Journeys: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

Our trips throughout Kenya and Tanzania have a maximum group size of six travellers in addition to an Expedition Leader and a driver who are both trained safari guides. That means everyone gets a window seat and twice the insight about the astounding wildlife all around you.

Depart early for Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.

Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for buffalo, impalas, lions, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.

This morning attend a talk given by a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—a government institution dedicated to managing the country’s wildlife—about the issues surrounding poaching and wildlife conservation. Later head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a large freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks and olive trees. Cruise the lake on a boat, watching for hippos and buffalo; and peer through your binoculars to spot lovebirds, ibis, and the African fish eagle. Step ashore at Crescent Island—a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the lake— and enjoy a guided stroll in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp, located in the heart of the reserve. Head out for an afternoon safari through vast, acacia-dotted plains, driving past throngs of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes; and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five.” In the evening, relax at the camp and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains.

Venture out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day. Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara.

Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi. Stop en route at Café Ubuntu, a G Adventures–supported Planeterra project that trains and employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. Café Ubuntu is an oasis with delicious organic food, hospitable staff, and a relaxing atmosphere based in Maai Mahiu. It is a beacon for tourists who drive through the area each year on their way to the famous Maasai Mara conservancy. Learn about how the initiative empowers the community, visit the craft centre to meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, and then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Options range from breakfast tacos, soups, and salads, to freshly made pizzas, curry dishes, and burritos.

After your flight, transfer to the hotel. Take some time to explore Arusha before meeting your group back at the hotel for a second orientation meeting. Here, you will meet your Tanzanian Expedition Leader for this duration of the tour, and new travellers that may join you for the rest of your journey.

This morning, make your way to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant settlement of Tanzania’s diverse tribal groups. Take a guided walk through the rural town, visiting the local market and meeting artisans in their workshops; then sit down for a traditional lunch with a local family. Continue to the Rift Valley escarpment and settle into our safari camp, located at the edge of Lake Manyara National Park. Set out on our first safari drive to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife, searching for lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more.

Travel through the breathtaking Rift Valley en route to our safari camp in Serengeti National Park. Enjoy a stop along the way at the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitor’s Centre—located near the site where National Geographic archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early hominid fossils and stone tools in 1960. From here, continue to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and head out on a late afternoon safari drive across the Serengeti Plain, keeping an eye out for grazing giraffes, lounging lions, and herds of antelope in the golden light.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Discover the park’s iconic creatures when you set out in a 4x4 on morning and afternoon safaris through the golden grasslands. With luck, spot all of Africa’s “big five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Later, visit the Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre, and enjoy a talk by one of the visiting researchers.

Depart from the Serengeti early and travel across the vast savanna to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Spanning more than 20 kilometres in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest non-flooded caldera in the world and is inhabited by some 25,000 animals. Set out on a full-day safari drive into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the biodiversity and resident wild animals in this incredibly important location to the conservation and protection of global wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the world’s largest caldera surrounded by Ngorongoro’s flora and fauna. Then, travel to our accommodations in Pembeni for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in a pristine wilderness setting.

Leave Ngorongoro behind this morning and travel from our lodge in Pembeni to a Maasai village. Here, we learn about the G Adventures–supported Clean Cookstoves Project, dedicated to providing clean-burning cookstoves to Maasai communities throughout Tanzania. Enjoy a presentation by a Maasai woman on the impact of the project, and take a guided tour of the village, visiting traditional homes or bomas and helping build a new stove. Continue to Arusha stopping en route for lunch. Spend the remainder of the day in the safari capital city of Tanzania, at your own leisure.

Depart at any time.