Kenya & Tanzania Safari Experience

13 Days , NAIROBI to ARUSHA

What's Included

Entrances and safari game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Ngorongoro
Conservation Area, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.
Masai village visit and the Planeterra-supported Clean Cookstove project.
Entrance to Olduvai Gorge.
Traditional lunch and walk in local community.
Overseas Medical Insurance for the duration of the tour (Sum of US$ 2,50,000 covered)
3 nights accommodation at the Comfort hotels mentioned or similar
2 nights accommodation in Safari Lodges
7 nights accommodation in Comfort Tented Camps

Meals Included: 12 Breakfast, 11 lunches and 9 dinners. (Allow USD120-150 for meals
and drinks not included)

7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibus, walking.

All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Arrival Airport Transfer on Day 1 in a shared Vehicle

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout and certified driver/guide.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to
review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect
your plans.

Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive Nairobi
On arrival at Nairobi airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. A brief
departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1
of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the
hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time.
The name Nairobi is derived from the Masai word for cool waters, which the
Masai people gave to a water hole known as Ewaso Nyirobi. In modern times,
the sprawling, cosmopolitan city of Nairobi combines the first-world glamour
of reflecting-glass skyscraper buildings with abject developing-world poverty.
It originated in 1899 from a handful of shacks that marked the end of the
railhead during the building of the Uganda railway. Due to big game hunting

bringing tourists from Britain, the city expanded dramatically in the early
1900's. A large number of British nationals settled in the area, prompting more
growth and this angered both the Masai and Kikuyu people, as they were
losing hunting ground due to the expansion of the city limits. The friction
increased and, eventually led to the Mau Mau uprising, which saw Jomo
Kenyatta, the future president jailed. Kenya was granted independence from
Britain in 1963, with Nairobi as the capital.
Apart from being Kenya's capital and the main centre of government and
commerce, Nairobi is the most significant city in East Africa and an important
player on the pan-African stage. It is the diplomatic base for many counties in
Africa, with its broad spectrum of international embassies and headquarters
for the United Nations, multi-national companies, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and press correspondents. It's also the center of the
growing safari business of East Africa.
Take today to wander the streets of central Nairobi, taking in old colonial
architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for Africa. The city's
best attraction is the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric
finds made by the Leakey family in East Africa, from Ethiopia to the Olduvai
Gorge in Tanzania. It also has sections on wildlife, art, geology, local history
and a snake park.
West of the city, the suburb of Karen is named after Karen Blixen, author of
"Out of Africa". Her house is now the Karen Blixen Museum, complete with a
garden and tea house, it tells the history of the famous author.
South of Nairobi, in Langata, are a number of the city's best attractions. At the
Giraffe Centre, you'll have the option of hand-feeding the rare Rothschild
giraffes, plus embarking upon a nature walk with 160 species of bird. The
Sheldrick Animal Orphanage cares for young, orphaned elephants. The Bomas
of Kenya is a living open-air museum of the tribes of Kenya, including regular
dance performances. The Nairobi National Park is just south of the city, and
covers 114 sq km. It has over 400 bird species of and populations lions,
leopards, and one of the country's few thriving populations of black rhino.

DAY 2 Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, we depart for the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.
With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to
Kenya would be complete without a visit here! In the afternoon we will arrive
in the area, and get settled at our safari lodge, our base for our time here.
Then we make our way into the reserve for an afternoon game viewing drive,
with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant
and rhino.
Days 2-3 both begin with early morning game drives, since the best time to
spot wildlife is in the early hours of the morning.

Approximate Distance: 368 km

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

DAY 3 Masai Mara National Reserve

The days continue with more game viewing as you criss-cross the rolling hills
of the African savannah. With this amount of time in the reserve, you will have
a chance to venture further than most safari groups, into territoties in the
western part of the reserve, considered to be the best areas for wildlife
viewing.
The Masai Mara (also spelled Maasai Mara) is a game reserve in south-western
Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National
Park in Tanzania. Named for the Masai tribes people, who are the traditional
inhabitants of the area, and the Mara River, which divides it, the reserve is
famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of the
wildebeest every September and October, a migration so immense to be called
the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest die in the crossing due to
crocodile attacks. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural
events worldwide, involving an immensity of herbivores: some 1,300,000
wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's gazelle, and 191,000 zebra.
With an area of 1510 km sq., the Masai Mara is not the largest game park or
reserve in Kenya, but it is probably the most famous. The entire area of the
park is nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley that extends from the
Mediterranean Sea to
Mozambique. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland, with
clusters of the distinctive acacia tree in the south-east region. The western
border is the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Rift Valley, and wildlife tends to
be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water
is always good. The easternmost border is 224 km from Nairobi.
The Masai Mara is perhaps most famous for its lions, though the other
members of the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros) are
as well found. This said, the population of black rhinoceros is severely
threatened, with a population of only 37 recorded in 2000. Hippopotami are
found in large groups in the Masai Mara and Talek Rivers, and many cheetah,
zebra, impala, gazelles, hartebeest, warthog, ostrich, topi, the Masai giraffe,
among other mammals, all consider the "Mara" their home territory. As well,
the large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present
elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. Like in the
Serengeti in Tanzania, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai
Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each
year these animals migrate in a vast ensemble north from the Serengeti plains
in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. These
numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular
route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.

The Masai Mara is a also major research centre for the spotted hyena.
Additionally, over 450 species of birdlife have been identified in the park,
including vulture, marabou, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich,
long-crested eagle, and pygmy falcon.
You will also have a chance to try the optional balloon safari, in addition to
stopping at a Masai village to learn about, and interact with, the local Masai
people.

DAY 4 Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, we embark to Lake Nakuru National Park for a hot lunch and
an afternoon safari game drive in search of the resident black and white rhino,
buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard. Our safari lodge is located within Lake
Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru itself is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. Avian attractions
present include two large fish-eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. The park
is rich in other birdlife, including grebes, white winged black, stilts, avocets,
ducks, and in the European winter, the migrant waders.
The park has recently been enlarged partly to provide the sanctuary for the
black rhino. This undertaking has necessitated a fence - to keep out poachers
rather than to restrict the movement of wildlife. The park now has more than
25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in the country, so the chances of
spotting these survivors are better than in other parks. There are also a
number of Rothschild's giraffe, again translocated for safety from western
Kenya beginning in 1977. Numerous other mammals can be seen, including
zebra, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, lion, warthog, bushbuck, many buffalo, and
even at times leopard.
Approximate Distance: 340 km
Estimated Travel Time: 4-5hrs

DAY 5 Amboseli National Park

After a morning game drive venture south to the famed Amboseli National
Park located at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The snow-capped peak of the mountain dominates every aspect of the park,
providing the ultimate photo backdrop. Amboseli covers only 392 sq km,
though despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem the park supports a wide
range of mammals (well over 50 of the larger species) and birds (over 400
species).
A part of the park is composed of a dried-up lake bed which in the shimmering
heat produces mirages. Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from
Kilimanjaro's melting snows, form permanent watering places for the wildlife

through times of drought. The snows of Kilimanjaro form a majestic backdrop

to one of Kenya's most spectacular displays of wildlife creating Kenya's most
sought after photographer's paradise. The park's best game drives are around
the swamps and there is a fine lookout on Observation Hill which offers views
over the whole of the park and beyond.
Years ago this was the locale around which such famous writers as Ernest
Hemingway and Robert Ruark spun their stories of big-game hunting in the
wilds of Africa. In addition, the park that has been made famous by Cynthia
Moss, the noted American naturalist and author who has one of the
longest-running studies on elephants. You might even see some of the
elephants that Cynthia has immortalized in her many books and award-winning
film Echo of the Elephants.
Approximate Distance: 405 km
Estimated Travel Time: 7-8hrs

DAY 6 Amboseli National Park

Today's day offers morning and afternoon safaris criss-crossing the park in
search of lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhino, cheetah, and of course the photo of
a lifetime.

DAY 7 Arusha
Today we cross into Tanzania, stopping at Arusha, a picturesque town that sits
at the foot of rugged Mount Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain. Spend some
time exploring the town and its bustling markets, and try a sample or two of
the fresh locally grown coffee. Upon arrival into Arusha, you may be joined by
other G Adventures travellers starting the Tanzania safari portion of the trip in
Arusha.
Arusha, also known as Tanzania's "safari capital", is undoubtedly the most
important center in northen Tanzania. With many protected national parks,
reserves, and mountains nearby (on a clear day, it may be possible to see Mt.
Kilimanjaro in the distance), Arusha is a modern town, and with its markets,
services, and fine location, it is a great base for your safari trip.
Arusha officially became a city on the 1st of July 2006. The primary industry of
the region is agriculture with large vegetable producers sending high-quality
produce to Europe. The city and its environs are also spotted with large coffee
plantations, adding to the area's charm. Though in recent years, due to the
coffee crisis, many local farmers have been badly hit, and now subsistence
farming is the most common source of livelihood.
Arusha owes its name from the local Wa-arusha people who resided here for
hundreds of years, and is historically and politically significant city within East

Africa. In 1961 the official documents ceding independence to Tanzania were

signed by the United Kingdom in Arusha. Six years later the Arusha
Declaration of Self Reliance in Tanzania was signed. On the 4th of August 1993
the Arusha Accords were signed by representatives of competing factions in
the civil war in neighbouring Rwanda. After the Rwandan genocide, the UN
Security Council decided by its Resolution 955 of 8 November 1994 that
Arusha should host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The
establishment of the tribunal with its employees has influenced the local
economy of Arusha. The tribunal is expected to end its mandate in 2008.
Approximate Distance: 286 km
Estimate Travel Time: 7-8 hrs depending on the road conditions

DAY 8 Mto wa Mbu Village/Lake Manyara

After breakfast continue on to Mto wa Mbu which means Mosquito River. Here
we take part in a cultural walk to learn a little about what a typical village in
the area is like. The village has over 18,000 inhabitants from 120 tribes. This
two hour tour will take you from the village's local market through several
different farms, local huts, and artisan shops, and back to the market, giving
you the opportunity to get a true glimpse of northern Tanzanian culture. After
our walk we have a local traditional lunch before continuing on to Lake
Manyara National Park for game viewing in the park.
This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment
provides a backdrop for your search of the park's phenomenal bird life,
tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. The afternoon is spent
game viewing along the main road that winds for several kilometers through a
cool, lush, mature groundwater forest dominated by large fichus trees and a
tangle of green epiphytes.
The name Manyara is derived from the Masai word "Emanyara", which is a
Euphorbia species of plant that is found around a family homestead in the area.
The lake itself is a shallow, alkaline lake stretching 50km at the base of the
sheer 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment. This forms part of the national
park that covers an area on roughly 330km sq.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to the giant fig trees, acacia woodlands,
mahogany trees and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply
breathtaking, with the open plains, huge escarpment, central soda lake, dense
woodlands, and distance volcanic peaks coming together in an area best
described by Ernest Hemingway as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa".
Animals such as blue monkeys, hippo, impala, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo,
warthog, and giraffe all roam the park's territory. The park is also home to
legendary tree-climbing lions, and also has small populations of leopard.
Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania's bird life, with over

400 species having been recorded within the parks boundaries. Highlights
include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well
as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks.
Approximate Distance: 130 km
Estimated Travel Time: 2-3 hrs

DAY 9 Serengeti National Park

Travel to the world famous Serengeti, one of Africa's premier game parks.
Travel through the Rift Valley and visit a Masai village to learn about the
fascinating Masai people. Visit the Planeterra-supported Clean Cookstove
project and meet the local women engineers who have installed clean
cookstoves throughout these communities. Experience the impact of what
cooking over an open fire is like before witnessing the transformation that
occurs when a clean cookstove is installed. Learning about this project is
paired with information about the day to day lives of the famous Masai people.
We continue on, driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the
Serengeti National Park. Along the way, we begin to experience the vastness of
this territory and marvel at the multitude of animal and bird life while cruising
through this acacia-spotted savannah.
En route we visit the archeological site of Olduvai Gorge where we will receive
a brief history of the gorge with a professional guide from the Olduvai center
.and then take a walk around the museum (approximately 10-15minutes) . We
finally reach the Serengeti in the late afternoon in time for a game drive en
route to our camp.
The Olduvai, or Oldupai, Gorge is commonly referred to as The Cradle of
Mankind. It is a deep ravine that is roughly 30 miles (48 km) long. It is famous
for the discovery of the 3.5 million year-old fossil fragments of an early human
civilization. Accordingly, it is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the
world and has been instrumental in furthering an understanding of early
human evolution.
The Serengeti National Park is to Tanzania what the Masai Mara Game reserve
is to Kenya, but with an area of 5,678 sq miles (14,763 sq km), it is actually
over 7 times as large. The Serengeti, which derives its name from the Masai
for "endless plain", is the jewel of Tanzania's protected areas. Combined with
the Masai Mara and the Ngorongoro Conservation area it protects the most
varied and greatest collection of wildlife on earth. With the Big Five, the Small
Five and extensive amounts of wildlife, this region offers arguably the best
wildlife viewing in the world. That said, with its vast size and varied terrain,
game viewing is only one aspect of the Serengeti - the scenery is simply
breathtaking.

Approximate Distance: 135 miles (220 km)

Estimated Travel Time: 5-6 hr

DAY 10 Serengeti National Park

There is no bad time to visit the Serengeti as every season has its own special
highlight. Changing seasons and light patterns form the most beautiful
backdrop to view Africa's majestic wildlife. It has more than 1.6 million
herbivores and thousands of predators. Blue wildebeests, gazelles, zebra and
buffalo are the animals most commonly found in the region.
This area is most famous for the migration that takes place every year; in
October over a million herbivores travel toward the southern plains, crossing
the Mara River from the hills to the north. They continue west across the
Serengeti, and then north once again, crossing the Mara River, after the rains
around April. This phenomenon is sometimes also called the circular migration.
Over 250,000 wildebeest alone will die along the journey from Tanzania to
Masai Mara reserve in Kenya.
Note: If you have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari Theme Pack, your
flight will be early in the morning of Day 10. You will miss the morning game
drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above.

DAY 11 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Games drives as we continue out of the Serengeti then rest you head this
evening at a comfortable tented camp, enjoying the African sunset with a cool
drink in hand over looking Lake Eyasi.
Approximate Distance: 160 km
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hrs

DAY 12 Ngorongoro Crater/Arusha

Depart early into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for game
drive and picnic lunch. Afternoon drive to Arusha for our final night.
The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a resident
population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals. They are not
confined by the crater walls, and can leave freely; they stay because conditions
are favorable. Since most of the crater floor is grassland, grazing animals
dominate: zebra, gazelles, buffalo, eland, and warthogs. The swamp and forest
provide additional resources for hippos, some of Tanzania's last remaining
black rhinos, giant-tusked elephants, waterbucks, reedbucks and bushbucks,
baboons and vervet monkeys. All these animals in turn support large predators
such as the lion and leopard, and scavengers such as hyenas and jackals.

The 5,150 sq miles (8,300 km) Ngorongoro Conservation Area is named after
its central feature, the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic
caldera. Ngorongoro Crater has often been described as one of the wonders of
the world, not only because of its inherent geological significance, but also
because it serves as an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa's
most dense population of large mammals. The Ngorongoro was part of the
original Serengeti National Park proclaimed in 1951, but it was made a
separate conservation area in 1956 so that the Masai could graze their cattle
there. The Ngorongoro Crater became a World Heritage Site in 1978.
Land in the conservation area is unique to Tanzania as it provides protection
for the wildlife while allowing human habitation. The landscape is a blend of
volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests. The southern and
eastern boundaries are defined by the rim of the Great Rift Valley, which also
prevents animal migration in these directions. The annual ungulate migration
passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with wildebeest and zebra
moving south into the area in December and moving north in June.
Approximate Distance: 125 miles (200 km)
Estimated Travel Time: 4-5hrs

DAY 13 Depart Arusha

Depart Arusha at any time.