Day 1: A Warm Welcome To Mombasa
Upon arrival at Moi international Airport, you will be picked up by our company representative who will meet, greet and take you to your chosen accommodation in Mombasa.
Check in, freshen up and spend the day at leisure. You are free to roam around the nearby beaches and can later return to the hotel. After having a delightful dinner at the hotel, retire for a restful sleep as the amazing 5 Day Mombasa tour starts from the next day.
Day 2: Have A Full Day Mombasa City Tour
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel and get ready for full day Mombasa City tour with a professional guide. Mombasa offers visitors an exotic taste of the African tropics steeped in centuries of sea-faring history. Have you heard about the beautiful Fort Jesus?
You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends.
You will be surprised to know the hidden stories in the streets Mombasa Old town, spice markets, and different corners of Mombasa.
Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. You will also enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch and visit Haller Park, a nature reserve with various animal species, including giraffes, hippos, and reptiles. It is perfect for people who visit the city for the first time and want to get the most out of it. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Tour Highlights:
- Old town of Mombasa with Swahili and Arabic culture
- Fort Jesus Museum – synonymous with the history of the East African Coast
- Food and spice market – a glimpse into the lives of the local people
- Trademark Elephant tusks – the gateway to Mombasa
- Traditional Swahili Lunch
- Shopping, people and local culture
Day 3: Go For A Safari In Shimba Hills National Reserve
Your third day of the 5 Day Mombasa Holiday starts with an early breakfast at around 7 am.
After that, you will depart for a day trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive from Mombasa). On arrival proceed for a morning game viewing drive.
Lookout for the endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffe, maybe Leopard, civet cat, monkeys, shrews. For the bird watchers, more than 100 bird species have been recorded including Ostrich, Eagle, African Hawk and Honey Guide.
You will further explore the Shimba hills on foot in company of an expert local guide. You shall walk on the Shedrick Falls on a 1/2 hour hike as you marvel at the water cascade.
You later stop at the Shimba Hills Green Safari lodge where you will have lunch and enjoy the surrounding views from the vantages of the lodge. Return to the hotel after the tour for relaxation, dinner and sleep comfortably.
Tour Highlights:
- Sheldricks Falls
- Sable Antelope
- Coastal rainforest
- Bird viewing
- Mwaluganje Forest
- Various View Points
Day 4: Beach And Leisure Day In Mombasa
This is a leisure day and after leisurely breakfast at the hotel you can indulge in whatever you like. You can spend your day relaxing on the beautiful Diani Beach or one of the other nearby beaches.
You can partake in various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, or simply sunbathing. You can also shop for souvenirs or visit local markets.
In the evening, you may want to explore the vibrant nightlife of Mombasa.
Day 5: Bid Farewell To Mombasa
This will be the last day in your 5 Day Mombasa Holiday Package and after a good breakfast, check out of your hotel and be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Depending on your departure time, you can explore any last-minute attractions or do some shopping.
Day 1: Arrival And Transfer To Diani
The first day of your 6 Day Mombasa and Diani classic beach Holiday itinerary welcomes you to the beautiful land of Mombasa. Your journey begins!
Upon arrival at Moi international Airport our company representative will pick you up and drive you through Mombasa town to the ferry crossing to start your one hour drive to Diani beach. The drive will take you small towns and you will be able to see matatus, small craft shops as you head to your lunch, dinner and overnight beach Hotel.
Day 2: Beach Life And Relaxation
Dian is one of the most beautiful places in on the Kenya coast and you need some time to appreciate this. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy beach life on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy the beauty of the blue water, bask in the sun while relaxing on the beach beds, enjoy a session of swimming, participate in boat rides, take a lazy walk on the beach, interact will the locals or take a camel ride. Non-premium drinks are always included in the package depending on the beach hotel booked for you. Take time to appreciate Dian the whole day as you enjoy the meals prepared by some of the most experience chefs Africa has to offer.
Day 3: Excursion To Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park And Wasin Island.
Kickstart the day with a nutritious breakfast and then embark on a transfer to Shimoni south of Diani. Here, register before taking a boat trip to Kisite-Mpunguti and Wasin Island.
The boats are operated by the local people who are very knowledgeable in as far as Marine life in Indian Ocean is concerned. At Kisite-Mpunguti, you may have an opportunity to see Coral reefs, Dolphin and other fish species. While at this Marine Park, you are free to jump out of the boat for swimming, snorkeling or relax in the middle of the ocean.
After your visit at Kisite-Mpunguti, you will take your boat to Wasin Island where a variety of dishes are served. You will have a chance to test see food and fish as well as local juice prepared by women on this Island restaurant.
Wasin Island restaurant is an example of how marine tourism is contributing to the development of the locals. All the proceeds from the sell of meals go to community projects. The locals here will also share with you their culture which is very amazing. After lunch, you will transfer by boat to Shimoni and then back to your Beach resort hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Leisure Day At Diani Beach
After having an enticing breakfast in the morning, enjoy a day at leisure. You are free to relax on the beach, take a walk on this beautiful palm fringed beach that 20km stretch stretches as you observe tides and Blue Ocean with happy people.
This is one of the most astonishing experiences you should not miss. The walk on this beautiful Diani beach is so relaxing and rewarding. Return to your hotel for lunch, some time to relax and swim in the pool or ocean. If you feel adventurous, a couple of surprise activities may be arranged for you to make sure that you enjoy your stay. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge.
Day 5: Another Leisure Day At Diani Beach
Grab breakfast and enjoy the day at leisure. You can never get more of Diani. It is a place where you can relax, chill, rewind and forget the daily hassles. This day, you may decide to enjoy beach walks as you observe activities on the blue waters, swim to cool yourself down, go shopping and then return to your hotel for drinks, entertainment and overnight.
Day 6: Departure
On the last day of your 6 Day Mombasa and Diani beach Holiday, have breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Get transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Safe travels!
Please Note: We can add an extra day to explore Mombasa’s cultural and historical attractions. As always, you can adjust the activities to suit your interests and pace. Make sure to book your accommodations and transportation in advance.
Day 1: Tour Nairobi National Park
On the first day of the 8 Days Nairobi, Tsavo & Mombasa Road & Rail Tour, arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After your immigration and customs, you will be greeted by our company representative who will safely transfer you to the hotel. Complete all the check-in formalities and then head to your room to unwind after your long journey.
the afternoon, enjoy a private safari through Nairobi National Park, famous for its large black rhino population, buffalo, giraffe, lion as well as over 400 migratory and endemic bird species. End the day with a sundowner and watch the sun set over Nairobi.
Day 2: Drive To Tsavo West (250 Km: Approx. 4 Hrs.)
Today, after you have had your delicious breakfast, our expert driver/guide will pick you up at 7:30 am from your hotel, for the drive along the Nairobi/Mombasa Highway.
You will know when you have arrived at Tsavo West National Park by the vast sweep of the plains and the endless sky. You can’t miss the elephants here. The park hosts the largest population of elephants in Kenya, including some of Africa’s last big tuskers.
At the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, you could get the chance to see some of the 80 endangered rhinos that live here. And a visit to nearby Mzima Springs with its million liters of sparkling water will bring you up close to more elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife such as zebras and giraffes. You can even enter a glass viewing chamber to watch the life underneath the surface of a crystal clear pool – including schools of fish, crocodiles, and hippos.
The landscapes in this park always fascinate with their baobab trees and volcanic remnants. From acacia woodland to rugged desert to views of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tsavo West is a safari paradise. Lunch awaits as you arrive and you have the entire afternoon in camp/lodge at your leisure and taking in the raw beauty of Tsavo.
Day 3: Tsavo West -Tsavo East
Famously known for the legendary man-eating lions (man-eaters) Tsavo West and Tsavo East account for the largest of Kenya’s protected spaces by a comfortable margin, over 2 million hectares, and one of the world’s largest protected wilderness areas. This enormous size of Tsavo makes it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Kenya
Relish on a scrumptious breakfast and go for amazing and exciting morning game drive across this incredible ecosystem. You will also be amazed by the herds of red-dust African elephants – rolling in the oxide soil and turning themselves a dusky shade of red. In the grasslands and savannah, watch for large herds of giraffe along with the Big Five. Plus, down at the Galana River bisecting the park you’ll find hippo, crocodile and waterbuck.
Tsavo East National Park is also known for its outstanding geological formations. Mudanda Rock, a natural dam, creates a watering hole where you will likely spot thirsty elephants. And you always remember the Yatta Plateau, at 300 km, the longest lava flow in the world.
Day 3: Tsavo East -Mombasa & Kenya Coast Beach (120Kms -Approx. 3hrs)
But we are not done with Tsavo East National Park just yet! You rise with first light, and after breakfast, take one last game drive through vast 2 million hectare Tsavo ecosystem on your way to the train station at Voi. In the town of Voi, our guide will help you transition to the Madaraka Express, the new high-speed train to Mombasa and the coast.
Your first-class ticket is included with the tour, so relax in the comfort of your air-conditioned compartment and reclining seat. The train route is positioned higher than the roadway and provides an elevated view of the parks. And with its large windows, you’ll get great views of the passing landscapes of Tsavo East. In a little less than 2 hours, you will arrive at the state-of-the-art train station in Mombasa.
Your private driver will be will be waiting to take you on a drive you through Mombasa town to the ferry crossing to start your one hour drive to Diani beach. The drive will take you small towns and you will be able to see matatus, small craft shops as you head to your lunch, dinner and overnight beach Hotel
Day 4: Diani Beach Life And Relaxation
Diani is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Kenya coast and you need some time to appreciate this. After breakfast, you have the rest of the day to enjoy beach life on the Indian Ocean’s shores.
Enjoy the beauty of the blue water, bask in the sun while relaxing on the beach beds, go swimming, go on boat rides, take a leisurely walk on the beach, interact with the locals, or go on a camel ride.
Depending on the beach hotel booked for you, non-premium drinks are always included in the package. Take the entire day to appreciate Diani while enjoying meals prepared by some of Africa’s most experienced chefs.
Day 5: Boat Trip To Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park And Wasin Island.
Have your breakfast at the hotel. Next, as per your Days Nairobi, Tsavo & Mombasa Road & Rail Tour itinerary, our coordinator shall drive you to Shimoni south of Diani.
From here, you will embark on a boat excursion to Kisite-Mpunguti and Wasin Island. At Kisite-Mpunguti, you may have an opportunity to see Dolphin and other fish species. And you are free to jump out of the boat to swim, snorkel or relax in the middle of the ocean.
After that, you will take your boat to Wasin Island where a variety of dishes are served. You’ll have a chance to test see food and fish as well as local juice prepared by women on this Island restaurant. The locals here will also share with you their culture which is very amazing.
After lunch, you will transfer by boat to Shimoni and then back to your Beach resort hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Leisure Day At Diani Beach
Enjoy breakfast and spend a day at leisure.
You’re free to spend the day relaxing at the beach, taking a walk on this beautiful beach that stretches for 20km while observing tides and the Blue Ocean.
Return to your hotel for lunch, relaxation and swim in the pool or ocean. If you feel adventurous, take a sail on a wooden dhow to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Day 7: Departure
On the last day of your 8 Days Nairobi, Tsavo & Mombasa Road & Rail Tour, have breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Get transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Safe travels!
Day 1: Nairobi City: Welcome To Kenya!
Deboard your flight at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and kickstart your 9 Days Amboseli to Mombasa Beach Safari.
Upon your arrival, our company representative will meet you and assist you through immigration and customs procedures. After that, be transferred to your hotel, make yourself at home and take a break. Later, you may step out for a walk in the neighbourhood.
You can spend the evening shopping on the streets of Nairobi or enjoy a delicious dinner at local restaurant. Have a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Visit Amboseli, Game Drive
After an early breakfast, your expert driver/guide will pick you up at 7:30 am from your hotel and begin your driving journey on the Nairobi/Mombasa Highway. As the day brightens, you will pass homesteads and Maasai herders en route.
On arrival at Amboseli National Park, take a short rest, after which you will depart for your first game drive. You won’t have to look hard for the park’s signature landmark – the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro –Africa’s tallest mountain. The great volcano will frame your views looking south making a picturesque backdrop for the wildlife you will encounter.
You will see many African elephants, but you will also be looking for giraffe, zebra, hippos, wildebeest, buffalo and gazelle. And there is a decent chance of spotting lion and cheetah. Amboseli National Park is not large, which only increases your chances of coming face to face with an exciting array of wildlife.
Dinner and overnight will be at your choice of lodge or safari camp. Get ready for another full day of game drives tomorrow.
Day 3: A Full Day Safari In Amboseli
You’ll return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch.
Today, you will be up early for your first game drive followed by breakfast. After breakfast, you will go out for a mid-morning game drive. You will return to the lodge for a good lunch. If you want to be even more active – less relaxing time, more game drives – simply ask your guide, and he will make it happen.
At Tulambule, our goal is to create the best safari experience for you. On your game drives through the park, you will see a unique pyramid-shaped location – this is Observation Hill, the best elevation for view of Amboseli. At the summit, you will take in the national park’s plains, lakes and stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is an excellent spot to observe elephants, buffalo, and hippo foraging in the marshes below. You can also enjoy the vibrant diversity of birdlife in the wetlands from here.
Keep an eye out for pelicans, geese, kingfishers, and egrets. Your visit to Amboseli also gives you the opportunity to meet some of the area’s indigenous people. You can take an optional visit to a local Masai village to learn about their way of life and culture. Simply ask your tour guide.
Overnight shall be at your safari lodge/ tented camp.
Day 4: Drive To Emali Train Station (100 Km: Appr.1.5hours) For SGR Train To Mombasa
After an early safari breakfast, you will set out for a short final game drive as you exit park. You’ve seen a lot of this popular park, with its diverse wildlife environments and impressive animal display. You can call yourself an experienced safari-goer!
You’ll see your last views of Amboseli as you exit the park areas on your way to the Emali train station. However, on your upcoming train trip, you’ll pass through Tsavo West and Tsavo East for more park views and possibly wildlife watching.
Your driver/guide will bring you to the train station at Emali. He will help you with your tickets and transfer to the Madaraka Express, a new high-speed train to Mombasa and the coast. The tour includes your first-class ticket, so relax in the comfort of your air-conditioned compartment and reclining seat.
The train route is positioned higher than the roadway and provides an elevated view of the parks. And the large windows provide wonderful views of the passing landscapes. In about 4 ½ hours you’ll arrive at the state-of-the-art train station in Mombasa.
Your private driver will be waiting to take you through Mombasa town to the ferry crossing, where you will begin your one-hour drive to Diani Beach. As you drive to your lunch, dinner, and overnight beach hotel, you will pass through small towns and see matatus and small craft shops.
Day 5 & 8: Unwind At Kenya’s Most Beautiful Beach
The pace at this idyllic tropical paradise is very relaxed and informal. Chill out and watch as the fishing dhows sail across the glistening blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
If you are keen to do more than lie on the beach and sunbathe between refreshing dips in the bright blue sea, activities such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are all possibilities in this tropical haven. Rewarding snorkelling and scuba diving can be enjoyed in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park just a short boat trip away.
Day 9: Farewell Kenya
After breakfast on the last day of your 9 Days Amboseli to Mombasa Beach Safari, you will checkout and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Day 1: Visit Lake Nakuru
Today your 10-Day Kenya Tanzania Safari begins! We will pick you up at the airport or your hotel in Nairobi in our comfortable 4 x 4 safari vehicle. As we leave, enjoy the sights and sounds of Nairobi, a very interesting East African city that is sometimes referred to as the ‘green city in the sun’.
As soon as you exit Nairobi, the scenery will change and you’ll start seeing why people that come for Kenya safaris always return; it really is a beautiful place.
We will travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the Rift Valley escarpment and its dramatic landforms on the road built during World War II by Italian prisoners. We’ll stop along the way to admire the towering ridges and cliff formations, before reaching Lake Nakuru.
Nakuru, meaning ‘dusty place’ in the Maasai language is one of the rift valley’s soda lakes and is part of the 188 square kilometer Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake is surrounded by high ridges and the views promise to wow. Once in the park, watch the game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
This scenic park is an important sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. The present rhino population is over 50 and continuing to multiply. The endangered Rothschild giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of African buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck, and lion.
While exploring the park you will also discover many different bird species including the spectacular pink flamingoes. The park is also home to large flocks of pelicans.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: The Cliff/Sarova Woodlands
Midrange: Lake Nakuru Lodge/Flamingo Hill Camp/Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours
Day 2: Travel Masai Mara
After an early morning breakfast, we drive to Narok town via Mai-Mahiu with a brief rest stop and proceed on to Masai Mara. We will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
After lunch, we take some time to rest and then go on our first game drive in the Mara. As the sunset, we will return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy dinner, and a good night’s sleep.
Affectionately known as the Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve is a safari destination that is hard to beat. Indeed, if you have been dreaming of an African safari, the image you have in mind is probably very close to the Masai Mara. This is quintessential Africa: wide open savannah, with herds of grazers moving along the horizon, stopping in the shade of isolated acacia trees in the heat of the day.
And nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and you are almost guaranteed to see the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, Leopard, Lion, and rhino).
Masai Mara is also one of the best places to see Cheetahs in Africa. And from around July and October every year, one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles takes place here. This is when almost 2.5 million Wildebeests, Zebras and Gazelles gather their young and trek across the crocodile-infested Mara River. Their migratory nature takes them in search of fresh grass to graze and rainfall.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 237km/4 hours
Day 3: Unlimited Game Drives In The Mara
Masai Mara is a classic savannah reserve with golden grass, blue skies, towering escarpments, occasional trees, and rocky hills. The Masai word ‘Mara’, meaning spotted refers to these dots in the landscape.
Today you’ll embark at first light on a game drive as you travel around the Maasai Mara in a 4×4. Dawn is the best time to go wildlife spotting because the animals are at their most active as they search for food. You can see the wildebeests grazing on the savanna as the big cats hunt for prey.
After a morning drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and maybe a siesta in the heat of the day. In the afternoon, you will enjoy another game drive and follow these animals as they search for shade and water.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
One optional activity is a sunrise hot-air balloon safari. Hop in a balloon basket and enjoy a one-hour ride above the great savanna plains for birds-eye views of the Maasai Mara. Topping the thrilling experience will be a sumptuous champagne breakfast on the plains of the Mara. You’ll then spend the remainder of the morning in the lodge, have lunch, and embark on the afternoon game drive. Afterward, enjoy another meal on the plains before returning to camp, where you can spend the evening relaxing.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Game Drive & Masai Village Tour
Due to the thriving wildlife activity, a second full day in the park will offer you the opportunity to witness more of the wildlife’s natural behavior. This can include a lion killing a zebra, a cheetah chasing an impala, or the serene activities of elephants grazing and birds building nests. We will be back at the lodge in time for lunch. After lunch and maybe a siesta, we set off on another game drive.
After a game drive, we visit a Maasai village to learn about the culture of the famous Maasai People. Your guide will lead you through the village as you discover their traditions and beliefs, and daily practices like demonstrations of how to make fire using sticks. At the end of the tour, you can buy some gift items/curios made by the villagers – a chance to give back to the local community.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Drive To Serengeti Via The Isebania Border
After an early breakfast today, depart Masai Mara and embark on a drive of about 370km (6-7 hours) to the immense Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The drive is via the Isebania Kenya/Tanzania border town. The Serengeti shares the same ecosystem with the Masai Mara. Ideally, Masai Mara is the smaller extension of the Serengeti. The park is also a legendary wildlife reserve, the archetypal safari destination.
In the Maasai language, the name Serengeti means “endless plains,” or ‘the land that goes on forever – and this protected area’s 1.5 million hectares deliver on that promise. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that supports over 3 million beautiful African animals, including the largest population of lions in Africa -reportedly more than 3,000 in this ecosystem alone. On arrival, you’ll enjoy an introductory game drive as you transfer to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Andbeyond Serengeti Under Canvas/Lamai Serengeti
Midrange: Kati Kati Tented Camp/Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Game Drive Serengeti
In the morning, head onto the plains and discover the Serengeti on a full-day tour. You will see a lot to see here, as the Serengeti National Park ecosystem is one of the oldest on the planet. It is a great place to see the iconic African Big Five animals in their natural habitat. The Serengeti also hosts the annual Great Migration, the “greatest wildlife show on earth.
This mammal migration sees over a million wildebeest, plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, undertaking the long trek to new grazing grounds. Today you’ll traverse the northern region of the park, near the Masai Mara, as this is the main route of the migration. The area also offers a chance to escape the crowds, as it’s remote and relatively inaccessible.
Those who make it here are rewarded with breathtaking views of rolling green hills, granite outcrops, and acacia woodlands dotting the open savanna. Then, there is all that incredible wildlife – most famously the massive herds of zebras and wildebeests making the dangerous crossing of the croc-infested Mara River during the Great Migration from June to November.
This section of the park is also home to the greatest elephant concentrations in Serengeti and has good numbers of leopards, lions, and cheetahs – plus hippos and giraffes.
You have a choice to head out early for a morning game drive and return to camp in time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you can set out on another wildlife game drive or opt to relax at the lodge with a good book. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast in lodge/camp, and then head out on your game drive a bit later, returning mid-afternoon.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Andbeyond Serengeti Under Canvas/Lamai Serengeti
Midrange: Kati Kati Tented Camp/Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti
Located in the south-central region of Serengeti, Seronera Valley is one of the most popular areas in the entire park. Also Known as the “big cat capital of Africa”, it is home to many lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
And it is not unusual to encounter all four of Africa’s large predators (lion, hyena, leopard, and cheetah) during the course of a day along with a multitude of smaller predators like mongoose, jackals, Servals, caracals, and bat-eared foxes.
The scenic landscape of this pristine valley is truly magnificent. Endless savannas stretch beyond the horizon. Meandering rivers wind through a sundry mosaic of swamps, trees, pools, and open fields. Rising above the plains are dark silhouettes of umbrella-shaped acacia trees. And colossal mounds of granite kopjes loom in the distance, forming a classic image of quintessential Africa.
Seronera also plays host to the greatest wildlife show on earth from May to June (northward migration) and November-December (southward migration) as over a million wildebeest and zebra pour through the valley in a thunder of echoing hooves and a haze of red dust.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Serengeti Sopa Lodge/Serengeti Serena Lodge/Dunia Camp
Midrange: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer To Ngorongoro
In the morning, you will enjoy a game drive in Serengeti as you transfer to Ngorongoro. You’ll have a stop on the way at Olduvai Gorge. This vast gorge (about 48 km long and 300 feet deep) contains paleoanthropological sites that have been crucial in furthering our understanding of human evolution.
It’s famous for the evolutionary discoveries of some of the earliest signs of human development. Hundreds of fossilized bones and stone tools have been found in the area dating back millions of years, concluding that humans evolved in Africa.
After Olduvai Gorge, we continue our drive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, up to the rim of the crater. From this vantage point, you can look down upon the verdant caldera stretched out before you. Ngorongoro Crater is the worldÔÇÖs largest intact volcanic caldera and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa.
The 2000 feet high walls of the approximately 264 km2 wide crater form a natural amphitheater for the densest population of large animals anywhere. About 30,000 large mammals reside inside the crater. The crater is truly awe-inspiring and game viewing here is among the very best in Africa.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge/The Highlands
Midrange: Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
We will spend the full day inside the crater, enjoying a picnic lunch on the crater floor and returning late afternoon to our lodge on the rim of the crater for dinner. Get ready to see some spectacular fauna and flora!
The Ngorongoro Crater sometimes referred to as – the eighth wonder of the world-, is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly something every naturalist and wildlife lover should witness.
On a full-day game drive, it is possible to see a staggering array of African wildlife including leopards, the rare black rhinos, massive bull elephants, Buffalos, and the famed black-maned lions. At the center of Ngorongoro Crater is the idyllic Lake Magadi, which plays a host to thousands of migratory pink flamingos. We will again return to the lodge for an authentic Tanzanian dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge/The Highlands
Midrange: Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Visit Lake Manyara & Drive To Arusha
You will depart after a good breakfast and travel across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara for a full-day game drive. This enchanting park is noted for its beauty and incredibly lush acacia forest of giant fig and mahogany trees, which are home to blue monkeys and the highest concentration of baboons (Olive Baboon) anywhere in the world!
It is also famous for its stunning bird variety. Lake Manyara National Park is home to a large number of buffalos, giraffes, elephants, impalas, and hippos. This park is also known for its tree-climbing lions and the pink flamingos along the shore of the lake. Game drives are done along the lakeshore, providing exciting views of animals in the foreground while the lake, flamingos, and flat plains stretch out over the horizon.
In the afternoon you will transfer to Arusha city. You have the option to schedule a cycling tour. Alternatively, instead of going to Arusha, you can continue to Amboseli National Park in Kenya and do a wildlife safari for one or two nights. Africa’s huge elephants with big tusks are found here but also get ready for lion, cheetah, wildebeest, gazelle, monkeys, and lots of birdlife.
Amboseli National Park also offers Africa’s best views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the mornings and early evenings when the clouds clear, you may get postcard views of the snow-capped summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. You will finish the tour in Nairobi if you opt to visit Amboseli.
Day 1: Land at Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda. Your unforgettable journey begins at Entebbe International Airport where you will transfer to The Boma Hotel for an overnight stay.
This modern midrange hotel in Entebbe is an ideal spot to rest after a long-haul flight and to get yourself ready for your gorilla-trekking adventure.
There’s plenty to see and do in the beautiful city of Entebbe which is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria. You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to admire the black-and-white colobus monkeys and see the rainforest zone, which was the location used in the filming of the original 1940 Hollywood classic, Tarzan.
You can tour Jane Goodall Institute’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or enjoy a leisurely sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria.
Other Accommodation Options:
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel – Midrange
- Airport Guest House – Budget
- Hotel No. 5 – Luxury
- Lake Victoria Serena Resort and Spa – Luxury
Meals Include:
Day 2: Lake Mburo – boat safari and game drive
After breakfast at around 7:30am, our driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and make your way to Lake Mburo National Park (approximately 270km, 3 hours).
The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It is the best place in the country to see the Zebras and huge eland antelopes and has about 68 different species of mammals including impalas, buffalo, leopards, buffalos, and hyenas.
There are 5 lakes inside the park which are home to hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it is much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
On arrival you will check into the lodge and shortly set out to experience the park. Drive through the game trails and enjoy the beautiful savannah as you observe a range of animals. After the game drive you will go for the boat ride on Lake Mburo.
Accommodation Options:
- Mihingo Lodge – Luxury
- Rwakobo Rock – Midrange
- Eagles Nest Mburo – Budget
Meals Include:
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you will have an early game morning walk in Lake Mburo National Park that offers a beautiful experience in the savannah, giving you up-close views of several animals and enjoy the beautiful scenery! After that, you will have breakfast, check out of the lodge and make you way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest (approx. 3-4 hours).
Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site that is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. You can opt for a village visit that takes you to Mikozi Village. Here you will become familiar with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets and speak with a traditional Ugandan healer before returning to your lodge in Rushaga area of Bwindi.
Accommodation Options:
- Gorilla Heights Lodge – Luxury
- Mutanda Lake Resort – Midrange
- Gorilla Safari Lodge – Midrange
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Budget
Meals Include:
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you venture into to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on foot in search of the mountain gorillas. There is a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and few gorilla trekking permits are available each day. Visits to gorillas are strictly controlled to limit the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the endangered primates.
Mountain gorilla trekking in the dense forest of Bwindi can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000m above sea level.
The landscape is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty difficulty and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a family of wild gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
You need to be prepared and fit enough for a hike of 2 to 6 hours – up and down hill. You can usually get very close to the gorillas, which are calm and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself.
Once you encounter one of the gorilla families, your time with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. Afterwards retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.
Optional Activity:
Tulambule offers you the opportunity to undertake the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience instead of the gorilla trekking of Rushaga Sector of Bwindi.
During this special adventure you will join a group of researchers to experience how a gorilla family is habituated. Participants are allowed to stay with the gorilla family for no less than 4 hours and the excursion is undertaken in a group of only 4 people. It is a special look at the habituation of gorillas.
Day 5: Kigali/Nairobi
After breakfast, you depart the Bwindi and begin a very scenic drive to cross over the border into Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital of Rwanda, you will connect Kigali International Airport for the regional flight to Nairobi.
You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel for relaxation. If you arrive early, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your hotel.
Accommodations: Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, you will depart early for Lake Nakuru. This Kenya game park is known for hosting flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at your safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident white and black rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.
Accommodations Options:
- The Cliff – Luxury
- Sarova Woodlands – Luxury
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Midrange
- Flamingo Hill Camp – Midrange
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, lions, leopards, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.
After that, you embark on a 4 hour drive across the Great Rift Valley to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into your comfortable lodge or camp. Head out for a late 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/lodge and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains.
Accommodations Options:
- Mara Serena Lodge – Luxury
- Mara Leisure Camp – Luxury
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Luxury
- Jambo Mara Lodge- Midrange
- Mara Sopa Lodge – Midrange
- Base Camp Masai Mara – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 8: Masai Mara
Go out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Grant’s and Thomson’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 National Reserve.
Day 9: Masai Mara
The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the Mara, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you would like to see the Masai Mara from another perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon safari is a truly unforgettable experience.
Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground if and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with part of the profits from every balloon flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park.
You will be picked up before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming animal herds.
In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4×4 game drive in the park or visit a Masai Village to learn about the Masai People, the ancestral inhabitants of the land.
Day 9: Masai Mara/Nairobi
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi for your onward travel arrangements. Safer Travels!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Welcome To The Pearl Of Africa!
Your international flight lands at Entebbe International Airport, where a private transfer will take you to your overnight accommodation in Entebbe.
Entebbe is a small city on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. If your flight arrives early in the day, you can go for a guided tour of the city.
You start with a visit to the vibrant Entebbe Crafts Village, where you can shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handicrafts. Stop at the local markets to savor a famous street snack called a Rolex (a tomato and onion omelet rolled with chapati), then explore St. John’s Church, the colonial-era Anglican church.
After exploring the village, your guide will lead you to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Stroll through the lush gardens, admiring the vibrant array of colorful flowers and exotic plants. Finally, cap off your walking tour with a visit to the public beach by Lake Victoria.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe/Hotel No.5/Serena Lake Victoria Resort
Mid-range: Boma Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2-3: Bigodi Wetland Walk & Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale Forest
After breakfast, your private transfer vehicle takes you on a scenic drive to your next destination. Pass rolling hillsides, tea plantations and the well-known Ruwenzori Mountain Chain.
You will arrive at your lodge or camp near Kibale Forest in the mid-afternoon, where you can relax and take in the breath-taking views from the lush tropical forest or explosion volcanic crater lakes. A guided walk around the rim of the volcanic Crater Lakes can round off your day.
Day three sees you venturing into two of Uganda’s wonderfully diverse landscapes. First up is a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest has the highest concentrations of primates in East Africa, with a habituated community of chimpanzees that are located 99% of the time during treks.
Spend an hour with these majestic primates, learning about their behaviour and lifestyle. Once your chimp trek is wrapped up, stop for a picnic lunch. After the lunch, the adventure does not stop as you go for a community based guided tour of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. During this walk, you’ll learn more about this community-run initiative that aims to conserve the unique biodiversity and environmental values of the wetlands.
Your day ends back at the lodge time for a delectable dinner.
Please note: No children under the age of 12 years are allowed on the chimpanzee tracking.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale/Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4-5: Meet The Gentle Giants Of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Wake up to the sounds of twittering birds before enjoying a delicious breakfast.
After that, you will hop back in the 4WD vehicle for the 7.5-hour ride to the southernmost end of Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The scenic route will take you through the famous Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot wild game, including the famous tree-climbing lions, which only exist in East Africa.
Eventually, you will arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will check into your lodge. Located at the edge of the Rift Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a pristine biological and botanical ecosystem covering 331 square kilometres.
It protects ancient rainforests that are a habitat for around 500 wild mountain gorillas, which represent about half the entire world’s population of these apes. A late afternoon arrival at your lodge ensures that you have plenty of time to rest before your unforgettable Gorilla trekking tour the next day.
Day five kicks off with a hearty breakfast. Then it is off for a trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas who call. The up-close encounter you will have with these gentle giants is truly lifechanging – trust us, you will feel it the moment you stare deep into their expressive brown eyes.
Optional Activity: Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experience
The Batwa people have inhabited the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for thousands of years and have not forgotten the old ways of life. As part of your stay, you are invited to witness a re-enactment of life as it was for the Batwa in the rainforest, and have the opportunity of interacting with these incredible people.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp/Ichumbi Lodge/Agandi Uganda Lodge
Budget: Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Drive To Kigali Rwanda For Your Flight Transfer To Tanzania
Wake up to the beautiful views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and scenic hills and enjoy a tasty breakfast. Then it is time to leave Bwindi and its majestic gorillas behind, travelling from Uganda into neighbouring Rwanda. This stunning drive takes you through the hilly countryside of Rwanda, dubbed the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’.
Connect to Kigali International Airport for the regional flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport; meet our representative who will then transfer you to Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Impala Hotel/Arusha Coffee Lodge/Kibo Palace Hotel
Midrange: Outpost Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Journey To The Serengeti
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Serengeti National Park. From there, you will take an introductory game drive up to your booked camp or lodge. Settle in and get ready for a few days of Serengeti magic.
Day 8 – 9: Discover The World’s Greatest Concentration Of Wildlife
For the next couple of days, you will explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, renowned for its large population of lions and home to the biggest terrestrial mammal migration on the planet, the Wildebeest Migration.
If you choose to stay at a mobile camp like Asilia’s Olakira Migration Camp between June and November, you will be camping in the northern Serengeti’s Bolongoja region, a mere 300 metres (980 feet) from a Migration crossing point at the Mara River.
Between December and March, Olakira moves south to Ndutu where you will enjoy superlative game viewing and witness the Migration’s birthing season (from about February). Aside from the seasonal Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti’s pleasant climate and abundance of resident wildlife like buffalo, elephant, giraffe and all the big cats make it is an excellent year-round game viewing destination.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Serengeti Sopa Lodge/Serengeti Serena Lodge/Olakira Migration Camp
Midrange: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Flight Transfer To Zanzibar
After breakfast, you will drive to the nearest airstrip for your scheduled short-haul flight to Zanzibar Island. Upon landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be driven straight to the superb Matemwe Lodge on the north-eastern coast. Settle into your spacious suite, set in a beautiful garden with sensational views of the powdery white-sand beach and clear aquamarine waters from your private veranda. The comfortable hammock and couch are sure to be your ideal companions for the next few days.
Day 12-14: Unwind In Paradise On Zanzibar Island
After all the Serengeti action, you might want to do nothing except soak up the sun beside the pool or in your hammock with a refreshing cocktail from the lodge’s bar. Pamper yourself with wonderful, de-stressing massages and spa treatments.
If you are feeling active, set out on diving and snorkelling excursions to discover the Mnemba Atoll – a renowned reef and fascinating underwater world. Or simply hop onto one of the lodge’s complimentary kayaks and explore the surrounding turquoise waters. Day trips can also be arranged to explore the historical cobbled streets of Stone Town, the island capital’s old quarter, buzzing with colourful markets and local flavours.
Feast on fresh seafood combined with local produce in Matemwe’s cosy lounge area or around the pool. Lunch is usually a buffet-style blend of African and European dishes, and dinner features various fish, meat and vegetarian options. Marvel at the gorgeous sunset every night with a delicious drink in hand.
Day 15: Your Time In East Africa Comes To An End
On your fifteenth and final day, bid the sandy shores of Zanzibar Island goodbye. As you are driving through the island roads back to Zanzibar’s airport for your trip home, you’ll have two weeks of wonderful experiences to look back on.
Day 1: Arrive In Entebbe, Uganda
Your unforgettable 12-day Uganda Kenya Safari begins at Entebbe International Airport. From here, our company representative will transfer to the nearby hotel in Entebbe for an overnight stay. Entebbe is a small, quiet town on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. The town is located in central Uganda, about 40km from the capital, Kampala.
There’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful city. You can visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens to admire Uganda’s birds and colobus monkeys and see the rainforest zone, which was the location used in the filming of the original 1940 Hollywood classic, Tarzan. You can also enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria or explore Mabamba Swamp in search of the rare shoebill stork.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe/Hotel No.5/Serena Lake Victoria Resort
Mid-range: Boma Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Fly To Bwindi
After a restful night’s sleep, you’ll be driven to Entebbe Airport for your domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip. The flight time is just over one hour. On arrival, you’ll be taken on a short drive to your lodge on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The road trip takes approximately 1 ┬¢ hours. And it is a chance to witness a significant stretch of dense jungle vegetation and remote rural communities of Uganda.
Upon arrival, you’ll have some time to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon a local guide will take you to visit one of Bwindi’s Batwa pygmy villages. The Batwa inhabited the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for centuries until the national park was gazetted and they were kicked out.
Now they live near the park. And they have not forgotten the old ways of life. You will witness how they live in rainforest as hunter-gatherers, and have the opportunity of interacting with these incredible people. If you would like to know more, here’s the article I wrote about the Batwa People.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Gorilla Forest Lodge/Buhoma Lodge/Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Mist Camp/Agandi Eco Lodge
Budget: Trakker’s Tarven Cottages/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Relaxation
Day three of the 12-day Uganda Kenya Safari will start at around 6.00 am. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge and then embark on short drive to Bwindi National Park offices for a briefing before setting off on a gorilla trek. At around 8 am, you will enter the forest in search of the shy and gentle apes.
While you should prepare yourself for muddy, humid and perhaps challenging conditions, a day of trekking through the rainforest is possible for all reasonably fit and healthy travellers. Expert local guides will lead you to one of the 21 habituated gorilla families in the forest. And you’ll be able to spend a one hour observing them as they feed, forage, play or interact.
After gorilla trek, you will recoup with a day of leisure at the lodge. You can also choose spend your time on slow, scenic forest walks, taking the natural beauty of your surroundings while spotting the many beautiful birds hiding in the trees. After your stroll, you can stop by the local communities for an insightful cultural tour to enrich your mind. When back at the lodge, you enjoy a drink at the bar and take in the amazing forest views.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Gorilla Forest Lodge/Buhoma Lodge/Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Mist Camp/Agandi Eco Lodge
Budget: Trakker’s Tarven Cottages/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Drive To Lake Mburo
After a leisurely breakfast today, embark on a drive of about 4 hours northeast to Lake Mburo National Park. There are no lions in the park, so this is the place where you can get active without fear of being eaten. You can enjoy cycling tours, horseback riding, game walks, boat cruise and game drives inside the park. If your budget can stretch to it, spend the night at one of Uganda’s top places to stay, the stunning Mihingo Lodge.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Eagles Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Entebbe/Nairobi
Your final day in Uganda takes you on a drive of about 4 hours from Lake Mburo back to Entebbe. You will have brief stop at the equator monument in Kayabwe to take that all-important photo. Uganda is one of the few countries on Earth where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.
From Entebbe, you take a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi City, Kenya. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel where you will spend the night on a bed and breakfast basis. Depending on time of arrival you may choose to add an optional excursion to:
- Giraffe Center, where endangered Rothschild giraffes are cared for,
- Karen Blixen Museum to learn more about the Danish author of Out of Africa,
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Trust, a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants,
- Nairobi National Park, where the plains game roams freely with a surprising background of skyscrapers!
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi/Giraffe Manor/Hemingways Nairobi
Midrange: Tamarind Tree Hotel/Crowne Plaza Nairobi
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 6: Drive To Masai Mara
You’ll leave Nairobi after breakfast at around 07:30 and travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands. Then, head down the Great Rift Valley escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. En route, spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok.
Continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the world famous Maasai Mara, Kenya’s richest game park renowned for its black-maned Lions. You will arrive in time for lunch and short relaxation. Then, you will enjoy your first game drive in the “Mara”, as the locals call it.
Masai Mara is named in honour of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar. Mara, which is Maa (Maasai language) for “spotted”, is an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna, and cloud shadows that mark the area.
As in the Serengeti, the reserve is best known for the Great Migration of Zebras and wildebeest. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from Serengeti plains towards the Masai Mara in search of nutritious pasture, and return to the south again around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving some 1.5 million animals.
Remember to carry extra camera batteries, because the Mara is a photographer’s paradise, with abundant wildlife and incredible African landscapes. The BBC Television show titled “Big Cat Diary” was filmed here. After your exciting first game drive, return to lodge to relax and have dinner. Remember to listen out for the roar of a lion before falling asleep.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive time approx.: 3-5.5 hours
Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara
After an early-morning mug of steamy fresh Kenyan coffee, go on a morning drive in wonderful Maasai Mara. Search for species that may be returning from their nocturnal forays, or waking up and getting ready for the day. Breakfast is normally packed into a basket and served during your morning game-viewing safari.
Covering an area of about 1,510 km2, the Maasai Mara is regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife reserves. If you travel during the height of the Great migration (end of July through to October), your day will be filled with large herds of wildebeest, dazzling zebras, and the epic drama of the Mara River crossings.
The river poses a major obstacle in their way, and the herd’s momentum drives the show that ensues. You will soon realise why the migration is referred to as “The Greatest Show on Earth”. You’ll return to your lodge for lunch and a short siesta in the heat of the day. You then go out on another game drive in the afternoon, hoping to see some more spectacular fauna and flora, along with some predator-prey interaction that the Mara is famous for.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Game Drive & Maasai Village Visit
Have an early breakfast and go on a morning game drive. Return to the camp mid-morning. After lunch and maybe a siesta, you set off on another game drive. Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and you are almost guaranteed seeing the Big 5 animals.
Speaking of birds, Masai Mara has over 500 species. Birds that you can look for during your time here include several vulture species, Ostrich, Saddle-billed Stork, Secretarybird, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Grey Crowned Crane, the cute Pygmy Falcon, and the beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller, the national bird of Kenya.
Something else to look out for is the absolutely monstrous Nile Crocodiles that reside in the Mara River. These ancient reptiles lie in wait for the migrating mammals and seeing one of them catch a wildebeest and consume it is a scary reminder of how fragile us humans are in the greater scheme of things.
After a game drive, visit a Maasai village to learn about the culture of the famous Maasai People. Your guide will lead you through the village as you discover their traditions and beliefs, and daily practices like demonstrations of how to make fire using sticks. At the end of the tour, you can buy some gift items/curios made by the villagers – a chance to give back to the local community.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari
If you’d like to see the Mara from a different angle, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Visit Lake Nakuru
Leaving Masai Mara after breakfast, travel across the “breadbasket” of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand.
Then travel across the vast plains on the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mai -Mahiu, before arriving at Nakuru around midday. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Lake Nakuru (meaning “dusty or dry place”) is one of the rift valley’s soda lakes. It is protected by the 188 km2 Lake Nakuru National Park. Flanked by rocky escarpments, pockets of dense forest and waterfalls, the park itself is very pretty and you’ll get some amazing photographs here.
This small park is a great destination to see black and white rhinos, as well as Buffalo, Leopards, Zebras, Lions, Hyenas, Hippos, African rock pythons, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. You’ll drive along lake shores to discover a variety of birds including large flocks of Pelicans, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons, Ducks, Spoonbills, Fish Eagles, and Kingfishers.
Please note: Lake Nakuru was formerly famous for the millions of flamingos that covered the lake with their pink plumes. However, since the major flooding of 2014, fewer flamingos choose to feed or breed here.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: The Cliff/Sarova Woodlands
Midrange: Lake Nakuru Lodge/Flamingo Hill Camp/Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive time approx.: 3-5 hours
Day 10: Travel To Amboseli
Enjoy an early breakfast and leave the Rift Valley behind. Continue to Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch dependent on road conditions) and proceed south towards Amboseli. You will arrive at your lodge by late afternoon.
Amboseli is one of Africa’s most beautiful parks. Though mainly known as the best place in the world for viewing free-ranging elephant herds, Amboseli offers a vast array of other wildlife ranging from the Big 5 animals to over 400 bird species.
The animals can often be viewed against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. If you’re looking for that iconic safari photograph of long-tusked African elephants or a journey of giraffes on dry savannah plains with Africa’s tallest mountain as a backdrop, Amboseli is the place to snap it.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge/Oltukai Lodge
Midrange: Kibo Safari Camp/Satao Elerai Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive time approx.: 7 hours
Day 11: Game Drives In Amboseli
Today, you have morning and afternoon game drives to witness the wildlife in one of the spectacular national parks on the continent. You’ll start early, as the morning is the best time to see the animals at their most active.
Elephants are the most famous residents of Amboseli, present in high numbers and featuring some of the largest body and tusk sizes in Africa. These gentle giants can be seen everywhere in the park, enjoying waters in marshes, treading dusty tracks led by a dependable matriarch, or, sometimes, posing for thrilled, camera-wielding tourists against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
Your tour guide will also lead you in search of other Africa’s iconic animals such as Hippos, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Dik-dik, Kudu, Jackals, Bat-Eared Foxes, Oryx, Gerenuks, Serval, Warthog, Yellow Baboons and More.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge/Oltukai Lodge
Midrange: Kibo Safari Camp/Satao Elerai Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Transfer Back To Nairobi
And so an amazing 12-day Uganda Kenyan safari comes an end. After early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. From here, you turn north across the beautiful and seemingly never-ending Athi Plains, arriving in Nairobi by mid-day. It will be a drive of about 4 hours. You will be dropped off at the airport for your ongoing travel arrangements. Safe Travels!
*Please note: Extensions to Mombasa Dian Beach, Zanzibar Island or Tanzania can easily be arranged. Please contact us for more information.
Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will be picked up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for scheduled flight transfer to Kisoro Airstrip. From Kisoro, you will be met by a guide and driven to Gorilla Heights Lodge in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi, your feature stay accommodation for the next three nights.
Sitting high on the Nteko Ridge, Gorilla Heights Lodge offers up glorious views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Gaze out across the jagged Virunga Volcanic Mountains that straddle Uganda’s borders with Congo and Rwanda. Gorilla Heights Lodge is solar-powered and works closely with the local people. Here, you will experience genuinely warm hospitality of Ugandans. There is no better place for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas.
This evening will be a truly special experience as you are joined by a field veterinarian from the Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. This organization is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They offer medical interventions to protect these endangered Great Apes from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You will learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and exclusive experience.
Other Accommodation Options
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Luxury
Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before taking a short walk to the park offices where you will be briefed on today’s gorilla trekking adventure by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides.
A trek in search of gorillas is relatively difficult and can be wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat makes it so worthwhile.
We suggest that you invest in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and offer expert, local one-on-one assistance along the gorilla trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals, boosting their confidence in sustainable tourism.
Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with few gorilla trekking permits available every day. Once you encounter a family of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them groom each other, eat, and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback male.
Coming face to face with wild gorillas is sure to be a life-changing experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the lodge beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day. Freshen up with a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fireplace.
Other Accommodation Options
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Luxury
Day 3: Kigali/Nairobi
After an early breakfast this morning, take a very drive of about 4 hours through emerald green hills of Rwanda “the Land of a Thousand Hills”. The zigzagging roads meander through lush rainforests, skirting hilltops (keep your eyes open for the volcanoes!) and dipping into quite rural villages before arriving in Kigali – the cleanest and greenest city in Africa. You will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your short flight to Nairobi this evening (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival at Nairobi Airport you’ll be met and transferred to your Nairobi hotel. Check-in, freshen up and get a good night’s rest.
Accommodation Options:
- Four Points By Sheraton – Luxury
- Giraffe Manor – Luxury
- Hemingways Nairobi – Luxury
- Tamarind Tree Hotel – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 4: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
At 7.00 am, your driver guide shall pick you up from your hotel in Nairobi. You will head out in a 4 x 4 safari vehicle for Lake Nakuru National Park. This is a scenic drive of about 160 kilometers (Approximately 3 hours) through the sweeping farmlands of the central highlands. You pass dramatic towers and gorges of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
En route, you’ll stop to stretch, refresh and enjoy these scenic vistas. You’ll enjoy a full day of game drives over the stunning terrain of Lake Nakuru National Park. This is a place of great rocky escarpments, forests, wooded hills, waterfalls, and of course, the lake itself. Apart from flamingoes, you’ll be treated to flocks of herons, storks, eagles, and pelicans.
The birdlife at Lake Nakuru is profuse but so is the land-based wildlife and you may see some of the larger species like white rhinos, black rhinos, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, lions and possibly leopard. Nakuru is compact which only increases your chances of spotting the great variety of animals that inhabit this very diverse park.
Accommodations Options:
- The Cliff – Luxury
- Sarova Woodlands – Luxury
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Midrange
- Flamingo Hill Camp – Midrange
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its prolific birdlife so let’s rise early to enjoy the morning birdsong and the wildlife emerging from the night.
You will enjoy breakfast and embark on a drive of about 300 kilometers (approximately 6 hours) to Masai Mara National Reserve, with stops at scenic vistas along the way. You can always request your driver/guide to make special stops… or not, depending on your preferences.
You will get to the Masai Mara Reserve in time lunch at the lodge/camp and your first game drive over its rolling hills, with picturesque acacia trees adorning the landscape. While at the Mara, you’ll have plenty of time to track its seemingly endless array of wildlife – keep an eye out for lion as sightings are not uncommon. This will be the first of two nights your Masai Mara accommodation.
Accommodations Options:
- The Cliff – Luxury
- Sarova Woodlands – Luxury
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Midrange
- Flamingo Hill Camp – Midrange
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 6: Full day in Masai Mara
Why is the Masai Mara National Reserve so special? Lots of reasons – the beauty of the landscape with its golds and greens, the great density and variety of wildlife said to be the highest in the region, but also because it is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration – the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth.
During the months of July to October, massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle invade the game reserve over the Mara River searching for sustenance.
The numbers of wildlife pouring in over a great migration season can be astounding – up to 2 million! You will enjoy a picnic lunch down at the Mara River, viewing Crocodiles and hippos, while in the hills; various predators lie in wait, acting out the timeless cycles of life.
Accommodations Options:
- Mara Serena Lodge – Luxury
- Mara Leisure Camp – Luxury
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Luxury
- Jambo Mara Lodge- Midrange
- Mara Sopa Lodge – Midrange
- Base Camp Masai Mara – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 7: Another full day in Masai Mara
Enjoy another in Masai Mara National Reserve full of wildlife viewing drives.
You may opt to take a full day game drive or game drives in separate sessions so that you may also have a chance to enjoy lodge facilities. Your guide will be readily available to discuss your daily activities depending on your preferences
Together with game drives and animal sightings, we offer other optional activities to make your experience here even richer. Meet the local Maasai people at their village and learn about their culture and their crafts. Perhaps buy some of their brightly beaded souvenirs.
For a view that few on the planet have experienced, take an early morning hot air balloon safari over the park. You will see the dawn breaking on the savannah and hear the first calls of birds and wildlife as the park comes to life. Not to be missed! Just ask your driver/guide to make the arrangements.
Accommodations Options:
- Mara Serena Lodge – Luxury
- Mara Leisure Camp – Luxury
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Luxury
- Jambo Mara Lodge- Midrange
- Mara Sopa Lodge – Midrange
- Base Camp Masai Mara – Midrange
Meals Included:
Day 8: Drive Back to Nairobi
After a leisurely breakfast at your lodge/camp, your dedicated driver guide will assist you with the checkout process and embark on a drive of about 265 kilometers (approximately 5 hours) back to Nairobi. En route, your guide will point out Mount Longonot and extinct strato volcano which located southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
It is believed to have last erupted in the 1860s and its name is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot, meaning “mountains of many spurs” or “steep ridges “. You can opt to drive via Naivasha area for lunch/boat excursion on Lake Naivasha or drive straight to Nairobi city and pass by Kiambethu farm for the tea farm tour inclusive of a three-course buffet lunch or drive straight back to the capital and later transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International airport for your back home.
Day 1: Drive To Masai Mara
Today your 3-Day Masai Mara Safari begins! We will pick you up at the airport or your hotel in our comfortable and private 4 x 4 safari vehicle.
Your private Driver/Guide is English speaking – or another language if requested. We begin our tour traveling towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the Rift Valley escarpment on the road built during World War II by Italian prisoners
Along the way, you spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. We will drive past the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as we travel across the valley to Narok. We proceed on our journey across acres of barley and wheat, before reaching the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s finest game park famous for its black-maned Lions.
We will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and some relaxation. Then, we set out on our first game drive in the “Mara”, as the locals call it. Look out for the resident plains game herds, the famous lion pride, cheetah coalition and elusive leopards that reign the area. A plethora of iconic African wildlife such as elephants, hippos, giraffes, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles, plains zebras, topis, warthogs and buffaloes are also common first sightings.
Remember to come with extra batteries for your camera, because Maasai Mara National Reserve is also a photographer’s paradise destination, with abundant wildlife, magnificent African landscape scenes, spectacular sunrise and sunset and excellent weather. The BBC Television show titled “Big Cat Diary” and Disney’s African Cats series were filmed here
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Mid-range: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive time approx.: 3-5.5 hours
Day 2: Full Day Safari In Masai Mara
We will wake up early today to view the reserve’s abundant wildlife, said to the densest of any park in the region. This will be a day of unlimited game drives over the golden savannah and past the distinctive acacia trees adorning these plains.
Be on a lookout for Africa’s Big Five animals – leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Also over 500 species have been recorded in the reserve, and should you be here during the season of the Great Migration (July – October), prepare yourself to witness the largest movement of mammals on the planet.
Mostly made up of zebras and wildebeest, the migrating animals cross into the park by the hundreds of thousands at the Mara River, also the site of hippos and waiting monstrous crocodiles. The potential drama here is inevitable as the streaming herds enter these lands for fresh grasses as the predators lie in wait.
Optional Activities Today:
- Masai Village Visit
The Maasai Mara National Game Reserve is named in honour of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar. Mara, which is Maa (Maasai language) for ‘spotted’, is an appropriate description for the scrub, savanna, circles of trees, and cloud shadows that mark the area. So, adding more richness to your 3-day Masai Mara Safari experience, you can enjoy an optional visit to one of the traditional Maasai villages. There, you’ll meet the Maasai and see their lifestyle up close.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
Another optional event is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the reserve. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. A truly unforgettable experience – just ask your driver/guide to set up either or both activities.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mara Serena Lodge/Ashnil Mara Camp/Mara Leisure Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge/Jambo Mara Lodge/Basecamp Masai Mara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive & Transfer Back To Nairobi
On the final day of our 3-day Masai Mara Safari – we will set off with our bags on your last morning safari at sunrise through the Masai Mara National Reserve.
We can explore the Musiara Marsh and Paradise Plains – the terrific game viewing grounds made famous by BBC’s popular Big Cat Diaries and Disney’s African Cats series. We’ll enjoy game drive as we exit the park on our way back to Nairobi. A stop for lunch will break up the drive back to town.
We should arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon and will bring you to your hotel or the airport. You may also continue to the Kenya coast at Mombasa or perhaps to the island of Zanzibar. You may fly to Uganda or Rwanda for a mountain gorilla trekking safari if you are interested. Please contact us for more information.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch