Enjoy a life-changing endurance challenge in Amboseli, Kenya at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Run a marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K while immersing yourself in wildlife and running alongside the Maasai, one of the oldest living indigenous communities in East Africa in Summer 2024. Invite your friends and family to cheer you on and celebrate with a safari and cultural celebrations!
Running with Unity Run you will make an impact! Your travels to Kenya allows us to provide clean water to the Maasai and create jobs to uplift communities through sustainable tourism. This unique experience is the only opportunity to run in Kenya, save lives by providing clean water, enjoy a wildlife safari, and safeguard African heritage. Register today to make a difference and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience!
You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to learn from the Maasai in Kenya & see the wildlife
Trip Highlights
- See African Wildlife on Safari in Amboseli National Park
- Breathtaking Views Mount Kilimanjaro
- Learn About Maasai Cultural Conservation
- Hands-on Cultural Workshops
- Visit Maasai Sacred Sites
- Maasai Storytelling & Wisdom
Daily Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival to Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. MCV will provide airport transfers to hotels in Nairobi. Guests will check in the hotel. Hotel rooms are designed to provide the highest levels of comfort and offers dining at its best with the freshest favors of locally sourced produce. All guests have exclusive access to the gym and swimming pool.
Welcoming Reception – Dinner will be provided at a welcome reception in the evening at 6PM. Visit the welcome desk at the welcoming reception to receive your name badges and welcome packet. All guests will attend a welcome reception in the evening to discuss program activities, meet all team members, and learn the social and cultural customs of the Maasai to prepare for the journey.
Day 2:
Maasai Welcoming Ceremony
Depart Nairobi to Amboseli at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to visit the village of the Maasai chief and warrior’s manyatta (homestead) to experience a traditional Maasai greeting. Participate or observe authentic Maasai tribal dances to learn traditional songs and dances passed down through generations. In this ceremony, everyone can join in the celebration. Enjoy establishing friendships with Maasai community members and immerse yourself in the Maasai ancient heritage and experience the genesis of humanity.
Arrive Amboseli at the Foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
We will check into luxury safari lodge, situated in Amboseli National Park where we will be staying for 5 nights. The Lodge offers spacious accommodations with views of the animal water pools and Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim and relax on the poolside lounger. Buffet and à la carte dishes are served at the restaurant offering various cuisines to suit every guest’s taste (including vegetarian options). Enjoy buffets during designated hours, beverages and snacks are also available throughout the day.
Day 3:
Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy a Safari game drive in Amboseli National Park, a designated as a UNESCO biosphere and is famous for being one of the best places in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, lions, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, antelope, and over 600 species of birds. Enjoy a safari to view the abundant wildlife that exists thanks to the Maasai harmonious way of life. The Maasai are protectors of the Earth and their indigenous wisdom plays a key role in preserving the Amboseli ecosystem and wildlife.
Hands-On Cultural Workshops
After your wildlife safari, you can join optional workshops such as a yoga class with a Maasai Yogi, ancient beading workshops, learn about Maasai natural medicines and ancient healing practices, listen to a Maasai motivational speaker, movie night under the stars with the Maasai, or enjoy swimming and relax at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. MCV will provide opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature.
Day 4:
Wildlife Safari in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy another Safari game drive in Amboseli National Park to observe the majestic wildlife and observe the African elephants. Visit the Amboseli Observation Hill where you can view the entire park. This is a serene place to relax for a while. Just beneath the hill is a swamp-like area where a lot of elephants and hippos are either lying in the water or grazing around it. The Amboseli ecosystem is known for the following wildlife: leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser kudu, and nocturnal porcupine and over 600 species of birdlife. Africa has few better combinations of wildlife and spectacular views of the scenery.
Cultural Workshops and Motivational Speakers
The Maasai will provide cultural talks and workshops to teach about the life of the Maasai and their ancient traditional knowledge with the aim of developing an awareness and appreciation for the Maasai heritage. MCV will provide another afternoon of opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature. Participants gain a sense of fulfillment in their service and a deeper understanding of our global community and the Maasai indigenous knowledge. You can also enjoy swimming and relaxing at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 5:
Unity Run Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/5K
Optional Unity Run Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/5K is a family-friendly race open to participants of all ages and abilities, including runners, and walkers. Experience an iconic run through Amboseli with the Maasai. You will also meet the Maasai runners and Kenyan champions. All participants will receive a race shirt, finishers medal, post-race refreshments, and a truly unforgettable race experience. Snacks and breakfast will be offered after the run.
* (Additional $150 registration fee is required to run – all proceeds fund MCV water programs).
Afternoon Cultural Celebration & Party
Enjoy a Cultural Celebration at a Maasai Heritage Site for an afternoon cultural party. This is an opportunity to create deeper bonds with the Maasai and congratulate all the runners. Entertainment and musicians will provide cultural entertainment and a concert from USA & Kenya artists sharing one stage in unity. There will also be cultural entertainment with dance lessons to learn traditional dances. Food, drinks, and entertainment will be provided.
Day 6:
Optional Morning Excursions:
Wildlife Safari in Maasai Conservation Area:
Enjoy another Safari game drive in the Maasai conservation area to observe the majestic wildlife. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, the savannah, and woodlands where various wildlife flourish.
Visit Maasai Ancient Cave:
Visit a Maasai cave and learn the history of various caves for the Maasai communities. The warriors faced numerous challenges and when they felt discouraged, they conducted rituals to re-energize themselves. The caves are covered with natural herbs that are used in treating various diseases and wounds. Caves were also used as treatment areas for injured warriors as they undergo treatment. The Maasai have used caves as homes, churches, holy shrines for prayers, and to hide their families and cattle during colonial rule and tribal wars.
Visit Sacred Maasai Hill:
Nature walk on Lemomo Hill, a natural land that oversees the Amboseli National Park. This hill is a sacred place for the Maasai. The tour is conducted by a Maasai naturalist to locate and identify various wild animals, birds and indigenous natural plants. Guests learn that the Maasai have lived for centuries with the wildlife using plant medicines and have much to share regarding their indigenous knowledge.
Hot Air Balloon Safari:
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari, is one of the beautiful ways to view the Amboseli Ecosystem and all the wildlife. You will take off just prior to sunrise, rising majestically above the Amboseli Ecosystem to watch the sun gently kiss the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro with unparalleled views of the Amboseli National Park, you will watch the wildlife migrate below you. (Additional Cost $475 / Person)
Optional Cultural Workshops:
MCV will provide another full afternoon of opportunities to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and nature. The Maasai will provide cultural talks and activities to learn about their lifestyle; you can ask questions from cultural leaders. You can join a class to learn about wildlife conservation; learn about the traditional herbal medicine and about the Maasai cures for various ailments with the opportunity to touch, smell and taste some of the herbs; enjoy a Yoga class with Maasai Yogi; bead with Maasai women and learn about their handicrafts and more. You can also enjoy swimming and relaxing at the poolside with the views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 7:
Travel to Nairobi
After breakfast depart Amboseli to Nairobi. On the way to Nairobi we will enjoy shopping for local handicrafts at a local gift shops and visiting Maasai artists for optional purchases of local handicrafts. Dinner will be enjoyed in Nairobi.
Day 8:
Depart Kenya
Depart Nairobi out of Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Airport shuttles will be provided.
Meals Included:
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners are included.
*Optional to bring cash for additional shopping, snacks, alcoholic beverages, or gifts
Transportation:
Safari Van
*All Transportation including arrival transfer, transportation between all destinations and to/from all activities and workshops as listed in the itinerary.
Lodging Accommodations:
MCV guests will enjoy a comfortable luxury tented camp located at the border of Amboseli National Park. Guests will have excellent accommodation and services where you can watch elephants with the snow-capped Kilimanjaro as the background.
Luxury Tented Camps Include:
- Rooms with private bath and hot shower
- Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Free WiFi at selected times and areas
- 24 hour security
- Restaurant and Bar
- Swimming Pool
Room Sharing:
If traveling as a family or with friends, accommodations can be made to ensure members are staying together in the lodge. Please make your requests in your application. If no requested are made, participants are placed according to gender.
Your Trip Changes Lives & Empowers Maasai Communities
Package Price:
7 Nights: $3,900 / person
Your support funds our humanitarian programs to empower local communities through our non-profit organization and employees the local Maasai people.
We have limited registration for this trip. Subject to availability, first come, first serve of total paid registration will have priority.
If you have a large family planning to travel, call us and we can arrange a custom trip for your group! Discounts may be available for large families in shared rooms upon request.
If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please call #805-Maasai-1 (+1 805-622-7241) or email: hq@mychosenvessels.com.
Included in Package:
Lodging
All Meals
Transportation
Guides
Service Learning Programs
Cultural Workshops
Safari in Amboseli National Park
Not Included:
Airfare
Entry Visa ($51)
* Application is online
Optional additional excursions and tours can be purchased for additional fees (fees listed in the descriptions above).