Don’t miss a thing on this 13-day extravaganza, which covers all the major safari hotspots in Kenya and Tanzania. This comprehensive adventure includes both of the world renowned game parks of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, but also the two Great Rift Valley lakes of Elementeita and Manyara, the elephant mecca of Amboseli, the veritable Eden of Ngorongoro Crater and the relaxed Tarangire – perfect for slowing down at the end of your trip.
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Nairobi Serena Hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Nairobi is a wonderful melting pot, where modern African life in all its colour and vibrancy continues, at pace, alongside fascinating reminders of Kenya’s rich colonial history. While visitors flock to Kenya for the wildlife, it’s worth spending a night in its capital city and seeing the sights.
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way, spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across hectares of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch, set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Depart on a morning game drive to the Mara River Hippo Pools to enjoy a beautifully set buffet “bush breakfast”… with the hippos to keep you company. Return to the camp mid-morning to relax, enjoy lunch and perhaps a siesta. Set off on another game drive and a visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. It’s possible to pre-book an optional early morning balloon safari at an additional cost.
After breakfast, once again travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasai land. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up to Mai Mahiu before arriving at Lake Nakuru. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingos on your game drive. It’s also home to black and white rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Late afternoon, arrive at your camp, situated in the Soysambu Conservancy.
Wake up to enjoy an early breakfast and an accompanied bird walk with an experienced resident naturalist. Then, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi for an early lunch (or a picnic lunch, dependent on road conditions). Then continue south towards Amboseli National Park, arriving at your lodge by late afternoon.
Set off on your early morning game drive. You’ll enjoy seeing Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-covered peak as a striking backdrop while you drive around in search of Amboseli’s legendary elephant herds. After lunch, take another game drive, watching the lakes and springs – fed by Kilimanjaro’s melting snows – en route. Return to the lodge as the sun sets.
After breakfast, you continue the journey to the Tanzania border post, and then on to Arusha for lunch. After lunch, drive across the Masai Steppe, filled with many picturesque African villages. Enter Tarangire National Park and begin exploring and game viewing as you continue to your lodge, arriving to freshen up and enjoy dinner.
Enjoy the morning’s exploration of the park, driving past baobabs and swamp lands in search of large lion prides and elephant herds. Enjoy lunch before you depart through the north of the park and continue your journey through scenic landscapes, arriving at your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley, offering picturesque views over distant Lake Manyara.
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park before returning to the lodge for lunch. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues across the stunning hilly countryside. You will then enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and begin spotting wildlife as you approach the gate to Serengeti National Park. Dinner is at your lodge.
Today gives you the opportunity to explore the Serengeti’s vast plains and its masses of game with experienced guides. Rise early for a morning game drive, then take some time to relax back at the lodge. After lunch, head back out for an afternoon game drive. It’s possible to pre-book an optional early morning balloon safari at an additional cost.
After breakfast, you’ll depart the lodge for Ngorongoro, viewing the wildlife across the vast Serengeti plains as you go. After stopping en route for a relaxed picnic lunch, continue on to your lodge, which is set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.
After breakfast, descend 600m through the mist into what’s commonly referred to as the world’s largest natural wildlife arena. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs to open grassland and some sandy dunes, which offer a truly unique wildlife experience. After a picnic lunch, return to the lodge.
For those who enjoy waking early, take the opportunity to revel in the sun rising over the rim of the crater before breakfast. Depart Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, driving towards Arusha to enjoy lunch before continuing the journey by road to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at a city centre hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, for your onward travel arrangements
Travelling with children:
