Kenya and Tanzania - An Epic Wildlife Safari

Our representative will warmly welcome you and help you through the arrival process when you land in Kenya's vibrant capital city, Nairobi. Your dedicated driver-guide will transport you to the luxurious Villa Rosa Kempinski, a hotel known for its opulence and panoramic views of Nairobi’s skyline. Having hosted esteemed guests like President Barack Obama and Lupita Nyong’o, this hotel promises a lavish retreat soaked in tropical sunlight.

Take the day to unwind or explore. A short drive from the central business district, Villa Rosa Kempinski offers easy access to Nairobi's fast-paced urban core. Here, early colonial architecture stands alongside modern high-rise towers. You might choose to visit the Nairobi National Museum, home to fascinating galleries on prehistory, ornithology, ethnography, and the making of modern Kenya, complete with a snake park. Alternatively, we can arrange a guided walking tour for a deeper dive into city life or the museum's wonders.

For a more relaxing experience, immerse yourself in the hotel's world-class spa or savor delectable cuisine at its fine restaurants. The restaurants feature spicy Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. Join your two guides Rupi and Mary for cocktails and a delightful dinner at the Tambourin restaurant as the sun sets over Nairobi, a perfect end to your first day in Kenya.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before a thrilling 60-minute flight over the stunning Ngong Hills and Nairobi National Park. From the air, you may spot black rhinos and big cats in the world's only capital city wildlife park. Soar above the iconic landscapes that inspired Karen Blixen’s classic tales. Have your cameras ready. If it's clear you'll see Mount Kenya on the equator. This volcanic mountain at 17,057 feet is Africa's second tallest volcanic mountain.

Samburu is home to the Samburu Special 5, unique wildlife found only in the arid lands north of the equator. These include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. These species have adapted to survive without water, relying on morning and evening dew. The lifeline of this region is the Ewaso Nyiro River, akin to the Nile in Egypt. 

Arriving at Samburu National Reserve, we'll transfer from the airstrip to the camp, with a game drive en route. We'll settle into the Elephant Tented Camp, frequented by elephants living near the river. Samburu’s elephants have been studied for over 30 years, discovering that they 'call' each other by name. Look out for Cinnamon, one of the oldest matriarchs. Read more about these studies here: Save the Elephants.

After a late lunch, we'll take an afternoon game drive to encounter cheetahs, leopards, lions, and elephants. We are in our guide, Mary Wykstra's backyard where most of her research on Kenya's northern cheetahs has been done. With Mary, our very own expert, we'll  learn about cheetah conservation and how to become a citizen scientist by identifying cheetahs through their whisker and spot patterns. Being on safari with Mary offers fascinating insights into these magnificent cats, whose global population in the wild has dwindled to less than 10,000 from 100,000 a century ago. 

Relax at the campfire with cocktails as the sun sets. Then, enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars. This is a perfect spot for stargazing. It's close to the equator so you can see constellations straddling both hemispheres. Local Samburu dancers may entertain us with the songs and dances of their ancestors. 

Wake up to the glorious African sunrise for a 6:15 AM game drive, following a warm cup of tea or coffee. The surreal landscape unfolds with rugged mountains and rocky insets, teeming with life. Return to camp by 9 AM for a delightful breakfast.

After breakfast, enjoy some 'me' time. Seek tranquility on the riverbanks, where you may witness an elephant herd quietly drinking. Alternatively, retreat to your tent for a soothing massage. Rejoin the camp in time for lunch, rejuvenated, and ready for the afternoon.

Samburu is home to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust dedicated to conserving the rare Grevy’s zebra. Named after a French president from the 1800s, this zebra has become an asset to the Samburu community. Locals actively protect these magnificent creatures. Samburu is also part of the lion project started by Ewaso Lions. The driver-guides will point the animals out during the game drives.

Return for a starlit dinner, followed by a nightcap around the campfire and finally to a peaceful slumber in your ‘tent’.

After breakfast and check-out, a 90-minute flight from Samburu will take us to the Maasai Mara, flying over the Great Rift Valley. This is the planet’s longest valley on land. It stretches 6,000km from Lebanon in the Middle East to Mozambique in Southeastern Africa and is best seen in Kenya. The flight enters the savanna grassland of the mighty Mara, home to the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard – as well as cheetahs. This is lion country, famous for its black-maned lions. It's possible to see all three big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah – in a single day.

We'll be greeted at the airstrip when we land. We'll take a short game drive to Africa’s first permanent glam camp. Check-in and then enjoy an exquisite lunch before setting off for an afternoon game drive at 3:30 PM, returning to camp at sunset.

Take a moment to refresh in the evening before we gather for cocktails, celebrating our first night in the Mara, one of the seven natural wonders of the modern world. Dinner is under the stars, accompanied by lively conversations with the resident naturalist. 

Finally, as the night deepens, we’ll bid each other "lala salama," wishing everyone a peaceful sleep in Kiswahili, resting to prepare for another day of exploration.

Awaken at dawn to a warm cup of tea or coffee before setting out for a morning game drive. This is the best time to witness the elusive big cats prowling in the cool morning light. Opt for a thrilling balloon safari at sunrise for an unparalleled adventure. Drift silently over the savannah, capturing an eagle's view of the wildlife below, followed by a decadent champagne breakfast. Note: This extraordinary experience will be at a cost to you.

Those not doing the balloon ride will return to the lodge by 9 AM for a hearty breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning at your leisure. Relax at the pool, visit the spa, or just soak in the breathtaking Mara views.

After a delicious lunch, prepare for another exhilarating game drive. This time, we'll focus on the famed Marsh Pride, one of the world’s most renowned lion prides, frequently featured in BBC documentaries. As we traverse the landscape, keep your eyes peeled for other magnificent Mara residents.

As night falls, delight in a magical dinner under the stars, embracing the true essence of the African bush. 

After a sumptuous breakfast in the Mara, we’ll fly to Tanzania, Kenya’s neighboring country to the south. When crossing borders we will change flights to enjoy a short flight over the vast Serengeti (so have your passports ready). Our scenic flight will lead to a game drive en route to our next wildlife camp. November is the perfect time to witness the annual wildebeest migration from the camp, nestled in the game-rich Seronera Valley at the heart of the Serengeti.

Following a hearty lunch and a refreshing siesta, embark on a late afternoon game drive at 4:00 PM in our custom-made safari cruisers, expertly driven by seasoned guides. The Serengeti, part of a 30,000-square-kilometer ecosystem the Maasai call 'the endless plains,' adjoins Kenya’s Mara and is renowned for its wildlife and scenic sun-sculpted stone kopjes, favored by lions.

As evening falls, gather for cocktails at the bar, then a delectable dinner, reliving the day's magical moments. Enjoy traditional Maasai dances, featuring high leaps and throaty chants celebrating love, lion hunts, and happiness. Join in and feel the rhythm of the wild.

The Maasai have long coexisted with African wildlife, both thriving in the vast spaces needed to survive. Experience this harmonious blend of culture and nature, creating unforgettable memories in the Serengeti.

Start your day with a relaxing cup of coffee or tea and some biscuits as dawn breaks over the Serengeti. We'll then depart on an early morning game drive. The cool air invigorates, and animals are more active before the sun's heat sets in. You might spot lionesses on a hunt or lions panting to cool off, reminding us of their lack of sweat glands. 

For those who missed the hot air balloon safari in the Mara or wish to experience it again, an optional balloon ride is available this morning. This breathtaking adventure offers a unique chance to view the animals and the vast plains from above. Please note that this experience is available at an additional cost.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then enjoy leisure time to unwind, perhaps with a good book or by soaking in the serene surroundings. Join us for a satisfying lunch before setting out for another thrilling afternoon game drive.

The Serengeti, where Elsa’s cubs from Born Free roamed, offers a rich tapestry of wildlife and history. Return to the lodge by 6:30 PM for a refreshing shower or a cold beer. Our evening culminates with a gourmet dinner and a nightcap at the fire pit, where we’ll share stories and drink a toast to the day's adventures.

After breakfast, we take a scenic flight to Lake Manyara (a salt lake famous for its birdlife) in the Great Rift Valley. From there, we drive to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater's rim, where the delightful Ngorongoro Tented Camp awaits. This camp boasts panoramic views of the world's most renowned wildlife caldera, a spectacle like no other.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch as you soak in the stunning surroundings. The reception offers many activities like nature walks at extra cost.

As the sun sets, we gather for sundowners, sipping refreshing drinks while the sky paints a vibrant canvas. Dinner follows, featuring gourmet dishes to tantalize your taste buds. The evening brings the perfect culmination to a day of adventure and relaxation, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this extraordinary wilderness.

After breakfast, set out on an exhilarating morning drive descending to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. You'll be on the lookout for its elusive black rhino, majestic lions, and stealthy leopards, among other remarkable wildlife. The crater, an astonishing 610 meters (2,000 feet) deep and spanning 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), is an extraordinary setting for a full day of exploration.

Relish a delightful picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery of this important UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. Formed millions of years ago after the collapse of a colossal volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique habitat teeming with diverse flora and fauna. With no volcanic activity to disturb you, immerse yourself in the thrill of wildlife spotting and the serene beauty of your surroundings.

As the day winds down, return to your lodge to enjoy sundowners, followed by a sumptuous dinner. Conclude your adventurous day with a nightcap around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars before retreating to a restful sleep, serenaded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

After a delectable breakfast, we'll fly back to Arusha and then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you prepare for your return flights departing later that day, you'll carry with you a trove of unforgettable memories from your extraordinary African safari and the bonds formed with newfound friends. 

Reflecting on the words of Dr. Bernhard Grzimek, renowned for his work Serengeti Shall Not Die: “There is a peace and timelessness in the Serengeti that is unlike anything I have ever experienced. It is a place where you can feel the pulse of the Earth, the rhythm of life that has been playing out for millions of years.”