15 Days in Kenya with SkyIn and Carrie Hamilton
Round-Trip Nairobi : July 22 - August 5, 2027
Join Carrie Hamilton and her family for an unforgettable two-week journey through the stunning landscapes of Kenya. Our adventure begins in Nairobi, where we will visit the Giraffe Sanctuary and enjoy an exclusive PRIVATE tour at the Baby Elephant Orphanage. Cultural immersion awaits as we engage with local tribes, including the Massai Tribal Village and the indigenous Mijikenda Village. Then, we’ll escape to the Eastern Coast for sailing, snorkeling, and exploring the historic Shimoni Slave Caves, followed by ample relaxation time before our second week begins. Our travels will take us westward to renowned destinations such as Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, where we will encounter incredible wildlife and embark on a quest to witness the Big Five.
Itinerary
Day 1 - KARIBU (WELCOME) TO KENYA
Your adventure has begun! Receive a warm welcome from our team
as they greet you right outside the airport doors. Get transferred to
Sarova Panafric Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 - GIRAFFE CENTRE / LOCAL MARKET /
PRIVATE BABY ELEPHANT VISITATION
After breakfast, visit the renowned Giraffe Centre, a local non-profit
organization created to protect the highly endangered Rothschild
Giraffe. An amazing experience to learn about the conservation
requirements and the opportunity to observe and feed these elegant
animals. Then, stop and visit a local market to find authentic artifacts
and souvenirs with a variety of curios, paintings, drawings, jewelry,
clothes, and fabrics with East African prints hand-made by local
Kenyan artisans.
After lunch at the well-known Carnivore Restaurant, enjoy a private
visit to the baby elephant orphanage, known as the Sheldrick Wildlife
Trust. A world-famous project that rehabilitates young elephants from
the wild while educating the public on its conservation, allowing
guests to get up close to these magnificent creatures.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Panafric Hotel.
Day 3 - MASSAI TRIBAL VILLAGE
After breakfast, depart Nairobi for a full-day adventure off the beaten
path, where you will be welcomed into an authentic Maasai tribal
village located about two hours from the city. This immersive
experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the daily life and deeprooted
traditions of one of Africa’s most iconic tribes. Famed for their
striking red garments, intricate beadwork, energetic dances, and
time-honored customs, the Maasai people offer a window into a way
of life that has endured for centuries.
From meaningful conversations with the chief and storytelling with
village elders, to witnessing traditional dances and sacred rituals
performed by Maasai warriors, every experience draws travelers
deeper into their vibrant culture. Learn the age-old techniques of
building mud huts and crafting handmade jewelry from the women,
savor a traditional Maasai village lunch, and join in laughter-filled
games with the children. Each moment of this intimate, transformative
journey offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Maasai life.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Panafric Hotel.
Day 4 - FLIGHT TO DIANI BEACH / LEISURE AFTERNOON
After breakfast, get transferred to the airport for your morning
departure flight to Diani Beach (approximate flying time is 1hr 15min).
Once you arrive, get transferred to your beach resort just in time for
lunch. Then, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Swahili Beach Resort.
Day 5 - WASINI ISLAND SAILINGS & SNORKELING EXCURSION / SHIMONI SLAVE CAVES
After breakfast, depart for Wasini Island. Set sail on a traditional dhow
boat coasting the Indian Ocean while searching for dolphins. Jump
into the warm, pristine waters and snorkel Kisite Marine National Park
spotting endless amounts of colorful marine wildlife and coral reefs.
Relax and indulge in a local seafood lunch on Wasini Island served
right on the water. Continue on with a fascinating historical tour
around Wasini’s Fishing Village and the Shimoni Slave Caves learning
its rich and ancient history.
Dinner and overnight at Swahili Beach Resort.
Day 6 - INDIGENOUS MIJIKENDA VILLAGE
After breakfast, take off to discover the Indigenous Mijikenda Tribe who
live within the Sacred Kaya Forest. Experience the cherished culture of
the Mijikenda and learn about their unique customs of natural
remedies, agriculture, traditional ceremonies, familial heritage, holy
blessings, and much more. A rare and enchanting exclusive
experience, with an authentic Mijikenda lunch, that will leave you
speechless.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
Day 7 - LEISURE DAY
Enjoy a relaxing day spent by the pool, spa, or on the beach.
All meals and overnight at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
(Extra beach or water activities can be arranged while on the
property at an additional cost.)
Day 8 - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart Mombasa by train (leaving at 8am) en route to
Amboseli National Park. Once you arrive (ETA 12:36pm), get picked up
by your private safari guide and head straight to your lodge just in
time for lunch.
After lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive with the remarkable
backdrop of the largest, snow-capped mountain in Africa, Mt.
Kilimanjaro. Encounter a diverse and vast array of wildlife including
elephants, lions, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and much
more.
Dinner and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge.
Day 9 - AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, head out for a full day in this photogenic national park
with morning and afternoon game drives.
All meals and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge.
Day 10 - LAKE NAIVASHA
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha. Along the drive, stop and
savor the majestic geographic formation of the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive just in time for lunch at your lodge, then set out for a peaceful
boat ride along Crescent Island (famous from the movie Out Of Africa
by the author Karen Blixen), known for its natural bird viewing, hippo
sighting, and surreal scenery.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
Day 11 - LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park.
Arrive just in time for lunch at your lodge, then spend the afternoon on
a game drive capturing the elegance of its shimmering lake, home to
thousands of flamingos, hundreds of different species of birds, rare
and elusive white and black rhinos, grand baboons, and a large
variety of carnivores and herbivores.
Later in the early evening, drive back to the shores of Lake Naivasha for
dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
Day 12 - MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Arrive at your camp just in time for lunch, then head out for an
afternoon game drive experiencing the exhilarating offerings of the
national reserve searching for the magnificent and notable Big 5 (lion,
leopard, rhino, elephant, Cape buffalo) and many other exotic
animals.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Camp.
Day 13 - MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast, head out for a full day of game viewing with an option
of morning and afternoon game drives with lunch at your camp, or a
full day game viewing drive with picnic lunches.
Additional Cost: SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI - Experience a truly
'once in a lifetime’ adventure by flying in a hot air balloon over the
stunning savannas of the Masai Mara. From a bird’s eye view, you
may spot a variety of exotic wildlife. The balloon takes off at dawn,
around 6am, and is piloted by a fully qualified and experienced
expert. The flight lasts for about one hour and concludes with a
luxurious champagne bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Cam
Day 14 - DESPART FOR NAIROBI / HOST FAMILY LUNCHEON
After breakfast, exit the national reserve en route to Nairobi. Upon
arrival, get transferred to a Nairobi suburban homestay to spend the
afternoon connecting with several of our SKYIN host families, learning
about their rich culture while enjoying a traditional, home-cooked
family luncheon.
Thereafter, get transferred to Sarova Panafric Hotel for dinner and
overnight stay.
Day 15 - KWAHERI (GOODBYE) FROM KENYA
After breakfast, get transferred to JKIA Airport for your international
departure flight.
(If flights are in the evening, Nairobi city activities are available at an additional cost.)
Danube Explorer on Emerald Dawn
Munich to Budapest - October 26-November 2, 2025
The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvelous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.
Where are we going?
Day 1 Munich – Passau
Day 2 Passau
Day 3 Linz – Ceský Krumlov
Day 4 Melk – Weissenkirchen
Day 5 Vienna
Day 6 Vienna - Bratislava
Day 7 Budapest
Day 8 Budapest
What's on our itinerary?
Day 1 Munich – Passau
Welcome to Munich, where we will be transferred to our contemporary Star-Ship, the Emerald Dawn, in Passau. A warm welcome awaits us from the captain and crew. This evening, we'll join fellow guests for dinner on board.
Day 2 Passau
Today, we will gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a farm, where we’ll also be able to try their homemade specialties. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
Day 3 Linz – Ceský Krumlov
Today, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritagelisted
town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centers in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the
15th century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades,
Day 4 Melk – Weissenkirchen
Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the goldleaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When we arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to
Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.
Day 5 Vienna
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.
Day 6 Vienna - Bratislava
Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marveling at the
everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater.
Day 7 Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand
Market, Budapest’s largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If you are feeling more active, you can instead
choose to hike to Buda Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around
Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
Day 8 Budapest
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you.
What's included in the Emerald Experience
- Airport transfers to and from the Emerald Dawn
- 7 Nights in Stylish Accommodations
- 19 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner on board
- Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water on board
- Guided english speaking tours in each port with the optional upgragrades.
- Hiking and biking tour options.
- A variety of onboard evening entertainment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All port charges and overseas transfers
- All gratuities are included
Pricing and Details
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy per stateroom
Pricing does not include flights, pre or post night hotels, travel insurance or optional excursions.
- Emerald Stateroom (1st Deck Window) - Starting from $2,970 per person
- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (2nd Deck) - Starting from $4,120 per person
- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (3rd Deck) - Starting from $4,270 per person
- Owner's One-Bedroom Suite (3rd Deck Balcony) - Starting from $6,420 per person
Save an additional $1,000 per person off your booking when you opt to pay in full within 30 days of booking.
Additional Information to Note
- A $500 per person, non-refundable deposit is due 48 hours after booking confirmation.
- Final payment is due within 30 days of booking with the $1,000 per person savings.
- It is strongly encouraged to arrive in Munich no later than October 25, one day prior to sailing.
- Airfare will be available in January 2025.