Group size: 6-12

Staff: Two native English speakers with many years local experience, plus our local Kenya coaches, drivers, and tour guides.

Open to: All travelers, ages 13-65. All active activities are optional and always feature different levels of intensity.*

Program Summary

Explore Kenya’s Rift Valley and varied landscapes as you follow in the footsteps of countless marathon champions and search for elephants, lions, leopards and more in the African wilderness. This trip is built for the traveler who wants to stay active and explore a new culture while also experiencing the sights of East Africa as more than a tourist. Experience typical traditions in Kenya while meeting locals and learning from your Strive Gurus who have worked in these communities for years.

Begin your trip in Nairobi – the nation’s capital – spending a morning running through the beautiful neighborhoods of Nairobi or, if you’re up for it, taking your first morning run in Karura Forest, before heading to the Giraffe Sanctuary near Nairobi National Park. That afternoon we’ll continue our journey to Hell’s Gate where we’ll spend the night and rest up for our running and climbing adventure tomorrow.  After a morning in Hell’s Gate we’ll spend an evening catching our breath and relaxing at our beautiful accommodations as we continue to adjust to being at 6,000 ft.  The next day, after our run, we’ll head over to Lake Nakuru where, if the animals are nice, we’ll see rhinos, lions, giraffes and a whole lot more as we take part in our first full day game drive.

From Lake Nakuru we will spend several days and nights at the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) where we will “run into” many professional runners and coaches as we run, bike and hike the hills of Iten to cap off our trip to Kenya. We may also have the opportunity to meet with legendary coaches like Renato Canova and Brother Colm O’Connell.  A few day trips around Iten will give you a better idea of the beauty of the Rift Valley – the cradle of humanity. Explore the breath-taking views from the local forests as professional runners dart through the trees, enjoy a visit to the nearby waterfall or Lake Baringo, and run the same routes as the world’s best endurance athletes and even test your mettle against other Kenyan Runners by joining a group of 100’s of runners on a Tuesday or Thursday Fartlek. Finish up your time in Iten with a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, along the same roads with which you’ve become familiar through the spectacular Rift Valley and flanked by the many champions that call these streets home. 

Need more? For those who want to arrive home with an extra sense of accomplishment, embark on the 4 day/3 night additional excursion to summit Mt Kenya – a stunning peak just over 17,000 ft full of wondrous views and adventure.  You’ll hike for a couple days before getting up before dawn to summit the peak. Take a moment to catch your breath and pat yourself on the back for making it to the top!  

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi

In the evening, be greeted by our experienced Strive staff who will be awaiting your arrival in the Nairobi airport. Take a short taxi ride to a nearby hotel for a relaxing meal and night of rest. Watch closely and you may be able to see the giraffes from a nearby game park as we drive to and from the hotel.

Lodging: Best Western Executive Residency or similar
Meals: Dinner

*Note: you can choose to arrive on the morning of Day 2 if the flight is more convenient. Please contact us with any questions about arrival logistics. We’re happy to accommodate as many special requests as we can.

Day 2 – Nairobi to Hell’s Gate

Wake up and enjoy an early morning run on the quiet residential streets or, if the group is up for it, through nearby Karura Forest.  After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a short drive to the Giraffe Sanctuary where you’ll learn about the different species of giraffes and the programs to breed and release the endangered species to the wild. Oh and you’ll be able to see a giraffe tongue up close and personal! After spending “lunch” with the giraffes we’ll head out to Hell’s Gate and check into our accommodation for the night.

Lodging: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Workouts: Run, walk or fitness center

Day 3 – Hell’s Gate   

Enjoy breakfast because after that we’re going straight to Hell’s Gate! Once in the park you’ll be given the option to run, bike or ride in the van as we search for some local wildlife on foot.  If you still have energy and you’re up for another adventure you’ll be able to do a little rock climbing with a local, professional guide. If not, just enjoy the wildlife and scenery of the park and maybe visit the Devil’s Bedroom.  After a picnic lunch in the park, we’ll meander back to our accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool and resting up after a lot of travel and jet lag.

Lodging: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge or similar
Meals: B,L,D
Workouts: Run, walk or bike through Hell’s Gate

Day 4 – Safari

After a morning run and breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive to nearby Lake Nakuru where you’ll get your binoculars out and start searching for animals. “Safari” is Swahili for “journey.” And Safari we will! If we’re lucky we’ll spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and more. After a full day in the park we’ll return back to our accommodation for dinner and a drink to relax.

Lodging: Sarova Woodlands
Meals: B, L, D
Workouts: Morning Run or Walk

Day 5 – Morning Safari and to Iten, “Home of Champions”

We’ll head out early into the park to hopefully catch a glimpse of lions on the hunt or other early morning activity from the animals before heading back to the hotel, going for a short run, and then heading to the airport to catch our flight to Eldoret. From Eldoret, we’ll take private transport all the way to the High Altitude Training Center, your home for the next 7 nights.  Upon arrival you’ll get a tour of the of the facilities and enjoy your first meal with the friendly cooking staff at the HATC.

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D
Workouts: Morning run after early morning game drive

Day 6– Iten

Enjoy your first day in Iten with a little bit of relaxation and exploration of the nearby town. Stop in to a local billiards hall for a game of pool with the “sharks” or just enjoy wandering around the markets and bargaining for fresh fruits and veggies. We’ll want to take it easy today as it’s our first day at almost 8,000 ft.  In the afternoon we’ll head out for our first jog and test out the legs on the famous red clay roads.

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
                                                                              Workouts: Afternoon Run/Pool Session/Cross Training in the Gym

Day 7 – Iten and Waterfall Hike

Enjoy the brisk, fresh early morning air as you join the roads with the other runners, running through the hills of Iten and watching the morning fog rise and disappear. After a nice, filling breakfast back at the HATC, we’ll all pile into our private transport for a quick trip down into the Rift Valley. Marvel at the scenery as the valley opens up before you and stop and take lots of pictures. About 45 minutes down the valley, we’ll stop and start our hike towards a small little community that sits under a not so small waterfall. We might even be able to stop at the natural carbonated spring and take a swig! Use the evening to relax, maybe schedule a massage or hang out at the Iten Club and see who pops their head in there for an evening tea or coffee.  If you’ve still got energy after the hike you might be able to join in on the core classes offered by the HATC. Be warned, Timo and Richard are tough instructors and they only accept full effort!

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
Workouts: Morning Run/Pool Session/Cross Training in the Gym, Afternoon Core

Day 8 – Iten – Fartlek and Meet the Runners and Coaches

Fartlek Day! Many local, and occasionally famous runners take part in this weekly tradition. Take private transport down to the start, where you will rub shoulders with the world’s greatest. Do a short warm up, and then run with hundreds of Kenyans (literally) up the hills of Iten to camp. Transportation will be available for those who just want to ride along and take photos of the scenery and athletes along the route or for those who are looking for a shorter workout.  Simply hop in the van and ride back to the HATC where your post-run pancakes and fruit will be waiting. Participate in a Q & A with a panel of local coaches and professional athletes. Past panels have included legendary coaches such as Brother Colm and Renato Canova, along with super-star athletes Vivian Cheruiyot and David Rudisha. They will be giving their input as to what makes Iten the “Home of Champions” and discussing the dedication it takes to make the professional ranks amongst the stiff competition.

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
Workouts: Morning Fartlek/Afternoon Sessions

Day 9 – Iten – St. Patrick’s School Visit and Tea with a local family

After a morning run to get those legs warmed up and feeling better after our workout yesterday we’ll head over to St. Patrick’s School for a visit and tour of the museum. St. Patrick’s is where Brother Colm got his start and many, many Olympic athletes have passed through the halls.

In the afternoon, we will visit with a local family for a traditional tea service. Discuss Kenyan cultural traditions around the home and learn some Swahili and Kalenjin phrases.  These phrases are the easiest way to get a smile from the Kenyans! Pay attention, listen and try hard.  It will make your experience better, we promise.

After tea, it’s back to the HATC for another afternoon core session followed by a sunset dinner at Kerio View overlooking the Rift Valley.

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
Workouts: Morning Shake Out/Easy Run/Afternoon Core

Day 10 – Challenge Race Day! – Iten

Now that you’re fully acclimated, why not race from the bottom of the Rift Valley to the top? Test your mettle against some local athletes and see how well adjusted you are to the altitude and hills of Iten. If you don’t want to race, enjoy an easier run at the top of the valley or come along for the ride and cheer on your fellow participants as they climb the hill.  After a nice breakfast and some much needed relaxation time by the pool, we’ll all join the staff at the HATC and take part in a cooking class to learn how to cook your new favorite Kenyan foods. Enjoy dinner and prepare for your last full day in Iten tomorrow!

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
Workouts: Race Day!

Day 11 – Iten – Lake Baringo

Take a day off or go out for a short easy run in the morning before we leave for Lake Baringo.  Once we get to the lake we’ll hop in a boat for a tour of the lake, hoping to spot some crocodiles and some of the 470 species of birds that have been known to be found there in one of the only freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley system. You’re sure to enjoy the air all way down there at 3,000 ft.

After our tour of the lake, we’ll wind our way slowly back up the Rift Valley and maybe stop by some mango farms to test out the local produce!  Then it’s time to pack up and get to bed early as you’ll be traveling home soon and telling your friends all about your adventures.

Lodging: HATC
Meals: B, L, D (Twice Daily Tea and Snacks)
Workouts: Morning Easy Run

Day 12 – Iten – Eldoret – Nairobi – Home!

A last morning run before we head to Eldoret to catch our flight. Depending on flight schedules from Nairobi we’ll likely stop in Eldoret to savor that last Kenyan meal and stock up on locally produced coffee from a Kenyan favorite, Java House, before heading to the airport for a short flight to Nairobi followed by goodbyes to your tripmates and Gurus before boarding your flights home from Nairobi!

Mt Kenya Add-On

Day 13 – Nairobi – Moses Camp – 10,800 ft

An early morning wake-up will have us on our way to the Sirimon Gate to begin our journey to the top of Mount Kenya. We’ll arrive just outside the gate and stop of lunch before we head into the park and start climbing up! After lunch we’ll hike through various forests including bamboo and rosewood before finally arriving to Old Moses at 10,800 ft, our campsite for the night. Once there, we’ll unpack, get settled and enjoy the views before coming together as a group for dinner and then early to bed.

Day 14 – Moses to Shiptons Camp – 10,800 ft to 13,800 ft

Today’s hike will be a good test for your endurance as you slowly acclimate and prepare for you day to the summit. You’ll walk up and down hills and valleys and through the sprawling moorlands on the mountain. Your guide will introduce you to all sorts of flora and fauna and if you’re lucky someone in the group will spot some wildlife for the whole group to enjoy.  Once you arrive in Shipton’s camp, you’ll want to catch your breath and get some warm clothes. Today, it will be pretty cold!! Bundle up and enjoy it.

Day 15 – Acclimatization Day – Shiptons Camp: 13,800 ft

You’ll spend today getting used to the altitude but don’t worry you’re not just going to sit in camp all day. We’ll go on a hike getting all the way up to 15,400 ft for some spectacular views and exploration. You’ll head back down to camp after your hike and you’ll be amazed at how nice it feels at almost 14,000 ft. Just like sea level…almost. You’ll hang out with everyone in camp, enjoying tea and sharing stories before an early, early bed time tonight because tomorrow……..

Day 16: Summit to Nairobi – 17,057 ft to 5900 ft

Up early early early and leaving camp at 3 AM to summit by 6 AM and enjoy the sunrise from the summit. If the weather cooperates you’ll be able to see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance, over 200 miles away and unbelievable views in all directions. The hike to the summit will be over steep screes and bare rocky tracks so you’ll take your time and enjoy the journey. Headlamp is a must for today’s hike! After you’ve enjoyed the summit, you’ll descend, descend, descend until you get to the park entrance where you’ll hop in a private van and maybe take a nap on the drive back or maybe just talk the whole ride back about the awesome hike you just completed.