Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, meet your guide and proceed to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to explore the dynamic capital, known as “the Green City in the Sun”. You can visit the National Museum or search for local culture at one of the many markets. Overnight in Nairobi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early this morning, you’ll leave the city for the Maasai Mara. On the way, enjoy the panoramic views as you ascend to the edge of the Great Rift Valley and descend the escarpment to the valley floor.

At the shores of Lake Naivasha, you’ll take a one-hour boat ride to admire its abundant wildlife and the hippo families that inhabit the lake.

You’ll pass through Mai Mahiu Town before reaching Narok (the Maasai capital), for lunch. Afterward, continue your drive to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve and visit a local village for a cultural experience. Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Total distance traveled today: 345 Km, approximately 8hs.

Breakfast at the camp. Afterwards, embark on your first safari. Get ready to spend the entire day on a game drive through the vast Maasai Mara National Reserve, your first opportunity to spot Africa’s iconic Big Five in their natural habitat! Enjoy a picnic lunch right in the heart of the reserve, making the most of your day without returning to camp and risk missing any wildlife sightings.

For those seeking adventure, there is also the option to admire the breathtaking sunrise from a hot air balloon*. Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the majesty of the Maasai Mara from the sky on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. Ascend at dawn and experience the most unforgettable sunrise imaginable as the savannah and its wildlife spring to life in the soft morning light.

Please note: The optional Hot Air Balloon Safari is dependent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot go ahead, it will be refunded when you return from your trip.

Breakfast at the camp. Today, you’ll get into Tanzania. Once you cross the border, you’ll meet your new guide for this country and enjoy a picnic lunch en route to Lake Victoria.

Upon arrival at the lodge and check-in, the rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. If you still have energy after your trip, we suggest a canoe trip* to the fishing village. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Victoria.

*Optional canoe trip: Journey by canoe to a fishing village and market for a glimpse into daily life on the lake.

Total distance traveled today: 245 Km, approximately 5hs.

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for the iconic Serengeti, a land of sweeping golden savannas and incredible wildlife encounters. Following a picnic lunch en route, you’ll enter the National Park and begin your safari adventure with a thrilling game drive across its vast landscapes, home to Africa’s most iconic animals. Another opportunity to spot the Big 5. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

Total distance traveled today: 245 Km, approximately 5hs.

Breakfast at the lodge. Prepare for a full-day safari adventure across the Serengeti. With a picnic lunch to keep your journey uninterrupted, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in the vast landscapes and encounter the park’s extraordinary wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, and countless other species roaming these iconic plains. For those seeking something extra special, an optional hot air balloon ride* offers a magical view of the Serengeti at dawn. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Over Serengeti Plains: Get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the great migration and the unique landscapes of this location in an aerial experience you will not be forgetting any time soon!

Important note: The optional hot air balloon activity is contingent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If it cannot go ahead, a full refund will be issued. This activity is not wheelchair accessible nor is it allowed for children under 5 years of age.

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart from the Serengeti National Park and make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once there, descend into the crater for another safari; this is one of the best places to encounter the majestic rhino in its natural habitat.

After enjoying a picnic lunch amid this unique setting, ascend back out of the crater and Ngorongoro towards Karatu. Dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Total distance traveled today: 155 Km, approximately 3hs.

Breakfast at the lodge. After departing Karatu, you will have the option to stop by Mto wa Mbu*. Continue to Arusha, where you’ll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in the city. Known as the gateway to Tanzania’s national parks, Arusha blends local culture with a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

*Optional Mto wa Mbu village visit: On a guided 2-hour stroll, discover farms, homes, schools, and the bustling market before ending the walk with a traditional local lunch.

Total distance traveled today: 150 Km, approximately 3hs.

Breakfast at the lodge*. Today marks the final day of your journey and the beginning of your return home. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories (and countless photos) of the wildlife, landscapes, and experiences this remarkable continent has shared with you. At the indicated time**, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (55 km/approx. 1hr drive) to catch your flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**You will have the option to add late check-out upon departure in the next step of the booking process.

Total distance traveled today: 40Km, approximately 1hs.