel is at 10:00 am, but you can fly out at any time.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
ALUMNI REVIEWS
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