East African Explorer 13 Days
Operates Sundays from Nairobi
Safari Departure and Arrival timings:
Safari Briefing: Day 02 at 0700 hrs
Departs on Day 02 0730 hrs
Returns on Day 13 1900hrs approx. (onward flights to be booked after 2300hrs)
Pick up point: Safari Park Hotel
Drop off point: City centre Hotel or JKI Airport
An Africa safari touches something deep within all of us, for it is an experience that will never be forgotten. The following safari combines intriguing cultures, beautiful landscapes and an excellent opportunity for spotting the Big-5. The driver-guides are all very experienced and will certainly make this safari feel special.
Day 1 Nairobi
Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the Eka Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the Eka Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Eka Hotel A contemporary style hotel that provides all the comfort, convenience and efficiency to the discerning traveller, Eka Hotel is ideally located along Mombasa road in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya, it is an ideal business cum leisure hotel, close to the International and domestic Airports as well as the city centre. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, two restaurants, bar, conference facilities, swimming pool and a host of other facilities.
Day 2 Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets. Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on a full board basis
Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge was opened in 1965 and lies at the southern end of Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately 280 kilometres from Nairobi. It is sited in the direct path of the annual migration and was the first lodge to be built in the Mara. At the height of the migration, Keekorok is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals and there is hardly need to go on a game drive. Keekorok’ s charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas. In front of the lodge there is a 300m elevated walkway that meanders through a small riverine forest to a small bar at one end. This overlooks a dam where resident hippo and other game are regularly seen. There are no fences around Keekorok and it is not uncommon to see elephant and buffalo on the perimeter of the grounds or even strolling in. Though there are watchmen on the constant look out!
Day 3 Masai Mara National Reserve
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sunsets. (It is possible to pre-book an optional early morning Balloon Safari at a supplement)
Overnight at Keekorok Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 4 Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, you’ll travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mau Escarpment, before arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. The waters here are often coloured shimmering flamingo pink, from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. After lunch, depart for an afternoon game drive in Nakuru National Park.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full board basis.
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the heart of one of Kenya’s most densely populated wetland National Parks, (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours’ drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes. On the outskirts of the bustling market town of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable national park which has achieved international fame. Both black and white rhino are being given a new lease of life in this 188 sq km, fully-fenced park – and they are carefully protected. The present rhino population is over 50 and continuing to multiply. The Rothschilds giraffe is another rarity and the park has its fair share of buffalo, leopard, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. Lake Nakuru Lodge is in the south-east ecological niche of the park, with commanding views of the lake and the flamingos for which it is justly famous. Lush gardens surround the lodge and cottages. There is a good programme of activities and evening entertainment.
Day 5 Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Later, leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi, collect a picnic lunch and then head south towards Amboseli arriving at your lodge by late afternoon.
Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge was opened in June 1996 and lies at the heart of Amboseli National Park approximately 266kms due south of Nairobi. The lodge is set at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and is probably the best wildlife arenas to view elephants at close range. Most of the park consists of a partially dry, lake bed of evaporated salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland. Around the swamps the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacia and phoenix palms. You can see most types of game in the park including rhino, giraffe, gazelle, lion, cheetah and leopards. Birdlife is prolific too, especially around the swamp areas. Cottage style accommodation spreads out on either side of the main lodge. The architecture is unobtrusive with lots of wood, local stone and slate. There are two double rooms especially designed for the disabled and ramps for wheelchairs are the norm. Each room has an uninterrupted view of either the wetlands or Mt. Kilimanjaro, with the occasional dust trail of safari vehicles viewing game in this most beautiful of Kenya’s game parks. The crystal clear figure of eight swimming pool, shaded by the occasional acacia tree, has ample sun beds and mattresses available for guest use.
Day 6 Amboseli National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 7 Amboseli – Lake Manyara
After breakfast, you continue the journey to the Tanzania border post and then on to Arusha for lunch. Afternoon (approx 1400 hrs) pick up from Arusha Town Centre and join seat in vehicle safari (using Serena Lodges). You depart Arusha and pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn North West and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena on full board basis.
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Grouped around a central ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond reception, lies the central dining room, bar and veranda, below which lies the pool. Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-storey ‘rondavels’, which house the rooms.
Day 8 Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park that returns to the lodge for lunch. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed ‘rondavels’ are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the very edge of the ridge is a ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains’ after which the Serengeti is named.
Day 9 Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 10 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, after a picnic lunch you continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind’, the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.
Day 11 Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 12 Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park
Departing Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast and head south east en route to Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu village and Tarangire beyond. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment where you turn south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch and perhaps a swim, the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Hidden among the kopjes of Tarangire National Park lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by ancient baobab trees. Tarangire National Park is the home of one of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground.
Day 13 Tarangire National Park – Nairobi
Depart Tarangire after breakfast and drive back to Arusha arriving in time for lunch. After lunch you continue the journey by road to Nairobi and onto a Nairobi City Centre Restaurant for Dinner before drop off at JKIA airport or City centre Hotel.
2023 cost per person
03Jan-28Feb: $8270 per person sharing / $1265 single supplement
01-31March: $7438 per person sharing / $1095 single supplement
01Apr-19May: $6925 per person sharing / $370 single supplement
20May-18Jun: $7885 per person sharing / $820 single supplement
19Jun-31Oct: $8556 per person sharing / $1180 single supplement
01Nov-15Dec: $7368 per person sharing / $870 single supplement
Cost Includes:
- Meet and greet services with assistance
All transport and game drives on road safaris will be in a safari minibus in Kenya and 4×4 vehicle in Tanzania (with seven window seats) with an English speaking driver-guide on shared basis. - Meals and accommodation as specified
All park fees and government taxes - ½ litre bottle mineral water per person per day on game drives
Cost Excludes:
- Visas and international flights
- Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips and porterage
- Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
- Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature.
Additional remarks
Cancellation policy as per our Terms and Conditions.
We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
In order to qualify for the low season rates, the tour must start and finish within the specified dates. If any safari starts in low season and ends in high season, we will pro rata the cost accordingly.
Passenger Information
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
Passengers arriving to Kenya or Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Travellers’ cheques generally are not accepted in East Africa. US bank notes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the presidents).
Call or text (818) 353-9500