East Africa Migration Safari

13 days, 12 nights

+- Overview

During this 13 day migration safari through Kenya and Tanzania, we will travel through East Africa’s superb game parks including the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Our journey will leave a lasting impression of the natural beauty and the endless array of scenic wonders that unfold before us around every bend in the road as we explore this pristine region of Africa.

Route Details

Arusha (1) Lake Manyara (1) Ngorongoro Crater (2) Serengeti (2) Lake Victoria (1) Maasai Mara (2) Mount Kenya (2) Nairobi (1)

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Arusha
Arrival

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge, luxury boutique hotel situated in a working coffee plantation.  The balance of the day is at leisure.  The hotel has wonderful views of Mt. Meru, the fifth highest mountain in Africa, from the hotel’s balconies.  This evening you are free to dine on your own enjoying the hotel’s exceptional cuisine.

Overnight Accommodations

Arusha Coffee House

+ - Day 2 Arusha Lake Manyara

Spend a pleasant morning being driven to Manyara National Park where we check in at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, famous for its lovely views of the Rift Valley. Lunch at the lodge is followed by an afternoon game drive in the park, renowned for a large elephant and buffalo population.  Manyara was once famous for its tree-climbing lions and we may have the opportunity to locate a few perched high in the trees. 

Overnight Accommodations

Manyara Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 3 Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater

Check-out after breakfast departing for the famous Ngorongoro Crater.  Enjoy a splendid lunch at Gibb’s Farm Coffee Plantation enroute. On arrival at the Ngorongoro Crater, check in at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.  The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy not only the scenery but take part in the evening activities the Lodge has on offer. 

Overnight Accommodations

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 4 Ngorongoro Crater

Created 3 million years, this huge caldera of the once-active volcano, Ngorongoro became a sanctuary filled with a vast array of Africa’s wildlife. Within the towering walls that ring the crater lie forests, grasslands, fresh springs and a large soda lake.  This morning, packed with picnic lunch boxes, we descend to the crater floor where we will mingle with some of its 20,000 resident animals. Watch as the Black Rhino, in its last remaining refuge in Tanzania, emerges from the forests, a prehistoric figure making a surreal impression in the early morning mists.  At the Makat Soda Lake watch huge flocks of flamingos and other water birds. Then thrill to the scenes of the hunt as the predators hide in the marsh ready to ambush animals coming to drink where the river feeds into the lake. In the crater’s marshy areas look for elephant and hippos keeping cool in the African heat. And, in the wide-open grasslands, the herds of zebra, wildebeest and gazelles stretch as far as the eye can see.  Return to the lodge.  The evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park

Today, we journey far back into human history when we visit the Oldupai Gorge en route to Serengeti national Park.  This archaeological site, often referred to as the ‘cradle of mankind’, is where Dr. Louis Leakey found traces of pre-historic man dating back 3.5 million years. Then we continue on and check-in at the Serengeti Serena Lodge for a 2-night stay.  Following a tasty lunch we take our first game drive through this park famous for its large concentration of plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and gazelle. Return to Lodge in the early evening to witness a spectacular sunset as we prepare for dinner.

Overnight Accommodations

Serengeti Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 6 Serengeti National Park

We enjoy unmatched game viewing during morning and afternoon drives in what is arguably the best- known wildlife sanctuary in the world. ‘Serengeti’ means ‘endless plains’ in Maasai and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the ‘big five’ of which there are upwards of 1,500 lions alone. The Serengeti is also famed for its annual migration. Triggered by the seasonal rains, up to a million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thompson’s gazelle gather to undertake their long trek to new grazing lands. Starting with the wildebeest rutting season, a frenzied 3-week long bout of territorial conquest and mating, the trek begins. It is truly the survival of the fittest as to who gets through this great migration where crocodile-infested rivers must be crossed and where hungry predators who look on this long column of herbivores as a moveable feast, must be avoided.

Overnight Accommodations

Serengeti Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 7 Serengeti National Park Lake Victoria

Leaving the Serengeti after breakfast, we will travel to the Dutch owned Speke Bay Lodge situated on the shores of Lake Victoria with picnic lunch en-route. This very pretty lodge with bandas (bungalows) overlooking the lakeshore is a birder’s paradise.  Take the late afternoon to relax and simply enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Overnight Accommodations

Speke Bay Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 8 Lake Victoria Maasai Mara

Bidding farewell to Lake Victoria we travel to the Isebania border crossing point where we meet our Kenyan driver. After some brief border formalities, we proceed on safari in Kenya entering the famed Maasai Mara Game Reserve. We arrive at our lodge in time for lunch and later in the afternoon explore the rolling hills and plains for a wonderful sight of the great numbers of different species of animals found here.

Overnight Accommodations

Mara Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 9 Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Morning and afternoon game drives will be conducted in the Maasai Mara, considered one of Africa’s most important game reserves. In the afternoon, you have an option of relaxing by the poolside or another game drive.  Today is an opportunity to visit a Maasai village to meet with the elder and enjoy traditional dancing and bargain for beaded jewelry.

Overnight Accommodations

Mara Serena Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 10 Maasai Mara Game Reserve Mt. Kenya

You have the option to embark on a game drive just after dawn.  An early morning wake-up call followed by tea or coffee and cookies and on the safari vehicles to catch the sparkling sunrise and the natural awakening of the wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out.  We transfer to the airstrip to board our flight en-route to Nairobi.  On arrival, we have lunch and drive to the Mount Kenya Safari Club. The Club is situated at the foot of Mt. Kenya (17,058 feet). The elitist membership of this club would include movie stars, aristocrats and politicians, both local and international. We spend the afternoon and evening in total relaxation in the beautiful landscaped gardens. For the more adventurous, optional activities include golf, tennis and horse-back riding.

Overnight Accommodations

Mount Kenya Safari Club

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 11 Mt. Kenya

We set off this morning with packed lunch for a day trip to Ol Pejeta Rhino Reserve, a haven for nature lovers. At Sweet Waters Tented Camp overlooking on one of the finest waterholes in the reserve we have an unforgettable opportunity to watch and photograph big game. We will also visit the Jane Goodall Chimp sanctuary. Return to Mt Kenya Safari Club for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Mount Kenya Safari Club

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 12 Mt. Kenya Nairobi

After a sumptuous breakfast it is time to check-out and drive back to Nairobi with an early lunch en-route at the Trout Tree Restaurant.  Upon arrival we visit the Riuki Cultural Center to learn about the Kikuyu culture. The center provides deep insight into the traditional lifestyles, architecture, food, and dances of the Kikuyu tribe.  Be adventurous to try out the Muratina, a locally brewed drink offered by the host and drink in traditional way from a horn. Later we check in at the beautiful Nairobi Serena Hotel located amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic views of the city’s Central Park.

Overnight Accommodations

Nairobi Serena Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

+ - Day 13 Nairobi

After breakfast we enjoy a city tour of Nairobi and also visit the African Heritage Center for some last minute shopping.  Continue to the Nairobi Airport for your onward flight.

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

+ - Arusha Coffee House

LOCATION – Strategically located on the western edge of Arusha town and is 5 minutes from the Arusha airport. The Arusha Coffee Lodge lies cradled in the endless acres of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation.  This exclusive, boutique hotel lodge has been designed around the farms’ original plantation homes, radiating the warmth and invitation of the old colonial plantation homes historically distinctive to the coffee plantations.

The Arusha Coffee Lodge accommodation consists of 18 plantation houses lavishly furnished, featuring split-level living room area and a private deck patio.  Offering every guest amenity and fancy, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is the place to relax and rejuvenate before or after a Tanzanian Safari.  Laze around the swimming pool, enjoy a sun-downer at the Safari Bar, and unwind after a delectable meal in the lounge with a good liqueur and a fireside chat.

+ - Manyara Serena Lodge

LOCATION – Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity

The circular, closely-thatched rooms echo the traditional Maasai ‘Boma’ style of construction whilst featuring a vibrant interior design concept that reflects the Maasai people’s abiding love of brilliant scarlet-and-indigo checked ‘Shukas’ (cloaks) and bright yellow, white, blue and orange beadwork. Each room has a private veranda and breathtaking views of the shimmering reaches of the flamingo-frosted Lake. Perched high above the Lake with endless views over the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the circular dining room and bright murals of the open-air bar area feature fabulous avian-inspired frescoes, colourful Maasai artifacts and a unique domed basketwork ceiling hung with carved gourds and nest-shaped lanterns. Easily the most dramatic of all the swimming pools in the Serena Group’s stable, the Lake Manyara Pool, which has received significant architectural acclaim, lies below the lodge, on the very edge of the escarpment with mesmeric views across the still waters of the lake and the age-old majesty of the Great Rift Valley. Services include an imaginative range of crater breakfasts, barbeque lunches, atmospheric sundowners and vibrant cultural entertainments, and action-packed forays into the wildlife-teeming world of the crater. There is also a full housekeeping service, gift shop and spa service.

+ - Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

LOCATION – Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. The lodge is sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below. The clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.

Strung around the crater rim, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony, the rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting fleeing giraffes, stylized gazelle and plunging buffalo. Each room draws on a cave-grey, indigo-blue and jasper-red colour-scheme and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater’s unmatched splendour. At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the Lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater’s rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch as the burning sun sinks behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the craggy heights of the Crater’s rim. The Maasai-inspired, split-level dining and bar area features a two-tier wall of windows looking down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below, a traditional circular fireside meeting area, and a recurrent motif of massive ‘prehistoric’ cave paintings, stone-studded walls, Maasai spears and blazing jewel-hued wall lamps. The atmosphere is relaxed and candle-lit whilst the menu choices include traditional Maasai fare, long-time safari favourites and internationally themed menus alike. Services include an imaginative range of crater breakfasts, barbeque lunches, atmospheric sundowners and vibrant cultural entertainments, and action-packed forays into the wildlife-teeming world of the crater. Other facilities include a full housekeeping service, gift shop, swimming pool and spa service.

+ - Serengeti Serena Lodge

LOCATION – Set high on the saddle of tree-clad ridge commanding panoramic views over the endlessly rolling reaches and volcanic reefs of the Serengeti, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Drawing its inspiration from the circular ‘Rondavel’ dwellings and winding paths of a traditional Maasai village, the Lodge features thickly-thatched, stone-built rooms, spaciously set amongst groves of indigenous trees that are cooled by sparkling streams and papyrus-fringed ponds.

Each of the 66 rooms is accommodated in a stone-built, traditionally-thatched ‘Rondavel’, featuring natural stone bathrooms, wildwood balconies, rope-lashed staircases, leopard-print drapes and intricately carved furniture, the overall effect of which is a unique blend of authentic ethnicity and world-class elegance. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise to diamond-domed night, the sensational Serengeti delivers a series of timeless volcanic vistas that are second to none. Linked by shaded walkways and clustered around the roaring furnace of the central barbecue arena, the high-domed halls of the two-tier dining room are supported by massive papyrus-topped pillars and embellished with sumptuous ‘Makonde’ carvings suggesting the audience chamber of a tribal king whilst the cuisine features time-honoured safari favourites, local specialties and internationally themed dishes alike. Services include a range of bush breakfasts, barbeque bush lunches, sundowners and vibrant cultural entertainment. The Lodge also offers balloon safaris along with the excellent game drives. Other facilities include a full housekeeping service, gift shop, swimming pool and spa service.

+ - Speke Bay Lodge

LOCATION – Speke Bay Lodge is located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, East Africa. It is 15 km from the Serengeti National Park, and 125 km north of Mwanza. Speke Bay is part of Speke Gulf, named after the famous explorer John Hanning Speke, who, in 1858, discovered Lake Victoria to be the source of the Nile.

All eight bungalows are situated along the shore of the lake. Each bungalow is a separate structure designed to ensure your privacy. The roofs are thatched with a thick layer of grass, providing excellent insulation. The custom-made furniture in solid Mkola wood adds to the warm and elegant atmosphere. An entrance hall gives access to a bathroom and a spacious main room. This room has a sleeping area with a large lockable cupboard (for your clothes and valuables) and a writing table. The sitting area has a huge French window opening on to a bougainvillage-shaded veranda where your breakfast can be served. Each bungalow has a loft with two twin beds, making them suitable for families with children. The bathroom has a large table with a build-in basin, a spacious shower with hot water and a hygienic wall mounted toilet. All the appliances and fittings are the best on the market. The water system is state of the art, with a large sand filter, UV-treatment, and Ozone-injection. Bottled drinking water is available. The tented camp consists of twelve tents, each covered by a thatched roof, which also creates a private and shady sitting area. The tents are fully furnished and contain two beds; hot showers and toilets are close-by.

+ - Mara Serena Lodge

LOCATION – Secreted deep within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill, embraced by arcing vistas and washed by a sea of richly rolling grasslands, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.

Styled to mirror the circular motif of a traditional Maasai “Manyatta”, the lodge has been designed to blend international sophistication with raw African beauty. The wide-spaced and secluded rooms have been sensitively designed so as to blend seamlessly into the landscape whilst offering magnificent Mara-vistas from their private verandas. As for the interiors, individually styled in exuberant bush colours they feature spacious bathrooms and the calm sophistication of a world-class hotel. The traditional safari-styled dining room overlooks the Lodge’s action-packed water hole and features a vibrant bar area, a relaxed candlelit atmosphere and menu choices that include a broad selection of imaginative and traditional safari favourites. Guest services and amenities include the all-time favourite, Breakfast by the Hippo Pool, a range of bush dinners, sundowners at one of the Mara’s many vantage points, private picnics, lunch boxes and specialist cultural entertainment. There is also a swimming pool, full housekeeping service, gift shop and spa service.

+ - Mount Kenya Safari Club

Location: The Mount Kenya Safari Club is situated on the foothills of Mount Kenya, bordering the Mount Kenya National Park, just 10kms from Nayuki Town.

With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club’s 120 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure.  For those who wish to spend time relaxing at the Club, there are many recreational activities available: horseback riding, golf croquet, a bowling green, table tennis, swimming, a beauty salon, an animal orphanage and much more. There are 120 guest rooms spread out in the delightful grounds of the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Accommodation comprises Fairmont and Deluxe rooms, Suites, and Cottages. All rooms feature fire place, in room safe, a fully stocked mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, separate WC and rain shower.

+ - Nairobi Serena Hotel

LOCATION - Considered by many to be Nairobi’s finest hotel, the Serena stands amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic views over Nairobi’s Central Park and the glittering downtown skyline. Despite its pivotal central location, the Serena also remains true to its title and offers an oasis of serenity amidst the bustle of one of Africa’s most vibrant capital cities.

The décor is warm and inviting, reflecting the richness of the African continent. All rooms are air-conditioned and are tastefully appointed with handcrafted furniture, marble bathrooms, satellite TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, and IDD telephones. A nonsmoking floor is available. The Mandhari is one of Kenya’s finest restaurants, where unobtrusive service is complemented with sophisticated international cuisine. The more informal Café Maghreb provides all-day dining with tantalizing theme buffets. Light snacks are served at the Pool Bar and afternoon tea in the Bambara residents’ lounge. The Maisha Health Club redefines the art of healthy living with an ultramodern gym, aerobics studio, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, two beauty therapy rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a swimming pool. Golf facilities are just minutes away. There is also a business centre, conference and banquet facilities for 10 to 250 people, express laundry, valet service, gift boutiques, hair salon, concierge, airport transfer service and 24-hour room service.

+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • Airport Meet & Greet

    We'll meet you at Kilimajaro Airport upon your arrival. Driver gratuity is awarded at your discretion.

  • Airport & Hotel Transfers

    We'll provide reliable transportation to and from the airport to your hotel in Tanzania & Kenya. We'll ensure you depart on time, and arrive safely and comfortably from one destination to the next.

  • 12 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations for 12 nights with private en-suite facilities, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Domestic Flights

    We include your schedule flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi flight, in the described itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with the meals as described in the daily itinerary. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Daily Transfers

    We cover your transportation from the door of your hotel to the next destination each day.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

Not Included

  • International Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our price includes land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare.

  • Meals not described on the itinerary

    Food and beverages not described in the itinerary may be purchased as needed.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary. Hotel or room services enjoyed during your stay that are not described in the itinerary are added to your total.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as telephone/Internet usage, laundry, gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

  • Air conditioning

    Air Conditioning is not available in any tented camp and not included at select lodges. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended as vehicles are not air-conditoned.

+- Booking

Dates & Pricing

Display prices in Hide this box

For Travel Dates Between:

Price

Single Supplement

September 21 - October 3, 2010

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single travelers or per additional person.

Booking Details

One Departure Only

Join in Kilimajaro on September 21, 2010 (minimum of 5 passengers)