SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI : Explore six of East Africa's finest national parks on a wildlife extravaganza. From Nairobi visit the flamingos at Lake Nakuru and go wild in Kenya's Masai Mara before winging your way to Tanzania to go in search of the Big Five across the vast open plains of the Serengeti and down into Ngorongoro Crater. Topped off with game drives in Tarangire and Lake Manyara Natioal Park, famous for its tree climbing lions.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Nairobi National Park & Elephant Orphanage
Nairobi - Nairobi National Park - Nakuru. This morning we travel to Nairobi National Park with a picnic breakfast and enjoy a game drive in the park, looking out for resident wildlife. Then we travel to the Daphne Sheldrick’s Centre and visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.
Next stop is the Karen Blixen Museum. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century.
After lunch at the lovely Matteos Restaurant, we depart on the next part of our adventure which takes us from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to Nakuru.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is situated in the middle of the national park to which it gives its name and we spend the day exploring this remarkable park, on a morning and afternoon game drive. Teeming with wildlife the park has so much to offer. Sometimes, when the water levels are low, the entire lake is covered in flamingos, turning the whole area pink. Lions, buffalos as well as many rhinos call this corner of Kenya home and a game drive around the park is always rewarding. If you're lucky you may even spot a leopard relaxing in a tree beside the lake.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara. Today you make your way by road to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You will arrive for lunch at your camp and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and waiting for the late afternoon when the temperature cools to head out on your first Mara game drive. The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers. The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Around July each year the huge herds begin dramatic river crossings and the grasslands of the Mara are covered by a mass of moving wildebeest, offering easy opportunity for crocodile and predators that are never far away. When in the Mara visit a traditional Maasai village or take a balloon safari at an extra cost.
Back at the camp, dinner is served and this gives us the perfect opportunity to look back at your day and relive all those highlights.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Game drives in the Mara
Over the next two days enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara. The early mornings are one of the best times to view the animals as this is when they are their most active before the heat of the day sets in. Then head out into the reserve again late afternoon for a chance to tick off some more animals on your “must see” list.
There will also be the opportunity to rise early and experience a game viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective! A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara (at additional cost) which takes off in the crisp morning air, and lasts for approximately an hour, allows for a beautifully peaceful experience floating silently high above plains, forests and rivers.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Travel to Arusha
Masai Mara - Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). This morning we enjoy our last sunrise in the Masai Mara with tea or coffee on the veranda. After a great final breakfast we drive back to Nairobi stopping at the Great Rift Valley for one last photo opportunity before you fly to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and transfer to our lodge in Arusha.
Note: The luggage allowance on the flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro is 15kgs in a soft bag. Any excess luggage will be charged at approx USD$3 per kilo.
Overnight: Arusha | Breakfast
Tarangire National Park
Arusha - Tarangire National Park. This morning, wake to the views of Mt Meru before heading down to breakfast. We will then be collected by our driver guide and will traverse the floor of the Great Rift Valley as we head to Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive. Tarangire National Park; named after the river that crosses through the park, is Tanzania’s sixth largest park and home to large herds of elephants. Late afternoon we make our way to our intimate eco friendly camp within the park. Surrounded by Acacia studded grasslands, there's plenty of resident game to spot from the camp and you can end the day watching a breathtaking sunset.
Overnight: Tarangire National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park. Today we have a long drive through arguably the best game park in the world. We will head to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and then descend into the endless plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. Its name means 'endless plain' in the Masai language. It is from here that massive concentrations of wildebeest, zebras and other animals commence the annual Great Migration in search of pastures new, providing one of the greatest natural spectacles to be found anywhere in the world. We can watch golden-maned lions stalking the migrating herds, spot leopards at rest in trees at dusk and take a hot-air balloon tour at dawn as the sun’s golden rays illuminate the land.
We meander our way through this famous park with fantastic game viewing as we head towards our tented camp in central Serengeti. The intimate camp offers tranquillity, spectacular wildlife sighting and no better place to take in one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti game drives
The Serengeti at sunrise is a beautiful sight and one not to be missed. This is also the best time for spotting animals so take advantage of the morning hours for the first game drive of the day. After a morning out, the smell of a cooked breakfast is welcomed as we enjoy a morning under the shade of the trees. Afternoons are normally a lazy affair that end in the late afternoon when the temperatures cool down and the animals start to be active again. Today is no different and we will head out for an evening drive before returning to camp in time for drinks around the fire and dinner.
There is also the opportunity to enjoy an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, with its beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife (book and pay locally)
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Highlands & Olduvai Gorge
Serengeti - Karatu. Leaving our Serengeti camp we drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping enroute to visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the world's most important prehistoric sites. Here, we learn how the gorge earned its name 'Cradle of Mankind'. On arrival to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we have the opportunity to drive through the Crater Rim and see Ngorongoro Crater in all its glory. Then we continue on to our lodge in Karatu, arriving in time for a relaxing drink and a delicious dinner in the lush surroundings.
Overnight: Karatu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu. This morning the Ngorongoro Crater awaits us. The Crater is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 180km west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. After an early breakfast, we will head out towards the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera, where we experience an amazing game drive on the crater floor filled with wildlife and said to be one of the most thrilling game spotting experiences. The crater won’t leave you disappointed. Back at the lodge it’s time to enjoy our last African sunset and dinner.
Overnight: Karatu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara & Arusha
Karatu - Lake Manyara - Arusha. This morning we visit Lake Manyara National Park whose shores are a shimmer of pink, due to the large flamingo population and it was once dubbed as the ‘loveliest lake in Africa’ by Ernest Hemingway. We have a morning in the park on a game drive and if we're lucky we'll see the tree climbing lions that the park is famous for. After our packed lunch and depending on your flight details, transfer to Arusha Airport. Alternatively a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport can be arranged for an additional supplement upon request.
Please make sure that onward flights from Arusha Airport are booked AFTER 3pm, and Kilimanjaro Airport are booked AFTER 6pm, or 5pm. Or you can connect onto the beautiful island of Zanzibar for some blissful rest and relaxation.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 persons. This safari has a maximum group size of 7. The 'Twin/Double' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Residences at Karen, Nairobi
Surround by lush forests overlooking the second hole of the Karen Country Club golf course, The Residences at Karen offer spacious rooms equipped with the latest conveniences including mini bar, plasma screen TV and complimentary WIFI. Each room features a delightfully furnished terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy a Sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Peacefully situated on the grounds of the Karen Country Club approximately 16 Km from downtown Nairobi.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge , Lake Nakuru
Nestled in the heart of Kenya's picturesque Lake Nakuru region, this enchanting lodge provides a truly memorable retreat, with sweeping views of Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park. The spacious guest rooms are tastefully furnished, providing a comfortable haven, while modern amenities ensure your utmost convenience. The lodge's restaurant serves a delectable range of local and international cuisines. From traditional Kenyan dishes to international favourites, there is something to satisfy every craving. After a day of exploration, unwind by taking a refreshing dip in the sparkling outdoor pool or rejuvenate your senses at the spa.
Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Fig Tree Camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara on the banks of the Talek River. The camp offers luxury Ngamboli tents and garden lodge rooms. All featuring en suite bathrooms and a large verandah. The camp has a swimming pool with loungers, perfect for cooling off in the midday heat and relaxing between game drives. There's restaurant onsite and two bars. In addition to game drives and game walks, the camp offers bush dinners and champagne breakfasts on the planes of the Masai Mara. Adventures Aloft Balloon Safaris is also located on site, which flies daily from the camp.
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary, Arusha
Established in 1959 by Dr Von Nagy Mount Meru Game Lodge is still in the hands of the family. It is a beautiful lodge set on the Usa river. Guest rooms are all individually designed with a veranda to sit out on and the suites have a private garden. The lodge is also home to a wildlife sanctuary which is home to a number of zebra, ostrich, a wide array of birds and some Colobus monkeys.
Honeyguide Tarangire Camp, Tarangire National Park
Honeyguide Tarangire is an intimate, luxury tented safari camp, set in the Acacia studded grasslands of Tarangire National Park, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. The camp comprises ten large en suite tents, each with a veranda looking directly out onto the Tarangire plains, so you can enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your own tent! The tents are equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, WiFi and a safe.
Mara Kati Kati , Serengeti National Park
Camp under the stars where the wild things are at one of the Serengeti's best mobile camps. Mara Kati Kati offers comfortable and spacious tents with a private porch overlooking the Savannah and an en suite with a bucket shower. The camp has two dining tents where delicious meals are served. This wonderful camp is strategically located in north Serengeti, ideal for exploring the Mara Ecosystem.
Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu
Commanding panoramic views of the Karatu farmlands from its postion on the spectacular Great Rift escarpment, the elegant Acacia Farm Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Tanzania's world-famous reserves. The contemporary African styled chalets are well-appointed with WiFi and private balconies for sunset views across the farm. After a day on safari enjoy fine dining with a choice of wines from the lodge's own cellar or relax in the swimming pool and bar area. The Acacia Farm Lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.5 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
We had a fantastic time on our tour. The guides were awesome and we got to see so many animals. They managed to ensure everyone on the trip got the time they needed in the animals they were interested in and were all very personable. Accommodation and food was good and we would definitely recommend this tour to others.
There was a bit of confusion in regards to tipping guides. On arrival in Kenya we were informed via our airport pick up (Michael) and through the brochure given to us that tipping was $10 per person per day. However, on arrival in Tanzania we were told that it is $20 per person per day so just a conflict in the information given.
Also we booked an extra night at the end of the safari before our onwards flight and were charged over $500 NZD for a night at the Mt Meru Lodge. I did think the cost was excessive for the accommodation in this situation.”
We had excellent driver/guides in both countries. Everything worked smoothly”
We would like to have been offered flight options for the long drive sections -specifically Masai Mara-Kilimanjaro and Arusha - Serengeti.
The replacement of Fig Tree Camp with the 2nd Sopa Lodge meant that there were extra hours of driving each day.
We all felt that the tour company should have made alternative arrangements for collecting luggage, rather than give that responsibility to our driver. Again, it meant several hours of extra driving on a day that was already full.
Finally, at the completion of the tour 3 people travelled on to Zanzibar. One left from Arusha around 4.30pm, while we left from Kilimanjaro at 8.30pm. If we had known about the other (easier) flight option, we’d would have taken that. We were also ‘offered’ a very expensive taxi ride to transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro when our driver was, in fact, taking the other members of our group there anyway.
We did have an amazing time on our tour and will remember the experience always. Our drivers had incredible knowledge and always did their very best to make us feel safe and cared for. We loved the variety of accommodation, the food was great, and we saw an enormous number of wonderful animals - so many more than we expected!
Thank you for an unforgettable holiday! ”
Had an absolutely fantastic time in the Masai Mara yesterday, we even got stuck crossing a river which was amazing. Took me back to My childhood in Zimbabwe! What a great adventure to be involved in getting the vehicles out and spending time standing along the river in the Mara. We managed to see all the cats except a leopard and the rest of the big five except the rhino which were expected. Thank you to the On the Go Tours, guide, driver, cook and the Masai driven jeeps it was truly a great adventure and the best memory, once again thank you to the team for a fantastic adventure.”
At a Glance
Extra Tour Info
We had a fantastic time on our tour. The guides were awesome and we got to see so many animals. They managed to ensure everyone on the trip got the time they needed in the animals they were interested in and were all very personable. Accommodation and food was good and we would definitely recommend this tour to others.
There was a bit of confusion in regards to tipping guides. On arrival in Kenya we were informed via our airport pick up (Michael) and through the brochure given to us that tipping was $10 per person per day. However, on arrival in Tanzania we were told that it is $20 per person per day so just a conflict in the information given.
Also we booked an extra night at the end of the safari before our onwards flight and were charged over $500 NZD for a night at the Mt Meru Lodge. I did think the cost was excessive for the accommodation in this situation.”