19 Day East Africa Adventure – Nairobi to Dar es Salaam

Immerse yourself in captivating Kenya – a land of vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and thrilling adventures! Nairobi, your gateway, beckons you beyond the usual safari experience. Get ready to leave the beaten path and delve into 19 unforgettable days. Enjoy a welcome briefing with your guide and fellow travelers, followed by a delicious dinner – the perfect prelude to your Kenyan odyssey!

Journey to Il Ngwesi, a unique lodge owned and operated by the Maasai community, located north of Nairobi. This isn’t a quick visit – it’s a full immersion! Spend quality time with your Maasai hosts, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Join them on educational bush walks, learn traditional techniques, and even craft beautiful beadwork alongside them. Relax in the laid-back atmosphere and relish this exclusive experience.

Your day begins with a short flight from Nairobi to Laikipia. En-route to Il Ngwesi, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on a thrilling safari drive. Upon arrival, stretch your legs on a guided bush walk with your Maasai guides. Learn the secrets of the savannah – from bird calls to identifying elephant tracks – as you prepare for unforgettable wildlife tracking adventures!

Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and the fresh African air at Il Ngwesi! This unique lodge, built in the Maasai tradition with wood and earth, seamlessly blends comfort with cultural immersion. Nestled away from tourist crowds, Il Ngwesi is run by the local Maasai community, ensuring an authentic experience. While amenities may not be ultra-modern, the connection you’ll forge with the Maasai people is truly priceless.

Start your day with an exciting safari drive led by your Maasai guides. Spot wildlife gathering at the watering hole right from the lodge or hop in a safari vehicle for an even closer look! This afternoon, venture into the heart of a Maasai village alongside your Maasai hosts, gaining a deeper understanding of their vibrant culture. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the real Masai Mara!

Bid farewell to your Maasai friends and embark on the next leg of your Kenyan adventure! Travel south to Nanyuki, where you’ll meet 35 incredible new companions – rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Learn about the threats these fascinating animals face and how Ol Pejeta Conservancy provides a safe haven for orphaned and abused chimps. Join a special tour for an unforgettable encounter with the sanctuary’s residents. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling safari drive in the vast Ol Pejeta Conservancy, searching for diverse wildlife!

Gear up for an unforgettable adventure – a Mt. Kenya hike! Immerse yourself in a dramatic landscape unlike any other in Kenya. Ascend 12km along the scenic Sirimon Route, traversing lush forests teeming with unique afro-alpine flora. Cross gurgling rivers and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might even spot zebras along this gentle trek. While you won’t reach the very summit, the final viewpoint on the Sirimon Route offers panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless. This exhilarating hike is the perfect introduction to Mt. Kenya’s majesty!

Prepare for epic wildlife encounters in the legendary Masai Mara! Home to the Big Five, the Great Migration, and some of the world’s largest lion, leopard, and cheetah populations, this iconic park promises unforgettable safaris. After a quick flight, embark on your first thrilling adventure, traversing the rugged grasslands in search of these magnificent creatures. Get your cameras ready – witness the power and grace of Africa’s apex predators in their natural habitat!

The Masai Mara awaits – and on your Feature Day, you get to choose how you experience it! Embark on an epic 3½ hour hike along the legendary Oloololo Escarpment. Traverse lush green vegetation, teeming with wildlife drawn to the area’s permanent watering holes. As you ascend the granite plateau, be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Mara grasslands below. Alternatively, join a thrilling safari drive led by your expert local guide. Expertly navigate the savannah, spotting incredible wildlife like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat.

No matter your choice, the afternoon brings another unforgettable adventure! Embark on an afternoon safari drive, searching for more magnificent creatures as the golden light bathes the landscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, conclude your Feature Day with a magical dinner under the starlit African sky. Savor delicious food and share stories of your day’s adventures under a canopy of twinkling stars – an experience you’ll never forget!

Awaken to the familiar sounds of wildlife and the comforting scent of the campfire after a thrilling safari adventure. Will you start your day with an optional hot air balloon ride, soaring majestically above the sprawling Mara grasslands? The exhilaration of spotting wildlife from a new perspective is unforgettable!

Embrace the spirit of conservation alongside your fellow travelers. Join a local reforestation project, planting native Acacia trees to ensure the Mara’s vibrant ecosystem flourishes for generations to come. This is more than just a safari – it’s a chance to leave a positive impact.

Relax and reminisce after lunch at the lodge before one last unforgettable safari drive. Seek out magnificent creatures in the golden afternoon light, savoring every moment in this incredible wildlife haven. As the sun dips below the horizon, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara with a heart full of memories!

Treasure your final moments in the Masai Mara! Capture breathtaking mental snapshots of the wildlife encounters and landscapes that have captivated you. As you depart north towards Nairobi, savour a delicious lunch at Cafe Ubuntu, a social enterprise with a heart. Here, empowered women provide for their families through the cafe and a charming crafts shop. Support their inspiring work while enjoying a delightful meal.

In the vibrant city of Nairobi, gather with your guide and fellow travelers for a heartwarming farewell dinner. Share stories, laughter, and unforgettable memories of your Kenyan adventure. As you say your goodbyes, cherish the connections you’ve made and the transformative experiences you’ve shared.

Trade Kenyan wonders for Tanzanian treasures! Arusha, Tanzania, welcomes you as your gateway to unforgettable adventures. After a smooth touchdown, your guide will take you through this vibrant city, setting the stage for your Tanzanian exploration.

Explore Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera, teeming with wildlife! Thousands of years ago, a volcanic eruption formed this natural wonder, encasing incredible animals like zebras, rhinos, and lions. Before embarking on your safari adventure, immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture with a cooking demonstration and traditional lunch at Mto wa Mbu. Explore this vibrant village on a walking tour, then delve into the crater in search of these magnificent creatures! Get ready for an unforgettable wildlife encounter!

Forget jeep safaris! Choose your adventure at Ngorongoro Crater. Challenge yourself with a thrilling hike to Mount Makarot’s peak for jaw-dropping Ngorongoro plains views or opt for a scenic hike along a gentler trail, offering breathtaking vistas of Lake Eyasi. No matter your choice, feel the power of the East African landscape on this unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and delicious dinner at camp afterwards!

Prepare for a breathtaking journey from Ngorongoro Crater to the legendary Serengeti! Enjoy a scenic 3½ hour drive teeming with wildlife and endless beauty. Upon arrival, embark on your first unforgettable Serengeti safari, searching for iconic animals with binoculars and camera in hand. Indulge in a delicious picnic lunch amidst this unparalleled wilderness, savoring the moment in one of the world’s most incredible parks. This unforgettable day sets the stage for your Serengeti adventure!

A game drive through the Serengeti offers unforgettable views of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrating annually. Spot predators like lions camouflaged in the golden savannah and be amazed by the towering giraffes. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, soaking up the magic of this iconic park from sunup to sundown. This is your chance to witness Tanzania’s wildlife wonders in all their glory!

Embark on a life-changing journey to Gombe Stream National Park, following in the footsteps of Dr. Jane Goodall. Travel by plane, car, and boat to reach this remote sanctuary, home to wild chimpanzees. Witness Dr. Goodall’s legacy firsthand as you trek through the lush jungle, encountering these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Learn responsible trekking practices to ensure the continued protection of these endangered animals. Prepare for an unforgettable experience that will deepen your appreciation for chimpanzees and the importance of conservation!

Prepare for a truly transformative experience: an hour spent with a family of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Witnessing their complex social dynamics, remarkable communication skills, and strikingly human-like behavior offers a profound understanding of our closest relatives. This magical day begins with a guided trek to Kasekela, where your expert tracker will lead you on foot, utilising their intimate knowledge of the area to locate the chimpanzees. Keep your camera ready to capture every unforgettable moment of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The afternoon is then yours to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Tanganyika.

Experience the groundbreaking chimpanzee research of Dr. Jane Goodall in Kigoma! Explore the research station and her former residence, soaking up the history of this vital conservation effort. Hike Jane’s Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the park and a moment of reflection on your unforgettable chimpanzee encounter. Didn’t quite get your fill of these fascinating primates? An optional second chimp trek brightens your morning with the chance for another encounter. Finally, as you cruise across the vast expanse of Lake Tanganyika, savor the lasting impression of your Tanzanian chimp adventure and your contribution to their ongoing conservation.

Soak up the final rays of Tanzanian sunshine on a relaxing coastal escape in Dar es Salaam! After an unforgettable 10 days exploring the country’s wonders, unwind by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Choose your perfect send-off: join a thrilling excursion to Bongoyo Island’s tropical paradise, delve into the vibrant city’s culture, snag unique souvenirs, or simply bliss out at your hotel. As the sun sets, share a heartfelt farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers, cherishing memories made and the magic of Tanzania.

As the sun rises on your final day, cherish the memories you’ve made – the wildlife encounters, cultural connections, and breathtaking landscapes. This may be the end of your itinerary, but it’s just the beginning of your East African story. Share your experiences, relive your moments, and perhaps start planning your return – East Africa’s magic beckons you to depart with a piece of its wonder in your heart. Should you wish to extend your stay, then please speak to your travel consultant.