fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

The Masai Heartlands

Sale!

The Masai Heartlands

Was From $ 5,945 AUD
Now From $ 4,756 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, , ,

Description

Watch the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible 15-day overland adventure. Head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople and the finest game parks in eastern Africa. Travelling through the acclaimed Masai Mara and the vast Serengeti plains to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Follow in the footsteps of the Maasai with local knowledge each step of the way, leaving you with memories of Africa to last a lifetime.

Trip Name
The Masai Heartlands
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Highlights
  • Explore Amboseli National Park, home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya - known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
  • Learn about rural Tanzanian life as you join the community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before enjoying a traditional meal together.
  • Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
  • Head out on an early morning game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. This might be your best chance of seeing black and white rhinoceroses in the flesh.
  • Embark on unforgettable safaris across Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for a chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your trip begins in Nairobi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, consider getting to know the city on an Urban Adventure like the ‘Nairobi Experience’. This optional 4-hour tour is a great way to get a feel for Nairobi and includes lunch at a local restaurant. After the meeting, maybe join your new travel companions for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better.
Day 2 - Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive north-west past splendid views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita to Lake Nakuru National Park. Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a great location for spotting wildlife, which you’ll get a chance to do on an early morning game drive tomorrow. For now, head to a nearby village with your leader. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with the local folk and get a feel for everyday life here. Take a cooking class and return later in the evening to share the results for dinner.
Day 3 - Lake Naivasha
Wake early for a light breakfast this morning and head into the Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive in the overland vehicle. Lake Nakuru is home to rhinos, and there will be a good chance of spotting and photographing one of these magnificent beasts. Return to camp for lunch, then drive to Lake Naivasha. One of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha has floating islands of papyrus reeds and a border of flat-topped acacias. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos and a huge variety of birds.
Day 4 - Lake Naivasha
Today, you’ll head out for a boat trip across Lake Naivasha – the best way to take in the atmosphere of this lush area. With your experienced guide, look out for the numerous hippo that live here, as well as kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, giraffes, zebras and waterbucks. Set against a backdrop of the Eburru volcanic mountain range and lined by acacia trees, this lake is one of the most renowned in the area. After, you have a free day to choose from a variety of optional activities. Maybe opt for a trip to Hell's Gate National Park, which boasts beautiful cliffs, gorges, rock towers, volcanoes and a range of geothermal phenomena, or hire a bike for the day and make some of your own discoveries, venturing beyond the cacti and olive trees.
Day 5 - Loita Hills Maasai Village
Depart Lake Naivasha, making a short stop in Narok for food shopping. Continue to Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people, stopping for lunch on the way. You’ll be camping at Tepesua Village, which is known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. When you arrive, be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance, then your host will explain the details of Maasai warrior training. Take a walk to the community village, founded to alleviate the poverty of Maasai widows, who traditionally are not allowed to inherit property. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Spend the evening around a campfire and learn more about their age-old culture and traditions as you share stories with Maasai warriors into the night.
Day 6 - Masai Mara National Reserve
Today, you’ll travel from Loita Hills to Masai Mara. Most of the road there is tarmacked, but the final 5 km is dusty when dry and muddy when wet. The Masai Mara, with its sparse open plains, dramatic skies and some of the world's most tremendous animals, is the quintessential African experience. After setting up camp, sit down for some lunch. Then, it's time to jump in 4WDs and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara, looking out for all your wildlife favourites form the Lion King – think wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, elephants and rhino.
Day 7 - Masai Mara National Reserve
This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.
Day 8 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, you can head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. Tonight, why not ask your leader for local dinner recommendations and head out to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 9 - Amboseli National Park
Today, you'll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and discover the wildlife that calls this place home.
Day 10 - Mto Wa Mbu
This morning, you'll visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the inspiring men and women who protect the vital Kimana Sanctuary, an important wildlife area, particularly for migrating elephants. At the Ranger Training Academy, listen to stories of what it takes to safeguard this unique environment and the risks involved in protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The project plays a crucial role in improving the lives and working conditions of rangers, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts where both wildlife and people can thrive. After your visit, travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border, heading to Mto wa Mbu, a charming village that offers a glimpse into small-town African life. In the afternoon, join the local community for a guided walk around the village, visiting farms, milling machines, and homes. You'll finish the day with a traditional dinner, experiencing local hospitality before settling in at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu.
Day 11 - Serengeti National Park (Ngorongoro Crater)
Rise and shine early today before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, swap your overland vehicle for open roof 4WDs. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it's easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino. Later, head to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending landscape is home to thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite within the park. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep.
Day 12 - Serengeti National Park
Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner.
Day 13 - Karatu
Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot before making the long drive to Karatu – a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights.
Day 14 - Karatu
Today is a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves – a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk.
Day 15 - Arusha / Nairobi
Set off early this morning at around 7.30 am to begin your final journey of the trip. Your first stop will be in Arusha, where you'll have the option to end your trip. If it’s more convenient for you, there is the option to travel back to Nairobi, too. Your adventure comes to an end in Nairobi. You'll be dropped at a centrally located hotel, however, no accommodation will be provided tonight. If you want to extend your stay in Nairobi, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 4,756-
12-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 4,756-
10-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 4,756-
31-05-202514-06-2025AUD $ 4,756-
07-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 4,944-
14-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 4,944-
21-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 4,944-
28-06-202512-07-2025AUD $ 4,944-
05-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 5,136-
19-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 5,136-
26-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 5,240-
02-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 5,136-
09-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 5,136-
23-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 5,136-
30-08-202513-09-2025AUD $ 5,136-
06-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 5,136-
13-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 4,944-
17-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 4,944-
20-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 4,944-
04-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 4,944-
11-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 4,944-
18-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 4,944-
01-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 4,756-
15-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 4,756-
29-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 4,756-
06-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 4,756-
13-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 4,756-
03-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 6,540-
10-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 6,540-
17-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 6,540-
31-01-202614-02-2026AUD $ 6,540-
14-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 6,540-
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 6,540-
09-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 6,540-
30-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 6,800-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 6,800-
13-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 6,800-
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 6,800-
27-06-202611-07-2026AUD $ 6,800-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 6,800-
08-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 6,800-
11-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 6,800-
18-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 7,060-
25-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 7,060-
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 7,060-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 7,060-
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 7,060-
22-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 7,060-
29-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 7,060-
05-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 7,060-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 7,060-
16-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 7,060-
19-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 7,060-
26-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 7,060-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 6,800-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 6,800-
17-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 6,800-
31-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 6,800-
14-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 6,540-
28-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 6,540-
05-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 6,540-
12-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 6,540-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (8 nights),Hotel (2 night),Camping (with basic facilities) (3 night),Basic Hotel (1 night)

Transport

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid Kenya On Sale
More of activity:
Overland Wildlife