June 10: Arrive in Nairobi where you will be met by our private driver and transferred to Ole Serena, an iconic hotel in Nairobi, bordering Nairobi National Park and where you just might see zebras from your room window! We'll will enjoy a light dinner together before turning in for a comfortable night of rest.
June 11: Following breakfast, we'll spend the morning with women at Protecting our Daughters, learning an employable trade through a tailoring program. Then, we'll head to the suburb of Karen to visit the Giraffe Center, the Kazuri Beads Factory, and the Utamaduni Craft Centre. In the evening, we'll savor a delicious dinner at the award-winning Talisman before returning to our hotel in Nairobi.
June 12: After breakfast we'll depart Ole Serena and head to Anchor Leather for a morning of inspiration and craft. This social impact business is changing lives through skills training, employment and community. Work alongside an artisan to create something of your own. Then we'll head south to Amboseli National Park, crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro and one of Kenya's most popular parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust", and is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
June 13: Wake up at the stunning Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, where each room is decorated with local antiques, artifacts, and artwork, and features a private balcony with views of the national park. Embark on a game drive in search of Africa's Big Five, and enjoy a picnic on the savannah. After returning to the lodge, unwind by the pool before dinner.
June 14: Visit a Maasai village for a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people, including their traditional dance, music, and craftsmanship. Learn about the community's way of life, including their customs, attire, and the intricate beadwork that is central to their culture. We'll drive north and into Nairobi National Park, and get settled at Ololo Lodge. Originally an old Kenyan homestead and since converted to a small lodge, Ololo offers the warmth and comfort of a home with effortless style. Enjoy a quiet evening watching the sun set over a farm-to-table dinner.
June 15: Today you'll enjoy game drives, a visit to Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage, and free time at the lodge to relax by the pool, or read a book in a hammock. Don't miss the chance to explore the lodge's regenerative vegetable garden, where all the produce for the meals is grown. Learn about the hotel's initiatives to support their community through employment and education opportunities.
June 16: After another early morning game drive, we'll return to Nairobi for our international flight to Uganda. Upon arrival in Uganda, we'll check in at Karibu Guest House, a charming boutique accommodation nestled on the leafy hillside of Entebbe, just a 10-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport.
June 17: Today, we'll journey to the Kibaale Community Center, with a few fascinating stops along the way. At The Equator, you can witness a demonstration of the Coriolis effect, showcasing the changing direction of swirling water. We'll visit Timothy Girls High School and enjoy lunch in Masaka. Upon arrival at the Kibaale Community Center, we'll settle into the comfortable guest house, followed by dinner and an orientation with the directors.
June 18: We'll spend the day exploring the Kibaale Community Center, a K-12 school dedicated to providing quality education to help break the cycle of poverty in this region of Uganda. Our visit will include touring classrooms, meeting the staff, and visiting the health clinic. We'll also go off-campus to see a sustainable coffee farm, learn about clean water projects, and visit students in their homes.
June 19: We will have the opportunity to work on a project, like building a mud home for a family in need or doing a craft project in a classroom. We will visit the women's basket weaving cooperative and distribute food parcels to families in the area.
June 20: After breakfast, we'll depart the Kibaale Community Center and make the 2-hour drive to Mihingo Lodge in Mburo National Park. Mihingo Lodge is a luxury safari lodge that offers breathtaking views of the park, unique tented accommodations, and a tranquil setting amidst the natural beauty of Uganda's wildlife-rich landscape.
June 21: We'll begin with an early morning walking safari, observing animals like zebras, antelopes, and birds up close, guided by a knowledgeable ranger. Back at the lodge, we'll relax over breakfast before heading out for our long drive (6 hours) to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. We'll check in at Mahogany Springs, a luxury lodge, perched on top of the Munyanga River, overlooking the park.
June 22: After breakfast, we'll head out on our epic gorilla trekking experience. Witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is often regarded as one of the most exhilarating and profound wildlife experiences in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to more than half of the world's mountain gorillas and features 17 habituated gorilla groups available for trekking.
June 23: On our last morning we'll walk to Ride4aWoman, a charitable organization that empowers local widows through skill training, micro-finance, and mentoring. Creating goods for the lodge such as curtains, mosquito nets, clothing, cushions, and lampshades, we'll learn how this program works and the difference they're making. After lunch, we'll drive to the Kihihi airstrip and return to Entebbe on a regional flight.
Depending on the times of international departures, guests have the option to return to Karibu Guest House for a day room before a night flight or to spend the night. These options are available for an additional, nominal fee.