Great East African Lodge Safari – 13 Days

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

We start the tour making our way to the Tarangire National Park which is home to a variety of animals including elephant herds. This park has stunning grasslands, recurring swamps and not forgetting the life-giving Tarangire River. Besides spotting elephants, you see giraffes, bushbacks, dik-diks, waterbucks and reedbucks throughout the year. We head to the Lake Burunge Tented Lodge after our game drive and spend the night here.

Accommodation: Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tarangire National Park Game Drive
Distance: 150km (2 – 3 hours travelling time)

Day 2: Tarangire Area – Lake Manyara Natonal Park – Karatu, Tanzania

After breakfast we take leave the Tarangire Area to Lake Manyara National Park which has a shallow, alkaline lake and is known for it’s bird species, primate-filled forests (which is home to the long-tailed Guenon monkeys), and beautiful, lush grassy plains. There is a great chance that you will spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests and impalas while the forests near the lake is filled with noisy groups of monkeys. After an adventurous game drive, you will travel to Karatu and retire for the night. After your arrival, there may be some time for an optional walk in the coffee plantations for a coffee production educational.

Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at of of the three Tanganyika Wilderness Adventure Lodges
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive
Optional Activity: Coffee Plantation Walk
Distance: 120km (2 hours travelling time)

Day 3 : Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Following a very early breakfast the 4×4 safari vehicle takes you to the rim of the crater where you will then descend on an adventurous and steep trail. From the crater you have the option of seeing all the animals that can be found here including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard). The Ngorongoro Crater is also one of the best places to see the majestic but almost extinct black rhino. Once you exit the crater your journey will continue into the Serengeti National Park which is world renowned for the largest animal migrations that take place here.  Zebras and wildebeests cross the border from the Serengeti to seek out fresh grass and water in the Masai Mara. Hungry predators follow closely on their tails. Your stay this evening will be in the middle of the Serengeti at the Kati Kati Tented Camp.

Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Distance: 170km (4 – 6 hours travelling time)

Day 4: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Waking up bright and early to see the magical sunrise over the Serengeti, we then make our way on a game drive. Returning from your game drive, a lovely breakfast awaits you. A variety of activities are made available such as hot air ballooning which gives you a spectacular bird’s eye view of the area. Please note that these arrangements should be made prior to the tour as it is not included in the tour price. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before making your way back to the Kati Kati Tented Camp for the evening.

Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, Frankfurt Zoological Institute’s visitor centre
Optional Activity: Serengeti Balloon Safari with champagne breakfast

Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Today we leave the Serengeti, you spot animals you haven’t seen yet on our way out of the park. We make our way to one of Africa’s biggest lakes and the second biggest in the world – Lake Victoria. The area surrounding the lake is known to be extremely fertile and densely populated. Be prepared to see a different side of Tanzania at the lake and a chance to experience the lives of the local people. You can also watch fishermen at work and a local school which is an experience that is not available on the usual tourist programs. Your overnight will be at the Speke Bay Lodge.

Accommodation: Speke Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Game Drive as we exit the park
Distance: 180km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 6: Lake Victoria – Masai Mara Area, Tanzania

Start your day with a refreshing canoe trip on Lake Victoria.  Witness the lives of the local people as they catch fish which is how they sustain their families. You will then need to prepare for the longest journey to the Masai Mara, a large game reserve in Kenya so be prepared for an enriching safari through the reserve. Continuing to live up to it’s reputation, the reserve is reputed to have the highest lion population in all of Africa. Be sure to spot other species of large cats such as leopards and cheetahs throughout the year. Your stay this evening will be at the luxurious Mara West Camp just outside of the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Two nights will be spent at the Mara West Camp staying in Luxury Tents.

Accommodation: Mara West Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Victoria Canoe Trip
Distance: 270km (8 – 9 hours travelling time)

Day 7: Masai Mara Game Reserve, Tanzania

You will go on game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle to explore the Mara Triangle, located in the north-western part of the Masai Mara. An extensive grassland plain, punctuated by acacia forests, dominates the landscape. On your trip to the Mara River, you will see the wildebeests and zebras as they make their annual trek. Tens of thousands of animals prepare to cross the river at the end of October and beginning of November, which creates an incredible scene.

Accommodation: Mara West Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Game Reserve Game Drives

Day 8 – 9: Masai Mara Game Reserve, Tanzania

Spend the next two days in the Masai Mara Game Reserve where you can look out for the Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, elands and Coke’s hartebeests. We will head for the Mara River where you may have the opportunity to witness the wildebeests and zebras on their great trek. It can be an awesome, but also gruesome sight as crocodiles and other animals await their prey by the river.

Accommodation: Mara Legends Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Game Reserve Game Drives

Day 10: Masai Mara National Park – Nairobi, Kenya

Leaving the national park we journey back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you are free to explore the bustling city of people, markets, traffic and vibrant colours. Activities include the Karen Blixen museum, the Uhuru gardens and the national museum. There is also a live snake centre close by. You spend the night at the Tamarind Tree Hotel, where supper will be at your own expense.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 280 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 11 – 12: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Journeying out of Nairobi, we travel to the Amboseli National Park which is close to the Tanzanian border. Witness the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro as a back drop. It would be great if you could see this scene for yourself if the weather was good. The chance of spotting lions, leopards and the rest of the “Big Five” are at an all-time high here. From on top of Observation Hill you can see buffaloes, hippos and flocks of water birds feasting on the natural vegetation here. Amboseli National Parks can be explored on game drives the rest of the day and the next day. There are many exciting wildlife encounters to look forward to since there is no rush. As you learn more about flora and fauna from your guide, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve learned. You will spend two nights at the Ol Tukai Lodge with it’s lovely carvings and African art.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Included Highlight: Amboseli National Park Game Drive
Distance: 250km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 13: Amboseli National Park – Nairobi, Kenya

You take one last game drive en route to the park gate. Eventually, your wonderful safari comes to an end. You return to Nairobi with many wonderful memories. We will take you to the airport or your hotel in the city to say goodbye and hopefully, until next time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Amboseli National Park Game Drive as we exit the park
Distance: 200 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.