East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking image
Operated by G Adventures

East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking

From
CAD 19,549
Duration
19 days
Countries
Tanzania, Kenya
Activity
active

The adventure

There’s nothing like watching an animal approach your safari vehicle, trying to keep your voice to a whisper as it gets close enough to count its eyelashes. If it’s experiences like this that you’re after, this three-week adventure through Kenya and Tanzania will absolutely hit the spot. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai community by staying at a lodge owned and operated by the Maasai themselves. Go on dual safaris and witness once-in-a-lifetime wildlife in renowned national parks. Spend an extraordinary day hiking up iconic Mt Kenya, with each step more breathtaking than the last. Travel to Gombe Stream National Park and follow the path of Dr. Jane Goodall in hopes of spending time with the chimpanzee families who call the park their home. Brace yourself: this adventure is East Africa beyond your wildest dreams.

At a glance

Duration
19 days
Route
Nairobi → Dar es Salaam
Countries
Tanzania, Kenya
Activity level
active
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking image

Day by day

Captivating sunset over a tranquil waterside in Nunga, Botswana, with silhouetted trees.
Your journey through

Botswana

Day 1From culture to wildlife to active adventuresNairobi
Maasai dancers in traditional attire performing in Nairobi, Kenya. Vibrant cultural expression.Nairobi
From culture to wildlife to active adventures, Kenya has it all and has well-earned its reputation as one of the best places for safari in Africa. But this adventure goes way beyond that, bringing you a step further off the beaten path. Welcome to Nairobi and to Kenya, where we invite you to leave your hesitations behind and dive straight into the most exhilarating ten days you'll ever have.
Map showing Nairobi
Day 2Without a doubt the Maasai people have become…Nairobi
Maasai women in traditional attire showcasing colorful cultural fashion in a Kenyan landscape.Nairobi
Without a doubt the Maasai people have become the symbol of East Africa in many ways. North of Nairobi, south of Samburu, sits a very special lodge with a very special story. Il Ngwesi is owned and operated by the local Maasai community. The aim is to invite travelers to meet the community and feel completely immersed into your surroundings. It can be hard to really understand a culture when you are limited to a quick hour-long visit, and this experience at Il Ngwesi is the exact opposite. Spend plenty of time with your hosts, asking questions and discussing life. Join them on a bush walk to learn local techniques, or visit the village to learn how to craft some beautiful beadwork. With a laid back pace and a completely private experience, your stay at Il Ngwesi is completely worthy of its OMG status.
Map showing Nairobi
Day 3Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi…
Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi and with no front wall whatsoever, the fresh air wafts in as the sun rises. Rooms are built in the traditional style using wood and earth to afford travelers the opportunity to feel connected to traditional Maasai life in a very unique way. The lodge has an incredible location, set away from other tourist spots, and your hosts and guides are the Maasai men and women from the nearby community. Though not quite as modern as other facilities in Kenya, Il Ngwesi brings you straight into the heart of a Maasai community who are keen to welcome you and engage with you from the moment you arrive. Head out on safari to start the day.
Day 4Bid farewell to your Maasai hosts after…
Bid farewell to your Maasai hosts after an incredible two days of cultural discovery. Head south to Nanyuki where you will meet with 35 of your new best friends. While chimpanzees may not originate from Kenya, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy opened to ensure a safe, peaceful and lifelong refuge for orphaned and abused rescued chimpanzees. Habitat loss, disease and hunting are among the main reasons chimpanzees are endangered and why Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opened their doors. Today you have a special opportunity to visit the furry residents here at Sweetwater and take a tour of the sanctuary.
Day 5Covered in afro-alpine flora and capped with glacier
Covered in afro-alpine flora and capped with glacier, Mt Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa. Experience another side of all that Kenya has to offer by hiking a portion of this impressive mountain. Starting from Sirimon Gate and trekking through 12 km of forested slopes, crossing rivers and enjoying wildlife filled panoramic views. Though you wont summit Mt Kenya, the views from the final viewpoint on the Sirimon route are undeniably breathtaking.
Day 6Hosting the safari Big Five
Hosting the safari Big Five, the Great Migration and offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, the Mara is a destination you could easily spend weeks discovering. With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. After your flight, waste no time before your first unforgettable safari out in its rugged grasslands.
Day 7Today you get to choose! Do you want…
Today you get to choose! Do you want to hike or do you want to ride? If hiking sounds right for you, you'll head off to the Oloololo Escarpment for a hike along the granite plateau. The escarpment receives more rain than any other place in the Mara triangle so picture thick, green vegetation and full watering holes that attracts thirsty wildlife. The hike takes around 3.5 hours and has an elevation gain of around 300 metres. If you're looking for something a little less green or less physical, choose to join your local guide on a morning safari drive. Both options allow for amazing safari time out on the grasslands. At night we continue our adventure in the wild savannah with a dinner in the bush.
Day 8You start to recognize familiar sounds of wildlife…After a morning on safari, we'll join a local reforestation project to plant native Acacia trees. This small exercise affords G Adventures travellers an opportunity to ensure the land and wildlife of the Mara is vibrant for years to come. While trees are planted on your behalf when you book an adventure with G, this morning you plant an extra special one in Kenya with your fellow travellers. Take a well-deserved break after lunch at the lodge before a final afternoon safari drive.
After a morning on safari, we'll join a local reforestation project to plant native Acacia trees. This small exercise affords G Adventures travellers an opportunity to ensure the land and wildlife of the Mara is vibrant for years to come. While trees are planted on your behalf when you book an adventure with G, this morning you plant an extra special one in Kenya with your fellow travellers. Take a well-deserved break after lunch at the lodge before a final afternoon safari drive.
Day 9A final morning in the Maasai Mara brings…Nairobi
Maasai dancers in traditional attire performing in Nairobi, Kenya. Vibrant cultural expression.Nairobi
A final morning in the Maasai Mara brings the opportunity to capture a few final mental snapshots of your time on safari. Making your way north towards Nairobi, stop for a delicious lunch at Cafe Ubuntu, a social enterprise empowering women and families to provide for their communities through both the cafe and a crafts shop.
Map showing Nairobi
Day 10From one East African gem to anotherThis morning, say goodbye to Kenya and hello to Tanzania. After your flight to Arusha, choose to rest or spend the day exploring the city. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and CEO for a welcome briefing and group dinner.
This morning, say goodbye to Kenya and hello to Tanzania. After your flight to Arusha, choose to rest or spend the day exploring the city. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and CEO for a welcome briefing and group dinner.
Day 11Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted
Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon after a day of cooking classes and a traditional lunch at your G for Good moment in Mto Wa Mbu.
Day 12Safaris don't always have to involve being seated
Safaris don't always have to involve being seated, so set out today on two feet. On your OMG Day, choose between two incredible hiking options. The opportunity to explore the crater on foot provides a connected and humbling experience unlike any other safari adventure. If you are ready for a physical challenge, hike to the peak of Mount Makarot, arguably the most stunning view over the Ngorongoro plains. For a more mellow adventure, take Mt Makarot's more gentle trail to ascend to a view of Lake Eyasi on a laid back hike surrounded by the Ngorongoro highlands.
A herd of zebras grazing in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania under a bright sky.
Your journey through

Tanzania

Day 13Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two…
A solitary wildebeest stands in the vast Serengeti grasslands, captured in natural daylight.Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two of the world's most renowned safari destinations. Driving from one iconic spot to the next means three and a half hours of nonstop beauty, wildlife and adventure. But don't go anywhere, because your time in the Serengeti is just starting. So grab your binoculars and your camera and get ready to experience some of the most jaw dropping wildlife encounters.
Map showing Serengeti
Day 14The Serengeti is famed for its sheer numbers…
A herd of wildebeest and zebras grazing in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.Serengeti
The Serengeti is famed for its sheer numbers of wildlife. Millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles flock to this national park every year—accompanied by hungry predators. See for yourself how huge lions can blend into the golden backdrop of the savannah, or how giant giraffes can bend down so low that you don't see them until they're right in front of you.
Map showing Serengeti
Day 15The encounters you experience on safari are life…
The encounters you experience on safari are life changing and some are more rare than others. With so few places left on Earth that are home to wild chimpanzees, your trek into Gombe Stream National Park may be one of the most special moments on your Tanzania trip. Adventure to the national park where Dr Jane Goodall lived and conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Her work there, and her lifelong commitment to conservation and the protection of animals, continues to inspire travellers to this day.
Day 16Spending an hour with a family of chimpanzees…
Spending an hour with a family of chimpanzees is a life changing event. With complex social hierarchies, intelligent communication and human-like behavior, it's easy to see why these are our closest relatives. Spend the day trekking to see the chimpanzees. With any luck, encounter them and spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Stunning sunset over the wetlands in Maun, Botswana, highlighting a dramatic orange sky.
Your journey through

Botswana

Day 17Since chimpanzees are gravely endangeredDar es Salaam
A stunning aerial view of Dar es Salaam showcasing its bustling harbor and urban skyline.Dar es Salaam
Since chimpanzees are gravely endangered, there are many efforts in place to help protect the species in Tanzania. Thankfully, there are legendary conservationists, like Dr. Jane Goodall, paving the way for their protection. Spend the day exploring some of Jane Goodall's most iconic spots. Visit her former house and the research station. Hike to Jane's Peak and take a moment to reflect on yesterday's adventures before travelling to Dar es Salaam.
Map showing Dar es Salaam
Day 18On your final day in TanzaniaDar es SalaamEnjoy free time in Dar es Salaam and choose how you want to spend your last day. Join your CEO on an excursion to the tropical island reserve, Bongoyo Island. Or choose to explore the city, do some last minute souvenir shopping or relax at the hotel. In the evening join your group for a farewell dinner together.
Explore the dynamic skyline of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in this aerial cityscape view.Dar es Salaam
Enjoy free time in Dar es Salaam and choose how you want to spend your last day. Join your CEO on an excursion to the tropical island reserve, Bongoyo Island. Or choose to explore the city, do some last minute souvenir shopping or relax at the hotel. In the evening join your group for a farewell dinner together.
Map showing Dar es Salaam
Day 19Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

Discover Tanzania

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A serene view of a hot air balloon floating over the African savannah at sunrise, perfect for travel and adventure themes.
A stunning panoramic view of Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, showcasing its vast savannah and natural beauty.
A jeep drives through the dusty roads of an African savanna surrounded by trees and open landscape.
A Maasai individual stands by a dirt road amidst lush green hills and scenic landscape.
Scenic view of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro amidst clouds and acacia trees.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
20 Jun 20268 Jul 2026CAD 23,399unknownBook my trip
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