Kenya has long been a hotspot for tourism. For many decades travelers from around the world have been mesmerized by its winning combination of vast savannah grasslands, snow-capped mountains, incredible wildlife viewing and colorful local people. The adventures here are life-changing but only if you do it right. Like any popular destination, it’s easy to get sucked into banal tourist-traps that leave you feeling underwhelmed.
For this reason, finding the best tour operators is paramount. Kenya is the type of place where you need to book tours in order to get close to animals (such as lions) and to meet tribes (such as the Maasai). These activities simply can’t be done independently. That is why we highly recommend One Horizon Africa for all of your cultural and wildlife excursions. They pride themselves on authentic and responsible experiences in Kenya.
One Horizon’s story began when two Aussies were searching for ways to alleviate poverty in Africa. The first steps were taken when a feeding and education program was established in an impoverished community. This success snowballed into another initiative where training was provided to help women start their own sustainable businesses. Fast-forward to today and the company has around 50 programs running simultaneously.
The programs cover a wide variety of themes including food, water, electricity, irrigation, housing and training. One Horizon has been able to expand their projects by getting travelers involved every step of the way. Their motto is “holidays that change lives” – a statement that not only rings true for the local communities but also for the guests themselves who get to do some good while ticking off bucket-list experiences as they go.
In 2023, travelers are increasingly conscious of the impact they are having. These days people want to head off-the-beaten-track, support locals as much as possible, help keep the environment pristine and above all stay ethical throughout their journey. Luckily, in the nation of Kenya, there is one company that champions all of these modern values: One Horizon Africa. Below are a few reasons why you should book your tours with them.
Reasons to Book your Kenya Tours with One Horizon Africa
1. Enjoy Local Experiences, Not Tourist-Traps
Whether you seek a day or week of cultural immersion, the team at One Horizon has a perfect tour for you. For example, the Empowering Mothers day tour sees you meet an inspirational group of single mothers on the outskirts of Nairobi. The tour takes place at a vocational training center where women learn skills like sewing. Women in particular will find this to be rewarding as they make new female friends from a different culture.
For those looking for something more in-depth, the 6-day Insights of Kenyan Life tour might just be the ticket. It gives you the chance to meet Kenyans from all walks of life: from children in need at a soup kitchen where you will help prepare meals, to resilient grandmothers who run small businesses to support the younger generations. Other highlights of the tour include meeting the Maasai and spotting hippos at Lake Naivasha.
2. Help to Alleviate Poverty in Kenya
The great thing about One Horizon’s tours is that you can give the gift of time alongside charity – both of which help to keep the programs running. Your volunteering might be as simple as preparing a few meals for kids, and your donation as modest as $50, but it all contributes to reducing poverty. While money obviously goes further than labor, it’s still nice to get involved physically and interact with locals in an engaging way.
Many people have a philanthropic mission in life but are confused about where they should donate. We have all heard stories of NGOs amassing large amounts of money only to have it squandered on cozy salaries. With One Horizon, you can be assured that your money goes directly to those in need. You can even donate from the comfort of your own home without having to travel to Kenya. Check out their giving page for more info.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Maasai Way of Life
The Maasai tribe is one of the most famous in Kenya, home to two million people spread out across East Africa. They have a deep connection to the land – with a majority still living a nomadic lifestyle by herding cattle and living in temporary homesteads called “enkangs”. The most celebrated member of the tribe is the Maasai Warrior who dons red robes, brandishes spears and partakes in the captivating Adumu leaping dance.
Not to forget the role of the women, who are undoubtedly the backbone of the households, and the elders who pass on wisdom to the youth. Bonding with this tribe is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will never forget. One Horizon offers tours to experience their traditional way of life in a category called My Maasai Life Series. You can choose to meet the tribe via three perspectives: from a married woman, warrior or elder.
4. Combine Culture with Wildlife and Beaches
There is more to Kenya than just its cultural elements, which is why One Horizon has developed a number of tours that include wildlife safaris as well as beach inclusions. The 11-day A Safari, Beach and Community Experience is the ultimate illustration of this. In addition to spending time with grassroots communities in and around Nairobi, you will also get to venture into Masai Mara for a safari and to Diani beach for some relaxation.
The game drives in Masai Mara are the best in the world. Animals such as lions, cheetahs, zebras, elephants and hippos all show their faces – together with thousands of wildebeest in the migration season. In regards to Diani Beach, you will be spoiled with a 17-kilometer-long stretch of white sand that sits alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With One Horizon, you will be staying at the fabulous Baobab Beach Resort & Spa.
5. Travel via Helicopter and Fixed-Wing Aircraft
On the Kenya 360 tours with One Horizon (which are private groups), travelers are transferred between certain destinations via helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. As they like to say: “there is no tour bus in sight”. This takes your travel experience to exciting new heights. Sometimes it’s hard to truly appreciate Kenya’s natural beauty from the ground, but from high in the sky you will be able to look down at the diverse terrain and see villages.
6. Join a Wheelchair Accessible Tour in Kenya
Health problems or mobility issues can put people off traveling but with One Horizon it’s no reason to give up on your dreams. They offer a 10-day Kenya tour with wheelchair accessibility whereby guests are taken care of from start to finish by being appointed a travel buddy for the duration of the tour. The buddies assist guests when needed and help them to enjoy every moment. This itinerary is tailored to ensure comfort at all times.
7. Partake in a Youth Leadership Program
The youth leadership program with One Horizon called Changing Our World is aimed at students (school, college and university) who want to visit third-world countries and learn the skills necessary to make a positive impact on communities (abroad and at home). This 5-day Kenya itinerary places youngsters outside of their comfort zone, so they can acquire the soft skills and leadership abilities that have the potential to change lives.
