Family Ties (2 Days)
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Family Ties is a tour in the Magical Kenya Signature Experience Collection – curated, unique, authentic and exceptional once-in-a-lifetime Kenyan travel experiences accredited by the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB)
The One Horizon 2-day Family Ties cultural tour is a rare opportunity to visit families in their homes from two different Kenyan ethnic groups – the Maasai and the Kikuyu. You’ll also see how Kenyan families are merging their traditional culture with contemporary ways to build new, bright and sustainable futures. You’ll be warmly welcomed into a Maasai village and your hosts will show their age-old way of life and rites of passage. Then, while visiting a Kikuyu family, you’ll see how a farming enterprise assists grandmother-headed households. This tour will give you deep insight into the customs and structures of rural Kenyan family life and the highlight is the genuine interaction you will experience by sharing stories and laughter.
Available options
Family Ties (2 Days)
Pickup included
What's included
20 images of your visit
Bottled water
Supervision from an experienced team of humanitarian staff
Lunch
Return transfers from your hotel in air conditioned vehicles
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
DAY 1
Maasai Family Ties
Today you drive to a Maasai village where you spend the day with the men, women and children, and one of the elders, Daniel, will take you on a tour to explain how the Maasai have managed these precious lands. Help them build a new manyatta – a traditional Maasai home while Maasai warriors will teach about local plants to make medicinal remedies, In the afternoon the women will share their stories as they help you make your own piece of traditional beautifully-crafted beaded Maasai jewellery.
DAY 2
Kikuyu Family Ties
There are many grandmother-headed households in Kenya that care for a number of generations. Today you are hosted by gracious grandmother Helen at her rural home, who will introduce you to her large Kikuyu family. She will show you around her pig farm, and you can pitch in with the chores if you’d like to. This is a project supported by One Horizon as an initiative to improve the livelihoods of grandmothers.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
