Adventurous Journey Through Western Kenya

Karibu Kenya! Your long-awaited African adventure finally begins. Today you fly to the African continent, likely with a healthy dose of excitement. Prepare for abundant wildlife, unspoiled nature, beautiful beaches and unforgettable encounters. Your journey starts in vibrant Nairobi.

You spend the night at Wildebeest Eco Camp in the leafy suburb of Karen — a green oasis of calm within the city. Time to unwind by the pool with a cold drink in the lush garden.

Nairobi is home to Charlie’s Travels, and we know this city inside out. Nairobi has many faces: tree-lined avenues with grand villas, informal settlements, colourful chaos, noise and history. You need to know where to look, but Nairobi is booming.

Trendy restaurants, lively bars, frequent events, shopping malls and more make it an ideal place to acclimatise. Or dive straight in: browse the Maasai Market, try the local delicacy nyama choma (grilled goat), or cruise the city like a local in a matatu or on a boda boda.

Let’s head to Lake Naivasha. African tunes play as the city fades into the background. Along the way, you stop at viewpoints overlooking the Great Rift Valley, ancient volcanic craters and the savannahs of Narok County.

After a few hours on the road, you arrive at Lake Naivasha — the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley.

Fuel up with a solid breakfast, because today is active. Together with a guide, you go on a cycling safari through Hell’s Gate National Park — one of the few parks in Kenya where cycling is allowed.

The dramatic landscape may look familiar: Hell’s Gate inspired scenes from The Lion King. Luckily, you won’t encounter stampeding wildebeest here. Instead, you cycle past giraffes, gazelles, buffalo and warthogs, while zebras often run alongside you. The day also includes a hike through a gorge shaped by ancient lava flows.

The road trip continues north to Lake Baringo, a volcanic lake unlike any other. Its milky colour comes from high fluoride levels in the water. Along the shores, you’ll spot hippos and crocodiles, while birdlife flourishes — with over 450 bird species recorded in the area.

Time for the next destination: Kisumu on Lake Victoria. The drive takes around five hours, with plenty of scenic views along the way. Welcome to Africa’s largest lake.

Tropical vibes await. You drive to Mbita, where a private boat takes you to Takawiri Island. The car stays behind on the mainland.

You stay at Victoria Sands Lodge, located on white sandy beaches with views over Lake Victoria, nestled between the Mbita and Sindo hills. This is a place to slow down and relax.

Lake Victoria is one of the Great African Lakes and covers nearly 70,000 km². Takawiri Island is small, quiet and almost uninhabited. White sand, palm trees and calm waters make it easy to fully unwind.

There is little to do here,  beach time, swimming and optional fishing. Feet up, sunglasses on. It’s time to relax.

You take an early ferry back to the mainland and drive towards the Maasai Mara. As evening falls, the savannah comes alive.

During a night game drive, you venture into the darkness with a spotlight, searching for nocturnal wildlife: hyenas, foxes, galagos and possibly even a hunting leopard. The atmosphere is intense and mysterious — a completely different side of the Mara.

Early morning game drives offer the best chance to spot wildlife while the savannah is still cool. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are commonly seen here — this is where Big Cat Diary was filmed.

You travel to Suswa Town, with Mount Suswa visible on the horizon. Large luggage is left behind and you continue by motorbike up into the crater, enjoying spectacular Rift Valley views.

Mount Suswa is a dormant volcano managed by the Maasai community. You meet local Maasai and learn about their nomadic lifestyle. You stay overnight in a traditional Maasai manyatta — basic, without electricity or running water, but rich in authenticity.

Today you head to Magadi. After a short motorbike training, you ride through the volcanic desert towards Lake Natron. Vast landscapes, open riding and wildlife sightings make this an unforgettable experience.

Before sunset, you arrive at the desert campsite. Tents are set up, campfire lit, drinks opened. Camping gear is provided by Charlie’s Travels.

After breakfast, you ride through the desert to Lake Magadi, stopping at the Magadi Hot Springs — extremely hot saltwater pools in the middle of the desert, known for their relaxing properties.

After lunch and a shower in Magadi Town, you travel back to Nairobi and board the overnight train to the coast. Alternatively, a domestic flight to Diani is available at extra cost.

Time to enjoy the coast. Snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing or simply relaxing:  Diani offers it all. You can also visit Colobus Conservation or explore the nearby mangrove forests.

Every journey comes to an end. Fully recharged, you fly home with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife, cultures and cities. An adventure completed, but a lifetime of stories gained.