The Masai Heartlands

15 days4.929 reviews
Overland
Wildlife
From
USD $3,584

Cross Kenya and Tanzania through the fertile Masai Mara

Watch the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible 15-day overland adventure. Head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople and the finest game parks in eastern Africa. Travelling through the acclaimed Masai Mara and the vast Serengeti plains to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Follow in the footsteps of the Maasai with local knowledge each step of the way, leaving you with memories of Africa to last a lifetime.

Map of The Masai Heartlands including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of
Trip code: YGOCC
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
End
Nairobi, Kenya
Destinations
Tanzania, Kenya
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
Transport
Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (2 night), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 night), Basic Hotel (1 night)
Days
15
Group size
Min 1
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Overland, Wildlife
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 17 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Explore Amboseli National Park, home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya - known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Learn about rural Tanzanian life as you join the community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before enjoying a traditional meal together.

Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.

Head out on an early morning game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. This might be your best chance of seeing black and white rhinoceroses in the flesh.

Embark on unforgettable safaris across Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for a chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of The Masai Heartlands including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of

Inclusions and activities

Meals

13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (2 night), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 night), Basic Hotel (1 night)

Included activities
  • Lake Nakuru - Village Walk & Cooking Class
  • Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
  • Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
  • Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project
  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Optional activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Lake Naivasha - Bike hire - USD12
  • Lake Naivasha - Game Walk in Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (entrance fee) - USD50
  • Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate NP (Game Drive) - USD65
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
  • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
  • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
  • Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
  • Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
  • Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland
  • In Loita Hills you will stay in a secure bush camp with basic facilities and cold showers. There is no Wi-Fi or upgrades available but the rewards of experiencing Maasai culture should more than make up for the lack of creature comforts.
  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip is a combination of YGOK and YGOT, two of our most popular itineraries. As such, the make up of your group and your leader may change on Day 8.
3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 15. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm this evening.
4. If it is more convenient, we offer the option to finish the trip in Arusha or Nairobi. Please do not book flights out of Arusha airport until after 11 am.
5. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara or Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited, and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 29 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Gregory · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 02 Oct 2024

Jude · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 23 Sep 2024

Sean · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024

Alyssa · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024

Carol · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
The Masai Heartlands
From
USD $3,584