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: Samburu National Reserve

(Driving time: approx 3½ hours) Our safari departs from the hotel at 8am, 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. We reach Samburu in time for a late lunch and a quick swim in the pool at the Sarova Shaba Lodge (or similar). A little later in the afternoon we set out on our first game drive. The picturesque Ewaso Nyiro River flows along the southern border of the park and attracts elephant, lion and a variety of antelope, whilst the trees along the riverbanks conceal a sizeable leopard population. We return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve

(Game drive times variable) Samburu is a delightful reserve and a region of dry savannah scrubland, with an impressive range of hills in the background that 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 morning and late afternoon game drives take us along the banks of the river, which lies like a green ribbon on the edge of this parched landscape, as well as into the scrublands. As evening approaches we may be lucky enough to spot cheetah or leopard, both of which are common in the reserve. Our excursions are usually conducted in Samburu Game Reserve itself, but at various times of the year we need to organise our game drives south of the river in the adjoining Buffalo Springs game Reserve area, which also boasts good concentrations of wildlife.

Day 4: Nakuru

(Driving time: approx 4 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 we take a nature walk down into Menengai Crater, a volcanic caldera that stretches from eight to ten kilometres in diameter and up to a height of 485 metres. Our overnight accommodation is in a beautiful permanent tented camp with ensuite facilities. We are very proud to be supporting this tented camp, as all profits are used to support the Ujima Foundation. The Ujima Foundation is a training institute that prepares young adults for employment in Nakuru, thereby giving opportunities to poor people. The foundation strictly targets orphaned youngsters between the ages of 17 and 23 years who have to take care of their siblings. Most of the trainees are women who have had no education nor job experience. The trainees are taught to be long term employees. The program takes one year and gives orphaned youngsters a chance to become self-reliant. Trainees hone their skills in the permanent tented camp that we are staying in, so you can be rest assured that the ambience is excellent, the food incredible and the service impeccable! The philosophy of Ujima is defined in the foundations name which is derived from an old Kiswahili word, meaning 'achieved with the help of others'. The foundation believes in working together with people and organisations who share their values. This is why we have chosen to become involved with directly supporting this camp.

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 spending the day in the park, we return to our private camp.

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, an 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 & wilderness

With a particular emphasis on wildlife and the environment, these adventures visit some of the world's greatest game reserves and wildlife regions.