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Map of Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights including Botswana, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Magnificent wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes in east and southern Africa

Enjoy a front-row seat for the wonders of Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana on this 15-day Premium journey. From Nairobi, travel to the waters of lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, then discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Masai Mara from four-wheel drive Landcruisers. Meet Maasai warriors and learn about their way of life during a visit to a traditional village. Spend three unforgettable days in the Greater Kruger region, cruise down the Zambezi River at sunset, marvel at the showstopping Victoria Falls and search for a wealth of elephants in Chobe National Park. From exhilarating game drives to nights spent under the stars, this spectacular slice of Africa is sure to leave you in awe.

Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Kasane, Botswana
Destinations
Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Style
Premium
Theme
Wildlife
Code
YGPSC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable and ancient culture.

  • Get in touch with nature during three nights at your lodge Feature Stay in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region. Sleep in comfortable chalets with outdoor showers, and private terraces connected by wooden pathways through the bush.

  • Enjoy a small and intimate sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River, a Premium Exclusive Experience. A private chef will prepare canapes and drinks as your boat navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls.

  • Spot Chobe National Park's abundance of wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of elephants from multiple vantage points with an early morning 4x4 game drive and an afternoon boat cruise along the picturesque Chobe River.

  • Enjoy three unforgettable nights at your Feature Stay camp, located with easy access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Search for lions and cheetahs prowling the park on several 4x4 game drives, and enjoy sunset drinks within the park.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the given approximations of driving hours.

  • 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.

  • Our lodge is located in the Guernsey Private Game Reserve which is located within the Greater Kruger Park ecosystem. It’s about a 40-minute drive to Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate. On this itinerary you will have Game Drives in both the Kruger National Park and neighbouring Private Game Reserves.

UBPK - Feature Activity - Zambazi river cruise
UBPK - Elephants in front of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
YGPK - Safari vehicle on a 4x4 game drive in Masai Mara
Greater Kruger Feature Stay: Panzi Lodge twin bedroom interior with balcony view
Local Maasai villagers jumping for traditional performance in colourful robes in Tepesua Village, Kenya
YGPK - Accommodation in Lake Nakuru, Sopa Lodge landscape
Peregrine Adventures kenya masai mara safari vehicle landscape

Itinerary
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Welcome to Kenya! Your adventure begins in the capital city, Nairobi. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and small group for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.
Accommodation
  • Panafric Nairobi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.

After Breakfast, we pack our bags and head off to Great Rift Valley of East Africa where our first stop will be at the Eden Project. Eden Reforestation Projects is a nonprofit NGO that works in developing countries to rebuild natural landscapes destroyed by deforestation. Eden works directly with communities experiencing extreme poverty resulting from the deforestation and destruction of the land that sustains them – Intrepid is a proud sponsor of this project and we help raise funds for this organization. Spend an hour at this site and learn how they work alongside the community to produce, plant, and protect tens of millions of trees every month, creating jobs to support them in restoring their local environment and economy long-term.

Then depart for Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.
Accommodation
  • Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
  • Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
  • Kiambu Tigoni - Eden Reforestation Project
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.
Accommodation
  • Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
  • Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra Plains Mara Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the plains.
Accommodation
  • Zebra Plains (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 7 hours.

Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there’s few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most magical places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening and freshen up before settling in for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Zebra Plains Mara Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
  • Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.
Accommodation
  • Zebra Plains Mara Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500
  • Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - KES8000
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.

Say goodbye to the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon. Spend the evening free before departing for South Africa the next morning.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Today you will leave Kenya behind and catch a direct flight to Johannesburg in South Africa, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A meeting will take place here at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local family owned grill house. South Africa enjoys a diverse food scene flavoured by its multicultural influences. This evening you may like to try some boerewors, a spiced South African sausage, or perhaps some springbok carpaccio.
Accommodation
  • Radisson Blu Gautrain or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 4 hours and will be unaccompanied.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Set off early for a drive to Greater Kruger National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at an exceptionally intimate lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three evenings. Hidden away on a private reserve in Greater Kruger, the lodge is in perfect harmony with its wild surroundings. Chalets feature first-class amenities, with private en suites, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and a gorgeous swimming pool for cooling off. Sit back and relax in the cosy lounge of the main lodge or one of several viewing decks and take in spectacular views of the Drakensburg Mountains. In the afternoon you'll be taken to a neighbouring game reserve for your first open 4x4 vehicle game drive. Experience close encounters with wild animals in their own habitat, and if you’re lucky, you may meet lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Retire to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Panzi Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Private Game Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6.5 hours.

You may hear of the opportunity to see or interact with Lion Cubs within the Guernsey Private Nature Reserve. We recommend that travellers bypass this activity, as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel guidelines. Professional wildlife conservation organisations, including Born Free and the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their life and may result in lion-human conflict issues. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards lion research, we feel that the negative impacts on the lions' rehabilitation far outweigh this.

Rise early and make the journey into the heart of Kruger National Park. Upon entry, you'll find yourself in the perfect position to catch a glimpse of one, or hopefully all, of the Big Five. Take a packed breakfast at a picnic spot then proceed with a full day of wildlife safari, stopping off at waterholes and various other points to observe these animals in their natural habitat. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is not only home to members of the Big Five, but also 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species. The endangered African wild dog, herbivores like hippo, zebra, giraffe and numerous different types of antelope also enjoy the park’s rich mosaic of habitats, including savanna, mixed acacia woodland, rocky hills and mopane woodland. Return to the lodge this evening to relax and relive your favourite moments from the day.
Accommodation
  • Panzi Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours (excluding safari).

Return to Kruger National Park for another thrilling game drive. This is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of any animals the group didn't see the day before. Today's game drive will finish in time for sunset and dinner on one of the viewing decks at your lodge. Enjoy a wonderful meal and take a moment to sit back and hear the sounds of the bush – maybe even the roar of a lion in the distance. After to dinner, retreat to a bonfire under a canopy of stars.
Accommodation
  • Panzi Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive
  • Greater Kruger - Private Alfresco Dinner on the viewing Deck
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Rise early and depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where you will say goodbye to South Africa and board a mid-morning flight to Livingstone airport in Zambia, your gateway to the Victoria Falls. On arrival, cross the Victoria Falls bridge into Zimbabwe and get your first preview of the magnificent cascades. Continue to your lodge accommodation, which serves up stunning views of uninterrupted wilderness and a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or spotting wildlife from any of the multiple viewing decks around the lodge. This evening head above the falls onto the Zambezi River and embark on a small and intimate Sundowner River Cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above the Victoria Falls. Your own chef will prepare canapes and serve drinks while the captain navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls. Sit back in your comfortable lounge chair and look out for crocodiles lazing on the banks or elephants and hippos submerging themselves in the river – this is truly an experience to remember.
Accommodation
  • Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls – Zambezi River Premium Sunset Cruise
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours, and your flight is approximately 2 hours.

This morning, visit the unforgettable Victoria Falls – one of the world's true natural wonders, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After an exciting morning at the falls, depart Zimbabwe and make the journey to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The afternoon is free to walk in Kasane town (watch out for wandering warthogs!), sit poolside on the edge of the Chobe River and watch the sun set, or perhaps opt for an optional afternoon Game Drive in the Chobe National park.
Accommodation
  • Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours (excluding border crossing).

Start the day with a game drive through Chobe National Park, the first designated national park in Botswana. Chobe is known for its huge population of elephants and buffalo and you may well see them drinking at the local watering hole during the drive. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants often seen crossing the river between the boats. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a drink on board and watch the sun set over the river.
Accommodation
  • Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Chobe, or Victoria Falls, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Airport transfers can also be booked for flights departing Kasane, or across the border in Victoria Falls.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle, Boat, Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (8 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
  • Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
  • Kiambu Tigoni - Eden Reforestation Project
  • Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
  • Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
  • Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
  • Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
  • Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner
  • Private Game Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive
  • Greater Kruger - Private Alfresco Dinner on the viewing Deck
  • Victoria Falls – Zambezi River Premium Sunset Cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara 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.
4. This trip includes flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on.
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
6. Our operator has advised that customers with the J&J vaccine and no booster may have difficulty crossing the border into Botswana (and potentially Zimbabwe) without a negative test result. This information conflicts with various government travel advice websites. We recommend you check with your local consulate before travel to ensure you have the most up to date information.
7. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict as travel rebounds. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

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.

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