DAY 1: MOUNT MERU HOTEL, ARUSHA     

Arusha

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will clear with customs and immigration procedures. You will then be met by our Tanzania representative outside the arrivals hall for transfer to your hotel. You will be assisted with check in formalities. Dinner own arrangement. 1400hrs – Check in. Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel – BB

Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel

Situated at the foothills of Mount Meru in the city of Arusha, the Mount Meru Hotel is set on 15 acres of serene and lush landscape and surrounded by some of Africa’s most breathtaking vistas. The guest rooms include mini-refrigerators, tea and coffee making facilities, DSTV with Freeview channels, and free Wi-Fi. With three on-site restaurants, as well as a bar and cigar lounge, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and drinking. Guests can unwind in the swimming pool, or enjoy rejuvenating massages and treatments at the Tulia Spa and Salon. The hotel also offers a golf course and a variety of convenience shops.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2: BOUGAINVILLEA SAFARI 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

After breakfast, depart by road to Ngorongoro, the eighth wonder of the natural world. Along the way we drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – a region created to accommodate the grazing needs of the Masai people and a unique test of the idea that humans leading a pastoral lifestyle can coexist with wildlife. We arrive at Ngorongoro in time for lunch at our stunning lodge, situated on the rim of the crater.

Dinner and overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge – LDBB

Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Located on the outskirts of the town of Karatu in Tanzania, Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is an excellent option for a countryside getaway. Accommodation options feature 24 comfortably furnished cottages. The en-suite cottages are equipped with Wi-Fi, mosquito nets and fireplaces. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, and guests can enjoy meals and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar. Guests can make use of amenities such as the swimming pool.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3: BOUGAINVILLEA SAFARI LODGE, KARATU       

Day Itinerary

This morning we descend 2,000 feet into the giant caldera of this extinct volcano. This magnificent natural amphitheatre contains the largest concentration of animals in all of Africa. Prides of lion, black rhino and elephant share this land with the legendary Masai tribesmen. Because the grasses are short, game is easily spotted and can be approached quite closely. We spend a splendid morning on the floor of the crater observing wildlife in this ageless World Heritage Site.

All meals and overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge – LDBB

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 4: LOBO WILDLIFE LODGE, 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

The Serengeti National Park is our destination today. En route we stop at Olduvai Gorge, the “cradle of mankind,” where the Leakey family uncovered the fossil of Homo habilis, who lived 1.75 million years ago. Arriving at our lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, we find ourselves deep in the heart of this famous migration corridor. With its wide-open spaces, bright blue skies and creature-filled landscape, over the next two days we will discover why the fabled Serengeti typifies the dream of “Old Africa.” Large prides of lions laze in the long grasses; plentiful families of elephants feed on acacia bark and trumpet to each other across the plains, while giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland and the whole range of African wildlife present themselves in awe-inspiring numbers. Evening drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Lobo Wildlife Lodge – LDBB.

Overnight: Lobo Wildlife Lodge

Located in the North of Serengeti National Park, the most spectacular scenario of wildlife in its pure essence. Lobo Wildlife Lodge is a dream of romanticism in its remote location, strategically built into an enormous volcanic rocky outcrop. It is the largest lodge on the migration route where it’s elevated position means that the migration can be viewed from the comfort of a sun lounger. You can watch and witness the migration even from the pool.

Artistically made of stone and local timber around clusters of large boulders, harmoniously merging with its surroundings, the Lodge affords from its raised location stunning views of the most amazing natural spectacle to be seen on Earth. Lobo Wildlife Lodge has 75 spacious guestrooms offering stunning views over the vast plains of Serengeti National Park.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 5: LOBO WILDLIFE LODGE, NORTHERN SERENGETI      

Day Itinerary

You have a full day of game viewing here in Northern Serengeti, known for its lion and cheetah populations as well as excellent leopard sightings. Rivers flow through the park, providing habitats for a variety of animals.

All meals and overnight at Lobo Wildlife Lodge –  LDBB

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 6: MANYARA WILDLIFE SAFARI CAMP, 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

After breakfast, you will take a drive into spectacular ascent from the low land to the ancient soda lake of Manyara National Park. Arrive check in then enjoy lunch at the camp. After lunch proceed for an afternoon game drive in the park. The game in this petite park is plentiful and the magnificent bird watching will make a devotee out of even the most reluctant. It is also one of the very few places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions, which we may declare our day’s quest, being so thoroughly sated with the big herds of preceding parks. Manyara’s great shock of pink flamingos will also delight.

Evening drive back to the camp for dinner and overnight at Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp – LDBB.

Overnight: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

Somewhere in its rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees stood my lodging. Overlooking Lake Manyara and adjoining Lake Manyara National Park and the rusty gold 600 meter high Rift Valley escarpment, the Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp. Offers guest comfort and privacy in the ten luxurious canvas tented chalets and sixteen self contained cottages with private balconies overlooking the real Africa- majestic, unfiltered and unadorned. Also perfect for newlyweds, the honeymoon suite is lined with chiffon walls, draped ceilings, large corner bathtub, adjoining shower and private game viewing deck.

The pure feeling of relaxation and serenity, a sensation that is nearly impossible to come by in busy, everyday life, can surely be felt in the camp. Dining out in the open-air restaurant overlooking the African bush is an opulent experience. The evening campfire provides a welcome spot for pre-dinner drinks after a day of wildlife viewing. The camp will also introduce, on request, night drives which will enable the vacationer to take part in the nocturnal nightlife activities of Manyara’s secretive creatures.

You just cannot deny Ernest Hemingway’s comments on Manyara as “The Loveliest place I had visited in Africa”.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 7: SENTRIM AMBOSELI 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 snow cap 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

Breakfast, drive with picnic lunch boxes to Amboseli National Park – famous for its breath-taking views of Kilimanjaro (the highest free-standing volcanic mountain in the world and topped by one fifth of all the ice in Africa) and its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. The Park also shelters more than 420 species of birds. Enormous Elephant population and other big game are attracted to the area by underground springs fed from the melting snows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive in search of the ‘big five’ among other animals. Her breath-taking scenery – one of the best places for a photogenic view of Mount Kilimanjaro; weather permitting is next to none. Return to your lodge for a scrumptious dinner. Overnight at Amboseli Sentrim Camp –  LDBB.

Overnight: Sentrim Amboseli Camp

Sentrim Amboseli is a relatively new lodge offering 60 luxurious and comfortable deluxe tents, evenly spread out and with fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar lounge and a gift shop. Sentrim Amboseli is located right next to Kimana gate of Amboseli National Park. Its location guarantees close encounters with the park’s renowned elephants. Also happily roaming the grasslands are buffallos, wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, impalas and several predators. Located 280 kilometres south of Nairobi and 260kms north of Mombasa.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 8: SENTRIM AMBOSELI LODGE, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK       

Day Itinerary

Rising early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit, we set off for a ‘Spice’ full day game drive with lunch boxes. You may also opt for a morning and afternoon game drives. Amboseli is an excellent place to view a multitude of wildlife, including everything from Wildebeest to Giraffes to Baboons. Observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. Varied wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. The western section is dominated by vast Lake Amboseli, which is dry outside the rainy season; you will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, after lunch relaxation.

A visit to Masai village (at extra cost of 35US$) – reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a memorable experience. . Amboseli is home to the legendary Masai tribesmen. Masai warriors are famous and are proud nomadic tribe whose legendary prowess in battle and single-handed acts of bravery in fights with the wild animals are known across the world. Their diet is a simple one, consisting mainly of meat and milk and also the blood of cattle mixed with milk.

Overnight at Amboseli Sentrim Camp – LDBB.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 9: NAIVASHA SIMBA LODGE, LAKE NAIVASHA     

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Great Rift Valley Lakes and despite having no outlet; it is one of only two Rift Valley freshwater lakes. This beautiful lake is fringed by papyrus and acacia trees, a unique geologic landscape and supports a vast array of over 450 bird species. It serves as the main drinking hole for wildlife in the area such as zebra, eland, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo and much more. Visitors can look forward to excellent game viewing, intriguing night safaris, and boating excursions around the lake as well as to Crescent Island for spectacular bird watching opportunities. Other popular activities include: guided nature walks, horse riding, village visits and tours to neighbouring national parks.

Day Itinerary

Depart Amboseli after breakfast for Lake Naivasha. Lunch in a Nairobi restaurant. Arrive Naivasha in the afternoon. Rest of day at leisure, with optional (extra cost 35US$) boat ride and a nature walk at Crescent Island, an excellent way to see wild animals while on foot. The Island is a private game sanctuary, which is home to zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, Vervet monkeys, hares, genet cats, waterbuck and giraffe.

Dinner and overnight at Naivasha Simba Lodge – LDBB

Overnight: Naivasha Simba Lodge

The Naivasha Simba Lodge is situated on the banks of Lake Naivasha, the cleanest lake in the Great Rift Valley. This fresh water lake was once Nairobi’s main landing strip for the luxury Flying Boats that came all the way from London. Travelers would then proceed to Nairobi by bus. It has no known outlet, which is considered a requisite for a fresh water lake!

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 10: MARA SIMBA LODGE, 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 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

After a leisure breakfast at your lodge, depart overland to the Masai Mara -jewel of Kenya’s Game Park. This enormous Reserve actually part of the vast Serengeti plains is famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest migration and is a true home of the big five-Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. After lunch, explore the Reserve on a late evening ‘Spice’ game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mara Simba Lodge  –  LDBB.

Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge

The Mara experience has remained the once-in-a-lifetime dream of safari lovers ever since the days when hunters thronged the region in search of the ultimate black-maned lion trophy. Natural home to the “Big 5” game, a safari to Kenya cannot be said to be complete without it. During the months of August to November, thousands of visitors get down to the Maasai Mara to witness one of the most spectacular phenomena on earth. Stretching as far as the eye can see, a teeming mass of zebra, wildebeest, and topi, trailed by scavengers make way into the Mara plains from the Serengeti, in what is known as the Great Migration.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 11: MARA SIMBA LODGE, MASAI MARA

Day Itinerary

After breakfast enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara reserve; The Masai Mara is approximately 1510km² of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers in Kenya. It is typical open Savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife, it hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of bird. All member of the “BIG FIVE “ ( Lion , leopard , African elephant African buffalo and black Rhinoceros ) are found in this reserve , other animals found in this reserves are Hippo’s , Nile Crocodiles , Hyenas , cheetahs, jackals and bat –eared foxes. Alternatively, enjoy the swimming pool in the afternoon or other optional activities (payable locally) such as the spa or nature walks and Masai village visit.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Simba Lodge – LDBB.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 12: LAKE NAKURU LODGE, NAKURU   

Nakuru

Nakuru is a city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, within a reserve that sprawls across almost 200 square kilometres. It is the capital of Nakuru County, located in the Great Rift Valley. Ten kilometres from town lies the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where you will find ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals. These include lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast we set off towards the stunning scenery of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at the lodge. After lunch explore the Park which is famous for the spectacular pink flamingos that gather on its salt encrusted shores as well as for other bird species including African fish eagles and pelicans. The woodland and grassland surrounding the soda lake are home to an abundance of wildlife including hippo, lion and the rare Rothschild giraffe. Lake Nakuru is also one of Kenya’s Rhino Sanctuaries and large numbers of white and black Rhinos are regularly seen, along with good sightings of Leopard. After a sundowners at a scenic point we head back to the camp for dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge – LDBB

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge is an eco-lodge that provides peerless views of wildlife and Lake Nakuru. Each guest rooms features a Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a seating area. The lodge also includes an in-house restaurant and an outdoor pool. Guests can visit must-see sights such as Egerton Castle and Menengai Crater less than 50km away from the property.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 13: IBIS STYLES NAIROBI WESTLANDS, 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, Giraffe Centre 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 game – drive at sunrise, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Check out, drive back to Nairobi. Lunch and dinner on own arrangement. Time permitting, we recommend lunch or dinner at the Famous Carnivore Restaurant where all types of exotic meat is served roasted on traditional Masai swords over a huge charcoal pit. Overnight at Ibis Styles Hotel – BB.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands

Many international companies have their headquarters in Westlands making Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands ideal for business travellers. Leisure guests can enjoy shopping within walking distance at Sarit Centre and Westgate Malls. Wildlife and nature lovers can do a day visit to the National Park, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe centre and Karen Blixen Museum where Out of Africa was filmed. Westlands is well known for its great night life, Electric Avenue is 5mins away and full of international bars and casinos.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

DAY 14: END OF ITINERARY      

Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel, morning at leisure with optional activities around the city, check out then transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Basis

Breakfast