- Clear sustainable travel policy
- Social / Environmental Impact
- Tourism Dispersal
- Behavioral Awareness Education
- Small Group Travel
- Listen to Community Feedback
Celebrate being alive by connecting with yourself and nature on this Kenyan safari which blends big game animals with nature, geology, history, culture, and adventure!
This special “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) safari is organized to help you relieve Covid-19 related stress. Congratulations! You survived and we want to help you appreciate life and be grateful for it. This can only take place in a safe and healthy destination which is in the heart of Africa – Kenya. This will be an adventure to help you connect to yourself and nature in a special way. Kenya is enriched with different climates and flora, various types of geological sites, as well as important history and culture. All these factors combined will make the tour not just moving, but also a lifetime experience.
This trip combines three main aspects – a little bit of everything!
- A visit to the famous David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: You may “adopt” an elephant, and will have an opportunity to visit with them after-hours.
- A couple of days adventuring in the forest and nature. This includes zip-lining, a serene nature walk, and an opportunity to plant a tree to give back to nature. You’ll see waterfalls, views of Mount Kilimanjaro (the tallest mountain in Africa), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site lake – Lake Naivasha – which is famous for bird watching and for attracting big game safari animals.
- A safari day in Amboseli National Park. During the game drive, expect to see giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, lions, warthogs, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. Birds such as pelicans, hamerkops, kingfishers, and pink pelicans can also be found in the park.
On top of this, there are cultural experiences woven throughout, such as visiting traditional villages. Join us for this sustainable, small-group trip!
Seasonal Notes: The weather in Kenya being along the equator is good throughout the year so it should be pleasant no matter when you do this trip.
Features
📋 Itinerary
This itinerary is customizable. Contact Yūgen Earthside for more information.
Day 1: Nairobi [Kenya] (arrival day)
Day 2: Nairobi, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Day 3: Naivasha - adventure day
Day 4: Naivasha, Amboseli
Day 5: Amboseli - safari day
Day 6: Nairobi (departure day)
🌱 Sustainability
Our company is 100% Kenyan-owned and operated. We're a member of Eco-Tourism Kenya, #SheTrades (a platform for women-owned businesses), and Fair Trade Tourism (a non-profit promoting responsible tourism in Africa). We're also a Travelife partner (a certification company for tour operators committed to sustainability).
We embrace a holistic approach. We advocate for fair working conditions and wages, equitable distribution of benefits, and respect for human rights, culture, and the protection of our environment. With sensitivity and awareness, tourism can bring tangible benefits to everyone.
Our tours benefit most communities at all grassroots levels. By taking guests to the grassroots and facilitating their interaction with the community, we provide a link that is enabling them to earn a living.
Guests have the opportunity to buy from local curios (knickknacks from local vendors), crafts shops, and also to pay for cultural events and entertainment. We also encourage local groups mostly for the marginalized (youth, women, and disabled) to make hand-woven and beading items for sale to the guests.
We responsibly take steps to offset all major carbon emissions created by the traveling of our guests. Part of our income is normally set aside for tree planting activities in the Aberdare Forests where surrounding communities manage and take care of the young trees for a fee. We further support the local community by distributing free tree seedlings for planting in their farms to discourage cutting down trees from the forest. This means that in the long run, the people will have income and a sufficient supply of firewood and timber. As a result, the Aberdare Forest will have a chance to survive. The Aberdare Forest is the greatest "water tower" in Kenya, meaning it catches significant rainfall that provides fresh water to the surrounding areas. It's also home to lots of popular wildlife including the “big five.” More efforts should be geared toward its conservation to protect this vital ecology, which is why we care for the forest and introduce our travelers to it in a way that will help them appreciate its beauty and necessity.
We invested in a tea farm along the Aberdare ranges on-looking Mt. Kenya. Many local villagers are employed on the farm and are paid at rates above the average income in the area as our contribution to improving and raising their living standards. We conform to no sexual exploitation of children and no child labor!
We support the local primary and secondary schools through the provision of sports equipment, books, and other learning materials. We also pay school fees to several disadvantaged children. We encourage our guests to pack along something for the kids while preparing to travel for their memorable vacations and holidays in Kenya.
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- No Animal-Harming Tourism
- Participate in Certified Carbon Offsetting
- Provide Local Employment
- Fair Wages / Fair Trade
- Ensures Good Working Conditions
- Supports Local Businesses
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
A specific route map is included in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
🏷️ Pricing
Prices vary based on two factors: 3-star hotels vs 5-star hotels; and a single room or double room occupancy.
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
See the full list of price inclusions and exclusions in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
3 Star Hotels
Price per person, double room occupancy
Excl. flights
$ 1885Price per person, single room occupancy
Excl. flights
$ 2065
5 Star Hotels
Price per person, double room occupancy
Excl. flights
$ 2085Price per person, single room occupancy
Excl. flights
$ 2315
ℹ️ Other Info
If you're ready to book this trip, or if you still have some questions, contact us to let us know!
To reserve your spot on a tour, a deposit equal to 40% of the booking price will be required. The balance is payable at least 5 weeks before departure.
- In case of cancellation 60 days prior to commencement of service for whatever reasons, the Company shall pay back to the customer all refunds minus 5% of the total cost of services retained to cover processing fees. (This means the customer is reimbursed for 95% of the trip cost.)
- Cancellations received between 60 days and 45 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 25% of the total cost of Services. (Customer is reimbursed 75%.)
- Cancellation received between 45 days and 35 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 35% of the total cost of Services. (Customer is reimbursed 65%.)
- Cancellation received between 35 days and 15 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 50% of the total cost of Services. (Customer is reimbursed 50%.)
- Cancellation received between 15 days and 01 days prior to commencement of Services shall be charged at 100% of the total cost of Services. (Customer is not reimbursed at all.)
This trip has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date that suits you. It's also a private tour, meaning you will only be traveling with those you book the trip with.
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
Please be fully vaccinated and boosted before traveling. You may also need proof of a negative Covid test before arrival to the country. Keep a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Special precautions:
We follow the WHO guidelines for COVID prevention, as well as the guidance of the Tourism Regulatory Authority in Kenya.
Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean?
A: Safaris are done from the comfort of vehicles, but there will be some days of walking through nature and optional activities like zip lining and horseback riding that you may choose to do.
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: There are two options listed in the pricing. One is more mid range, with 3 star hotels; the other is higher end, with 5 star hotels. See more hotel information in the Detailed Itinerary.
Q: Is this tour fully escorted?
A: Yes, this trip is fully guided either by a driver who also is a guide, or by a driver and a guide.
Q: Is this trip good for solo travelers?
A: Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers also. Solo travelers can book this as a private tour.
Q: What kind of a car do you provide?
A: Game drives are in pop-up roof, 4x4 vehicles. We use sedans for other transportation.
Duration: 6 days; guests choose their desired start date between October 2020 and May 2021.
Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners.
Transportation: Game drives are in a pop-up roof, 4x4 vehicles.
Accommodation: Either 3 star or 5-star hotels; price varies accordingly.
Picture Credits: Mt. Kilimanjaro (Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash), Zebra (Shereena Cook on Unsplash), Elephants (Jason Zhao on Unsplash)
