Our Kenya and Tanzania tour takes you to destinations without equal in the realm of safari travel, since both lay claim to several national reserves and wildlife parks that enjoy international acclaim for their scope, beauty and abounding nature.
We get our fill of the remarkable natural environments of these two first-rate tour destinations with visits to world-famous conservation areas:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania - The place that has become synonymous with the term safari, wherein we see huge arrays of teeming wildlife and we balance exploration of nature with cultural discovery of East Africa.
In parks and reserves, we see, to name but a few, lions, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, plains game and hundreds of species of birds.
We learn about and appreciate the man-made world by spending time in coffee and tea plantations, visiting museums, investigating archaeological excavation sites, stopping in at villages and attending bustling bazaars.
Ending our adventure on a high note, we head to the island paradise of Zanzibar to wander the winding alleys, see grand mosques and Arab houses and embark on a fascinating spice tour.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $1850 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $1400 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.
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Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi
Today we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Nairobi - Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Today we travel from Nairobi, through the "White Highlands," so called because of the large number of Europeans who settled here, northwards to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, rising to 5199 m (16,728 feet), Africa's second highest peak. Our (+/- 4 hour) drive will take us into the Central Highlands, the heartland of the Kikuyu people. This is a very fertile region, well-watered, intensively cultivated, and thickly forested. The land was coveted by the Europeans who began arriving in ever-increasing numbers once the railway through the area was completed. The settlers established coffee and tea plantations on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya and cultivated wheat on the western slopes.
Our destination is Sweetwaters, a luxury tented camp clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a non-profit organization supporting endangered species, tourism and community outreach. Ol Pejeta is East Africa's largest Black Rhino sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, and holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya.
This afternoon we'll enjoy our first game drive within the conservancy.
Overnight at Sweetwaters.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 3 Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is a mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, acacia woodland and evergreen thicket extending for over 350 square kilometers. The conservancy boasts an astounding variety of animals, including the "Big Five."
We will have morning and afternoon game drives today, as well as a chance to visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary -- the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered and remarkably intelligent species can be seen. The facility was initially established to receive and provide lifelong refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Here the chimpanzees are carefully nursed back to health so they can enjoy the rest of their days in the safety of a vast natural enclosure.
Overnight at Sweetwaters Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 Ol Pejeta - Great Rift Valley - Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning we travel to Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley (+/- 5 hours). The Rift Valley was created millions of years ago under the strain of enormous volcanic eruptions which resulted in a giant split in the earth's surface from Syria to Mozambique. Lava flowed into the valley, forming escarpments on either side of the gigantic trough which can be up to 80 km (50 miles) wide, big enough to be visible from space. At the lake, depending on the water levels, we may have the opportunity to see flamingos,* in addition to the over 340 species of birds that have been recorded in the Rift Valley!
Lake Nakuru is very shallow and can fluctuate up to five metres (12 feet) each day. When the water is low, you can see a white band of crystallized soda along the shoreline. This is also one of the best places in Kenya to view the rare White Rhino as we explore the park on our afternoon game drive.
* This, and other Rift Valley lakes, have been known in the past for huge numbers of flamingos; however, this can be very "hit and miss" owing to seasonal variations in rainfall and water level, and the increasing frequency of drought. The best we can do is hope for the best!
Overnight in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Early this morning we depart from Lake Nakuru National Park and continue our journey through the Rift Valley, passing by Lake Naivasha and nearby Mount Longonot, a relatively young volcanic reminder of the Rift's violent past. We arrive at our lodge (via bad road) in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch (+/- 6 hour drive).
The Maasai Mara is a natural extension of the Serengeti eco-system and has an amazing concentration of wildlife. The largest population of lions in Kenya is found here, along with large herds of plains game. The Maasai Mara may also be the best place in Kenya to view cheetah. Later this afternoon we enjoy another game drive.
Time-permitting, we may be able to visit a Maasai village to witness the local way of life and meet its residents. If time does not permit, we will attempt this visit the village on our way back to Nairobi.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve consists of rolling grassland and is located at the northern end of the Serengeti Plain. Considered the best of Kenya's parks, it is on the pathway of the yearly wildebeest migration, which comes north from Tanzania about the end of June and returns to Tanzania around the end of September. "The Mara" sustains all of the "Big Five" -- lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo -- as well as an astonishing wealth of herding animals and other wildlife. You can see the stately Maasai men and youth along the road tending their cattle and goats.
We have a full day in the reserve, with morning and afternoon game drives.
In the Mara you will also have an optional opportunity to ascend over the northern Serengeti at daybreak in a hot air balloon (optional expense). From over 300 m (984 feet) above, you will be able to view the vast land and the myriad animals that inhabit the Maasai Mara. Today or tomorrow are the best days to participate in this activity - details sent upon booking.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 Maasai Mara National Reserve
We enjoy another full day with game viewing in Maasai Mara. Depending on the season and current game locations and viewing conditions, we may divide our day into morning and afternoon drives, or take our lunches with us in order to venture further into the reserve if conditions warrant.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 Maasai Mara - Nairobi
After breakfast we depart for Nairobi (+/- 6 hours including stops). En route, just outside the capital, we visit the Karen Blixen Museum. Baroness Karen Blixen-Finecke emigrated from Denmark to Kenya in 1918 and, in 1937, wrote under the pseudonym, Isaac Dineson, "Out of Africa." The novel tells the tale of the Baroness's experiences on a Kenyan farm. Her home is now a museum, restored to the style in which she maintained it.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
Today we travel south from Nairobi to the Amboseli National Park (+/- 4 hours, depending on lodge location and animals spotted en route).
Just across the border from Tanzania, this park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains.
The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon's game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Mt Kilimanjaro providing the classic backdrop (weather-permitting).
Overnight in the Amboseli National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Amboseli, Kenya - Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
This morning we cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga and travel to Lake Manyara National Park via the town of Arusha, the starting point for the northern safari routes of Tanzania. Today's journey is +/- 5 hours, depending on animals spotted, views of Kilimanjaro, and the border crossing.
Manyara is the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake.
After lunch at our lodge we will have an afternoon game drive in the park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprising of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Wildlife interest at Lake Manyara is not confined to bird life only; animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park.
Overnight at Lake Manyara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park
This morning we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a beautiful rolling landscape with periodic views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Before descending onto the Serengeti Plain, we'll stop at a viewpoint overlooking the crater.
The name "Serengeti" derives from a Maasai word meaning "Land-without-end." This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth -- the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic landscape and the biodiversity it supports. Today's journey is roughly 5 hours, depending on animals and lodge placement.
Overnight in the Serengeti National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 Serengeti National Park
Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the "kopjes," a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. Depending on the season and the timing of the rains, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land. Following this spectacle, of course, are the meat-eating opportunists, hoping to capitalize on the physical toll this journey exacts on the desperate grazers. Even outside of "migration" time, large herds are still seen as they bear their young and feed, gaining strength for their annual return to the park's northern reaches. Resident species that do not migrate make for rewarding animal viewing in any season.
It may be possible to take an optional hot-air balloon safari over the plains at daybreak; today is the best day to participate in this activity -- details will be sent sent upon booking.
Overnight in the Serengeti National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 Serengeti - Olduvai Gorge - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Travelling back to Ngorongoro today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years. Experts in the life sciences have argued that the Olduvai contribution to the story of human origins remains unsurpassed by any other prehistoric site in the world. A small museum on site outlines the unique geological and human history of the area.
Called the 'eighth wonder of the world' and stretching across some 8300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles and its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. Depending on road conditions, gorge stop, animal sightings, and lodge placement, this journey can be 5-6 hours.
Overnight in the vicinity of Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.* After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2,300 feet) high where we may see the "Big Five" as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos on Lake Magadi.
* In order to reduce congestion and stress on wildlife, the Tanzanian government limits visitors to half-day visits of the crater. Depending on what time "window" we are assigned, our excursion may take place first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon (both of which are equally advantageous for game viewing, given the relatively mild climate at this altitude).
Overnight in the vicinity of Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 Ngorongoro - Gibb's Farm - Arusha
This morning we descend the Ngorongoro Highlands, retracing our steps back to Arusha via a lunch stop at Gibb's Farm. Founded during German colonial times and still privately owned, Gibb's Farm is now a small hotel perched on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations with long views over lush and beautiful agricultural country.
We pass again through the town of Mto Wa Mbu ('Mosquito Creek'), famous for its lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and red bananas, which taste the same as regular bananas but their skins are a startling bright red.
We arrive back in Arusha later this afternoon.
Overnight in Arusha.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 Arusha - Fly to Zanzibar: Town Tour
This morning we fly to Zanzibar and transfer to our hotel in Stone Town.
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Zanzibar Island is 96 km (60 miles) long and 32 km (20 miles) wide, occupying a total area of approximately 1040 km sq (650 sq miles). It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town -- said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City, which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birthplace of the language.
This afternoon we have a walking tour of Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors -- there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. Our tour takes us to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), the old slave market, the Arab Fort, and the Hamamni Persian Baths. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
NOTE: The exact order of our Zanzibar sightseeing may vary depending on variables such as weather and other logistical considerations.
Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Jozani Forest & Stone Town
This morning we visit the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island, home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs.
This afternoon is free to enjoy Stone Town. Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th Century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to coordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence.
Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18 Spice Tour - East Coast
Today we check-out of our town-based hotel and travel to the island's east coast.*
En route we enjoy some touring along the way. The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without a 'spice tour' -- cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices were as important to the Sultans of Oman as the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and our morning tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. It is fascinating the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments and culinary applications.
We then travel to our resort-style hotel located on a beach outside of Stone Town.
* PLEASE NOTE that local government on Zanzibar has levied a tax of US$1.00 per person for every night spent on the island. This amount is payable, in cash, directly to each hotel upon check-out. We regret that we are unable to pay this in advance on your behalf.
Overnight on Zanzibar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19 Zanzibar: East Coast Resort
A day at leisure to enjoy the beach and to rest up after our journey…
Overnight on Zanzibar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 20 Departure from Zanzibar
We usually have some free time this morning before our afternoon departure from Zanzibar.
PLEASE NOTE that local government on Zanzibar has levied a tax of US$1.00 per person for every night spent on the island. This amount is payable, in cash, directly to each hotel upon check-out. We regret that we are unable to pay this in advance on your behalf.
SAFARI NJEMA!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Most meals are included (local restaurants and hotels). All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Two bottles of bottled water per person daily (except on Zanzibar). Gratuities for driver-guides, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, visas, and locally-paid departure taxes.
ZANZIBAR requires that you purchase an insurance policy that covers you for your stay in Zanzibar. This is in addition to any other insurance may already have for your entire trip and is not included in our tour price. For more information, please refer to https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered throughout the year except during the "long rains" in April and May when travel and game viewing can be less than optimal.
Nov-Jan: "short rains"; landscapes are green and many animals are giving birth. Showers come in the form of quick showers late in the day and rarely interfere with our activities or travel.
Feb/Mar: Post-short rains with many migratory birds from Europe, though high grass can make game spotting a challenge. Airfares are lower.
June-August coincides with the coolest and driest period, though also the busiest and most expensive due to the European holiday period.
Sept/Oct is often hot and dusty though game viewing is excellent due to short grass and animals congregating around water sources. Airfares are lower than June-August.
If you’re a fan of African wildlife photography/television programming, you’re likely familiar with and keen on witnessing the annual ‘Great Migration’ of wildebeest and zebra in the Serengeti and/or Maasai Mara. Unfortunately, there is no neat and tidy answer re when is the best time to possibly witness the spectacle as it doesn’t have a simple start or end, just a dynamic cycle of wild movement through the year. Nor is it the same each year either as the migration is largely driven by the unpredictable rains, which means that wildebeest migration doesn’t operate on a set schedule. It also doesn’t follow a set route. Nor do the animals all go the same way. That said, in the broadest of terms, the best time to see the Great Migration—meaning large herds of hooved animals—is probably during the dry season, between July and early October. This is not to say you won’t see them outside of this time as our travellers often do, but, like nature itself, it is all about luck and timing. They may not all be dramatically on the move, but rather just standing around eating and cavorting, but you’ll likely encounter the herds at some point on their/your journey. If you have your heart set of witnessing hundreds of wildebeest crossing a river en masse, getting chomped by crocodiles like you see on National Geographic, bear in mind that those photographers probably waited days or weeks to capture that exact moment—so good luck and happy ‘hunting’!
Transport and Travel Conditions
Some road journeys are very long and very rough, possibly dusty. In Kenya we travel via well-maintained, rugged minivan with six passengers each. At the Tanzania border we switch to 4x4 Land Rover / Land Cruisers. The same vehicles, with roofs that pop up, will be used for our game drives in parks and reserves. Please note that air-conditioned safari vehicles are non-existent in East Africa. Scheduled flight Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar. Air-conditioned bus on Zanzibar.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Hotels and lodges used are 4-5 star properties with hot water, electricity, mosquito netting, dining areas, bar, swimming pools. Remote lodges are not air-conditioned though many are at higher elevations where heat is not a factor. Zanzibar hotel is air-conditioned. Hotel porter service is available throughout (see 'Inclusions'). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins. Many lodges are quite spread out and you will need to be able to walk up to 10 minutes from public areas to your room.
Staff and Support
Groups of six or fewer participants (one vehicle), will be led / guided by one of our local driver-guides. Only multi-vehicle groups will be assigned an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
No longer a country plagued by civil war and unrest, Uganda has recently come to enjoy a period of relative political, economic and social stability.
On our Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya Tour you'll see that, today, Uganda is a land visited for its incredible natural environment as opposed to being avoided for its man-made one.
In Kibale Forest National Park, we try to spot and identify some of the 12 species of primates that inhabit the area and when we enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, we can marvel at sterling views of the famous 'Mountains of the Moon' as we make our way through a diverse range of ecosystems.
Our expedition to catch sight of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is continued on as we cross into Rwanda, where we visit the Parc National des Volcans, where the late Dian Fossey undertook her monumental conservation efforts.
Worthy of a stay of at least a couple of days in duration, Parc National des Volcans allows us to track one of five families of gorillas in their natural habitats - truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Heading into Kenya, we explore the savannah plains of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, keeping our eyes peeled for buffalo, cheetah, leopard and lion and embark on a game drive with almost guaranteed close-up contact with elephant, giraffe and gazelle.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
For the initial 12 days of this Egypt & Kenya tour, an incredible adventure through two of Africa's most exciting destinations, we explore the many ancient and modern treasures of Egypt, a land of remarkable allure and tremendous scope.
Reminiscent of a journey through time itself, our tour of Egypt encompasses exploration of historic attractions by the dozen, from the the ancient burial sites and Step Pyramid at Saqqara, to the most popular of Egypt's bounties; the incredible Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Our carriage tour through Luxor and its surrounding countryside to Karnak Temple provides the ideal means to get a feel for local town and village life in Egypt and acts as a precursor for our donkey cart trek along the Valley of the Kings, wherein we enjoy magnificent vistas and have the chance to dismount and explore the insides of a few of the ancient pyramid tombs.
After spending some time at the necropolis of the Valley of the Queens, which houses 80 tombs that act as the final resting place of royal women from the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties, we aptly end our tour of Egypt with a camel trek across sandy desert and then it's on to the natural wonderland of Kenya for the final nine days of our journey.
Cities that display a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences mark our route as we travel to the foothills of the country's largest, and the continent's second largest, peak at Mount Kenya.
Through semi-desert savannah plains and thick forests, we get the chance to view the types of animals that can be seen elsewhere only in zoos; cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles and innumerable bird species are rife in this abundant area of the world and we come to understand why Kenya is considered as numbering among the best safari locations on the planet.
Along with visits to world-famous national parks and reserves, we get a feel for the indigenous ways of life by mingling with semi-nomadic tribespeople who adhere to traditional customs and elaborate personal adornment.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
This unbelievable Kenya & Tanzania Tour through four world-class destinations (includes Rwanda and Zanzibar) combines stunning sceneries, incomparable nature, traditional cultures and unique adventures to spectacular effect.
In Rwanda, we head to the foothills of the towering, forest-blanketed Virunga Mountain Range, where we spend time tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans and learning about the country's at times tragic past.
The national parks and game reserves of Kenya see us admiring the largest peak in the country, Mount Kenya, as well as watching out for leopard, buffalo, lions and elephants and witnessing traditional ways of life and tribal customs in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Descending into Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, which houses incredible populations of diverse wildlife, we embark on a game drive in one of the world's finest natural wonders.
Our exploration of the Serengeti reveals a magical land that does not disappoint in living up to its world-famous reputation for safari experiences.
Hopping over to the island paradise of Zanzibar to conclude our tour lets us explore a beautiful and intriguing destination famous for its spices.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
One of the world's most dynamic and exciting cities in the world awaits us as we being our Southern Africa & Kenya Tour in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Having been completely rebuilt no fewer than four times in its relatively short history, Johannesburg first became established after the discovery of gold in the region and stands today as a city of mind-boggling contrast, where glittering skyscrapers and whitewashed mansions lie only blocks from poverty-riddled shanty towns.
Our tour of the surrounding areas unveils a complex and intriguing history; we visit the former residences of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, saunter through the Apartheid Museum, check out the administrative capital of the country and see Boer statues and war monuments.
From here, we enjoy some of nature's most memorable attractions with trips over to Zimbabwe's majestic Victoria Falls and to see the teeming wildlife in Botswana's Chobe National Park; two reasons that alone would warrant a trip to Southern Africa.
From quaint colonial towns with Victorian tin-roofed houses and wooden verandas, to authentic, thatched mud huts in traditional rural villages, we explore the wide array of architectural style and cultural diversity that Southern Africa has to offer.
We have the chance to arrange elephant-back safaris, river cruises, canoe trips and short scenic flights to enjoy abundant lands from an aerial perspective en route through five unique Southern African countries and our visits to several of the most notable wildlife parks and reserves on the continent ensure that our thirst for animal-viewing is not left unsatisfied.
In South Africa's largest game reserve - Kruger National Park - there exists more than 137 mammal species, 49 fish species, 112 reptile species and nearly 500 bird species.
It is here that we may see and photograph lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and zebras; the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the northern continuation of the area that has become synonymous with the word 'safari' - the Serengeti Plain - boasts an astounding array of wildlife, including the 'Big Five.'
Magical, barren scenery, fascinating cultures and peoples, and incredible wildlife come together to make this tour an adventure never to be forgotten.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Uganda, a country that has been striving to put its troubled past firmly behind it, has recently been emerging as one of Africa's most exciting and rewarding tour destinations, a fact that becomes clear on our Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania Tour.
After getting orientated in Kampala, we explore some ancient tombs, museums and Hindu temples, before heading away from civilization to marvel at Uganda's most prized possession: its natural environment.
Trips to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its families of habituated Chimpanzees, and Queen Elizabeth II National Park, a designated UNESCO protected site, put us in prime position to view Colobus monkeys, elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park yields good opportunities to catch sight of mountain gorillas.
It is, however, in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans that we experience the ultimate mountain gorilla adventure.
On the steep slopes of a magnificent, rainforest-blanketed mountain range, we have the chance to follow in the footsteps of conservationist Dian Fossey and track one of five families of gorillas.
Though the gorillas are by no means tame, they have come to tolerate the presence of humans for short spells; the perfect conditions for close interaction with wild animals.
Our extraordinary East Africa tour continues in Kenya and Tanzania, two destinations that are most closely associated with the finest safari opportunities.
In Kenya, we explore no fewer than five national parks and reserves, including Maasai Mara National Reserve - often considered the best of Kenya's parks - and Amboseli National Park - famous for its large elephant population.
Crossing into Tanzania, our trips through Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park have us watching out for the 'Big Five' and a host of other teeming wildlife, but so abundant are they, we won't have to look too hard to find them.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
The initial portion of this wondrous 27-day Egypt, Kenya & Tanzania Tour is an adventure through three breathtaking countries, any one of which would alone warrant spending at least a couple of weeks of a tour investigating the many famous attractions, begins on the banks of the Nile, in one of the most intense metropolises on the planet: Cairo.
We visit the major tourist hot-spots, like the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid, guarded by the regal sphinx - now a common symbol of Egypt's glory and mystery - Karnak Temple - which numbers among the most enriching archaeological sites in the world - and the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Valley of the Kings, wherein lie the tombs of nearly all the pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasties.
Crossing into Kenya, we admire the glorious natural environment that endows the country with international acclaim in no fewer than four national parks and reserves: along with stunning landscapes of semi-desert savannah plains fringed by towering snow-tipped peaks and tranquil lakes, we see elephant, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, antelope and wildebeest, to name but a few of the exotic wildlife on offer in one of Africa's prime safari regions.
In Tanzania, we visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and take a trip to a land of superlatives in the ultimate safari destination: Serengeti National Park.
Few places can rival the Serengeti for safari experiences and then we bring our tour to an end investigating the fascinating past of the region with trips to archaeological sites of interest.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Experience the great diversity of East Africa on this mammoth, month-long Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Tour through four incredible countries and partake in a momentous journey through exotic culture and nature.
In Uganda's national parks, we find diverse ecosystems that house extensive ranges of biodiversity in the wetlands and we'll have occasion to snap pictures of countless species of bird and butterflies, elephant and buffalo, as well as to cruise the waters inhabited by the largest hippo population in Africa.
In the thick, lush forests of the Parc National des Volcans on the slopes of the Virunga Mountain Range in Rwanda, we track a family of mountain gorillas and find about the issues this endangered species faces with poachers before heading to the Genocide Museum in Kigali to learn about the this tragic period of time in the country's history.
Kenya and Tanzania are each highly recommended destinations when it comes to touring East Africa and together they make for the ultimate safari.
Through more than half a dozen game parks and nature reserves, we find the best of East African nature; we see the world's second-highest peak - Kilimanjaro - 'The Big Five,' the Serengeti Plains, volcanoes, waterfalls, mountain forests and the UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Crater.
Ending our tour with exploration of the island paradise of Zanzibar only adds that bit of extra spice to our adventure.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
Our Southern Africa, Kenya & Tanzania Tour begins in the gold capital of the world, Johannesburg in South Africa, we visit a wide array of historic sites of note and learn about the region's fascinating history as a focal point during the struggles to end apartheid.
We see the administrative capital at Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) in an area famous for its colourful gardens and lush parks, and take trips to the former residences of Nobel Laureates Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in Soweto.
In Zimbabwe, we gaze in awe at one of Mother Nature's most awesome accomplishments at Victoria Falls.
From here, it's into Botswana for a safari excursion in Chobe National Park, via the point where four countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia) meet on the Zambezi River.
Our return to South Africa is marked by a safari through the largest nature reserve in the country and the park that supports more species of wildlife than any other African reserve; Kruger National Park.
This remarkable tour showcases the best of the Southern African natural environment with trips to:
- Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve - a region boasting the largest population of lions on the continent
- Amboseli National Park - an area world-famous for its populations of elephants
- Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area which boasts an incredible UNESCO-protected crater
- Serengeti National Park - the ultimate safari destination.
We'll be on the lookout for the 'Big Five,' antelopes, crocodiles, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelle, hippos, zebras and a plethora of endemic species in their natural habitats; wildlife that can be seen elsewhere only in the confines of zoos.
Astoundingly beautiful scenery and exploring lifestyles and customs in colonial, traditional and modern villages and cities transform this tour from a typical safari adventure into a once-in-a-lifetime journey of cultural and natural exploration.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Setting down in the bustling metropolis of Cairo, Egypt, we start this extraordinary 32-day Egypt, Kenya & Tanzania tour in magnificent style.
We see the Pharaonic monuments of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, which have since come to stand as symbols of Egypt's mystery and glory, walk cobblestone streets amid beautiful churches and buildings dating from the 11th century, embark upon horse-drawn carriage tours and enjoy donkey and camel rides.
Highlights of our 13-day odyssey through Egypt are our trip to the 1,500-year-old Karnak Temple, remarkable journeys through the valleys of the Kings and Queens and the longest river on the planet; the Nile.
As we fly into Kenya, it's not long before we discover why this special destination enjoys worldwide acclaim for its natural environment.
Gazing out over semi-desert savannah with the glistening glacier peak of the continent's second highest mountain - Mount Kenya - as a backdrop, we scan the endless plains in search of elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards and lions, all the while marvelling at a pristine wilderness yet untouched by Man.
En route to the foothills of the towering Mount Kenya, we have the chance to see crocodiles, zebra, and ostriches, and we also have the opportunity to spend some time with local inhabitants dressed in traditional garb in tribal villages.
We see volcanic phenomena at the Great Rift Valley, watch out for the 'Big Five' in Masai Mara National Reserve, taste a variety of exotic local delicacies in the Carnivore Restaurant (with vegetarian options available) and make our way to the border of Tanzania amid glorious sceneries of rolling grasslands and African plains.
Continuing our tour of some of the best safari destinations in Africa and, indeed, on the planet, we visit Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which boasts teeming wildlife as well as an incredible UNESCO-protected crater, and the epitome of all safari destinations at Serengeti National Park, wherein is to be found perhaps the largest concentration of wildlife in the world.
Interspersing admiration of its natural world with exploration of the country's man-made environment, we take in archaeological sites, colonial towns and the many historic sites of the 'spice islands' of Zanzibar.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
Nairobi, Kenya, is our entry point for our Kenya, Tanzania & Southern Africa tour, an adventure through Africa, and we take time to enjoy its pleasant mix of colonial British and modern and traditional influences before heading in the direction of Africa's second-highest mountain; Mount Kenya.
In semi-desert savanna plains at the foothills of the mighty peak, we partake in wildlife safaris that allow close-up views of elephants, giraffes and gazelle and visit tribal villages wherein locals adorned in traditional garments adhere to the long-held customs of their forefathers.
For a fun-packed 33 days through half a dozen countries, we see an astounding array of wildlife, a wide spectrum of spectacular sceneries and incredible diversity of culture and lifestyle.
Visiting world-renowned conservation parks such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Chobe National Park, St Lucia Wetland and Kruger and Serengeti National Parks, we see the very best of the natural world in Africa.
We take advantage of unique opportunities to see, among others, the 'Big Five', herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, cheetah, crocodile, hippo, monkeys and teeming birdlife; all the animals that set Africa apart as the ultimate safari destination.
Travelling through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet - from the barren beauty of the Serengeti Plains, to the enchanting mist-encircled mountains around Mount Kilimanjaro and the forest, woodland, grassland and swamps of Lake Manyara - we cover a broad range of typographical feature and hit all the major tourist-spots, like the fabulous Victoria Falls in Zambia, as well as venturing into the back and beyond for some off-the-beaten-track exploration of the hidden face of Africa.
We learn about the man-made environments of the six highly rewarding destinations with sightseeing in traditional villages, colonial towns and modern metropolises along the way and we immerse ourselves in a number of fascinating cultures to glean an idea of what life in Africa is really like.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Our Kenya, Tanzania & Madagascar Group Tours are among the most popular offerings! Boasting astounding diversity and abundance of exotic nature, humbling landscapes of snow-fringed mountains and dusty plains, and friendly peoples with fascinating traditional cultures and lifestyles, these three countries combine to offer a highly rewarding and comprehensive overview of the incredible bounties of East Africa.
Beginning in Kenya, we explore Nairobi, a lively capital city that grew with the development of the railway and a metropolis that fuses colonial British design with modern and traditional African influences to charming effect.
Heading through some of the best safari locations on the planet - like Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Maasai Mara National Reserve - we pass glacier-coated peaks and desert savannah plains to feast our eyes on buffalo, cheetahs, leopards and lions and get up-close and personal with elephants, giraffes and gazelle.
We'll even have the option to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a truly unique perspective of this glorious land brimming with natural wonder.
Crossing into Tanzania, we pass through rolling green fields and traditional villages en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we keep our eyes peeled for the elusive leopard and visit the UNESCO Heritage Crater, which is simultaneously a magnificent topographical phenomenon and the home of incredible arrays of wildlife, like the "Big Five" and wildebeest, gazelle, zebras and hippos.
The kopjes of the Serengeti - a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for predators - are our next stop as we explore the jewel in the crown of Tanzania's conservation areas, a place that is home to one of the largest and most diverse populations of animals in the world.
Breathtaking wildlife spectacles combine with lessons about the prehistoric habitats of some of the earliest species of hominids for a memorable visit to the area around Lake Manyara National Park, and after stopping in at the island paradise of Zanzibar for exploration of its ancient winding alleys, colourful cultures and sandy beaches (we also embark on a "spice tour"), we make headway for Madagascar.
A country of brightly coloured houses stacked on hillsides, glorious endemic flora and fauna, rugged mountains and verdant grassland plantations, Madagascar makes the final days of our tour an incredible adventure not soon forgotten.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
We spend over a month exploring the bounties of Southern and Eastern Africa on this 37-day Southern Africa & East Africa Tour into the heart and soul of this incredible continent, starting off in the gold capital of the world; Johannesburg in South Africa.
The ever-changing face of this remarkably dynamic city - it has been completely rebuilt no fewer than four times throughout its short history - never fails to provide a rich cultural experience and in conjunction with its plethora of historic sites, like the former residences of Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, its attractions are many and abundant.
We travel through vast grasslands en route to enjoy spectacular vistas at Blyde River Canyon, as well as from the aptly named Wonder View, God's Window and the Pinnacle and in the wildlife paradises of St Lucia Wetland.
Crossing into Zimbabwe, we make headway for one of the world's most astoundingly beautiful spectacles at Victoria Falls and we are treated to the warm hospitality of tribal locals in authentic traditional villages, as they give us a tour of their mud huts and help us learn about and understand their customs and culture.
We spend time in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, see the country's highest and continent's second-highest mountain (Mount Kenya) and continue our safari adventure in the northern extension of Serengeti National Park; Masai Mara National Park.
In Tanzania, we stand agog next to the incredible UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Crater and then travel to the place that is today synonymous with the word 'safari' - the Serengeti.
Through seven remarkable countries, we see the best of the natural and the man-made worlds in Africa and return home with memories to last a lifetime.
Regions visited: East Africa
Countries visited: Kenya and Tanzania
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split-level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambience of both warmth and cosiness.
The ... is tucked into the Zanzibar seafront, amidst the exotic sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and bright bazaars of Stone Town. Comprised of two historic buildings designed in traditional Swahili style, this lavish retreat captures the elegance of a grander era since passed.
