The Masai Heartlands

15 Days | Cross Kenya and Tanzania through the fertile Masai Mara

4.9 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
USD $3,173
View dates and book

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.

Trip overview

Map of The Masai Heartlands including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Nairobi, Kenya
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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 22
Trip code
YGOCC
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.

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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

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

Inclusions

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)

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
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
  • Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate NP (Game Drive) - USD65
  • Lake Naivasha - Game Walk in Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (entrance fee) - USD50
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD625
  • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD745
  • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
  • Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
  • Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
  • Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25

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 10.30 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 28 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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Jude · Traveled September 2024
A brilliant trip to see the Wildlife of this unique area, an experience that needs to be seen to be believed. The downside is the significant compromise on the sanitation and hygiene situation at the camp site.
Review submitted 23 Sep 2024

Sean · Traveled August 2024
The trip was amazing. We were able to see the Big 5 and we made some amazing friends. Though the trip was a little tough with the camping and the driving especially the road to the Serengeti, the animals were saw and experience that were had will last a lifetime. I would definitely recommend this trip. Shoutout to Dan, Sally, and Peace for making the trip even more unbelievably great.
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024

Alyssa · Traveled August 2024
Although this was a difficult two weeks of basic camping within the African wildlife, I wouldn’t trade this kind of experience for anything! We toured with two different groups and we met so many different kinds of people who gave each leg trip a different experience in the best way possible. The Tanzania part of the trip was a little bit more underwhelming than the Kenya part, but that’s only because we had seen most of what we wanted to see in Kenya! An almost guarantee of seeing the Big Five while you’re in Africa!
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024

Carol · Traveled August 2024
Masai Heartlands, such a life changing experience under the competent supervision of Henry our lead, Wicky our cook, Martin and Sally our drivers. Everything we experienced was safe. From the delicious food preparation to washing hands and safe drinking water - not to mention game drives. Cool nights and very warm days, and amazing wildlife. We were fortunate to see the Great Migration and x2 buffalo kills by lions which were also attended by hyenas, vultures and jackals. Great new friend travellers, tents were easy to erect, showers and bathrooms a little hit and miss. All in all, an amazing experience! Thanks to all involved.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024

Kiri · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
The Masai Heartlands
From
USD $3,173