Splendours of East Africa

Day 2 Nairobi

Your adventure begins with a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you will have the opportunity to witness the incredible work being done to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants. Here, you will learn about the conservation efforts that are crucial to preserving Kenya’s wildlife, and you may even have the chance to see the young elephants up close during their feeding time. Following this heartwarming experience, you will head to the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe. At the centre, you can feed and interact with these gentle giants from a raised observation platform, making for an unforgettable and educational encounter.

After your morning with the animals, enjoy a scenic drive to the Karen Blixen Museum, located in the former home of the famous author of “Out of Africa.” Immerse yourself in the history and charm of early 20th-century colonial Kenya as you explore the house and its beautiful gardens. For lunch, you will dine at the delightful Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, where you can savor a delicious meal in a tranquil setting. The combination of lush greenery and rich history provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation. The day’s excursions offer a blend of wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and culinary delight, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the wonders of Nairobi. (B)

Day 3 Amboseli National Park

After a hearty breakfast at the Tamarind Tree Hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to Nairobi and embark on a scenic drive to Amboseli National Park. The journey offers picturesque views of the Kenyan countryside, with glimpses of rural life and landscapes that become more captivating as you approach the park. Upon arrival at the Serena Amboseli Lodge, you will be welcomed with refreshing drinks and a smooth check-in process. Nestled in the heart of the park, this lodge boasts stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and provides an ideal base for exploring the area’s diverse wildlife and unique ecosystem.

Following a delicious lunch at the lodge, prepare for your first afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Kilimanjaro, the park promises an exciting and memorable safari experience. As you venture out, keep your eyes peeled for lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Your experienced guide will share insights about the park’s flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of this remarkable landscape. As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the plains, return to Serena Amboseli for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures over a delightful dinner. (BLD)

Day 4 & 5 Amboseli National Park

Prepare for two exhilarating days of exploration in Amboseli National Park, where the adventure unfolds with full-day game drives. Start each morning with an early breakfast at Serena Amboseli Lodge before setting out into the park as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the savannah. Amboseli is famed for its stunning landscapes dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which provides a breath taking backdrop for your safari. Throughout the day, you will traverse different terrains, from open plains to marshlands, in search of the park’s diverse wildlife. Elephants are the star attraction here, often seen in large herds, but you will also encounter zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.

The afternoon game drives offer a different perspective as animals become more active again. Your experienced guide will take you to prime wildlife viewing areas, increasing your chances of spotting predators like lions and cheetahs. As you traverse the park, the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro looms in the distance, creating picture-perfect moments. Return to the lodge in the evening, where you can unwind by the campfire, share stories of your sightings, and relish in the luxurious comfort of Serena Amboseli. These days promise unforgettable encounters with nature and a deep connection to the wild beauty of Kenya. (BLD)

Day 6 Arusha

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli National Park as you embark on a journey to the Namanga border, where you will cross into Tanzania. The drive offers scenic views and a glimpse of the local way of life along the route. Upon clearing border formalities, continue to the vibrant city of Arusha, often referred to as the safari capital of Tanzania. Here, you will stop for a delightful lunch at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, a charming retreat nestled within one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience, savoring fresh, local flavors while taking in the serene atmosphere of the lodge’s lush gardens.

Post-lunch, a short drive will bring you to Serena Arusha, your comfortable haven for the night. This elegant hotel, set against the backdrop of Mount Meru, offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional African charm. Take some time to relax and unwind, perhaps enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool or a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds. In the evening, gather for a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of international and local dishes. Reflect on the day’s journey and prepare for the exciting adventures that lie ahead as you continue your exploration of East Africa. (BLD)

Day 7 Lake Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast at Serena Arusha, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a gem nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions. Upon arrival, you will set off on an exciting game drive, exploring the lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, and alkaline lake. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffaloes, and a plethora of bird species, including the vibrant pink flamingos that often congregate along the lake’s edge. The park’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity make for a memorable safari experience.

Following the game drive, continue your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will be welcomed at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Perched on the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge offers breathtaking views of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Settle into your room and take in the panoramic vistas from your private balcony. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, which serves a variety of local and international dishes. As you dine, anticipate the adventures that await you in the days to come, including a descent into the crater for an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. (BLD)

Day 8 Ngorongoro Crater

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, gearing up for an extraordinary adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater. As you descend the crater walls, you’ll enter a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is home to an astonishing variety of animals, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The crater floor’s diverse habitats, from open savannah to acacia forests and soda lakes, create a haven for both predator and prey.

Your full day game drive will take you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering ample opportunities for incredible wildlife sightings and photography. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the crater, where you can take in the breathtaking views and reflect on the morning’s sightings. In the afternoon, continue exploring, with the chance to see large herds of wildebeests and zebras, as well as hippos lounging in the crater’s marshy areas. As the sun begins to set, ascend back to the rim and return to the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Relax and recount the day’s adventures over a sumptuous dinner, surrounded by the lodge’s warm hospitality and the stunning backdrop of the crater. (BLD)

Day 9 Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti National Park

After a hearty breakfast at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, embark on your journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park. En route, you will make a fascinating stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. Here, you can explore the small museum and learn about the significant fossil discoveries made by the Leakey family, which have provided invaluable insights into early human evolution. The visit to Olduvai Gorge offers a unique blend of natural history and scientific intrigue, enriching your understanding of the region’s prehistoric significance.

Continuing your drive, you will soon enter the vast plains of the Serengeti, home to one of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations on the planet. Arrive at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, where you will be greeted with warm hospitality and stunning views of the surrounding savannah. After settling into your comfortable accommodation, enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and massive herds of wildebeest and zebras. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the landscape, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and a restful night’s sleep, ready to explore more of this iconic park in the days to come. (BLD)

Day 10 & 11 Serengeti National Park

Prepare for two exhilarating days of wildlife exploration in the Serengeti National Park, a place where nature’s grandeur unfolds in every direction. Begin each morning with a hearty breakfast at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge before setting out on full days of game drives. The Serengeti’s vast, endless plains are home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the landscape in search of fresh grazing. As you journey through this iconic park, you will have the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle, as well as the predators that follow in its wake, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Your experienced guide will navigate through various terrains, from open grasslands to riverine forests, ensuring that you get the most out of your safari experience. In the afternoons, continue your game drives, exploring different areas of the Serengeti and increasing your chances of encountering a wide variety of wildlife. The park is also home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a rich diversity of birdlife. As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, where you can share stories and photographs of the day’s sightings. The Serengeti’s timeless beauty and abundant wildlife promise an unforgettable adventure, capturing the essence of the African safari experience. (BLD)

Day 12 Masai Mara National Reserve

Start your day with an early breakfast at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, then embark on a scenic drive towards the Isebania border, where you will cross from Tanzania into Kenya. The journey offers glimpses of the local landscapes and communities, providing a rich tapestry of cultural and natural beauty. Upon completing the border formalities, continue your journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. As you enter this iconic safari destination, the anticipation builds for the incredible wildlife experiences that await you.

Arrive at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, perched high on a hill with panoramic views of the Mara River and surrounding savannah. This luxurious lodge, inspired by traditional Maasai architecture, offers an idyllic retreat amidst the wild. After a warm welcome and check-in, you can unwind and enjoy the breath taking views from the lodge or explore the immediate surroundings. With its strategic location, the lodge provides an excellent base for exploring the Masai Mara, known for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five and the annual Great Migration. Settle in for a restful night, ready for the adventures that the Masai Mara will bring in the coming days. (BLD)

Day 13, 14 & 15 Masai Mara National Reserve

Immerse yourself in the heart of the African wilderness with three full days of game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Each morning begins with an early breakfast at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, followed by an exhilarating day of wildlife exploration. The Masai Mara, renowned for its rich biodiversity and iconic landscapes, offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in the world. As you traverse the open plains, riverbanks, and acacia woodlands, keep an eye out for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The reserve is also home to a plethora of other wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and a stunning array of bird species.

The Masai Mara is particularly famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their annual trek across the Mara River. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may witness this breath taking spectacle, complete with dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions. Your experienced guide will navigate through different parts of the reserve, ensuring you get the most out of your safari experience. In the evenings, return to the comfort of Mara Serena Safari Lodge, where you can relax, share stories of the day’s adventures, and savour delicious dinners. These days in the Masai Mara promise unforgettable encounters with nature and moments that will stay with you forever. (BLD)

Day 16 Flight to Nairobi

On your final day in the enchanting Masai Mara, enjoy an early breakfast at Mara Serena Safari Lodge before bidding farewell to this incredible wilderness. Transfer to the nearby airstrip for a scenic flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. As you soar above the vast landscapes, take one last look at the breath taking scenery that has been your home for the past few days. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you will be met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

During the transfer, you’ll have a chance to reflect on the many unforgettable moments of your safari adventure, from the iconic landscapes of Amboseli and the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara. (B)