Overview
This 12-day safari adventure takes you through some of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. You will experience the vast plains of the Serengeti, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara, and the captivating Amboseli National Park. With a mix of game drives, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters, this tour offers the opportunity to witness the best of East Africa’s wildlife in natural habitats.
Highlights
- Lake Nakuru: Famous for flamingos, rhinos, and stunning landscapes.
- Maasai Mara: Known for the Big Five, black-manned lions, and the Great Migration (July to October).
- Serengeti: The "endless plains" hosting millions of migrating wildebeest, zebras, and large predators.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A natural wonder with incredible biodiversity and dense wildlife populations.
- Lake Manyara: Known for its lush forests, baboons, hippos, and flamingos
- Amboseli: Offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and excellent elephant viewing.
Itinerary
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast only
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, across the equator, where lies the rift valley’s most famous lake. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it’s alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingos, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2 million flamingos in residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lake shore. Arrival in time for lunch then afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Sarova Lionhill Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
An early morning drive to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Between July and October, one night in Serengeti will be substituted by one night in Mara in order to maximize the opportunities to witness the Great Migration in Mara
One full day in the Maasai Mara with flexible schedule and unlimited mileage. After breakfast, we have a full day game drive with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black-manned lions as well as its abundant resident wildlife and it’s one of the few places where it’s possible to see the Big Five during a morning’s game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one’s vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these, 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks, 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sun birds.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
We will initiate the day with an early morning game drive in Maasai Mara en-route while driving out of the National reserve. After border formalities, drive to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It will be a long day of driving but the game drives in and out of the parks can be surprisingly incredible. Picnic lunch at Isebania Kenya Tanzania border.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Extra tour recommended: The wonderful balloon flight over the Serengeti plains.
Two full days in the Serengeti with flexible schedule and unlimited mileage. As you crest the hillside, spread out before you, as far as the eyes can see, is the vast Serengeti. Serengeti mean ‘endless plains’ in Kiswahili and this 6,900 sq. mile (18,000 sq. km) park is inhabited by more than 2 million large animals including more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of plains zebras, and Thomsons gazelles. Large predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are drawn to the area by this abundance of prey which migrate throughout the park. Many smaller animals like rock hyrax, bat eared foxes, mongoose, honey badger, jackals, monkeys, baboons and African hares also inhabit the area along with nearly 500 species of birds. On the way into the Serengeti, option to stop at the famous Olduvai Gorge, where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made their discovery of the first man that walked the earth. After attending a short lecture describing the archeological digs and geology of the gorge, you’ll have time to visit the small museum.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
In the morning, transfer to Ngorongoro, the 8th natural wonder of the world. Stop for a picnic lunch, afternoon descent down to the crater floor for a day of wildlife viewing in one of the most incredible places on Earth. With walls 2,000 ft high and a crater floor that spreads for 102 sq. miles, the crater is a virtual Noah’s Ark, inhabited by almost every species of wildlife indigenous to East Africa including the rare black rhino. In fact, the crater has the greatest concentration of wild life in the planet. It contains a river, several swamps, a soda lake that, from the top, looks like steam, full of flamingoes, a forest and open plains. Drive up the steep road out of the crater and transfer to your accommodation for overnight.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Depart after breakfast and drive across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day game drive. Although only 205 sq. miles in size this enchanting park is noted for its beauty and incredibly lush acacia forest of giant fig and mahogany trees, which are home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. The park is also home to a large numbers of buffalos, giraffes, elephants, impalas and a Hippo lake, where large numbers of hippos usually gather. Well known for its birds (over 400 different species), Lake Manyara is one of the few places where you’ll be able to see the Ground Hornbill and the Crested Eagle. This park has become famous for the the climbing lions and the flamingos in the lake shore. The landscapes of these park are absolutely stunning, very different from the Serengeti for example. The game drives are done along the shore of the lake, providing incredible views of giraffes and buffalos in the foreground with the lake, flamingos and flat plains in the horizon.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Early morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accommodation and afternoon rest or game drive, as you prefer. Amboseli National Park is situated South of Nairobi, most of the park consisting of a dry ,ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small rocky volcanic hills. Around the swamp s Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Early morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accommodation and afternoon rest or game drive, as you prefer. Amboseli National Park is situated South of Nairobi, most of the park consisting of a dry ,ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small rocky volcanic hills. Around the swamp s Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Early rise for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with packed lunch provided. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area in the whole Africa to experience elephants at close range. Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari. Dinner and overnight at campsite or lodge.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Morning game drive in Amboseli. An optional visit to a Maasai village can be planned also. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Early afternoon drive to Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation as per itinerary (hotels, lodges, tented camps)
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with unlimited mileage
- Game drives and park entry fees
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages (optional)
- Driver's/guide's tips and park fees for wildlife viewing
Excludes
- International flights to and from Nairobi
- Visas for Kenya and Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in meals
- Optional activities such as hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti
- Tips for hotel staff, guides, and drivers (optional, but appreciated)
FAQs
What should I pack for this safari?
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime, and warm layers for evenings. Comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), camera, binoculars, and a small backpack.
Do I need a visa for Kenya and Tanzania?
- Yes, most travelers will need visas for both Kenya and Tanzania. You can obtain them online or upon arrival, depending on your nationality.
Are the lodges and camps comfortable?
- Yes, the accommodations are well-equipped, offering comfort and safety. You will stay in reputable lodges and tented camps with amenities like electricity, en-suite bathrooms, and dining options.
What types of animals can I see on this safari?
- Expect to see a wide range of animals including elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, flamingos, and much more.
Is there a risk of malaria?
- Yes, malaria is a risk in some parts of Kenya and Tanzania. It’s recommended to take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent during your safari.
What is the best time for this safari?
- The safari is available year-round. However, from July to October, you can witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara and Serengeti, making it the best time for wildlife sightings.
Is the safari suitable for families with children?
- Yes, the safari is family-friendly. However, it’s recommended that children be at least 6 years old to fully enjoy the experience.