Unique Active Adventure from Kenya's Highlands to the Coast

From $3,990 pp

  • Duration

    14 days
  • Bookable From

    Year-round
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    Kenya
  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

Cycle, hike, sail, and visit with elephants on this unique active adventure from Kenya's highlights to the coast, immersing yourself in tea fields, mountain trails, and local communities.

Step away from the usual tourist trails and dive into Kenya’s hidden gems. If you love nature and exploring away from crowds, this trip is for you! From cycling through lush tea fields to trekking dramatic mountain peaks, sleeping under the stars on a dhow, and staying in a rural village, this journey is about raw, unfiltered adventure. Immerse yourself in remote landscapes, connect with local communities, and experience Kenya in the most authentic way possible. If you’re looking for something different, this is it!

Highlights

  • Cycle through rolling tea fields and explore sensory gardens before hearing powerful life stories on a Nai Nami walking tour in Nairobi.
  • Hike misty highland trails in the Aberdares to hidden rock formations and sweeping viewpoints far from the tourist path - then stay at Kenya's second highest lodge.
  • Stay cliffside in Laikipia with vast savannah views, walking with rangers and spotting wildlife from your rock-hewn hideaway.
  • Connect with Samburu culture and visit a pioneering elephant rescue center entirely run by local caretakers.
  • Sail aboard a traditional dhow under a starlit sky, with a chance to witness magical bioluminescence off Kenya’s coast.
  • Spend a night in a rural homestay, embracing authentic Kenyan village life

Seasonal Notes

Kenya is a year-round destination, offering something very special in every season.

  • January to March & July to October are the driest months. These months are great for pairing city tours with safaris or beach escapes. Days are typically hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 85-95°F (29-35°C).
  • April to June & November to December are the rainy seasons. Expect short, intense showers and cooler days around 75-85°F (24-29°C). The rains bring vibrant greenery and fewer tourists, making this a great time for slower, more intimate travel.

Weather can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic! Pack layers, stay open-minded, and Kenya will always deliver unforgettable moments.

Itinerary

Day 1–2 Arrival to Nairobi; Cycling Trails, Storytelling & Sensory Gardens

Start your journey by arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Here, a private driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your first destination, about 60-90 minutes away.

Begin your journey in the cool, green highlands. This peaceful countryside welcomes you with fresh air, quiet trails, and rolling hills blanketed in tea. Rest from your flight, settle in, and enjoy a soft landing in Kenya.

Enjoy a private cycling tour through scenic trails winding past the tea fields, and visit a local tea farm and sensory garden to learn how Kenya’s most famous crop makes its journey from leaf to cup.

One day, return to the city for a transformative Nai Nami walking tour led by young ex-streetboys as guides who share their personal stories of survival, resilience, and renewal. This experience offers a powerful human connection beyond the surface of city life.

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Accommodation: 2 nights at a peaceful eco-retreat surrounded by tea plantations and farmland.

Days 3–4 Hiking Among the Clouds

Head to the Aberdares region in the morning. Ascend into forested highlands where mornings begin in the mist. You'll hike unique trails and conquer the Twin Peaks and Dragon's Teeth. Your reward will be views of dramatic rock formations and scenic viewpoints that few visitors ever reach. This is a place of solitude, elevation, and adventure.

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Accommodation: 2 nights at a secluded mountain lodge tucked into the hillside with views of forest and sky.

Days 5–6: Savannah Views & Cliffside Living

Head north to Lakipia, which is home to expansive landscapes where the land opens up and wildlife roams freely. From your clifftop base, you’ll have uninterrupted views of valleys and plains.

Spend your time walking with rangers, birdwatching, or trying optional activities like rock climbing or fly fishing — all dependent on the season and your pace.

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Accommodation: 2 nights at a remote hideaway built into the natural rock, overlooking the open land.

Days 7–8 Conservation & Cultural Connection

Onwards to Samburu, where you’ll spend time in a region where local communities and wildlife conservation efforts go hand in hand. Visit a groundbreaking elephant rescue center run entirely by local caretakers, and explore an iconic rock formation carved by nature over centuries.

Optional: Join a local community visit for storytelling, dance, and hands-on learning about traditional ways of life.

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Accommodation: 2 nights at a riverside tented camp where wildlife often wanders close by.

Day 9 Sail Under the Stars

Fly from Nairobi to Mombasa (included) and head to the coast to begin your next chapter. You'll spend a night at sea aboard a traditional sailing vessel in Kilifi. Fall asleep to the rhythm of the waves and, if conditions allow, witness the magic of bioluminescence!

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Accommodation: 1 night aboard a traditional dhow anchored near a quiet beach.

Days 10-11 Stay with a Coastal Family

Spend two days living with a family in a small coastal village just outside of Watamu — learning to cook, fish, or even speak a few words of the local language. It’s an intimate window into a way of life far from the tourist trail.

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Accommodation: 2 nights in a local homestay in a rural coastal community.

Days 12–13 Oceanside Reflections & Turtle Conservation

Wind down by the ocean at a quiet stretch of coastline within Watamu. Spend time learning about marine conservation efforts led by local scientists and volunteers.

Optional: Depending on the season, you may assist in releasing sea turtle hatchlings into the wild — a hopeful close to your journey.

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Accommodation: 2 nights at a small eco-friendly beach retreat steps from the sea.

Day 14 Malindi to Nairobi (departure day)

Fly from the coast back from Malindi to Nairobi (included) for your international connection. Day rooms or additional airport services can be arranged depending on your departure schedule.

Customization

The trip is fully customizable to match your interests.

Route Map

A route map showing the path of the Off the Beaten Path: Wild Authentic Kenyan Adventure..

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Airport pickup in Nairobi

  • Accommodation with meals as stated

  • Exclusive safari Land Cruiser for game drives

  • English-speaking driver guide

  • Park entrance fees (subject to change per government directive)

  • D9: Flight Nairobi to Mombasa

  • D14: Flight Malindi to Nairobi

  • Activities with transport

  • Nai Nami Tour

  • Private Cycle Tour

  • Tea Farm & Sensory Garden Tour

  • Hike to the Twin Peaks & Dragon's Teeth

  • Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

  • Elephant Rock Visit

  • Overnight Dhow Experience

  • Village Homestay Experience

  • Local Ocean Conservation Visit

  • Festive season rates & supplements

  • Additional meals & drinks

  • Gratuities

  • Optional activities

  • International flights and visas

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Prices vary based on season and group size.

  • Deposit per person

    50% of the trip price

  • Group of 2 Travelers - price per person

    High Season: $5,990

  • Group of 6 Travelers - price per person

    Low Season: $3,990

Optional Add-ons

  • 7-Course “Journey Through Kenya” Meal: $80 USD pp
  • Samburu Village Visit: $40 USD pp
  • Nature Walk with Giraffes: $25 USD pp
  • Fly Fishing / Rock Climbing in the Aberdares - on request
  • Hike with Rangers in Laikipia - on request

Sustainability

We aspire to bring positive change for our travelers and the countries they travel to through connection, growth, and smiles!

  • Create Connection: Connect deeply with both the local community and fellow travelers, learn together, and make lifelong connections.
  • Create Growth: Provide opportunities to ensure the local economy organically benefits from tourism. Personally, you’ll grow in many ways too; prepare to go back home with a broader perspective.
  • Create Smiles: Take on the challenge to travel consciously and notice the positive impact you will generate! It’ll be one of your most fulfilling experiences – we promise!

Environmental Initiatives

  • Explore nature on foot and by bicycle, reducing carbon emissions while engaging in low-impact travel through tea fields, mountains, and marine ecosystems.
  • Support a community-led elephant sanctuary focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of wildlife.
  • Participate in ocean conservation by visiting grassroots marine protection projects that monitor coral health and protect endangered sea turtles.

Accommodation Initiatives

  • Stay in eco-designed retreats that utilize solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and natural building materials to minimize their environmental impact.
  • Dine on locally sourced meals prepared by trained staff, reducing food miles and supporting smallholder farmers.
  • Stay overnight on a traditional dhow with zero electricity, promoting a fully off-grid, low-footprint experience.

Sociocultural Initiatives

  • Join the Nai Nami walking tour, providing employment and empowerment to former street youth through storytelling and cultural exchange.
  • Experience daily life in a coastal village homestay, supporting local livelihoods while fostering cultural understanding.
  • Learn traditional knowledge shared directly by community members throughout the journey.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the physical level of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?

Some activities require moderate to high fitness levels, such as trekking and cycling.

What are the accommodations like?

We carry out an impact analysis on every accommodation to ensure they're creating a positive social and environmental impact.

On this trip, you'll stay at:

2 nights at an eco retreat; 2 nights at a remote mountain lodge; 2 nights at a remote hideaway; 2 nights at a riverside tented camp; 1 night aboard a traditional dhow; 2 nights at a community homestay; 2 nights at an eco-friendly beach retreat.

How is this trip responsible and impactful?

Every trip we run supports local communities, prioritizes sustainability, and partners with women-led and small local businesses. Whether you're staying in an eco-lodge, joining a cultural workshop, or offsetting your carbon footprint, your journey with us leaves a positive impact.

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Departure Dates

Choose your own!

Group Size

  • Min: 2

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