Wildlife of Kenya & Tanzania: Nakuru to Serengeti
13 days, Nairobi to Arusha
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Nairobi
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening where you will get to know our fellow group members and meet your CEO.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Kingfisher Nest Hotel Suites (or similar)
Day 2Nairobi/Nakuru
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi then travel by private vehicle to Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy an included lunch at the lodge before heading out on a sundown safari drive inside the park in search of the area's wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner after dark.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Nakuru
Rise early as the sun is just beginning to colour the sky and enjoy a morning safari drive into Lake Nakuru National Park. Return to the lodge for breakfast before enjoying free time to explore the area. You can choose to embark on another safari drive into the park this afternoon or simply relax at the lodge property. Dinner is included at the lodge tonight.
Morning Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Embark on a morning safari drive into Lake Nakuru National Park as the animals are going about their daily routines and observe the beauty of your surroundings.
Free Time
Take advantage of a free half-day in the Lake Nakuru National Park area. Choose to go on another safari drive into the park or simply enjoy the lodge's amenities.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Lake Nakuru Afternoon Safari Drive
Considered one of the best national parks in the mighty Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most famous for colonies of flamingos living on the shores of the park's namesake lake, you are likely to see a variety of protected wildlife while on open-air safari drive here. Think black and white rhinos and plenty of bird species. This experience comes later in the day when you can enjoy slightly fewer vehicles on the trail and animals often heading to watering holes or returning from whatever mid-day shade they could find.
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Nakuru/Masai Mara
After breakfast at the lodge the group will travel to Masai Mara National Park and arrive around lunch time. Head out on a visit to Masai Village and then an afternoon safari drive to search for giraffe, zebra, hyena, antelope, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos & elephants as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Return to the lodge, relax, and have dinner in the evening.
Maasai Village Visit
Experience the rare opportunity to visit a Maasai village. Step inside a hut made of cow dung and sticks, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and imagine living in such a small space. Admire the exquisite beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings worn by both the men and women. Marvel at the athletic ability of the young men who jump and bob in greeting. Learn about the traditions of these nomadic people, who seek sustenance from both the blood and milk of their cows. Have your camera ready for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Accommodation
Kenia Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Masai Mara
This morning choose to pre-book an early morning safari drive or a hot air balloon safari over the plains of Masai Mara. Then, set out on a full day drive in the park entering through Sekenani Gate. Search for wildlife and enjoy this beautiful part of Kenya. Gather for a packed lunch before arriving at your tented camp area in the later afternoon. Spend the night in this tented camp amid the sounds of the plains.
Full Day Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Enjoy a full day in the Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. This is where the Great Migration brings millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle across the plains. It's also known for its high density of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The reserve's diverse landscape, from rolling grasslands to riverine forests, provides stunning vistas and an unforgettable drive.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Masai Mara Balloon Safari
480USD per personChoose to pre-book a Hot Air Balloon safari over the plains of the Maasai Mara. Your balloon adventure ends with a delicious breakfast. Float above the Mara plains in a dimension of unsurpassed tranquillity and beauty. The hot air balloon lifts you into the clear blue sky at dawn and gives you an eagle’s view of the wildlife pageant below. You will glide over the treetops with the early birds and be wafted gently over the plains, above the bustle and bumps of the ground below, but cruising close to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Balloon Flight Times
Pickup at 05:00
Flight at 06:00
Morning Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Enter the park early in the morning to witness the magnificent wildlife as the first light begins to glow over the land.
Accommodation
Kenia Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Masai Mara/Nairobi
In the morning leave camp and begin to travel back to Nairobi on a route that allows you to spot some wildlife as your exit the area. Stop along the way for lunch at a G Adventure-supported community project. Arrive back to Nairobi and attend an optional group dinner this evening at a nearby local restaurant.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. As you leave the Masai Mara Reserve you will have a chance to see wildlife on the route taken from the camping area. There will be a a stop outside of Nairobi for lunch at a G Adventures-supported community initiative.
Your G for Good Moment: Amani Ya Juu Lunch
In the post-colonial era of East and Southern Africa, Kenya found itself as a refuge for many women who were seeking safety. As a result, a very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Amani ya Juu, was created. Amani ya Juu serves as a community where many of these women can learn entrepreneurship and engage in fair trade activities that allow them to create opportunities for themselves and their families. By creating unique handicrafts symbolic of their cultures, the women can express themselves and receive an impactful income, leading to economic independence. Here you’ll enjoy a locally sourced lunch prepared by women and youth of the community, engage in conversation to learn of their history, and build a greater connection with this incredible program.
Accommodation
Kingfisher Nest Hotel Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Nairobi/Amboseli National Park
Travel closer to the Tanzania border today on your journey from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon for an included lunch and then enjoy a safari drive into the park. Amboseli is known for its stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, especially on a clear day, along with the presence of large herds of elephants, and five distinct habitats. Take in the beautiful scenery and remain on the lookout for the wildlife everyone comes to Africa to see.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Amboseli Wildlife Safari Drive
Charge up your camera batteries and get ready to document the drama of Amboseli. Big sky. Big mountain. Big elephants. Visit with some of the 1,500 African elephants that roam the park. Look for other wildlife and meet the resident Maasai along the journey. Marvel in the beauty of Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, as it reigns over the landscape of this uniquely African location.
Accommodation
Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Amboseli National Park/Arusha
Enjoy some breakfast at the lodge before your morning safari drive in Amboseli National Park. Then, drive to Arusha crossing into Tanzania at the Namanga Border. The group will stop for a packed lunch along the way. Arrive to the hotel in the late afternoon and get settled before choosing to attend an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Amboseli National Park Morning Safari Drive
Travel into the park during the morning's golden hour to search for wildlife amid the rising sun. This is a great opportunity to witness the daily patterns of certain species and a great chance to get out into the park before the heat of the day becomes unpleasant.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Kenya - Tanzania)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Comfort Eland Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Tarangire National Park
After breakfast the group will travel to Tarangire National Park. This park is special due to its large elephant population, presence of ancient baobab trees, and a unique dry season migration. The elephants gather around the Tarangire River that flows through the park. Enjoy a safari drive upon arrival to see the diverse wildlife here for yourself. Sit down for a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing onwards to Karatu where you will spend the evening.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Tarangire National Park Safari Drive
Spend a little over four hours enjoying the wildlife viewing opportunities inside Tarangire National Park. Half way through the drive you will stop for a picnic lunch inside the park. Enjoy the outdoor surroundings and remain alert to the sounds of the birdlife around you. Admire the ancient baobab trees and the presence of far fewer crowds. In this lesser-known, but mighty national park.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Flamingo Safari Lodge Karatu (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Karatu
Spend a free morning in Karatu. Choose to have a leisurely wake up and relax at the hotel or pre-book the optional Lake Manyara Morning Safari Drive. Later, in the afternoon engage with local farmers on a coffee tour where you will learn about the harvesting of the beans and participate in hands-on sorting and roasting. Dinner will be had at the hotel in the evening.
Free Time
Take advantage of a free half day in Karatu. Choose to pre-book a safari drive to Lake Manyara to checkout the bird and other wildlife there, or simply relax at the hotel. Lunch will be on your own at the hotel property.
Coffee Farm Visit and Tour
Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit a local farm to learn more about the process of making coffee, from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before finally being able to enjoy that fresh cup of coffee. Engage with the local farmers and immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of freshly brewed coffee as you gain a newfound appreciation for Tanzania’s prized export.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Lake Manyara Safari Drive
Lake Manyara is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos that flock to the lake's alkaline waters. Enjoy a morning safari drive through the park and search for wildlife like elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and the distinctive tree-climbing lions. You will begin around 6AM and finish by 1:30PM to head back to the hotel in Karatu.
Accommodation
Flamingo Safari Lodge Karatu (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 11Karatu/Serengeti National Park
Today will be an early start as the group travels to the Ngorongoro Crater. Once here, you will go on a scenic wildlife safari drive. This geographical wonder is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The uniqueness of this environment has allowed for a self-contained ecosystem that offers visitors a high concentration of wildlife like, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Enjoy lunch in the park amid this serene setting before departing for Serengeti National Park. Enter through the Naabi Hill Gate and experience a safari drive en route to your tented camp for the evening where you can relax under the stars.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive
Set the alarm and prepare for an early start to see the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater. Masai herdsmen appear in the morning mist. Our driver/guide takes us down into the crater and drives us to all the best spots to view wildlife. Watch for zebra, gazelles, buffalo, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the savanna.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras and more. Enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Accommodation
Pamoja Serengeti Luxury Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Serengeti National Park
Choose to set an early morning wake-up call and pre-book the Serengeti Balloon Safari for epic views from the sky. Then, after breakfast set out on a full day safari drive through the Serengeti. Sit down for a picnic lunch inside the park, scan the landscape for wildlife, and listen to bird calls all around. Return to your tented camp and relax for the evening amid your outdoor surroundings.
Full-Day Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Spend the entire day in the gorgeous landscapes of Serengeti National Park, a true icon of Eastern Africa. The park is most famous for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate annually across the plains in search of food and water. Try to spot the big five and simply enjoy the views across the vast, open grasslands known as the "endless plains". Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Serengeti Balloon Safari
Spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, view the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger good and limber—you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air.
Accommodation
Pamoja Serengeti Luxury Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Serengeti National Park/Arusha
Gather for a breakfast at camp amid the morning life of the Serengeti before beginning the journey back to Arusha. Stop along the way for lunch at Mto wa Mbu, a G Adventures-supported initiative. Arrive to Arusha in the late afternoon where your tour will end. Please do not book onward travel prior to 9PM.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Along the way stop for lunch at Mto wa Mbu.
Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch
Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the community's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops.
Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.