Tap into the life of the Maasai on a cultural tour to Kenya, Africa. During your trip on February 15-22, 2025 you will reside in Amboseli National Park at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to discover the Maasai way of life. You will get a rare opportunity to live alongside the Maasai, one of the oldest living indigenous communities in East Africa to learn about their cultural heritage and participate in hands-on activities presented by Maasai cultural leaders. This unique experience in Maasailand is the only opportunity to uplift Maasai communities, enjoy a wildlife safari, and safeguard Maasai heritage.

Traveling with MCV you will make an impact and create meaningful connections with the Maasai people. MCV didn’t start as a travel company, we started as a nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the lives of the Maasai so they can sustain their ancient heritage. Your travels to Kenya allow MCV to implement humanitarian programs and create jobs to uplift Maasai communities through sustainable tourism. MCV has worked hand-in-hand with Maasai communities in Kenya for 14+ years, the cultural leaders have invited us into their homes and lives, and now we’re honored to call them family and invite you to join us to Kenya, to learn from the Maasai, and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience!

Arrival to Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. MCV will provide airport transfers to hotels in Nairobi. Guests will check in the hotel. Hotel rooms are designed to provide the highest levels of comfort and offers dining at its best with the freshest favors of locally sourced produce. All guests have exclusive access to the gym and swimming pool.  

Welcoming Reception – Dinner will be provided at a welcome reception in the evening at 6PM. Visit the welcome desk at the welcoming reception to receive your name badges and welcome packet.  All guests will attend a welcome reception in the evening to discuss program activities, meet all team members, and learn the social and cultural customs of the Maasai to prepare for the journey.

Maasai Welcoming Ceremony 
Depart Nairobi to Amboseli at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to visit the village of the Maasai chief and warrior’s manyatta (homestead) to experience a traditional Maasai greeting. Participate or observe authentic Maasai tribal dances to learn traditional songs and dances passed down through generations. In this ceremony, everyone can join in the celebration. Enjoy establishing friendships with Maasai community members and immerse yourself in the Maasai ancient heritage and experience the genesis of humanity.

Arrive Amboseli at the Foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
We will check into luxury safari lodge, situated in Amboseli National Park where we will be staying for 5 nights.  The Lodge offers spacious accommodations with views of the animal water pools and Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim and relax on the poolside lounger. Buffet and à la carte dishes are served at the restaurant offering various cuisines to suit every guest’s taste (including vegetarian options). Enjoy buffets during designated hours, beverages and snacks are also available throughout the day.

Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National Park 
Enjoy a Safari game drive in Amboseli National Park, a designated as a UNESCO biosphere and is famous for being one of the best places in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, lions, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, antelope, and over 600 species of birds. Enjoy a safari to view the abundant wildlife that exists thanks to the Maasai harmonious way of life. The Maasai are protectors of the Earth and their indigenous wisdom plays a key role in preserving the Amboseli ecosystem and wildlife.

Hands-On Cultural Workshops
After your wildlife safari, you can join optional workshops such as a yoga class with a Maasai Yogi, ancient beading workshops, learn about Maasai natural medicines and ancient healing practices, listen to a Maasai motivational speaker, movie night under the stars with the Maasai, or enjoy swimming and relax at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. MCV will provide opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature.

Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National Park 
Enjoy another Safari game drive in Amboseli National Park to observe the majestic wildlife and observe the African elephants. Visit the Amboseli Observation Hill where you can view the entire park. This is a serene place to relax for a while. Just beneath the hill is a swamp-like area where a lot of elephants and hippos are either lying in the water or grazing around it. The Amboseli ecosystem is known for the following wildlife: leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser kudu, and nocturnal porcupine and over 600 species of birdlife. Africa has few better combinations of wildlife and spectacular views of the scenery.

Cultural Workshops and Motivational Speakers 
The Maasai will provide cultural talks and workshops to teach about the life of the Maasai and their ancient traditional knowledge with the aim of developing an awareness and appreciation for the Maasai heritage.  MCV will provide another afternoon of opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature. Participants gain a sense of fulfillment in their service and a deeper understanding of our global community and the Maasai indigenous knowledge. You can also enjoy swimming and relaxing at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Optional Morning Activities:  

Humanitarian Service: Build a House with Maasai Women & Warriors
Optional service-learning project to assist Maasai women and warriors in building a traditional home out of sticks, mud, and natural materials.

Hands-On Cooking Workshops
When you want to learn about a new culture, it’s so much easier to approach it through food. You can join optional workshops such as cooking with Maasai women and warriors to learn Maasai traditional and modern Maasai recipes. Learn to make chapati (flatbread), chai (Tea beverage made by brewing a mixture of aromatic Maasai spices, and herbs), or participate in a traditional barbecue to learn how to the Maasai roast meet in a traditional goat / cow slaughter called Nyama Choma (roasted meat). Make medicinal soups with the option to taste the herbs used in Maasai natural remedies. 

Nature Walk
Optional nature walk with a Maasai guide to locate and identify various medicinal plants, animals, and birds. The Maasai will share their unique relationship they have with the plants and wildlife. The area contains many endemic species only found in the Amboseli area – a rare opportunity to spot certain species. The Maasai have co-existed with wildlife in this unique ecosystem for centuries and have a wealth of knowledge to share regarding numerous species.

Unity Run Half Marathon/10K/5K
Optional morning run – Unity Run Half Marathon/10K/5K is a family-friendly race open to participants of all ages and abilities, including runners, and walkers. Experience an iconic run through Amboseli with the Maasai. You will also meet the Maasai runners and Kenyan champions. All participants will receive a race shirt, finishers medal, post-race refreshments, and a truly unforgettable race experience. Snacks and breakfast will be offered after the run. 
* (Additional $150 registration fee is required to run – all proceeds fund MCV water programs).

Afternoon Cultural Celebration & Party
Enjoy a Cultural Celebration at a Maasai Heritage Site for an afternoon cultural party. This is an opportunity to create deeper bonds with the Maasai and congratulate all the runners. Entertainment and musicians will provide cultural entertainment and a concert from USA & Kenya artists sharing one stage in unity. There will also be cultural entertainment with dance lessons to learn traditional dances. Food, drinks, and entertainment will be provided. 

Maasai Marketplace
The local Maasai women will set up a local handicraft marketplace to purchase gifts and support Maasai women’s beadwork initiatives. This is a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts.

Optional Morning Excursions: 

Wildlife Safari in Maasai Conservation Area:
Enjoy another Safari game drive in the Maasai conservation area to observe the majestic wildlife. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, the savannah, and woodlands where various wildlife flourish. 

Visit Maasai Ancient Cave:
Visit a Maasai cave and learn the history of various caves for the Maasai communities. The warriors faced numerous challenges and when they felt discouraged, they conducted rituals to re-energize themselves. The caves are covered with natural herbs that are used in treating various diseases and wounds. Caves were also used as treatment areas for injured warriors as they undergo treatment. The Maasai have used caves as homes, churches, holy shrines for prayers, and to hide their families and cattle during colonial rule and tribal wars.

Visit Sacred Maasai Hill:
Nature walk on Lemomo Hill, a natural land that oversees the Amboseli National Park. This hill is a sacred place for the Maasai. The tour is conducted by a Maasai naturalist to locate and identify various wild animals, birds and indigenous natural plants. Guests learn that the Maasai have lived for centuries with the wildlife using plant medicines and have much to share regarding their indigenous knowledge. 

Hot Air Balloon Safari:
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari, is one of the beautiful ways to view the Amboseli Ecosystem and all the wildlife. You will take off just prior to sunrise, rising majestically above the Amboseli Ecosystem to watch the sun gently kiss the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro with unparalleled views of the Amboseli National Park, you will watch the wildlife migrate below you. (Additional Cost $475 / Person) 

Optional Cultural Workshops – MCV will provide another full afternoon of opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature. The Maasai will provide cultural talks and activities to learn about their lifestyle; you can ask questions from cultural leaders. You can join a class to learn about wildlife conservation; learn about the traditional herbal medicine and about the Maasai cures for various ailments with the opportunity to touch, smell and taste some of the herbs; enjoy a Yoga class with Maasai Yogi; bead with Maasai women and learn about their handicrafts and more. You can also enjoy swimming and relaxing at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

After breakfast depart Amboseli to Nairobi. On the way to Nairobi we will enjoy shopping for local handicrafts at a local gift shops and visiting Maasai artists for optional purchases of local handicrafts. Dinner will be enjoyed in Nairobi.

Depart Nairobi out of Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Airport shuttles will be provided.

If you have a large family planning to travel, call us and we can arrange a custom trip for your group!

Discounts may be available for large families in shared rooms upon request.

If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please call #805-Maasai-1 (+1 805-622-7241) or email: hq@mychosenvessels.com.