Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with multiple game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena. Here, you’ll have the best chance to spot the Big Five!
Embark on an unforgettable safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD with your small group for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros in full view.
Learn about the Maasai cultures and join a local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before sitting down for a traditional meal together.
Explore Amboseli National Park – home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya and known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Your expert local crew will keep you well informed (and well fed!) – filling you in on all you need to know about the Great Rift Valley and the annual migration of some two million wildebeest.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Patinaai Osim Community Care Organisation. Donations support their livelihood programs which help indigenous Maasai women identify alternative income-generating activities to support their families.
Bless the rains of East Africa on an eight-day safari adventure through Kenya and Tanzania. The famed national parks in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater region are home to an astounding array of animals, from miniature dik-dik antelopes and lions to the noble African elephant. With local guides and all your needs taken care of, you’re free to spot wildlife and soak up the amazing atmosphere. Head out on a number of game drives in search of the Big Five in the back of specially designed safari vehicles and see the endangered black rhino on a safari on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. With stops at a local community in Mto wa Mbu, the vast Lake Victoria and bustling Nairobi, this journey is fit for the most curious traveller, eager to explore the small towns and fertile savannahs of Africa’s east.
Highlights
Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with multiple game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena. Here, you’ll have the best chance to spot the Big Five!
Embark on an unforgettable safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD with your small group for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros in full view.
Learn about the Maasai cultures and join a local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before sitting down for a traditional meal together.
Explore Amboseli National Park – home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya and known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Your expert local crew will keep you well informed (and well fed!) – filling you in on all you need to know about the Great Rift Valley and the annual migration of some two million wildebeest.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Patinaai Osim Community Care Organisation. Donations support their livelihood programs which help indigenous Maasai women identify alternative income-generating activities to support their families.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, you can head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. Tonight, why not ask your leader for local dinner recommendations and head out to get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
Optional Activities:
Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - 55USD
Day 2: Amboseli National Park Today, you’ll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you’re lucky to visit on a clear day, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you’ll set off on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and discover the wildlife that calls this place home. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (basic facilities)
Day 3: Mto Wa Mbu This morning, depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. Today includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you’re on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it’s a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Later, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes before enjoying a traditional meal for dinner. Your campsite this evening is located in Mto wa Mbu. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with facilities)
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Ngorongoro Crater) Rise and shine early today before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, swap your overland vehicle for open roof 4WDs. Take in the spectacular views from the crater’s rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it’s easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino. Later, head to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending landscape is home to thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite within the park. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with basic facilities)
Included Activities:
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Day 5: Serengeti National Park Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with basic facilities)
Included Activities:
Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities:
Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - 745USD
Day 6: Karatu Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot before making the long drive to Karatu – a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with facilities)
Day 7: Karatu Today is a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves – a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You’ll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with facilities)
Optional Activities:
Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - 80USD
Lake Manyara Game drive - 100USD
Karatu - Village Visit - 20USD
Karatu - Coffee Tour - 25USD
Day 8: Arusha / Nairobi Set off early this morning at around 7.30 am to begin your final journey of the trip. Your first stop will be in Arusha, where you’ll have the option to end your trip. If it’s more convenient for you, there is the option to travel back to Nairobi, too. Your adventure comes to an end in Nairobi. You’ll be dropped at a centrally located hotel, however, no accommodation will be provided tonight. If you want to extend your stay in Nairobi, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation. Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities
Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Physical preparation
You do not need any real fitness for this safari besides the ability to get in and out of the safari vehicles. The step up into the overland truck, while not overly high, can become tiring, as can the constant setting and packing up of camp. You need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down at least 8-10 times a day. Please also note that the roads, particularly in national parks, can be in quite poor condition and you may experience a fair amount of bouncing around.
Important information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 8. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm this evening.
3. If it is more convenient, we offer the option to finish the trip in Arusha on the final day rather than transferring back to Nairobi. Please do not book flights out of Arusha airport until after 10.30 am.
4. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see Days 4-5 for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited, and we recommend that you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
