13-day East Africa Trails Lodge and Tented Camp Group Safari

After breakfast, a visit to Nairobi National Park for a game drive and a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's elephant orphanage where orphaned elephants are looked after and cared for.

Afterwards, a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, a chance to see Karen Blixen's house with your own eyes and go back to the time of the film “Out of Africa”.

Lunch at Matteo's restaurant in the village of Karen. After lunch, depart from Nairobi and drive to Lake Nakuru.

Lake Nakuru is one of the many lakes found in the rich Great Rift Valley, a habitat abundant with wild and bird life, boasting over 50 different mammal species including the lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhinoceros, various antelope species, and several primates.

Arrival at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and after checking in, time to enjoy the surroundings, a refreshing dip in the pool and the magnificent views over Lake Nakuru and the surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park.

Overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge in a double room with en-suite bathroom. (lodge)

• Activities include: Nairobi National Park, visit Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, visit Karen Blixen Museum
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Overnight stay: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – twin room with en-suite bathroom
• Distance: approx. 230 km
• For more information, see: www.sopalodges.com/lake-nakuru-sopa-lodge/the-lodge

After breakfast, depart from the lodge and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day of game driving. The park is rich in wildlife and is particularly known for the rhinos (black and white) found here.

A game drive is being carried out through Lake Nakuru National Park in search of the animals found here, such as lions, buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and a spectacular number of birds.

The morning is the best time of day to see most animals. In the cool of the morning, the animals are active and looking for food. The picnic lunch is enjoyed in a beautiful spot under the acacia trees.

After the game drive, we'll return to the lodge for a wonderfully refreshing sundowner drink as evening falls. A delicious dinner will be served in the evening.

Overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge in a double room with en-suite bathroom. (lodge)

• Activities include: Full day game drive Lake Nakuru National Park
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Overnight stay: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – twin room with en-suite bathroom

After breakfast, depart from Lake Nakuru and the Great Rift Valley and drive to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, the highlight of this trip. After lunch at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, there will be time to relax at the camp and enjoy the surroundings.

In the afternoon, a first game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the Big Five and, if you travel in July/August, the migration of wildebeest and zebra.

In the afternoon, a game drive through the Masai Mara. After the game drive, a drink around the campfire and a delicious dinner.

Overnight stay at Zebra Plains Mara Camp in a double room with an en-suite bathroom. (lodge)

• Activities include: afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp – twin room with en-suite bathroom
• Distance: approx. 215 km
• For more information, see: www.zebraplainscollection.com/zebra-plains-mara-camp/

A wake-up call in the early morning and off we go for today's morning game drive. In the coolness of the morning, the animals are most active, so there's the greatest chance of seeing plenty of wildlife.

When it gets too warm and the animals start seeking out a spot in the shade, head back to camp for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, relax at camp, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the pool.

Optional (and at an additional cost), a bushwalk can be arranged with local Moran (Maasai warriors), a visit to a traditional Maasai village can be made, or a hot air balloon safari can be undertaken over the Maasai Mara.

Lunch in the camp followed by an afternoon game drive through the Masai Mara, with a chance to see nocturnal animals such as porcupines, bushbabies, aardvarks, hyenas, genets, and leopards.

After the game drive, we return to camp for drinks by the campfire and a delicious dinner.

Overnight stays at Zebra Plains Mara Camp in a double room with en-suite bathroom. (lodge)

• Activities include: morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara
• Optional activity: hot-air balloon ride over the Masai Mara (from U$ 515 per person), depending on the number of people
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp – twin room with en-suite bathroom
• Distance: game driving in the Masai Mara National Reserve

Up early to see the sunrise over the Mara and have a lovely breakfast. Afterwards, pack up and drive back to Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley. A stop will be made en route to take a photo of the valley and have a picnic lunch at a nice spot along the way.

From the airport (Wilson or JKIA) a regional flight to Arusha Kilimanjaro airport. Upon arrival at Arusha airport, you will be welcomed to Tanzania by a representative of the safari company and transferred to the Mount Meru Game Lodge.

Rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the Mount Meru Game Lodge in a double rondavel. (lodge)

• Overnight stay: Mount Meru Game Lodge – double room with en-suite bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch
• Distance: 278 km (Kenya) – 30 km (Tanzania)
• For more information, see: www.mtmerugamelodge.com

This morning you'll wake up with a view of the magnificent Mount Meru. After breakfast, there will be a brief discussion with your guide about the arrangements for the safari.

Depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch en route. This national park is named after the Tarangire River and famous for its large elephant herds, with some herds numbering as many as 500 elephants.

During the dry season, the park offers a refuge for many animal species that come to drink at the river.

The park is also known for its many Baobab trees and the great diversity of birds. After arrival, a game drive in Tarangire National Park. After the game drive, drive to the Honeyguide Tarangire Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at Honeyguide Tarangire Camp in a twin “Out in Africa style” safari tent. (permanent tented camp)

• Activities include: full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park
• Overnight stay: Honeyguide Tarangire Camp – twin permanent safari tent with bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner, and local drinks such as spirits, beer and wine
• Distance: 144 km
• For more information: www.honeyguidecamp.com/activities/honeyguide-tarangire-camp/

This morning breakfast at the camp with the sounds of animals in the background. Afterwards, we depart from Honeyguide Tarangire Camp and drive to the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

On the way to the camp, a picnic lunch and a first game drive in the Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania's oldest national park and its most popular due to the annual migration of wildebeest, among other animals. Serengeti means “endless plains” in the Masai language.

Arrival at Kati Kati Serengeti Camp at the end of the afternoon.

Overnight stay at Serengeti Kati Kati Camp in a twin safari tent. (mobile tented camp)

• Activities include: game drive in Serengeti National Park
• Overnight stay: Kati Kati Camp – twin mobile safari tent with en-suite bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
• Distance: 273 km
• For more information, see: www.twctanzania.com/accommodation/kati-kati-tented-camp/

Full day in the Serengeti with an early morning and afternoon game drive (both approx. 3-4 hours) with breakfast and lunch at the camp. The morning is a perfect time to see animals, it's not too hot yet and the animals are looking for food in the cool before the afternoon sun makes it too hot and they seek the shade of trees and bushes.

After the morning game drive, breakfast at the lodge, with time to relax in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, a second game drive in Serengeti Park, with a chance to see nocturnal animals such as leopards and cheetahs. In the evening, dinner is served around the campfire.

Overnight stay at Serengeti Kati Kati Camp in a twin safari tent. (mobile tented camp)

• Activities include: morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park
• Optional activities: hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti (approx. US$ 545 per person, depending on the number of people)
• Overnight stay: Kati Kati Camp – twin mobile safari tent with en-suite bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Distance: game driving

Depart from Serengeti National Park and Kati Kati camp after breakfast and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way to Olduvai Gorge, a picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot.

Arrival at the Olduvai Gorge, an important, prehistoric site where the first remains of early humans were found. A guided tour is conducted here with a guide who explains the how and what of this place.

Afterwards, drive to the lodge via the crater rim where, with a bit of good weather, the Ngorongoro Crater can be seen. Arrive at the lodge at the end of the afternoon and the rest of the afternoon to relax.

Overnight stay at Acacia Farm Lodge in a double room. (chalet)

• Activities include: game drive en route from the park, visit to Olduvai Gorge museum with tour and lecture
• A stay: Acacia Farm Lodge – double room with bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Distance: 160 km
• For more information: www.karatuacacialodge.com

This morning, we depart early from the lodge for a full day's visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, including a picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the 8th wonder of the world, and upon arrival, you will see why with your own eyes.

Today is a great chance to see the famous Big Five: the elephant, leopard, buffalo, lion, and rhinoceros. Upon returning to the lodge, the delightful coolness of the swimming pool and the sunset.

Overnight stay at Acacia Farm Lodge in a double room. (chalet)

• Activities include: visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
• A stay: Acacia Farm Lodge – double room with bathroom
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Distance: Game driving Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart from Acacia Lodge and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park for a final game drive.

Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s small parks but, as Ernest Hemingway already said, it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen with a large alkaline lake, a varied landscape and diverse wildlife.

During the game drive, we will be looking for the animals that are found here, such as the famous tree-climbing lion, many flamingos, large herds of buffalo and zebras. After the game drive, we will drive to Arusha and arrive around lunchtime (lunch at your own expense in Arusha).

Depending on your booked flight, a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

End of arrangement.

• Activities include: game drive Lake Manyara National Park
• Meals included: breakfast
• Distance: 250 km