We invite you to read I Am Because We Are: African Wisdom in Image and Proverb as our trip book. Its stunning black and white photographs taken throughout Africa combine with related African proverbs to provide wise, and at times raw, insights behind the culture of oneness and community that capture Kenya’s spirit. 

The book highlights the importance of proverbs in educating members of African societies on how to think, how to behave, and how to have a better life. It offers a powerful expression of African life and the universality of human emotions, ideas, and knowledge.

Also, we will host two Zoom calls with the trip group two months prior to departure. Come meet our HHJ trip hosts and fellow sisters with whom you experience this transformative adventure. Hear more about Kenyan culture, share trip goals, and get your questions answered.

This is your day to arrive whenever it works for you. 

A host  will meet you at the airport and transport you to our lovely lodge in  the Nairobi suburb of Karen (named after Karen Blixen of Out of Africa  and situated near the coffee farm she owned).

Depending on your  timing, we can provide ideas for optional sightseeing and arrange for a  guide. Give yourself time to settle in and have the flexibility to  arrange dinner on your own at or near our lodge.

It's time to stretch our legs and enjoy some fresh air after all that travel! The lush tea fields of Tigoni in the hills above Nairobi are our destination. 

After a healthy hike, including waterfalls and tea fields with expansive views of Nairobi, a picnic lunch awaits. Here, we have plenty of time to relax, get to know each other, and enjoy an introduction to the authentic heartbeat of Kenyan culture, including their triumphs and challenges and the questions they're asking as times  shift. (The tea industry, begun during colonial times, brings its own  set of questions!)

Today is a full, immersive experience! We begin with a visit to Ocean Sole, where discarded flip-flops are transformed into vibrant works of art, supporting marine conservation and local artisans. Next, we step into history at Karen Blixen’s home, gaining insight into the life and legacy of the famed author of Out of Africa. Our journey continues at the Giraffe Center, where we’ll meet the endangered Rothschild giraffes up close, followed by a heartwarming visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where rescued orphaned elephants are nurtured back to the wild. 

In the evening, we’ll join a women’s Chama, an intimate gathering in the community, to connect, share, and learn about the powerful role of collective support in women’s lives.

After breakfast at our lodge, we experience the road transfer to Masai Mara (5+ hours), taking us through small rural towns, across the Great Rift Valley, and onto the Mara. Wait until you see your first giraffe above the treetops or lion stalking its prey!

A warm welcome awaits, and after some time to settle into your tent above the river, be ready for our first evening game drive. So much happens as the sun goes down!

Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a group evening gathering around the fire.

The morning is full of opportunity, including an optional balloon ride over the savannah at daybreak or a morning game drive as the animals awaken. 

Today, we visit with the Mamas at Enjoolata, the community center in Basecamp, which hosts a local co-op of women beaders. We also engage in their tree-planting initiative, which focuses on reforesting the area, restoring natural habitats, and empowering the local Maasai community through sustainable conservation efforts.

Enjoy a late afternoon respite on your deck overlooking the savannah, and take time to reflect on the day with trip sisters over dinner hosted by our welcoming Kenyan hosts.

Today, we transfer to the newly-renovated Eagle View Camp in the Naboisho Conservancy, a private wildlife conservancy located in the Maasai Mara  ecosystem. Covering around 50,000 acres, it is one of the most successful community conservancies in Africa, balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable tourism and benefits for local Maasai communities. Tourism revenue directly supports conservation and community development. 

Wait til you see the expansive views from our new home base! Then, let’s head out for an evening game drive to explore our new surroundings.

A morning walking safari offers an intimate, ground-level exploration of the wilderness with expert Maasai guides who show us hidden surprises of the ecosystem, from animal tracks to medicinal plants.

This afternoon, enjoy the pool, read a book on your deck, visit more with each other today before a lively cooking class with Saruni Basecamp's lead chef. Be sure to check out his book on local cooking, too!

Let's then gather around the fire for an intimate visit with our female Kenyan hosts. It's a rare opportunity to ask them honest questions about Maasai culture and to build bridges of understanding.

Today, we can track the morning routines of wild animal herds and Maasai shepherds with their cattle on the savannah as we make our way to a new local Maasai school. Smiling children await us as we bring interactive learning activities and simple improvements to their classrooms.

Expect them to take your hand in theirs and lead you outside for singing and play. We leave with full hearts!

Take in the fullness of your final day in the conservancy, as you wish.  Join the early morning game drive, take a quiet morning to journal, or grab a dip in the pool. 

Around a leisurely lunch, let's gather as a group to reflect on our time together, capturing the transformative insights, memories and relationships that we take home with us.

It’s Friday Kenya Night at Eagle View, which means traditional Kenyan fare and spirited Maasai dancing. It’s a perfect way to end an unforgettable experience!

After a peaceful last morning at Eagle View, we fly back to Nairobi. This 45 minute flight includes spectacular views as life continues on the savannah.

Our familiar charming lodge in Karen welcomes us home for our final evening of reflection and celebration.

Enjoy a final breakfast on the terrace, then depart as needed. We will arrange for your airport transfer. You may even decide to stay on for further rest or exploration!

Your Honest Heart journey continues. We host a group call several weeks after we get home when all can share highlights and further insights. Our group WhatsApp is alive with updates, and it’s always fun to hear reports of trip sisters getting together on their own wherever they are!

Of course many plan further HHJ trips so they can continue to travel together and introduce friends to this growing community. And HHJ’s inspiration and community will continue to visit your in boxes and the pages of our Instagram and Facebook for you to stay connected!