Kenya and Tanzania - An Epic Wildlife Safari

Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. If you're traveling overnight to get to Kenya, consider arriving a day early so you have time to rest, relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. You can purchase an Arrive Early option in the Add-ons section of this page.

When you clear customs, our representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to the Villa Rosa Kempinski, a 5-star hotel touting the perfect balance of Kenyan culture and European opulence.

Spend the day relaxing or discovering Nairobi, where early colonial buildings sit beside sleek modern skyscrapers. You may visit the Nairobi National Museum, which features intriguing exhibits on prehistory, birdlife, ethnography, and the development of contemporary Kenya. 

Alternatively, we can organize a guided walking tour to explore the city more thoroughly or to better appreciate the museum's exhibits. For a more leisurely option, enjoy some downtime at the hotel's spa.

Tonight, we'll join our two guides, Rupi and Mary, for cocktails and a delightful dinner at Tambourin restaurant as the sun sets over Nairobi, a perfect end to our first day in Kenya.

Our day starts with a hearty breakfast before a thrilling 60-minute flight over the stunning Ngong Hills and Nairobi National Park. Rising above the iconic landscapes that inspired Karen Blixen’s timeless stories, we might get lucky and see black rhinos and large cats in the world's only wildlife park located within a capital city. Keep your cameras ready—on clear days, Mount Kenya is visible from the equator. Standing at 17,057 feet, this volcanic mountain is Africa's second tallest volcano.

Arriving at Samburu National Reserve, we'll transfer from the airstrip to the camp, with a game drive en route. This region is home to the Samburu Special 5, unique wildlife found only in the arid lands north of the equator. These include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. These species have adapted to survive without water, relying on morning and evening dew. 

We'll settle into the Elephant Bedroom Camp, frequented by elephants living near the river. Samburu’s elephants have been studied for more than 30 years, revealing that they recognize and call each other by name. Keep an eye out for Cinnamon, one of the oldest matriarchs. Read more about these studies here: Save the Elephants.

After a late lunch, we'll take an afternoon game drive to see cheetahs, leopards, lions, and elephants. We're in guide Mary Wykstra's backyard, where much research on Kenya's northern cheetahs has been done. With Mary, expert and researcher, we'll learn about cheetah conservation and becoming citizen scientists by identifying cheetahs through whisker and spot patterns. Being on safari with Mary offers insights into these magnificent cats, whose wild population has decreased from 100,000 a century ago to less than 10,000 today. 

Relax at the campfire with cocktails at sunset, then enjoy dinner under the stars. It's ideal for stargazing, near the equator to see constellations from both hemispheres. Local Samburu dancers may entertain us with ancestral songs and dances. 

Wake up to the glorious African sunrise for a 6:15 am game drive, following a warm cup of tea or coffee. The surreal landscape unfolds with rugged mountains and rocky insets, teeming with life. We'll return to camp by 9 am for a delightful breakfast.

After breakfast, enjoy some 'me' time. Seek tranquility on the riverbanks, where you might even witness an elephant herd quietly drinking. Alternatively, retreat to your tent for a soothing massage. Rejoin the camp in time for lunch, rejuvenated, and ready for the afternoon.

Samburu is home to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, dedicated to conserving the rare Grevy’s zebra. Named after a 19th-century French president, this zebra has become a valuable presence in the Samburu community, and locals actively safeguard these extraordinary animals. Samburu is also part of the lion project started by Ewaso Lions. The driver-guides will point out these special animals during each game drive.

We'll return to camp for a starlit dinner, followed by a nightcap around the campfire and finally to a peaceful slumber in your glamping tent.

After breakfast and check-out, a 90-minute flight from Samburu will take us to the Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley. This is the planet’s longest valley on land, stretching 6,000km from Lebanon in the Middle East to Mozambique in Southeastern Africa. The flight enters the savanna grassland of the mighty Mara, home to the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard – as well as cheetahs. This is lion country, famous for its black-maned lions. 

We'll be greeted at the airstrip when we land to take a short game drive to Africa’s first permanent glam camp, Governors' Camp. We'll check in and savor an exquisite lunch before setting off for an afternoon game drive at 3:30 pm, returning to camp by sunset.

Take a moment to refresh in the evening before we gather for cocktails, celebrating our first night in the Mara, one of the seven natural wonders of the modern world. Dinner is under the stars, accompanied by lively conversations with the resident naturalist. 

Finally, as the night deepens, we’ll bid each other "lala salama," wishing everyone a peaceful sleep in Kiswahili, resting to prepare for another day of exploration.

Awake at dawn to a warm cup of tea or coffee before we set out for a morning game drive. This is the best time to witness the elusive big cats prowling in the cool morning light. Additionally, you can opt for a thrilling balloon safari at sunrise for an unparalleled adventure. Drift silently over the savannah, capturing an eagle's view of the wildlife below, followed by a decadent champagne breakfast. 

Those not doing the balloon ride will return to the lodge by 9 am for a hearty breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning at your leisure. Relax at the pool, visit the spa, or simply soak in the breathtaking Mara views.

After a delicious lunch, prepare for another exhilarating game drive. This time, we'll focus on the famed Marsh Pride, one of the world’s most renowned lion prides, frequently featured in BBC documentaries. As we traverse the landscape, keep your eyes peeled for other magnificent Mara residents.

As night falls, delight in a magical dinner under the stars, embracing the true essence of the African bush. 

After breakfast in the Mara, we’ll fly to Tanzania, Kenya’s neighbor. Upon crossing the border, we’ll switch planes for a breathtaking flight over the Serengeti. We'll then set off on a game drive to Kirawira Serena Camp, an elegant retreat above the plains. November is ideal for witnessing the annual wildebeest migration from this stunning vantage point in the game-rich Seronera Valley at the heart of the Serengeti.

Following a hearty lunch and a refreshing siesta, we'll embark on a late afternoon game drive at 4:00 pm in our custom-made safari cruisers, expertly driven by seasoned guides. The Serengeti, part of a 30,000-square-kilometer ecosystem the Maasai call 'the endless plains,' adjoins Kenya’s Mara and is renowned for its wildlife and scenic sun-sculpted stone kopjes, favored by lions.

As evening falls, gather for cocktails at the bar, followed by a delectable dinner as we relive the day's magical moments. Enjoy traditional Maasai dances, featuring high leaps and throaty chants celebrating love, lion hunts, and happiness. Maybe you'll even be inspired to join in!

The Maasai have long coexisted with African wildlife, both thriving in the vast spaces necessary for their survival. Experience this harmonious blend of culture and nature, creating unforgettable memories in the Serengeti.

Start your day with a relaxing cup of coffee or tea and some biscuits as dawn breaks over the Serengeti. We'll then depart on an early morning game drive. The cool air invigorates, and animals are more active before the sun's heat sets in. You might spot lionesses on a hunt or lions panting to cool off before the sun peaks over the horizon.

For those who missed the hot air balloon safari in the Mara or wish to experience it again, an optional balloon ride is available this morning. This bucket-list adventure offers a unique chance to view the animals and the vast plains from above. Please note that this experience is available at an additional cost.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then enjoy leisure time to unwind, perhaps with a good book or by soaking in the serene surroundings. Join us for a satisfying lunch before setting out for another thrilling afternoon game drive.

The Serengeti, where Elsa’s cubs from Born Free roamed, offers a rich tapestry of wildlife and history. We'll return to the lodge by 6:30 pm for a refreshing shower or a cold beer. Our evening culminates with a gourmet dinner and a nightcap at the fire pit, where we’ll share stories and toast to another day of memories made. 

After breakfast, we'll pack our bags and take a scenic flight to Lake Manyara, a salt lake famous for its birdlife, in the Great Rift Valley. From there, we drive to the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site Ngorongoro Crater's rim, where the delightful Ngorongoro Tented Camp awaits. This camp boasts panoramic views of the world's most renowned wildlife caldera, a spectacle like no other.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch as we soak in the stunning surroundings. Reception can arrange a variety of activities to fill your afternoon, including nature walks at an additional cost.

As the sun sets, we gather for sundowners, sipping refreshing drinks while the sky paints a vibrant canvas. Dinner follows, featuring gourmet dishes to tantalize your taste buds. The evening brings the perfect culmination to a day of adventure and relaxation.

After breakfast, set out on an exhilarating morning drive descending to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. You'll be on the lookout for its elusive black rhino, majestic lions, and stealthy leopards, among other remarkable wildlife. The crater, an astounding 2,000 feet deep and spanning 100 square miles, provides an extraordinary backdrop for a full day of exploration. 

Relish a delightful picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery of the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. Formed millions of years ago after the collapse of a colossal volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique habitat teeming with diverse flora and fauna. With no volcanic activity to disturb us, we can immerse ourselves in the thrill of wildlife spotting and the serene beauty of our surroundings.

As the day winds down, we'll return to the lodge to enjoy sunset refreshments, followed by dinner. Our safari adventure has come to its conclusion, so we'll share our favorite stories under the stars before retreating to one last restful sleep, serenaded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

After a delectable breakfast, we'll fly back to Arusha and then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you prepare for your return flights departing later that day, you'll carry with you a trove of unforgettable memories from your extraordinary African safari and the bonds formed with newfound friends. 

Reflecting on the words of Dr. Bernhard Grzimek, renowned for his work Serengeti Shall Not Die: “There is a peace and timelessness in the Serengeti that is unlike anything I have ever experienced. It is a place where you can feel the pulse of the Earth, the rhythm of life that has been playing out for millions of years.”