Your Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania, a country known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture. We begin in Arusha, a vibrant city located in northern Tanzania, at the base of Mount Meru. Referred to as the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania, it serves as the gateway to many of the country's most famous national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 6.30pm. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonderful sights of Arusha. We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Tanzanite Museum, an exhibition space that gives visitors a deep understanding into the rich history of one of the world’s rarest gemstones – the stunning blue Tanzanite. While exploring the collections, we’ll discover why Tanzanite is so rare and sought-after, the complexities involved with its mining, and the skills involved in cutting and polishing the gems. You can even buy your very own piece to take home!
We will then make our way to the city’s bustling Central Market, a fantastic place to get a glimpse into local life. Here you can find stalls selling aromatic spices, exotic fruits, delicious coffee and so much more!
Following a lively stroll through the market, we’ll admire the fascinating Uhuru Monument. Meaning ‘Freedom’ in Swahili, the Uhuru torch serves as the symbol of Tanzania and represents their journey to colonial independence and the path of light to freedom. The Arusha Declaration Museum is our next stop. The museum is dedicated to and celebrates the country’s 1967 declaration that called for socialism and self-reliance in Tanzania.
Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a group welcome dinner.
Day 4 - Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Make sure your camera is charged this morning, as we transfer to the Arusha Airport to depart for the sweeping plains of the Serengeti. We’ll arrive at our lodge for lunch and enjoy some free time to relax before our first game drive later this afternoon. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars before heading out for our first thrilling encounter with the incredible wildlife of this jaw-dropping region!
The Serengeti National Park is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves of zebras, gazelles and wildebeest pound the open grasslands in search of fresh grazing and water. The spectacle of the park’s natural ecosystem is like nothing else on earth. Prides of majestic lions prey on the abundance of plain grazers, while slinking leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the river and stalking cheetahs prowl along the south-eastern plains.
What makes the Serengeti so different from other national parks, is the fact that the area is completely unfenced, giving its residents an abundance of natural habitat to roam freely – and continue the journey to greener pastures that they have undertaken for millions of years.
Day 5 - Serengeti National Park
Today we continue our spectacular discovery of the Serengeti. This captivating landscape is characterised by treeless plains where the eye can see for kilometres, even back to the Ngorongoro Crater which rises from the horizon in the distance. The plains are dotted with rocky outcrops known as kopjes, where lions often laze the day away. Also well-known for its cheetah sightings, the terrain is home to a high density of these carnivorous big cats, which can often be seen sitting atop an old termite mound scanning for their next meal.
We’ll enjoy a full day of game drives, on the prowl for big cats, gazelle and zebra.
Returning to the lodge later this afternoon, we’ll have time to relax into the comfort of the amenities or soak up more of the surrounding wilderness before dinner.
Optional Excursion
Serengeti Balloon Safari – This morning, enjoy an amazing experience as you take a balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park. Launching at dawn, as the sun rises, you’ll gently float over the plains of the magnificent Serengeti. On landing, you’ll be provided with a delicious bubbly-style bush breakfast. Balloon safaris will be done in lieu of the early morning game drive that is scheduled. 2.5 hours – from $485pp US (minimum 4 participants).
Day 6 - Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater
We wake for an early breakfast this morning before setting out to enjoy one last game drive in the Serengeti.
Farewelling the vast landscape, we’ll continue to Olduvai Gorge, a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley. One of the most prominent paleoanthropological sites in the world, the mysteries of the gorge referred to as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’, have been pivotal in improving our understanding of early human evolution. Homo habilis, probably the first early human species on earth, occupied Olduvai Gorge approximately 1.9 million years ago. Here, we’ll learn more about the area’s history on an illuminating tour with a local guide through the museum’s collection of fossils, stone tools and skeletons.
After enjoying lunch accompanied by breathtaking views over the gorge, we continue our journey with a visit to a Maasai village. Known for their strong warrior traditions and deep connection to their ancestral lands, the Maasai are renowned for their colourful attire, intricate beadwork and love of cattle. Here we will get a glimpse into their vibrant culture and semi-nomadic way of life.
Tonight, we’ll arrive at our accommodation in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying dinner at the lodge.
Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater
The implosion of a volcano approximately 3 million years ago created the enormous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater. This breathtaking natural phenomenon sinks to a depth of 610 metres and at its base, stretches over 260 square kilometres. The protected area has become a sanctuary for lion, elephant, hippopotamus, rhino and a unique array of birdlife.
Early this morning, we descend into the crater for a game drive in search of some of the 'Big Five'. We’ll travel through the Lerai Forest, past Lake Magadi and across the crater floor looking out for rhino and lions basking in the morning sun. The backdrop of the forest-covered crater walls will create a stunning setting for all your photographs! See zebra, wildebeest and buffalo in abundance, grazing on the sun-kissed plains.
After an incredible experience in the crater, we return to the lodge for lunch before setting out again in the afternoon for a walk along a section of the rim. Guided by a local ranger, listen in as they point out different shrubs and flowers, and explain their uses for the local Maasai tribes.
Tonight, we’ll reminisce about our favourite moments of the day over dinner at the lodge.
Day 8 - Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara National Park
Leaving the beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater in our camera roll, we depart for Lake Manyara. Once we arrive, we will check in to our lodge and take a moment to refresh from our drive, enjoying a delicious bite to eat for lunch.
In the early afternoon, we’ll take a thrilling drive through Lake Manyara. Here, the scenic lake offers us a unique safari experience, in a setting proclaimed by Ernest Hemingway as ‘the loveliest I had seen in Africa’. Lush jungles and rainforests, grassy floodplains and a vast alkaline lake make up this rare and fascinating ecosystem, where the lions climb trees and flamingos flock to the waters in mesmerising clouds of pink.
Our sightseeing then takes a different perspective, to life among the leaves of the ancient forest canopy of this magnificent national park. Travelling along the Manyara Treetop Walkway, we’ll make our way over a series of suspension bridges to admire the region’s untouched flora and fauna at a birds-eye view. Listen out for the growls and barks of baboons, Silvery-cheeked Hornbills and Blue Monkeys – we might even be lucky enough to see buffaloes grazing on the forest floor!
Day 9 - Lake Manyara National Park – Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a slower morning today, before making our way to Mto wa Mbu, where we’ll get to experience a unique taste of Tanzanian culture. Home to over 120 tribes, this authentic farming village is a total cross-cultural melting pot.
Special Experience
Meet a ‘laiboni’, a traditional Maasai Healer, and learn about the role of traditional healers in the community.
Herbal plants have been used in Maasai healing for centuries. Journeying to the heart of this ancient practice, we’ll learn about how different bush medicine is used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of illnesses from a traditional laiboni. They’ll show us how different kinds of medicinal plants are used, from bark and roots to seeds, flowers and leaves. After our exploration into the cultural and spiritual traditions, we’ll be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the villagers. Prepare for an explosion of local flavours!
After our meal, we’ll enjoy another opportunity to observe and spot the local wildlife as we continue to our next destination. We’ll arrive in Tarangire National Park late in the afternoon and settle into the lodge before meeting in the evening for dinner.
Day 10 - Tarangire National Park – Amboseli National Park
We wake for an early safari through Tarangire National Park this morning. Home to the highest concentration of African Elephants of any park in northern Tanzania, Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds that gather and graze amongst zebras, wildebeest, giraffe and antelope. Its picturesque landscape is also dotted with ancient baobab trees, an iconic symbol of Africa. Here, the nature reserve offers a less crowded safari experience compared to its counterparts, despite its dense array of wildlife from July to November being second only to the Serengeti.
Returning for breakfast, we’ll then set off for the city of Arusha, where we’ll stop for lunch at the homely Arusha Coffee Lodge. Tucked away in one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, enjoy an aromatic meal with rugged Mount Meru in view.
We cross the border into Kenya this afternoon, setting off through the plains on another game drive. In the evening, we reach one of Kenya’s most coveted national parks set against the stunning backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro – Amboseli National Park! Nestled in the heart of the park, enjoy a moment to settle into the accommodation before meeting for dinner.
Day 11 - Amboseli National Park
Get ready for an exciting day ahead as we embark on an early morning safari across Amboseli’s beautiful, rugged savannah. Located in the southern region of Kenya, the park is considered to be one of the most renowned conservation areas in the world. Here the grasslands are home to herds of roaming wildlife framed against Mt Kilimanjaro’s snow-covered peak – making this an absolute haven for photographers!
As you cast your gaze over the arid landscape, listen in to the natural soundscape of twittering birds, chirping insects and the wind whistling through the long grass as the wilderness rises with the sun. If we’re lucky, we’ll be serenaded with the distant trumpeting of elephants, the throaty snarls of stalking lions and the gentle clopping of hooves from giraffes and wandering wildebeest.
We’ll then return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at leisure, to unwind in this stunning setting. We will come together later in the evening for dinner.
Optional Excursion
Guided Walk – Spend the afternoon with a local ranger from the Amboseli Maasai Village on a walk outside the lodge grounds, learning about their role in the protection of the park’s iconic species – from $20pp US (minimum 2 participants).
Day 12 - Amboseli National Park – Nairobi
Between Cairo and Johannesburg. Less than 100 years ago, a river snaked through the empty wilderness where the modern city now stands. Positioned close to the equator, Nairobi experiences spring-like weather most of the year – warm during the day and cool at night.
Arriving in Nairobi, we’ll visit two of Kenya’s great conservation projects, beginning with the Daphne Sheldrick animal orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. For close to 30 years, Kenyan-born Daphne Sheldrick lived and worked alongside her husband David, caring for and successfully rehabilitating many wild species. She is now a recognised international authority on the rearing of wild creatures and is the first person to have perfected the milk formula and necessary husbandry for infant milk-dependent elephant and rhino.
We then visit the Giraffe Centre, an important conservation initiative created by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Here, we come eye-to-eye with gentle giants whilst feeding them from an elevated platform.
After lunch we enjoy a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former residence of famous novelist Karen Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some exhibits donated by the makers of the film, ‘Out of Africa’.
Day 13 - Nairobi – Aberdare National Park
This morning we make our way to Aberdare National Park, a protected area in Kenya’s central highlands. Known for its stunning high moorland, bamboo forests and thundering waterfalls, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, leopards and several primate species.
On the way we’ll stop at the Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers, a women's self-help group that produces beautiful, handcrafted items. We’ll learn about the traditional techniques used to make these items and will have the chance to purchase unique souvenirs to take home.
After lunch at the Aberdare Country Club, we are transferred to our quirky ‘Ark’ accommodation. Here, we’ll enjoy the afternoon at leisure to gaze out over the floodlit waterhole, watching the wildlife bask in this beautiful setting.
Day 14 - Aberdare National Park – Shaba National Reserve
Emerging rested and restored from our stay at the Ark, today we depart for the Shaba National Reserve, located by the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River in the northern part of Kenya.
The Ewaso Ngiro River attracts a variety of wildlife thanks to its shady trees, so the likelihood of seeing a diverse range of species here is high. Much of Shaba’s appeal lies in the beauty of its landscape, characterised by dry bushlands, deep gorges, and open grasslands snaked with swamps and rivers – all framed by imposing mountain ranges. Linked with Samburu National Park and Buffalo Springs National Reserve, the three areas are not separated by fences, enabling animals to move freely between them.
An afternoon game drive will introduce us to some of the unique species home to the reserve, including the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, oryx, antelope and the Somali Ostrich. Along the river itself, keep your eyes peeled for any action in the water including the surfacing of crocodiles, hippopotamus and buffalo. The region is also home to a fascinating range of bird species – make sure you bring your camera to capture every corner of this incredible canvas!
Day 15 - Shaba National Reserve
As the sun climbs over the horizon, we set out to witness the beauty of Shaba’s secluded plains in the cooler hours of the day. As we traverse the rugged terrain, we’ll search for lions, buffalo, leopards and the famous ‘Red Elephant of Samburu’ – named for the iconic red dust that coats their hide. Following our morning safari, we return to the comfort of the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and some downtime. After taking a moment to enjoy the amenities of the lodge, we’ll then spend some time away from the wildlife to visit a local community.
Special Experience
Uncover Samburu Unity Village, a women-only community, to learn about ‘a day in the life’ of a Samburu woman and her children.
In this beautiful and empowering community, we’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of the UNITY women who make local handicrafts, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, baskets and coasters. We’ll learn the history of the UNITY village and will get the chance to browse their extensive selection of jewellery for sale!
In the afternoon, we’ll set off on another exciting safari through the reserve, soaking up the last of our time in this beautiful setting.
Day 16 - Shaba National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park
First on our itinerary today, is a drive to the town of Nyahururu. And we’re in for a real treat, not only as we tuck into a delicious lunch, but also as we soak up the surrounding sights of the region. The town’s name originates from the Maasai word ‘e-naiwurruwurr’, which means ‘waterfall’ or ‘windy place’ and as you take in the beautiful, lush gardens and rolling hills that accompany our flavoursome dishes, you’ll see why.
We continue on to Lake Nakuru National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru has a reputation for being one of the best places in the country to spot the elusive leopard and is also home to some of east Africa's rarest creatures, including fast-growing populations of Black and White Rhino and Rothschild’s Giraffe.
Before we make our way to our accommodation, we’ll take part in another exciting wildlife encounter on a game drive through the area. This offers a great chance to spot some of the park’s diverse wildlife, including pink flamingos and rhino.
Day 17 - Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha
Today, we set our sights on Lake Naivasha, which is the highest and one of the most beautiful lakes that form part of the Great Rift Valley. Taking its name from the Maasai word ‘en-aiposha’, meaning ‘heaving’ or ‘to and fro’, the waters of the freshwater lake are well-known to be quite turbulent in the afternoons. A popular spot for British flying boats of the 1930s, it was also the home of Joy Adamson, conservationist and author of the classic 1960s novel ‘Born Free’.
Before lunch, we’ll navigate the lake’s shallow waters on a boat safari in search of its residents. The environment is a natural hub for over 400 species of birds including fish eagles, kestrels and falcons, and numerous pods of wallowing hippos.
Disembarking the boat, we will then enjoy a delightful afternoon tea on the lake’s shores at the famous Elsamere Conservation Centre, located in Joy Adamson’s former residence. The museum contains a collection of her paintings and artefacts as well as memorabilia from the ‘Born Free' film, with photos documenting Joy and George Adamson's work.
We then return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 18 - Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, we depart for the Maasai Mara, one of the world's finest game reserves. The landscape is characterised by wide open plains and rolling grasslands that flow into the Serengeti, making it one of the biggest wildlife havens in the world.
Special Experience
Take a Swahili cooking class in the heart of the Maasai Mara, including a visit to the herb and vegetable garden.
We’ll then head out on a late afternoon game drive. Elephant, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful here and commonly sighted. With a bit of luck, we may also spot a lion or cheetah.
Special Experience
Relax amidst the beauty of the Maasai Mara plains as we sip on sundowners and devour delicious canapes.
Delight in a curated culinary experience of Swahili cuisine. We’ll be led through the herb and vegetable garden before preparing flavoursome dishes and enjoying our creations with nature as our backdrop.
Later in the day, we’ll head into the heart of the Maasai Mara for an afternoon safari. As dusk begins to settle over the landscape, keep an eye out for elephant, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. With a little luck, we may also spot a lion or spotty cheetah on the prowl.
Waking early for a morning safari, we’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking scenes of the Maasai Mara as the sun begins to rise over the savannah. One of the best destinations to spot the ‘Big Five’, the reserve is home to a high density of diverse species and is often a bucket list item for travellers due to its Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle each year. The experience of watching teeming herds of animals navigate the undulating plains and Mara River, is something that will stay with you forever.
We’ll return for breakfast, enjoying some time to relax at the lodge before savouring a bite to eat for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on one last safari before enjoying a farewell dinner in the heart of the Maasai Mara.
Optional Excursion
Maasai Mara Balloon Safari – This morning, enjoy an amazing experience as you take a balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. This is probably one of the most scenic views you will ever experience as you depart at dawn and float, suspended in a basket beneath a canopy while viewing the sights of the mighty Maasai Mara and its wildlife. On landing, you’ll be provided with a delicious bubbly-style bush breakfast. 3 hours – from $485pp US.
Day 20 - Maasai Mara - Nairobi
Today marks the end of our adventure across Kenya and Tanzania. A light plane flight from the Maasai Mara will take us to Nairobi, where we’ll leave with our hearts and camera roll full of fantastic memories!
Day 21 - Arrive Australia
Day 21 - Arrive Australia
