It was the best vacation ever! At one point I became so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and wonder of all the amazing animals, I started to weep. And I’m not a weepy person. Absolutely wonderful, educational, safe, and perfect. Heaven on earth!  ~Julie D.

BJ and Lauren are so thoughtful and prepared and helpful and humorous that an atmosphere is established which brings out the best in each participant. It’s like magic!!!!!  ~Barbara B

It was amazing. Even the smallest detail was taken care of for each of us. You also went out of your way to meet our individual needs and desires. I wholeheartedly recommend your company and this trip.  ~Pat N.

This is my second trip with BJ and Lauren; these two people are so loving, and caring, full of energy, and just fun, when you meet them you end up having two best friends. When you travel with them you really don’t have to worry about anything, they will go out of their way to help you with any problems you have. ~ Sue T.

Every person I’ve met since I’ve been home the first words out of my mouth are “GO ON A SAFARI AND USE RETREATOURS!” It truly was a dream come true for me. The people I met on the safari that were part of the tour to all the employees at the different camps and hotels were a pleasure to meet and interact with. To see the animals in their environment and not in a cage was beyond exciting. Lauren and BJ become family after a very short time. I felt like I’d know them forever and feel I’ve made new lifelong friends. I had no worries about anything the whole time I was gone and felt safe at every stop we made. ~Carol W

BJ and Lauren did a great job of making us all feel safe and comfortable. They supported our every whim… Their pre-trip communications were just right, and their kind and ethical guidance brought out the best in each of us.  ~Brooke B.

This has been the best trip ever, full of miracles, truly lovely people in our group, and the best tour leaders in the world. Someone in our group suggested BJ and Lauren seem to attract really nice travel companions. Another wise soul amended that idea: BJ and Lauren seem to bring out the best in us, making us our best selves on the trip.

BJ and Lauren create ‘paint by number’ instructions for [trip preparation]… Huge for me was that BJ and Lauren are phenomenal photographers, sharing their amazing photos every day. Those photos were truly works of art, shared in nearly real time.

They have created extensive relationships in each country to provide support for our travels and to ensure our travel dollars actually get to the people in the country rather than some international chain. BJ and Lauren guided us at every step, giving their valuable information and creating continuous enjoyment. It was such a pleasure and, truly, the trip of a lifetime. Thank you!  ~Jane M.

I travel often and would have never considered a tour. I actually vowed never to take a tour. It does injustice to BJ and Lauren to even mention that it is a tour. It’s an experience that builds into fond memories and life changing opportunities if seized. I did seize and my exposure to the people of Kenya, Rwanda, wildlife and nature, was life altering. ~Andrew B.

This trip exceeded any expectations I had. This was due to Bj & Lauren’s patience and availability at all times. Any obstacle was handled with ease and aplomb. It was a “no worries” vibe.

The order of the trip was exceptional with each day being more amazing than the next. The guides/drivers were knowledgeable, polite, patient and fun. I felt well-taken care of by them-and safe.

Another wonderful service provided was BJ and Lauren’s photos which they made available to us at the end of each day via whatsApp. Very valuable for someone like me who isn’t a photographer and who didn’t want to see everything through a viewfinder. There were times I had a bit of zoom lens envy. That was quickly quelled when I realized I’d get great photos anyway!

The fact that RetreaTours donated so much money to various sanctuaries and research centers, making them available to us, meant a lot. The knowledge gained and experience of them enhanced the trip no end. And it certainly made me feel like the tour contributed to the wellbeing of the communities.

Overall, BJ and Lauren’s first hand experience with venues and in-country partners paid off to create a safe, rich tour. Their well-thought plans offset any “surprises” that can occur on such tours. Plus, we were well-prepared with very, very thorough emails sent out at several and well-timed intervals. Right down to step-by-step instructions for visa applications and vaccination certificates.

It was like a giant field trip. One where I didn’t have to worry about anything and yet any considerations I had were listened to and all questions were answered with a smile.
(Even when they were asked a million times).

Was it worth the money? YES! A great value
Would I do it again? YES! Saving my shillings for another time ’round.

A magnificent trip made more so by the magic of RetreaTours!  ~Vicky R.

BJ and Lauren are extraordinary at what they do. Their knowledge of local conditions is wide-ranging and deep, their enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and the care and respect evident in their relationships with local partners is striking. They treat each traveler with compassion and even-handedness. They individually have qualities that complement and support the other, demonstrating a profound personal and professional partnership. I feel both superbly cared for and proud to travel with their graceful guidance, and in fact don’t intend to travel internationally again without them. They are superb travel guides who set and meet a platinum standard. ~Judith S.

This was my first big vacation in 29 years and it far exceeded my expectations. It was a rarified experience to be immersed in nature for 12 days exploring various national parks and conservatories throughout Kenya. BJ and Lauren are true professionals and wonderful hosts who apply an extra measure of care and attention to ensure the trip offers something personal and meaningful to each and everyone of us.

In my case, I was delightfully surprised to plant a tree on the grounds of Ashnil Samburu in memory of my late husband Robert. This is the kind of special care and attention that comes with people who are passionate about their life’s work. Lauren and BJ go above and beyond to ensure our experiences are extraordinary, while simultaneously giving back to the local communities consciously & generously.

I am touched to the core of my being with the people, animals and experiences I had on my safari. I learned that safari means journey in Swahili and this was the first of many journeys I will continue to explore with these two wonderful hosts. ~Stephanie D.

If you want to start your safari party early, we’ve got you!

Itinerary at a Glance

September 13– Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya and stay overnight at Radisson Blue Arboretum

September 14– We’ll drive 4.5 hours to Amboseli National Park, home to Mt. Kilimanjaro and an iconic community of elephants, including the continents oldest tuskers. We’ll enjoy a sunset safari drive today.

September 15– We’ll enjoy two safari drives today to take in the park’s swamps, lakes, grasslands, and dry lake beds, home to an enormous diversity of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, and zebras. On our mid-day break, rest by the pool, the bar, or your porch and take in the wildlife moseying by the camp’s perimeter–or the monkeys playing on your lawn!

September 16–We’ll enjoy one one sunrise safari before heading back to Nairobi to meet the rest of our crew and begin the “Main Event!”

Detailed Itinerary

You’ll arrive in Nairobi on September 13 and stay at the Radisson Blu Arboretum, just steps away from a stunning green space in the capital.  This is where our main safari starts on the night of the 16th, as well.

On the morning of the 14th, we’ll head toward the southern border of Kenya in Amboseli National Park (~4.5-hour drive from Nairobi). This park, part of a much larger ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

Amboseli is famous for its views of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 19,341 ft (5,895 meters). This park is reknowned for its large elephant herds, including some of Africa’s most impressive tuskers. With Kilimanjaro as a stunning backdrop, the park’s swamps, grasslands, and dry lake beds support a diverse range of wildlife, from lions and cheetahs to zebras and over 400 bird species. Its name, derived from the Maasai word for “salty dust,” reflects its arid beauty and ecological uniqueness.

Our lodge, Ol Tukai, has gorgeous views of Kilimanjaro when she emerges from the clouds. Enjoy the view from the pool, bar, firepit, or your own front porch. You’ll see herds of animals saunter past our fence on their way to a nearby marsh–this is great place to rest on your porch with binoculars!

We’ll take a safari drive on the afternoon of the 14th to enjoy one of Amboseli’s vermilion sunsets. On September 15, we’ll have the opportunity for two gorgeous safari drives; one to take advantage of the beautiful light and animal activity at sunrise, and another in the late afternoon for the rich colors of sunset. During our break you can rest by the pool or take a delicious nap–or you could watch the naughty vervet monkeys scamper across your front porch and put on a show!

On the 16th, we’ll enjoy a sunrise safari before we say goodbye to our elephant friends and head back to Nairobi for the beginning of our “official” safari together.  Your room at Radisson Blu Arboretum is included in the main safari price. We’ll have a late afternoon meeting with our whole crew and head to Ol Pejeta tomorrow morning!

Price & Inclusions

The cost for this Amboseli extension is $1699 per person, with a $299 private room supplement if you are rooming by yourself.

You can save your spot with a $500 deposit and the balance will be due on March 1, 2026.

Please note: BJ and Lauren are able to join this extension with a minimum of four guests. Two to three guests can still take advantage of this extension for the same price and you’ll be well taken care of!  

Inclusions

• Airport VIP pick-up
• 1 night in Radisson Blu Arboretum
• 2 nights Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on September 14 and 15
• Breakfast on September 16
• All drinks, including house wines, beers, and cocktails
• Private safari vehicle and guide
• National park fees
• All tips to drivers/guides, hotel staff, restaurant staff, porters
• Double carbon offsets

Exclusions

• Travel Insurance
• Dinner on September 13
• Lunch and Dinner on September 16
• Laundry

What better way to wrap up your time in East Africa than with a visit to the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda!

There are limited permits for this extension, and we can only hold your space with a separate deposit for this experience (more details and pricing below).

BJ and Lauren will not be joining this extension, as we cannot justify passing the cost along to our guests. We organize this opportunity as a courtesy and because we think it is a meaningful experience. Our partners in Rwanda are remarkable and you will be in amazing hands!

Itinerary at a Glance

• September 28:  Arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda in mid-afternoon. Overnight in Kigali at Park Inn by Radisson.
• September 29: After breakfast, you’ll have a brief tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial. After lunch, you’ll drive ~3 hours through beautiful rural Rwanda to your base in Musanze.  Overnight at Ingagi Park View Lodge. 
• September 30: Early wake-up & breakfast, and then transfer to Volcano National Park HQ for your gorilla briefing. Now, on to hike to the gorilla group (with a group of no more than 8 guests) and spend one hour in their company. Rest in the afternoon or visit the Iby’ I wacu Cultural Village. Overnight at Ingagi Park View Lodge. 
• October 1: After breakfast, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Then, you’ll return to Kigali for your departure flight. (We can help you plan an international flight into Kenya and out of Rwanda, for ease of travel)
• NOTE: If you wish to extend your stay another day for an additional gorilla trek, we can help you arrange that.

Itinerary Details

September 28: Fly to Rwanda

You’ll fly to Rwanda in the early afternoon of the 28th. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Kigali at Park Inn by Radisson.

September 29: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you’ll take a tour of the moving Genocide Memorial site and learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide and how Rwanda has dealt with that past. The recovery has been incredible, a true testament to humankind’s resilience.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll be driven to Musanze in the northwest part of Rwanda, the main base town for Gorilla trekking. The drive is through beautiful rolling hills on a comfortable paved road and is approximately 3 hours from Kigali. Rwanda has one of the most stunning landscapes BJ and Lauren have had the privilege to drive through!

Today you can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund on a short self-guided tour,

Overnight at Ingagi Park View Lodge. 

September 30: Gorilla Trekking

After your morning wake-up call and breakfast, you’ll be picked up (around 6:30 AM) and transferred to the park office for gorilla trekking formalities and briefing by the Volcanoes National Park’s guides “gorilla etiquette.”

Park rangers have already left pre-dawn to locate the habituated Gorilla groups that are accessible to visitors. You will be assigned to a specific group of gorillas based on how easy you want your trek to be.

Groups of trekkers will have a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family. Your trek will vary in length depending on which gorilla group you have been assigned to and will commence at about 7,000 feet of altitude in the upper terraced slopes of the volcano. Soon you will enter the forest of bamboo and thick undergrowth.

You follow paths and the walking is steep but not overly strenuous. There are no words to describe the thrill of recognition attached to staring deep into eyes of these gentle giants. After locating your assigned gorilla group, you will spend one hour in their company before retracing your steps back down the volcano slopes.

You’ll head back for a reenergizing lunch at your lodge and have a restful afternoon! You can also visit the “Gorilla Guardians,” the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village, a group of ex-poachers who now make their living displaying local cultural customs for interested and engaged guests.

Overnight at Ingagi Park View Lodge. 

October 1: Departure

After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.  Enjoy the scenic drive back to Kigali and head to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Packing List & More Information

You can find out complete 2026 Rwanda information at  https://bit.ly/Rwanda2026

Suggested Fitness Requirements

Groups are split at the Park HQ by desire and ability. Those who do not wish to walk far will be assigned the closest families, while those who wish to spend more time in the forest will be assigned further families. Please know that gorillas may change locations after the trackers spot them pre-sunrise, so you may end up walking further (or less far) than originally thought.

You will be walking uphill in potentially muddy terrain. We suggest hiring a porter, not only to help the local community, but to carry your bag and give you a hand when needed.

If you have questions about the suitability of this trip, please email us!

Price & Inclusions

The price for this Rwanda extension is $3999 per person. Please stay tuned for the private room supplement.

Inclusions

• The Rwanda gorilla permit is currently $1500 and is priced as part of the trip. This fee goes to gorilla conversation and 10% of it goes directly back to help the surrounding communities so they don’t have to rely on poaching for income. Please click here for a great Associated Press article about this initiative.  If you wish to extend your stay for a 2nd gorilla trek, you will need an additional $1500 permit. 
• All airport transfers
• All accommodation
• All meals (through breakfast on your departure day)
• Transport in a 4×4 safari jeep
• Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
• City tour of Kigali & visit to the Genocide museum
• Visit to the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians)
• Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle

Exclusions

• Flight from Nairobi to Rwanda (~$200, we can help advise on this)
• Rwanda visa fees (~$50 USD)
• Tips to driver, guide, and porters (we will advise on that amount)
• Beverages at meals
• Laundry
• Alcohol
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the “inclusions” listing above.
• Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund ($20 donation)

How to Reserve Your Spot 

Your non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot for the Mountain Gorilla extension is a total of $2500 USD per person (which includes your $1500 Rwandan park fee). In order to save your spot, you’ll want to reserve this as soon as possible to ensure a spot.

We’ll also need a photo or scan of the information page of your passport to secure your spot.