Sample Itinerary - Kenya and Tanzania 5 Star

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, and after clearing with Immigration and Customs formalities, proceed to the international arrivals area where you will be met by a representative of Holden Safaris and transferred to Tribe Hotel.

Tribe is a luxury hotel in Nairobi that takes you into a world of hip, chic design with an emphasis on detail, while offering a cultural journey through hand-picked arts, crafts and furnishings from the farthest corners of Africa. The hotel is located in a leafy suburb within Nairobi’s Diplomatic District and is attached to The Village Market, a beautiful shopping complex. The rooms and suites extend a level of world-class comfort, luxury and functionality.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Tribe The Village Market Hotel

Breakfast at hotel and then depart for a full day of excursions in the beautiful Karen area of Nairobi.

Enjoy a Public Visit (1100 hrs) at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage, which is dedicated to the protection of Africa’s wildlife. Here you will be able to see the small orphaned elephants and learn about this worthwhile project and the importance of the elephant in Africa’s conservation efforts.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a small charity, established in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick to honour the memory of her husband, famous Naturalist, David Sheldrick, the founder Warden of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya.

For over 25 years Kenya born Daphne lived and worked alongside her late husband and during that time she raised and rehabilitated back into the wild orphans of misfortune from many different wild species, including elephants aged two and upwards. She is a recognised International authority on the rearing of wild creatures and is the first person to have perfected the milk formula and necessary husbandry for both infant milk dependent elephants and rhinos.

For her work in this field Daphne has received several prestigious awards. The elephant orphans raised by the Trust are gradually rehabilitated back into the wild elephant community of Tsavo National Park when grown, a transition that is made at their own pace and in their own time, but usually taking approximately eight to ten years. A number of ex- Nursery orphans have now had young born in the wild.

During your visit you can also adopt one or more of these special animals and give it a second chance at living freely in the wild.

Visit the Giraffe Centre which offers the unique experience of hand-feeding these gentle giants at eye level from a raised platform, while watching the warthogs below snuffle around looking for titbits. The centre is the headquarters of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) which was setup to raise money to relocate the endangered Rothschild giraffe to safe areas.

Lunch today will be at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes and is located in a beautiful garden setting.

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum for a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya. The house was once the center piece of a farm owned by Danish Author Karen and her Swedish Husband, Baron Bror von Blixen. The museum gained international fame with the release of the Oscar winning film ‘Out of Africa’, which is based on Karen’s life.

Visit Kazuri Beads which was started to help women around Nairobi with regular employment so that they could support their families and educate their children. Meet the women and chat with them about their lives as there work. The jewellery also makes great gifts!

Return to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage for the 1700 hrs foster visit. During your visit, you will adopt one baby elephant, giving it a second chance at living freely in the wild. See the orphans as they come back from the bush, to settle down for the night.

Transfer back to Tribe Hotel after the excursion, to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Tribe The Village Market Hotel

This morning after an early breakfast, begin your drive north of the country past coffee and pineapple plantations and across the equator to the wild and arid Samburu National Reserve, arriving at Elephant Bedroom Camp in time for lunch.

Elephant Bedroom Camp is located at the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, sourrounded by doum palms and other indigenous trees. The camp is decorated in rustic African style, with vibrant colours which are popular with the local Samburu tribe. The tents are set on raised wooden decks where one can relax while enjoying the spectacular scenery and each deck has a private plunge pool facing the river which is regularally visited by elephants and other game.

Relax at the camp after lunch, before your late afternoon game drive in the reserve.

Samburu lies in the vast, hot and arid Northern Kenya, adjacent to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves and the Uaso Nyiro River is the lifeline for the people and animals in the area.

Overnight: Elephant Bedroom Camp

Spend the day game viewing in Samburu.

Search for rare game found North of the equator, such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. Game is often concentrated near the palm-fringed river as crocodile share the banks with elephant, lion, buffalo and even the elusive leopard.

Today you will also visit a traditional Samburu Village. The Samburu tribes, just like the Maasai, have retained their traditional way of life and still practices their ancient customs.

Overnight: Elephant Bedroom Camp

After an early breakfast at your camp, drive south west to the floor of The Great Rift Valley and into Lake Nakuru National Park arriving in time for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along a hill with panoramic views of the lake and the park, and incorporates the natural landscape with tall acacia trees which attract various species of birds from the 400 species that inhabit the area.

After lunch, enjoy a game viewing drive around the lake.

Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for its migrating flamingos and its large flocks of pelicans, however, recently the lake’s rising water levels has reduced the salinity of water in the lake thereby reducing algae, the main food for flamingoes. When this happens the migrating flamingoes move to other Rift Valley Lakes. There are over 450 bird species at the lake and a thriving mammal population including buffalo, baboon, impala and Rothschild giraffe. A rhino sanctuary was established to protect this highly endangered species. The parkland surrounding the lake has acacia and euphorbia forests as well as areas of grassland and rocky cliffs.

Later in the evening, drive to Lake Elementaita Serena Camp.

Uniquely situated on the shoreline of sapphire-blue Lake Elementaita where hundreds of birds congregate, the small and exclusive Lake Elementaita Serena Camp blends aristocratic elegance with modern luxury. This area of breath taking beauty is home to over 450 bird species and migrating flamingos and pelicans. The Lake is one of the Great Rift Valley lakes and a recognized World Heritage site.

Dinner at the camp.

Overnight: Lake Elementaita Serena Camp

Following breakfast, drive south west across the Loita plains that are dotted with whistling acacia shrubs, to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive at Sand River Camp in time for lunch.

Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border.

Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s.

The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

Sand River Camp

Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.

Sand River Masai Mara comprises of 16-tented accommodations - including 1 family tent - each divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.

There will be time to relax after lunch before your afternoon game drive in the reserve.

Overnight: Sand River Camp

Breakfast at the camp and depart for a traditional Maasai village. Chief Ole Nairuko who is a Maniago guide and Cultural Ambassador will organize this special visit for you, to experience one of the oldest cultures on earth!

Start at sunrise and accompany the young warriors form the village as they depart with the cattle, sheep and goats in search of grazing pastures for the day. While walking the warriors you will have a chance to interact with them and learn about their way of life. They will teach you about the medicinal herbs and roots you see along the way, how to throw a spear, make a fire the traditional way with sticks and a stone and more. As you spend time with the Maasai you will understand the relationship between wildlife and the Maasai people. Most of the large National Reserves are located within Maasai territory and it is due to their understanding of nature that the parks exist and florish.

Return to the village where you are welcomed by the ladies and children with traditional songs and see how they still go about their day to day activities in a very traditional way.

Lunch at the camp and time to relax. In the late afternoon, when it is cooler, enjoy a game viewing drive in the reserve.

Overnight: Sand River Camp

Spend another day game viewing in this wildlife haven.

Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers.

The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya following the rain. From around July to October each year the grasslands of the Mara and Northern Serengeti are covered by a mass of moving wildebeest, offering easy opportunity for crocodile and predators that are never far away,

(However, this is an act of nature and times of the migration may vary slightly from year to year).

Today, as your game drive come to an end, your driver guide will stop at a specially selected spot for a sundowner, where you can enjoy drinks as you watch the sun set in the horizon.

Return to the camp for dinner.

Overnight: Sand River Camp

Optional activity (for own cost)

An early wake-up call in the morning, with a hot beverage and biscuits served in your tent before your transfer to the balloon launch site for your Hot Air Balloon Safari. The balloon sets afloat at the first rays of sunrise, floating gently over the plains and giving a bird’s eye view of the game below. After around one hour the balloon lands and nearby breakfast is already being prepared as glasses of bubbly are served to toast your flight.

Enjoy breakfast at the camp before your transfer to the airstrip for a scheduled flight departing Masai Mara at approximately 09.10 hrs and arriving in Migori airstrip at 09.30 hrs.

On arrival in Migori, you will be met by a representative of the airline and transferred by road to the Kenya/Tanzania border point of Isebania (approx. 30 min) to clear with Immigration and Customs formalities.

Then, transfer to Tarime airstrip (approximately 40 min) for a scheduled flight departing at approximately 10.45hrs to Serengeti National Park.

On arrival at the Seronera airstrip at approximately 11.30 hrs, you will be met by our driver guide and transferred to Serengeti Pioneer Camp.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp is located in South Central Serengeti and offers sweeping views over the Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the endless plains. The Camp style pays homage to the mobile camps of the 1930’s, a time when an African safari was truly a journey into the unknown. Accommodation is in ten spacious tents, all with en-suite facilities including a flush toilet, vanity basin, and showers. The tent interiors are designed to evoke the very best of an era long-gone but certainly not forgotten. A dining tent hosts the Camp’s guests for both breakfast and dinner, whilst luncheons are taken either in the Camp or in the bush during what will no doubt be yet another enthralling day in the Serengeti.

Lunch at the camp.

Afternoon game viewing drive in the park.

Overnight: Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Spend the day game viewing in the park.

The name 'Serengeti' comes from the Maasai language and means ‘endless place' The vast open savannahs and wooded grasslands are home to large predators like lion, leopards, cheetahs, herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe and also to a host of plains game and a wide variety of birdlife. The Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation area plays host to the Great Wildebeest Migration which is one of the natural wonders of the animal world - millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate in a year round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya and in the early months of each year the short grass plains in this area provide the perfect setting for the calving season where hundreds of calves are born.

Overnight: Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Breakfast at the camp and drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge in time for lunch.

Set in 50 acres of virgin bush in the Ngorongoro area, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is an all-suites, wood log cabin style retreat, located about 20 minutes’ drive from the Crater. The property features spacious private log cabins with fire places and facilities at the lodge include a restaurant, a bar, swimming pool, the Mvua African Rain Spa and conference facilities.

The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the facilities at the lodge and take-in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Overnight: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

After breakfast, desend to to the crater floor with picnic lunches for a full day game viewing drive.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a World Heritage Site and is the home to a wide variety of animals. The Crater is about 610 Meters deep and 260 km squared and consists of a number of ecological environments, including grasslands, swamps, forests and even a soda lake. There is a wide variety of game like, rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and an amazing variety of birdlife including thousands of migrating flamingos.

Ascend back to the rim in late afternoon and return to your lodge.

Overnight: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

Breakfast at Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge

Drive to Arusha, stop for an early lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge.

Arusha Coffee Lodge is located on the outskirts of Arusha town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. Within the main Plantation House there is an ‘a la carte’ restaurant, an intimate bar and cozy lounge and there is a popular garden terrace.

After lunch, proceed to the Kenya & Tanznai border of Namanga, here you will be assisted to clear with Immigration and Customs formalities. Meet your Kenyan driver guide again and change vehicles, then proceed to Amboseli National Park. Game drive through the park to arrive at Tortilis Camp in late evening.

Tortilis is a small elegant camp located in the 30,000 acre Kitirua private conservancy, adjoining the National Park. The camp is named after the flat-topped Acacia Tortilis tree and is situated in an area with Acacia Tortilis woodlands. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all built with natural materials and thatched roofs and have magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The tents are spacious, elegant and have en-suite bathrooms. Apart from game viewing drives there are other activities available at the camp) like game walks and cultural visits (some at an extra cost.)

Dinner at the camp.

Overnight: Tortilis Camp

Breakfast at the lodge and depart with picnic lunches for a full day game viewing drive in the park.

Amboseli lies at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) and is famous for its large herds of elephant. The mountain dominates every aspect of the park and you can get the best views of its snow-capped peak from Amboseli. The area has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshes and the parks fragile ecosystem supports a variety of game Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow, offer a watering place for the wildlife and birds during the dry season.

Return to your lodge later in the afternoon.

You can also plant a tree in an area set aside near this camp and leave a positive mark on the environment in Africa!

Overnight: Tortilis Camp

After breakfast at the lodge, drive back to Nairobi. Approximate 4 hr drive time.

On arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel where lunch and day rooms will be reserved.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is located next to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and facing Nairobi National Park. The hotel has 172 rooms an outdoor heated swimming pool. They also have 5 meeting / function rooms and one out door venue all equipped with Wi-fi.

Later, you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.