The perfect introduction to the bounties of East Africa, our 13-day Tanzania tour features the cultural and natural wonder of Tanzania, a country that stands out as one of the few remaining destinations that can still provide an authentic safari experience, and Zanzibar, an exotic island paradise brimming with romance and history.
We enjoy a brief, three-day foray into Kenya to find adventure in the capital city, Nairobi. Once a backwater frontier town and today a bustling, modern metropolis that numbers among Africa's largest and most interesting cities.
We also visit Amboseli National Park, where we see red dust-covered elephants and plains game roaming the plains.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is our first stop in Tanzania, a protected area considered by some as the eighth wonder of the world due to its blend of diverse landscapes, wildlife, tribal peoples and historic sites.
We see back and white colobus monkeys and bushbuck in highland forest parks and descend deep into the UNESCO Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, where we find the 'Big Five,' gazelle, zebras and hippos.
Pressing onwards, nowhere conjures up so vivid an image at the mere mention of the name like our next Tanzanian destination: the Serengeti.
That said, flights of the imagination could in no way even begin to convey the magic of a wildlife adventure in the Serengeti, a place whose very name has come to represent the epitome of safari experiences.
Roaming over the grasslands and sweeping savannahs of the Serengeti is a more diverse and abundant range of animal than can be found in any other location on the planet and a trip here is a once-in-a-lifetime event never to be forgotten.
Before heading to Zanzibar, we visit archaeological sites that bear evidence of hominid existence over two million years ago and revel in the bounteous beauty of Lake Manyara National Park.
Our Zanzibar leg of the tour encompasses exploration of religious and historic sites of Stone Town, a settlement said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa that has changed little over two centuries.
We continue, viewing rare endemic flora and fauna in natural forest reserves, reclining on white-sand, coral-fringed beaches and embarking on a spice tour in paradise.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $1200 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $600 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.
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Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi
Today we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
Today we travel south from Nairobi to the Amboseli National Park.
Just across the border from Tanzania, this park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains.
The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon's game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Mt Kilimanjaro providing the classic backdrop (weather-permitting).
Overnight in the Amboseli National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 Amboseli, Kenya - Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
This morning we cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga and travel to Lake Manyara National Park via the town of Arusha, the starting point for the northern safari routes of Tanzania.
Manyara is the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake.
After lunch at our lodge we will have an afternoon game drive in the park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprising of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Wildlife interest at Lake Manyara is not confined to bird life only; animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park.
Overnight at Lake Manyara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park
This morning we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a beautiful rolling landscape with periodic views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Before descending onto the Serengeti Plain, we'll stop at a viewpoint overlooking the crater. The name "Serengeti" derives from a Maasai word meaning "Land-without-end." This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth -- the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic
landscape and the biodiversity it supports.
Overnight in the Serengeti National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Serengeti National Park
Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the "kopjes," a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. Depending on the season and the timing of the rains, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land. Following this spectacle, of course, are the meat-eating opportunists, hoping to capitalize on the physical toll this journey exacts on the desperate grazers. Even outside of "migration" time, large herds are still seen as they bear their young and feed, gaining strength for their annual return to the park's northern reaches. Resident species that do not migrate make for rewarding animal viewing in any season.
It may be possible to take an optional hot-air balloon safari over the plains at daybreak; today is the best day to participate in this activity -- details will be sent sent upon booking.
Overnight in the Serengeti National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 Serengeti - Olduvai Gorge - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Travelling back to Ngorongoro today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years. Experts in the life sciences have argued that the Olduvai contribution to the story of human origins remains unsurpassed by any other prehistoric site in the world. A small museum on site outlines the unique geological and human history of the area.
Called the 'eighth wonder of the world' and stretching across some 8300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles and its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors.
Overnight in the vicinity of Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.* After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2,300 feet) high where we may see the "Big Five" as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos on Lake Magadi.
* In order to reduce congestion and stress on wildlife, the Tanzanian government limits
visitors to half-day visits of the crater. Depending on what time "window" we are assigned, our excursion may take place first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon (both of which are equally advantageous for game viewing, given the relatively mild climate at this altitude).
Overnight in the vicinity of Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 Ngorongoro - Gibb's Farm - Arusha
This morning we descend the Ngorongoro Highlands, retracing our steps back to Arusha via a lunch stop at Gibb's Farm. Founded during German colonial times and still privately owned, Gibb's Farm is now a small hotel perched on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations with long views over lush and beautiful agricultural country.
We pass again through the town of Mto Wa Mbu ('Mosquito Creek'), famous for its lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and red bananas, which taste the same as regular bananas but their skins are a startling bright red.
We arrive back in Arusha later this afternoon.
Overnight in Arusha.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 Arusha - Fly to Zanzibar: Town Tour
This morning we fly to Zanzibar and transfer to our hotel in Stone Town.
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Zanzibar Island is 96 km (60 miles) long and 32 km (20 miles) wide, occupying a total area of approximately 1040 km sq (650 sq miles). It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town -- said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City, which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birthplace of the language.
This afternoon we have a walking tour of Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors -- there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. Our tour takes us to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), the old slave market, the Arab Fort, and the Hamamni Persian Baths. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
NOTE: The exact order of our Zanzibar sightseeing may vary depending on variables such as weather and other logistical considerations.
Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Jozani Forest & Stone Town
This morning we visit the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island, home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs.
This afternoon is free to enjoy Stone Town. Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th Century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to coordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence.
Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Spice Tour - East Coast
Today we check-out of our town-based hotel and travel to the island's east coast.*
En route we enjoy some touring along the way. The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without a 'spice tour' -- cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices were as important to the Sultans of Oman as the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and our morning tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. It is fascinating the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments and culinary applications.
We then travel to our resort-style hotel located on a beach outside of Stone Town.
* PLEASE NOTE that local government on Zanzibar has levied a tax of US$1.00 per person for every night spent on the island. This amount is payable, in cash, directly to each hotel upon check-out. We regret that we are unable to pay this in advance on your behalf.
Overnight on Zanzibar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Zanzibar: East Coast Resort
A day at leisure to enjoy the beach and to rest up after our journey…
Overnight on Zanzibar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Departure from Zanzibar
We usually have some free time this morning before our afternoon departure from Zanzibar.
PLEASE NOTE that local government on Zanzibar has levied a tax of US$1.00 per person for every night spent on the island. This amount is payable, in cash, directly to each hotel upon check-out. We regret that we are unable to pay this in advance on your behalf.
SAFARI NJEMA!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Most meals are included (local restaurants and hotels). All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Two bottles of bottled water per person daily (except on Zanzibar). Gratuities for driver-guides, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, visas, and locally-paid departure taxes.
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered throughout the year except during the "long rains" in April and May when travel and game viewing can be less than optimal. Nov - Jan: "short rains" when landscapes are green and many animals are giving birth. Feb / Mar: post-short rains with many migratory birds from Europe though high grass can make game spotting a challenge. June-August coincides with the coolest and driest period, though also the busiest and most expensive due to European holiday period. Sept / Oct is often hot and dusty though game viewing is excellent due to short grass and animals congregating around water sources.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Some road journeys are very long and very rough, possibly dusty. In Kenya we travel via well-maintained, rugged minivan with six passengers each. At the Tanzania border we switch to 4x4 Land Rover / Land Cruisers. The same vehicles, with roofs that pop up, will be used for our game drives in parks and reserves. Please note that air-conditioned safari vehicles are non-existent in East Africa. Scheduled flight Kilimanjarao-Zanzibar. Air-conditioned bus on Zanzibar.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Hotels and lodges used are 4-5 star properties with hot water, electricity, mosquito netting, dining areas, bar, swimming pools. Remote lodges are not air-conditioned though many are at higher elevations where heat is not a factor. Zanzibar hotel is air-conditioned. Hotel porter service is available throughout (see 'Inclusions'). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins. Many lodges are quite spread out and you will need to be able to walk up to 10 minutes from public areas to your room.
Staff and Support
Kenya / Tanzania: Groups of six or fewer participants (one vehicle), will be led / guided by one of our local driver-guides. Only multi-vehicle groups will be assigned an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
No destination can compete with the safari opportunities in these two stunning East African lands and our 15-day Kenya & Tanzania tour is an adventure through some of the most famous and spectacular national parks and conservation areas on the planet is testament to that fact.
In Kenya, we see buffalo, cheetah, leopard and lion roaming the semi-desert savannah plains of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a magical place where we will most likely be treated to up-close views of elephant, giraffe and gazelle.
In the Great Rift Valley, we have the chance to see vast numbers of the over-two million flamingos and 340 species of bird that dwell within.
The Maasai Mara, considered the best of Kenya's parks, proves nothing short of bewildering. An astonishing wealth of herding animals, as well as elephants, leopards, rhinos and the largest population of lions in Kenya, roam the rolling grasslands of the Mara and make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From here, it's on to the foothills of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro - the largest mountain on the continent and, after Everest, the largest in the world - and to Amboseli National Park, famous for herds of elephants that cover themselves in red dust, which gives them an even more imposing appearance.
In Tanzania, we see the UNESCO Heritage crater and the wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, hippos and big cats in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and then we head for Serengeti National Park, a land of superlatives that is now synonymous with the term "safari".
The forests, woodlands and grasslands that are called home by the famous tree-climbing lion in Lake Manyara National Park round off our exquisite exploration of the natural environments of Kenya and Tanzania.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
Our Kenya and Tanzania tour takes you to destinations without equal in the realm of safari travel, since both lay claim to several national reserves and wildlife parks that enjoy international acclaim for their scope, beauty and abounding nature.
We get our fill of the remarkable natural environments of these two first-rate tour destinations with visits to world-famous conservation areas:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania - The place that has become synonymous with the term safari, wherein we see huge arrays of teeming wildlife and we balance exploration of nature with cultural discovery of East Africa.
In parks and reserves, we see, to name but a few, lions, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, plains game and hundreds of species of birds.
We learn about and appreciate the man-made world by spending time in coffee and tea plantations, visiting museums, investigating archaeological excavation sites, stopping in at villages and attending bustling bazaars.
Ending our adventure on a high note, we head to the island paradise of Zanzibar to wander the winding alleys, see grand mosques and Arab houses and embark on a fascinating spice tour.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Sign up for this wondrous Kenya & Tanzania Tour (as well as Rwanda) and be treated to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing opportunities the likes of which can be replicated nowhere else on the planet.
In Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans, we follow our expert guide over landscapes of lush jungle, open grasslands and bamboo forests and trail one of five families of the endangered mountain gorilla.
With a declining world population of 740 animals, the mountain gorilla is the most at-threat subspecies of gorilla and can be found only in four national parks in the world.
We learn about the ongoing conservationist battle against poachers and forest clear-cutting and we get up-close and personal with these magnificent creatures that, though they tolerate a small degree of human presence in small amounts, are still very much wild animals.
In Kenya, the country's largest mountain, Mount Kenya, sets itself beautifully against the horizon as we make our way to the Central Highlands to view leopard, buffalo, lions and elephants and our overnight accommodation in a tented camp.
We visit what is considered the best of Kenya's parks, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park, famous for its red dust-covered herds of elephants.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is our first stop when we enter Tanzania and we don't pass up the opportunity to descend into the magical UNESCO-designated Ngorongoro crater for a game drive to see 'The Big Five', wildebeest, gazelle and hippos.
No true wildlife tour in Tanzania would be complete without a visit to Serengeti National Park, a destination which alone is synonymous with the word 'safari'.
For good measure, we explore the bounties of the man-made world along the way, such as prehistoric archaeological sites, colonial cities and traditional villages.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
This unbelievable Kenya & Tanzania Tour through four world-class destinations (includes Rwanda and Zanzibar) combines stunning sceneries, incomparable nature, traditional cultures and unique adventures to spectacular effect.
In Rwanda, we head to the foothills of the towering, forest-blanketed Virunga Mountain Range, where we spend time tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans and learning about the country's at times tragic past.
The national parks and game reserves of Kenya see us admiring the largest peak in the country, Mount Kenya, as well as watching out for leopard, buffalo, lions and elephants and witnessing traditional ways of life and tribal customs in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Descending into Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, which houses incredible populations of diverse wildlife, we embark on a game drive in one of the world's finest natural wonders.
Our exploration of the Serengeti reveals a magical land that does not disappoint in living up to its world-famous reputation for safari experiences.
Hopping over to the island paradise of Zanzibar to conclude our tour lets us explore a beautiful and intriguing destination famous for its spices.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Uganda, a country that has been striving to put its troubled past firmly behind it, has recently been emerging as one of Africa's most exciting and rewarding tour destinations, a fact that becomes clear on our Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania Tour.
After getting orientated in Kampala, we explore some ancient tombs, museums and Hindu temples, before heading away from civilization to marvel at Uganda's most prized possession: its natural environment.
Trips to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its families of habituated Chimpanzees, and Queen Elizabeth II National Park, a designated UNESCO protected site, put us in prime position to view Colobus monkeys, elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park yields good opportunities to catch sight of mountain gorillas.
It is, however, in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans that we experience the ultimate mountain gorilla adventure.
On the steep slopes of a magnificent, rainforest-blanketed mountain range, we have the chance to follow in the footsteps of conservationist Dian Fossey and track one of five families of gorillas.
Though the gorillas are by no means tame, they have come to tolerate the presence of humans for short spells; the perfect conditions for close interaction with wild animals.
Our extraordinary East Africa tour continues in Kenya and Tanzania, two destinations that are most closely associated with the finest safari opportunities.
In Kenya, we explore no fewer than five national parks and reserves, including Maasai Mara National Reserve - often considered the best of Kenya's parks - and Amboseli National Park - famous for its large elephant population.
Crossing into Tanzania, our trips through Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park have us watching out for the 'Big Five' and a host of other teeming wildlife, but so abundant are they, we won't have to look too hard to find them.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
The initial portion of this wondrous 27-day Egypt, Kenya & Tanzania Tour is an adventure through three breathtaking countries, any one of which would alone warrant spending at least a couple of weeks of a tour investigating the many famous attractions, begins on the banks of the Nile, in one of the most intense metropolises on the planet: Cairo.
We visit the major tourist hot-spots, like the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid, guarded by the regal sphinx - now a common symbol of Egypt's glory and mystery - Karnak Temple - which numbers among the most enriching archaeological sites in the world - and the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Valley of the Kings, wherein lie the tombs of nearly all the pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasties.
Crossing into Kenya, we admire the glorious natural environment that endows the country with international acclaim in no fewer than four national parks and reserves: along with stunning landscapes of semi-desert savannah plains fringed by towering snow-tipped peaks and tranquil lakes, we see elephant, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, antelope and wildebeest, to name but a few of the exotic wildlife on offer in one of Africa's prime safari regions.
In Tanzania, we visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and take a trip to a land of superlatives in the ultimate safari destination: Serengeti National Park.
Few places can rival the Serengeti for safari experiences and then we bring our tour to an end investigating the fascinating past of the region with trips to archaeological sites of interest.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
A special treat before we head into the heart of Tanzania on this adventure-packed Tanzania & Madagascar Tour, we have time to explore Kenya's capital, Nairobi, a city that displays a charming blend of British colonial and traditional and modern African influences.
We also get a taste for the breathtaking natural environment in Kenya by heading to Amboseli National Park, famous for its massive herds of roaming elephants that cover themselves in red dust, and keep a lookout for jackals, wildebeest, lions and Maasai giraffes on the open plains.
Crossing the border into Tanzania, we travel through lush, green fields and traditional villages to Lake Manyara, an area renowned for its unique rainforest micro-climate, before journeying on to reach the rim of the incredible, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater.
Our descent into the heart of the crater, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, yields the opportunity to witness a microcosm of East African scenery and game, with teeming wildlife ranging from gazelle, flamingos and wildebeest to lions and hippos.
From here, it's on to the Serengeti, translated as 'The land without end' in the Maasai tongue, and into Serengeti National Park, which is the largest national park in Tanzania and undoubtedly the most well-known wildlife sanctuary in the world.
Despite its fame, Serengeti National Park retains the features that first attracted travellers to its borders and built its reputation as the ultimate safari destination, namely that it remains unspoiled and remote.
Spending time investigating the excavation site at Olduvai Gorge means we have the chance to tread the grounds that are proven to have been inhabited over 1.8 million years ago by some of the earliest species of hominids.
We leave the Great Rift Valley area and Tanzania, bound for Zanzibar, where we spend five days exploring historic Stone Town - an historic area laden with winding alleys, bustling bazaars and colourful mosques - seeing endemic monkeys and beautiful flora in Jozani Natural Forest Reserve and embarking on a spice tour, one of the must-do activities when visiting the 'Spice Island.'
Via Kenya, we fly to Madagascar, an island whose long isolation from the mainland has meant that it has benefited from a wholly unique evolution; evidence of which being that over 80 per cent of life on the island is endemic.
We travel past sceneries of brightly coloured houses stacked upon hillsides, rice paddies that fringe the edges of towns, fort remains, rugged green mountains and hilltop palaces as we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and cultures of this inimitable destination.
Steeped in fascinating history and offering a cultural experience like no other, Madagascar is the perfect finale to this first-rate tour.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Experience the great diversity of East Africa on this mammoth, month-long Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Tour through four incredible countries and partake in a momentous journey through exotic culture and nature.
In Uganda's national parks, we find diverse ecosystems that house extensive ranges of biodiversity in the wetlands and we'll have occasion to snap pictures of countless species of bird and butterflies, elephant and buffalo, as well as to cruise the waters inhabited by the largest hippo population in Africa.
In the thick, lush forests of the Parc National des Volcans on the slopes of the Virunga Mountain Range in Rwanda, we track a family of mountain gorillas and find about the issues this endangered species faces with poachers before heading to the Genocide Museum in Kigali to learn about the this tragic period of time in the country's history.
Kenya and Tanzania are each highly recommended destinations when it comes to touring East Africa and together they make for the ultimate safari.
Through more than half a dozen game parks and nature reserves, we find the best of East African nature; we see the world's second-highest peak - Kilimanjaro - 'The Big Five,' the Serengeti Plains, volcanoes, waterfalls, mountain forests and the UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Crater.
Ending our tour with exploration of the island paradise of Zanzibar only adds that bit of extra spice to our adventure.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
Our Southern Africa, Kenya & Tanzania Tour begins in the gold capital of the world, Johannesburg in South Africa, we visit a wide array of historic sites of note and learn about the region's fascinating history as a focal point during the struggles to end apartheid.
We see the administrative capital at Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) in an area famous for its colourful gardens and lush parks, and take trips to the former residences of Nobel Laureates Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in Soweto.
In Zimbabwe, we gaze in awe at one of Mother Nature's most awesome accomplishments at Victoria Falls.
From here, it's into Botswana for a safari excursion in Chobe National Park, via the point where four countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia) meet on the Zambezi River.
Our return to South Africa is marked by a safari through the largest nature reserve in the country and the park that supports more species of wildlife than any other African reserve; Kruger National Park.
This remarkable tour showcases the best of the Southern African natural environment with trips to:
- Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve - a region boasting the largest population of lions on the continent
- Amboseli National Park - an area world-famous for its populations of elephants
- Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area which boasts an incredible UNESCO-protected crater
- Serengeti National Park - the ultimate safari destination.
We'll be on the lookout for the 'Big Five,' antelopes, crocodiles, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelle, hippos, zebras and a plethora of endemic species in their natural habitats; wildlife that can be seen elsewhere only in the confines of zoos.
Astoundingly beautiful scenery and exploring lifestyles and customs in colonial, traditional and modern villages and cities transform this tour from a typical safari adventure into a once-in-a-lifetime journey of cultural and natural exploration.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Setting down in the bustling metropolis of Cairo, Egypt, we start this extraordinary 32-day Egypt, Kenya & Tanzania tour in magnificent style.
We see the Pharaonic monuments of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, which have since come to stand as symbols of Egypt's mystery and glory, walk cobblestone streets amid beautiful churches and buildings dating from the 11th century, embark upon horse-drawn carriage tours and enjoy donkey and camel rides.
Highlights of our 13-day odyssey through Egypt are our trip to the 1,500-year-old Karnak Temple, remarkable journeys through the valleys of the Kings and Queens and the longest river on the planet; the Nile.
As we fly into Kenya, it's not long before we discover why this special destination enjoys worldwide acclaim for its natural environment.
Gazing out over semi-desert savannah with the glistening glacier peak of the continent's second highest mountain - Mount Kenya - as a backdrop, we scan the endless plains in search of elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards and lions, all the while marvelling at a pristine wilderness yet untouched by Man.
En route to the foothills of the towering Mount Kenya, we have the chance to see crocodiles, zebra, and ostriches, and we also have the opportunity to spend some time with local inhabitants dressed in traditional garb in tribal villages.
We see volcanic phenomena at the Great Rift Valley, watch out for the 'Big Five' in Masai Mara National Reserve, taste a variety of exotic local delicacies in the Carnivore Restaurant (with vegetarian options available) and make our way to the border of Tanzania amid glorious sceneries of rolling grasslands and African plains.
Continuing our tour of some of the best safari destinations in Africa and, indeed, on the planet, we visit Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which boasts teeming wildlife as well as an incredible UNESCO-protected crater, and the epitome of all safari destinations at Serengeti National Park, wherein is to be found perhaps the largest concentration of wildlife in the world.
Interspersing admiration of its natural world with exploration of the country's man-made environment, we take in archaeological sites, colonial towns and the many historic sites of the 'spice islands' of Zanzibar.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
Nairobi, Kenya, is our entry point for our Kenya, Tanzania & Southern Africa tour, an adventure through Africa, and we take time to enjoy its pleasant mix of colonial British and modern and traditional influences before heading in the direction of Africa's second-highest mountain; Mount Kenya.
In semi-desert savanna plains at the foothills of the mighty peak, we partake in wildlife safaris that allow close-up views of elephants, giraffes and gazelle and visit tribal villages wherein locals adorned in traditional garments adhere to the long-held customs of their forefathers.
For a fun-packed 33 days through half a dozen countries, we see an astounding array of wildlife, a wide spectrum of spectacular sceneries and incredible diversity of culture and lifestyle.
Visiting world-renowned conservation parks such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Chobe National Park, St Lucia Wetland and Kruger and Serengeti National Parks, we see the very best of the natural world in Africa.
We take advantage of unique opportunities to see, among others, the 'Big Five', herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, cheetah, crocodile, hippo, monkeys and teeming birdlife; all the animals that set Africa apart as the ultimate safari destination.
Travelling through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet - from the barren beauty of the Serengeti Plains, to the enchanting mist-encircled mountains around Mount Kilimanjaro and the forest, woodland, grassland and swamps of Lake Manyara - we cover a broad range of typographical feature and hit all the major tourist-spots, like the fabulous Victoria Falls in Zambia, as well as venturing into the back and beyond for some off-the-beaten-track exploration of the hidden face of Africa.
We learn about the man-made environments of the six highly rewarding destinations with sightseeing in traditional villages, colonial towns and modern metropolises along the way and we immerse ourselves in a number of fascinating cultures to glean an idea of what life in Africa is really like.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 3 Tour Style: Cultural
Our Kenya, Tanzania & Madagascar Group Tours are among the most popular offerings! Boasting astounding diversity and abundance of exotic nature, humbling landscapes of snow-fringed mountains and dusty plains, and friendly peoples with fascinating traditional cultures and lifestyles, these three countries combine to offer a highly rewarding and comprehensive overview of the incredible bounties of East Africa.
Beginning in Kenya, we explore Nairobi, a lively capital city that grew with the development of the railway and a metropolis that fuses colonial British design with modern and traditional African influences to charming effect.
Heading through some of the best safari locations on the planet - like Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Maasai Mara National Reserve - we pass glacier-coated peaks and desert savannah plains to feast our eyes on buffalo, cheetahs, leopards and lions and get up-close and personal with elephants, giraffes and gazelle.
We'll even have the option to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a truly unique perspective of this glorious land brimming with natural wonder.
Crossing into Tanzania, we pass through rolling green fields and traditional villages en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we keep our eyes peeled for the elusive leopard and visit the UNESCO Heritage Crater, which is simultaneously a magnificent topographical phenomenon and the home of incredible arrays of wildlife, like the "Big Five" and wildebeest, gazelle, zebras and hippos.
The kopjes of the Serengeti - a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for predators - are our next stop as we explore the jewel in the crown of Tanzania's conservation areas, a place that is home to one of the largest and most diverse populations of animals in the world.
Breathtaking wildlife spectacles combine with lessons about the prehistoric habitats of some of the earliest species of hominids for a memorable visit to the area around Lake Manyara National Park, and after stopping in at the island paradise of Zanzibar for exploration of its ancient winding alleys, colourful cultures and sandy beaches (we also embark on a "spice tour"), we make headway for Madagascar.
A country of brightly coloured houses stacked on hillsides, glorious endemic flora and fauna, rugged mountains and verdant grassland plantations, Madagascar makes the final days of our tour an incredible adventure not soon forgotten.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
We spend over a month exploring the bounties of Southern and Eastern Africa on this 37-day Southern Africa & East Africa Tour into the heart and soul of this incredible continent, starting off in the gold capital of the world; Johannesburg in South Africa.
The ever-changing face of this remarkably dynamic city - it has been completely rebuilt no fewer than four times throughout its short history - never fails to provide a rich cultural experience and in conjunction with its plethora of historic sites, like the former residences of Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, its attractions are many and abundant.
We travel through vast grasslands en route to enjoy spectacular vistas at Blyde River Canyon, as well as from the aptly named Wonder View, God's Window and the Pinnacle and in the wildlife paradises of St Lucia Wetland.
Crossing into Zimbabwe, we make headway for one of the world's most astoundingly beautiful spectacles at Victoria Falls and we are treated to the warm hospitality of tribal locals in authentic traditional villages, as they give us a tour of their mud huts and help us learn about and understand their customs and culture.
We spend time in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, see the country's highest and continent's second-highest mountain (Mount Kenya) and continue our safari adventure in the northern extension of Serengeti National Park; Masai Mara National Park.
In Tanzania, we stand agog next to the incredible UNESCO-protected Ngorongoro Crater and then travel to the place that is today synonymous with the word 'safari' - the Serengeti.
Through seven remarkable countries, we see the best of the natural and the man-made worlds in Africa and return home with memories to last a lifetime.
Regions visited: East Africa
Countries visited: Kenya and Tanzania
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split-level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambience of both warmth and cosiness.
The ... is tucked into the Zanzibar seafront, amidst the exotic sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours and bright bazaars of Stone Town. Comprised of two historic buildings designed in traditional Swahili style, this lavish retreat captures the elegance of a grander era since passed.
