Embark on a nine-day safari, immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Kenya and Tanzania’s finest National Parks. We begin our adventure safari with Amboseli National Park, nestled on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and massive herds of African Elephants, Amboseli sets the stage for a spectacular safari experience. Crossing into Tanzania, encounter the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest intact caldera. This natural wonder shelters a breath-taking wildlife haven, making it a must-see destination with a visit to Serengeti National Park, a home to the illustrious Big Five and the mesmerizing annual wildebeest migration. Experience the pulsating energy of the wildlife in action amidst the vast Serengeti plains. Our adventure then takes us to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, where the great migration unfolds between July and October. Track wild cats and witness other plains animals in dynamic displays within the expansive savannah grasslands of the Mara. Finish off our safari by marvelling at the spectacle of millions of flamingos in Lake Nakuru, alongside encounters with rhinos and various other game animals. As your journey comes to an end, we will return to Nairobi, captivated by the diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Detailed Itinerary Daily Informatio
As you walk out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your personal African Bushwalker Tour specialist driver-guide greets you with a big smile: 'Karibu Kenya - welcome to East Africa!' The guide will take you to the hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere. The rest of the day is ours to acclimate to our new time zone.
Accommodation At: Eka Hotel or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 20 to 30 minutes (12km)
After a hearty breakfast, we will get a detailed briefing about our safari from our driver-guide, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure. After the briefing, we embark on our safari vehicle to Amboseli National Park, celebrated for its vast elephant herds at the base of the majestic Kilimanjaro. The afternoon game drive promises an immersive experience, offering close encounters with not only elephants but also giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this captivating landscape. Amboseli National Park is often referred to as “The Home of Elephants’ some of the largest elephant herds are found here.
Excursions & Visits: Afternoon Game Drive & Game Viewing
Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli or AA Amboseli or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours (204km)
Today we get up early for our opportunity to see Kilimanjaro at dawn. The Roof of Africa is often shy, but in the early morning light, we will have our best chance to see the tallest mountain on the continent and it is situated close to the Kenya - Tanzania border, the park lies at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa whose snow-capped summit presents a splendid view on clear days.
After a leisurely breakfast, we embark on our journey to the Namanga border with picnic lunch boxes in tow. Clear customs and immigration formalities, crossing into Tanzania to join our local driver of African Bushwalker Tours for Tanzania side. We will take part in an afternoon village walk where we will get an inside look at the homes and exquisite craft of the Mto wa Mbu’s many tribes. Visitors will get a chance to meet locals and learn about banana beer, Makonde woodcarvings, and tribal painting techniques. The village walk provides a great introduction to everyday life in Africa. After our visit we will proceed to lodge where you will have dinner and enjoy your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge or Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours (325km)
After delicious breakfast, our driver-guide will descent with us into the Ngorongoro crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater, containing diverse ecosystems and a large concentration of birds and animals. We will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion. It was initially thought to be higher than Tanzania's famous Kilimanjaro. The crater has evolved into a unique and integral part of Tanzania's eco-system. The crater is actually a caldera, measures 22.5 km's across and the rim walls stand 600m high. Views from within and from the rim are breath-taking! The crater houses 30000 animals and a large variety of birds. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the crater floor and later ascend back to Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Excursions & Visits: Full Day Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge or Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours (68km)
After our delicious breakfast, we will begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way, we will visit Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
Afterwards we visit famous Maasai bomas, where we will have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market and proceed to Central Serengeti National Park. Hot lunch will be served either at the gate or en-route towards the heart of Serengeti with an incredible set up by your guide inside the bush. The Serengeti National Park is home to the largest concentration of wildlife than anywhere else on the planet. We will have an unlimited drive until in the evening where you will drive straight to your tented camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Excursions & Visits: Maasai Boma Visit, Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Camps or Osinon Camp
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours (167km)
After a satisfying breakfast, check out with a packed picnic lunch for a scenic journey to Masai Mara via the Isibania Border. Engage in game drives en route, soaking in the diverse landscapes. Complete immigration formalities before entering the renowned Maasai Mara Reserve. Arrive at your lodge for check-in, and an afternoon game drive, offering glimpses of the Big Five and the richness of the Mara's plains. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night's rest.
Excursions & Visits: Full Day Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours (232km)
Wake before the dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Maasai Mara sunrise. After a quick cup of coffee, we will head out into the park to watch as the sun sets fire to the savannah and the big cats take advantage of the morning cool to search for a meal. Alternatively, we can take to the skies with a hot air balloon safari that will see us soar above all of the action before setting down on the plains for a champagne breakfast among the wildlife. Ask our safari expert about adding a hot air balloon adventure to your safari. We will then return to our lodge for a late breakfast before packing a picnic lunch and heading back out into the park for a day-long exploration of the Maasai Mara. Home to huge populations of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes - the picturesque Serengeti is an excellent place to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs as well as herbivores including elephants, hippos, and giraffes.
Home to large numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles, the Mara River is the last major obstacle standing between the Wildebeest Migration and the relative safety of the Masai Mara. If you're patient and a little lucky, you may even get to witness the death-defying crossing itself where wildebeest and zebras brave the river's currents and crocodiles in an attempt to reach safety on the opposite bank.
Excursions & Visits: Morning and Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
After a sumptuous breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru, formerly famous for its flamingos, the park is now better known for its large herds of buffalo and the presence of both the black and white rhinoceros. The famous ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson defined it as "the greatest bird spectacle on earth". We will enjoy a hot lunch at our lodge before taking an afternoon game drive along the shores of the lake to spot baboons, buffalo, lions, leopards, eland, waterbucks, and more.
Excursions & Visits: Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours (223km)
As your safari comes to an end, savour a final leisurely breakfast before checking out. leaving behind the memories of diverse birdlife and captivating wildlife. Your journey takes you to Nairobi, traversing scenic landscapes. Be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight to your next destination, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Passengers with early evening flights will be transferred directly to the airport. Passengers with late evening flights will have a day-use hotel room and will be transferred to the airport later in the evening. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:30 PM
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch provided (dinner and drinks own guest account)
Distance and Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours (155km)
Trip Information
In a Nutshell
– A true African experience (wild and free)
– All detailed inclusive Itinerary with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Know Before You Go – Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Trip Preparation – A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag colour and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhoea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
Trip Rating & Style – Easy and Moderate and cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
Countries visited – Kenya & Tanzania.
Highlights – Nairobi | Amboseli National Park | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Serengeti National Park | Masai Mara National Reserve | Lake Nakuru
Activities – Animal Tracking | Cultural Mozaic Experience | Scenic Drive | Game drive
Transportations – transport for most of this safari you will travel in 4×4 jeeps/safari vehicles – see your tour itinerary for details. These may be open-roofed or enclosed. You must not leave the vehicle or lean out through windows without express permission from the guide.
Accommodation Considerations – while we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes.
Tour leaders – a fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you will be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
Group Size – small groups of not more than 6 travellers per safari vehicle, guaranteed with an African Bushwalker Tours Team Leader escorting the group for the entire trip
Travelling Responsibility – remember you are more than a tourist in this place. You are part of the team of global citizens, embracing diversity and committed to lifelong learning. Stay open to opportunities, contribute where you can, and connect with the many people you meet along the road.
Plan Ahead – now your chance to book any optional activities, chat with the reservation team and get planning
Life on Land – contribute to any initiative that aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems
Experience – we have more than 23 years’ experience touring throughout East and Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of East and Southern Africa but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us at African Bushwalker Tours have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
Credit Card Payments:
– Credit card payments will attract a 3% handling fee of the value of the transaction.
– It is therefore advised that payments for your trip are done via Bank transfer through Paynow.co.zw
Based in Africa – probably the most important part of an African Bushwalker Tours is that we are an African company with offices in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We live in Africa; we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes African Bushwalker your best travel option.
Age Policy – on all small group scheduled tours, we accept children 12-17 with accompanying adult and tailor-made tours, we accept children 5 – 17 with accompanying adult. We have no upper age limit. Clients older than 65 years of age at the time of travel require a medical certificate stating the client is fit and healthy to join an adventure travel group tour. We have many clients over 65 years of age, who are perfectly capable of enjoying every aspect of an African Bushwalker tour.
Drugs & Alcohol – please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Africa and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to. Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
Travel Insurance – it is compulsory that every person who travels with African Bushwalker Tours obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
Visas and Passports – please ensure you have 6 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
What do I need to bring? – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, headtorch, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination certificate, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure, it is recommended to bring mosquito spray with high mint!
About Drones– Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.
Suggested Tipping
Gratuities – Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. On some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. We recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping.
Please be aware that many locals consider tipping to be a customary part of their compensation, and some may approach you for additional “compensation.” There is no need to feel intimidated by these requests, nor should you feel pressured to tip beyond the suggested amounts. If you become uncomfortable by any behaviour you encounter, please advise your tour manager, or contact our office (numbers are provided in your documents).
Tour Manager/Driver: US $5 per person per day
Note: Tips for hotel porters, wait staff, and for activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. Hotels and restaurants that are frequented mostly by tourists will often add a gratuity to your bill and additional tipping is at your discretion.
BOOKING – To make your booking, please make sure you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travelers – as per their passport. African Bushwalker Tours will hold an option of 14 days from the time African Bushwalker Tours have confirmed a tour, before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 14 days prior to the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need longer time, please let us know. If a tour or hotel is fully booked African Bushwalker Tours will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location.
PRICES – All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to change the prices, in reasonable circumstances, at any time before a booking is made. African Bushwalker Tours will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking.
For trips in Namibia & South Africa rates given in a currency other than respectively NAD (Namibian Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rand) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate. For trips in Kenya & Tanzania rates given in a currency other than in USD (American Dollars) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate.
PAYMENTS – 30% of the total booking value within 14 days of African Bushwalker Tour’s confirmation of the booking. The remaining 70% no later than 45 days from the trip starting date.
CANCELLATION – If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by African Bushwalker Tours for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non-refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, of the person for whose benefit the tour has been arranged, no cancellation fee will be charged if African Bushwalker Tours is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
What’s Included
- Airport transfers (Roundtrip) For Arrival and Departure
- Private vehicle 4×4 Safari Landcruiser transport with professional Safari Guide
- Accommodation in Semi-Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp
- All meals according to the itinerary
- Mineral water provided in the Safari Vehicle
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- All park entry fees and Concession Fees
- First Aid Kit Box and Flying Doctors Air Ambulance Rescue (AMREF)
- Drinking water during safari drives (Guest will receive a reusable steel water bottle (supporting “TOSCO” – Tourism supporting Conservation)
What’s Excluded
- Gratuities, Baggage Handling
- Personal, Medical and Travel Insurance
- All International Flights tickets and applicable airport fees and taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Visa fees if applicable to Tanzania and Kenya
- Extra Entrance fees to tourist attractions, activities or attractions not mentioned in itinerary
- Extra optional activities while in the game reserves
- All costs of a personal nature: Telephone calls, bar bills, drinks, room service, laundry, refreshments, snacks, curios, gifts, etc. unless otherwise stated as included in the daily itinerary
