Kenya Craft + Culture Tour

Jun 30

Written By Kirsten Dickerson

LOCATION: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, and Lamu

DATES: June 21-30 (9 nights)

GUESTS: 14 spots availabe (spots filled, waitlist only)

PRICING: $6,300 per person, shared occupancy

$1500 deposit due with registration to secure a spot

Registration opens April 1, 2027
This tour is open to any adult as well as children over 12 with parent.

Join the Waitlist

Join our curated insider journey to Kenya.

Kenya is perhaps one of our favorite places on the planet. This tour is led by Kirsten, who has journeyed to Kenya over twenty times, and each visit continues to be awe-inspiring.

Safari is the Swahili word for journey. We know this is a bucket list opportunity, and many have never been able to go on an African safari because of the costs and time commitment, so we have curated an insider safari that is both magical and approachable, giving you an authentic, unforgettable experience that will impact you for a lifetime.

This will be the journey of a lifetime and a wonderful experience to share with a loved one or best friend.

As you journey throughout Kenya, you will be invited to slow down and pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you in the people and the places you visit. There will be an extra emphasis on conservation and creation care as you gain first-hand experience of some of the most majestic animals and terrain in the world. All the places we will stay are sustainable hotels and lodges that are committed to making a positive impact on the local community. The warm hospitality of our local hosts will inspire the way you want to welcome people into your own life and home.

Experience safaris that are otherworldly experiences of awe and wonder in both private conservancies and renowned national parks.
Experience incredible wildlife first hand with our local expert Maasai guides, such as elephants, giraffes, lions, zebra, hippo, rhino, and so much more. If you love birds, you will be in heaven.
You will be invited to learn firsthand about Kenyan crafts such as glass blowing, leather, beading, brassworks, and ceramics.
Learn about the Kenyan culture from our local hosts as we are welcomed into their communities and villages.
Support local artisans and sustainable shops that make beautiful handicrafts.
Visit iconic places in Nairobi such as the elephant orphanage and Karen Blixen’s home and coffee farm.
Enjoy locally grown and lovingly prepared delicious food, often sourced in the gardens at our accommodations.
Experience bush breakfasts, safari walks, nighttime game drives and sundowners with breathtaking views of the savannah and African bush.
Visit untouched areas of Kenya that will give you a glimpse of the truly wild and wonderful world that God has created.
Journey to Lamu Island for our final 2 nights. Enjoy a local cultural tour, incredible ocean views, delicious local meals including fresh caught seafood, and a sunset dhow boat cruise. I love this island and look forward to you experiencing this special corner of East Africa.
Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with no cars, relying on donkeys and boats for transport. Known for its unique 14th-century coral stone architecture, intricate wooden doors, and vibrant Islamic culture, it is a tranquil destination for experiencing authentic coastal life.

What’s included

Accommodations: 9 nights’ accommodations in handpicked eco-safari lodges, a boutique designer hotel, a gorgeous Swahili House with stunning ocean views, and a relaxing retreat center- all accommodations have a positive social impact on their local community.

Transportation: Local transportation (vehicles, safari jeeps, and in-country flights) as well as airport transfers.

Meals: All meals and all drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at some locations. Meals are lovingly prepared by skilled chefs and locally sourced produce.

Experiences and Other Inclusions:

Guided safaris and tours with an extra emphasis on conservation and creation care (3 different locations: Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Maasai Mara ).
Bush breakfasts, bush walks, and sundowners in the private nature conservancies.
Evenings relaxing under the stars, maybe the brightest you will ever see.
Visit to local private Maasai community that owns the nature conservancy area where our lodge is located.
All national park fees, conservancy fees, and museum fees, such as an elephant orphanage and a giraffe center.
Hands-on artisan workshops, including supplies.
Shopping at local artisan stores for handmade Kenyan treasures.
Lamu Island experiences
ARTIST & NOMAD tote bag and journal
ARTIST & NOMAD host and local Kenyan guides

A detailed itinerary and specific accommodations are provided to registered travelers only.

What’s not included?

Airfare, travel insurance, visa (if needed), tips for hotel staff and guides, some alcohol, extra snacks, and personal purchases.

Interest list

Details

Age requirement: Open to any adult as well as children over 12 accompanied by a parent.
Registration deadline: December 15, 2025
- If we have any questions about your registration, we will be in touch within 2 business days.
Pricing per person:
- $6,300 USD - shared occupancy.
- Please email usabout single supplement/private room availability and extra fee.
- A portion of your fee goes toward the ARTIST & NOMAD Artisan Fund.
Due with registration: $1500 USD (non-refundable).
Deposit: $1500 USD due with registration.
2nd payment due November 15, 2026: $2,400 USD. (+ if applicable, single supplement room fee)
3rd Payment due March 15, 2027: $2,400 USD.
Payment Terms: Our tours and retreats are intentionally small, and cancellations have a significant impact on our team and our local partners. For this reason, all payments are required, non-refundable, and non-transferable, except for the few situations noted in our Terms.
ARTIST & NOMAD Full Terms: Please review our Full Terms before registering.
Travel Packet: 3-4 weeks after your registration, you’ll receive a detailed packet to help you prepare for your journey. This will include everything needed to prepare for your journey, including a detailed itinerary, travel arrival/departure guidelines, packing list, travel insurance information, cultural insights, and other travel tips.
- Flights: The tour packet we provide will have detailed information you need to book your flights and travel insurance. You are responsible for booking both on time and following the arrival and departure details we provide.
  - Please don’t purchase flights until ARTIST & NOMAD sends you the detailed itinerary and arrival/departure guidelines.
- Travel insurance: This is required to protect you in case of a medical emergency or unexpected change of plans. We recommend a plan that includes medical care, accidents, cancellations, etc and your ARTIST & NOMAD tour fees.
  - Select a plan level, from a company of your choosing, which brings you the most peace of mind. For the most complete protection—such as “Cancel For Any Reason” or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions—be sure to purchase within 21 days of your ARTIST & NOMAD deposit.
- Passport & Visa: Please ensure your passport it is current and secure any visa needed, depending on your nationality.
  - Currently all travelers need an ETA Visa to enter Kenya.
Connect Online: ARTIST & NOMAD will host a group video call via Google Meet, usually 2-3 months before the tour. This invites our travelers a chance to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the upcoming adventure in Portugal. You will receive an email with a detailed link when it is scheduled.
Activity Level: This tour is mild activity, but rustic. There will be some long walks and a lot of in-country travel via safari vehicles and small planes.
Vaccinations: Please check the CDC website for updated health notices and vaccine recommendations, and visit your doctor or a travel nurse to discuss what is best for you.
- You are responsible for ensuring you have the vaccinations or vaccination exemptions required for travel and entry into your destination.
- Currently, you must have the Yellow Fever vaccine for the area we are visiting.
Health Policy: We kindly ask you to enjoy alcohol mindfully and in moderation. Please note that smoking and drug use are not permitted.
Please read ARTIST & NOMAD’s Full Terms and Travel Philosophy before you register. Agreement to these terms is required to travel with ARTIST & NOMAD.
Questions? Please email us, and we’d be happy to connect and answer any questions.

Meet Your Host

Your host for magical Kenya will be Kirsten Dickerson, our founder and director. Kirsten has traveled extensively (over 40 countries), building meaningful long-term relationships with artisans, designers, and local guides. She loves inviting people to discover our wonderful world through the lense of beauty, advocacy, and local voices. She lives in London with her husband and best friend Brandon.Together they are currently directing and producing a documentary on artisans.

Sample Itinerary

The complete itinerary and accommodations are shared with registered travelers only. Travel- especially with a group-can require flexibility. To help create the best experience for everyone, ARTIST & NOMAD may adjust the itinerary as needed before or during the trip.

- Welcome to Nairobi!
- Check in a beloved retreat center in the heart of beautiful Karen, was renovated with Kirsten’s direction in 2021 to help create a sustainable business model which funds local programs for vulnerable youth and HIV impacted women.
- Relax and enjoy the artisan-made and locally sourced decor and the beautiful gardens .
- Dinner for those arriving at the center by 8:00 pm.
- Welcome breakfast at the retreat center.
- Depart for the day to visit a local NGO empowering women and children impacted by HIV and poverty.
- Lunch at a fav local spot and afternoon visit to the Giraffe Center.
- Shop local artisan stores for handmade Kenyan treasures.
- Dinner at the retreat center.
- Breakfast at the retreat center.
- Depart to visit the world of Kenyan crafts at a small workshop and creative studio in Nairobi, owned by one of ARTIST & NOMAD’S benefactors.
- See firsthand where local artisans make beautiful leather goods, brassworks, and ceramics, and learn about traditional techniques, and even try your hand at a few of the steps alongside the talented team.
- A delicious local lunch will be prepared for us on-site.
- Depart for our next accommodations, a sustainable Safari Lodge, situated right on the edge of the Nairobi National Game Park.
- Safari in the park, enjoy the gardens, relax by the pool, or read in the library.
- All our delicious meals are sourced from the regenerative farm on the premises.
- Sunrise safari to find some of the incredible wildlife in the park.
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Tour of the regenerative farm at the lodge
- After lunch, walk to Kitengala Glass for a glass blowing session with the artisans at their magical workshop.
- Evening safari to view the wildlife at sunset.
- Dinner at the lodge.
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Depart for the Maasai Mara to begin your three day safari
- Arrive to Basecamp Wilderness. Perhaps more than any of the other Maasai Mara camps, Basecamp Wilderness pays homage to the safari pioneers of a bygone era. At the same time, its unique location within the Naboisho Conservancy allows for a very modern approach to responsible tourism.
  Offering an exceptional degree of exclusivity to guests looking to enjoy a safari in the Maasai Mara, this Kenya safari tented camp benefits from being sited in a wildlife conservancy away from busier parts of the reserve. Basecamp Wilderness offers incredible views – especially at at dawn as the sun begins to rise– and also invaluable glimpses of the lives and times of Kenya’s legendary early explorers.
- Sunset Safari and dinner at the camp.
Hidden deep within the evocatively named Saddle Valley, Basecamp Wilderness offers stunning sunrise views and abundant wildlife.
Basecamp Wilderness is a founding member of Naibosho Conservancy.
It is an important community-owned wildlife area in the Masai Mara ecosystem whose success has helped changing the story of tourism and conservation in the Masai Mara, improving the livelihoods of people and extending the size of protected land where fauna and flora thrive.
- Breakfast at camp.
- Morning bush breakfast and sunrise safari
- Lunch back at camp.
- Afternoon bush walk with a local Maasai guide.
- Dinner and campfire stories with the Maasi.
- Morning Sunrise Safari.
- Return for breakfast and refreshing up.
- Bush picnic and bird watching
- Afternoon visit to a local, authentic Maasai village - learn about their local culture and traditions.
- Dinner at the camp followed by a nighttime game drive. See the different animals that come out at night!
- Wake up to your last day in the Mara.
- Enjoy a final early safari or sleep in for a slow, relaxing morning.
- Pack up your belongings and prepare for the final leg or our journey - Lamu Island!
- Depart for lamu. Transfer to Forodhani House, a traditional swahili home. Located on Shella Beach on the very spot where a watch-post once stood, guiding the boats into and out of Lamu Island, Forodhani House is a beautiful beachfront vacation house with stunning 270° sea-views.
- The house was built in accordance with the rules of Swahili architecture, and by Lamu’s best craftsmen. Enjoy the elegance and authenticity of antique furniture, admire the high carved teak front door, or niches and hand-carved friezes that adorn every room.
- Relax, walk the beach, and enjoy the beautiful house.
- Sunset Dhow boat cruise followed by dinner at the house
- Morning visit to Lamu Town with a local guide. Only 5 minutes by boat, Lamu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be transported directly into the seventeenth century. No cars, narrower and narrower alleys and streets as forming a labyrinth from where the children playing will easily guide you if you get lost.
- Lunch at Lamu House followed by a visit to the donkey sanctuary
- Return to Forodhani House to relax or do some local shopping and exploring of Shella Beach
- Final dinner and time of sharing about our incredible adventure in Kenya together
- After breakfast, pack up and prepare for our journey home.
- Depart via a short flight back to Nairobi.
- Late lunch/early dinner at a favorite local spot where we can relax until our evening flights.
- Safe journey home and we hope you carry a lifetime of beautiful memories with you!

Kirsten Dickerson