Zebras | African Safaris | Africa
FROM: USD $5,915 pp

SMALL GROUP ACCOMMODATED SAFARI :Explore six of East Africa's finest national parks on a wildlife extravaganza. From Nairobi visit the flamingos at Lake Nakuru and go wild in Kenya's Masai Mara before winging your way to Tanzania to go in search of the Big Five across the vast open plains of the Serengeti and down into Ngorongoro Crater. Topped off with game drives in Tarangire and Lake Manyara Natioal Park, famous for its tree climbing lions.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

Serengeti National Park - spot all of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) on safari in one of the world's most famous national parks
Masai Mara - spend two full days exploring the famous national park on safari and opt for a hot air balloon ride over the Mara
Tarangire National Park - search for iconic African species on safari in the reserve, which is known for its large number of elephants
Lake Elementeita - spot flamingos and other bird species as you explore this small soda lake in the heart of the Great Rift Valley
Ngorongoro Crater - traverse the floor of the UNESCO-listed volcanic caldera, one of the best places in Africa for spotting wildlife
Nairobi - visit the Giraffe Centre, meet orphaned baby elephants at the Daphne Sheldrick Centre and explore the Karen Blixen Museum
Lake Nakuru - game drive through wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park, looking out for leopards, lions and a healthy population of rhinos
Lake Manyara National Park - visit one final national park on the last morning of your tour, where you might be able to spot the famous tree-climbing lions

Included

12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
12 nights mid range and superior lodges, chalets and tented camps
Escorted by an experienced local guide/driver
Park entrance fees
1 litre of water per person per day while in our safari vehicle
Nairobi airport arrival transfer on days 1 and Arusha airport departure transfer on day 13 (should you wish to depart via Kilimanjaro Airport, transfers can be arranged for an additional cost, please contact us for more details)
Transportation and game drives in a safari minibus in Kenya and a 4x4 safari land cruiser in Tanzania
Game drives in Nakuru NP, Masai Mara, Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Excursion to the Giraffe Centre, Daphne Sheldrick Centre and Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Gardens
Shuttle transfer from Nairobi to Arusha (flight upgrade available on request)

Not Included

International flights
Drinks and items of a personal nature
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Kenya and Tanzania visas

Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi

On arrival into Nairobi airport you will be met and given a short brief on your safari before being transferred to our hotel in the Karen suburbs.
Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2

Giraffe Centre & Elephant Orphanage

Nairobi - Elementaita. This morning we visit the Giraffe centre which offers the unique experience of hand-feeding these gentle giants at eye level from a raised platform, while watching the warthogs below snuffle around looking for titbits. Then we travel on to the Daphne Sheldrick’s Centre and visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.

Next stop is the Karen Blixen Museum. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century. After lunch at the lovely Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens, we depart on the next part of our adventure that takes us from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to the small but beautiful soda ash lake located in the famous Great Rift Valley, named Lake Elementaita. Lake Elementaita is home to numerous flamingos and over 400 species of birds. We spend the night at a lovely eco-friendly lodge perched on a hillside overlooking the lake.
Overnight: Lake Elementeita  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Elementaita & Nakuru

Elementaita - Lake Nakuru - Elementaita. The second great lake we visit on our tour is Lake Nakuru. 30 minutes’ drive from Elementaita, the lake is situated in the middle of the national park to which it gives its name. Teeming with wildlife the park has so much to offer. Sometimes, when the water levels are low, the entire lake is covered in flamingos, turning the whole area pink. Lions, buffalos as well as many rhinos call this corner of Kenya home and a game drive around the park is always rewarding. If we are lucky we may even spot a leopard relaxing in a tree beside the lake. After a game-packed day we arrive back at Sunbird Lodge in time to enjoy the sun set over the lake, before sitting down for dinner and toasting to the day’s adventures.
Overnight: Lake Elementeita  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Masai Mara

Lake Elementaita - Masai Mara. Today you make your way by road to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You will arrive for lunch at your camp and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and waiting for the late afternoon when the temperature cools to head out on your first Mara game drive. The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers. The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Around July each year the huge herds begin dramatic river crossings and the grasslands of the Mara are covered by a mass of moving wildebeest, offering easy opportunity for crocodile and predators that are never far away. When in the Mara visit a traditional Maasai village or take a balloon safari at an extra cost.

Back at the camp, dinner is served and this gives us the perfect opportunity to look back at your day and relive all those highlights.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-6

Game drives in the Mara

Over the next two days there will be the opportunity to rise early and experience a game viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective! A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara (at additional cost) which takes off in the crisp morning air, and lasts for approximately an hour, allows for a beautifully peaceful experience floating silently high above plains, forests and rivers. If you have not booked a balloon ride, after breakfast you will drive across the mara plains in search of the big five and other plains game. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your “must see” list.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 7

Arusha

Masai Mara - Nairobi - Arusha. This morning we enjoy our last sunrise in the Masai Mara with tea or coffee on the veranda. After a great final breakfast we drive back to Nairobi stopping at the Great Rift Valley for one last photo opportunity before you continue on to Tanzania. You will board a shuttle service which will take you across the Namanga border until you reach Arusha. You will be met and transferred to our lodge in Arusha. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Note: There is the option to upgrade to a flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro and onwards transfer to Arusha, we can arrange this for you upon request. Please contact our reservation team for more information about this upgrade.
Overnight: Arusha  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Tarangire National Park

Arusha - Tarangire - Lake Manyara. This morning, wake to the views of Mt Meru before heading down to breakfast. We will then be collected by our driver guide and will traverse the floor of the Great Rift Valley as we head to Tarangire National Park for a game drive.

Tarangire National Park; named after the river that crosses through the park, is Tanzania’s sixth largest park and home to large herds of elephants. Spend the afternoon exploring the park before making your way towards Kirurumu Tented Lodge for dinner and overnight. The lodge is located on the edge of the escarpment wall overlooking Lake Manyara.
Overnight: Lake Manyara National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Serengeti National Park

Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park. Today we have a long drive through arguably the best game park in the world. We will head to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and then descend into the endless plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. Its name means 'endless plain' in the Masai language. It is from here that massive concentrations of wildebeest, zebras and other animals commence the annual Great Migration in search of pastures new, providing one of the greatest natural spectacles to be found anywhere in the world. We can watch golden-maned lions stalking the migrating herds, spot leopards at rest in trees at dusk and take a hot-air balloon tour at dawn as the sun’s golden rays illuminate the land.

We meander our way through this famous park with fantastic game viewing as we head towards our tented camp in central Serengeti. The intimate camp offers tranquillity, spectacular wildlife sighting and no better place to take in one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Serengeti game drives

The Serengeti at sunrise is a beautiful sight and one not to be missed. This is also the best time for spotting animals so take advantage of the morning hours for the first game drive of the day. After a morning out, the smell of a cooked breakfast is welcomed as we enjoy a morning under the shade of the trees. Afternoons are normally a lazy affair that end in the late afternoon when the temperatures cool down and the animals start to be active again. Today is no different and we will head out for an evening drive before returning to camp in time for drinks around the fire and dinner.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Ngorongoro Highlands

Serengeti - Karatu. After the thrills of the Serengeti, we head out on a full day’s game drive through the Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Crater, pausing along the way to enjoy a packed lunch. After lunch, we continue our journey to our lodge passing through some incredible scenery and game rich country. We arrive at the lodge in time for a relaxing drink and a delicious dinner in the lush surroundings.
Overnight: Karatu  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Ngorongoro Crater

Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu. This morning the Ngorongoro Crater awaits us. The Crater is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 180km west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. After an early breakfast, we will head out towards the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera, where we experience an amazing game drive on the crater floor filled with wildlife and said to be one of the most thrilling game spotting experiences. The crater won’t leave you disappointed. Back at the lodge it’s time to enjoy our last African sunset and dinner.
Overnight: Karatu  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Arusha

Karatu - Lake Manyara - Arusha. This morning we visit Lake Manyara National Park whose shores are a shimmer of pink, due to the large flamingo population and it was once dubbed as the ‘loveliest lake in Africa’ by Ernest Hemingway. We have a morning in the park on a game drive and if we're lucky we'll see the tree climbing lions that the park is famous for. After our packed lunch and depending on your flight details, transfer to Arusha Airport. Alternatively a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport can be arranged for an additional supplement upon request. Please make sure that onward flights from Arusha Airport are booked AFTER 3pm, and Kilimanjaro Airport are booked AFTER 6pm, or 5pm. Or you can connect onto the beautiful island of Zanzibar for some blissful rest and relaxation.
Breakfast, Lunch

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 persons. This safari has a maximum group size of 6. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

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Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $6,715
USD $7,975
USD $6,715
USD $7,975
USD $6,715
USD $7,975
USD $6,715
USD $7,975
USD $5,915
USD $6,605
USD $6,345
USD $7,255
USD $6,345
USD $7,255
USD $6,345
USD $7,255
USD $6,345
USD $7,255
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $7,585
USD $9,145
USD $6,235
USD $7,285
USD $6,235
USD $7,285
21 Dec - 02 Jan Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $7,815
USD $9,225

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

The Residences at Karen, Nairobi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Surround by lush forests overlooking the second hole of the Karen Country Club golf course, The Residences at Karen offer spacious rooms equipped with the latest conveniences including mini bar, plasma screen TV and complimentary WIFI. Each room features a delightfully furnished terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy a Sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Peacefully situated on the grounds of the Karen Country Club approximately 16 Km from downtown Nairobi.

Sunbird Lodge, Lake Elementeita

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Lodge

The Sunbird Lodge is located on private land in the Great Rift Valley, on the shore of the “pink” Lake Elementaita, overlooking the vast plains of Soysambu Conservancy. Cottages are constructed from stone with thatched roofing. The have full length sliding glass doors and are perfectly positioned to maximise their enviable location near the lake. Sunbird Lodge is located in the Great Rift Valley, less than 130 km from Nairobi.

Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary, Arusha

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Lodge

Established in 1959 by Dr Von Nagy Mount Meru Game Lodge is still in the hands of the family. It is a beautiful lodge set on the Usa river. Guest rooms are all individually designed with a veranda to sit out on and the suites have a private garden. The lodge is also home to a wildlife sanctuary which is home to a number of zebra, ostrich, a wide array of birds and some Colobus monkeys.

Kirurumu Manyara Tented Lodge, Lake Manyara National Park

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Lodge

The Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is located at the edge of the Rift Valley and offers breathtaking views over the Maasai veld and Lake Manyara. Through its elevated location, the Lodge offers a fantastic panoramic view over the plains of the African escarpment. The 27 safari tents have their own en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet, a wash basin and shower. Warm water and power are available day and night.

Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Lodge

Camp under the stars where the wild things are at one of the Serengeti's best mobile lodges. Kati Kati Lodge offers comfortable permanent tented accommodation with fantastic al fresco dining. Visits can be made to the local Maasai tribal villages and if you fancy just staying around the camp then a few aperitifs around the camp fire can be arranged. Sundowners after a wonderful game drive are our top tip. This gorgeous accommodation is located in the Serengeti National Park just a 2 hour drive from the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.

Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: Luxury Lodge

Commanding panoramic views of the Karatu farmlands from its postion on the spectacular Great Rift escarpment, the elegant Acacia Farm Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Tanzania's world-famous reserves. The contemporary African styled chalets are well-appointed with WiFi and private balconies for sunset views across the farm. After a day on safari enjoy fine dining with a choice of wines from the lodge's own cellar or relax in the swimming pool and bar area. The Acacia Farm Lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Nairobi
Ends
Arusha
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 6
Hotel Rating
Mid Range
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver
Meals
Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 11, Dinner: 10
Visiting
Nairobi, Lake Elementeita, Masai Mara, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Karatu, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Countries
Flamingos gathered at the Lake Elementaita
Flamingos gathered at the Lake Elementaita
Masai Mara tribespeople standing in a row wearing colourful clothes
Masai Mara tribespeople standing in a row wearing colourful clothes
Elephant standing in lush green landscape in Tarangire National Park
Click to play videoFamily of elephants walking across the road in front of a jeep in the Serengeti National Park

Extra Tour Info

Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Africa and info on getting your visa
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the BIG 5
The Great Migration
The best places and times to see the great migration
About Lodge Safaris
More about our lodge accommodated safaris in Africa
Updated
11th February 2020

Had an absolutely fantastic time in the Masai Mara yesterday, we even got stuck crossing a river which was amazing. Took me back to My childhood in Zimbabwe! What a great adventure to be involved in getting the vehicles out and spending time standing along the river in the Mara. We managed to see all the cats except a leopard and the rest of the big five except the rhino which were expected. Thank you to the On the Go Tours, guide, driver, cook and the Masai driven jeeps it was truly a great adventure and the best memory, once again thank you to the team for a fantastic adventure.

Dale Grobler
OTG001652Kenya & Tanzania Trails - 13 daysAfricaHandpickedAfricafalse0Kenyahttps://www.onthegotours.com/Tanzania/Kenya-and-Tanzania-Trails-2016-13-Dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Zebras-Africa-Overland-Safaris--Africa-Lodge-Safaris--Africa-Tours--On-The-Go-Tours-256251422631671_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgLodge_Accommodated_Safaris