Epic Wildlife Adventure in Kenya & Tanzania - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya), Half-Day City Tour

Welcome to the bustling capital of Kenya, Nairobi! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. After refreshing, venture out on a city tour led by former street kids employed by the Nai Nami Foundation because who knows the area better? Meet your guides, learn how they survived on the streets, and discover the foundation's efforts to empower unhoused youth by providing them shelter, education, and vocational training.

Wander through the downtown area, stopping at hidden gems that you may have never visited on your own. Visit local eateries to sample dishes like nyama choma, a quintessential Kenyan dish of grilled meat served with side dishes like sukuma wiki (collard greens), chapati (also known as roti), and ugali (maize porridge). After three hours of exploring the city streets, thank your guide for sharing their story, then return to the hotel. Unwind with a drink by the pool and toast your first night in Africa. 

Day 2: Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Spend the day with Nairobi's animal residents as you transfer 30 minutes to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned elephants. At the trust, learn about the elephants' backgrounds and rehabilitation plan, then observe a feeding session, watching them grab food with their long trunks. Their afternoon mud bath is the perfect photo opportunity as these gentle giants play and roll in the mud to cool down. When it's time, say goodbye to the elephants and transfer 20 minutes to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be greeted by endangered Rothschild's giraffes roaming the sanctuary. Check out the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about this giraffe species and the sanctuary's efforts to protect them, then head to the feeding platform to get up close and personal with this graceful animal. Hold the provided food pellets out to the giraffes and wait for them to come close enough to eat straight from your hand. After interacting with these rare creatures, you can explore more of their habitat by following one of the surrounding nature trails before returning to your hotel in the city. 

Day 3: Transfer to Aberdare National Park, Relax at Leisure

Say goodbye to Nairobi for now as you transfer four hours to Aberdare National Park, nestled in the central highlands. Watch the urban landscape transform into rolling hills dotted with tea plantations and lush forests. Cross the Great Rift Valley and ascend into the Aberdare mountain range, stopping in charming towns like Nyeri to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.

When you arrive, check into your lodging for the next two nights, The Ark, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. The lodge overlooks a watering hole in the national park, so you can watch wildlife approach from one of the four observation decks. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sundowner, a cherished safari tradition, and savor a refreshing cocktail or a cup of Kenyan tea as you watch the sunset over the surrounding landscapes. When darkness falls, head to the on-site restaurant for a delicious dinner. 

Day 4: Morning & Evening Game Drive in Aberdare National Park

Get ready for an early wake-up call and set off on a game drive at sunrise to watch the national park come alive. Traverse the meandering trails in a safari vehicle, passing through dense forests and open grasslands. Keep an eye out for the Big Five animals—elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos—before the rising sun makes it too hot. Bird lovers will have the chance to spot over 290 avian species, including mountain buzzards, crowned eagles, and sunbirds. Stop at Karuru Falls and Magura Falls to see them plunge down the cliffs surrounded by lush greenery.

In the afternoon, return to the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch. When darkness starts to fall, head out on another game drive to spot the park's nocturnal residents, like the elusive hyena hunting for prey. Stop at a few floodlit water holes to look for mammals like the carnivorous genet or giant forest hog. You may even see a leopard on the prowl if you're lucky. After two to three hours, head back to the lodge for the night.

Day 5: Transfer to Nakuru, Hike in the Menengai Crater

Trade the national park for another epic Kenyan city, Nakuru, nestled in the middle of the Great Rift Valley. Leave the lush forests and rolling hills of Aberdere behind as you traverse verdant farmlands and picturesque countryside. When you arrive in the city, check into your hotel and put your hiking shoes on to prepare for a 4-5 hour trek across the Menengai Crater, one of the largest intact volcanic craters in the world, just 30 minutes outside of the city. Start at the top, enjoying panoramic views of the sprawling caldera, stretching over 7.4 miles (12 km) in diameter.

Descend to the flat crater floor and watch as your guide points out the flora and fauna that's adapted to this volcanic environment. Then, ascend the grassy and rocky slopes back to the summit, where you can take one last look at the crater, as well as Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru in the distance. If you're not up for the challenging hike, a driver can take you on a tour of the crater instead. For those interested in history, visit the nearby Mau-Mau Cave, which served as a hideout and base for Mau Mau fighters during Kenya's battle for independence.

Day 6: Morning & Evening Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park

Leave the city behind for the day as you head to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park for an early morning game drive. Start at Lake Nakuru, renowned as a rhino sanctuary and home to black and white rhinos. After watching these endangered creatures graze or rest near the water, continue your journey across the savanna, trying to spot animals like Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, and waterbucks. Stop at viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff to look out at the expansive lake and surrounding plains. 

Return to the hotel around midday to rest and enjoy lunch before venturing out on another game drive in the evening to look for the park's nocturnal creatures as the sun starts to dip. Traverse the acacia forests and grasslands and watch as they come alive with the cooler temperatures. You may spot herds of zebras and antelopes grazing in the open fields or predators like lions and leopards on the hunt. Be sure to look to the skies to spot the abundant birdlife above the lake, where you'll often see flamingoes, pelicans, and storks returning to their roosts.

Day 7: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve, Free Afternoon

This morning, you'll head to your last destination in Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve, on a 5-6 hour transfer. When you arrive, check into Muthu Keekorok Lodge in the heart of the reserve and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can unwind after the long drive with a relaxing massage at the on-site spa or lay on one of the sunbeds surrounding the pool. Then, enjoy a drink at the bar overlooking one of the reserve's many watering holes, where you can often spot hippos, giraffes, and gazelles. When you get hungry, head inside to enjoy local delights or international cuisine. 

Day 8: Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Reserve, Full-Day Safari

This morning's early wake-up call will be worth it as you head to a nearby launch site for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Watch as the balloons slowly inflate, then jump into the basket and rise above the reserve's golden grasslands, winding river, and towering acacia trees as the sun peeks over the horizon. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that's just waking up and moving through the savanna, like herds of elephants or groups of buffalo.

If you visit between July and October, you may be able to witness the Great Migration from above, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. After the one-hour flight, your journey continues with a game drive through the reserve to get a better look at some more wildlife, like grazing zebras or lions on the prowl for their next meal. Around midday, stop for a picnic lunch or return to the lodge to eat and enjoy a short rest. Then, set off on another game drive when the air cools down in the afternoon.

When you pass the Mara River, look out for the crocodiles that frequent the waters, trying to catch crossing prey. End the full-day safari with a drink while watching the sunset over the savanna. If you're not too tired, head out on a night game drive to try and spot the reserve's nocturnal creatures, like the elusive leopard. Wherever you are in the reserve, don't forget to look up to see endless stars uninterrupted by city lights. 

Day 9: Transfer to Nairobi, Visit the National Museum (Optional)

After breakfast at the lodge, start the 5-6 hour journey back to Nairobi, driving through the traditional Maasai villages that dot the rural landscape. As you get closer to the capital, you may notice an increase in settlements and farmlands before the countryside changes to bustling urban streets. Check into your hotel and refresh, then venture out to explore the area on your own. You could visit the Nairobi National Museum to learn more about the country's rich history.

Step inside to see the mesmerizing displays of early human fossils, colorful artwork, and historic artifacts highlighting Kenya's various ethnic groups. Don't miss the snake park and aquarium within, where you can find displays of marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Learn about the museum's conservation efforts and rehabilitation program before strolling to the nearby neighborhood of Parklands, known for its array of traditional Kenyan, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants. Grab a bite to eat, then return to your hotel. 

Day 10: Transfer to Arusha (Tanzania), Relax at Leisure

Grab your bags and start the 4-5 hour transfer to Arusha in Tanzania, nestled at the base of Mount Meru, a gateway to many renowned national parks. As you leave Kenya's bustling capital behind, watch the landscape transform into open plains, rolling hills, and quaint villages until you cross the Namanga Border, where mountain peaks greet you. When you arrive in the city, refresh at your hotel, then head to Sokoine Road, a bustling street where you can enjoy the Tanzanian version of nyama choma, at one of the restaurants or street food stalls. 

Day 11: Game Drive in Arusha National Park

Take a break from the city this morning as you set off on a one-hour transfer to Arusha National Park for a game drive through the diverse landscapes. When you arrive, meet your guides and jump in a safari vehicle to look for animals in the grassy plains. You may spot herds of buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes searching for food or the more elusive leopards and hyenas lurking in the shadows. Don't forget to look up, as the park is home to an array of bird species, including African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and Uganda's national bird, the crowned crane. 

As you traverse the park, you'll also learn about the behavior and biology of the animals you encounter along the way. Stop for panoramic views of Ngurdoto Crater and the serene Momella Lakes, where you can typically spot flocks of flamingoes. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After three to four hours of exploring the park, return to your hotel in Arusha to relax. 

Day 12: Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Half-Day Game Drive

Bid farewell to Arusha for now as you set off on a two-hour transfer to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania's Manyara region. Check into Karatu Tented Lodge, located just 15 minutes outside the town of Karatu. When it's time, join your guide for a half-day safari, starting with a scenic drive through the park, known for its towering baobab trees and large elephant population. As you follow the park's namesake, the Tarangire River, look out for wildebeests, zebras, and buffaloes stopping for a drink. You may also spot predators on the hunt, like leopards and cheetahs.

Don't forget about the park's avian residents, including kingfishers darting along the riverbanks or graceful eagles soaring overhead. Stop for a picnic lunch in the wild to soak up the natural beauty before hopping back in the Jeep for more wildlife sightings. Before the sun sets, return to the lodge, grab a drink, and sit around the campfire to watch the sky transform into warm hues of red and orange.

Day 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

Spend a full day exploring the national park just after sunrise. Soak up the crisp morning air and set out in a safari vehicle to watch the park's diverse habitats come to life, with elephants lumbering through the acacia woodlands or giraffes grazing on the treetops. You'll be treated to a symphony of chirps and calls as colorful avian species flit among the branches while you look for tree-climbing lions. Around noon, when the sun is high and the heat sets in, take a break to stretch, relax in the shade, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Later on, your drive continues along the park's water sources, where large herds of animals, including various antelope species and large flocks of herons, congregate to drink and cool off. Take another break from the game drive to watch the sunset over the savanna, casting the plains and its inhabitants in a warm, golden glow. When darkness starts to fall, return to the lodge in time for another al fresco dinner under the stars. 

Day 14: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Relax at the Lodge

Today's journey takes you four hours north to the UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park, renowned as one of the best places to see the Great Migration, which takes place Even if you don't visit during the Great Migration, which takes place from July to October, the park still has plenty to offer. To get there, pass through the Malanja Depression, an area that provides a striking contrast between the highlands and the plains

After checking into the Serena Safari Lodge, perched atop a hill in the heart of the park overlooking the vast plains, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You can relax by the infinity pool overlooking the park, enjoy a cocktail while the sun sets, and sit down for dinner in the dining room or al fresco. 

Day 15: Hot-Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, Full-Day Game Drive

If you enjoyed the hot-air balloon ride in Masai Mara National Reserve, you're in luck. Today, you set off on another sunrise ride, this time above the Serengeti. Head to the launch site as the first light begins to illuminate the horizon, looking out for nocturnal predators prowling for prey. Watch as the balloons slowly inflate, then jump into the basket and rise above the sprawling plains. Look down as you glide over herds of wildebeest, zebras grazing, and roving pride of lions beginning their day. After an hour in the air, touch down and celebrate your flight with Champagne and breakfast under the shade of an acacia tree.

The adventure doesn't stop there as you set off on a full-day game drive across the park. Traverse the diverse ecosystems, from the Grumeti River to the Seronera Valley, looking for wildlife like cheetahs stalking their prey or rhinos grazing on acacias. Stop at watering holes across the park to spot elephants going for a drink or birds, like vultures, storks, or hornbills, soaring above. Continue the safari until the sun starts to cast a warm glow over the plains while it sets. Then, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and rest after an action-packed day. 

Day 16: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Visit a Maasai Village

This morning, you head to your final destination, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, perched at the edge of Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "eighth wonder of the world." After the two-hour transfer, check into Ngorongoro Farm House, a historic luxury lodge set on a working organic farm and coffee plantation in the Ngorongoro Highlands. After some downtime to rest and refresh, set off on a culture and heritage tour of a traditional Maasai village.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be welcomed by the villagers with spirited songs and dances. Wander through the village and engage in activities that have defined the tribe's culture for centuries, such as listening to age-old stories from village elders, herding cattle, making jewelry, and sharing a traditional meal. After eating, watch the warriors train, then follow your guide on a nature walk to learn about indigenous flora and fauna.

At the end of the tour, thank the villagers for their time, then make one last stop at the Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site where some of the earliest human fossils, stone tools, and other ancient artifacts have been found. Wander through the gorge, carved by the ancient movements of the Great Rift Valley, to see the different excavation points. Then, step inside the Olduvai Gorge Museum to admire these archaeological findings and learn more about the ancient landscape. After exploring the museum, return to your lodge.

Day 17: Full-Day Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Get ready for your final sunrise game drive to explore the conversation area. Watch the sun begin to rise over the crater as you look out for the Big Five game animals and traverse the rugged terrain. Your driver will descend into the crater to better spot wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, where you can relax and take in the wilderness around you.

After eating, the safari continues to different parts of the crater, stopping at tranquil lakes to spot large flocks of flamingoes, zebras, and wildebeests or groups of hippos lazing in the water. Flamingoes aren't the only birds you'll see, as the conservation area is also home to avian species like kori bustards, crowned cranes, and secretary birds. In the late afternoon, begin the journey back up the crater rim, enjoying a final panoramic view of the lush landscape before returning to the lodge. End your action-packed day with a drink while you watch the sunset.

Day 18: Transfer to Arusha, Discover the Shanga & Shanga Foundation

Wave goodbye to the conservation area this morning as you return to Arusha on a 2.5-hour transfer. Traverse the winding roads that lead down from the highlands, offering panoramic views of the lush landscape. When you arrive, check into your hotel to refresh, then return to the Shanga & Shanga Foundation. This social enterprise employs people with disabilities to create intricate handmade goods, including glassware, textiles, and jewelry.

Go on a guided tour of the space to see the artisans at work, then participate in interactive workshops to learn how to blow glass or weave colorful textiles. This allows you to truly understand and appreciate each artisan's remarkable skills. End the tour at the gift shop, where you can browse the handmade goods made on-site. Each purchase supports the artist and the foundation's work, and the crafts make great souvenirs. If you're hungry, you could also grab a bite to eat at the adjoining restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 19: Transfer to Nairobi (Kenya), Relax at Leisure

After a restful night in Arusha, it's time to return to Nairobi on a 4-5 hour transfer via the Great Rift Valley. As you cross the border into Kenya, look out at the rolling hills dotted with traditional Maasai villages. When you arrive at your hotel, leave your bags behind and refresh, then venture out to explore the area at your own pace. You could visit Maasai Market, a treasure trove of handmade goods, fresh produce, and local delights.

Browse the stalls full of Maasai jewelry, colorful fabrics, and traditional decor to find souvenirs. If you get hungry, snack on mandazi, a deep-fried sweet pastry, or roasted corn on the cob seasoned with salt and chili. End the night in the Westlands district, known for its upscale shopping malls, lively nightlife, and diverse culinary scene.

Day 20: Visit the Karen Blixen Museum & Kazuri Beads Factory

Start your penultimate day in Kenya at the Karen Blixen Museum to learn about the acclaimed Danish author of the same name. The museum is set in her former colonial-era home, where she lived from 1917 to 1931. Step inside and admire each room's well-preserved furnishings, photographs, and personal belongings. Through each exhibit, gain insight into Blixen's life in Kenya as a coffee farmer and her literary legacy.

Continue to the Kazuri Beads Factory, a women's cooperative that empowers talented artisans to pursue and showcase their crafts. Tour the space and admire the intricate process of bead-making, from the shaping of clay to the hand-painting of each bead in a kaleidoscope of colors. Browse the finished products, ranging from necklaces and bracelets to pottery, and take a piece home to commemorate your trip.

Day 21: Visit the Fairview Coffee Estate, Depart

Your final day in Kenya starts with a visit to the Fairview Coffee Estate in the heart of the central highlands, just 30 minutes outside the city. Set off on a guided tour through the plantation to witness the meticulous process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee beans. The hands-on tour allows you to pick ripe coffee berries, sort the beans, and taste the different coffee varieties produced on-site using sustainable farming practices. After the tour, grab your bags and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!