Tanzania and Kenya: Wild Encounters and Global Perspectives

Alongside faculty-expert Professor Virginia Beard, we will descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, explore the legendary Serengeti and Masai Mara on exhilarating safari game drives, and, if conditions allow, witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration as thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the plains. Along the way, search for the iconic “Big Five,” marvel at giraffes, cheetahs and countless other species, and enjoy comfortable lodge accommodations in the heart of the African wilderness. Beyond the safari, discover the rich cultural heritage and modern realities of East Africa through visits to museums and markets. Throughout the journey, faculty-led discussions and local perspectives will illuminate the political, economic and conservation challenges shaping Tanzania and Kenya today, offering an enriching travel experience that combines adventure, learning and meaningful global engagement.

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  Brochure

Tour Highlights

Our adventure will begin with an initial arrival in Arusha, Tanzania, after a layover in Europe. We’ll then travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot-deep, volcano-formed amphitheater that is home to the “Big Five” — as well as plenty of flamingos. After a night of rest in a lodge, we’ll head off to the legendary Serengeti National Park for more wildlife viewing in this predator-rich region.

After two days in the Serengeti, we’ll make our way to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, host to lions, elephants, cheetahs and countless more species. There will be plenty of game viewing as we make our way to the lodge that will be our home for the next few days. We’ll spend two additional days in the Mara and, luckily, we’ll be visiting at one of the best times to witness the Great Migration, when enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra move through the reserve. 

After we get our fill of wildlife viewing in Masai Mara, we’ll head to Kenya’s vibrant capital, Nairobi, a place where our tour leader, Dr. Virginia Beard, will be particularly invaluable as she offers insights on Kenya’s history, society, economics and current affairs. We’ll visit the historic Karen Blixen Museum and tour the Kazuri Beads Factory before a visit to the Nairobi National Park offers us a unique contrast, with giraffes, rhinos and other wildlife roaming with the city skyline in the distance.

The trip will be capped off with some up-close encounters with some of the country’s most precious animals at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (pending availability) and then the Giraffe Centre. We’ll head home with our hearts full and our minds opened!

Tour Leaders

Dr. Virginia Beard

Dr. Virginia Beard will serve as the trip’s faculty expert. She has been a member of the Hope College political science faculty since 2007, specializing in African politics, comparative politics and public policy. A Global Water Research Institute (GWRI) Fellow, she has conducted research in Kenya and Zambia focused on community development and water access while mentoring students in collaborative research. An experienced travel study leader, Dr. Beard is passionate about helping people connect with diverse cultures, explore global issues and engage meaningfully with East Africa. 

Tour Fee

The program fee is $9,995 per person. Based on double occupancy, it includes:

• Airport transfers from West Michigan to Chicago O’Hare, and from Detroit returning to West Michigan
• Airfare from Chicago to Kilimanjaro and Nairobi returning to Detroit
• Hotel accommodations for nine nights
• Sightseeing and admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Breakfast daily, seven lunches and eight dinners
• Tipping and taxes on all included services

For single occupancy, add $1,500 for an inside cabin.

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