Your tour of East Africa starts in the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi. Arrive and meet at the hotel in the heart of this bustling city. If you arrive early, there are a variety of optional tours and excursions available – these can be arranged on arrival at the hotel.

At 6:00 pm local time you'll participate in a pre-tour briefing, and then enjoy free to find dinner at your own expense at a nearby restaurant.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: La Mada Hotel

Today you'll begin your adventure by heading for the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is famous for the annual mass migration of wildebeest and zebra. To get there, the road climbs up to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, traversing through some of Kenya’s finest wilderness. You'll arrive in the afternoon and spend the next two nights camping adjacent to the park.

Driving distance: 140 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Oseki Camp

Early in the morning, you'll depart on a full day of extensive game driving. The Mara is well known for its large herds of game and ever-present predators, and you'll follow seasonal migrations when possible.

You'll stop for a picnic lunch between game drives and arrive back at camp in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a hearty meal around the camp fire and the beautiful scenery all around.

Driving distance: Game drives
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Oseki Camp

Today you'll leave The Mara behind you and make your way to Mount Longonot National Park, with its dormant volcano. When you arrive, your guide will lead you on a hike up to the crater rim for a view of the jagged-edged caldera and the forest within. It’s also a good spot for views of the Rift Valley. The volcano last erupted in the early 1900s but steam vents may still be visible, and there is a chance to spot wildlife along the way. A packed lunch will be provided for the hike so you can enjoy a picnic with a view.

After enjoying the majestic scenery the Rift Valley has to offer, you'll take a short drive to your campsite, situated on the shore of Lake Naivasha.

Hiking distance: 2-3 miles (2-3 hours)
Driving distance: 140 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two person dome tents) – Lake Naivasha

Enjoy breakfast in camp before starting a day filled with activities. First, you'll travel the short distance to the famous Hell’s Gate National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see the high basaltic cliffs of Hell’s Gate, named after a narrow break in the cliffs. You can also explore the park via mountain bike and spot zebra, giraffe, buffalo and other species of antelope. After your trip down into the gorge, you'll make your way back to camp for lunch. Follow this with a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha, where you can find hippo and numerous bird species that inhabit the area.

Finish the day with a drive to Elsamere, the former home of the late naturalists and wildlife preservationists, George and Joy Adamson, for afternoon tea and the opportunity to gain some insight into their fascinating lives. In the late afternoon, you'll return to camp for a sumptuous braai (barbecue).

Driving distance: 37 miles (return)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Lake Naivasha
Optional activities: Mountain bike trip in Hell’s Gate

Today you'll head for Tanzania and the town of Arusha, passing through the outskirts of Nairobi as you make your way south. Crossing the border, you'll catch glimpses of Mt. Kilimanjaro through the clouds, and skirt the base of Mt. Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain. Known as Tanzania’s “safari capital,” Arusha is also the seat of the East African Community and an important regional diplomatic hub.

Driving distance: 233 miles
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Ahadi Lodge Arusha

Today you'll enter what is arguably the world’s most acclaimed wildlife sanctuary and National Geographic’s most-featured park, Serengeti National Park. With its huge concentrations of plains game, numerous predators and prolific bird-life, all residents on the seemingly endless grass and Acacia covered plains, the park is quintessential Africa. You'll traverse the park from west to east, doing extensive game drives as you go, and spend your nights camping in the park around a campfire with a star-studded sky overhead.

Driving distance: 186 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Serengeti

Rising with the sun, you'll prepare for a full day of exploring the park, spending as much time as possible game viewing, with your guide taking time to explain the behavior and habits of the animals you encounter. With regular comfort breaks and a picnic lunch, you'll make the most of your day in this awe-inspiring park. Returning to camp as the sun sets, you'll relax around the fire and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by your guides.

Driving distance: Game drive
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Serengeti

After an extensive early morning game drive, you'll leave the Serengeti and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you'll witness the Masai tribal people herding their cattle amongst the wildlife, still living their customary lifestyle as they have for centuries. Tonight you'll camp at the renowned Simba camp, perched on the edge of the magnificent Ngorongoro crater. The views from the camp are truly spectacular, making it an experience you won't soon forget.

Driving distance: +/- 81 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – crater rim

At first light, you'll make the daring descent into the crater in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles. Here you'll explore this marvel of nature, with its sheer walls and fertile plains. With the possibility of seeing almost all of Africa’s large mammals, including the rare Black Rhino, at close range on the crater floor, this has to be the finest game viewing available. Returning to Simba camp, you'll enjoy lunch before exiting the park and descending the escarpment to your camp for the night, in a village amongst the Masai people. Before the day is over, you'll tour the village with a Masai guide and hear about their way of life, their culture, and how they fit into the modern world.

Driving distance: 40 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents)

Wake up this morning to the bustling noise of village life. After breakfast, you'll depart toward Arusha, the town at the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru. Here you'll spend the afternoon exploring this lively town and its local markets. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate your safari and your final night together.

Driving distance: 81 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (two-person dome tents) – Meserani Snake Park

After breakfast, you'll set off to complete the circle back to Nairobi. This road travels through some spectacular scenery, and on a clear day offers stunning views of the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. En-route to Nairobi city, the transfer will pass by the airport to facilitate those who are flying out today. Anyone staying on in Nairobi, or continuing their travels, will be taken into the city center.

Distance: 183 miles
Meals included: Breakfast