Alumni Tour of Kenya

Kenya’s Vibrant Capital

Begin your journey in Kenya’s vibrant capital, the “green sun city” of Nairobi, the Maasai word for “cool water”. Its leafy streets, colorful matatus, and rich cultural traditions set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Get a closeup view of the incredible caretaking of rescued baby elephants and rhinos at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and feed some long-legged friends at the Giraffe Centre.

Visit the former home of Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), author of Out of Africa, the film version of which won several Academy awards. National museums, and home-museums such as this, and other colonial sites, provide a glimpse into Kenya’s textured and layered histories. Enjoy an amazing guided visit to a tea and coffee farm, and talk to women in a cooperative that is empowering them financially. Then participate in stimulating sessions with extraordinary and award- winning innovators, entrepreneurs, and conservationists whose spirit of harambee—pulling together—is shaping this nation.

National Parks and Wildlife

We leave the city behind for Amboseli National Park, where a plethora of birds and wildlife inhabit the savannahs beneath the snow-capped majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro. Conservationists and researchers will enrich our safaris with their expertise and knowledge. From Amboseli, we head to the leafy shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to George and Joy Adamson, the couple who raised the lioness Elsa, the story that became the Born Free film trilogy. Walk through Elsamere Lodge, now a museum. Then take a boat ride across Lake Naivasha, dodging hippo pods and crocodiles, to Crescent Island, a hidden sanctuary. Go on a unique walking safari that will stay in your hearts and minds forever.

From Naivasha, head out in a caravan of Land Cruisers across the dramatic landscape of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. This is home to rhinos, big cats, vibrant birdlife, and holds remarkable geological wonders. The salt water lake’s alkaline waters contain algae that feed the vivid flamingos that flock there. 

The Grasslands

Our much-awaited final adventure takes us to the legendary Maasai Mara, where sweeping grasslands, dotted with acacia trees, support an extraordinarily diverse ecosystem. Enjoy unsurpassed bird and game viewing, and cultural experiences with the Maasai tribe here, that provide more than just photo opportunities. Complete this unforgettable chapter with an optional bucket-list item — a sunrise hot-air balloon safari over the Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast (separate charge for this balloon excursion).

From vibrant city-life, to bucket-list wildlife safaris in unforgettable settings, and meetings with global conservationists, researchers, entrepreneurs, indigenous experts and change-makers, let’s make 2028, the year you go to Magical Kenya — a place you never thought you’d visit.

Let it be a teacher, a revealer, a disturber of dust.

The 2028 Magical Kenya alumni tour has limited capacity, capped at 24 alumni and their guests. They will be accompanied, for the duration of the tour, by the two Allegheny faculty leaders, and an English-speaking travel executive from the travel agency in Kenya.

Guests must be 21 years or older. Alumni are responsible for their guests.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own roommates and priority will be given to those who have one. We apologize but we cannot guarantee finding you a roommate.

Travelers must be able to cover considerable walking distances and stand unassisted for extended periods of time. Expect a fair amount of walking on some days, often over uneven terrain. Walks include an hour’s trek across the Masai Mara, a walk with “The Elephant Man” (roughly 1-2 miles), museum visits, a guided farm tour, site visits in Nairobi, and a half-day trek across Crescent Island.

Be prepared for 3-4 hour-long bumpy Land Rover rides between some destinations, and exciting but long safari drives across rough and dusty terrain. That’s part of the thrill, though it can be hard for folks who need frequent restroom stops, or who get road sick easily. Individuals who have neck and/or back problems should not risk this tour. You must be able to board trains, boats, Land Cruisers, and climb stairs, with minimum assistance. 

For safety and wellness reasons, this trip should not be taken by individuals who are pregnant, have mobility issues, neck and/or back problems, serious pre-existing physical/mental health conditions, or life-threatening dietary allergies. If you need considerable assistance walking, require a wheelchair, or need to be close to medical care, we apologize, but this tour cannot offer accommodations for the same.

Please note that there are risks involved with some of the activities on the itinerary such as wildlife safaris, boat rides, train and plane travel, and the optional balloon ride. Participants are making an informed decision to participate in these activities and agree not to hold the college, travel agent, or any representatives/agents from the College or travel agency responsible for any mishaps or accidents.

May is the wet season in Kenya but the rains taper off towards the end of the month, leaving the landscape lush and green. Amboseli is one of the drier natural parks during this time of the year. June is when the dry season begins.

Nairobi & Highlands: Daily highs average 73–79°F with chilly night lows dropping to 54°- 57°F; mornings are crisp and skies transition to clear.

Safari Regions (Maasai Mara): Pleasant daytime temperatures around 73°F that fall sharply to 50°F or lower during the night and stay low during early morning game drives. Occasional showers in Maasai Mara in early June.

Pack a fleece jacket, woolen cap and gloves; maybe even warm flannel nightwear. Also carry a lightweight rain jacket.

Pricing

From $8,900 per person, based on double occupancy.  There is no single occupancy for this tour. An additional charge of $550 per person (due with the last installment payment in February 2028) will apply to individuals who wish to take the optional balloon ride across Masai Mara, with breakfast and sparkling wine afterwards.

Please note that quoted prices are estimated based on current tour costs and a minimum of 24 participants, and are subject to change. 

This quote does not include round trip international airfare, passport and ETA (travel visa), travel vaccines and medications, or costs not associated with the tour itinerary. See details of what is and is not covered below.

Price includes:

• Fourteen days and thirteen nights of a carefully curated and private Allegheny College tour led by two experienced Allegheny faculty members. 
• Cost of an accompanying veteran English-speaking tour leader from the travel agency in Kenya for the tour’s duration.
• All activities, excursions, interactions on the itinerary, including fees for local guides, drivers, performers, speakers, meals, and special experiential activities listed as “covered” on the tour itinerary, tickets to national parks and museums, tolls, taxes, and parking fees.
• World-class and award-winning conservationists, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers. If the individuals on the itinerary are unavailable two years down the line, we will arrange for speakers of equivalent caliber.
  
• Fourteen days and thirteen nights of accommodations, double occupancy basis,  at four-star hotels, lodges, and camp tents with western amenities. Most hotels have free wireless, though this can be spotty in remote areas. Participants should purchase an e-SIM card for cellular and data use in Kenya.
  
• All  breakfasts are covered, as is the welcome snack and beverage. Tour costs also cover almost all lunches and dinners, a high tea, and two special sundowner experiences. Participants cover six meals on their own, as well as airport meals/snacks. They are also responsible for the purchase of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), as well as bottled water that is in addition to the daily allowance in the hotels).
• A reusable water bottle with your name on it, will be provided by the travel agency. You can fill this with potable water at the hotels we stay at. All hotels, lodges, and camps provide 17 oz of bottled water, per person, daily. You can purchase more as needed, but we cannot take plastic bottles or any disposable plastics into the national reserves.
  
• Faculty-designed itinerary and activities. Faculty co-leaders will hold online Zoom preparatory tour information sessions in late January 2027, and in September 2027, as well as several online sessions during spring 2028 (details and links TBA). Faculty will also convene group meetings when in Kenya to address questions, unpack shared experiences, and add their own brand of magic to the tour.
• Private air-conditioned coach when in Nairobi; private 6-seater 4 X 4 Land Cruisers for road tours and safaris, one train ride (Nairobi to Emali), one domestic flight (Masai Mara-Nairobi); all safari rides and park entrance fees, boat rides, and airport transfers in Kenya, as well as other forms of domestic transport in Kenya.
• Flying Doctors temporary membership coverage for emergency evacuation only, through the travel agency in Kenya.
• Global Medical and Travel Insurance Plan through Allegheny College, that provides coverage to all group participants on the tour. Please check page 8 of the insurance document for the Schedule of Benefits and decide whether you also wish to purchase additional insurance on your own. The insurance also covers:
  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip delay
  • Trip interruption
  • Baggage delay
  • Lost checked baggage
  • Emergency medical reunion
  • Technical assistance
  • Travel assistance
  • Quarantine

View Policy Information

Price does not include:

• Round-trip international airfare [USA-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)-USA]
• Ground transport in the U.S. between residence and airport
• Cost of passport book (if you need a new one)* 
• Pre-TSA clearance program membership (optional)
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Kenya (approx. $40), and purchase of mandatory local medical insurance (approx. $50)
• Recommended travel vaccines and medicines
• Required donation to “Adopt an Elephant” at Sheldrick Orphanage ($50 per person)
• Cell phone chargers, use of hotel business centers or amenities (spa, laundry service, room service, minibar etc.), or hotel phone costs
• Meals not covered by the itinerary, including extra items not provided as part of the “covered” meals, and extra snacks. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and bottled water not covered by the itinerary.
• Gratuities for service on the ground in Kenya (we will discuss this during the preparatory sessions). 
• Shopping and personal expenses
• Any Medical, Legal, or Extra Travel and Accommodation Fees incurred by Individuals.
• Optional balloon ride across Mara with breakfast and sparkling wine afterwards ($550 separate payment per person). Those who wish to do this must pay the amount with the last tour installment in Feb. 2028.

*Passport must be valid until 12 Dec. 2028, and have 3-4 blank pages.

Payment Method

Preferably by check. Payments must be in U.S. Dollars, and they are non-refundable. Accommodations for payment via credit card can be made, but will include an additional 4% surcharge to cover fees and handling costs. Contact Sara Pineo at spineo@allegheny.edu or 814-332-4392 to make arrangements.

How to Make a Payment

Make all checks out to “Allegheny College” and add “Kenya 2028” in the memo line.

Mail checks to:
Sara Pineo
Allegheny College, Box 44
520 N. Main Street
Meadville. PA 16335

Please include a slip of paper with your name, and your guests’ names in full, as well as your email addresses.

Payment Schedule

• November 15, 2026: Initial non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person to confirm a spot on the tour. Paid reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis until spaces are filled. If the group is full, interested parties can add their names to a waiting list, without a deposit.
• March 15, 2027: Non-refundable installment of $1,500 per person.
• November 15, 2027: Non-refundable installment of $2,950 per person.
• February 15, 2028: Balance non-refundable payment of $2,950 per person. 
  • The optional non-refundable charge for the balloon ride across the Mara of $550 per person should also be added to this final payment if you wish to sign up for this experience provided by a third party vendor.

Any questions regarding payments can be directed to Sara Pineo at spineo@allegheny.edu.