Grinnellian Adventures: Kenya
June 6–19, 2027
Join Grinnellians on an extraordinary 14-day journey through Kenya, where learning, exploration, and meaningful connection come together in unforgettable ways.
As the first experience in the Journeys of Liberation travel series, developed in collaboration with Grinnell's African Diaspora Studies department, this program invites alums, families, and friends to engage deeply with the histories, cultures, and communities that have shaped the African diaspora. Led by Associate Professor Makeba Lavan, a scholar of African American literature, culture, and Critical Black Studies, this immersive experience offers opportunities to explore Kenya through multiple lenses: historical, cultural, literary, and personal.
Travel from vibrant Nairobi to Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara, and the historic Swahili Coast. Along the way, you'll engage with local historians, writers, artists, and community members; visit sites connected to the ancestral histories of both Lupita Nyong'o and Barack Obama; spend time learning with Maasai hosts; and experience the remarkable wildlife and landscapes that make Kenya one of the world's most captivating destinations.
More than a tour, this is an opportunity to travel thoughtfully, build community with fellow Grinnellians and faculty, and deepen your understanding of the connections between Africa, the African diaspora, and our shared global histories.
Whether you are drawn by intellectual curiosity, cultural exploration, lifelong learning, or the adventure of discovering a new place alongside fellow alums and friends, we invite you to join us for the inaugural Journey of Liberation.
View the brochure or make your reservation
Faculty Leader
Makeba Lavan
Associate Professor of English and African Diaspora Studies (ADS)
Makeba Lavan is an Associate Professor of English and African Diaspora Studies (ADS). She joined Grinnell College in 2019. Makeba played a key role in the development of the ADS program, having served on its steering committee since its inception. Her service has also included work on inclusion initiatives, including the Board of Trustees’ Anti-Racism Planning Group, the Classroom Climate Committee, and the Operation Black Joy Committee, of which she was cochair. Makeba’s courses and research focus on African American literature and cultural production, Critical Black Studies, and Media Studies, particularly popular culture. She thoughtfully crafts her reading lists to include authors from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are disabled or LGBTQIA+. Makeba often emphasizes the connection between literature and media/visual arts by providing opportunities for students to engage with artistic work.
Makeba was selected as the College’s third Humanities Center Fellow in 2022-23. She has thrice been featured on the Talk of Iowa Book; she and Dr. Stephanie Jones (Education) appeared on John Drabinski’s Black Studies podcast. Makeba has been published in Women’s Studies Quarterly, Radical Teacher, Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, and Modern Language Studies. As part of Lost and Found: The CUNY Poetics Document Initiative, she co-edited “Realizing the Dream of A Black University” & Other Writings, a collaborative publication of Toni Cade Bambara’s teaching materials from CUNY and Spelman College. As a result, she and co-editor Conor Tomas Reed were featured in Louis Massiah’s documentary, TCB: The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing (2025).
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Itinerary — June 6–19, 2027
June 6, 2027: Depart Home
Depart home on Sunday, June 6, 2027 on independent flights to Nairobi, Kenya. Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on Monday, June 7th, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to our hotel.
June 7–9: Nairobi
Spend three nights at the 4-star Sarova Panafric Hotel. We gather for a welcome dinner on June 7th. All meals are included on June 8 and 9.
While in Nairobi, we are joined by a Kenyan historian for visits to the Nairobi Gallery and the Kenya National Archives, where collections of African art, including basketry, pottery, and masks provide insight into the region’s cultural heritage. We also take a short resident-led tour of Kibera, Africa’s largest informal settlement, offering a deeper understanding of contemporary urban life and community resilience. A special highlight of our stay is an engaging discussion with a Kenyan author, who shares perspectives on their work and explores African histories, identities, and experiences through literature.
June 10–12: Kisumu
Fly from Nairobi to Kisumu. Spend three nights at the 4-star Sarova Imperial hotel. All meals are included.
We take an in-program flight from Nairobi to the lakeside town of Kisumu. While here, we enjoy a city tour with a visit to Kisumu Museum, whose exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of western Kenya; and a visit to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, a reserve for rare antelopes, buffalo, and giraffes.
While in the Kisumu region, we visit two villages that allow us to explore the ties of the African diaspora more deeply. The first village is Seme, the ancestral home of Lupita Nyongo, Kenyan-Mexican actress and author. The second village we visit is Siaya Kogelo, the ancestral home of former President Barack Obama.
June 13–14: Maasai Mara
Drive from Kisumu to Maasai Mara (about 5 hours). Spend two nights at the 4-star Sarova Mara Game Camp, a luxury safari lodge. All meals are included.
A trip to Kenya would not be complete without a game drive or two. We spend a couple of nights in Maasai Mara, where we enjoy an afternoon game drive upon arrival, and then a full day’s worth of game drives beginning in the early morning. June is a transitional period with lush green landscapes and highly active wildlife across the plains. There is a good chance to see the Big Five during this time, with lions being the most active, as well as abundant birdlife.
June 15: Nairobi
Drive from Maasai Mara to Gathoni Park Farm in Tigoni (3.5 hours) and then continue to Nairobi. We return to Nairobi for one night and stay at the 4-star Sarova Panafric Hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included, and dinner is at leisure to explore the culinary delights of Nairobi.
June 16–18: Mombasa
Travel by train (first-class) from Nairobi to Mombasa (6 hours). During our stay in Mombasa, we spend three nights at the 5-star Bamburi Beach Hotel. All meals are included. On our last night together, Friday, June 18th, we enjoy a farewell dinner cruise, sailing along Tudor Creek aboard a traditional Swahili dhow.
We take a train journey from Nairobi through the Athi Plains and the Great Tsavo to the coastal town of Mombasa. As the scenery shifts from highland savanna to coastal lowlands, we experience some of Kenya’s most iconic natural environments, with opportunities to spot wildlife and appreciate the scale and beauty of East Africa’s remarkable landscapes.
We enjoy time at leisure by the beach—a nice way to recuperate from our journey thus far. While in Mombasa, we tour the Old Town and meet with a local historian to visit the Swahili Museum.
On our last day of touring, we explore the North Coast to the Mijikenda sacred Kaya forests—protected forested sites containing 16th century fortified villages. The sacred groves are managed by councils of elders for rituals, spiritual guidance, and preserving biodiversity.
June 19: Fly Home
On the morning of June 19, we fly from Mombasa to Nairobi, where a day room is available at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport hotel while you wait for connecting flights homeward. Individual or group transfers from the hotel to the airport will be provided depending upon flight times.
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Pricing
- $9,595 per person - double occupancy (14-18 participants)
- $10,195 per person - double occupancy (10-13 participants)
- $1,445 single supplement
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability). With fewer than 10 participants, a small group surcharge may be applied.
Price Includes
- Grinnell College faculty leader Makeba Lavan plus a professional tour manager, expert drivers, and local guides
- Individual and/or group (depending on flight schedules) airport transfers on program arrival and departure dates
- Accommodations for twelve nights and one day room in comfortable, well-located hotels and a unique tented camp, as per the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a luxury coach and 4x4 open-top Land Cruisers for safari drives, providing window seats for everyone. Bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks available at all times during game drives
- One-way, first-class train ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa and two inprogram flights from Nairobi to Kisumu and from Mombasa to Nairobi
- All meals with bottled water/soft drinks, plus coffee, tea, beer or wine with dinners. Special welcome and farewell dinners include local beer and/or wine
- All excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- All porterage fees, service charges, government VAT, hotel taxes, and park entrance fees
- Gratuities to restaurant staff for included meals, driver/guides, porters, and hotel and camp staff
- Pre-departure information on all aspects of the tour, plus cultural information and a suggested reading/media guide
- Membership in AMREF Flying Doctors
Price does not include
- Airfare from/to home
- Airfare tax and foreign airport taxes
- Independent airport transfers
- Any costs associated with flight cancellations or delays; fees associated with required yellow fever vaccination; passport and visa fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance
- All items of a personal nature such as personal tips, laundry, medical expenses, taxi, telephone/fax/Wi-Fi charges
- Any activities not specified in the itinerary
- ...and other items not listed as included.
Additional Notes
Prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, and the price of fuel, services, and labor may increase the cost of arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices.
Prices, itinerary, accommodations, and leader are subject to change. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to participants who do not complete the tour for whatever reason. Complete terms and conditions are available upon confirmation or upon request.
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FAQ
Who is invited to join this trip?
All Grinnellians are warmly invited! A Grinnellian can be an alum, a family member of an alum, and/or anyone who supports the College. We also welcome your guests - they do not need to be alums.
What can I expect on the trip?
This journey will be an immersive, thought provoking exploration of Kenya beyond the familiar—designed to spark curiosity, conversation, and deep reflection.. Traveling with fellow Grinnellians, Professor Makeba Lavan, and local experts, you’ll engage closely with rural villages, African history, and fingers crossed local wildlife while on safari.
What are the physical requirements?
Please ensure that your are physically and mentally fit to travel unassisted. This includes being able to:
- Walk two or more miles per day, including on uneven services
- Go up and down steps and inclines
- Stand for periods of time
- Carry personal bags and luggage independently
Some land travel, especially on game drives, will be over very bumpy roads. Participants with back issues should consult with their physician and consider traveling with appropriate back support. There may be considerable dust in the air during game drives. Participants with allergies or breathing issues are encouraged to travel with a dust mask or bandanna to inhibit dust inhalation. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, we suggest that you visit your personal physician with this brochure in hand and discuss whether or not this program is appropriate for you.
What weather should I expect during this trip?
June marks the transition from the long rainy season to the dry season in Kenya.
- Nairobi & The Highlands: Daytime highs average around 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 78°F), but nights are noticeably crisp and chilly, dropping to 12°C to 14°C (53°F to 57°F). You may need a sweater or light jacket for morning activities.
- The Coast (Mombasa): It is warmer and more tropical, with average daily highs of 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F) and comfortable humidity.
Who is organizing and supporting this trip?
Grinnell College has contracted Eos Study Tours to provide expert organization and support for this adventure. A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will also travel with the group to assist guests and the faculty leader throughout the journey.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is optional but recommended as with any travel adventure. You may purchase coverage through the provider of your choice.
May I bring a guest?
Yes! Grinnellians are welcome to bring guests. Your guest does not need to be an alum.
What if I need assistance during the trip?
A Grinnell College staff member will be on the trip to provide support to guests and our faculty leaders. You will always have someone to turn to if you need assistance at any point.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633.
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