Compare At Your Pace: The Wild Beauty of Kenya by Road Scholar vs Wonders of Kenya by Trafalgar

Day 1: Depart from the U.S. 

Depart From: Depart from the U.S.

Day 2: Nairobi - Arrivals in Nairobi, Kenya.   

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric

Arrive To: Evening arrivals into Nairobi.

After concluding Immigration and Customs procedures, meet the Road Scholar representative (outside the secured area) and transfer to the hotel.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Note: This is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day.

Day 3: Nairobi - Program Orientation/Karen Blixen H...      

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric

Nairobi -

Program Orientation/Karen Blixen House/Giraffe Center/Lecture.

Note: Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Breakfast: Late breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Get to know your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Lecture: "Kenya Today, A Legacy of the Past."

Get to know your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to Karen Blixen's house (now a national museum). The colonial plantation house was the home of Baroness Karen Blixen, who ran a coffee plantation in Kenya from 1914 to 1931. Her struggles and romance with British hunter Finch-Hatton are immortalized in her autobiography, Out of Africa (under the pen name Isak Dinesen).

Follow your museum visit with a field trip to Giraffe Center with site lecture. The center was created in 1979 in an effort to save Kenya’s endangered Rothschild Giraffe, indigenous to the Lake Nakuru area.

In the late 1970s, only 130 Rothschild Giraffes existed in the wild, displaced by encroaching agriculture. Since its founding, the Giraffe Center has been able to increase the giraffe population by raising and relocating the giraffes to protected wildlife parks and reserves. The center welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy a close encounter with these gentle giants for a unique hands-on learning experience.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Time at leisure.

Day 4: Amboseli National Park - Safari Game Drive/L...          

Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Morning: Early transfer to Nairobi's Wilson Airport to catch a flight to Amboseli.

Arrive in Amboseli and transfer to the lodge.

Brunch: Enjoy a late breakfast at the lodge, followed by free time to explore the lodge grounds and relax.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy time at leisure to catch up on your reading, rest, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

Meet in the lounge for tea and cookies before embarking on an afternoon safari in the national park.

Ready your cameras and binoculars before boarding pop-top vehicles for an exhilarating game drive in Amboseli National Park. This is one of the best places in Kenya to observe elephants.

Return to the lodge.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Local entertainment at the lodge.

Day 5: Amboseli National Park - Target Species Game...        

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Breakfast: Early breakfast at the lodge

Morning: Field trip to focus on the elephants of Amboseli with site lecture.

Amboseli is synonymous with large elephant herds. Because of the local drought and the varying feeding patterns, the traditional feeding grounds and migration routes of the elephants are changing. The plight of the Amboseli elephants will be a hot topic during game drives in the park.

Return to the lodge.

Time at leisure to rest or enjoy lodge grounds before lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Lecture: The History of the Amboseli National Park.

Special attention will be given to the elephant research projects that have been conducted in the park and the influence of climatic changes on their behavior.

Afternoon target species game drive with site lecture.

Return to the lodge.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Time at leisure.

Day 6: Amboseli National Park - Morning Game Drive/...         

Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Amboseli National Park -

Morning Game Drive/Lectures/Afternoon Social.

Morning: Early morning game drive focusing on the lesser-known animals of Amboseli. The scenic park offers great photo opportunities in the early morning light.

Return to the lodge.

Brunch: Enjoy a late breakfast at the lodge, followed by time at leisure.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Lecture: Current Issues affecting Kenya from a Land, Social and Cultural Perspective.

Video presentation: "Family of Echo, The Story of an Elephant"

Share personal stories and discuss your first impressions of Kenya with fellow participants during a pre-dinner social. Raise your glasses in a farewell toast to majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Evening entertainment at the lodge.

Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park - Rural Cooperativ...       

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Lake Nakuru National Park -

Rural Cooperative and Cultural Interaction with Local Women /Local Entertainment.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Transfer to the air strip to catch a flight to Nairobi.

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer by safari vans to Lake Nakuru National Park. En route to Lake Nakuru, stop at a Rift Valley lookout point for a site lecture.

Lunch: En route to Lake Nakuru.

Afternoon: Continue with transfer to Lake Nakuru.

The park is most famous for the millions of flamingoes that dot the lake. However, Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to a variety of game and plant species. The region surrounding Lake Nakuru contains several archaeological sites.

En route visit a local women's cooperative. Interact with the women from the small rural community who initiated a number of self-help projects in an effort to generate money to help support their families.

Arrive at the lodge and check-in.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Local entertainment at the lodge.

Day 8: Lake Nakuru National Park - Introduction...  

Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Lake Nakuru National Park -

Introduction to Lake Nakuru/Target Species Game Drive/Lecture.

Morning: Early morning snack, coffee/tea and cookies, before embarking on a target species game drive in the park. In addition to searching for white and black rhino, we will also spend time observing the social interactions of baboons and warthogs and learn how they function in groups.

Return to the lodge.

Brunch: Late breakfast at the lodge, followed by free time.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Lecture: Lake Nakuru and the Great Rift Valley.

Afternoon target species game drive focusing on flamingoes at sunset. Learn about the migration cycles of these colorful birds.

Return to the lodge.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Time at leisure.

Day 9: Masai Mara - Morning Game Drive/Flight from ...      

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Karen Blixen Camp

Masai Mara -

Morning Game Drive/Flight from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara.

Breakfast: Early morning snack, coffee/tea and cookies, before embarking on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Return to the lodge for a hearty, late-morning breakfast.

Morning: Check-out and transfer to the Lake Nakuru airstrip to catch a flight to the Masai Mara.

Lunch: Arrive in the Masai Mara and transfer to the camp, arriving in time for a late lunch.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon at the camp.

Take the opportunity to relax by the pool, do some "armchair game viewing" from your tent's veranda, or maybe pamper your tired muscles with a soothing massage treatment.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: Time at leisure.

Day 10: Masai Mara - Game Drive in Search of Big Cat...            

Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Karen Blixen Camp

Masai Mara -

Game Drive in Search of Big Cats/Lectures/Campfire Stories.

Morning: Early this morning enjoy some coffee/tea and cookies before embarking on a game drive.

Big cats will be the focus of this morning's target species game drive.

The open savanna grasslands of the Mara is the favorite habitat of the big cats – the lion and the cheetah. Here, cheetahs use their superior speed to run down antelope in a well-rehearsed hunting routine which we might be fortunate to witness. There is a possibility to see a pride of lion gorging on the remains of their successful hunt from the previous night.

Return to the camp.

Brunch: Late breakfast at the camp, followed by free time.

Lunch: At the camp.

Afternoon: Free time to rest and relax at the camp. The camp grounds are on the banks of the Mara River, an ideal spot for game viewing.

Lecture: "The Rituals and Culture of the Maasai and their Connection to the Land"

Field trip to local Maasai Village and site lecture.

The Maasai live along the Great Rift Valley in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. These semi-nomadic people are herdsmen who live under a communal land management system. Livestock is still the main source of income and nourishment for the Maasai, though farming and the selling of crafts is increasingly used to supplement their income. The once strong and proud Maasai have lost most of their lands to national parks and reserves. Restricted by government and no longer able to herd freely and access water sources, they are slowly being forced to adapt to modern ways; renouncing long-held traditions in an effort to survive.

Return to the camp.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: Gather around the fire to participate in an old-time safari tradition: campfire stories.

Day 11: Masai Mara - Game Drives in the Masai Mara R...  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Karen Blixen Camp

Masai Mara -

Game Drives in the Masai Mara Reserve/Campfire Entertainment.

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: Full day of game drives in the Masai Mara Reserve.

The timing of the migration of two million wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara is impossible to predict. At the low point migration, the grasslands of the Mara are dotted with thousands of grazing animals. At the height of the migration, long lines of animals in single file appear to stretch to the horizon.

Lunch: Within the Masai Mara Reserve.

Afternoon: Continue with game drive activities within the reserve.

Late afternoon arrival at the camp.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the camp.

Evening: Cap your busy day with some campfire entertainment and celebrate the end of your East African adventure.

Day 12: Evening Departures to the U.S.      

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Panari Hotel

Note: Dayroom only - check out is at 6:00 pm, no overnight is included

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: Transfer to the Mara airstrip to catch a flight to Nairobi.

Arrive in Nairobi in time for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, check-into the Panari Hotel for dayroom accommodations. Participants will have the opportunity to rest, shower, and finalize their packing before heading to the airport for evening flights to the U.S.

A light snack will be provided at the hotel before transferring participants to the airport.

Transfer to the international airport and board flights back to the U.S.

This concludes the program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar adventure! When you get home, remember to stay in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network; share memories, pictures, and comments about your recent travels.

Day 13: Arrivals in the U.S.            

Arrive To: Arrive to the U.S.

Day 1: Jambo (Hello) Nairobi

Karibu! Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in the capital, Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by a Trafalgar Representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening with your fellow explorers and your Driver Guide enjoying a delicious Welcome Dinner at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant.

Tamarind Tree

Dinner

Day 2: Journey to Aberdare National Park Connect with Locals Stays With Stories

Leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind and embark on a 4 x 4 journey north to Aberdare National Park. En route you'll Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience in the highlands of central Kenya. Join Grace to learn about the complete journey of coffee and tea production before settling in to savor local cuisine including a sample of local tea and coffee made from the onsite coffee and and tea plantation. Tonight you’ll stay in The Ark Lodge, one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, offering spectacular opportunities to view the resident birdlife and wildlife.

The Ark Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: On to Samburu National Reserve

We'll leave the lush greenery of the Kenya highlands region behind as we journey to the contrasting arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. As you continue your safari adventure here, you'll hopefully have the chance to tick the 'Samburu Special 5' off your list as you track such species as the Grevy's Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe found only in the northern Kenya region. Your accommodation tonight is a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Ashnil Samburu

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Safari in Samburu National Reserve

Made famous in the award-winning book and movie Born Free, Samburu National Reserve was the home of Elsa, the famous lioness raised by conservationists George and Joy Adamson. Rise early with the birds and embark on a morning game drive through acacia forest and expansive grasslands in search of wildlife. Relax at your camp on your return then head out back out into the savannah on a late afternoon game drive.

Ashnil Samburu

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Off to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The plight of Africa’s rhinos takes center stage today during a poignant visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This morning you’ll learn about their efforts to fight poaching in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and enjoy a quick photo stop at the point where the equator slices through the conservancy. Next up is a visit to Sweetwaters Sanctuary to meet the cheeky resident orphaned or rescued chimpanzees. Then continue to your accommodation tonight, keeping a keen eye out this evening for thirsty wildlife that come to the floodlit on site waterhole to drink after a dry day in the African wilderness.

Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park

Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Thomson's Falls. Visit the bird watcher's paradise that is Lake Nakuru National Park, then join your Driver Guide for an afternoon game drive to spot pink flamingos lining the lakeshore and to search for lion and leopard.

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Continue to the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Your journey continues to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, your home for the next two nights. During your time here, spend some time at your lodge’s watering hole where large pods of hippo can often be seen.

Keekorok Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: A Day to Discover the Maasai Mara Dive Into Culture

Don your hat and polish those binoculars for a full day of safari in Maasai Mara's wilderness. When you’re not traversing the savannah in search of the Big 5, you’ll join a Maasai community in their local village. Watch the colorfully clad warriors demonstrate their jumping prowess, then tour the village to gain in-depth insights into their daily life. Your visit to the village is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, indulge in a bush picnic – the sounds of the bush the perfect accompaniment while you keep your eyes peeled for the flash of resident Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes flitting from tree to tree.

Keekorok Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 9: Admire the Maasai Mara and Return to Nairobi

Your Kenyan safari adventure at its end, you’ll return to Nairobi, where a day room has been reserved at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel for you to use prior to your evening flight home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. Please Note: The full duration of this itinerary is operated by a 4 X 4 safari vehicle, including all road travel and safari game drives. The trip will travel over a variety of terrains, resulting in some rough and bumpy journeys.

Breakfast