DAY 1: FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK, NAIROBI
Nairobi
Situated in along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place, and although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably just 20 minutes from the city centre wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Day Itinerary
Early Morning you arrive ex-International Flight at 06h10
On arrival meet & greet by VIP trade winds from the Aircraft side, assisted all through immigration until handover to our AMA Safaris representative at the arrivals. Transfer to Fairmont Norfolk Hotel.
Bed and Breakfast at Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Overnight: Fairmont The Norfolk
Situated in the heart of Kenya, the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat that is within easy reach of world-renowned wildlife centres, golf courses, and museums. The luxurious rooms and suites are tastefully furnished and include en-suite bathrooms, armchairs, work desks, and plasma screen TVs. The hotel offers four dining establishments featuring a variety of cuisines, as well as an all-day dining restaurant. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks through the tropical gardens, have a splash in the pool, work out at the fitness centre, or enjoy relaxing massages and treatments at the spa.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2: FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB, MASAI MARA
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at the Hotel.
At 09h00 depart for an excursion at Giraffe Center & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
Lunch at The Tamambo Karen Blixen Restaurant
Transfer to Wilson for Safarilink flight departing at 15h00 to Mara Safari Club
At approx. 16h00 arrive at Ngerende airstrip.
Met by Mara Safari Club English speaking professional driver guide.
Afternoon Shared or Private game drive vehicle basis
Dinner and overnight at Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Overnight: Fairmont Mara Safari Club
The Fairmont Mara Safari Club is surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and is on the edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World – the Masai Mara. This breathtaking Kenya hotel’s main lodge at the center of camp hosts an indoor restaurant, bar and library with Internet access to keep the relatives up to date with safari adventures. A spacious outside deck overhangs the river and leads to a heated pool, complete with bar and private massage tents. Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the epitome of tented luxury.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 3: FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB, MASAI MARA
Day Itinerary
04h00: Pick up from the Club & transfer to the Balloon Launching site for a Balloon safari Adventure with Governor’s Balloon Safari. Followed by Champagne bush breakfast,
Full Day in Masai Mara with game drives and all meals at the Camp. Dinner and overnight at Mara Safari Club
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 4: OL TUKAI LODGE, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Amboseli National Park
Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Masaai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Day Itinerary
Early morning game drive
Breakfast at the Club, Early lunch at the Club
12h30: Transfer to Ngerende Airstrip for afternoon flight departing at 14h00 to Amboseli to arrive at 15h00
Upon arrival in Amboseli airstrip you will be met by our driver. Game drives
Dinner and overnight at Oltukai Lodge.
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants with the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Writers have described Ol Tukai and the surrounding Amboseli National Park as ‘a home for the gods’. A place of rugged beauty, abundant water, lush green grass and forest, set like an oasis in the surrounding savannah shrubland. To crown it all, this is where you get one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sights – dawn breaks and the sunsets over the 19,000-foot snow-capped dome of Africa’s highest mountain!
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5: OL TUKAI LODGE, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Day Itinerary
06h30: Early morning game drive, 08h45: Breakfast at the Lodge
13h00: Lunch at the Lodge, 16h00: Afternoon game drive
Dinner and Overnight at Oltukai Lodge
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6: LAKE MANYARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports 400 species of bird, and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
Day Itinerary
06h30: Breakfast at the Lodge
07h30: Drive to Border Crossing (Kenya – Tanzania) Namanga Border Post
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list and handover client to our Tanzanian guide at 10h00
13h00: Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. After lunch proceed to Lake Manyara National Park.
Evening game drive inside Manyara National Park if time permits alternatively do a game drive the next day
Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity.
As to wildlife, the park offers abundant sightings of; monkey, jackal, mongoose, hyena, hyrax, zebra, hippo, warthog, buffalo, Masai giraffe, duiker, waterbuck and impala. Significant numbers of elephant are also resident in the Park whilst sightings of black rhino and leopard are not uncommon. Manyara is also especially noted for its wealth of bird life, being visited by many thousands of sugar-pink Lesser Flamingos, significant numbers of Greater Flamingos and a host of other woodland, plains and water birds
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7: NEPTUNE NGORONGORO LODGE, KARATU
Karatu
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will inevitably pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephants caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.
Day Itinerary
Early morning game drive, Breakfast at the Lodge
08h00: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world.
En-route, visit a local school arriving at your camp in time for check in and lunch at Neptune Ngorongoro
Afternoon Masai Village visit. Dinner and overnight at Neptune Ngorongoro
Overnight: Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
Set in 50 acres of virgin Tanzanian bush in the Ngorongoro volcanic landscape, this all suites wood log cabin style retreat is located a few steps from the Game Reserve Gate and 20 minutes drive away from the Ngorongoro Crater that is said to have the most dense concentration of wildlife in Africa.
This all inclusive property features 20 spacious private log cabins with fire place, a restaurant, a bar and conference facilities. Indulge in moments of relaxation at the swimming pool or at the Mvua African Rain Spa after a full-day game drive.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 8: NEPTUNE NGORONGORO LODGE, KARATU
Day Itinerary
06h30: Breakfast at the Lodge
Depart with picnic lunches & descend into the crater floor for a Crater tour.
Later return to the Camp and rest of the afternoon at Leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9: LEMALA NANYUKIE, EASTERN SERENGETI
Eastern Serengeti
The rich acacia-dotted plains of the Eastern Serengeti are home to abundant wildlife. Visitors flock here to view the world-renowned wildebeest migration. Some of the best game-viewing can be enjoyed from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River. Popular activities include: taking a guided walk through the spectacularly scenic terrain of the wild Serengeti, jumping on a hot air balloon safari, picnics in the bush, and learning about Maasai culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world famous Gol Kopjes for the best cheetah viewing in Africa.
Day Itinerary
Early morning game drive, Breakfast at the Lodge
07h00 Transfer to Manyara Airstrip for your Am Regional flight departing at 08h40 to arrive Seronera airstrip at 10h00. Met upon arrival by Lemala Nanyukie Camp driver.
Game drive en-route to the Camp arriving in time for check in and lunch. Afternoon game drive
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Nanyukie Camp
Overnight: Lemala Nanyukie Camp
Lemala Nanyukie is located just outside of the Seronera circuit, allowing for some private game viewing of its world famous concentration of cats and resident wildlife, due to its abundance of water in the many rivers. Between April and June, and again between November and January, this area is crossed by the annual wildebeest migration, which always provides a thrilling wildlife spectacle. Lemala Nanyukie has a large, open floor lounge and bar area that has a variety of inside and outside seating. The inside lounge areas offer lots of discreet hideaways to retreat too. Whether your preference is a private space by the fireplace, or big comfortable sofas sharing experiences with fellow travellers – there’s space for all. A fully stocked bar lies just feet away with experienced bar staff to make your favourite tipple and served just as you like it. Vodka Martini - shaken not stirred!
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 10: LEMALA MARA MOBILE TENTED CAMP, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Northern Serengeti
The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.
Day Itinerary
06h00: Breakfast at the Camp
06h30: Transfer to Seronera airstrip for Schedule flight departing at 08h00 to Kogatende to arrive at 10h00
Met upon arrival by Lemala Mara Camp Driver.
Game drive en-route to the Camp arriving in time for check in and lunch. Afternoon game drive
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Mara Mobile Tented Camp
Overnight: Lemala Mara Mobile Tented Camp
The tents of Lemala Mara Tented Camp are set up under large Euclea trees in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Northern Serengeti between July and October. It’s very close to the Mara River, but yet the camp is far enough away to remain discreet and not interrupt wildlife behaviour as the wildebeest mass along the steep banks during their frantic crossing on their way north to the Maasai Mara. Here, in this immense remote wilderness, guests can enjoy fabulous landscapes and terrific game viewing with practically no crowds. Resident wildlife numbers are always high, but nothing compared to the dramatic scenes during the migration as tens of thousands of animals gather to then plunge into the crocodile-infested river.
Lemala Mara is a mobile tented camp offering an authentic bush experience, but the tents are spacious and each is furnished with two queen-size beds and all the little luxuries that make them surprisingly comfortable. After an evening game drive, your tent attendant ensures your safari shower is filled with hot water to wash away the dust of the African savannah.
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 11: LEMALA MARA MOBILE TENTED CAMP, NORTHERN SERENGETI
Day Itinerary
04h30: Pickup up from the Camp for a balloon ride by Adventure Aloft.
Upon landing celebrate Champagne followed by bush breakfast.
Full day enjoyed in Kogatende.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Mara Mobile Tented Camp
Basis
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
DAY 12: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at the Camp
Transfer to Kogatende airstrip with game drive- enroute for Am Regional Air flight departing at 10h00 to arrive Arusha at 12h15. Met and transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge for lunch
Later transfer clients to Kilimanjaro International Airport for KL567 departing at 21h00 back home.
Basis
