East Africa Wildlife Adventure Itinerary

Step into the frenetic atmosphere of Kenya's busy capital, Nairobi. For those who arrive early, be sure to visit Kenya's National Museum to learn more about this nation's history.

The bright traditional dress and vibrant accessories of the Samburu tribespeople are highly visible on a drive across the foothills of Mt Kenya. Perhaps take an optional tour of a local village to learn more about these and other nomadic communities. Within the Samburu, look out for endangered Grevy's zebras, graceful gerenuks and the giant crocs who inhabit the muddy waters of the Ewaso Ngiro River that snakes through the dry landscape.

Enjoy a traditional Kenyan lunch at a homestead before witnessing one of the world's greatest spectacles, thousands of pink flamingos feeding in the shallow waters of Lake Nakuru. An afternoon game drive provides a look at some of the park's famous four-legged attractions - perhaps even the rare Rothschild's giraffe.

Spend the morning searching for Kenya's wildlife before visiting a local market. Maybe take a cruise on Lake Naivasha in the afternoon sunlight to spot hippos wallowing on the shore.

With everything from elephants and wildebeest to lions and hyenas, the variety of wildlife in the famed Masai Mara is simply amazing. It's even possible to take a breathtaking early morning balloon ride high above the savanna to watch the park come to life as the sun rises.

The frenetic streets of Nairobi offer an exhilarating introduction to modern African life.

Learn about the life of the Meru as privileged guests at a family homestay. Perhaps explore the nearby markets, learn about Tanzanian coffee production or get to know the family's farm. Make friends and learn firsthand about life on the land.

Travel across the Great Rift Valley and through lands home to the Masai Mara. Be welcomed by the Umburu people on a visit to a local village.

Enter the Serengeti National Park, home to large herds of zebras and the iconic Big Five. Spot as many animals as possible on a game drive, then drift to sleep amid the calls of nocturnal birds. At dawn, an optional balloon ride over the park offers a chance to watch the animals of the African savanna from above - an unforgettable experience well worth splashing out for.

After a game drive through the park set up camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, overlooking jagged volcanic peaks and rolling grasslands.

Rise early and explore Ngorongoro's floor by 4x4 in search of wildlife including wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, lions, elephants, hippos and maybe an elusive black rhino or leopard. Afterwards, make tracks to the village community of Mto Wa Mbu to admire local artwork and interact with the residents. At night, camp under a blanket of stars on the outskirts of Arusha.

Travel to Nairobi where the African odyssey ends. Why not stay on for a few days to soak up more of the fascinating Kenyan culture in its lively capital.