Highlights of Kenya & Tanzania

Day 1: Nairobi

On arrival in Nairobi, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival in our Nairobi hotel our local representative will meet you to ensure that all is well. This representative will also provide details of a trip briefing to be held in the evening at the hotel, as well as any additional tours or activities that you may wish to enjoy whilst in Nairobi. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time.

Day 2: Meru National Park

(Driving time: approx 6½ hours) Our safari departs from the hotel at 7am, so please be ready in the lobby on time where you will find our safari guide waiting for you. From Nairobi we travel north, skirting the jagged peak of Mount Kenya, en route to the dry, ochre plains of Samburuland. Green hills and fertile countryside gradually give way to more arid surroundings, as we descend into the northern frontier region. After passing Mount Kenya we veer right and continue on to Meru National Park in time for a late lunch at our lodge. A little later in the afternoon we set out on our first game drive. Located 350 kilometres from Nairobi and 80 kilometres east of the town of Meru, this interesting reserve attracts elephant, lion and a variety of antelope, whilst the trees conceal a sizeable leopard population. It was here that George and Joy Adamson raised the famous lioness, Elsa, who featured in their best-selling book 'Born Free', later made into a popular movie. We return to the lodge for dinner. Peregrine’s eco-lodge is set snug amongst the lush forest and small streams right at the edge of Meru National Park. Each of the fifteen discrete rooms is well-appointed with ensuite and modern décor, and has been designed with sustainability in mind; they are built on stilts to minimise environmental impact and are made entirely of recyclable materials. Central is a bar and restaurant, serving only fresh produce sourced from neighbouring farms. Guests can walk through these during their stay if they wish.

Day 3: Meru National Park

(Game drive times variable) Meru has one of the most varied landscapes of all the national parks in Kenya, encompassing forest, savannah and swamp. Its appearance also changes with the seasons; after the rains the grass can grow quite tall, whilst in the dryer months it can take on quite an arid appearance. The park supports an excellent variety of animals including the beautiful Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx (similar to the gemsbok) and graceful gerenuk. There is also a sizeable elephant population and it is not uncommon to see family groups down by the river, where crocodiles may also be observed lurking in the shallows. Our afternoon game drive takes us into a specially designated rhino sanctuary in the swampy north-western corner of the park. Here beneath the distinctive doum palms, both white rhinos and black rhinos can be found in an area that affords them greater protection. As evening approaches we may be lucky enough to spot cheetah or leopard, both of which are common in the reserve.

Day 4: Nakuru

(Driving time: approx 5½ hours) Returning along the shoulder of Mount Kenya where there are often good views of the twin snow-capped peaks, we drive across the Great Rift Valley toward Nakuru. We arrive in time for a late lunch at our cosy tented camp. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to take a scenic walk in the Menengai Crater, one of the largest in the world, which affords us breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley. We stay in a very welcoming tented lodge for the next two nights. This lodge is instrumental in empowering Kenya’s disadavantaged youth through training and hospitality initiatives and will also provide you with possibly the finest dining experiences in all of Kenya!

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park

(Game drive times variable) A short drive takes us to Lake Nakuru National Park, the centrepiece of which is the lake itself. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake which is home to massive numbers of flamingos - up to two million on occasion - and thousands of other birds. It has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle and, at times, the lake is literally a sea of pink. In addition, the park itself also boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck, kudu and gazelle. Leopard are also to be found here, providing good chances for sightings (although there are no guarantees!). Perhaps we may also be fortunate enough to encounter one of Africa's most endangered animals - the rhinoceros. There is quite a good chance of seeing white rhinos, whilst black rhinos may prove to be more elusive.

After a picnic lunch we visit the East Africa Mission Orphanage, in Nakuru. The East Africa Mission Orphanage looks after more than 100 children ranging in age from just a few days old to 15 years of age. The complete needs of the children, including full school education, are provided for by the orphanage. The orphanage is registered with the Kenyan Government and was set up by an Australian couple with the purpose of caring for the thousands of homeless orphans, who would end up either dying a premature death through malnutrition, walking the streets in search of food or turning to prostitution as a means of survival. We are proud to help support the efforts of this family and their incredible orphanage, and is excited to be able to take clients right into the orphanage itself! This afternoon we will be able to meet the children and share afternoon tea with them - they love to practice their English skills and are eager to learn more about the world - so be prepared for some questions! After our visit to the orphanage, we return to our tented lodge for the night.

Day 6-7: Masai Mara National Reserve

(Driving time: approx 4½ hours; game drive times variable) We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, we may be lucky to observe black-maned lion, leopard and cheetah. These predators find an abundant food supply in the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle that roam the grasslands. We arrive at the park in time to enjoy lunch and settle in. In the afternoon we embark on a game drive, pausing to enjoy sundowners prior to heading back to camp in the early evening. The usual routine involves waking up a little before dawn to start our morning game drive when the sun comes up, as this is often one of the most productive times of the day when most animals tends to be more active. After what is hopefully an exciting morning’s drive we return to camp for lunch and to relax during the heat of the day. We set off again in the afternoon and expect to return to camp around sunset. However, depending on wildlife movements, we may on occasion do a full day's game drive and in this instance we'll stop en-route for a picnic lunch. Accommodation whilst in 'the Mara' is in an intimate tented camp set-up. The camp is staffed entirely by Masai people from within the local community and our stay provides us with a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Masai customs and traditions. Reminiscent of the old safari camps of yesteryear it is very comfortable with 12 roomy tents, complete with ensuite facilities. Each tent has an enclosed bucket shower with hot and cold water, which is prepared on request by the camp staff. The tents are equipped with solar lighting and a supply of water for washing. The camp has a delightful dining tent with lounge area - a great spot for relaxing in the evening. From our base here, we conduct game drives within the Masai Mara and surrounding private reserves, and there is also an opportunity to visit a nearby Masai village.

Day 8: Nairobi

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Early in the morning, we start at our camp and take a game walk into a private concession area adjoining Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast we drive back to Nairobi and arrive there in the late afternoon, where we have the evening at our leisure. To reduce your travelling time back to Nairobi, you may wish to consider a flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi (additional cost). This gives you the chance for some extra time in Nairobi, where you can do some further sightseeing or just relax around the pool at our hotel. Please note that the flight from Masai Mara arrives at Wilson Airport (Nairobi) and you will require a transfer to our Nairobi hotel. We are able to book the flight and also the transfer to our Nairobi hotel for you (additional costs involved).

Day 9: Arusha - Lake Manyara

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) This morning we are met by our private transfer vehicle for the 300 kilometre drive to Arusha, which should take about five hours. On the way we exit Kenya and enter Tanzania at the Namanga border post. Our transfer driver can assist us with border procedures. Upon arrival in Arusha We are provided with lunch before meeting our Tanzanian safari guide and special 4WD safari vehicle. A three-hour drive takes us through the village of Mto Wa Mbu before we climb up part of the great Rift Valley to our lodge. We arrive at the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge in the late afternoon. Spectacularly perched high on the escarpment overlooking the alkaline Lake Manyara, this is a wonderful place to spend the first night in Tanzania.

Day 10: Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 6 hours including game drives) In the morning we explore Lake Manyara National Park on a short game drive. This picturesque lake is home to a large number of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, which are often to be seen in the water or on shore. The area is also renowned for black-maned, tree-climbing lions, who have developed this habit due to the marshy soil. Witnessing one of these can be a real highlight of any safari. Large herds of buffalo and elephant are also often sighted. We depart Lake Manyara for the wide open plains of the Serengeti. To reach the Serengeti we must travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, skirting the Ngorongoro Crater before entering into the Serengeti. We will spend the afternoon on a game drive covering the more southern regions of the Serengeti before reaching the Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

Day 11: Serengeti National Park

(Game drive time: approx 8 hours) The seemingly endless Serengeti Plains portray the essence of Africa. They are home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, and the interaction between the many species often provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Today we will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. We will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where we get to enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, our drive could sometimes be a continuous one that last all day and involves returning to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Day 12: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

(Driving time: approx 8 hours including game drives) This morning there is time to further explore the Serengeti and perhaps visit Simba Kopjes, an outcrop of rocks favoured by lion and cheetah, who can often be seen basking in the morning sun. We spend our time game viewing and stop for a picnic lunch en route, as we drive from Serengeti National Park back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Along the way we have the option to visit Olduvai Gorge, a site famous for the discovery of fossilised remains of pre-historic man. Our lodge for the next two nights is beautifully located on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. It is highly recommended to take time in the late afternoon to pause and take in this incredible vista, as the sun sets over the crater.

Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater

(Game drive time: approx 6 hours) Today we explore the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, widely regarded as a microcosm of natural habitats in Africa and often touted as a veritable Garden of Eden. Within this crater lies every type of ecosystem, including riverine forests, open plains, freshwater and alkaline lakes. Ngorongoro Crater is the remnants of an ancient volcano caldera, and within its 300 square kilometres is a remarkable concentration of wildlife. The scenery is spectacular as we descend almost 600 metres down to the crater floor. There is every chance of seeing considerable quantities and varieties of wildlife in this compact area, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros. In the afternoon we leave the crater and return to our lodge for a second night. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) The late afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the wonderful views.

Day 14: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Tarangire National Park

(Driving time: approx 4½ hours; game drive: approx 3½ hours) Bidding farewell to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we travel back down the Rift Valley escarpment and through Mto Wa Mbu before reaching Tarangire National Park - our final Tanzanian national park. Tarangire National Park lies to the south of the Masailands and is defined by large open savannahs dotted with acacia woodland and large baobab trees. With the presence of the Tarangire River, this park forms a refuge during the dry season for many migratory animals, ensuring that Tarangire's wildlife concentration is second only to that of Ngorongoro Crater. At Tarangire we enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to our safari lodge, situated inside the park.

Day 15: Tarangire National Park - Arusha/Nairobi

(Game drive: approx 3 hours; driving time: approx 3 hours to Arusha plus additional 6 hours to Nairobi) We enjoy a full morning game drive in Tarangire National Park before returning to Arusha in time for lunch. It is then time for fond farewells, as some of us may be leaving the trip in Arusha. Those of us continuing back to Nairobi catch a private transfer that delivers us back to our starting hotel in Nairobi. En route, those who wish to be dropped off at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) can do so, but prior notice must be given to us, together with full details of your departing flight. We generally arrive back in Nairobi early in the evening, at which time our tour finishes. Any flights out of Nairobi on this day should not be booked to depart prior to 8.30pm. Spending an extra night in Nairobi is highly recommended, as the journey from Arusha is a tiring one and there are sometimes unexpected delays. The six-hour drive from Arusha to Nairobi can be replaced by a short flight between Kilimanjaro Airport and Nairobi. This flight and the transfer between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport can be pre-booked at additional cost.

Tour Grade: Wildlife

Big game enthusiasts, bird-twitchers and photographers will all find heaven in Africa’s parks and reserves. Kruger’s diversity, Ngorongoro Crater’s concentration, Okavango’s exoticism, South Luangwa’s walking safaris – whatever your passion may be, the great thing about safari is that there is no single ‘safari’ experience; each park has its own flavour, its own character and each creates its own memories. The same is true of the Galapagos – each island is different to the next and home to unique wildlife: Espanola’s albatrosses; Sombrero Chino’s penguins; the difference in marine iguanas on all the islands. Couple this diversity with the animals’ famed fearlessness (no zoom lenses needed!) and cruises here are endlessly thrilling adventures. Whether venturing upriver by canoe in Peru’s Amazon with the lush greenery surrounding you, or exploring hushed trails in Costa Rica’s dense undergrowth, a jungle wildlife adventure is a thrilling walk on the wild side. Catching sight of a monkey swinging through its natural habitat or a toucan taking flight is unforgettable, and when the jungle suddenly opens out onto a clay lick, welcome to one of nature’s great spectacles: a sudden a riot of noise and colour as hundreds of macaws and other birds gather.