East Africa: Safari Drives, Maasai Culture & the Great Migration

From culture to wildlife to active adventures, Kenya has it all, and has well-earned its reputation as one of the best places for safari in Africa. But this adventure goes way beyond that, bringing you a step further off the beaten path. Welcome to Nairobi and to Kenya, where we invite you to leave your hesitations behind and dive straight into the action.

Without a doubt the Maasai people have become the symbol of East Africa in many ways. North of Nairobi, south of Samburu, sits a very special lodge with a very special story. Il Ngwesi is owned and operated by the local Maasai community. The aim is to invite travelers to meet the community and feel completely immersed into your surroundings. It can be hard to really understand a culture when you are limited to a quick hour-long visit, and this experience at Il Ngwesi is the exact opposite. Spend plenty of time with your hosts, asking questions and discussing life. Join them on a bush walk to learn local techniques, or visit the village to learn how to craft some beautiful beadwork. With a laid back pace and a completely private experience, your stay at Il Ngwesi is completely worthy of its OMG status.

Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi and with no front wall whatsoever, the fresh air wafts in as the sun rises. Rooms are built in the traditional style using wood and earth to afford travelers the opportunity to feel connected to traditional Maasai life in a very unique way. The lodge has an incredible location, set away from other tourist spots, and your hosts and guides are the Maasai men and women from the nearby community. Though not quite as modern as other facilities in Kenya, Il Ngwesi brings you straight into the heart of a Maasai community who are keen to welcome you and engage with you from the moment you arrive. Today you get to choose! Do you want to visit a local Maasai Village or spot wildlife? If the village visit sounds right, you will head off to one nearby and learn more about Maasai culture. If you're looking for something more wildlife focused, choose to embark on morning safari alongside extremely knowledgeable Maasai guides through some of Kenya's most spectacular scenery and spot the legendary wildlife of the plains. The afternoon is for enjoying the lodge's atmosphere and amenities before a delicious dinner together as a group.

Hosting the safari Big Five, the Great Migration and offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, the Mara is a destination you could easily spend weeks discovering. With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. After your flight, waste no time before your first unforgettable safari out in its rugged grasslands.

Start your day with light snacks before heading out on an exhilarating, early morning safari wildlife drive. The golden light is sure to bring a special atmosphere to the whole wildlife route. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. There will be free time to spend at your leisure. Choose to enjoy the property’s amenities. In the late afternoon, board the vehicle for another safari drive into the gorgeous scenery of the area as the sun begins its descent. This drive culminates in a beautiful bush dinner in the open landscape.

The day begins with an exhilarating choice: soar above the vast plains of the Maasai Mara by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon Safari, gliding through the air as the beauty of dawn breaks. This breathtaking adventure concludes with a delicious bush breakfast. Alternatively, sleep a bit later and join your CEO for an included Early Morning Game Drive, seeking out the Mara's iconic residents as they begin their day. Those who choose to book the balloon safari ride will still be able to join the morning wildlife drive. Afterwards, participate in a meaningful Tree Planting Experience before a satisfying lunch at the lodge. Later, choose to join the included afternoon safari drive out into the landscape or stay behind at the lodge and simply relax before a final group dinner there this evening.

Savor a final, soul-stirring morning within the legendary Maasai Mara, capturing last precious mental snapshots of your incredible safari adventure. As you journey northward toward the bustling heart of Nairobi, pause for a delicious and meaningful lunch at the G Adventures-supported Cafe Ubuntu. This inspiring social enterprise not only offers delightful cuisine but also empowers local women and families, fueling their community's growth through the cafe's vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful crafts shop.

The crimson dust of Amboseli swirls around the wheels of your safari vehicle as the afternoon sun paints the plains in gold. In the distance, search for the legendary peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is here that colossal elephants move with the slow, rumbling grace of ancient giants, while a parade of zebras amble through the tall, whispering grasses. This is Amboseli National Park, a striking landscape defined by the contrast of arid plains and life-giving swamps, featuring great photo opportunities of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a morning safari drive as the group travels out of the park. After an included packed lunch, cross the border at Namanga, clearing customs from Kenya into Tanzania. Here, a local Tanzanian vehicle will then drive you to Arusha, where you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure before gathering for a group dinner this evening to celebrate the next leg of your adventure.

Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon and spend the day getting to know the landscape from both above at the breathtaking crater rim, and below on a safari drive and picnic near Hippo Lake on the crater floor.

Depart the lodge this morning for the Central Serengeti. The scenic drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Naabi Hill Gate, your entrance to the vast Serengeti National Park. Today is about maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities. You will enjoy a safari drive en-route to your beautiful accommodations where you will have lunch before another afternoon wildlife drive out in the alluring landscape.

Choose to rise early for an exciting day of wildlife viewing and embark on the optional, once-in-a-lifetime chance to take to the skies on a Serengeti Balloon Safari, which includes a one-hour flight and a champagne breakfast upon landing. For those who choose to remain on the ground, enjoy an early morning safari wildlife drive in the area, followed by a delicious bush lunch back at the lodge. The afternoon brings another exhilarating safari wildlife drive in the Serengeti before being whisked away for sundowner drinks as the sun sets over the Serengeti. Return to the lodge to freshen up before gathering for a relaxing group dinner.

Nestled in the highlands between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the vibrant market town of Karatu offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzanian rural life and serves as a key gateway to the region's most iconic wildlife parks. Experience the lively energy and learn about the unique, local culture while simultaneously enjoying the stunning, rolling green landscapes. Karatu is a place to pause, absorb the local rhythm, and prepare for—or reflect on—the thrilling safari adventures just a short drive away.

A Day of Choices featuring a morning safari adventure or an Elephant Caves hike makes for an unforgettable day. Hoping to rise with the sun? Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for an early morning safari drive and bush brunch. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, choose a guided walk to the famous Elephant Cave, a watering hole used by elephants for their essential mineral intake. Sit down for lunch at a local, organic farm.

Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before heading to Mto wa Mbu. Here, choose between a scenic bike ride through a banana plantation or a fascinating two-hour cultural village walk. The walk is a G Adventures-supported experience, where you'll connect with the community, visit the local market and farmer's fields, see traditional hut construction, and meet local artisans. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional local lunch of meat and plantains before departing for Arusha where your adventure comes to an end at the airport.