Classic Kenya and Tanzania Adventure: Small Group

From Nairobi to Arusha / Kilimanjaro or Nairobi
  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • Small Group Tours
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Tour Description

Prepare for an extraordinary safari adventure that promises an intimate and immersive experience in the heart of Africa's most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. 

Your extraordinary adventure begins with a visit to the Masai Mara, where you'll have the chance to explore the captivating landscapes and encounter diverse wildlife. The journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its birdwatching opportunities and the vibrant pink hues of flamingos, as well as the presence of white rhinos.

From there, the expedition takes you to Amboseli, where the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro serves as your backdrop, providing stunning vistas of Africa's highest peak. Here, you'll find some of the continent's largest elephant herds. The adventure then leads you to Tarangire National Park, where you'll witness the grandeur of Tarangire's majestic elephant herds up close, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with the gentle giants of the African savannah.

Your journey continues to Lake Manyara, where you'll be enthralled by the abundant birdlife, from flamingos to storks, and a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants and lions. The next leg of your adventure brings you to the Serengeti, where iconic African wildlife, from lions to leopards, roam the endless plains. Hot air balloon safaris offer an unforgettable way to witness this pristine wilderness from above.

The grand finale of your safari adventure takes place at the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll descend to the floor of this volcanic caldera and enjoy a unique wildlife experience within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an estimated 30,000 animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world.

Your senses will be delighted by the splendid landscapes, from the sunrises over the Ngorongoro Crater's eastern rim to the awe-inspiring views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. This extraordinary journey encapsulates the very essence of Africa's wildlife and landscapes, ensuring you return home with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

 Please note this tour can also operate with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 per vehicle.  It can operate any day on a private basis with an exclusive vehicle - talk to us today!

Viva's Best Bits...

From sunrise views over the Ngorongoro Crater to the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, this journey promises awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Encounter a wide range of wildlife, including the "Big Five" and diverse bird species, in iconic African wildlife destinations such as Serengeti & Masai Mara

Witness Tarangire's Majestic Elephant Herds up close and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the park's iconic Baobab trees.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Nairobi

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at a superior hotel including breakfast

Day 2
Nairobi Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart Nairobi after breakfast and journey through Kenya's lush highlands, descending the rift escarpment via a road constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.

Along the way, you'll come across a picturesque chapel situated at the base of the escarpment. Traverse the valley, pass the remarkable Longonot Earth satellite station, and make your way to Narok. Your drive will take you through vast fields of wheat and barley before you arrive at the Masai Mara in time for lunch.

After your meal, embark on your initial game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.

Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

About the Lodge
Opened in 1965, Keekorok Lodge is located at the southern tip of the Masai Mara National Reserve, just 280 kilometers from Nairobi. As the first lodge in the Mara and positioned in the midst of the annual migration, it's often encircled by a multitude of animals, making additional game drives unnecessary. The lodge's charm is rooted in its extensive use of local materials like sandstone and cedar wood in all rooms and common areas. There's a 300-meter elevated walkway leading to a bar overlooking a dam where resident hippos and other wildlife can be seen. Keekorok Lodge lacks fences, so elephants and buffalo are common sights on the property's outskirts, but watchmen are always on duty.

Day 3
Masai Mara National Reserve

Today enjoy your scheduled game activities.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional Hot Air Balloon ride over the Masai Mara - enquire for pricing.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast wildlife sanctuary situated in the southwestern region of Kenya, sharing its border with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Encompassing approximately 1,510 square kilometers, it derives its name from the Maasai people who call this region home. This reserve is celebrated for its rich and varied wildlife, housing a diverse range of animals, including the renowned "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as numerous other species like zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, and more.

Additionally, the Masai Mara is famous for the annual wildebeest migration, during which millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of fresh pastures. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy a variety of activities, such as game drives, hot air balloon rides, and immersive cultural experiences with the Maasai people.

Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

Day 4
Masai Mara Lake Nakuru

Departing from the Masai Mara after breakfast, journey across the fertile heartland of Kenya, where vast expanses of wheat and barley adorn the landscape as you travel north to Narok, which serves as the district headquarters in this Maasailand region.

Continue your route across the expansive plains within the Rift Valley, reaching Lake Nakuru around midday. Within the park, observe wildlife while en route to the lodge. After enjoying lunch and a rest, embark on an afternoon game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. This national park, celebrated for its avian diversity, offers opportunities to spot flamingoes and is also home to Black and White rhinos, as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.

Situated in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area spanning about 188 square kilometers. It derives its name from Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake that dominates the area. This lake is occasionally host to large gatherings of flamingos, drawn to the alkaline water and its algae-rich food source. Beyond the flamingos, the park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalos, and various antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will also find joy in the park, as it harbors over 400 bird species within its boundaries, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Stay overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full board basis (excluding laundry and beverages).

About the Lodge:
Lake Nakuru Lodge is nestled in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely populated wetland National Parks, recognized as a Ramsar site. It's conveniently just a two-hour drive from Nairobi, meandering through picturesque forested uplands and passing several lakes along the way.

On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru, you'll discover an exceptional national park of international renown. This 188-square-kilometer, fully-fenced park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, carefully safeguarded to ensure their flourishing.

The rhino population exceeds 50 and continues to grow. The park also houses the rare Rothschild giraffe and is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck, and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is strategically located in the southeast ecological niche of the park, providing stunning vistas of the lake and the iconic flamingos for which it is renowned. The lodge and its cottages are embraced by lush gardens, and guests can enjoy a diverse range of activities and evening entertainment.

Day 5
Lake Nakuru Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Leave the Rift Valley behind and head to Nairobi for an early lunch (or a picnic lunch, depending on road conditions).

Continue south toward Amboseli, reaching your lodge by late afternoon. Amboseli National Park spans approximately 392 square kilometers and is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa.

The park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Birdwatchers will be delighted, as the park is home to over 400 bird species.

Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant herds, among the biggest in Africa, offering visitors the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close during game drives. The park also showcases stunning landscapes, such as swamps, savannahs, and acacia woodlands, while hot air balloon rides are available for a bird's eye view of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

About the Lodge:
Ol Tukai Lodge is centrally located in Amboseli National Park, nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. The lodge offers cottage-style accommodations that extend on both sides of the main lodge, featuring unobtrusive architectural design. Each room is constructed from gum trees and other native materials, incorporating beige and cream slate. Every room provides uninterrupted views, either of the wetlands or the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge boasts a refreshing swimming pool shaded by acacia trees, a library, bars, a gift shop, and spacious gardens for guests to savor.

Day 6
Amboseli National Park

Today enjoy your scheduled game activities

Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

Day 7
Amboseli Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro and depart from Amboseli. Your journey continues by road to the Namanga border, where you will part ways with your Kenyan driver/guide and perhaps some of your fellow travelers who are returning to Nairobi.

You will meet your Tanzanian transfer driver and proceed by road to Arusha, where you'll enjoy lunch (excluding drinks).

In Arusha, you'll also meet any other travelers joining the trip, and then you'll head to Tarangire National Park. As you pass through the park gate, your game-viewing adventure begins, culminating at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Tarangire National Park is aptly named after the Tarangire River that flows through it and is renowned for its vast herds of elephants and rich biodiversity. Encompassing an area of 2,850 square kilometers, the park is home to over 550 bird species and a wide array of animals, including lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and more. The park's distinct landscape is graced by iconic baobab trees, offering picturesque views of the Maasai Steppe and the Rift Valley. It stands as a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.

Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

About the Lodge:
Tarangire Sopa Lodge is tucked away amidst the kopjes, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. The spacious and well-ventilated lobby features marble floors and glass sliding doors that open onto a veranda, providing a place to unwind and take in the view. With wooden finishing on the ceiling and strategic placement of plants, the lodge exudes a sense of complete relaxation, much appreciated after the long and dusty journey to reach it. For those seeking a refreshing dip, the lodge offers a swimming pool.

The lodge comprises 75 roomy accommodations, each featuring a private lounge area upon entry, complete with a mini bar. These carpeted rooms house two queen-size beds adorned with mosquito nets, while ceiling fans maintain a comfortable room temperature. Glass sliding doors lead out to a balcony with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, offering opportunities to spot wildlife in the vicinity.

Day 8
Tarangire National Park Lake Manyara National Park

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by lunch at the lodge. Afterward, continue your journey to Lake Manyara National Park, where you'll reach your lodge perched atop the Rift Valley escarpment, in time for dinner and an overnight stay.

About the lodge:
Perched on a towering terracotta escarpment with sweeping views of the glistening alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a remarkable combination of serenity, wildlife exploration, and avian diversity. Adventure enthusiasts can partake in a wide range of high-adventure sports, such as mountain biking, canoeing, and forest walks. For those interested in cultural experiences, the lodge offers village tours and captivating dance displays by local Iraqw and Sukuma people.

The lodge is centered around a unique 'vanishing horizon' pool, featuring a straightforward timbered reception area constructed in traditional African style, accessible via a bridge crossing a small stream. Beyond the reception, you'll find the central dining room, bar, and veranda, situated below the pool. On the cliff's edge, a pool bar and observation point offer stunning lake views. Scattered throughout the grounds are circular two-story 'rondavels,' each with a view of the lake, housing the lodge's rooms.

Inspired by Lake Manyara's splendid birdlife, the lodge's architecture harmoniously blends the graceful curves of avian forms with the gentle concentric patterns reminiscent of traditional Maasai 'Bomas.' The vibrantly colored wall frescoes depict the intricate beauty of bird migratory patterns.

Day 9
Lake Manyara National Park Serengeti National Park

Embark on a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Lake Manyara National Park derives its name from Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that serves as a prominent feature of the park. Spanning an area of 330 square kilometers, the park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, encompassing large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and various antelope species. Notably, the park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a behavior also observed in other parts of Africa. In addition to its rich wildlife, the park is a birdwatcher's delight, boasting a record of over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and a variety of birds of prey. The park's terrain varies from dense forests to open grassy plains, offering breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and the surrounding landscapes. It stands as a favored destination for wildlife safaris and birdwatching excursions.

After your game-drive return to the lodge for lunch. Following lunch, set out for Serengeti National Park. As you pass through the Naabi Gate, the entrance to Serengeti National Park, you'll enjoy game viewing on your way to the lodge, where you'll arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

About your Lodge:
Perched high on a ridge blanketed with trees, boasting sweeping panoramic views of the Serengeti, this lodge represents the epitome of merging traditional African architecture with world-class elegance. It has garnered numerous accolades from the global travel press.

Ideally located near the renowned Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge's design harmoniously integrates with the living landscape. Traditional domed 'rondavels' are thoughtfully scattered throughout the grounds, shaded by acacia groves and refreshed by sparkling streams. At the ridge's very brink, a 'vanishing horizon' pool provides a vantage point over the 'endless plains' that lend the Serengeti its name.

The lodge is thoughtfully styled to showcase cultural performances, heritage, and traditional art, exemplified by the opulent Makonde carvings adorning both the rooms and the captivating domed dining room.

Regarding wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers not only the complete roster of 'The Big Five' (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) but also hosts the annual 'migration' of over one million wildebeest and their accompanying array of predators.

Day 10
Serengeti National Park

Enjoy your scheduled game activities.

Today you can also choose to do an optional Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti - please enquire for the supplement.

Covering an expanse of around 14,750 square kilometers, Serengeti National Park is famed for its expansive savannah grasslands, iconic wildlife, and the annual spectacle of the wildebeest migration. Within the park, you'll encounter the "big five" animals: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalos, alongside cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and a plethora of other mammal and bird species. The annual wildebeest migration, a phenomenon where over a million wildebeest and other herbivores traverse vast distances in pursuit of lush grazing grounds, stands as one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural events.

In addition to its remarkable wildlife, the park is home to the Maasai people, who have inhabited the area for centuries, preserving their traditional way of life. Serengeti National Park is a renowned destination for wildlife safaris and hot air balloon safaris, luring visitors from across the globe with its captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)

Day 11
Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Leave the lodge and enjoy game viewing as you journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A picnic lunch box will be provided during your journey. Arrive at your lodge, situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can savor a leisurely afternoon, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)

About the Lodge:
Consistently ranked among the world's finest hotels, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most pristine volcanic crater on Earth. With its elongated and low-profile structure, the lodge is constructed from local river stone and concealed by indigenous vines. Its design is meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly into the landscape, rendering it entirely invisible from the Crater's floor, located 600 meters below.

Revered as 'The eighth wonder of the world,' the Ngorongoro Crater is a renowned wildlife arena, etched into the annals of Africa's natural history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a distinct biosphere that has remained virtually unaltered since time immemorial. Within the Crater's imposing walls, around 30,000 large mammals roam across its plains, lakes, and forests, within 'The land that time forgot,' where colossal bull elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions reign supreme.

Embracing the rugged contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge draws inspiration from the 'Cradle of Mankind,' the nearby prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge. Linked by arched stone passageways and timbered decks, the lodge's walls are adorned with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and illuminated by flickering torches. At the heart of the lodge's stonework is a constant, glowing fire. The rooms, adorned with cave paintings, are gracefully arranged along the Crater rim. Each room boasts its private, rock-enclosed balcony, affording unobstructed views of the volcanic amphitheater far below.

Day 12
Ngorongoro Crater

Begin your day with an early departure, descending to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, you'll embark on a game drive in this natural paradise. Despite its compact size, covering just 102 square miles, the crater is home to a resident wildlife population of over 30,000 mammals. This setting provides an excellent chance to encounter all of the big five.

The region is also the ancestral homeland of the Maasai people, who have inhabited this area for centuries and still uphold their traditional way of life. Beyond its abundant wildlife, the area is celebrated for its captivating landscapes, encompassing the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Empakai Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a sought-after destination for wildlife safaris and a wide array of outdoor adventure activities.

During your exploration, a picnic lunch box will be provided at a picturesque spot within the crater.

In the afternoon, you'll ascend back to the crater's rim and then proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)

Day 13
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Nairobi (or Arusha/Kilimanjaro)

For those who rise early, a magnificent sunrise can be relished along the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following breakfast, you'll depart from the lodge and commence your journey back to Arusha, where you'll arrive for lunch (excluding drinks).

After lunch continue to either Nairobi, Arusha or Kilimanjaro where your arrangements conclude.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 All accommodation as specified
  • Included Copy 31 Upgrade Option available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals as specified
  • Included Copy 20 Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles (BYO reusable water bottle)
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers as specified
  • Included Copy 20 Transport for safari sector in 4x4 vehicles on a shared basis with maximum 6 passengers per vehicle
  • Included Copy 20 Guaranteed window seats and experienced english speaking driver/guide
  • Included Copy 20 All game activities as specified
  • Included Copy 20 All park fees and government taxes
  • Included Copy 31 Hot Air Ballooning over the Serengeti or Masai Mara

Activities

  • Included Discover the Pristine Beauty of Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions.
  • Included Explore the wildlife paradise of Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to spot the "big five" in one day!
  • Included Marvel at Amboseli's vast elephant herds and soak in breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Included Experience the Serengeti's wealth of iconic wildlife, from lions and leopards to cheetahs and hyena
  • Included Embark on thrilling game drives in Masai Mara to spot the "Big Five" and other diverse wildlife.
  • Included Explore Lake Nakuru National Park for incredible birdwatching opportunities
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

13 days

Price from

$5,438 USD

Per person, sharing

based on low season

Sundays