Wild East African Odyssey: Savannas & Beaches in Kenya & Tanzania - 21 Days

Highlights

• Witness the famed Great Migration as millions of animals cross the Mara River
• Make friends with orphaned elephants and other animals at wildlife sanctuaries
• Enjoy cooking classes, cultural tours, and visits to social projects throughout Africa
• Take a safari across the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven of wildlife and natural beauty 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya), Optional Culture Tour

Welcome to Kenya! This diverse nation in East Africa is home to some of the continent's most famous national parks and reserves—which you'll visit during your time here. However, the first order of business is to get oriented. You'll arrive in the dynamic capital of Nairobi—the seat of government and the economic heart of the country—and a driver will pick you up at the terminal for the ride to your hotel.

During the drive into the city, keep an eye on the roadside, where just beyond the fence line, you'll witness the plains of Nairobi National Park. This is one of the only protected areas on the continent within the city limits of a capital. You'll likely spot grazing giraffes, zebras, and possibly curious gazelles impalas looking back at you from near the fence.

After settling in at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to relax after the long flight. Or, if you can't wait to head out and explore, meet a local guide for a city activity. There's no better introduction to Nairobi than a guided walking tour of the downtown area, during which you'll meet former street kids. Organized through the Nai Nami Foundation, this is a great way to see the city from a local's perspective and see firsthand how people overcome hardship—you'll even share a meal with the folks you meet. It's a rich cultural exchange you won't soon forget.

Day 2: Day Trip to Giraffe Centre & Elephant Orphanage

Get ready for your first great wildlife experience in Africa! This morning, your driver will take you to Nairobi's Giraffe Centre. Operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), this sanctuary conserves Rothschild's giraffes by breeding and releasing them into the wild. When AFEW was founded in 1979, a mere 130 wild Rothschild's giraffes survived in Kenya, but today, thanks to this organization, that number is around 300. You can snap photos of the current residents from a raised viewing platform and even feed them. Also, there's a bird sanctuary and a self-guided nature trail.

Capping the day is a trip to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here, you'll see young elephants rescued and cared for until they're ready to be released back into the wild. On top of viewing the elephants, there's the option to sponsor an orphan. If you do, you can return later in the day to help feed and tuck your newly adopted elephant into bed. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Aberdare National Park

Rise and shine because today you'll leave Nairobi on a four-hour drive north to Aberdare National Park. This 296 square-mile (767 sq km) protected area lies in the dazzling Aberdare Mountains, known for their diverse ecosystems and dramatic landscapes. You'll be staying at The Ark, a luxury safari lodge in the park. It's located next to a watering hole that attracts various animals, including elephant herds. If all goes according to plan, you'll arrive in time for lunch and can enjoy your meal while marveling at the wildlife just beyond the terrace.

Day 4: Aberdare Morning & Evening Game Drives

It's another early start, as you've got a full day of safari fun ahead. After a light breakfast, you'll hop in an open-topped 4WD vehicle and set off into the park. Aberdare, known as "The Majestic Moorland," is a great introduction to Kenya's natural beauty as it's defined by lush forested ravines and wide-open moorlands home to various animals. These include elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, and bushbucks. During the drive, you'll see these animals as well as many others.

Return to the lodge in time for lunch, after which you can relax. Then, head out on a late-afternoon/early-evening safari drive to spot some of the more elusive park residents, like giant forest hogs and the African golden cat. There are also more than 250 species of birds in Aberdare, including the Jackson's francolin, sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, and plovers. After witnessing the golden sunset over the park, you'll return to the lodge in time for a hearty bush dinner.

Day 5: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

The adventure continues this morning as you leave with your driver on a 5.5-hour ride south to the Masai Mara National Reserve. This 580-square-mile (1,510 sq km) game reserve borders Serengeti National Park (in Tanzania), and together, they host the great migration of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles that occurs from July to November. Named in honor of the Maasai tribespeople, the unspoiled savanna is home to significant numbers of lions, leopards, cheetahs, African bush elephants, rhinos, and more.

During the ride, you'll travel from the misty highlands of Aberdare down to the vast African plains and the town of Narok, the gateway to Masai Mara. The bucolic area around Narok offers a glimpse into the traditional Maasai way of life, with manyattas (traditional Maasai homesteads) dotting the landscape and herds of cattle and goats grazing under the watchful eyes of Maasai herders. While here, you'll also stop at local markets and prime viewpoints to meet locals and snap photos.

Once at Masai Mara, you'll check into Mara Maisha, a luxury bush camp adjacent to the reserve. After settling in, feel free to spend the rest of the day relaxing. If you like, head to the camp bar and grab a cocktail or soft drink, which you can enjoy amid splendid views of the surrounding savanna grasslands and rolling hills.

Day 6: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Safari & Maasai Culture Tour

The early wake-up call this morning will be worth it as you head to a 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 starts to peek over the horizon. Keep an eye out for the wildlife just waking up and moving through the savanna, like herds of elephants or groups of buffalo. The flight usually lasts about an hour, and when you touch back down, you'll enjoy a luxurious bush breakfast, complete with Champagne, right on the savanna.

Be sure to fill up, as after the balloon ride, you'll hop in a 4WD vehicle for a morning safari around Masai Mara. Early morning is the best time to go wildlife spotting since the animals are at their most active as they search for food. During this time, you can see the wildebeests grazing on the savanna and big cats hunting for prey. After a midday break, you'll head out again on an afternoon game drive to spot common animals in the park, like lions, elephants, and buffalo.

After the safaris, you and your guide will embark on a 2.5-hour cultural tour to discover the heritage of the people who've inhabited these lands since antiquity. Your journey begins with a warm welcome in a traditional Maasai village, marked by lively songs and dances. As you explore, you'll participate in activities that have been central to Maasai culture for generations. Listen to the elders share tales of their history and culture, then sit down for a traditional Maasai meal. Another highlight is a nature walk to witness the training of Maasai warriors and learn about their sustainable living practices.

Day 7: Transfer to Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley

Leave the camp after breakfast on a 4-5-hour drive back to Nairobi. It's another long ride, but a scenic one, as you pass along acacia-dotted savannas and, eventually, the Great Rift Valley. Here, you can stop at viewpoints offering jaw-dropping vistas of the valley's soda lakes and towering escarpments. Continue from the valley south back into the city of Nairobi, where you'll check into your hotel.

Day 8: Optional Museum Visit, Transfer to Arusha (Tanzania)

Say goodbye to Kenya as you cross its southern border into Tanzania. First, you'll have the option to visit the Nairobi National Museum. Highlights include ethnological exhibits, such as hand-woven cloaks worn by the Indigenous Kalenjin people and a mosaic map of Kenya made from butterfly wings. There's also the Birds of East Africa exhibit, the Great Hall of Mammals, the Cradle of Humankind exhibition, and the Hominid Skull Room. Upstairs, the History of Kenya display is an engaging journey through Kenyan and East African history.

Afterward, hop in the car for the five-hour drive south into Tanzania and Arusha. The ride there is a scenic adventure that spans some of East Africa's most gorgeous landscapes, including open plains, rolling hills, small towns, roadside markets, and traditional villages.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Arusha. This city is located in the middle of coffee country, at the foot of the 14,980-foot (4,566 m) Meru volcano. It's the gateway to some of Tanzania's most famed national parks and reserves, including the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro national parks. Your driver will leave you at your hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day free.

Day 9: Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Afternoon Safari

Pack your things and set off early on a two-hour drive south from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. This 1,000-square-mile (2,600 sq km) protected area may only be the sixth largest national park in the country, but there's no shortage of incredible wildlife here. It's one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations, with almost 500 avian species on record. Plus, during the migratory season, there are incredible numbers of plains game like wildebeests, antelope, and zebras.

You'll arrive around midday to check into your accommodation: the Maramboi Tented Lodge, where you can relax on your veranda or take a dip in the pool. Even while relaxing poolside or in your luxury tent, you'll be treated to views of exotic wildlife. Look out to the palm trees surrounding the property and you're sure to spot zebras, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, and more.

After settling in and grabbing a bite to eat, you'll head out on your first safari in Tanzania, weaving between otherworldly baobab trees as you travel the plains in search of wildlife. Elephants are the main attraction here, with up to 3,000 roaming the park from June to November. Other common animals include giraffes, the Thompson's gazelle, greater and lesser kudus, elands, leopards, and cheetahs. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to the lodge.

Day 10: Full-Day Safari Game Drive in Tarangire

Enjoy another full-day safari adventure as you explore Tarangire, beginning at dawn. As your 4WD vehicle crosses the plains, you'll witness the morning activities of the park's inhabitants, from stealthy nocturnal predators winding down their nightly hunts to the elegant herbivores setting out for early grazing.

Sightings of animals like elephants and cheetahs are common here, but the real prizes are the dwarf mongoose, oryx, and gerenuk (also called the "giraffe gazelle")—though sightings are quite rare. The best part is that because Tarangire is a quiet, often overlooked park, there are fewer crowds to witness the spectacle of its migrating residents. After a midday break for a picnic lunch, the game drive will continue until the sun sets over the savanna. 

Day 11: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

It's another big travel day as you leave Tarangire on a four-hour drive northwest to Serengeti National Park. As you travel, you'll pass through the Malanja Depression, a geological area marked by low-lying terrain in stark contrast to the surrounding highlands. Eventually, you'll reach the open plains of the Serengeti, which, like Masai Mara, play a central role in the annual Great Migration.

When you arrive, you'll check into the Lahia Tented Lodge, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Go for a refreshing swim in the pool overlooking the Serengeti or unwind with a massage at the on-site spa. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner, then sit down with a drink around the campfire. Look up at the sky full of stars to end your first night in the Serengeti. 

Day 12: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Like in Masai Mara, you'll witness the full scope of the Serengeti's majesty on a balloon ride over the plains. The adventure begins before dawn with a ride out to the launch site. There, you'll hop in the basket and ascend over the Serengeti plains to see great herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope grazing below. Upon touching back down on land, you'll toast the experience with a sumptuous Champagne breakfast on the savanna—a ballooning tradition!

Spend the rest of the day exploring Serengeti on a thrilling game drive. Navigate the rugged landscapes adorned with acacia trees in a 4WD vehicle, periodically stopping to marvel at the resident wildlife. Cruise by watering holes across the park to spot lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes enjoying a morning and afternoon drink, and keep an eye on the sky to marvel at birds like vultures, storks, and hornbills soaring above. Before darkness falls, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and spend time around the campfire, discussing the day's adventure with the other guests.

Day 13: Transfer to Ngorongoro, Stop at Olduvai Gorge

Leave the Serengeti plains this morning on a two-hour drive south to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This UNESCO-listed site encompasses a vast expanse of diverse landscapes, including grasslands, woodlands, forests, and the most famous landmark of all: the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the largest intact volcano calderas in the world. It's the perfect wildlife habitat, with steep walls enclosing an ecosystem teeming with animals, earning it the nickname "Africa's Eden."

On the way, you'll stop at one of the area's most famous wonders: Olduvai Gorge. This vast ravine—about 30 miles long (48 km) and 300 feet (91 m) deep—is home to paleoanthropological sites that reveal some of the earliest signs of human development. After hiking around the ravine, you'll continue to Ngorongoro and check into the Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara. This sprawling luxury lodge is perched at the edge of the Great Rift Valley with spectacular views over Lake Manyara below.

Day 14: Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari, Maasai Culture & Heritage Tour

It's time for a full-day safari in Ngorongoro! One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this region teems with bull elephants, buffalo, rhinos, wildebeests, and the highest concentration of lions on the continent. You'll find plenty of rhinos in the park, as anti-poaching protocols mean they abound in this area. Ngorongoro is also special in that over 40,000 Masaai tribespeople live in the area, and their livestock grazes right alongside the endemic wildlife.

Starting at dawn, you'll spend the day here, racing across the plains in a 4WD vehicle in search of the most exotic specimens. You'll more than likely spot most, if not all, of the famed Big Five safari animals: lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and Cape buffaloes. Lunch will be a picnic affair under the azure African sky, then return to the lodge in the early afternoon.

But the day isn't over yet! Shortly after arriving at the lodge, you'll head back out on a visit to a nearby Maasai village. During a three-hour visit, you'll meet the villagers, join in traditional songs and dances, take guided walks, help herd cattle, learn to make traditional jewelry, and generally participate in a cultural exchange. After the enriching experience, you'll transfer back to the lodge.

Day 15: Transfer to Arusha, Visit the Shanga Foundation

Meet your driver after breakfast and leave Ngorongoro on a three-hour drive back to Arusha. After settling into your hotel, you'll meet a guide for a trip to The Shanga Foundation. This community handicrafts project empowers locals with disabilities by providing training and employment opportunities in the creation of handcrafted, artisanal items.

Over three hours, you'll meet the artisans and see them at work. These talented individuals create various products, from Swahili beaded jewelry to woven textiles, blown glass, and paper crafts. The tour isn't only an opportunity to witness the creation of these beautiful items but also to understand the skill and artistry involved. In addition to observing, you can participate in interactive sessions to learn weaving techniques and other skills. Feel free to pick up some souvenirs at the on-site shop—each purchase directly supports the artisans and the foundation's work.

Day 16: Fly to Zanzibar, Optional Activities

Get ready for some beach time! Transfer to the airport this morning and board a 1.5-hour flight to Zanzibar. It's not hyperbole to say that this pristine archipelago is one of Africa's most incredible island destinations. It's famous for the powdery white sands of its beaches and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Of course, you'll stay at a waterfront island resort complete with multiple bars and restaurants, shimmering pools, an on-site spa, and rooms with ocean views. Upon arrival from the airport, you'll check into the resort and can spend the rest of the day enjoying its amenities. Or, grab a seat in a lounger or hammock and while away the hours in total relaxation. Dinner here will be an affair to remember, as the restaurants typically feature fresh seafood and local spices—the essence of Zanzibari cuisine.

Day 17: Stone Town Tour, Cooking Class & Sunset Cruise in Zanzibar

After breakfast, join your guide for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, the historic and cultural center of Zanzibar. As you wind through the narrow streets and labyrinthine alleys, stop at landmarks like the House of Wonders, a palace-turned-museum featuring exhibits revealing the area's rich heritage. Step inside the large carved doors and browse the artifacts, photographs, and historical displays to learn more about the archipelago and the sultans who used to live here.

Take in panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape from the terrace before continuing to the Old Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Look out at the massive coral walls and ancient cannons, then wander through the fortress, climbing to the top for another perspective of Stone Town. The tour ends with a cooking class under the guidance of a skilled chef. Learn about the spices that made Zanzibar famous and how they feature in local cuisine as you make dishes like pilau, coconut bean soup, and Zanzibari pizza. When it's all ready, your group will sit down and enjoy the meal.

In the evening, explore the area from the water as you cruise down the coast in a traditional dhow sailboat to watch the sunset. The natural spectacle isn't the only entertainment you'll have, as you're serenaded with taarab music, a genre that evokes feelings of love and nostalgia, played on traditional instruments like the violin and oud. Immerse yourself deeper in Zanzibari culture as you sample local snacks and drinks while the sun transforms the sky into warm hues of red and orange. When darkness starts to fall, cruise back to land and transfer to your resort.

Day 18: Snorkeling in Zanzibar

Discover an entire underwater world surrounding Zanzibar today as you set off on a seven-hour snorkeling tour down the coast. Spend the morning going from one snorkeling spot to another as you swim amid colorful coral gardens, graceful sea turtles, and abundant tropical fish. If you're lucky, you may even spot playful dolphins from the boat or swimming alongside you. In the afternoon, sit down for a lunch of fresh seafood paired with Zanzibari side dishes on board or at a nearby beach. After refueling, continue to a few more snorkel sites or relax on a white-sand beach before returning to shore.

Day 19: Fly to Arusha, Optional Canoe Ride

Enjoy one more breakfast in paradise before transferring to the airport and catching a flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city, and you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Or, make the most of your remaining time in Africa with an optional canoe ride and nature excursion at a nearby lake.

This two-hour tour takes place at Lake Duluti, located a short drive outside of Arusha. Once there, you'll hop in a canoe and paddle across the glassy waters of this crater lake, enjoying views of the surrounding forest and Mount Meru looming above. The lake is also a haven for birdlife, and you'll likely spot flamboyant kingfishers, noble fish eagles, and elusive darters. As you paddle, your accompanying guide will reveal stories about the lake, its ecosystem, and the surrounding community. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 20: Transfer to Nairobi, Optional Activities

Time to make your last long drive of this particular African adventure. After an early breakfast, meet your driver for the five-hour ride north back to Nairobi. The road there winds through the Kenyan plains, where the landscape shifts to a mix of acacia-dotted savannas and small farming communities. Eventually, you'll arrive back in the city and check into your hotel. After settling in, feel free to enjoy a meal in the restaurant or head out into the city for one last dinner in town.

Day 21: Visit Karen Blixen Museum, Depart Nairobi

It's been a wild, action-packed three weeks—and the fun isn't over yet. Before bidding Africa farewell, you'll spend the morning visiting the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi. Located in the serene suburb of Karen, this museum is set in a colonial home on a coffee farm that was once home to Karen Blixen, the Danish author famous for her novel Out of Africa.

The museum showcases the highlights of Blixen's home, including her original furniture, personal belongings, and a collection of photographs and books. It provides insight into her life in Kenya and her profound connection with the country's culture and landscapes. After the three-hour tour, you'll transfer to the airport and board your flight home. Kwaheri!

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