If you are interested in getting close to everyday beauty of African life – the swerving Kenyan matatu careening through the streets of Nairobi, hawkers announcing their wares on the street corner, children sitting in rows reciting verses from the Quran, a dhow sailing gracefully in the early morning light, or the ancient Lake Tanganyika steamer disappearing into a magical sunset, its decks cluttered with a dazzling array of people and goods – then our cultural encounters travels would be ideal for you. Eastern Africa is a culturally highly diverse region, Kenya alone has got a total of 53 tribes. The best known tribe are the semi-nomadic Maasai, whose colourful dresses are reflective of their inspiring way of life. .

Travelling through Eastern Africa, you will be struck by its many contrasts – humble thatched huts and luxurious safari lodges, traditionally dressed Maasai warriors and office workers in suits, cosmopolitan cities and remote villages where infants run away from you as they believe that you are the much-feared village god.
Our ambition is to facilitate authentic encounters with everyday life in Africa . With the exception of Ethiopia, which offers stunning architectural sights, cultural encounters in Eastern Africa are mainly encounters with the people of Africa which allow the traveller to get a glimpse of an often still ancient way of life . These encounters can occur through staying for one or several days with the people of a traditional village and sharing their lives. Such a visit or stay can also include the participation in a community project which allows the traveller to get closer to the life of the locals. In addition, a few lodges and camps in remote areas of Kenya and Tanzania are starting to facilitate these encounters, with guests staying in the lodge or camp overnight and sharing other aspects of everyday life with the locals.

We want you to feel the heartbeat of Africa. Our aim is to make you experience the true essence of this continent , far away from the staged village visits in Amboseli and the Masai Mara, and we will take you to places that hardly any other traveller will ever see . Relax on a tea or coffee plantation, visit one of the remote tribes and get a glimpse of an often still ancient way of life, enjoy the colourful weekly markets, walk with Samburu warriors , stay in their traditional village and share your hosts' everyday lives or get a closer look at community projects.
The small and unplanned personal encounters with the people of the places we visit are often what we cherish most and will keep most vividly in our memories. You might be asked by the host of your safari lodge whether you would like to join in the daily volleyball game with the lodge staff or the weekly football match between the lodge staff and the people of the neighbouring village. When you are then, an hour later, running behind the ball together with 35 other wanna-be Ronaldinho's and hear the local commentator who runs up and down the field shouting your name every time you hit the ball, you will feel a simple and genuine joy as in this moment all barriers between you and the local people have vanished – a sensation and a memory that you will take home with you.

If you are interested in our Cultural Encounters theme, please click on the Develop Tailor Made Travel button and fill our questionnaire. Alternatively, you can also contact us at info@enchanting.africa.com and indicate your interest in the Adventure & Explore theme in the message box.

 
 
 
Safari and undiscovered Western Kenya
Safari and undiscovered Western Kenya:
11 days in Nairobi - Lake Nakuru - Nandi Hills - Kakamega Forest - Lake Victoria - Masai Mara – Nairobi
Whether its relaxation, game viewing or discovering authentic local culture far off the beaten track, this itinerary perfectly blends all three into a memorable African safari. Start your journey at Lake Nakuru and be amazed by more than one million flamingos before heading to western Kenya. Meet the friendly people as they go about their day to day activities, enjoy wonderful walks in the beautiful Nandi Hills and the virgin jungle of Kakamega Forest and explore the many islands and small fishing villages on Lake Victoria. At the end of your journey, discover the incredible diversity of wildlife in the Masai Mara, one of Africa's premier game reserve.
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Amazing Wildlife, authentic cultural encounters & remote beaches in Kenya
Amazing Wildlife, authentic cultural encounters & remote beaches in Kenya:
11 days in Nairobi - Masai Mara - Loita Hills Trekking - Lake Natron – Nairobi
This itinerary provides diverse perspectives of Kenya's amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes and everyday life - visiting street markets and community projects in Nairobi, enjoying the hospitality of local tribes people in a community-owned and run lodge surrounded by breathtakingly wild nature, experiencing wonderful game drives and walking safaris in the wildlife rich Masai Mara, discovering authentic Swahili culture in laid-back Lamu, embarking on a romantic sailing cruise on a traditional dhow through before relaxing in barefoot luxury at a beautiful and remote beach in Kiwayu.
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