Best of East Africa 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.

Hit the road and leave the open expanses of the African bush behind. Travel through Maasai farmlands on the journey back to the urban jungle of Nairobi.

Cross the border into Tanzania and explore the city of Arusha, nestled in the shadow of Mt Meru.

Interact with locals on a visit to a community program in the village of Mto Wa Mbu. Admire crafts, colourful fabrics and carvings at a market before journeying to Karatu - the gateway to the Serengeti.

Explore the savanna of the Serengeti Plain and go on safari in search of Serengeti's creatures - including the Big Five - before camping deep in the bush within earshot of animal calls. For a real treat, take an optional sunrise balloon ride over the plains.

Descend into the giant volcanic crater, Ngorongoro, to search for its abundant wildlife. Home to some 30,000 animals including lions and the endangered black rhino, the Ngorongoro crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round.

Visit the new school at the Amani Children's Home, an Intrepid Foundation-supported project that houses and educates street kids. Stay in the village of Marangu overnight.

Take a walking tour of Mshiri village and get firsthand insight into the daily lives of the Chagga people. Sample a typical Chagga meal before heading well off the beaten track to the Usambara Mountains. Relax on these lush, green slopes overlooking the vast Masai Steppe. This is the ideal base for optional hikes and guided walks.

Set up camp at a beach on the outskirts of Tanzania's tropical port city, Dar es Salaam.

Jump on a ferry to discover Africa's famed 'Spice Island' Zanzibar. Marvel at the eclectic architecture along the twisting, cobbled streets of Stone Town, the old sector of the capital city of Zanzibar. Tour aromatic plantations, smelling cinnamon, vanilla and cloves, then soak up some sun on white sand beaches. There are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel and dive or just take it easy in the shade of a coconut palm.