Countries: Kenya , Tanzania
Destinations: Nairobi , Masai Mara , Lake Elementeita , Amboseli National Park , Tarangire National Park , Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 10
Days of Departure: Saturday
Number of Adults: 0
Number of Children: 0
Days of Departure: Saturday
A whistle-stop 10 day tour, departing once a week, that visits 4 of East Africa's greatest wildlife areas, the Masai Mara and Amboseli in Kenya; followed by Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred by the hotel shuttle to the Hilton Garden Inn Airport Hotel. (Early morning arrivals before 0500 hours must look for the rep from Hilton Garden Inn at the airport for the transfers). Afternoon at leisure.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions for Early morning arriving travellers:
- David Sheldrick’s Elephant and Rhinoceros Orphanage
- Out of Africa Excursion
Kenya - The grand old dame of African safaris, Kenya has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and with iconic reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo, it has earned its place in safari royalty.
Kenya's wildlife is legendary, as is its hospitality, friendliness, and scenic beauty. With the Great Rift Valley running through the country, Kenya is home to some stunning landscapes, with lakes, valleys and mountains adding to the beautiful plains of the Masai Mara.
To add to the spectacular wildlife, Kenya is one of the best countries to experience the local tribes and cultures, in particular the Masai and Samburu.
Kenyan roads are notoriously bad however, so the majority of safaris we recommend are fly-in options to the various parks. The small group scheduled safaris all operate by road, so you would need to be prepared for what is called "the African massage".
The diversity of areas to visit in Kenya is astounding, with each game reserve offering something truly unique. And to top it off, the country has a splendid coastline which invites some pure relaxation after spending time in the bush.
One of Africa’s major cities, Nairobi is the UN’s fourth “World Centre,” East Africa’s commercial, media and NGO hub, and a significant capital in its own right, with a population of approximately 3 to 4 million.
Little more than a century old, it has real claims to Western-style sophistication and displays enormous vitality and buzz. On the surface the city accepts everyone with tolerance, and, in any downtown street, you can see a complete cross section of Kenyans, every variety of tourist, and migrants and refugees from many African countries.
If you plan to stay in Nairobi for any length of time, you’ll soon get the hang of balancing reasonable caution with a fairly relaxed attitude - thousands of visitors do it every year. If you’re only here for a few days, you’re likely to find it a stimulating city.
The Hilton Garden Inn is situated close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel offers modern stylish guest rooms,other features include heated rooftop swimming pool,fitness center,complimentary self-operated laundry.The Garden Grille & Bar offers freshly prepared meals with an array of local and international beverages.Meetings and Conferences consist of six meeting rooms and Event space
Day 2 : Masai Mara
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 acres 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 camp as the sun sets.
It is no surprise that the Masai Mara ranks up near the top of most famous game reserves in the world. The land of the Mara is consistently covered with herds of antelope, interspersed with prides of lions, journeys of giraffe, dazzles of zebra, and almost every other collective animal noun you can think of.
The sightings are nothing short of fantastic, and it is definitely the park to visit to tick off your "wildlife of Africa" list. The scenery of the park is similar to the open plains of the Serengeti, although the Mara is dotted with more trees, and the game viewing is equal to, or can be better than, its southerly sister.
Within the boundaries of the reserve, there are certain areas which can seem quite crowded with travellers, although there are places to escape from the crowds, and enjoy the Mara in some exclusivity. Private concessions surround the Masai Mara, allowing more private safari experiences, and additional activities.
The Masai Mara is easily accessed from Nairobi, with a number of scheduled flights operated each morning and afternoon. It can also be reached by road, but be prepared that it can be quite a bumpy 6 hour drive, with sections being particularly broken up.
Sentrim Mara is located in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 3 km after Sekenani gate. The entire 31 tents are spread out in serene surroundings amongst Acacia trees that surround the camp. The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar. Each of the spacious tents has a modern ensuite bathroom, hot and cold showers, writing desk and an elevated private balcony for spectacular views of the sunsets and the hills, which have abundant wildlife. The tents have personal closets, flush toilets and sockets for battery charging for cameras.
Day 3 : Masai Mara
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the camp as the sunsets.
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Ballooning. Please ask us for more details if you are interested.
Day 4 : Lake Elementeita
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, arriving at your lodge at Lake Elementaita around midday. Following lunch, depart for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, returning to your lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos, as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
Lake Elementaita is a picturesque saline lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Surrounded by acacia woodlands and volcanic hills, its tranquil waters provide a sanctuary for an array of birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The lake's name, derived from the Maasai word "muteita," meaning "dusty place," hints at its ancient history and cultural significance to the local communities. With its stunning sunsets casting a golden glow over the horizon and its serene atmosphere inviting quiet contemplation, Lake Elementaita captivates the soul and leaves an indelible imprint on all who visit its shores.
Sentrim Elementaita Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Elementaita, situated about 120 Kilometers from Nairobi. If you are a bird lover, and in search of African safari lodges, then the country lodge is the perfect place for you to experience one of the world’s largest ornithological spectacles.
Day 5 : Amboseli National Park
Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch dependent on road conditions) and continue south towards Amboseli, arriving at your camp by late afternoon.
The combination of masses of animals, diverse eco-systems, and the splendid views of Mount Kilimanjaro make Amboseli National Park high up on the must-see list of any Kenyan safari.
With desert landscapes to lush green swampland, the scenery changes entirely during game drives, with new photo opportunities presenting themselves all the time.
Amboseli is famous for its huge elephant herds, and is home to a remarkable concentration of species and birdlife, all the while being watched over by the highest peak in Africa.
Sentrim Amboseli, the latest in guest accommodation is located on the border of Amboseli National Park right next to Kimana gate. The entirely new 60 luxurious and comfortable deluxe tents are evenly spread out with fantastic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar lounge and a gift shop.
Day 6 : Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for a full day game drive; later enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to the lodge by 1600hrs, giving time to unwind in your room or lounge, or even take a quick dip in the pool before dinner.
Day 7 : Tarangire National Park
Following an early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. You travel by road to the Namanga border where you will say goodbye to your Kenya driver/guide and perhaps some of your fellow travellers who will return to Nairobi. You meet your Tanzanian transfer driver and travel by road to Arusha where you have lunch (excludes drinks). You meet any other travellers joining the trip in Arusha and continue to Tarangire National Park. Arrive at the tented lodge in the late afternoon for time at leisure, dinner and overnight.
A land full of icons, with the names Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar immediately evoking images of exotic locations and abundant wildlife. A Tanzanian safari is an experience for all of the senses, and caters for every kind of traveller.
Tanzania is a country which was seemingly designed with the word "safari" in mind. There are enough national parks and different safari activities to keep travellers coming back year on year, with the added benefit of easily combining beautiful tropical beaches with the wildlife rich plains.
A Tanzanian safari is a journey in the true sense of the word, with each itinerary feeling like an exploration out into the wilderness. Moving from park to park, either by road or air, the countryside offers something new at each stop.
The plains of the Serengeti have become synonomous with an African safari, and by visiting the right areas and camps, you will be able to see the legendary wildebeest migration as it moves across the grasslands in constant search of fresh grazing and water.
To the south of the country are the remote reserves of Selous and Ruaha, while in the west you can trek into the mountains to witness chimpanzees along the shores of the mystical Lake Tanganyika.
In the past, Tarangire National Park was often overlooked by visitors to Tanzania, however it is now holding its own as one of the best dry season parks in the region.
During the dry months of July through to October, an enormous amount of wildlife is drawn inside Tarangire to access the water from the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamps, allowing for very rewarding game viewing experiences.
The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds of East Africa, and the scenery is particularly popular for the wide open, Serengeti-like plains, decorated with enormous and commanding Baobab trees.
Being only an hour and a half's drive from Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible, and a great option to start or finish a road safari.
Located near the new Sangaiwe Gate of Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Simba Lodge is situated in a wildlife-rich area with unhampered views to beautiful Lake Burunge, bordered by the park and a Wildlife Management Area. The setting is stunning; with a giant old Baobab tree anchoring one corner and a permeating feeling of real Africa. Classic tents under thatch with outdoor showers, wooden floors and glass doors & windows onto the private deck comprise accommodation. The common area is also tented with a separate bar/lounge and dining room. A large sundeck surrounds the swimming pool and there is an elevated platform for viewing wildlife or dining.
Day 8 : Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge. Then depart Tarangire Region, you drive through the surrounding bushland, passing small Maasai villages and farms. The road is mostly unpaved but well-maintained, with occasional bumps and dips.
Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Karatu provides a number of accommodation options with easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater.
There is no way that an extinct volcanic crater, housing thousands of animals, with lodges built right on the crater rim cannot be enticing! The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most fascinating and unique game viewing destinations in Africa.
There is a year round concentration of general wildlife, which offers regular sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, serval, zebra, wildebeest, and most excitingly, black rhino.
The Ngorongoro Crater provides you with a wonderful couple of days on your safari itinerary.
Karatu Simba Lodge offers a slice of life only to be found in rural Tanzania. Located about a thirty-minute drive from the gate of Lake Manyara National Park, approximately four kilometres off the main road to the entry of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lodge is situated next to the Ngorongoro Forest. Accommodation is in individual twin, double or triple cottages or rondavels with canvas walls and solid attached bathroom and shower, tastefully and simply decorated with hand made furniture of African hardwood. Each unit has its own deck with safari chairs for relaxing and viewing the pastoral setting. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi in the common areas, an evening campfire and pool with views onto the forest. The lodge is eco-friendly with solar power and hot water and there is a well stocked bar and dining room serving food and coffee fresh from nearby plantations.
Day 9 : Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Early departure from your lodge and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Climb the back wal of the crater and continue to the rim of the crater and descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. You game drive in this paradise. With a space of only 102 square miles and a resident wildlife population of more than 30,000 mammals, there is a great chance that you might see all of the big five. A picnic lunch box is provided at a scenic location within the floor of the crater. In the afternoon, you return to the rim of the crater and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 10 - Day of Departure
Following breakfast, depart your lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha arriving in the city for lunch (excludes drinks). Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your departure flight (flight booked by agent or on own arrangements). End of our services.