Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Reaching Nairobi, we gather at our hotel in the core of this vibrant city. For those arriving early, there is an array of optional activities and outings available which can be organised through the hotel. At around 18h00 you will be briefed about our tour and we will then enjoy a lovely evening meal at one of the city’s local restaurants.

Meals: No meals included on this day
Accommodation: La Mada Hotel

Day 2: Masai Mara, Kenya

A few hours after our arrival, we depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve. In order to reach this point, the road ascends to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Africa of our imaginations. In the Mara, wildebeests and zebras migrate in unison each year, and they suffer heartache when they are taken by crocodiles in the Mara River. In spite of this, most animals are able to escape due to the sheer weight of numbers. On arrival, we camp adjacent to the park for two nights. Every night of the tour there is the option to upgrade your accommodation, but this must be booked before departure to avoid disappointment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two person dome tents) – Oseki Camp or Accommodation Upgrade
Included Highlights: Great Rift Valley
Distance: 225 km

Day 3: Masai Mara, Kenya

We depart early in the morning for a full day of game viewing. Plains game is abundant in the Mara as are predators who follow the herds. Our safari truck gives us an elevated view of the plains, and we follow seasonal migrations when possible. The group stops for a picnic lunch between game drives and only returns to camp in the late afternoon, hungry and tired, ready for a hearty meal around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two person dome tents) – Oseki Camp or Accommodation Upgrade
Included Highlights: Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara River, Full day game viewing experience
Distance: Game Drives

Day 4: Mount Longonot, Kenya

After leaving the Mara, we head to the dormant volcano of Mount Longonot National Park. In order to get a better view of the jagged-edged caldera and the forest within it, we temporarily abandon our vehicles as our guide leads us on a hike up to the crater rim. You can also see the Rift Valley from this point. Despite the fact that the volcano last erupted in the early 1900s, there is still evidence of steam vents, and we may be able to observe a variety of plains game along the way. A packed lunch will be brought along for a picnic with a view.

Our safari truck will be waiting for us at our campsite on the banks of Lake Naivasha, where we will spend the night for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two person dome tents) – Lake Naivasha or Accommodation Upgrade
Included Highlights: Great Rift Valley, Mount Longonot, Hike in National Park, Lake Naivasha
Distance: 225 km

Day 5: Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya

On this morning’s excursion, we will be traveling to Hell’s Gate National Park, which was named by 19th century explorers after a natural cleft in the high basalt cliffs. Among the various species of antelope, you can see zebra, giraffe, buffalo and various other species of antelope amongst the stunning scenery that served as the inspiration for the movie “The Lion King”. If you are feeling adventurous, you have the option of renting a bicycle locally (own expense). In the area surrounding Olkaria Geothermal Power Station, hot springs remind us of the volcanic activity beneath our feet.

Following lunch, we return to camp, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha during which we can see hippopotamuses and some of the 400 species of birds that inhabit the lake.

As a final highlight of the day, a visit to Elsamere, the old house of George and Joy Adamson, the original “lion whisperers”, provides an opportunity to learn more about their fascinating lives.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two person dome tents) – Lake Naivasha or Accommodation Upgrade
Included Highlights: Guided Hike in Hells Gate National Park , Lake Naivasha Boat Cruise, Elsamere
Optional Activities: Mountain Bike Trip in Hells Gate
Distance: 60 km (return)

Day 6: Arusha, Tanzania

As we proceed south, we pass through the outskirts of Nairobi on our way to Tanzania and the town of Arusha. As we cross the border, we see glimpses of Mt Kilimanjaro through the clouds, and skirt the base of Mt Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain. An important crossroads for safari operators and tourists from all over the world, Arusha is known as Tanzania’s “safari capital.”. The city serves as the regional diplomatic hub of the East African Community.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ahadi Lodge Arusha
Included Highlights: Scenic Drive, Tanzania
Distance: 375 Km

Day 7: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Today we make our way into the Serengeti National Park – the world’s most acclaimed wildlife sanctuary. This Park boasts massive populations of game with countless predators and birdlife all living on the never-ending grasslands and acacia-covered plains, which is the epitome of a true African game park. In every season, there is an abundance of game, and the predators that stalk the herds are never far away. We will spend two nights camping on the Serengeti plains, spending our days game viewing, enjoying one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and our nights around a camp fire under a star-filled sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Serengeti – Two man dome tents
Included Highlights: Serengeti National Park, Extensive Game Viewing Experience
Distance:300 km

Day 8: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

An early morning rise with the animals will prepare us for a full day of exploring the park. Our guide will take the time to explain life in the bush while we drive around take it all in. A picnic will be held in the bush which is always an enjoyable experience. Upon returning to our camp as the sun sets, we sit around the fire and swap stories and photographs while the crew prepares a delicious meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Serengeti – Two man dome tents
Included Highlights: Serengeti National Park, Full Day Game Drive
Distance: Game Drive

Day 9: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

We depart early in the morning for our final game drive on the plains, returning to camp midmorning to enjoy brunch. As we drive to the top of Ngorongoro, we will be driving up steep slopes of this extinct volcano. While traveling, it is quite amusing to see Masai tribesmen herding their cattle among the wildlife, still maintaining their traditional lifestyle as they have done for centuries. Our evening campout will be at the renowned Simba Camp, perched on a crater rim and affording breathtaking views into the caldera.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping on the Crater rim – Two man dome tents
Included Highlights: Game drive in Serengeti, Masai Tribal People, Ngorongoro Crater
Distance: +/- 130 km

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater

As soon as dawn breaks, we clamber into 4×4 safari vehicles to make the precipitous descent into the crater, a route too steep for our safari vehicles. During this exploration, we will discover the crater, a marvel of nature with its steep forested walls, fertile grassland plains, lake, salt pan and fever tree forest. You can see many of Africa’s animals in one place, including the rare Black Rhino, making it a microcosm of the continent’s safari destinations. In the early afternoon we leave the park and descend the steep escarpment to our overnight campsite in a village amongst the Masai people. After descending the steep escarpment from the crater, we return to Simba Camp for lunch before leaving the park in the late afternoon.

As we explore the village with a Masai guide this afternoon, we will learn about their way of life, their culture, and how they integrate into modern society.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping – Two man dome tents
Included Highlights: 4×4 Safari inside the Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Encounter
Distance: 65 km

Day 11: Arusha, Tanzania

Awaking in the early morning, the activities of the people in the village will get us up and going. We will be travelling to Arusha at the foothill of Mount Meru where we will spend time shopping and exploring. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping in Meserani Snake Park – Two man dome tents
Included Highlights: Arusha,  Local Markets
Distance: 130 km

Day 12: Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya

This morning, everyone will be transferred to the shuttle terminal where you will be transported back to Nairobi. This road journeys through some incredible surrounds and, on a clear day, spectacular views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain in all of Africa can be witnessed. Those who choose to extend their stay once back in Nairobi, or those who choose to continue their journey, will be transported to the city centre.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 295 km

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.