East Africa Expedition Group Safari 2019

This small group adventure showcases the best of Kenya & Tanzania, perfect for those seeking an extensive yet affordable East African safari experience, without sacrificing quality. The historic national parks, picturesque landscapes, and herds of wildlife come together to create the ideal platform for exploration and discovery. Travelers come from all over the world to admire the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania, most significantly, the famous Great Migration. Watching the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and other local wildlife, cross the open plains and venture through rivers is an awe-inspiring experience. The diverse landscapes guarantee beautiful scenery and epic photo opportunities, no matter how high the wildlife activity may be during or between safari activities. When you're not busy game driving and tracking down the animals, make the most of your unique and luxurious lodges and camps.

This exclusive group adventure is scheduled from September 13, 2019 to September 24, 2019, with limited spaces available.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi Arrival

Nairobi Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Eka Hotel

Welcome to Kenya! On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a local representative and given a short safari briefing before being transferred to your accommodations. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (This service is on a group basis.)

Nairobi

Nairobi is the vibrant capital city of Kenya, and the fourth largest city in all of Africa. Although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are truly some fascinating attractions to be discovered here. Some of these highlights include the cafe culture, animated nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city center, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Laid out before a backdrop of city skyscrapers, the Nairobi National Park features wide open grass plains and barren landscape. Home to an impressive assortment of birds and wildlife, many Nairobi residents find this rural escape, the perfect antidote to the nearby hustle and bustle of city life.

Day 2: Nairobi - Amboseli

Nairobi - Amboseli
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Game Drive to Amboseli National Park
  • Accommodation: Elerai Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Game Drive to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and head southwards to the Amboseli National Park arriving in time for a delicious lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive in the park. If you are interested we can also arrange a visit to a Maasai village or the the Amboseli Research upon request (subject to additional costs). (This service is on a group basis.)

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, the striking Mount Kilimanjaro. This mountain, which stands at an impressive 19,340 feet, dominates every aspect of the park. The very best views of its snow-capped peak can only be seen from Amboseli. The parks fragile ecosystem supports a variety of game and is famous for its large herds of elephants in particular. Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow, offer a unique watering place for the wildlife and birds during the dry season.

Day 3: Amboseli

Amboseli
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Amboseli National Park Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Elerai Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Amboseli National Park Game Drive

Spend the day within this beautiful park viewing wildlife, birds and enjoying the natural ecosystem that exists within this park as you photograph the scenic landscape which characterizes this park. During the rainy season, the vast plains turn a vibrant green color drawing in hundreds of birds and little mammals. There are five different habitats in Amboseli: open plains, Acacia woodlands, thorn scrub, swamp, and marshlands. This allows for excellent game viewing all year round. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 4: Amboseli - Karatu

Amboseli - Karatu
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Border Crossing & Shanga Shangaa Tour
  • Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Border Crossing & Shanga Shangaa Tour

Today you cross the border into Tanzania. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your expert Tanzanian driver guide. Together you will drive approximately 120 km to the Arusha Coffee Lodge where you'll enjoy lunch as well as a visit to a nearby Shanga workshop. The aim of Shanga Shangaa is to provide full-time employment and training to help the locally disabled Tanzanian’s by creating unique beadwork and glass work. There is also the opportunity to give it a go yourself, and indeed purchase some of their products at their shop on site. After lunch, you will slowly make your way to Acacia Farm Lodge in Karatu, which is ideally located a short drive from the Ngorongoro Conservation area.(This service is on a group basis.)

Karatu

The rustic red colored township of Karatu is one of Tanzania's diamonds in the rough. Located about halfway between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro, it is the perfect base from which to explore. The services are basic compared to the more urban city of Arusha, however the Karatu District offers a rich adventure off the beaten path. It is no secret that Tanzania is famous for its wildlife, however if you are also interested in cultural experiences, generous hospitality and unforgettable interactions, then Karatu is the place to be.

Day 5: Karatu

Karatu
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Ngorongoro Crater Descent & Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Ngorongoro Crater Descent & Game Drive

Early this morning, you will embark on an epic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Featuring dramatic open landscapes and impressive game viewing, it is no surprise that this attraction is often described as the eighth wonder of the world. Ngorongoro is a collapsed volcano - a fascinating natural amphitheater that stretches 25 kilometers across. This destination is teeming with Africa's most alluring big game. Look closely, and if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino! Return to your lodge before dusk, and in time to freshen up before dinner.(This service is on a group basis.)

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania's most amazing sights: a collapsed volcano which forms an incredible natural amphitheater, 25 km (16 mi) across and teeming with all of the African big game. Many of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino can be seen grazing on the open grassland of the crater floor surrounded by some of the 20,000 large animals that occupy the crater, including lion, cheetah, eland, zebra and gazelle. Flamingo, among other bird species can often be seen feeding at Makat soda lake. This is an area of spectacular beauty and superb game viewing, a truly unique safari destination.

Day 6: Karatu - Central Serengeti

Karatu - Central Serengeti
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Olduvai Gorge & Drive to Serengeti
  • Accommodation: Siringit Serengeti Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Olduvai Gorge & Drive to Serengeti

Today, you will drive to the Serengeti! En route, you will stop at the fascinating Olduvai Gorge. You will also have the opportunity here to learn about the famous archaeological sites and visit the informative museum, where you can see first hand where early human tools and fossils were discovered, including "Lucy." These incredible documents of our evolutionary history are unique to this area.

This afternoon, your game drive continues into the rolling grasslands of the majestic Serengeti. Criss-crossed with forested riverine valleys, the Serengeti National Park plays home to millions of Africa’s large mammals, making this one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations. (This service is on a group basis.)

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is the best place on the planet to admire large game. An experience in the Serengeti promises an adventure you will never forget. From one exhilarating game drive to the next, your guide will help you to track down majestic prides of lions, cheetah, leopard and much more! Each evening can be spent at your enchanting tented camp, sharing stories by the fire and enjoying dinner beneath a blanket of African stars.

Day 7: Central Serengeti - Northern Serengeti

Central Serengeti - Northern Serengeti
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Game Drive to Northern Serengeti National Park
  • Accommodation: Camp Zebra - Kogatende
  • Meals: B, L, D

Game Drive to Northern Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will depart from the Central Serengeti and head to the Northern Serengeti. En route you will enjoy a full day of game driving. Upon arrival at the camp, you will enjoy the evening by the campfire and the exclusivity of absolute comfort combined with the authenticity of a night spent in the African bush. (This service is on a group basis.)

Northern Serengeti

The Northern corridor of the Serengeti remains serene and quiet due to its relative inaccessibility, requiring extended drive times or alternatively domestic flight. From July through October the Migration is resident in the area and is the finest place to see the Migration's river crossings; as the herds often cross the Mara River daily. Here you'll find a diversity of landscapes - from forested hills, to open savannas and riverine vegetation.

Day 8: Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Northern Serengeti National Park Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Camp Zebra - Kogatende
  • Meals: B, L, D

Northern Serengeti National Park Game Drive

Today will be spent game driving in the Northern Serengeti! This idyllic location offers the best chance of viewing the Great Migration at this time of year. The most iconic part of this event showcases scores of wildebeest and zebra attempting to cross the Mara River, which separates Tanzania from Kenya. With the knowledge, expertise and tracking skills of your guide, you will make the most of this legendary experience. Something that most travelers only ever dream of, the majestic Great Migration promises to be a highlight of your trip.

Day 9: Northern Serengeti - Masai Mara

Northern Serengeti - Masai Mara
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Accommodation: Sentinel Mara Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Domestic Flight
Serengeti - Tarime
Flight #: TBD
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

Migori Airstrip - Masai Mara
Flight #: TBD
Departs: 12:15 PM
Arrives: TBD

Your journey continues on to Kenya's Masai Mara today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Sereneti airstrip. Say farewell to your Tanzanian guide and board your domestic flight to Tarime. Upon arrival at Tarime Airstrip, you will be met and transferred to Migori Airstrip for a scheduled flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival at the Mara airstrip, you will be met by a representative from Sentinel Mara Camp who will transfer you to camp for check-in and lunch.

After lunch there will be time for an afternoon siesta and an evening game drive, followed by a drink as you watch the spectacular sunset, rounding off a fabulous day on safari. (This service is on a group basis.)

Masai Mara Game Reserve

The Masai Mara is one of the best-known reserves in the whole of Africa and is globally renowned for its exceptional wildlife. Despite comprising only 0.01% of Africa’s total landmass, more than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. The Maasai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley. The large plains and open grasslands are habitat to rich and varied wildlife such as lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, crocodile etc. There are also several species of birds such as vultures, herons, shrikes, etc. The animals are at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as 'dispersal areas'. There can be as much wildlife roaming outside the park as inside. Many Maasai villages are located in the 'dispersal areas' and they have, over centuries, developed a special relationship with the wildlife. The annual migration of millions of wildebeest and antelope, from July to September, is a spectacle never to be missed by any visitor to the Mara.

Days 10 - 11: Masai Mara

Masai Mara
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Game Drive in the Masai Mara
  • Accommodation: Sentinel Mara Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Game Drive in the Masai Mara

Spend two days exploring this majestic park with its large diversity of beautiful scenery, including its meandering rivers, towering escarpments and rolling grasslands that provide the perfect habitat for the abundance of game, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and black rhino. 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 seed 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. When in the Mara visit a traditional Maasai village or take a balloon safari at an extra cost (not included). A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara 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. Otherwise, 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. (This service is on a group basis.)

Day 12: Masai Mara - Nairobi Departure

Masai Mara - Nairobi Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): International Flight
  • Meals: B
International Flight
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Flight #: TBD
Departs: 11:15 AM
Arrives: 1:00 PM

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your local scheduled flight back to Nairobi's Wilson Airport.

Upon arrival in Nairobi you'll be met by a local representative who will be waiting to take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home. (This service is on a group basis.)

Accommodation

Eka Hotel

Eka Hotel

The Eka Hotel is ideally located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, the bustling capital city of Kenya. The property is ideally situated just minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Wilson Airport. With convenient access to all of the city's most popular tourist attractions, such as Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum and the Giraffe Center, this hotel is a great base from which to explore. The guest rooms offer the very best in comfort, accessibility and efficiency. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat screen TV, complimentary internet access, safety box and mini bar.

Elerai Camp

Elerai Camp

The privileged location of the camp looks down onto the Amboseli National Park in one direction and up to Mt Kilimanjaro in the other direction, giving what is arguably the best location of any camp in Amboseli. The camp currently has 12 luxury en suite mountain facing tents and 5 large luxurious lodge style suites. Huge beds with top quality mattresses and pillows and a large luxurious duvet ensure that you will sleep through the night in total comfort. Large sliding doors open out onto your own private verandah overlooking the plains below and the National Park. Each room has its own bathroom with a view, designed using natural rock and acacia wood the bathrooms have a design and feel unique to Elerai.

Acacia Farm Lodge

Acacia Farm Lodge

Acacia Farm Lodge is a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm, located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area. The property offers striking panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. The area’s unrivaled natural beauty is finely complemented by the elegant lodge. A timeless tranquility emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, mature trees and the lovely coffee plants. The lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other side, creating the perfect base from which to explore these world-famous reserves, as well as enjoy many other adventurous activities and impressive cultural experiences found in the area.

Siringit Serengeti Camp

Siringit Serengeti Camp

Siringit Serengeti Camp, which received its first guests in August 2017, is the latest addition to the collection of luxury camps to be found in the Serengeti National Park. It is located six kilometres East of Seronera Airstrip on ‘Sero 5’ Special Campsite making it an ideal destination for guests flying into central Serengeti. The camp is also only one hour’s drive from ‘Nabi Hill,’ the gateway to the Serengeti National Park for guests arriving by road from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Seronera River, the famous Hippo pool, the Serengeti Research Centre and the departure point for balloon Safaris are also all conveniently close by. The camp consists of 8 accommodation tents and a two-bedroomed family tent for the convenience of guests travelling with small children. Each tent sits atop a wooden platform and consists of a generous sleeping area, lounge space, an ensuite bathroom with “his and hers” wash hand basins, large shower and separate toilet. The family tent is appointed to the same high standards. Beautifully furnished lounge and dining tents with covered verandahs enjoying stunning views over the Serengeti plains occupy pride of place at the centre of the camp.

Camp Zebra - Kogatende

Camp Zebra - Kogatende

Camp Zebra’ is named after the Zebra which follows the Wildebeest during their world famous annual migration. Like the animal it is named after, ‘Camp Zebra’ follows the Wildebeest to the Northern part of the Serengeti National Park in June, July, August, September, October, and November; and to the Southern part from December till March. Each sleeping tent consists of a bedroom area, dressing area and ensuite shower and (flush) toilet. The dressing area, shower, and toilet are all “open air” so as to heighten the experience of living as one with your surroundings. Despite being able to enjoy some breath-taking views as you prepare yourself for the day ahead, privacy is still assured due to the clever design of the tents. As an added convenience, each tent is provided with sufficient electricity for lighting as well as for charging mobile telephones, cameras, tablets, laptop computers or any other electronic devices you may carry with you.

Sentinel Mara Camp

Sentinel Mara Camp

Sentinel Camp is set up each season in a forest along the banks of the Mara River in one of the prime areas of the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. All seven luxury tents are river facing with en suite facilities with hot showers and flush toilets. Guests are offered personalized attention, a personal Masai Askari and porter to every 2 tents. The experience of being in the wild coupled with luxury and attention to detail is the finest way to enjoy the magic and mystery of the African wilderness with its amazing wildlife.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 8,948 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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