18 Days / 17 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Safari Exploration

Tour Highlights:

• Aberdares , Arusha , Lake Manyara , Lake Naivasha , Lake Nakuru , Masai Mara , Nairobi , Ngorongoro , Samburu National Reserve , Serengeti National Park , Tarangire National Park.
• Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue center.
• At the Giraffe Centre, hand-feed elegant Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform.
• Enjoy personal game drive experiences in safari vehicles that seat no more than six.
• Explore Samburu Game Reserve, known for its unique wildlife “Samburu Special five”.
• Enjoy leisurely game viewing at one of Kenya’s iconic tree lodges.
• Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its superb birdlife.
• Test your luck and see how many of the “Big Five” you’ll spot in the magical Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Travel to Tarangire National Park, known for its huge herds of elephants and giraffe.
• Game drives in Serengeti National Park, with Africa’s highest concentration of wildlife.
• At Serengeti, linger at the Simba Kopje, inspiration for scenes in The Lion King.
• At the Olduvai Gorge Museum view fossils that provide evidence of our ancestors.
• Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a World Heritage Site, Africa’s “Garden of Eden”.
• Passengers should select flights on Day 19 from Nairobi that depart no earlier than 7 PM.

DAY 0: Depart for Kenya Either in MEXICO/USA/CANADA Depart for Kenya

DAY 1: Arrive in Nairobi from Europe Arrive in Nairobi, gateway to your thrilling safari in Kenya; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest, acclimate to your new time zone and prepare for the African adventure that awaits you.
Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre.
This morning, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about how the orphan elephants, raised by the orphanage, are later released into the wild. Elephant calves are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized care from highly dedicated staff. Perhaps, you’ll arrive there just in time to see them being exercised and bathed. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farmhouse of the prominent author of Out of Africa. After lunch on your own, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started in 1975 as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today, this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffe, an endangered species, from an elevated feeding platform and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3: Evening Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, a spectacular 60-square-mile reserve known for its unique wildlife, rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Here, view different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long necked gerenuk, along with lion, cheetah, and leopard. Besides the numerous varieties of wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. En route, stop for lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant, built in an enormous fig tree below Mount Kenya. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Along these river banks, the majority of the animals gather for the promise of water. This evening, set out on your first game drive and watch the colorful African sunset before returning to the camp in time for dinner
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Samburu National Park
Morning game drive today in the midst of this rugged and beautiful semi-arid desert of northern Kenya. Perhaps you’ll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight, after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu naturalist. You’ll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Game Viewing in Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya’s iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya’s iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino
Overnight: Aberdare National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, dominated by the shallow waters of the lake at its center, best known for its pink flamingos, white rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard. The birdlife here is absolutely superb, with over 450 species recorded – at certain times of year there are over a million flamingos. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today’s optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Today’s game drives through the spectacular Masai Mara reserve focus on the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of bird life. A lovely dinner tonight celebrates your final night in the Mara
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Depart Kenya, Arrive in Tanzania
Depart the Mara this morning and return to bustling Nairobi. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, enjoy lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant before bidding farewell to your Kenyan guide. Relax in your day room before transferring to the airport for your late evening flight to Tanzania. Arrive in Kilimanjaro; transfer to the hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania, nestled at the foot of Mt Meru
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10: Tarangire National Park
Meet your Tanzanian guide this morning and travel to the vast Tarangire National Park, known for its huge herds of elephants and giraffe as well as a remarkable variety of over 500 bird species. The Tarangire River and its tributaries provide the only permanent water supply on Maasai land during the dry season, thus supporting a great diversity of wildlife – up to 6,000 elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and cheetah. The afternoon game drive is sure to inspire – be sure to capture photos of the park’s gigantic Baobab trees silhouetted against the sky!
Overnight: Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Tarangire Game Drives
The thrilling sounds of the animals and birds in the bush awaken you. Enjoy an early morning and afternoon game drive in beautiful Tarangire National Park. Time for personal pursuits before tonight’s delightful dinner
Overnight: Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Lake Manyara National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, world-famous for its nimble blue monkeys and elephants. More than 400 species live here, along with an abundance of bird life that makes it a haven for bird watchers. The afternoon is at leisure to rest and enjoy the amenities of the lodge. This evening, a sumptuous dinner awaits with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Lake Manyara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for the fabled Serengeti National Park. Unequaled in its natural beauty and undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, the vast plains of the Serengeti host Africa’s highest concentration of game. Standing majestically in this vast savannah, outcrops of granite called kopjes provide a habitat for many creatures because of the thriving vegetation, caves and flowing rivers. The spectacular Simba Kopje was used as inspiration for some of the scenes in the movie “The Lion King”. The first game drive explores the lush Seronera Valley, renowned for its lion and leopard populations, as well as a variety of other wildlife. At dusk, return to the campsite, sip a glass of wine by a warming campfire and share tales of today’s remarkable experiences
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: Serengeti Game Drives
Rise before dawn to prepare yourself for the optional Sunrise Balloon Safari — a truly memorable experience! Take off in a hot air balloon as the sun rises. Float softly over the tranquil landscape viewing wild game roaming the vast plains. A sumptuous champagne breakfast awaits you at the end of the journey. Continue game viewing as you drive leisurely back to camp. Then, an exciting exploration of Moru Kopjes (weather permitting), the jewel in the Serengeti’s crown, an area of stunning beauty and excellent game viewing all year round. This unique landscape is characterized by rocky cliffs (kopjes) along with boulders and caves that act as canvases for ancient Maasai paintings. At the lodge tonight, enjoy a magnificent dinner and great conversation
Optional: Serengeti Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: Serengeti Game Drives
The early morning game drive takes you again into the protected Serengeti refuge. The breathtaking savannahs are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. On your return to the camp, a leisurely lunch and time to relax before setting out on the afternoon game drive. After dinner tonight, listen to the sounds of the wilderness and gaze at the changing colors of the African skies
Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge Museum
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the Serengeti plains and continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping en route to visit the remarkable Olduvai Gorge Museum with its displays of fossils that provide significant evidence of our ancestors almost four million years ago. Tonight at the lodge, dinner together accented by a gorgeous African sunset
Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17: Ngorongoro Game Drive
Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Africa’s “Garden of Eden”. Descend almost 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater, one of the largest calderas in the world, containing diverse ecosystems and an astounding concentration of birds and animals. You’ll surely be awed by the profusion and beauty of the wildlife in this natural enclosure! View herds of elephants slowly wandering along the trails as lions wait for their prey and guard their prides. You may spot gazelles, zebra and perhaps even the endangered rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this astonishing setting before you ascend to the crater rim and travel to Arusha. Time to relax before tonight’s delightful dinner. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends as you share memories of your magnificent adventure in Tanzania
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18: Depart Tanzania
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Kilimanjaro for your flight to Nairobi, where you will connect to your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 7 PM
Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes:

• All transfers included on package arrival & departure dates
• Transport as per itinerary in modern 4×4 vehicles
• Small groups of maximum 12 travelers guaranteed
• All intra-flights: Nairobi-Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro-Nairobi
• 17 nights First Class accommodations
• 2 nights Nairobi
• 2 nights Samburu National Reserve
• 1 night Aberdare National Park
• 1 night Lake Naivasha
• 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
• 2 nights Arusha
• 2 nights Tarangire National Park
• 1 night Lake Manyara
• 3 nights Serengeti National Park
• 1 night Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• 47 meals: 17 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners
• Services of English-speaking driver-guides throughout
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features
• All National Parks and Game Reserves and Conservation Fees

Not Included:

• Optional tours and gratuities.
• Hotel porterage
• Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride in Masai Mara kenya as well at Sereengeti in Tanzania but can be arranged
• Optional Masai Village Visit in Both Masai Mara and Samburu in Kenya while in Tanzania can be done at Ngorongoro on your way to Serengeti

Accommodations
Radisson Blu Hotel
This first class hotel is located within the commercial center of East Africa.

Samburu Intrepids
This four star camp lodge is located in the central region of the Samburu reserve near the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

The Ark
This first class hotel is located in Aberdare National Park.

Great Rift Valley Lodge
This first class hotel overlooks Lake Naivasha.

Mara Intrepids Camp
This first class hotel is located in a lovely location overlooking the Talek River.

The African Tulip
This first class hotel is situated in the heart of Arusha.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge
This first class lodge is located in the Nyarboro Hills within the Tarangire National Park.

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
This first class lodge has splendid views of Lake Manyara.

Angata Serengeti Camp
This first class camp is situated in the central Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
This first class lodge features breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Lake Duluti Lodge
This first class lodge is located nearby Lake Duluti.