East Africa Highlights

10 Days | Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro: highlights don't get more impressive than this

4.7 out of 5 based on 59 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
NZD $5,565
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Discover the best of East Africa on this 10-day journey beginning in Nairobi, Kenya. Travel to some of Africa's most famous areas including the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll take multiple game drives in search of the Big Five animals and more. Take in the enormity of Africa's largest lake and switch Africa's animals for people as you spend time with the Maasai and Hadzabe people and learn about both their ancient traditions and more modern way of life from an elder.

Trip overview

Map of East Africa Highlights including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Arusha, Tanzania
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Destinations
Tanzania, Kenya
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
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
YGSA
This trip generates 42 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
  • Meet Kenyan Maasai warriors and visit a Maasai village that champions women’s health, and spend time with a Hadzabe community in Tanzania to see how their ancient culture exists today.
  • Venture into the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive in 4WDs.
  • Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth, with two early morning and two late afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.
  • Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
  • Accompanied by a local crew — a leader, driver and cook – you'll be in excellent hands for the duration of your adventure.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the East African Wildlife Society. Donations help them protect endangered wildlife, support conservation and promote sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You'll be briefed on arrival.
  • 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 (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), 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
  • 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.
  • You may also want to check out East Africa Safari & Coast if you have more time to explore in Tanzania.

Itinerary

Map of East Africa Highlights including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Permanent Tented Basic Lodge (2 nights), Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)

Activities
  • Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
  • Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake
Add on activities
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500
  • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD745
  • Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
  • Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
  • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
  • Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100

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 includes 2 nights camping within the Serengeti National Park. Tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags will be provided. Please bring a pillow (or travel pillow) for these 2 nights.
3. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see Day 7 for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend that 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

4.7 out of 5 based on 59 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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Alison · Traveled February 2024
If anyone is considering doing this trip you must it was fantastic and the crew were excellent
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Vera · Traveled February 2024
My first time in Africa, and for sure a trip to remember. Incredible crew, fantastic memories like camping in the Serengeti with lions and interacting with tribes in an authentic way. 100 % recommend!
Review submitted 12 Feb 2024

Katia · Traveled February 2024
Overall the crew was impeccable and they contributed to us having the best time!
Review submitted 12 Feb 2024

Thomas · Traveled February 2024
Amazing trip, well worth a look. This was mine and my girlfriend's favourite trip of all time and we were lucky to see all of the big 5. The visits to the tribes was very informative and a great cultural experience and they will look to include you in dancing, archery, grinding corn, etc. Ride could be very bumpy at times and there was a lot of hours spent on the bus so bare this in mind if you have a back or neck issues and perhaps opt for the more premium package if you want to avoid this. Also please note that the camping in the Serengeti is unfenced, without an armed guard or guard tower and sometimes animals are killed in or near to the campsite by lions which can be terrifying to hear if unprepared.
Review submitted 21 Feb 2024

Francesca · Traveled January 2024
Our 10-day East Africa tour was nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the incredible staff who made every moment unforgettable. Our tour leader's chilled attitude set the perfect tone, while the cook delighted us with delicious, balanced meals. The driver navigated challenging terrain flawlessly, and the assistant ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in East Africa.
Review submitted 28 Jan 2024
East Africa Highlights
From
NZD $5,565