East Africa Safari: Small Group

Our tour of East Africa starts in the bustling, modern Kenyan capital, Nairobi. You will be met on arrival at the airport and will stop to stretch our legs into both hemispheres. This afternoon we descend into the dry lowlands, encountering many colourful tribespeople along the way. Entering Samburu National Park, we hope to encounter some of the diverse wildlife that this Park is renowned for – including Reticulated and transferred to the La Mada Hotel. Located in a beautiful tropical garden landscape in the north of the city, the comfortable hotel is the perfect place to unwind. For those arriving early, there are a variety of optional tours and excursions that can be arranged on arrival at the airport (at your own expense). At 18h00 we meet our fellow travellers and guide in the lobby for a tour briefing and to then enjoy an own expense dinner together at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, the adventure starts. With the truck packed, it’s time to head north into the rural countryside. Our route will take us through the picturesque highlands of Kenya where we will be treated to stunning views of lush forests and rolling hills. Passing through Chogoria, a charming town located in Mount Kenya’s foothills, we hope for the clouds to clear to afford us a view of this snow-capped mountain only a stone’s throw away from the Equator - where we Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, Vulturine Guinea Fowl and many more. Our accommodation for the night is deep within the Park and will afford us with the spectrum of the night skies and of course the sounds of the wild whilst we relax around the fire.

As dawn emerges, we wake to the sounds of the bush as it comes alive. After a quick breakfast, we pack the truck and head out on a morning game drive. As we explore the Park’s vast landscapes, we take in the unique wildlife and breath-taking scenery. This early excursion provides an excellent opportunity to spot the park's distinctive inhabitants in their natural habitat. As midday approaches, we stop for a picnic lunch in the shade on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This afternoon, we exit the park and begin our journey up the escarpment and into the lush Aberdare region. The drive takes us through ever-changing landscapes, offering views of the beautiful Kenyan countryside with the picturesque Mount Kenya ever-present on the horizon. Our destination tonight is the Aberdare Country Club or similar. This historic and charming property provides a relaxing retreat amidst the highland surroundings. After a delicious meal prepared by the lodge, we take in the tranquil ambiance of the Aberdare’s before retiring for the night.

After a peaceful nights rest, we enjoy breakfast and then set out for our journey toward the Masai Mara. Our route will take us through some of Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes, the high-altitude area is known as the ideal training ground for Kenyan athletes. Our first stop of the day is at Thompson’s Falls where we enjoy the sight of the cascading waterfall and take some time to appreciate the surrounding beauty. This is a perfect opportunity for photos and a brief walk to fully enjoy the area. We stop for a road-side picnic lunch before continuing our journey. As we drive, we will transition from the lush Aberdare region to the expansive Rift Valley with views of Mount Longonot and then the iconic landscapes of the Masai Mara.

Arriving at our Tented Lodge on the banks of the Talek River, we will be greeted by stunning views over the great plains of the Mara. It’s time to relax, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Our Lodge offers a unique experience on the banks of the Talek River. Dinner will be served at the lodge, after which it's time to sit around the campfire, reflecting on the day’s experiences and anticipating the adventure to come.

Today is the day to tick off that eagerly anticipated bucket list experience – try an own expense hot air balloon flight over the vast expanse of the Masai Mara. For those not doing the optional excursion, we set out early, entering the reserve via Talek Gate which serves as our entry point to the Park. From here, we embark on an exciting full-day game drive (collecting the balloonists after their flight.). The game drive will be conducted in the Drifters Truck which is designed to provide a comfortable and immersive safari experience with its panoramic windows and high elevation - giving you the added height advantage to spot those elusive predators lying in the grass. The Masai Mara is not only famous for its annual wildebeest migration but also for its other abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as Cheetahs, Giraffes, Zebras, and a variety of Antelope species. The vast plains and picturesque scenery make for an unforgettable safari experience. Throughout the day, our guide will provide us with insights into the behaviour and habitats of the animals we encounter, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of this remarkable ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings, taking a break from the excitement of game viewing.

In the late afternoon, we make our way to Julia’s Camp situated inside the park on the banks of the Talek River. On arrival, settle into the comfort of your accommodation and take some time to relax and refresh after an exhilarating day in the bush. As evening falls, indulge in a tasty meal at the camp, reflecting on the day's adventures and the incredible wildlife sightings. After dinner, enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the camp and relax at the fire, under the stars, fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.

We start our day with an early breakfast followed by our final game drive as we exit the Park. Take this opportunity to enjoy the last sightings of the Park’s incredible wildlife, making the most of the final moments in this iconic reserve. Once out of the Park, we begin our journey to Lake Naivasha, but not before making a stop at the traditional Maasai Market in Ngoswani. This vibrant colourful market provides a fascinating glimpse into Maasai culture and a chance to purchase local crafts, beadwork, and traditional Maasai attire. The lively atmosphere and colourful stalls make for a memorable cultural experience. After having immersed ourselves in the Maasai culture we continue our drive towards Camp Carnelly’s, situated on the serene shores of Lake Naivasha. Arriving at the camp in the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the lodge which offers lush green lawns right up to the water’s edge with stunning views of the lake. For those who seek another adventure, why not take the optional boat cruise on Lake Naivasha. This excursion offers an exciting way to explore the lake and observe its diverse birdlife, including pelicans, fish eagles and cormorants. You may also catch sight of hippos wallowing in the shallows. Returning to the camp, we enjoy a relaxing meal while taking in the surroundings. Prepare for a restful night in your comfortable accommodation, falling asleep to the occasional sounds of the hippo grunting nearby.

After breakfast, we depart for our journey to Amboseli National Park. This drive will see us climb out of the Rift Valley as we transition from the Lake to the iconic savannahs of Amboseli. The scenic drive will take us through the changing landscapes of the Kenyan countryside. Arriving at Amboseli, we enjoy a short game drive en-route to our lodge for the night. Amboseli is renowned for its large Elephant herds and is home to the last remaining “Tuskers”, always with the looming Mount Kilimanjaro providing the backdrop. You might also spot other wildlife such as Giraffes, Zebras, Lions, and various bird species. We arrive at Discovery Camp, unfenced and located on the border of Amboseli National Park, our home for the next two nights. Discovery Camp provides a comfortable and authentic safari experience with its own waterhole and views of the park’s expansive landscapes as well as Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After dinner, take some time to relax around the campfire and reflect on the day before retiring for the night.

Waking early, we enjoy a hearty breakfast and prepare for a full day in the Park. We head out for a morning game drive in the Park under the watchful eye of Kili. We explore the diverse habitats, including swamps, savannahs, and forests - always on the lookout for the many animals that inhabit the Park. Around midday, we head to the Noomotio Observation Point for a relaxing lunch break. This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the park and the Mountain, providing a picturesque setting for your meal. After lunch, we continue our game drive to further explore the Park, visiting different areas to increase our chances of spotting wildlife. The afternoon light provides excellent photographic opportunities, so make sure to have your camera ready. Late in the afternoon, we return to camp to unwind and relax after an exciting day of game viewing. After dinner, we take time to relax around the campfire and enjoy the peaceful ambiance before retiring for the night.

Today we say goodbye to Amboseli as we make our way into Tanzania via the lesser used Oloitokitok Border. On arriving at the border we complete the necessary formalities, have all the required travel documents ready for a smooth transition. Once in Tanzania, we skirt the fringes of Kilimanjaro and make a stop to enjoy a walk in the foothills of the Mountain. The area around the foothills offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs whilst breathing in the fresh mountain air. Once back on the truck, we continue our journey towards Arusha – Mount Kilimanjaro on the one side and Mount Meru on the other, we pass through vibrant colourful cultural villages while witnessing everyday life from taxis to street vendors plying their trades. On arriving at Forest Hills Lodge in the late afternoon, we settle into our accommodation for the night. Forest Hills Lodge provides a comfortable retreat with lovely views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a wholesome own-expense dinner at the lodge.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Drifters truck and switch to specialized 4x4 vehicles designed specifically to cater for the rugged roads of the Serengeti. These vehicles are equipped with features that offer the ultimate in game viewing, including elevated seating, a pop-up roof, large windows and other amenities tailored for wildlife observation. Once packed, we head towards Serengeti National Park. This route will take us through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering beautiful views of the volcanic highlands and savannahs as we travel. Arriving in the Serengeti, we enter and continue towards the central region which is renowned for its rich wildlife, making it an ideal base for safari adventures. Depending on sightings, we arrive at camp, have a quick check-in and embark on an afternoon game drive. The area is known for its excellent game viewing, including Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, and Wildebeest amongst others. Back at camp, we enjoy dinner before unwinding around the fire and taking in the sounds of the wild.

Awaking to the sounds and smells of the bush, we start our day with an early breakfast before our morning game drive to explore more of the Serengeti. This is an excellent time to spot the various animals, including predators, herbivores and an array of bird species. The Serengeti's vast plains and dramatic scenery make for an unforgettable safari experience. The game drive lasts the entire day as we head back through the Park towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Embalakai Tented Camp, our accommodation for the night. This journey typically takes a few hours, so make sure to have your cameras charged in case the perfect photo presents itself. En-route, we will ensure regular stops giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs. We arrive at our Tented Camp in the late afternoon, check in and enjoy the surroundings, but being cautious as the camp is unfenced and situated on the edge of a gorge, which offers a comfortable experience with beautiful views of the surrounding bush and a remote Maasai Village. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the camp.

Waking early, after breakfast, we set out for a morning drive into the Ngorongoro Crater. On descending into the Crater which is renowned for its stunning setting and abundant wildlife, we enjoy a morning of game-driving within this natural paradise. Today we hope to see a wide range of animals including Black Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, various bird species, and much more. Leaving the Crater, we continue our exciting journey toward the Soda Lake, Eyasi. This drive takes us into a much drier terrain and offers glimpses of the local environment and the tough rural life. It’s in this harsh terrain that we engage in casual cultural interactions with the remote Datoga and Hadzabe tribes. The Datoga are known for their skilled metalwork and pastoral lifestyles while the Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. These insightful interactions offer us the opportunity to learn a little about their traditional practices and daily life whilst gaining insights into their rich cultures. Late this afternoon we make our way to Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge, our overnight accommodation for the night. The lodge offers comfortable amenities and scenic surroundings and boasts that the vast majority of its produce, including coffee, is grown on the grounds.

After a sumptuous breakfast at Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge we check out and begin our journey back to Nairobi via Arusha. In Arusha, we will pass by Arusha Airport to drop off any clients flying out from there. We will also say “goodbye” to our trusty Land Cruiser/s here and will transfer back into the Drifters Truck. We then set off for the last leg of our journey, past Mount Meru and on to the Namanga border crossing between Tanzania and Kenya. Re-entering Kenya after completing border formalities, we head directly toward the Capital. Once in Nairobi, our tour will end at Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Clients flying out this evening should be aware that it’s a long journey today and Drifters cannot be held responsible for delays etc. For clients remaining in Nairobi, transfers can be pre-booked to your hotel etc.