KENYA & TANZANIA

Meet & greet and transfer from Airport to the Hermosa Garden Hotel & Spa.  

Hermosa Garden Hotel & SPA is a luxury boutique 30-suite hotel located in the green suburb of Karen, Southwest of Nairobi. We are an oasis of serenity with an exquisite green garden which beholds mesmerizing nature consisting of birds and trees that define history and nature conserved at its best. 

Hermosa is a Spanish word meaning beautiful. The hotel opened in December 2020 and is known for offering exceptional services and unforgettable experiences to its guests. 

Other facilities in the Hotel include two restaurants, a pool bar, a well-equipped gymnasium, a spa, & a swimming pool

Breakfast and day to overcome jet-leg!

OPTIONS FOR THE DAY:

Besides just the possibility of relaxing by the pool, going to the gym, or having a spa treatment at the hotel - you could go to nearby Nairobi National Park   It is a nice spot for a hike, wildlife excursion, or just a picnic in the Park!  Then Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage is nearby and is an interesting stop (*must be booked 3 months in advance - end of Oct).  The SWT Nursery, located in Nairobi National Park, is where an orphan's journey begins — a journey that will culminate, many years down the line, in their reintegration back into the wild. The public visit takes place every day, except 25th December, from 11am to 12 noon. During this time, we are delighted to welcome those with a confirmed booking to join us for an unforgettable hour with the Nursery herd. Funds from your visit help support the rescue and rehabilitation of the orphaned elephants in our care.

The Giraffe Centre is also nearby and is a fun stop, especially with children! 

After a leisurely breakfast - we will head north to Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.

Today we will have a  4 Hours’ drive on good road with a chance to stop by the local farm produce markets to see the vibrancy of the local economy of the Central Highlands also known as Kenya’s breadbasket.  On this scenic drive through the farmlands, you will see small to large plantations of various Tropical Fruits, Cereals, Garden Vegetables & pop-up fresh produce roadside markets. We will be able to stop at a Craft Store for a chance to see the work of the local artisans.

Arrive at the scenic Aberdares Country Club for a late lunch and to get settled for the day.  Nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. This captivating site was the homestead of an English couple that decided to settle in Kenya. Almost a half century later, their home, "The Steep", was renamed the Aberdare Country Club and opened for guests.  

After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet your Safari Guides and proceed to Nanyuki ( 1 Hour drive)  for a visit to the Spinners Web women’s self-help project before proceeding to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, went from a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya to a trailblazer of conservation innovation - the story of Ol Pejeta is as enchanting as it is inspirational.  Today, Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos.

Introductory Game Drive with a stop at the Equator Crossing inside the conservancy for an epic Photo session before arriving for Lunch at the Camp.  Experience an afternoon Game Drive to visit the Chimps and the Rhino Sanctuary. 

Return to the Lodge for Dinner and then if you are up for it - take part in a Night Game Drive in specialized vehicles with the Ol Pejeta Rangers.  23.00 Hrs – return to the Camp for Dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp -  Deluxe tents

Cultural and Wildlife Experiences.

Activities in Ol Pejeta : Game drive with visit to the endangered enclosure to meet the last 2 Northern White Rhinos and the Anti-poaching Canine Unit.  Enjoy a Night Game drive!

Overnight at Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp - Deluxe tents

Possible early morning game drive.  Mid-morning departure by scheduled Air service from Nanyuki to Nairobi Wilson and connect to scheduled Air Service to JRO to start your TZ Safari.

Note: Advance Tanzania E-Visa is required and Yellow Fever Vaccination too.

On the Tanzania side, you will be met by our local personal at Kilimanjaro Airport to take you to the lovely Kahawa House lodge located 6 km southwest of the center of the town of Arusha. This premium accommodation is an ideal rest stop for visitors getting ready to begin their safari.  The property’s facilities include a swimming pool as well as a beautiful deck with a pool view where guests will enjoy dinner.

Overnight Kahawa House

Today we drive through Lake Manyara National Park and head to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.  If time permits, enroute we can visit Nashipay Maasai School, an organization supporting appropriate education, nature conservation that respects community rights and sustainable livelihoods for the Maasai in the area.  The most unique approach about Nashipay Maasai School is the western and Maasai integrated curriculum. 

After this stop, we will continue to Tanzania’s prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, has yawned heavenward for millennia. Deep within its immense walls is a breath-taking blue-green landscape dotted with plains, lakes and forests; an eerie, otherworldly “land that time forgot” thick with massive bull elephants, rhinos, wildebeests and the highest concentration of lions in Africa. 

Nestled high above the plains into the Crater’s jagged rim, cloaked in river stone and indigenous vines, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is barely visible to the naked eye. Framed by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its torch-lit walls are adorned with stylized cave paintings. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Rooms are looped around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below. Our Ngorongoro hotel lodge is a place that feels as ancient as the Crater itself, yet no modern comfort has been spared in an effort to bring you the best safari adventure in Africa and one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. 

Overnight Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Today we will get an early start to Ngorongoro Crater for a day on safari.  We will enjoy a picnic lunch down in the crater at a special spot.  

The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the highlands of Tanzania. Formed over two million years ago, this ancient volcanic caldera spans about 100 square miles and boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The crater's steep walls create a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Ngorongoro Crater is also home to a significant population of Maasai people, who coexist harmoniously with the area's wildlife. Their presence adds a rich cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the region. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the intricate balance of nature and human history in one of the most stunning settings in the world.

Overnight Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

After breakfast, head out to Ndutu area - located in the southern Serengeti and within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a hidden gem in Tanzania's vast wilderness. Known for its seasonal lakes and lush acacia woodlands, Ndutu is a haven for wildlife, particularly during the calving season of the Great Migration. This region becomes a vibrant nursery for thousands of wildebeest and zebras, attracting predators and offering unparalleled opportunities for witnessing the raw beauty of nature in action.

Ndutu’s open plains provide a unique safari experience, where you can get remarkably close to the wildlife in a serene and less crowded environment. 

We will stay in Lake Masek Tented Camp.  From the private terrace of your tent you can observe the wildlife of the area. Many animals visit the lake in search of water and therefore this camp is in a privileged observation point.

Besides, this area is the principle setting of the Great Migration which takes place from December to April and the Big Five visit the area. The camp is set-up every year in a different part of the area, to make sure that you will always have the best place to see this impressive spectacle from your own tent.

In addition, the camp is ecological without losing in comfort and attention. The electricity is generated by solar panels and the water is rain water collected during the rains. All the products used are biodegradable.

Lake Masek Tented Camp for 2 nights.

Perhaps enjoy an optional Hot Air Balloon ride over the Serengeti this morning (approx. $550 USD)

Start the day on a high note by soaring above the plains in a hot-air balloon. As the sun rises, watch the herds of elephants from above and admire the unspoilt landscape. 

Hot-air balloon rides are at an additional cost and are weather dependent. 

The flight length varies between 50 to 90 minutes, all depending on the weather conditions. Bush breakfast after landing.

Full safari day in Ndutu where the Wildebeest are calving and the wildlife activity should be phenomenal! 

Overnight Lake Masek Tented Lodge

Enjoy a full day on safari!

After breakfast we will transfer to the Seronera area of the Serengeti.  

Enjoy your safari day in the Seronera area, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park and one of Tanzania’s most renowned wildlife regions. Known for its year-round game viewing, Seronera is a vibrant hub where the park's rich biodiversity converges. The area’s network of rivers and lush vegetation attracts a wide array of animals, including large populations of lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes, making it a prime destination for safari enthusiasts.

The Seronera area in Tanzania, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, is renowned for its rich wildlife and is particularly famous for its big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Here are some highlights about the Seronera area for cat enthusiasts:

• Lion Spotting: Seronera is known for its large pride of lions. They are often seen lounging in the grass or under acacia trees, making for excellent photography opportunities.

• Leopard Sightings: Leopards can often be spotted resting in the branches of trees or stealthily moving through the bush, making this area a prime location for leopard sightings.

• Cheetah Sightings: The open plains around Seronera provide a perfect habitat for cheetahs, and visitors often witness their incredible speed while hunting.

• Diverse Ecosystem: The area supports a variety of prey species, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, which attract the big cats and create dynamic predator-prey interactions

Kubu Kubu is the latest addition to the portfolio of properties of Tanganyika Wilderness Camps. This camp is strategically located to ensure that all areas of the Serengeti are within reach of our guests, including legendary locations like the famous Maasai kopjes, Seronera and the Grumeti River.

It has been designed with a modern African decorative style that creates a fresh and bright atmosphere, but very cozy and with the right amount of luxury. Guests can attend to the show of the Great Migration from the comfort of your tents.

Overnight Kubu Kubu 

Enjoy a full safari day in the Seronera area.

Overnight Kubu Kubu 

After breakfast we will take a local flight from the Seronera Airstrip back to Arusha.  Timing should work that you can catch your flight home from Kilimanjaro this evening or go onwards to Zanzibar for a beach vacation,  Rwanda for gorilla trekking, or hiking in Tanzania.