10 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari
Your expedition commences in the gateway city of Nairobi, with the Hemingway Hotel establishing the ambiance for an unforgettable African safari adventure.
Your safari expedition commences in the savannah wilderness of Kenya’s premier conservation region, the Masai Mara. As a year-round safari destination, the upcoming two days promise to be thrilling as you traverse the bush in search of the renowned Big Five and the illustrious Mara Cats. Each season introduces transformations in the park, with the period from July to November presenting one of the globe’s most remarkable phenomena—the migration of mammals. December and January are calving seasons, resulting in significant activity. The Bateleur Camp embodies the essence of genuine Kenyan safaris and represents the pinnacle of tented opulence.
Your expedition proceeds to the Serengeti, indisputably one of the globe’s most renowned natural habitats. The Masai Mara is Tanzania’s oldest wildlife reserve, famous for the annual migration of mammals. The last two days will be spent at Serengeti Under Canvas, a movable camp that relocates throughout the park year-round, striving to predict the movements of the Great Migration for optimal viewing opportunities.
Subsequently, proceed to the more compact Lake Manyara National Park, a varied wilderness region featuring its Rift Valley soda lake, dense forests, and rocky inclines. The park is renowned for its distinctive tree-climbing lions, extensive elephant herds, and congregations of pink flamingos. The next two days will be spent at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, the sole permanent lodge within the national park. Nestled within the branches of an ancient mahogany forest, the lodge harmonizes with the stunning natural landscape.
The final destination of your safari expedition is the Ngorongoro Crater, formerly a colossal volcano, now a 600-meter deep caldera that harbors one of Africa’s most exquisite animal sanctuaries. The preceding two days were spent at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, a luxurious establishment with unparalleled vistas and easy access to the crater floor.
This tour provides genuine tented lodging and unique encounters, ideal for those seeking a wildlife adventure.
DAY 1: Arrive in Nairobi
This morning, you will arrive in Nairobi, the capital city, where you will be greeted and transported to the hotel for check-in. You will have the remainder of the day to either rest and prepare for your safari adventure commencing tomorrow, or, contingent upon your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore several prominent city attractions, including the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi
Days 2-3: Masai Mara
Following a substantial breakfast, you depart from Nairobi to commence your safari expedition. You will be transported by vehicle to Nairobi Wilson Airport for the planned one-hour flight to Kitchwa Tembo’s private airstrip. You will be greeted and transported to your camp, which is around a 30-minute journey.
This afternoon, you will embark on your inaugural African safari to seek the renowned Big 5 and the migrating herd, provided you are traveling between July and November.
The following days feature ongoing exploration with daytime wildlife drives, nocturnal drives, bush walks and other optional activities, such as hot air balloon safaris and engagements with the Maasai community.
Days 4-5: Serengeti
Following a concluding safari in the Masai Mara and an elaborate breakfast, you will be transported to the Kitchwa Tembo private airfield for your scheduled flight to the airstrip closest to the mobile camp’s present location. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transported to the camp for check-in.
The subsequent two days will center on a privately led Great Migration experience and additional exhilarating activities, like as stargazing, hot air ballooning, and day excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands (seasonal).
Days 6-7: Transfer Lake Manyara
Following a final game drive in the Serengeti, you will proceed to the airfield for your scheduled flight to the Lake Manyara airstrip. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transported to the resort via a picturesque three-and-a-half-hour game drive. Upon your return to the lodge, you will check into your exquisite tree house accommodation and take advantage of the resort’s amenities.
The following day is dedicated to daylight wildlife drives, nocturnal excursions, Maasai cultural experiences, and cycling around Lake Manyara. Ensure your camera is prepared as you embark on an expedition into the African bush to locate the tree-climbing lions.
Days 8-9: Ngorongoro Crater
Following a concluding game drive and a substantial breakfast, you will collect your possessions and travel by road to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a massage in your private suite or engage in curio shopping prior to embarking on your inaugural afternoon wildlife drive on the crater floor.
Your visit to Ngorongoro will involve game drives, feasts on the crater floor, excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, and walking safaris.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
DAY 10: Ngorongoro to Kilimanjaro
Your final morning is dedicated to exploring the wilderness one last time before departing from East Africa. You will be transported back to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will coordinate your subsequent travel plans.