- Code
- PFRNC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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The Masai Mara National Reserve is filled with iconic vistas and animals, and here you’ll sleep in a permanent tented-camp under a blanket of stars, then wake to the sounds of calming birdsong.
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Meet the Maasai and gain an insight into the culture of this proud East African community with a village tour and talks by a local elder.
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Experience a real safari camp in the Serengeti – your Feature Stay Kati Kati Tented Camp is perfectly located in the heart of the park but away from the crowds. Enjoy a private dinner under the stars during your stay here while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti.
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Enjoy panoramic views from the rim of an extinct volcano, then descend by 4x4 into its World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater to be surrounded by wildlife.
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On your game drive within the Serengeti National Park stop to enjoy some bubbly and nibbles to witness the colours change in the late afternoon sky.
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Leave speed, stress and any concept of time behind on the enchanting white beaches of the island paradise of Zanzibar.
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Staying at the Tembo House Hotel in atmospheric Stone Town, enjoy meals at the beachfront restaurant while watching locals playing beach football.
Is this trip right for you?
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We use our purpose-built overland vehicles for the duration of this trip. It is important to note that while our vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows do open to allow for fresh air. But please be aware that road travel in Africa comes with its fair share of dust, and while curtains are fitted to minimize the sunshine, it can get hot and windy.
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This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to our given approximations of distance and driving hours.
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Overlanding is the perfect journey for those travellers with an open mind and the spirit for adventure. However it may be quite different to any style of travel you have experienced before. Ask your agent for a copy of our Peregrine overlanding flyer for more information or head to http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/africa-overland
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Our overland safaris do not require exceptional fitness levels, but a general level of physical movement is needed. For example, you need to judge yourself physically fit enough to handle entering and exiting our vehicles several times a day, and you should be prepared for some long travel days.
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You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar sector of this itinerary, but our local representatives will be on hand to look after you.
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We stay in Migori to break up the journey between the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park. The accommodation here is quite basic due to very few options in the area.
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As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
Gallery
Itinerary
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2018 - 31 December 2018
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Meet your Peregrine representative and be driven to your hotel (approximately 45 minutes). There will be an important group meeting at 6 pm this evening. More details about this meeting can be found at the hotel reception. Spend free time today at your leisure.
Accommodation
- Panafric Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
- Nairobi - National Museum - USD10
- Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum - USD14
- Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya - USD12
- Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary - KES1200
- Nairobi - Carnivore Restaurant - KES3600
- Nairobi - National Park safari walk - USD30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.
Depart Nairobi for Elsamere after breakfast and head north, driving along the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley (approximately 4 hours of driving in total).
'Elsamere' is the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum that dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. You'll then embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy lunch with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening.
'Elsamere' is the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum that dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. You'll then embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy lunch with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Elementaita - Elsamere Conservation Centre
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by 4WD. Mornings can be cold so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; it amazingly turns into a sea of pink on occasion. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife. The park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Keep your eyes peeled, too, for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros (white rhinos are much easier to spot).Â
Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon Game Drive (4x4)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today you will head southwest to the Masai Mara (approximately 6–7 hours), arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Before you arrive, you'll first cross the Great Rift Valley, Africa's immense and spectacular great divide. Pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the traditional Maasai people. Here you will make a stop to visit the Maasai, known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African Community. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture, from a local elder. Enjoy being shown around a traditional Maasai home and their cattle enclosures. Afterwards, continue on your journey to ‘The Mara’, swapping into 4x4 jeeps. After checking into the park, take a short game drive on the way to camp. Set in what is considered Kenya's prime wildlife area, Mara Leisure Camp is located along the Talek River, on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Facilities at the camp include a swimming pool, gift shop, bar and restaurant.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Explore more of the park by 4x4 Jeeps today with further game drives in the morning and afternoon. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck.Â
As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also.
As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today is a free day. If you wish to continue your exploration of arguably one of the finest game reserves on the continent there are a number of optional activities you can choose from including half-day or full-day game drives, or walking safaris.
A morning game drive involves waking at dawn for a light breakfast followed by an early morning game drive, setting off at sunrise and returning to the camp three to four hours later.
An afternoon game drive departs around 4pm and returns after sunset. On returning to the camp, freshen up before joining other guests around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink.
An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up from camp before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before rejoining your group.
A morning game drive involves waking at dawn for a light breakfast followed by an early morning game drive, setting off at sunrise and returning to the camp three to four hours later.
An afternoon game drive departs around 4pm and returns after sunset. On returning to the camp, freshen up before joining other guests around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink.
An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up from camp before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before rejoining your group.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500
- Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - KES8000
- Masai Mara - Full Day Game Drive - KES16000
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
Say goodbye to the Mara and head to Migori (approximately 6.5 hours). On the way you will stop for lunch (at your own expense) and visit a local soapstone factory in Kisii. This town is home to the best soapstone carvers on the continent. Their products are quite popular around the world. It's a favourite stopover for travellers seeking a taste of the exquisite Kisii carvings.
Accommodation
- Grabo County Dream Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kisii - Soapstone factory visit and demonstration
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation tonight is quite basic, due to very few options in the area and the need to break up the journey.
Cross into Tanzania before heading to the Serengeti National Park (approximately 8 hours, not including time spent at the border). These 'Endless Plains' span some 14,700 square kilometres, but their main claim to fame is 3 million or so animals. The game most likely to be seen in the Serengeti are the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo and ostrich. You'll take a game drive en route to your camp and watch the landscape change within the park from the vast treeless central plains to thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops.
Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some nibbles before carrying on to you camp.
The next two nights are spent at Kati Kati mobile tented camp, our feature stay on this trip. Meru-style tents are a great place to relax at the end of the day and have large beds, table, clothes rack, sink, 'bucket' showers and a toilet. The eco-friendly camp has a comfortable lounge area, and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. The campfire is ready every evening for appetizers before dinner. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience with modern comforts.
Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some nibbles before carrying on to you camp.
The next two nights are spent at Kati Kati mobile tented camp, our feature stay on this trip. Meru-style tents are a great place to relax at the end of the day and have large beds, table, clothes rack, sink, 'bucket' showers and a toilet. The eco-friendly camp has a comfortable lounge area, and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. The campfire is ready every evening for appetizers before dinner. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience with modern comforts.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Sundowner in the Park
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the truck in the magnificent Serengeti. Perhaps the ultimate way to go game viewing is on a hot air balloon safari over the great plains of the Serengeti National Park. Hot-air ballooning in East Africa can be an unforgettable experience, an exceptional way to see this part of the world. We strongly recommend booking this extra activity prior to departure if you're interested.
Tonight we have a private dinner under the stars within our permanent tented camp while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti.
Tonight we have a private dinner under the stars within our permanent tented camp while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Private Dinner Kati Kati Camp
Optional Activities
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD599
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
After an early morning game drive, it's time to leave the park and travel to the Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 5 hours). It's one of Africa's most beautiful nature reserves and the world's largest intact caldera. Upon arrival you will check into your accommodation, which is located just outside of the crater. This small and exclusive lodge faces the Oldeani Volcano, and is located approximately 5 kilometres from the Ngorongoro Lolduare gate.
Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, climb aboard the 4WD for your descent to the crater floor. Hopefully you'll see some or all of the 'big five' creatures that rule here. Animals within the Ngorongoro Crater are less shy of people and safari vehicles, so it's easier to see them up close. Views from the rim of the crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The Masai are permitted to water their cattle at the permanent lake and can be seen leading their animals in and out of the crater. The most commonly seen animals are the lion, wildebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck, cheetah, jackal, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle and black rhinoceros. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, perhaps with optional walking activities or a coffee tour.
Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast head to Arusha (approximately 4 hours) where some of the group may be leaving the trip, along with your tour leader from the East Africa sector. Those continuing to Zanzibar are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for a flight. You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar sector, but our local representatives will be on hand to look after you. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel in the atmospheric and historic centre of Stone Town. Just the name Zanzibar conjures up images of a remote island paradise where the water is transparent and the air is filled with the heady scent of spices. Only 40 kilometres off the mainland coast of Tanzania lies this beautiful island, known to the locals as Ungudya. It has an area of 1,400 square kilometres and a population of about 100,000, of whom more than half reside in the capital, Stone Town. This evening, maybe get a taste of local flavours at Forodhani Night Markets along the seafront.
Accommodation
- Tembo House Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Other travellers from your group also continuing to Zanzibar may have different itineraries or be staying at different hotels.
After breakfast this morning your guide will take you on the Zanzibar spice tour. This half day tour passes through villages and spice plantations where you can meet the workers and learn about there way of life. They will seek out specific plants and barks for you to touch, smell and taste. We then enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch served in a local house. Afterwards return to Stone Town’s where you are free to explore the maze of narrow streets with whitewashed coral stone buildings, magnificently carved, brass-studded teak doors, quaint shops and bazaars that all reflect a unique blend of architectural traditions. The market and bazaars are fascinating and are ideal spots for topping up your spice collection at home or shopping for souvenirs. Zanzibar was also one of the headquarters for slave trading and the starting point for many of the famous explorers such as Speke, Livingstone, Burton and Grant. From here they ventured into the vast interior of east Africa. Perhaps learn more about the island’s history at the Old Fort, the Slave Markets, or at the House of Wonders (so-called because it was the first building on the island to have electricity and running water), which houses the Zanzibar National Museum of History and Culture. Later, maybe enjoy a dawa cocktail as you watch dhows sail along the coastline.
Accommodation
- Tembo House Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
In the morning you will exchange the narrow lanes of Stone Town for the beaches of the east coast (approximately 1.5 hours drive). The interior of the island is covered with clove and spice plantations as well as groves of tropical fruit tree, and the coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangrove and coastal forests are home to rare and endangered species such as the red colobus monkey, the green sea turtle and the blue duiker. On the coast you can run your hands through the perfectly fine white sands and enter the warming embrace of the Indian Ocean – deep blue in colour, filled with marine life, and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This is the perfect place to climb into a hammock with drink and a book, watch a gorgeous sun set and then relax underneath a blanket of glowing stars.
Accommodation
- Breezes Beach Club or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Zanzibar - Deep Sea Fishing (Full Day) - USD1200
- Zanzibar - Deep Sea Fishing (half day) - USD800
- Zanzibar - Dhow Trip - USD60
- Zanzibar - Snorkelling - USD60
- Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour - USD25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
During your time on the coast you can enjoy swimming or simply relax on the beach – your wonderful resort is situated along beautiful white sands. There are a number of optional activities to take advantage of, from full or half-day deep sea fishing expeditions, sailing trips on a dhow ship, snorkelling, or a visit to Prison Island (named for its former use but now home to giant land tortoises). There is a fitness centre at the accommodation for those who want to exercise to work off all the excellent meals that are served in the restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool, water sports, restaurants, bars and shopping bazaar. It's a perfect place to unwind at the end of your busy African journey.
Accommodation
- Breezes Beach Club or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
After two nights on the coast, your tour ends with a group transfer back to Stone Town either at the airport or the hotel. If you would like to extend your stay in Zanzibar, additional accommodation and transfers can be pre-booked (at additional expense). Please contact your booking agent for more information. Please note flights departing Zanzibar are not included in the tour price. Flights out of Zanzibar should not be booked to depart prior to 3pm on the final day.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
15 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinnersTransport
Custom-built overland vehicle, Plane, Private vehicle, 4WD vehicleAccommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Lodge (4 nights) Permanent tented camp (3 nights), Beach cabin (2 nights), Feature Stay tented camp (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Elementaita - Elsamere Conservation Centre
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon Game Drive (4x4)
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
- Kisii - Soapstone factory visit and demonstration
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Sundowner in the Park
- Serengeti - Private Dinner Kati Kati Camp
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Important notes
ZANZIBAR:
You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar sector, but our local representatives will be on hand to look after you.
Extra nights can be booked either on the east coast or in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20kgs per person) is essential - NO HARD CASE SUITCASES. Extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi if you are returning to Nairobi.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Please note single travellers must pay a single supplement for the Zanzibar portion (nights 11 to 15) of this trip.