Countries: Kenya , Tanzania
Destinations: Nairobi , Masai Mara , Lake Elementeita , Amboseli National Park , Tarangire National Park , Lake Manyara National Park , Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 13
Days of Departure: Sundays
Number of Adults: 7
Number of Children: 0
Days of Departure: Sundays
This 13 day safari combines intriguing cultures, beautiful landscapes and an excellent opportunity for spotting the Big-5. Visiting a selection of the most famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania, this small group safari is guaranteed for minimum of 2 clients.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Nairobi
Upon arrival, clients will be met and transferred to the Nairobi Serena Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions for Early morning arrivals
David Sheldrick’s Elephant and Rhinoceros Orphanage Excursion
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 Serena group is renowned for offering excellent hotel facilities throughout East Africa, and the Nairobi Serena is no exception. A member of the Leading hotels of the World, the Nairobi Serena enjoys a location on the edge of the Central Park and the City Centre. Shaded by the glorious Jacaranda, Bougainvillea and Acacia trees and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, the hotel provides a peaceful and luxurious retreat to travellers, business-people, and famous dignitaries in a bustling city.
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 lodge 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.
Discover the Kenya safari of your dreams, a vast, gently rolling landscape of acacia-specked grasslands darkened by migrating wildebeest herds. Mara Serena Safari Lodge invites you to a world where dramatic sights and experiences are enhanced by gracious service and five-star amenities. As the only safari lodge in the famed Mara Triangle, we offer a setting matched by few other hotels in the world: perched high on a bush-cloaked hill with sweeping views of the savannah and the meandering shoreline of the Mara River.
Our Masai Mara hotel lodge is designed in the style of a traditional Maasai Manyatta while offering every modern comfort. Neatly arranged rows of rooms and suites are positioned to offer uninterrupted river views from private balconies. Equally breathtaking sightlines can be enjoyed from the restaurant and bar and rock-enclosed swimming pool. After a day in the bush, a steam shower and an Oringa Massage at the Maisha Spa & Gym offer an exquisite welcome back to civilisation.
Enjoy exhilarating excursions deep into the Masai Mara Game Reserve with activities and adventures as intrepid as you choose to be during your stay. Savour superb chef-prepared cuisine in our onsite restaurant and with unforgettable “Bush Dining” and “Sundowner” experiences. Rediscover how special family time can be with game drives, breakfasts by the hippo pool and visits to an authentic Maasai village.
From savannah to spa, experience Africa in all its wild grandeur at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.
Day 3 : Masai Mara
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the lodge mid-morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sunsets.
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Safari. Please ask for 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, stop en route for a picnic lunch. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mai -Mahiu, before arriving Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingos. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Late afternoon, depart to your camp situated in Soysambu Conservancy.
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.
This Luxury Camp is located on the Soysambu Conservancy, right on the shores of Lake Elementaita. Offering a blend of exclusivity and adventure, the new camp will comprise 25 luxury tents, a dining and lounge area, spa and swimming pool enjoying magnificent views of the Lake. Soysambu Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary that offers uniqueness whilst boasting a broad range of wildlife and bird species, it is also home to the Rothschild giraffe and is East Africa’s only breeding ground for the Great White Pelican.
Day 5 : Amboseli National Park
Following an early breakfast, 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 lodge 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.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was created for adventurers with an African dream. With Mount Kilimanjaro soaring majestically just beyond the golden, acacia-specked savannah, the safari lodge offers a graceful blend of stark beauty and lavish comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
Nestled in an acacia grove by a gentle mountain spring, our hotel, comprising a Maasai-inspired design, a garden restaurant and a palm-shaded swimming pool and sundeck, provides uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. In every detail, the ambience captures the essence of Maasai culture, warmth and indomitable spirit. The setting our Amboseli safari lodge is breathtakingly beautiful, the wildlife abundant and the cuisine, hospitality and amenities unrivalled.
Mornings bring stirring views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. Whether embarking on a safari to see “The Big Five” (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino), planting your very own tree as part of our Re-Forestation Programme, or enjoying a bush dinner and glass of wine as the bonfire cinders waft into the indigo night, your stay will be infused with unforgettable moments.
Day 6 : Amboseli National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
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. Once you pass the park gate, you begin game viewing as you make your way to the lodge, arriving for 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.
After enjoying a long leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa’s seemingly endless roads, you come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below you. Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park - home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter.
Day 8 : Lake Manyara National Park
Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge. Then depart to Lake Manyara National Park arriving at your lodge perched above the Rift Valley escarpment for dinner and overnight.
Being a relatively small park, and with Lake Manyara taking up the majority of the area, Lake Manyara National Park can be covered easily on half-day game drives, but these drives are usually very rewarding despite their brevity.
The scenery and birdlife are Lake Manyara's major attractions, with the lake being perfectly located to offer spectacular views along the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Manyara is not necessarily worth a diversion to visit, however, as it is so well located close to Arusha and on the road to the Ngorongoro Crater, it is ideal to use as a stop-off point on a road safari, and acts as a great introduction to a Tanzanian safari.
Tanzania’s towering Mto wa Mbu escarpment provides a remarkable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind visit. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge welcomes you with a peaceful location amidst the rich wildlife and unsurpassed tranquility of Lake Manyara National Park. The lake is home to over 300 migratory birds including flamingoes, long-crested eagles and grey-headed kingfisher; our lodge is designed to mimic this extraordinary birdlife, with an architectural motif featuring swooping avian curves and vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depicting the intricacy of bird migratory patterns.
Here, at our Lake Manyara lodge, you’ll find everything you need to relax, rejuvenate and discover the singular beauty of the region. Housed in circular two-storey “rondavels”, our accommodation pays homage to tradition, while also offering contemporary perks. Flamingo Restaurant, our central dining room, serves delicious cuisine and includes a veranda with picturesque views; we would be pleased to arrange a meal in the bush for you as well. Take part in an enchanting game drive or outdoor excursion, tour one of the neighbouring villages or simply lounge by the lodge’s “vanishing horizon” pool. Those hosting their wedding or group event with us can benefit from our modern facilities and gorgeous location, not to mention the careful attention of our planning staff. And with a range of family-friendly activities, our lodge is a delightful destination for visitors of all ages. The holiday of a lifetime awaits you at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.
Day 9 : Serengeti National Park
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch. Depart for Serengeti National Park. Once you pass the Naabi Gate – the gateway to Serengeti National Park – you game view en route to the lodge arriving for dinner and overnight.
The word "Siringit" means "endless plains," and this is understandably from where the Serengeti National Park takes its name. The iconic, endless, golden plains of Africa are nowhere more evident than within this national park, as they stretch off into eternity, dotted throughout with thousands of animals.
Located in the north-west corner of Tanzania, alongside Lake Victoria, the Serengeti has earned its place as one of the world's most famous wildlife areas. While best known for the enormous herds of the wildebeest migration, there is far more to the Serengeti than this, and the national park can be enjoyed even when you are not in the vicinity of this spectacle.
The national park itself is roughly 14 500 square kilometres, but it forms part of the greater Serengeti eco-system, which comprises the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the bordering Masai Mara, in Kenya, with the country boundary between Kenya and Tanzania seperating the two.
The Serengeti can be accessed on a road safari, usually in combination with the Ngorongoro Crater, or there are regular daily flights into the park from Arusha.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an award-winning gem of a hotel in one of the most beautiful settings in Tanzania. Seamlessly blended high into an acacia-lined ridge, our African-style lodge and infinity pool offer panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, endless grasslands, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape in a relentless search for fresh grazing grounds.
Here, you will savour the ancient stillness and serenity of one of the most magnificent destinations on earth. Discover the warmth and cosiness of stone-built, traditionally thatched “rondavel” lodging. Dine under an indigo blanket of stars and enjoy unforgettable adventures and experiences ranging from private safaris and day trips to the prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater to Swahili lessons, guided nature walks and massage treatments.
Take pleasure in a Serengeti safari destination where time seemingly stands still and your room remains at the threshold of undisturbed, untamed Africa.
Day 10 : Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives with meals and overnight at the lodge.
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Safari. Please ask for details if you are interested.
Day 11 : Ngorongoro Crater
Depart the lodge and game view as you make your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A picnic lunch box is served en route. Arrive at your lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for the afternoon at leisure, dinner and overnight.
A unique and fascinating game viewing destination in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see on any Tanzania safari.
Being the world's largest intact caldera, and the result of a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago, the 260 square kilometres of crater floor hosts up to 25 000 animals at all times of year. This makes it one of the most dense wildlife areas in Africa, and allows for many memorable sightings.
Driving down the steep walls of the Crater early in the morning is an experience in itself, and you can always sense the excitement of heading deep into one of the world's natural wonders.
With lodges perched directly on the rim, hundreds of metres above the Crater floor, Ngorongoro accommodation provides you with some of the most incredible views, and the location will surely be a highlight of your holiday.
While being criticised at times for the number of vehicles on drives along the Crater floor, it is necessary to expect that tourist numbers here will be quite high, and be prepared to share this phenomenon with other travellers. Once your mind is not concerned with other vehicles, you can enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater for what it is; one of the world's truly remarkable wildlife areas.
Tanzania’s prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, has yawned heavenward for millennia. Deep within its immense walls is a breath-taking blue-green landscape dotted with plains, lakes and forests; an eerie, otherworldly “land that time forgot” thick with massive bull elephants, rhinos, wildebeests and the highest concentration of lions in Africa.
Nestled high above the plains into the Crater’s jagged rim, cloaked in river stone and indigenous vines, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is barely visible to the naked eye. Framed by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its torch-lit walls are adorned with stylized cave paintings. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Rooms are looped around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below. Our Ngorongoro hotel lodge is a place that feels as ancient as the Crater itself, yet no modern comfort has been spared in an effort to bring you the best safari adventure in Africa and one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.
Explore the Cradle of Mankind at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
Day 12 : Ngorongoro Crater
Early departure 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 with 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 13 - Day of Departure
Those awake early enough will be able to enjoy the sunrise across the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following breakfast, you depart the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha arriving in the city for lunch (excludes drinks). Then transfer to Nairobi and drop off at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight (flight booked by agent or on own arrangements). End of our services.