Treasures of Tanzania & Kenya

A true gem of a safari: 10 game drives in Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Taita Hills Sanctuary & Amboseli, then Nairobi

Overview

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures		Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	Active, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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For the quintessential Lion King experience, look no further. Renowned for their incredible wildlife, Kenya and Tanzania are blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and beautiful landscapes! From the busy cities to the vast plains of the Serengeti, the people are always friendly and welcoming. With almost 25% of Tanzania protected as nature reserves, and more than 50 parks from which to choose in Kenya, it's hard to decide where to go, but everyone agrees that the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania and the Amboseli National Park in Kenya are must-visit sites. Our Treasures of Tanzania & Kenya safari tour includes them all plus a lot more! And like all Friendly Planet tours, you'll enjoy the very best of Tanzania and Kenya at prices that are as amazing as the countries themselves.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round trip airfare from New York (JFK), including taxes & fees
All intra-Africa land transportation & transfers
12 night accommodations at superior Nairobi hotels and safari lodges in Kenya and Tanzania
35 Meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and game-viewing drives by local English-speaking guide
All-wheel drive (4x4) safari vehicles with guaranteed window seat and access to roof hatch, maximum 6 guests per vehicle
Services of an experienced driver-guide

Optional add-ons

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast

Why you'll love it

Set out on 10 exhilarating game drives in search of the "Big 5."
Explore the wildlife-rich expanses of the Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Help enhance the health of the animal habitat at a tree planting project
Learn about the production of handmade beads at the Kazuri Bead Factory, which employs local women and single mothers.
Explore the Karen Blixen Museum, previously the home of the author whose memoir inspired the Oscar-winning film, Out of Africa.
Fall in love with the orphaned elephant babies of Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery and learn how these adorable creatures are nurtured before being released back into the wild.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
3 Lake Manyara National Park
4 Lake Manyara National Park & Serengeti National Park
5 Serengeti National Park
Optional Excursion: Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast, $549
6 Olduvai Gorge & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
7 Ngorongoro Crater
8 Arusha
9 Taveta, Kenya & Taita Hills Game Sanctuary
10 Taita Hills Game Sanctuary
11 Amboseli National Park
12 Amboseli National Park
13 Nairobi
14 Depart Nairobi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Depart the USA this evening on your overnight flight to Tanzania

Day 2 Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

Upon arrival in Arusha, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha Dinner

Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park

Travel to Lake Manyara National Park while enjoying the beautiful landscape en route to the lodge
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, then depart for an afternoon game drive

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart Arusha heading south towards Tarangire. Pass through the Maasai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages and maize, coffee, and banana plantations. Journey through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your safari lodge, nestled on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.

After lunch, set out for your first game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The park is home to a large number of elephants, as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, leopards, tree-climbing lions, and many more!

Day 4 Lake Manyara National Park & Serengeti National Park

Journey through countryside and highlands to Serengeti National Park
Afternoon game drive

Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Moru Kopjes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, journey across the stunning, hilly countryside of Karatu and the highlands filled with wheat and coffee plantations into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the vast plains of the Serengeti. As you continue to the camp, keep your eyes peeled for possible game viewing!

Have lunch at the lodge before departing for an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park is home to the "Big 5," over 500 bird species, giraffes, zebras, Grant's gazelles, hyenas, and the Great Migration!

Day 5 Serengeti National Park

Morning game drive
Afternoon game drive

Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Moru Kopjes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Explore the Serengeti today on two game drives, one early this morning and again in the afternoon, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography.

You may choose to join an early morning hot air balloon safari, an exhilarating opportunity to soar high over the vast plains and wildlife below. Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals with your expert guide.

Optional Excursion: Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast, $549

After an early morning wake-up, have coffee or tea in the lobby before heading to the balloon staging site. At sunrise, ascend to a high altitude, taking in the amazing panoramic view of the Serengeti. Then, descend to the treetops and silently glide over the wildlife below you. Your safari comes to an end with a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is one experience you will never forget!

Note: Flight may not operate if weather conditions are not suitable.

Day 6 Olduvai Gorge & Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, viewing game along the way
Stop at Olduvai Gorge

Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, view game across the vast Serengeti plains and stop at Olduvai Gorge. The Gorge acquired its name from the Sansevieria bush that grows profusely in the area, named Olduvai by the Maasai. Located between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, The Gorge is about 31 miles long and up to 295 ft. deep and is

It was first discovered by German entomologist Professor Kattwinkel, who launched an expedition just before World War I. Later, the exploration was continued by Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife, who in 1959 found humanoid remains of Zanjanthropus, later renamed Australapithicus Boisei, an early form of man.

The small museum here has replicas of some of the finds and pictures of what life was like for the gorge's earliest inhabitants. After a picnic lunch, continue to Karatu and arrive at your lodge in time for dinner.

Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater

Board your 4x4 vehicle and enjoy a full day game drive in what is commonly referred to as the world's largest wildlife zoo

Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, descend through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater for a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of the world's seven natural wonders! Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor comprises several distinct habitats, ranging from forests, swamps, lakes, and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It's an incredible wildlife experience and sure to highlight the trip!

Day 8 Arusha

Return to Arusha traveling through the scenic Rift Valley
Visit the Tanzanite Museum and learn the history surrounding the gemstone

Kili Villa Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Depart Karatu and watch as the scenery gradually changes into wheat plains and coffee plantations before heading down through the scenic Rift Valley escarpment with great views of Lake Manyara beyond and back through the Masai Steppe.

After lunch in Arusha Town, visit the Tanzanite Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of this striking gemstone. Both audio and visual presentations, including a replica of a Tanzanite mine shaft, and a tour, give the experience of the history, geology, and passion surrounding Tanzanite.

Day 9 Taveta, Kenya & Taita Hills Game Sanctuary

Early this morning, drive to the Tanzanian-Kenya border
Learn about Taita Taveta's role in World War I
Afternoon game drive in the sanctuary

Salt Lick Safari Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Wake up early this morning and, after breakfast, drive towards the Tanzanian-Kenyan border. After clearing customs & immigration formalities, meet your Kenyan driver-guides and continue to Taita Hills Lodge. After lunch, visit the in-house Artefacts Museum, which houses articles from World War I. Enjoy a brief talk that gives insight into Taita Taveta's role in World War I.

Later, depart on an afternoon game drive within the sanctuary. The sanctuary hosts varied birds and animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Spend the rest of the day at leisure viewing game from the lodge's balcony or underground hide.

Day 10 Taita Hills Game Sanctuary

Visit a tree planting project
Afternoon game drive

Salt Lick Safari Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, visit a tree planting project that enhances the animal habitat's health and recovers the sanctuary's biodiversity, which lies in an essential migrating corridor for wildlife between the northern and southern sectors of Tsavo West National Park. Here, Friendly Planet has adopted a tree for you to plant, which helps the environment and the local communities who grow the seedlings.

After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 11 Amboseli National Park

Travel to Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro
Afternoon game drive

Ol Tukai Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Wake up early this morning and leave for Amboseli National Park. Located at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is home to a wealth of wildlife but is mainly known for its elephants.

Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive.

Day 12 Amboseli National Park

Morning game drive
Lunch, followed by free time to relax
Afternoon game drive

Ol Tukai Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a day of game viewing drives in Amboseli National Park. One in the morning and another in the afternoon, returning to the lodge with the setting sun.

Day 13 Nairobi

Depart for Nairobi
See the endangered Rothschild's giraffe at the Langata Giraffe Center
Enjoy lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens
Visit the Karen Blixen Museum

Ole Sereni Hotel Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive to Nairobi, arriving in the city center around midday. Visit the Langata Giraffe Center, established to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Several warthogs roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Then, stop by the Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens for lunch. Afterward, visit the Karen Blixen Museum. Before becoming a museum in 1991, the house and surrounding 4,500-acre farm were owned by "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen from 1917 until 1931. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 14 Depart Nairobi

Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA
Arrive in the USA tomorrow morning

Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Spend the morning at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are released back to the natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here they can mingle freely with the wild community.

Return to the hotel to freshen up, finish packing, and enjoy a last dinner at the hotel before transferring to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your overnight flight to the USA. Your adventure ends as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning.

Hotels

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

First Class

Established in 1894, the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the most historical hotels in East Africa. The hotel seamlessly blends the history of a bygone era and traditional ambience into the style and service that today's discerning traveler expects. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or work out in 24-hour fitness center.

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Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Deluxe

Nestled on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge offers stunning views over Lake Manyara, Mount Meru and on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is surrounded by pristine lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds.

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Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Moru Kopjes

Deluxe

The luxury Moru Kopjes camp is ideally located within the Central Seronera area of the famous Serengeti National Park. Perched between the Rongai Hills and Nyaroboro Hills, and just a few meters from the banks for the Seronera River, the camp boasts an abundance of resident wildlife (including the Big 5!).

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Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

Deluxe

This 5 star colonial lodge is situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views onto Oldeani Mountain and The Ngorongoro Crater Rim. The lodge is elevated with 360 degree views that extend all the way to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. The property is set on 40 acres of pristine lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds. The lodge is accessed over a pond and one's first impression is the grand central hallway with wooden trusses looking out over the fire place, infinity pool and out onto Mount Oldeani, which is part of the caldera of the would famous Ngorongoro crater, only 7.5 miles away.Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge has a year-round outdoor pool. The property features a garden and sun terrace, which guests can enjoy if the weather permits. Ole Sere Spa offers a great chance to rejuvenate and re-energize after your bumpy safari adventures.

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Kili Villa

Deluxe

Kili Villa, located within a spectacular wildlife and golf estate, has become the discerning travelers' start or end to their Tanzanian adventures.

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Salt Lick Safari Lodge

First Class

For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya's flagship lodges. A luxurious safari escape, Salt Lick Safari Lodge is set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.

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Ol Tukai Lodge

First Class

Ol Tukai Lodge is an upscale resort situated in the heart of the Amboseli National Park, one of East Africa's most fascinating wildlife and nature parks, a place of rugged beauty, abundant water, lush grass and forest. The lodge is set in an oasis amidst the surrounding savannah scrub, offering views of one of the world's most awe-inspiring sites–sunrise and sunset over the snowcapped dome of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Ole Sereni Hotel

First Class

Ole Sereni Hotel, centrally positioned between the international airport and the city center, boasts being the only hotel to border the Nairobi National Game Park.

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Tanzania? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.