East Africa Discovery

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

We travel via the Masai escarpment, providing spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley, to Lake Nakuru National Park.This park is famous for its large populations of Pink Flamingos as well as both Black and White Rhinos.

Day 2, Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha

Moving east again we head to Lake Naivasha, home to the magnificent African Fish Eagle. At 1880 m this is the highest Rift Valley lake and time permitting we can spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions close by. We spend our last night in a lovely campsite on the lakes edge.

Day 3 to 4, Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is home to a multitude of bird life including the magnificent African Fish Eagle. Spend the day at leisure or take a trip to Elsamere, a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.

Day 5, Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

Entering Masai land we are likely to see these colourful locals tending their stock on the side of the road. Our overnight stop looks out across the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Day 6, Masai Mara

We will look for the infamous Big 5 as well as the plentiful plains game and birdlife on our game drives. You will see this 'garden of Eden' in a state nature intended it to be, rolling hills, huge plains, and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. Buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck just to name a few of the animals that inhabit this wild wonderland. Sitting around a campfire listening to the bush sounds, whilst watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day's game viewing in the Mara.

Day 7, Masai Mara to Nairobi

Leaving the Masai Mara, we head out of the surrounding area where we still catch a glimpse of the game that has migrated into the Masai land region. We reach Nairobi in the late afternoon.

Day 8, Nairobi

Today is spent at leisure to enjoy a variety of optional activities and attractions in this bustling African city.

Day 9, Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

Our next destination is Amboseli National Park where (on a clear day) we might get a very good view of Africa's Highest Mountain - Kilimanjaro.  Look out for abundant populations of Giraffe, Zebra and plains antelope as well as small numbers of Hyena, Lion and Jackal.

Day 10, Amboseli National Park to Arusha

Crossing the border into Tanzania we head to Arusha. Our route takes us through tribal Masai lands and along the western slopes of Mount Meru.

Day 11, Arusha to Serengeti National Park

From Arusha you have the option of visiting the famous Serengeti National Park. You will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides, if you take up the two-night/three day option. From Arusha you drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you descend down onto the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game has never stopped to suprise anyone entering this wildlife heaven. The afternoon will be spent game spotting before setting up camp in the midst of the park. A camp fire and the night time noises of the wildlife finish off a day in one of East Africa's most famous game parks!

Day 12, Serengeti National Park

Our day is spent game driving through the Serengeti National Park.

Day 13, Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An absolute 'must do' when in Tanzania. Pass through the 'Cradle of Mankind' and the Rift Valley whilst enjoying one of the best game viewing opportunities Africa has to offer. An early start takes us off for a full morning game drive in the Serengeti. We head back towards Ngorongoro where we sleep on the Crater's edge. We suggest you wear your winter woollies as it can get pretty cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

Day 14, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls. This Garden of Eden is 20-kilometre wide and a true natural wonder. The size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers great photo opportunities of most of East Africa's mammals, such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, and plain's game. After spending the morning in the Ngorongoro Crater you will return to our overnight stop near Arusha for the night.

Day 15, Arusha to Dar Es Salaam

On our way to Dar es Salaam we pass through a number of small villages, towns and sisal plantations.The temperature becomes noticeably hotter as we get closer to Dar es Salaam.

Day 16, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We have the option to spend the following nights on the famous 'Spice Island'. The long and rich history of Zanzibar is reflected in the varied architecture, markets and cultures of Stone Town, while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 17 to 18, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 19, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

We take the ferry back to mainland for another night in Dar es Salaam. Time permitting there may be an opportunity to visit one of the local craft markets offering a large range of exquisite products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills).

Day 20 to 21, Dar es Salaam to Nairobi

We depart on our journey to Nairobi where our tour comes to an end.

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 16 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $20 Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• $15 Elsamere
• $50 Hells Gate National Park
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• $450 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $35 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $500 PADI Dive Course - Zanzibar
• $50 Prison Island Excursion
• $25 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $550 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins