13 day Kenya & Tanzania
DAY 1 , Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to our contemporary-style hotel to rest up after your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi
DAY 2 , Nairobi Sightseeing and Home - Hosted Dinner
We begin our east African adventure at the internationally renowned Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Since 1955, this organization has raised and rehabilitated a variety of animals from elephants to mongooses for reintroduction into the wild. Later, we visit the Karen Blixen Museum, housed in the farmhouse of the Out of Africa author. Here we will also visit the Giraffe Center, where we get a glimpse of the rare Rothschilds Giraffe; the center’s founders provided refuge to its first endangered giraffes in 1974. Afterwards, we will make a local stop to learn about the crafting of Kenya's popular Kazuri beads. Tonight, we get a delightful introduction to African tribal culture at the home of Alan Donovan, a respected collector of local relics. We will enjoy dinner at his house which has stunning overlooks of the Ngong Hills and serves as an exhibition space for contemporary and ancient artifacts
Overnight: Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Drive to Amboseli National Park
This morning we drive to Amboseli National Park with spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Amboseli’s vast underground springs flow down from Kilimanjaro and feed countless watering holes that attract herds of elephants, wildebeest, and zebra. We arrive at our camp in time for an al fresco lunch. Then we enjoy our first game drive, accompanied by eagle-eyed guides who are skilled trackers. It’s a thrill to traverse this untouched land and witness wildlife in their unspoiled natural habitat. We end our first safari with a traditional sundowner while enjoying a view of snow-capped “Kili”
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Enjoy Amboseli Game Drives
On a typical safari day, we set out early to catch the animals when they are at their most active. Just off their night hunts, lions might be wandering the wide-open plains in search of a shady tree. Amboseli is famous for the abundance of elephants, and seeing them against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a fantastic experience. We return to our camp for a freshly prepared lunch during which we might see animals passing in the dusty distance. We return to the wilds for an afternoon game drive. This evening, we enjoy a special, fire-lit bush dinner under African skies
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Cross Tanzania Border/ Drive to Ngorongoro
Cross into Tanzania this morning, switching vehicles at the border. We will stop for lunch at Gibb’s Farm, a charming local favorite in Arusha. Arusha is a gateway to Tanzania's most renowned national parks. This afternoon, transfer into the hills of Ngorongoro National Park. Ngorongoro has been called Africa’s Eden. Its sunken crater was formed when a huge volcano exploded and collapsed on itself 2-3 million years ago. Today, this 2,000-foot-deep, massive caldera is an unspoiled wilderness of large plains animals and abundant bird life. We arrive at our lodge late this afternoon, set on the rim of the crater with incredible views
Overnight: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for Full-Day Game Drive
Today we descend through a hillside rainforest of acacia trees into swaying grasses and verdant fields threaded by rambling streams – a spellbinding and beautiful setting for grazers, predators, and prey. The crater’s huge bowl shape forms a natural enclosure for the Big Five – rhinos, leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants – among an abundant variety of other creatures. We’ll spend the day exploring its various habitats: forest, lake, river, and plain
Overnight: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Drive across Plains to Serengeti/ Visit Olduvai Gorge
Today we drive across the breathtaking “endless plains” of Tanzania to the mighty Serengeti. Along the way the Olduvai Gorge, where Louis and Mary Leakey unearthed hominid skeletons, provides a fascinating rest stop. We arrive at our camp this afternoon, set on a gentle slope with magnificent views of the Serengeti plain. In this world-renowned park, over a million wildebeest and zebra follow lush grasslands on a vast and endless migration loop, the most dramatic movement of animals on the planet. Once we’ve settled in, we’re visited by a Maasai elder to learn about his people’s ancient culture and traditions. These semi-nomadic people have made this land their home since migrating here from the Upper Nile region in the 15th century
Overnight: Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Explore Serengeti National Park
We have two days to explore the spectacular Serengeti, home to the greatest concentration of plains animals anywhere on earth. Today’s full-day game drive delivers us to a variety of ecosystems, from grasslands to valleys to river beds, where lions, hippos, giraffes, and countless others roam. A unique geologic feature of the Serengeti is its kopjes, huge granite rock formations that dramatically rise from the flat plains. We’ll take a break from our drive to explore the Moru kopjes, where ancient Maasai art adorns the walls of caves. It's common to find some big cats and elephants nearby as the rocks provide ideal look out points for predators, as well as a precious source of shade in the vast plains. We return to camp in time to watch the sunset from around our campfire
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast
Overnight: Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Explore Serengeti National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive today, returning to camp for lunch and traditional siesta. Late afternoon, we return to the wilds, exploring the Simba kopjes. These kopjes are particularly favored by lions due to the high perches which provide a place to hide their cubs from predators. Return to your camp for dinner
Overnight: Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
A magnificent driving day brings us to Lake Manyara National Park, hugging the shores of what Hemingway called “the loveliest lake in Africa.” En route, we stop to visit a local village school. Here, we’ll meet students and teachers and hear about their daily lives. Their schoolhouse may be simple, but the students’ eagerness to learn is powerful. Lake Manyara is known for its elephants, flamingos, and unique tree-climbing lions. Our camp enjoys a stunning lakeside location in a secluded woodland; we can often see pelicans and flamingos wading in the water. We’ll continue to explore the beauty of Lake Manyara during an afternoon game drive
Overnight: Lemala Manyara Camp, Lake Manyara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Transfer to Tarangire National Park this morning, arriving at our permanent tented camp for a late lunch. Tarangire’s river and wetlands are the single source of water here during the dry season; they provide a haven for a rich array of bird life and wildlife, including giraffes and large herds of elephants. We explore its variety of landscapes and animals during our afternoon game drive
Overnight: Kikoti Safari Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12, Explore Tarangire National Park
More than 550 species make Tarangire their home, We’ll get an early start today to seek some of them out. After a late breakfast back at camp, there’ll be time to relax until lunch and an afternoon game drive. The park’s distinctive baobab tree creates an otherworldly atmosphere amidst the grassy terrain
Overnight: Kikoti Safari Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Depart back home
After breakfast, we drive to Arusha, where we enjoy a farewell lunch. Then, fly from Kilimanjaro Airport to Nairobi, where you’ll join your connecting flight for the USA this evening. Arrive in the USA on Day 15
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
Small groups of 10-18 travelers guaranteed
12 nights in First Class safari lodges and authentic accommodations that evoke the local character
2 nights Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi
2 nights Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park
2 nights Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, Ngorongoro National Park
3 nights Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Serengeti National Park
1 night Lemala Manyara Camp, Lake Manyara National Park
2 nights Kikoti Safari Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire National Park
All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern 7-seater safari vans and 4x4 vehicles
35 meals: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners (including a home-hosted welcome dinner, bush dinner, and farewell lunch)
Bottled water during sightseeing excursions. Bottled water, coffee and tea with all meals
Services of local English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
Active itinerary with unique cultural features
Luggage handling for one bag per person