The Masai Heartlands Itinerary

The journey begins in Kenya's bustling capital Nairobi. Get to know this modern city with its colourful markets and atmospheric bars.

Pitch tents alongside glistening Lake Nakuru then head out on an afternoon game drive. Fringed by acacia trees, Nakuru Lake is transformed into a shimmering pink haze as hundreds of flamingos descend upon it. Keep an eye out for other wildlife - the savanna area also boasts a wide variety of animals including giraffes and lions.

Encounter friendly locals on a village visit before reaching Lake Naivasha - a birdwatcher's paradise with floating islands of papyrus reeds. Camp by the lake and explore this beautiful area independently.

Travel across the Great Rift Valley floor to Loita Hills, right in the heart of Maasai country. Tonight, camp amongst these friendly, semi-nomadic tribes and learn about their ancient culture from a local elder. Perhaps pick up a local recipe while sharing a campfire meal.

Help the Maasai milk their cattle before tackling the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve; a huge area of woodlands and open plains backed by the striking Esoit Oloololo Escarpment. Safaris through the park might reveal prides of lions, herds of elephants and perhaps even a stealthy cheetah. In the rainy season, this area is flooded by over a million wildebeest on their annual migration.

Arrive in Kenya and travel along the bustling streets of Nairobi city.

Weave through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley into Kenya's fertile highlands. Stock up on essential supplies in the hilltop town of Kisii - the last stop before the adventure safari begins.

Watch master soapstone craftsmen at work and perhaps collect a few of their carvings. Travel across the border into Tanzania and mingle with the locals in Musoma's lively marketplace. Tonight, stay on a quiet stretch of shoreline beside one of the world's largest lakes, Lake Victoria.

Be awed as the famous grasslands and river valleys of the Serengeti unfold on game-viewing safaris. Tanzania's world-renowned plains are home to Africa's Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes - plus a host of other fascinating species including zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes and an abundance of birdlife. Once tucked up safe and sound at camp, be lulled to sleep by the nocturnal chatter of the remote African wilderness.

Camp on the rim of the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater. With endless views of jagged volcanic peaks and open grasslands below, this is one of the most spectacular camping spots in the world.

Jump in a 4x4 and embark on a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Thousands of resident animals live in this lush landscape, including elephants, rhinos and lions. Visit the town of Mto Wa Mbu and browse the colourful marketplace to experience quintessential African village life. Set up camp in Meserani.

Travel across open plains and through Arusha, a regional centre at the foot of Mt Meru, on the return journey to the busy streets of Nairobi.