A Culture Quest Adventure Across Kenya

January 16, 2026

In December 2025, six teams of Lauder students embarked on a Lauder Culture Quest journey to Kenya. This marked the 15th consecutive year of Culture Quest since its founding in 2011, when alumni Davis Smith (G11, WG11) and Greg Mitchell (G11, WG11) organized the inaugural journey from Belize to Panama. Over the years, the student-led program has taken participants across the globe, with Africa emerging as one of the most popular continents. The Kenya trip represented the sixth visit to Africa in Culture Quest history.

For the 2025 edition of Culture Quest, the Amazing Race–style adventure was originally scheduled to take place in Tanzania, however, due to security concerns, the experience was relocated to Kenya.

The journey began on December 10 with arrival in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The following day, participants explored the city, discovering local life through visits to the City Market and surrounding neighborhoods. The group officially convened in the evening for a welcome dinner with Pan-African cuisine at Beit e Selam.

From Nairobi, teams traveled to the iconic Maasai Mara, where Kenya’s natural environment came vividly to life. Participants took part in game drives and engaged with the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, while also learning about conservation efforts and the balance between tourism, wildlife protection, and local livelihoods.

On December 14, the journey shifted from savannah to sea as teams departed for Diani Beach. Two days along Kenya’s southern coast offered time for swimming and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean. A visit to the Colobus Conservation Centre provided insight into grassroots conservation initiatives.

The experience concluded back in Nairobi with a group farewell dinner.

Lauder Culture Quest invites students to collectively select a destination each year and travel in teams to explore a new part of the world. Throughout the journey, teams earn points by completing challenges, participating in cultural activities, and engaging with local communities. The optional program is designed to foster experiential learning, collaboration, and connection among Lauder students.

Learn more about Lauder Culture Quest here.