Trip feedback: Kenya and Tanzania, 15 days

Happy to be back and let everyone know that our adventure in Kenya and Tanzania was excellent! And here is a letter from our friend Olena (instagram: @olena.oz) who was with us on the journey:

“A week ago we were in Nairobi, boarding our plane back to Amsterdam. They never ask at the customs if you are carrying some Africa back home with you (in your heart) – though I’m certain that everyone does.

If they asked, I’d tell them that my husband Henk has certainly kept some Lake Naivasha of Kenya, and some Karatu of Tanzania, in his heart and in his feelings. And maybe other places too, he just has not confessed yet. And that I am bringing back the bright buzz of Lake Victoria, the stunning calmness of Empakaai Crater, the “frozen-in-time” beauty of Amboseli crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro.

And then, our minds did not even start processing what had actually overcome us on this journey. Technically speaking, we did about 3,000 km in 2 weeks, including a couple of hundred km on “African massage” roads, 5 national parks, two country border crossings, one camping in the bush next to grazing wild buffalo, one dancing together with Maasai, and I can continue on and on for a long time….

A trip like this can only be enjoyable if someone is constantly working on the background to keep all things impeccably organized and delivered. Our luck is that we know Empakaai Cultural Safari run by the best trip leader in East Africa. He is very professional and he greatly enjoys his work. We can never thank you enough, Moses.

Ashe naleng for your friendship, positive mindset, sense of humor, for having friends in the most remote spots of Kenya and Tanzania, for your patience with us who were constantly showing up late for breakfast and (here comes the most challenging one!) for teaching Henk to embrace the concept of “pole pole” (“no hurry”).

Asante sana for your endless love for your land and culture. You know, those precious pieces of Africa that we took away in our hearts, they made us more enriched and wise people. They will also lead our paths back to your beautiful land very soon.

Still so many places in Africa waiting to be discovered with Empakaai Cultural Safari!”

Are you joining our trip to Kenya and Tanzania?

On 28 May 2016 we are departing from Nairobi to start an intensive and exciting trip that will take us through two East African countries in 15 days!

You are very welcome to join, as at this moment we still have place to accommodate 4 travelers. If you are traveling alone, as a couple or with friends, just let us know and we will make a plan together. Also if you would like to join just on some days, please contact us to discuss possibilities.

The itinerary is planned as follows at the moment:

Day 1: 28 May, Saturday – we are departing from Nairobi to drive to Naivasha.

Day 2: 29 May, Sunday – a scenic drive through the heart of Kenya will take us to Thomson Falls.

Day 3: 30 May, Monday – from Thomson Falls we will follow the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru.

Day 4: 31 May, Tuesday – we drive from Lake Nakuru to Kericho, the place of beautiful tea plantations.

Day 5: 1 June, Wednesday – our destination today  will be Maasai Mara National Park.

Day 6: 2 June, Thursday – full day in Maasai Mara

Day 7: 3 June, Friday – from Maasai Mara crossing the border with Tanzania to reach Musoma on the shores of Lake Victoria

Day 8: 4 June, Saturday – full day in Musoma

Day 9: 5 June, Sunday – this afternoon Serengeti National Park will welcome us.

Day 10: 6 June, Monday – starting with sunrise at our camp in Serengeti and driving to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an excursion to Olduvai Gorge and Site Museum.

Day 11: 7 June, Tuesday – from our camp in Ngorongoro we will do an excursion to Empakaai Crater and then arrive to the lodge in Karatu.

Day 12: 8 June, Wednesday – today the Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu will be our destination.

Day 13: 9 June, Thursday – we will drive from Mto Wa Mbu to Arusha

Day 14: 10 June, Friday – the day of exploring the area around Arusha

Day 15: 11 June, Saturday – we are back to Kenya as we drive  from Arusha to Nairobi.

This itinerary will take us to some most beautiful places on the planet. Sometimes we will have long driving days. Sometimes quieter days with only a short drive. You will definitely need to pack some curiosity, flexibility, open mind and sense of adventure with you!

Contact us by email on empakaai.cultural.safari@gmail.com or on Instagram empakaai_cultural_safari to discuss your preferences and ask any questions.