DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (D)
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint overlooking a section of the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, we enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. The main section of road between Nairobi and the Reserve is in a very poor state, so be prepared for a rough ride! We pass through the town of Narok, and continue our drive possibly getting a glimpse of some wildlife along the way. We arrive at our campsite, Acacia Camp in the late afternoon. Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 2: Masai Mara (B / L / D)
We depart shortly after sunrise on our game drive into the Masai Mara Reserve. The Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best National Reserves and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Most famous for the Annual Migration, that consists of the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle that cross over from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania; the Masai Mara is most popular between July and October when these vast herds feast on the fresh grazing here. Following these herbivores are Africa’s predators that are often seen at a kill during this period. We game drive through a section of the park in search of the ‘Big 5’- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds who make call this wilderness home. This afternoon, there is an opportunity to visit one of the local Masai Manyatta’s – this is a traditional village of the Masai People.

DAY 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi (B)
Heading out of the Masai Mara we travel back into the surrounding Masai Land area where we may still catch a glimpse of the game that has migrated into the this region. The Masai Mara National Reserve is unfenced and so it’s common to see some wildlife migrating through this ‘buffer’ zone. Departing in the morning, we reach Nairobi in the
late afternoon. We spend the evening at Acacia Camp where we welcome some new passengers who will join our trip in the morning.

DAY 4: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)
This morning we collect the passengers who will be joining us on the next leg of our trip. We depart Nairobi and travel south, crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion tomorrow.

DAY 5: Arusha to Karatu (B / L / D)
This morning we visit the Meserani Reptile Park and Masai Cultural Museum. A few minutes’ walk from the campsite is a gallery selling the bright and iconic Tinga Tinga paintings. Alternatively the town of Arusha is nearby to explore. After enjoying lunch at our camp against the backdrop of Mount Meru we meet our Tanzanian guides and transfer into locally operated 4WD vehicles. These vehicles have been adapted for safari use and allow excellent viewing and photographic opportunities through the opening roof hatches.
Leaving our camp we travel via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and then up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. Tonight we spend the evening at a very pleasant campsite in Karatu (campsite has ablution facilities).

DAY 6: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park (B / L / D)
This morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. Comprising of open savannahs, acacia forests and both soda and fresh water lakes, the Ngorongoro Crater is truly a miniature ‘Garden of Eden’. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.
After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp (no ablution facilities) in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. Without any fences surrounding our campsite we are truly in the midst of nature!

DAY 7: Serengeti National Park to Arusha (B / L / D)
In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! Following our morning drive, we retrace our journey back across the plains and along the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

DAY 8: Arusha to Nairobi (B)
This morning we have some time to spend in Arusha before joining a shuttle bus transfer for the drive back to Kenya, and onto Nairobi, where our trip comes to an end on arrival in the city centre. The Shuttle driver will assist with the border crossing and drop you at a hotel in the city centre. Arrival to Nairobi is usually in the afternoon, but may be delayed by traffic or the border crossing so we recommend booking any onward travel for the following day.

Please Note: This tour forms a part of a longer trip & the public shuttle bus from Arusha to Nairobi is not operated by Africa Travel Co, or its crew.

Included:

Meal Key:
B-Breakfast     L- Lunch   D- Dinner

OPTIONAl EXCURSIONS:
Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip.
Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change
- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
KENYA:
Masai Village Visit
10 US$

Masai Warrior Dancing
6 US$

Masai Mara Balloon Safari (when available)
450 US$

TANZANIA:
Masai Village Visit From
10 US$

Olduvai Gorge
5 US$