Splendors of East Africa
Open registration for 2026 Safaris
Hosts: Ambassador Nehemiah Rotich & Damaris Rotich, with David & Kathy Gies
East Africa is a captivating region, abundant in wildlife and unforgettable adventures.
This year we plan for a group of fourteen travelers beginning with a visit to the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage. David Sheldrick was the first director of Tsavo National Park, the largest park in East Africa, established in 1947. The story is captured in a book by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, Love, Life and Elephants. It is a delightful story, and it is recommended for anyone considering our visit to Nairobi. Three safaris will include visits to Amboseli, the Tsavo’s, recently highlighted in the New York Times article, “52 Places to Go in 2024“, and the famous Masia Mara during the seasonal migration.
Amboseli and Tsavo West
We begin our itinerary near Mount Kilimanjaro and a visit to the Elephant Research Center operated by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. The camp was established in 1972 and is known for its contributions to understanding elephant behavior, patriarchal dynamics, and social structure. Another site off the beaten track is Mzima Springs, an area created by volcanic action 500 years ago, creating large deposits of volcanic rock overlayed on a bed of non-porous material creating a sponge, capturing and filtering water vital to surrounding communities, the Tsavo River and Mombasa.
Tsavo East
Next, we will travel to Tsavo East, The Tsavo Parks make up the largest National Park in Kenya. Known for its elephants and vast landscape, we stay at the famous Kiliguni Lodge built during Jomo Kenyetta’s administration, the first President of Kenya, following independence in 1963. The Tsavo Parks are known for the red elephants. They acquire the appearance because of dusting themselves with the red earth.
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is famous for its diverse and abundant wildlife. It is home to the “Big Five”, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, and combined with Tanzania’s Serengeti, witnesses the Great Migration. We will do our best to avoid the Terror of Toyotas, not to be confused with a Tower of Giraffe or a Parade of Elephants, Conservation efforts are in place to conserve the biodiversity of the Masai Mara balancing the needs of wildlife with the local Maasai communities and tourism.
Out of Africa
We will visit the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, the heroine of the film, Out of Africa, based on the life of Karen Blixen, a Danish writer who lived in Kenya in the early 20th century. Pictured here, Damaris Rotich, the past director of the Karen Blixen Museum, describes the process of the coffee roasting machinery and other artifacts on the Blixen property and history of the surrounding community.
Karen Blixen moved to Kenya in 1913 with her husband, Baron Bror Blixen. They planned to raise cattle on their farm, eventually experimenting with growing coffee beans. The company faced many challenges, including the First World War, the Great Depression, and crop failures. Blixen managed the company alone after her divorce from Bror in 1925. She also had a romantic relationship with Denys Finch Hatton, a British adventurer and hunter. In the end, the coffee enterprise was failed, and she eventually had to sell the farm in 1931 and return to Denmark.
Giros Gateway Tour aims to offer a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Kenya, going beyond the typical tourist experience focused solely on iconic wildlife. Our approach emphasizes a rich cultural and historical perspective to provide guests with a deeper understanding of East Africa’s diverse heritage.
At the heart of our approach is the desire to showcase Kenya through the eyes of its people. We believe in the power of personal narratives, and our tours are crafted to involve local communities who graciously open their lives to our guests. This unique interaction allows visitors to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by the Kenyan people.
Our commitment extends beyond showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and majestic wildlife. We recognize the importance of addressing critical issues such as conservation and habitat preservation. By engaging with local experts and communities, Giros Gateway Tour strives to educate guests about the environmental challenges facing the region. This includes discussions on conservation efforts, wildlife protection initiatives, and sustainable practices aimed at preserving the natural beauty that defines Kenya.
Furthermore, we delve into the economic dynamics shaping the region. Our tours shed light on the intricate balance between tradition and modernity, exploring how economic forces drive change in East Africa. By delving into the socio-economic aspects, our guests gain a holistic perspective on the region’s development, witnessing both the prosperity and hardship that result from evolving economic landscapes.
In essence, Giros Gateway Tour goes beyond the surface of typical travel experiences. We aim to foster a connection between our guests and the people of Kenya, encouraging a meaningful exchange of stories, ideas, and perspectives. By offering a nuanced exploration that intertwines cultural, historical, environmental, and economic dimensions, we hope to leave a lasting impact on the way our guests perceive and appreciate the beauty and complexity of Kenya.
In 2023, Giros hosted its inaugural safari to Kenya Africa. It was a grand success. Our excursion is unique in the partnership between your Kenyan hosts, the Rotich’s, and on the USA side, the Gies’, hence our name, a combination of the names, Gies and Rotich, GIROS. Our tours are convened with like-minded people who value an experience in Africa from a similar perspective. That perspective values the appreciation of people, places, and the habitat supporting all life, and in Africa that is especially for its wildlife.
Contact Us
Write us at info@girostours.com