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East Africa Highlights

East Africa Highlights

From $ 5,530 AUD

Description

Uncover the very best of East Africa on this 10-day journey from Nairobi, Kenya. Travel to some of the country’s most famous areas including the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll take multiple game drives in search of the Big Five animals and more. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, impalas, wildebeest, leopards, giraffes, antelope and varied birdlife. Take in the enormity of Africa’s largest lake and spend time with the local Maasai warriors and Hadzabe people to learn about their ancient traditions and modern way of life from an elder in the communities. With camping experiences in the middle of the national parks, stargazing opportunities and local connections – this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Trip Name
East Africa Highlights
Last Updated
2024-07-25
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Meet Kenyan Maasai warriors, visit a Maasai village that champions women’s health and spend time with a Hadzabe community in Tanzania to see how their ancient culture exists today.
  • Venture into the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full day of game drive in 4WDs, in both the morning and the afternoon. This gives you the best possible chance to spot the amazing wildlife that calls this place home.
  • Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth, with two early morning and two late afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.
  • Safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
  • Spend all your time looking for wildlife and soaking up the atmosphere – with a local crew and cook on hand, you’ll be free to focus on the good stuff.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the East African Wildlife Society. Donations help them protect endangered wildlife, support conservation and promote sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Karibu! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe 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. When you've met your new travel buds, why not join the group for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better.
Day 2 - Masai Mara National Reserve
Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Masai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Masai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.
Day 3 - Masai Mara National Reserve
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Masai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.
Day 4 - Lake Victoria
Prepare for a long travel day as you head towards the border separating Kenya and Tanzania, then on to the small town of Musoma on the shores of Lake Victoria. Not only is this the largest lake in Africa, it's also the largest tropical lake in the entire world and shares its shores with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The next three days will be spent in the wilderness, so make the most of your afternoon and evening by stocking up at the local market, grabbing cash from the town's ATM and kicking back with a cold drink as the sun goes down.
Day 5 - Serengeti National Park
Travel from Lake Victoria to Serengeti National Park this morning, stopping at the entrance of the famous expanse for a picnic lunch with your group. Continue to your campsite on your first game drive in Serengeti in an overland vehicle, keeping an eye out for the hoofed animals and predators that call this place home. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – camping in an unfenced site within the national park, right in the heart of all the action. Your leader will give you a full safety briefing when you arrive, then you’ll swap stories around the glow of the camp fire and fall asleep to the sounds of nearby wildlife.   
Day 6 - Serengeti National Park
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning overland game drive to search for the local animals when they're at their most active. Then, return to the campsite for a relaxed brunch. Spend the hottest part of the day chilling out at camp – don't stress, the animals will do the same! This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to the campsite for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.
Day 7 - Karatu
Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate in your overland vehicle. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in 4WDs and descend to the crater floor for a 4WD excursion. If all goes to plan, you'll see some or maybe even all of the Big Five that reside here! Better yet, the vehicle has an open roof, so you can really feel like a part of the action. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, so watching them up close is easier. 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. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.
Day 8 - Karatu
After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi – a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. You’ll be able to meet community members and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to put your feet up and relax.
Day 9 - Arusha
Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect 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 the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.
Day 10 - Arusha / Nairobi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-08-202411-08-2024AUD $ 6,625-
09-08-202418-08-2024AUD $ 6,625-
16-08-202425-08-2024AUD $ 6,625-
20-08-202429-08-2024AUD $ 6,625-
23-08-202401-09-2024AUD $ 6,625-
30-08-202408-09-2024AUD $ 6,625-
06-09-202415-09-2024AUD $ 6,385-
10-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 5,910-
13-09-202422-09-2024AUD $ 6,385-
17-09-202426-09-2024AUD $ 6,490-
18-09-202427-09-2024AUD $ 6,385-
20-09-202429-09-2024AUD $ 6,385-
24-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 6,385-
27-09-202406-10-2024AUD $ 6,015-
04-10-202413-10-2024AUD $ 6,280-
08-10-202417-10-2024AUD $ 6,280-
11-10-202420-10-2024AUD $ 5,855-
15-10-202424-10-2024AUD $ 5,750-
18-10-202427-10-2024AUD $ 5,960-
25-10-202403-11-2024AUD $ 5,750-
15-11-202424-11-2024AUD $ 5,835-
29-11-202408-12-2024AUD $ 5,530-
13-12-202422-12-2024AUD $ 5,835-
27-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 6,035-
03-01-202512-01-2025AUD $ 5,780-
17-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 5,780-
07-02-202516-02-2025AUD $ 5,780-
14-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 5,780-
28-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 5,780-
07-03-202516-03-2025AUD $ 5,780-
25-04-202504-05-2025AUD $ 5,780-
09-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 5,780-
23-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 5,780-
30-05-202508-06-2025AUD $ 5,780-
06-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 6,015-
10-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 6,015-
13-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 6,385-
20-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 6,015-
24-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 6,015-
27-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 6,015-
04-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
08-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
11-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
15-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
18-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
22-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 6,240-
25-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
01-08-202510-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
05-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
08-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
12-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
15-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
22-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 6,240-
26-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 6,240-
29-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 6,240-
05-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 6,240-
09-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 6,240-
12-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 6,015-
19-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 6,015-
23-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
26-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
30-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
03-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
10-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
17-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 6,015-
24-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 6,015-
31-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 6,015-
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $ 5,780-
21-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 5,780-
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 5,780-
26-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 5,780-
02-01-202611-01-2026AUD $ 5,960-
16-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 5,960-
06-02-202615-02-2026AUD $ 5,960-
13-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 5,960-
27-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 5,960-
06-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 5,960-
24-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 5,960-
08-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 5,960-
22-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 5,960-
29-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 5,960-
05-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 5,960-
09-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 5,960-
12-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 5,960-
19-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 5,960-
23-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
26-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
07-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
10-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
14-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
17-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
21-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 5,960-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
31-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
04-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
07-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
11-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
21-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 5,960-
25-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
28-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
04-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
08-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
11-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
18-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,960-
22-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
29-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
02-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
09-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
16-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 5,960-
23-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 5,960-
30-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 5,960-
06-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 5,960-
20-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 5,960-
11-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,960-
25-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 5,960-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights),Lodge (2 nights),Permanent Tented Basic Lodge (2 nights),Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle

Map