Welcome to Nairobi, where all the adventure begins! Upon touch-down at JKIA, one of our drivers will be right there to meet you. And as soon as you step outside, you’ll feel that warm, earthy Kenyan air and a kind of buzz that’s hard to explain but easy to love. 

We’ll get you settled in to a hotel so you can rest, freshen up, and take it all in. At 5pm, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby. Nothing fancy, just a welcome chat to say hello, go over the plan, and meet the others. It’s always my favorite part, seeing strangers start to become a little crew.

Later, if you’re not completely knocked out, we can head to Carnivore. It’s been a Nairobi staple for years. Open fire, grilled everything, and good vibes all around. I’ve had birthdays there, reunions, random Tuesday dinners… it never disappoints.

After an early breakfast in Nairobi, we’ll hit the road. The trip to Naivasha takes about 2.5 to 3 hours but very pleasant. You’ll enjoy some breathtaking views along the way since we’ll drive through the Great Rift Valley. Our first stop will then be at Hell’s Gate National Park. 

The park allows you to hop on a bike and ride right through herds of zebra, gazelle, and giraffe. There’s something surreal about pedaling past steaming Geo-thermal vents and echoing cliffs while animals give you curious side-eyes.  

After that adrenaline rush, we refuel with lunch by the lake. Right after, we drift into a boat safari where we’ll get up close with the hippos and spot some rare and beautiful birds. We’ll wrap up the day with a peaceful nature walk at Crescent Island; a peaceful sanctuary filled with antelopes and giraffes. 

Thereafter, we journey on to the Maasai Mara (almost a 5-hour drive) arriving at Fig Tree Camp just in time for dinner.

On day 3, we’ll experience the wild beauty of the Maasai Mara. After breakfast, we’ll roll out for a full-day game drive across the vast, golden plain of Mara. There are no fences or predictable paths here, so every moment brings something new. 

Could be elephants grazing just meters away, a pride of lions basking in the morning sun, or maybe a cheetah perched on a mound, eyes locked on the horizon. And if you’re lucky to find the migration season, you might witness thousands of wildebeests braving the Mara River. All in all, we have to keep in mind here that Mother Nature is her own boss. 

For lunch, we’ll pause for a chilled picnic somewhere out in the bush- at the heart of the reserve. The game drive continues into the afternoon, we keep tracking, soaking in the views, and enjoying the silence of the wild. By evening, we return to camp for dinner, where we’ll share stories while stargazing by the fire.

Rise and shine! Today the real off-the-beaten-path adventure begins.

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the Mara and set out toward Kisumu. The drive (about 6 to 7 hours) is an experience in itself. We’ll wind through lush highlands, glide past rolling tea plantations that stretch to the horizon, and stop whenever something catches our eye,  a bustling roadside market, a breathtaking view, or a perfect spot for a snack or stretch.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Kisumu, Kenya’s relaxed and welcoming lakeside city. We’ll check into our villa by Lake Victoria, where spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and plenty of space to unwind await us.

Once we’ve settled in, we’ll head out for a walk along the lakeshore and take a boat trip to explore the calm waters of Lake Victoria. Keep an eye out for hippos and other wildlife as the late afternoon light turns golden over the lake.

We’ll return to the villa for an early dinner and a well-earned rest, ready for the next chapter of the journey.

Today is all about blending in with the locals.

We’ll start the morning at Kibuye Market. It’s noisy, a little chaotic, and full of life — a true local experience. You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to second-hand clothes, local crafts, and woven baskets that still smell of the grass they were made from. We’ll take our time here, chat with a few vendors, and maybe pick up some fruit or a small souvenir.

Next, we’ll head out to Maseno for a quick stop at the equator sign — a fun photo opportunity to mark your spot on the line that divides the world.

Afterwards, we’ll return to the shores of Lake Victoria and relax with a cool drink at Dunga Hill Camp. It’s a simple spot by the water — no frills, just good vibes, fresh air, and great local food.

We’ll end the day back at the villa, where dinner will be prepared by our private chef — the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the evening together.

Today, we’ll take a trip that so dear to my heart, visiting my village. I’ll get to share with you a piece of my life. You’ll meet my family, walk you through our homestead and we’ll enjoy a home-cooked traditional dish together.

Lunch will be a home cooked meal of traditional Luo dishes, prepared with the kind of love you’ll only find in a grandmother’s hands. We’ll sit together, share some of my childhood stories, and enjoy the warmth and laughter that fills up this space

This is as real as it gets, nothing polished or curated but is one of those moments that quickly becomes quite cherished. You’ll also get to see how life unfolds on this part of the country.

Before we go, you can join me make a purchase of staple items such as flour, rice and sugar from the local supermarket. These are optional donations gifted to the villagers as a heartfelt gesture of connection and support. For those willing to participate (it’s of course optional), I’ll guide you through every step of the way.

We’ll then head back to Kisumu in the afternoon. You will have the rest of the evening to yourself so you can enjoy a quiet dinner or a drink by the lake as the sun goes down the horizon.

Today, we’ll take a journey to Rusinga Island, a small island that’s nested in Lake Victoria, known for its cultural heritage, scenic views and welcoming community. The drive will take about 2 hours and that will include a ferry ride. 

We’ll start with the Tom Mboya Mausoleum so we can pay our respects to one of Kenya’s greatest independence heroes. His courage and vision, along with other great individuals helped shape the nation we see today. 

From there, we’ll then make our way to Abasuba Villages, the scenic hills and of course check out the timeless lifestyle along the lakeside. And after a traditional lunch by the lake, the afternoon is all yours to do as you please. 

You can take a bike ride along the lake, go for a hike or simply take a boat ride. The birdlife here is something else so you might want to check that out as well. In the evening, we’ll head back to Kisumu.

Today we’ll depart from Kisumu and drive toward Eldoret, where we’ll spend the day exploring some of my personal favorite spots in this part of Kenya. We’ll begin by soaking in the lively energy of Eldoret town before heading up to the highland village of Iten—a place internationally famous as the “Home of Champions.” Here, we’ll have a chance to meet local runners and see firsthand where Kenya’s world-class distance athletes train against the stunning backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Later, we’ll head off the typical tourist trail to visit two of the region’s most beautiful natural sites—Chepkit Waterfalls and Koromosho Falls. These lesser-known spots are perfect for a group hike and a relaxed picnic, and they offer some fantastic photo opportunities that few visitors to Kenya ever experience. I always enjoy taking groups here—whether it’s for the cool forest air, the sound of cascading water, or simply the chance to explore a side of the Rift Valley that most tours miss

On the 9th day, we leave the busy Nairobi City behind and fly down to Lamu Island, one of Kenya’s true treasures. We’ll touch down and take a dhow boat ride to the town. Immediately, you’ll notice a shift in energy, it’s as if you’ve taken trip back in time. 

Life seems to move a bit slower here. No cars, or rushing people along the streets. Just donkeys (yes, you heard that right!) in the narrow lanes and Old Swahili-style coral stone buildings. This place has successfully held centuries of Swahili cultures and you will feel it in everything- from the outstanding architecture right down to the air you breathe. 

After unpacking in the guesthouse in Lamu Old Town or Shela, you get the entire afternoon to yourself to soak it all in and explore. For dinner, we’ll either do a rooftop or beachfront dinner and it’s something I always look forward to.

Today, we’ll take a trip in time and explore the living museum, Lamu Old Town. As we walk through these pavements, you’ll quickly notice time seems to have slowed down here. And the air carries a touch of spices, sea breeze and a lot of history. 

Our local guide, someone’s who’s roots run deep here will take us through the Lamu Fort, the energetic old market, and through some of the still-standing centuries-old Swahili houses. You’ll immediately feel the blend in culture between the Arabs, Indians and the Portuguese. 

That’s especially when it comes to the architecture, the food here, the people and the languages as Lamu Old Town was a major East African trading hub. The echoes of that era, dating all the way back to the 10th century, for some reason still linger here. 

In the afternoon, we’ll spend our time checking out different artisan shops, visiting the donkey sanctuary and taking a cool drink by the water. After such a lively day full of energetic people around us, the town goes silent as the sun sets offering a quiet, gold glowing, timeless moment.

Today, we’ll check out another one of my top favorite places, the Shela Beach. If you crave a quiet, soulful and untouched area, then Shela is the place to be. In fact a few hours here will feel like time has frozen. You can swim, kayak or just sit by the beach and soak in the sun. The choice is of course yours.

It’s the kind of place where stillness sinks in right down to your bones and nourishes your spirit. We’ll then have a seaside dinner as we gaze at the stars and enjoy our meal. What’s more, the seafood is quite fresh, all served with a touch of Swahili music as we spend another magical night in Lamu.

Today, we bid farewell to Lamu and take a short flight trip to Malindi. Then from there we’ll take a drive to the coast of Watamu. It’s one of my favorite spots in Kenya, perfect for taking pictures, snorkeling and more. 

Late afternoon activity:  Sunset Dhow Cruise (Mida Creek)

The rest of the day is all yours so you can either day a dip into the warm sea or go for the spa treatment option for a bit of pampering.

We’ll start the day off by taking a glass-bottom boat to Watamu Marine Park. It’s a pristine white sandy beach that’s full of reef-protected lagoons.

I’ve had the chance to snorkel here a couple of times, and to date, it still blows my mind away. Schools of colorful fish tend to patrol these reefs and if we’re lucky, we might get to see a sea turtle or even curious dolphins. 

Next, we’ll head to the Local Ocean Conversation where they’ve done an incredible job of protecting the marine life including endangered turtles. You’ll learn how your presence actually contributes to their mission. Then after lunch in our villa, we’ll go inline to the Marafa Hell’s Kitchen. 

And as the day comes to an end, the brilliant colors of this place will come to life as the sandstone cliffs are painted with golds and fiery red. There’s also a local legend of greed and divine justice that I can’t wait to share with you. This night we’ll rest in Watamu.

Today marks the end of the tour. The tour will end in Nairobi Wilson Airport.