The Great East African Journey
8 days—The Great East African Journey
$7884-12570 USD
pp
Safari summary
This eight-day luxury safari is a meticulously crafted expedition that brings together the best of Kenya and Tanzania. Beginning with the unique freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha, the tour takes you to the legendary Maasai Mara before crossing the border into the endless plains of the Serengeti and concluding at the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of diverse landscapes, from boat safaris to game drives and walks among wildlife. Staying at premier luxury camps and lodges, you are guaranteed a journey filled with unforgettable encounters, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled comfort.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Game drives | |
Activity level | Easy activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Sightseeing | shopping | markets
- Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Nairobi and a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is home to an abundance of birdlife and animals. You will enjoy a guided boat safari to see hippos and various water birds. Afterward, you will have the unique opportunity to walk among giraffes and zebras at Crescent Island Sanctuary.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Day 2: Naivasha to Maasai Mara
Masai Mara
Following a satisfying breakfast, you'll take a final cruise on Lake Naivasha before heading to the world-renowned Maasai Mara. This vast reserve is teeming with wildlife and is the northern extension of the great Serengeti ecosystem. Upon arrival at your safari lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a delicious dinner, preparing you for the days of exploration ahead.
Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 3: Maasai Mara Safari Day
Masai Mara
Today, you have the option for an early morning hot air balloon safari for a bird's-eye view of the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast. Afterward, you'll embark on a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch to discover the Mara's famous residents, from big cats to huge herds of elephants and wildebeest, all in their natural habitat.
Ashnil Mara Camp
Day 4: Mara to Serengeti drive
Masai Mara | Serengeti
After an early breakfast, your journey continues with a scenic game drive as you make your way to the Isebania border crossing. After clearing immigration, you'll meet your Tanzanian guide and continue to the vast Serengeti. The journey offers excellent game viewing opportunities before you arrive at your luxury camp late in the day.
Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
Day 5: Exploring Kogatende
Serengeti
Today is dedicated to exploring the Kogatende area of the Serengeti. Your game drive will focus on finding the massive herds of the Wildebeest Migration as they prepare for the daunting Mara River crossing. With patience and luck, you may witness this incredible spectacle as they brave crocodile-infested waters. The day concludes with a well-deserved dinner at your camp.
Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
Day 6: Safari in Central Serengeti
Serengeti
Following breakfast, you will journey toward the Seronera region in the Central Serengeti, renowned for being "big cat country." This area is famous for its concentration of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You’ll have a full day of game drives, with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife from dik-diks to elephants.
Tamu Tamu Tented Camp
Day 7: Journey to Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti
Today’s drive takes you out of the Serengeti and toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route provides another chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, including predators and grazing herds. You'll arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater in time to relax and enjoy a spectacular sundowner on the crater's rim.
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
Day 8: Crater tour, end in Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This self-contained ecosystem is home to over 120 mammal species, including the rare black rhinoceros. After an incredible game drive and a picnic lunch, you will ascend the crater walls for the final drive to Arusha, where your unforgettable safari concludes
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