Prepare for an extraordinary journey through East Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, from Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara to Tanzania’s magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. This adventure combines breathtaking safaris with immersive cultural experiences, offering a comprehensive exploration of some of the most celebrated national parks in the region.
Your journey begins in Kenya’s Masai Mara, a wildlife haven renowned for its dense populations of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo—the famed “Big Five.” Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the Great Migration, a spectacle involving thousands of wildebeest and zebra traversing the plains in search of greener pastures. The Masai Mara is also home to cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and a myriad of bird species.
Next, visit Lake Nakuru, a vibrant birdwatcher’s paradise, where you’ll see flocks of flamingos and a variety of other birdlife. The lake is also home to rhinos, offering a unique chance to see these majestic creatures in the wild. As you traverse the park, keep your binoculars ready for sightings of buffalo, zebras, and impalas.
Cross into Tanzania for an unforgettable safari through the Serengeti, where you’ll experience the iconic landscapes that have inspired countless documentaries and films. The Serengeti is synonymous with wildlife abundance, and your game drives here will bring you close to lions, elephants, leopards, and more. The vast open plains are a true embodiment of Africa’s raw beauty.
Beyond the wildlife, immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Masai people. Visit a Masai village to learn about their customs, clothing, and unique way of life. You’ll have the chance to interact with the locals, witness traditional dances, and even share a meal with a family in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant Tanzanian village known for its cultural diversity.
Your journey culminates with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. As you descend into this natural amphitheater, be prepared for breathtaking views and encounters with some of Africa’s most fascinating creatures. From herds of wildebeest to prides of lions, the Ngorongoro Crater is a microcosm of Africa’s wildlife splendor.
This epic journey through East Africa’s finest national parks offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife exploration, and cultural immersion. Get ready to create lasting memories as you experience the magic and wonder of this remarkable region.
Day 1
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
- Accommodations: ibis Styles – Nairobi, or similar Westlands
Day 2
Depart early for Lake Nakuru, known for harboring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar) http://lakenakurulodge.com/
Day 3
Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, lions, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds. Later, hear from a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—a government institution dedicated to managing the country’s wildlife—about the issues surrounding poaching and rhino conservation.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar) http://lakenakurulodge.com/
Day 4
Head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a large freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks and olive trees. Cruise the lake on a boat, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo; and peer through your binoculars to spot lovebirds, ibis, and the African fish eagle. Step ashore at Crescent Island—a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the lake— and enjoy a guided stroll in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Kiboko Luxury Camp https://kibosafaricamp.com/
Day 5
Travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp, located in the heart of the reserve. Head out for an afternoon safari through vast, acacia-dotted plains, driving past throngs of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes; and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five.” In the evening, relax at the camp and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Fig Tree Camp https://madahotels.com/fig-tree-camp-masai-mara/ (or similar)
Day 6
Venture out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day. Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Fig Tree Camp https://madahotels.com/fig-tree-camp-masai-mara/(or similar)
Day 7
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi. Stop en route at Café Ubuntu, a G Adventures–supported project that trains and employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. Visit the craft centre to meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodations: Jacaranda Hotel (or similar)
Day 8
Fly to Arusha, gateway to the Serengeti and the northern parks of Tanzania, and settle into your lodge.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Ilboru Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 9
This morning, make your way to Mto wa Mbu village, a vibrant settlement of Tanzania’s diverse tribal groups. Take a guided walk through the village, visiting the local market and meeting artisans in their workshops; then sit down for a traditional lunch with a local family. Continue to the Rift Valley escarpment and settle into our safari camp, located at the edge of Lake Manyara National Park. Set out on our first safari drive to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife, searching for lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Rift Valley Photographic Lodge (or similar)
Day 10
Travel through the breathtaking Rift Valley to a Masai village. Here, we learn about the G Adventures–supported Clean Cookstoves Project, dedicated to providing clean-burning cookstoves to Masai communities throughout Tanzania. Enjoy a presentation by a Masai woman on the impact of the project, and take a guided tour of the village, visiting traditional homes or bomas and helping build a new stove. Continue to our safari camp in Serengeti National Park, stopping en route at the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitor’s Centre—located near the site where National Geographic archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early hominid fossils and stone tools in 1960.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Serengeti Tortilis Camp (or similar) https://www.tortiliscamps.com/ (or similar)
Day 11
Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Discover the park’s iconic creatures when you set out in a 4×4 on morning and afternoon safaris through the golden grasslands. With luck, spot all of Africa’s “big five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Later, visit the Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre, and enjoy a talk by one of the visiting researchers.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Serengeti Tortilis Camp (or similar) https://www.tortiliscamps.com/ (or similar)
Day 12
Depart the Serengeti this morning, looking out for the park’s wild denizens along the drive. Check in to our comfortable tented camp near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a fiery African sunset from the deck.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Pembeni Rhotia https://pembeniafrica.com/ (or similar)
Day 13
Spanning more than 20 kilometers in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest non-flooded caldera in the world and is inhabited by some 25,000 animals. Descend into this green-walled paradise early in the morning on safari. As you ride past herds of zebra and flocks of flamingo, keep your eyes peeled for a pride of lions or a lone leopard. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the floor of the crater; then drive to Arusha.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodations: Ilboru Safari Lodge https://www.ilborusafarilodge.com (or similar)
Day 14
Depart at any time. What can you expect when you travel on Journeys? Free time to explore on your own, along with some included meals and activities. 100% guaranteed departures. No extra fee for solo travelers—same gender roommate will be provided, or pay extra for your own space An unforgettable experience at an incredible value
- Meals Included: Breakfast
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