Overview
This trip has been completely hand crafted to take in the best of East Africa.
Discover some of the best safari destinations in Africa and enjoy the landscapes that have inspired our imaginations on this itinerary of exploration. In this journey you will travel by light aircraft in order to avoid long drives, and experience the amazing skills of the local guides.
The Masai Mara and Serengeti almost need no introduction, they’re famed for their amazing animal sightings spreading far and wide. You’ll spend time here to really soak up all they have to offer. You’ll also take in the famed Ngorongoro Crater a prized safari gem in Tanzania’s crown.
You will then head to Tanzania’s Southern regions have always been a well-kept secret amongst those looking for a more exclusive or ‘off-the-beaten-track’ safari experience. This is Tanzania as you can only imagine it, away from the crowds and unfixed in time. The national parks in the south of the country not only have far fewer visitors than their counterparts in the north, but they also are home to some of the largest populations of wildlife in Tanzania and arguably, some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery found anywhere in Africa.
For the intrepid adventurer seeking a diversity of safari activities and habitats to explore, this combination of destinations offers a range of safari options. It really is the best of East Africa in one amazing trip.
Expedition Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages – Breakfast
After breakfast, you will head by private transfer to a nearby airport for your light aircraft flight to the amazing Masai Mara. You’ll then be transferred to your camp for the next three nights.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a large wildlife reserve located in southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. It covers an area of about 1,510 square kilometres and is named after the Maasai people who inhabit the area, with the private conservancies almost doubling this area. The reserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife and is home to a vast array of animals including the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as numerous other species such as zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, and many others.
Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight: Rekero Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning.
After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and enjoy a night drive on the conservancy.
Overnight: Rekero Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today you will leave the Masai Mara and fly to a nearby border post airstrip. Here you will go through customs and immigration before boarding another light aircraft into the Northern Serengeti region. You will then be transferred to your camp. This predator rich area is perfectly placed to take in the passing migration as well as the secrets of this area.
Olakira Migration Camp moves twice a year, positioning itself in key locations to witness the best of the Great Migration. From June to October, watch the wildebeest and zebra traverse the northern Serengeti, crossing the famous Mara River and its crocodile-infested waters. Offering an upgraded migratory camp experience, the unique design of each guest tent allows for stargazing without leaving the comfort of your tent.
Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is another day on safari in this incredible area. Who knows what wonders you will uncover as part of your exploration. Almost every African animal you can name is found here, so you never really know what opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography you will have. In fact, having your own guide means you are able to stay as long as you want at sightings for the perfect photo opportunity, or just taking it all in.
Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today, you will head by light aircraft from the Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti to the Seronera Airstrip in the Central Serengeti. From here you will be transferred to your camp for the next couple of nights.
Overnight: Dunia Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today you will board a light aircraft that will take you to the Lake Manyara airstrip, from where you will be met and taken to your home in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
This afternoon, visit with a local village and see the way of life of the Masai.
Overnight: The Highlands – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo.
After breakfast, you head to the crater and then descend with a picnic lunch, through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. The Crater is home to an estimated 30,000 animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.
You return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight: The Highlands – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today you’ll spend the morning on an incredible hike around the Empakaai Crater Hike.
Later, head via a light aircraft from Lake Manyara Airstrip to Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire. From here you will be transferred to your lodge for the next couple of nights.
Tarangire is well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees. It forms the centre of the annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3000 elephant, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra.
Overnight: Oliver’s Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning board your safari vehicle for game viewing within the park in search of its large lion prides and elephant herds. Drive through the baobab tree lined park and explore the silale swamp as part of your search for the wildlife.
Overnight: Oliver’s Camp – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today return to Kuro Airstrip where you will fly by light aircraft to Dar es Salaam Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.
This afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro - Breakfast
Today you will return to the airport for your light aircraft flight to Nyerere National Park (Selous), one of Africa’s greatest game reserves. You will be staying in the heart of the core game viewing area of Nyerere at Roho ya Selous.
After settling into your room and enjoying a delicious lunch, you have a few hours to relax before afternoon tea and an afternoon game drive.
The national park is home to a wide variety and high density of wildlife, making a safari here immensely rewarding.
Overnight: Roho ya Selous – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Your days on safari offer plenty of flexibility, with a range of safari activities to choose from each morning and afternoon.
Walking safaris are entirely different here from those to be experienced in Ruaha, exploring the miombo woodland environment with your guide. The boating safaris are superb morning or afternoon, watching wildlife come to the water’s edge to drink and getting close to bird colonies, hippos and crocodiles. You can also enjoy a spot of catch-and-release fishing too.
Overnight: Roho ya Selous – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast you will be taken to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Ruaha, on arrival you will be greeted by your guide and taken on a short game drive to Jabali Ridge.
The day can then be taken at leisure, with the option of an afternoon game drive. As evening approaches, it’s time to prepare for drinks and dinner or, if you prefer, the opportunity to search for the nocturnal residents on a night game drive.
Overnight: Jabali Ridge – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
There are several options for how your days at Jabali Ridge are structured, and your preferences will be accommodated wherever possible.
Walking safaris are a great way to start the day exploring the environment on equal footing as the wildlife.
Choose morning game drives or full-day game drives with picnic lunches or a relaxed lunch in camp with an afternoon game drive.
The entire day could also be spent at leisure lounging by the pool and making use of the spa.
Overnight: Jabali Ridge – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today you will wave goodbye to Ruaha National Park as you make your way by light aircraft to Dar es Salaam where on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro - Breakfast
Today you will depart your accommodation via private transfer and make your way to the airport to begin your journey home.
Exploration Costs
AUD$45,496 per person per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
The Details
- All accommodation as listed above
- All meals on safari, breakfast only in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam
- Local brand drinks, soft drinks, beer and wine included (Nairobi and Dar es Salaam excluded)
- Meet and greet services on arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Airport and airstrip transfers throughout
- Light aircraft flights throughout, including taxes
- Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary
- Empakaai Crater hike and Maasai cultural visit when staying at The Highlands, Ngorongoro
- All park, concession, conservancy, environmental and government fees
- Limited laundry on safari
- Local operator emergency support cover
- International flights and airport taxes
- Any meals not included in the above itinerary
- All beverages not listed
- Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the above itinerary
- Laundry not listed
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Items of personal nature (telephone expenses, curios, medicines etc)
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- All tips are based on per person and at the traveller’s discretion. Parents should consider tipping 50% of the suggested rates on behalf of their children.
- To help you budget for your trip, the following is given as a guideline only (shown in US Dollars).
- Airport Assistance/Transfer drivers (per person) - USD$3.00
- Driver (per person per half day/full day) - USD$2.50/$5.00
- Guide (per person per half day/full day) - USD$5.00/$10.00
- Camp Staff (per person per day) - USD$5.00
- Cruise Staff (per person per day) - USD$5.00
- Hotel porters (per bag, per ‘carry’) - USD$1.00
- Hotel housekeeping staff (per person per night) - USD$1.00
- A la carte dining (% of bill) - 10%
