Kenya SAFARI 2025
August 7th - 15th
Professor Jeffrey Fadiman, MA, Ph.D, Dip
Connect with wildlife and ancient culture while learning about wildlife conservation and grassroots business models with talks from the group organizer and Africa expert Professor Jeff Fadiman.
Professor Fadiman is American by birth. However, he is also African as proclaimed by tribal ritual. He is the only White Elder of the Meru Tribe (Mt. Kenya), having rediscovered and reconstructed their “lost” tribal history that had been crushed and almost forgotten under British Colonialism.
He has 63 years of African experience. In the US, he is an African language and area specialist, having taught diplomats at the U.S. State Department and spoken twice to African experts at the nationally respected California Commonwealth Club. In Africa, he has taught in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa--as a Fulbright Scholar at Unizul. He has funded the schooling of over 220 AIDS orphans while upgrading the schools they attended by supplying books, pens, writing paper, and hope. He has designed and co-led African safaris for 40 years.
THE BUSINESS OF WILDLIFE
Kenya is a world leader in wildlife conservation. You will visit internationally recognized conservancies and animal sanctuaries where you will learn about the business models that make this vital work possible.
Day 1 - Aug 7th
Ol Pejeta CONSERVANCY
NAIROBI - OL PEJETA - ROAD (4.5 hours, with stops)
Morning
Arrive at Nairobi’s JKIA and be met by the Sacred Savanna team.
- Flight 1: British Airways; 5:55 AM arrival; x5
- Flight 2: China Eastern Airlines; 6:05 AM arrival; x1 (Luciano Cruikshank)
07:30 - 12:00 | Journey to the Laikipia wilderness
This scenic drive will take you from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi to Laikipia - one of Kenya’s most stunning wilderness regions. Expect to arrive between 11 pm and 1 pm.
Afternoon
12:30 - 14:30 | Arrive at The Stables, your lodgings for the next two nights
Enjoy lunch, stretch your legs and take in the beautiful surroundings of your bush camp.
Evening
15:00 - 18:00 | Game drive
Following some rest and relaxation, your driver-guide will meet you for your first evening game drive. At dusk, the landscape takes on a rare beauty. Everything is bathed in a warm light and long shadows from the acacia trees that provide great cover for the savanna wildlife. As the last of the daylight melts away, nocturnal wildlife start to become more active and you are likely to see lions, leopards, hyenas and more.
20:30 - 21:00 | Talk 1 - How Lions Kill; Prof Fadiman (10:30 - 11:00 AM PST)
DAY 2 Aug 8th
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Morning
06:30 - 08:30 | Lion tracking
Ol Pejeta has one of the highest predator densities in Kenya, with lions being the dominant species in this category. You will track collared lions and gather information about each pride member. The data you collect will go directly to Ol Pejeta’s ecological monitoring unit, aiding in finding solutions to the challenges facing Laikipia’s lions. This is truly one of the most thrilling wildlife conservation experiences on earth!
11:45 - 12:45 | Behind the Scenes - Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Enjoy a unique opportunity of viewing chimpanzees behind the scenes and learn more about the day to day care of the chimpanzees in our care. Chimpanzees are not indigenous to Kenya. Habitat loss and commercial hunting for bush meat has become the most significant immediate threat to the future of chimpanzees in the wild. Discover how these remarkable animals came to Ol Pejeta and how the conservancy has become their safe haven.
Afternoon
13:30 Lunch at The Stables
15:00 - 16:30 | Conservation Talk - Conference Room, near The Stables
Learn more about Ol Pejeta Conservancy, its groundbreaking conservation work, engagement with local communities, and innovative integration of ranching and wildlife management. The talk will be led by Ol Pejeta’s wildlife team.
Late afternoon
Evening game drive
Enjoy your second evening game drive and explore a different part of the conservancy.
Day 3 Aug 9th
Ol Pejeta - umoja Camp
OL PEJETA, LAIKIPIA - SAMBURU (4 hours, with stops)
Morning
08:30 - 09:15 | Nature Walk
Leave your vehicle behind and take a riverside nature walk, keeping an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and the diverse riparian birdlife.
09:15 - 12:00 | Rhino conservation
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Ol Pejeta’s world-leading rhino conservation work. The day begins with a drive around the northern white rhino sanctuary, home to the last two remaining specimens of this subspecies. Next, you will visit Baraka, a black rhino born in the wild at Ol Pejeta who lost sight in both eyes due to a fight and a cataract. Baraka can be fed from a specially designed feeding platform bordering his enclosure, offering visitors a unique experience and a chance to get up close and personal with an adult black rhino. You will have the opportunity to speak with his dedicated keepers and learn more about the different rhino subspecies and the conservation efforts for these endangered animals at the Morani Information Centre.
Afternoon
12:30 - 17:00 | Scenic drive to Samburu
Stop for lunch in the bustling town of Nanyuki. The drive to Samburu offers lush views of Mount Kenya before descending into the vast arid wilderness of the northern frontier.
17:00 | Arrive at Waso Camp, your lodgings for the next three nights
You will arrive in Samburu by late afternoon, where palm groves, riverine forests, dry bushland, and the sacred mountain backdrop create a stunning jewel in Kenya’s northern wilderness. Upon reaching your camp, enjoy refreshing drinks, stretch your legs, and soak in the beautiful surroundings while learning about the unique history and impactful work of the Umoja Women’s Village.
20:30 - 21:00 | Talk 2 - Life in a Thorn Tree: Giraffes vs Ants; Prof Fadiman (10:30 - 11:00 AM PST)
WILD NEIGHBORS
Discover the Samburu people and learn how they live alongside the wild animals they fear and revere. You’ll learn how community-owned animal sanctuaries provide vital income generation while playing a vital role in anti-poaching initiatives and education for the community and beyond.
DAY 4 Aug 10th
Samburu
Morning
07:30 - 11:30 | Spot the ‘Northern Special Five’ - Samburu National Reserve
Start the day with an early game drive at Samburu National Reserve. It’s a haven for elephants as well as lions, cheetahs and leopards. It is also home to the Northern Special Five species (Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx). See how many you can spot!
Afternoon
12:00 | Return to your camp
Escape the heat of the day with lunch and cold drinks at the camp. Unwind by the riverside deck
Late afternoon
16:00 - 18:00 | Evening game drive - Samburu National Reserve
Embark on a refreshing evening game drive along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River as the day cools and wildlife stirs again. Watch for big cats prowling the bush in search of prey or crocodiles basking in the last rays of sunlight along the riverbank.
20:30 - 21:00 | Talk 3 - Elephant Poaching: From Chinese Village to Kenya; Prof Fadiman (10:30 - 11:00 AM PST)
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Day 5 Aug 11th
SAMBURU - RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY (2 hr each way)
Morning
08:00 - 10:30 | Journey to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Travel even further into the northern wilderness to the remote Mathews Range to visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. A landscape of stark contrasts and staggering views as far as the eye can see. A community-owned sanctuary, a first for Africa. The Reteti Sanctuary rescues orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to reintegrate them into the adjacent wild herds.
10:30 - 11:30 | Conservation Talk - Reteti
Engage with local community members who manage the sanctuary as they share insights into the community-led conservation model in northern Kenya. Learn how this approach benefits both people and wildlife, while also generating sustainable revenue.
11:45 - 13:00 | The Midday Feed - Reteti
You will be paired with a keeper, all of whom are recruited from within the local Samburu community, who have been living alongside wildlife for thousands of years. You will be taught about the care, rehabilitation, and release of elephant calves and their ongoing anti-poaching initiatives.
Afternoon
14:00 - 16:30 | Return to Waso Camp
Lunch: You’ll carry a packed lunch to enjoy before returning to camp. As you drive through the vast African bush, soak in its enchanting atmosphere. Reflect on the day’s experiences—witnessing community-led conservation in action and immersing yourself in the rich culture of the people who call this land home.
Evening
19:00 | Bonfire Dancers
As dusk settles enjoy a delicious dinner, share stories by the campfire, and be captivated by the vibrant performances of cultural dancers.
ANCIENT CULTURE, MODERN OUTLOOK
Learn how the Samburu people are learning to adapt to some of the challenges of modern life. You’ll visit a unique village where women are the only residents. You’ll discover how and why this village was established and learn about their micro businesses.
DAY 6 Aug 12th
UMOJA - CHOGORIA
SAMBURU - MERU (3.5 hours, with stops)
Morning
08:30 - 09:00 | Talk 4 - Meru Witchcraft; Prof Fadiman (10:30 - 11:00 PM PST)
11:30 | Cultural visit - Umoja Village
Meet the women of the Samburu tribe in their unique, women only village - a sanctuary founded in 1990 for homeless survivors of violence against women, and young girls running from forced marriages or female genital mutilation. The women here have rejected the traditional norms of subordination, choosing instead to create a community rooted in safety, solidarity, and empowerment. Step inside a manyatta (Samburu house), the embodiment of tradition and simplicity over modernity. Learn about their cooking practices, medicinal knowledge, and building techniques. This is a rare opportunity for meaningful cross-cultural exchange, one that can be deeply enriching for both visitors and the community.
Afternoon
12:00 | Final lunch in Samburu
Enjoy your last meal at the camp before embarking on your journey to Chogoria.
Afternoon / evening
13:30 - 17:00 | Journey to the Meru region
The drive to Chogoria takes you back up to the slopes of Mount Kenya. This time, you’ll head to the eastern side of the mountain, home to the Ameru people, a Bantu group known for their farming prowess. The route takes you through villages and small towns set against a backdrop of beautiful farmland.
Evening
17:00 | Arrive at Snow Peak Hotel, your lodgings for the next three nights
Unwind in the hotel’s riverside gardens before dinner and a busy few days of activities ahead. Chogoria will be your base for observing and participating in impactful grassroots community development work.
VILLAGE HOPECORE INTERNATIONAL
You will visit a local NGO to gain insight into the impactful work they do within their community. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to explore various grassroots income-generating and development projects.
Day 7 Aug 13th
CHOGORIA
Morning
09:00 - 10:00 | Meet and greet
After a hearty breakfast of traditional Meru fare, you will be joined by your hosts from Village HopeCore, a community development NGO based in Chogoria. You will learn about their incredible work, including public health, education, income generation, and capacity-building programs, which have reached over 390,000 villagers on the slopes of Mount Kenya. You will also have the opportunity to visit their premises, which, unlike many NGOs, are firmly rooted in this rural setting.
Afternoon
11:00 - 14:00 | Field visit: Income Generation Program
You will head to the field to meet micro-enterprise clients. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of program beneficiaries, such as owners of shops, poultry farms, and special projects. This will provide you with the chance to learn about their businesses and witness firsthand how the program's training, loans, and support have empowered them. You will return to the hotel for lunch.
Evening
17:00 - 18:30 | Value Addition Project
Visit a value addition project for local strawberry farmers.
20:30 - 21:00 | Talk 5 - Development; Prof Fadiman (10:30 - 11:00 AM PST)
CHOGORIA & Mt Kenya Forest
DAY 8 Aug 14th
Morning
09:00 - 12:00 | Field visit: Public Health Program
You will take part in a support supervision activity, where the NGO’s Community Health Promoters (CHPs) provide training to HopeCore self-help groups. This will be followed by your involvement in mother-and-child health initiatives.
Afternoon
12:00 - 13:00 | Return to the hotel for lunch
Fill up on a hearty meal before this afternoon’s walking excursion.
Afternoon / Evening
14:00 - 17:30 | Forest walk
Take in the stunning beauty and diverse wildlife of the Mount Kenya Forest with a hike through its lush edges, bordering the fertile cultivation zone. Watch for playful monkeys and vibrant exotic birds amidst the dense canopy, while learning about the forest’s medicinal plants. Return to the hotel for dinner and drinks.
Day 9 Aug 15th
CHOGORIA - Nairobi
CHOGORIA - NAIROBI JKIA (4.5 hours, with stops)
8:30 - 9:30 | Breakfast
Savour a final wholesome Meru breakfast before departing for Nairobi and your transfer to JKIA. Take this time to reflect on your journey.
Afternoon
10:00 - 14:30 | Return to Nairobi via Thika
You will arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, stopping for lunch en route at the Blue Posts Hotel in Thika. Enjoy the hotel's picturesque grounds and the impressive waterfall. Continue to Village Market for souvenir shopping.
Evening
18:30 | Transfer to JKIA
Your driver-guide will take you to the airport for your night flight back home. Kwaheri Kenya!
Karibuni!
Your journey begins with an early morning arrival in Nairobi, where we’ll set off for Laikipia. Leaving the bustle of the city behind, we’ll head north toward the expansive plains and the majestic silhouette of Mount Kenya. Our destination is the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a haven for wildlife and conservation.
Next, we venture further north to Umoja Camp, a community-owned camp set along the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River, a vital water source and a magnet for elephants and crocodiles. From here, we’ll explore the renowned Samburu National Reserve, visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and experience the remarkable and unique Women’s Village, a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Your Kenya adventure concludes with a visit to Chogoria, a small rural town in Meru County, nestled on the lush eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into rural life, connect with grassroots entrepreneurs at HopeCore International, and explore the ancient and biodiverse Mount Kenya forest.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all and accompanying you on this safari through some of Kenya’s most breathtaking landscapes. I hope it will be filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, meaningful cultural connections, and plenty of adventure!
Peter Munoro
Your Driver and Guide
Each African Safari is like a Broadway play
In order for you to watch, photograph and actually experience wildlife interactions like a lion kill, every actor in the safari (guides, drivers, etc.) must play his part perfectly, and each day’s production must go right.
A safari is not cheap—either for the client or the operator. For each successful day in the bush Land-Cruisers must work flawlessly, guides must be knowledgeable, lodgings must be safe and secure, and food, drink, and amenities must be available in the most remote locations. Understandably there are multiple costs involved for operators to ensure that your trip runs smoothly and lives up to everything an African adventure should!
Professor Jeff Fadiman
Your safari INCLUDES:
4x4 Land Cruiser
Expert Driver Guide
Accommodation
Food and Drink
All Activities
Evacuation Cover
Your safari EXCLUDES:
International Flights
Personal Travel Insurance
Donations
Tips
Your safari COSTS:
$2300 Per Person
$500 Deposit Due: March 15th
$900 Due: May 19th
$900 Due: July 19th
Join me for an unforgettable African adventure!
- Professor Jeff Fadiman with Sacred Savanna