Group & Student Travel | IMA Safaris Africa & South America

My Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was both well-organized and deeply meaningful. The itinerary struck a thoughtful balance between activity and rest, with smooth transportation, comfortable accommodations, and meals that were plentiful and reflective of the local culture. What truly made the trek memorable were the guides and their deep knowledge of the land, wildlife, and culture. One moment I will never forget was observing a family of elephants rolling in the mud. Watching them play together, completely at ease in their natural environment, was both humbling and awe-inspiring, and it perfectly captured the beauty of being fully present in that place. The group dynamics also added to the experience—sharing these moments with peers created a real sense of camaraderie and connection that made the journey even more meaningful.

What made my Watamu/Malindi Beach Safari truly memorable were the moments of connection and joy woven throughout the experience. One afternoon, we had the chance to grill with locals, and it quickly became more than just sharing a meal. Standing around the grill, swapping stories, and learning about each other’s lives created a real sense of community that transcended cultural differences. The food itself was delicious, but it was the laughter and generosity of spirit that made the evening unforgettable. Another highlight was joining in traditional dances. Even though I didn’t know all the steps, the encouragement and warmth of everyone around me made it easy to let go of self-consciousness and simply be present. Dancing side by side with people who welcomed us so openly was both humbling and uplifting, and it ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of the trek.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Watamu/Malindi Beach Safari and truly appreciated the support from my mentor throughout the trek. All of the travel went smoothly, and the team was always open to accommodating any requests we had. Our driver even made special stops for snacks—and a pharmacy—after we realized we needed aloe vera (a reminder to never forget reapplying sunscreen when you’re on the equator lol). The other interns on the trek made the experience even more fun, and our hotel was beautiful. I took full advantage of the spa amenities and loved the massage I booked. The food was amazing the entire trip, and the tribal lunch was especially memorable because we got to interact with locals and learn more about the culture. Our tour guide was full of energy and made the boat ride so much fun. Snorkeling was breathtaking, and we saw so much wildlife—including colorful fish, stingrays, and even a beautiful starfish. I still dream about our dinner in the mangroves—everything was truly so delicious, with an incredible variety of fresh seafood and vegetables. The hike through Hell’s Kitchen, the tours, and seeing the monkeys were also a blast, and I’m so glad I chose to do this trek. Everything was extremely organized, smooth, and accommodating from start to finish.