Kenya: Excusions
We have organised the BEST activities in Kenya to help maximise and enhance your experience with an itinerary that flows from one bucket list item to another.
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The below activities are optional extras (plus more!) are organised and discussed in more detail by our local guides when we are on tour. Although most guests chose to do all of the activities, the activities are not compulsory and are all completely optional, which allows you to have the flexibility to opt in and out as you please.
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Please note that all excursions must be paid for in USD cash, and all notes must not be torn and must be in good condition. Payment will be directly to your rep whilst we are on tour. It is therefore, best to bring USD cash if you are looking to participate in the activities, as you will get better exchange rates than paying in Kenyan Shilling, which is the local currency.
**Please also note that prices are to be used as a guide and may change without notice due to suppliers, government taxes and park entry fees**
Local Immersion: Included
During your journey with Indy Escapes, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture through visits to Ruben and the Embakasi Ranching Company Nursery (ERCN) in Nairobi. These visits are more than just tours; they are a deep dive into the heart of the community's efforts to uplift and sustain themselves. In Ruben, you'll witness the vibrant spirit of the locals and learn about their daily lives, crafts, and traditions.
At ERCN, you'll see firsthand the community’s commitment to environmental conservation as they nurture young saplings that contribute to reforestation and greening efforts. These experiences not only provide insight into the challenges faced by these communities but also highlight the positive impacts of sustainable practices. By participating, you contribute to the local economy and leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of Kenyan culture and environmental efforts.
Giraffe Sanctuary, Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi National Park & Ole Serini Rooftop Pool: $150 USD
On this thrilling day excursion in a safari jeep, you’ll explore some of Nairobi’s most iconic wildlife experiences. Start your day with a visit to the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts and even hand-feed these gentle giants in an engaging and educational experience.
Next, head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you’ll witness orphaned elephants being rescued and rehabilitated, offering an up-close and heartwarming look at the efforts to protect them from poaching. End your day with a safari through Nairobi National Park, where you’ll encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, zebras, and more, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Nairobi’s city skyline. Then to finish the day we will arrive at the Ole Serini Rooftop swimming pool and and joy the views looking back over Nairobi National Park. This excursion provides a perfect blend of conservation education and wildlife adventure, making it a must-do experience.
Maasai Mara Village Visit: $30 USD
A visit to a traditional Maasai village offers an immersive journey into one of Kenya's most iconic and well-preserved cultures. As you step into the village, you’ll be welcomed by the Maasai people, known for their colourful shukas (robes) and beadwork. You’ll witness their energetic and rhythmic traditional dances, where warriors leap high into the air in the famous “adumu” or jumping dance, a performance that celebrates strength and community. Beyond the captivating dances, you’ll explore the day-to-day life of the Maasai, learning about their cattle-rearing traditions, the significance of their warrior culture, and their connection to the land. The Maasai will share stories of their customs, including their rites of passage and unique social structure. At the end of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade crafts such as bead jewellery, sandals, and artwork. These purchases provide direct support to the Maasai community, helping to sustain their way of life in a rapidly changing world, while giving you a meaningful keepsake from your journey.
Maasai Mara Safari: Included
A safari in the Maasai Mara is an unparalleled wildlife experience, renowned worldwide for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Located in southwest Kenya, the Maasai Mara is a vast savannah reserve that stretches across 1,500 square kilometres, forming a vital part of the Serengeti ecosystem. The Maasai Mara is best known for its abundance of wildlife, particularly the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. However, the reserve is also home to cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles, hyenas, and countless bird species, making it one of the best places in Africa for game viewing.
Hot Air Balloon over the Maasai Mara: $450 USD
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara is an unforgettable experience that combines the serenity of flight with the thrill of wildlife viewing. As the balloon gently rises into the early morning sky, you’ll float silently above the vast plains, where the golden light of dawn spreads across the landscape. Below, the savannah comes to life as herds of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes graze in the morning calm, while predators like lions and cheetahs are often spotted on the prowl. The aerial perspective gives you a sweeping view of this renowned wildlife reserve, especially during the Great Migration, when millions of animals traverse the Mara in search of fresh grazing grounds. Your flight ends with a champagne breakfast in the heart of the reserve, where you can soak in the tranquil beauty of the Mara’s endless horizons while enjoying a luxurious meal. This experience is not just about the spectacular views but also the sense of timelessness and wonder that comes from seeing Kenya’s iconic wildlife from above.
Nakuru National Park: Included
Nakuru National Park, located in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is a stunning destination known for its rich diversity of wildlife and its picturesque landscapes. The park is perhaps most famous for Lake Nakuru, a large, shallow alkaline lake that often attracts thousands of flamingos, transforming the shores into a sea of pink during certain seasons. While the number of flamingos fluctuates depending on the water levels and algae growth in the lake, their presence remains one of the park’s iconic highlights.
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The park also boasts an impressive range of wildlife and has established itself as one of the best places in Kenya to spot rhinos, including the highly endangered black and white rhinos, which are protected within its boundaries. Other mammals in the park include lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras, all of which roam freely across the diverse landscape of savannah, forest, and rocky cliffs. You can also expect to see thousands of flamingos around the lake.
Bike Ride in Hells Gate National Park: $60 USD
For adventure enthusiasts, a bike ride through Hells Gate National Park is an exhilarating way to experience Kenya’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife. Known for its towering cliffs, deep gorges, and geothermal activity, Hells Gate provides a unique backdrop for a cycling safari. As you ride along the park’s dirt roads, you’ll pass herds of zebras, gazelles, and buffaloes grazing nearby, often at arm’s length, offering an intimate wildlife encounter unlike any other.
The absence of large predators makes it safe to explore the park on two wheels. The highlight of the ride is navigating through the park’s iconic gorges, where towering rock formations and narrow canyons create a sense of awe. The park’s geothermal activity, including steaming vents and hot springs, adds to the unique landscape. The bike ride is also a fantastic way to get close to the park's birdlife, with vultures and eagles often seen circling above the cliffs. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a fun and active way to explore, this bike ride offers a thrilling combination of adventure, nature, and wildlife.
Lake Naivasha Boat Trip & Crescent Island Walking Safari: $60 USD
A boat safari on Lake Naivasha is the perfect way to experience the serene beauty of one of Kenya’s most picturesque lakes, located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. As you glide across the calm waters, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning landscapes of acacia forests, grassy shorelines, and distant volcanic mountains. Lake Naivasha is teeming with wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You’ll likely spot fish eagles perched high in the trees, swooping down to catch fish, along with cormorants, kingfishers, and pelicans.
The lake is also home to a large population of hippos, and you’ll often see them bobbing in the water or resting on the banks. The boat safari offers not only the chance to observe these massive creatures up close but also to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the lake. Along the shores, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes can be seen grazing, while the surrounding papyrus swamps provide shelter for a variety of bird species. A boat safari on Lake Naivasha is a serene yet exciting way to connect with Kenya’s wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Food & Drinks
In Kenya, the cost of local food and drinks is generally quite affordable, especially if you choose to dine at local eateries, cafes, or street food stalls.
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At local restaurants or food stalls: You can expect to pay between $3 and $10 USD for a meal. Popular local dishes include Nyama Choma, Ugali, Chapati and beans, Samosas: These savoury pastries are a popular snack and cost around $0.50 to $1 USD each.
Githeri: A traditional mix of boiled maize and beans, costing around $3 to $5 USD per serving.
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Western-style or mid-range restaurants: Meals at these establishments tend to range from $10 to $20 USD. They often offer a mix of local and international dishes, including grilled meats, pasta, and pizza. In general, local food and drink in Kenya are very affordable, and dining in smaller local restaurants or markets provides an authentic experience of Kenyan cuisine at a reasonable cost.
We truly believe that the best way to explore the wonders of Kenya is with a group. Kenya is brimming with Bucket List Experiences—whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, spotting the Big Five on a safari, floating above the savannah in a hot air balloon, or relaxing by a campfire under the stars in the heart of a national park, these unforgettable moments are best shared with others. So, why would you want to experience Kenya alone?
Our Kenya Safari Adventure is the ultimate way to explore this incredible country while meeting like-minded travellers. You’ll embark on an unforgettable journey across Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.