Gameparks & Beaches
Gameparks & Beaches
Gameparks & Beaches

Gameparks & Beaches

From: 
Regular price
$11,040.00
Sale price
$11,040.00

KENYA - TANZANIA

Small Group Safari (min 8 / max 18 passengers)
20 days / 19 nights ex Nairobi

2024 Departures:
13 Sep; 25 Oct
Fully Booked Dates: 21 Jun; 02 Aug
 
2025 Departures:
20 Jun; 01 Aug; 12 Sep
Fully Booked Dates: 24 Oct
 
Start your safari in Kenya visiting the small picturesque Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha where George & Joy Adamson lived lakeside at 'Elsamere'. The famous Masai Mara offers exceptional game viewing and a chance to learn about the age-old traditions of the Maasai tribe. Tanzania's vast wilderness areas includes the popular Serengeti NP and the impressive Ngorongoro Crater. Both these areas are known for their variety of game including the Big 5. The safari also visits Olduvai Gorge - one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world and Marangu with its coffee plantations and Chagga tribe. End your safari in Zanzibar with a few days in historic Stone Town and then head to Nungwi Beach for complete relaxation.
 

Highlights:

  • Jump straight in to seeing wildlife in picturesque Lake Nakuru
  • Visit Elsamere and learn about Joy & George Adamson
  • Get up close to baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Animal Trust
  • Game drives in the famous Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
  • Visit a coffee plantation
  • Learn about the Chagga tribespeople
  • Zanzibar Stone Town – history, architecture, seafood, sunsets with cocktails
  • Learn about the spice trade and what goes in our cooking
  • Relax on the pristine beaches of Nungwi

Day 1: Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to Africa. You will be met at Nairobi Airport and transferred to your accommodation. Overnight Nairobi.

Day 2: Nairobi-Nakuru (D)

This morning you will be transferred to Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley (approx. 4 hours drive) where you will meet up with the rest of the group who are on the full safari. Accommodation is in self-contained cottages on a working farm with beautiful gardens and excellent facilities. Meet the rest of the group this evening over dinner.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru (BLD)

Today enter Lake Nakuru National Park and spend the day game driving. This compact park is packed with wildlife. The soda lake has over 400 species of birdlife - an ornithologist’s paradise. It is also home to both the black and white rhino, and where some scenes from the movie "Out of Africa" were filmed.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha (BLD)

This afternoon arrive at Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride on the lake viewing hippos, fish eagles and birdlife before arriving at Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy & George Adamson. Joy became world famous for her pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her bestselling book and subsequent film, Born Free. After a video presentation on the life of the Adamsons, savour a delicious afternoon tea in the garden.

Day 5: Masai Mara (BLD)

Today drive into the Masai Mara, as you get closer to the park you will see herds of goats & cows wandering in a cloud of dust through the vast plains dutifully watched by their Maasai owners. Enter the main gate by midday and stop at a Masaai village for an introduction to their age-old customs and the way they live their semi-nomadic lifestyle and a tour through the village. Afterwards drive through to Sekenani Camp. The camp is built at the source of the Sekenani River which rises from a rock pool at the east end of the camp and forms the stream which flows in front of the tents. Each tent is situated on a raised platform with an ensuite bathroom complete with a full-length bathtub. A great place to relax and soak up the serene environment.

Day 6: Masai Mara (BLD)

Spend the day game driving around the park through vast herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Hopefully also spot some of The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant & buffalo). The Masai Mara is quite simply one of the greatest wildlife attractions in the world and at this time of year (July to Oct) you should see the migration which is spectacular. Stop at the Mara River for a short guided walk and see what animals might be around the river at the time.

Day 7: Nairobi (BL)

Today journey through the Rift Valley and up the escarpment where a stop will be made for photo opportunities, before continuing on to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Tonight you might like to eat in the famous Carnivores Restaurant which is located in the grounds of the hotel (own cost).

Day 8: Nairobi (B)

Free day to kick back, catch up on your washing, emails, shopping etc. There is a good choice of restaurants and bars close-by, plus a modern supermarket where you can stock up on personal supplies. Option to visit the nearby elephant orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (own expense). Best known for their work to protect elephants, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. It is well worth a visit – you never know you might come away with a new member to your family!

Day 9: Karatu (BLD)

Today cross into Tanzania via the Namanga border and drive through Arusha and the northern highlands. After climbing the Manyara Escarpment, the vegetation becomes more lush and green, especially around the highlands of Karatu where you will overnight. The extinct volcano of Ol Deani has gentle slopes and is a prominent feature of the landscape.

Day 10: Serengeti (BLD)

You will be picked up this morning in 4WD vehicles and driven to The Serengeti National Park. The largest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti is famous for its migratory herd of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, along with masses of zebra and their predators. This afternoon is a game drive before arriving at your tented camp.

Day 11: Serengeti - Ngorongoro (BLD)

Morning game drive before travelling across the plains to Naabi Hill where a stop is made for lunch. In the afternoon continue on to Ngorongoro where you will overnight on the edge of the crater rim.

Days 12: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha (BL)

Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera covering 264sq km. Measuring over 16km across and 610 metres deep, it is home to many animals including black rhino, hyena, jackal and the densest lion population in the world. This morning descend into the crater for a game drive then after lunch drive back to Arusha where you will overnight.

Day 13: Arusha - Marangu (BD)

Today visit Shanga River House. The Shanga Foundation was set up to provide locals with disabilities the chance to learn a craft and earn a living. You will be impressed with the unique and quality products which have been handmade from recycled materials. You will have lunch here at the restaurant. Later this afternoon arrive in Marangu, which is situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Accommodation for the next two nights has magnificent views of the mountain.

Day 14: Marangu (BLD)

Today you will learn about the Chagga people – Bantu speaking indigenous Africans and the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania. Take a walk through the village with a local guide, wander through banana and coffee plantations, visit a picturesque waterfall where you are free to have a swim in the refreshing water. Finally explore the caves – an elaborate system of underground tunnels and caves once used to hide the Chagga people and livestock from marauding Maasai.

Day 15: Stone Town, Zanzibar (B)

Today you will take a domestic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar and transfer to “Town”. Little has changed in the last 200 years in Stone Town. 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. The afternoon is free to explore the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Later watch the sun sink into the sea over a cocktail before dinner.

Day 16: Spice Tour, Zanzibar - Nungwi (B)

Fragrant cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade to Zanzibar. The half day tour will wow you with the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. Later this afternoon drive to Nungwi Beach at the northern end of the island.

Days 17-18: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar (B)

Two free days to relax and unwind at Nungwi Beach. Diving, fishing and sailing on a Dhow are just some of the optional activities you can do here (own expense). At the end of the day there are plenty of bars to savours a sunset cocktail and a variety of beachside restaurants to dine in.

Day 19: Nungwi - Stone Town, Zanzibar (B)

Today you will head back to Stone Town where you will have free time to do some last minute shopping. The last night together will be spent over a fine meal and refreshments whilst taking stock of your whole adventure.

Day 20: Zanzibar Departure (B)

You will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport today for your onward flight.

INCLUSIONS:

  • 19 nights accommodation as indicated
  • Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
  • Sightseeing as indicated
  • Services of experienced driver/guide plus camp/cook assistant
  • Fully equipped safari vehicle, with camping / cooking equipment
  • All road tolls, vehicle taxes, National Park entry fee
  • Airport transfers on Day 1 & Day 20 only between 6.00am-6.00pm
  • Domestic flight Kilimanjaro - Zanzibar

EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Travel Insurance - mandatory
  • Entry Visa to all countries
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. drinks, souvenirs)
  • Gratuities
  • Any other optional activities you choose to take yourself

Accommodation based on the following or similar

Nairobi

Wildebeest Eco Camp

Nakuru

Kembu Farm Cottages

Lake Nakuru

Kembu Farm Cottages

Lake Naivasha

Fish Eagle Lodge

Masai Mara

Sekenani Camp – permanent tent with ensuite

Nairobi

Tamarind Tree Hotel

Karatu

Kudu Lodge

Serengeti

Kati Kati Camp – permanent tent with ensuite

Ngorongoro

Rhino Lodge

Arusha

Mt Meru Hotel

Marangu

Marangu Hotel

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Forodhani Park Hotel or similar

Nungwi

Z Hotel

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Forodhani Park Hotel or similar

IS THIS SAFARI FOR YOU ?
  • These safaris are designed for travellers aged 40+  
  • The average age group is 55-65 years of age. If you have a sense of adventure, get on with people from all walks of life, don't mind getting a bit dusty during the day, and have a reasonable level of fitness and health then you are perfectly suited to our safaris!  
  • If you are travelling solo and would like to twin share with same gender, we will endeavour to find you a room mate.
  • If you are aged 75+ we will require a Medical Certificate confirming your fitness for the safari.
TRANSPORTATION:
East Africa:
Scania Series 4 | 260 hp
  • Coach seats for up to 18 guests
  • Air bag suspension
  • Roll up PVC sides for unencumbered views
  • Open air bench seat behind cab for game viewing
  • Secure safe for money and passports
  • 250 litre water tank providing free safe drinking water
  • Cool boxes to keep food chilled
  • Camp stools
  • Charging facilities for NZ or UK plugs
  • PA system
MEALS:

The Safari Company are are renowned for providing wholesome tasty meals using fresh ingredients. We cook outside on charcoal and gas BBQs. Meals are served buffet-style on a main table and we have camp stools to sit on.  

Most days we include 3 meals (specified in itinerary):
B - Breakfast (cereal, fresh fruit, toast, tea, coffee along with cooked options eg. eggs, bacon, sausage)
L - Lunch (cold meat, salad, bread, fruit, juice)
D - Dinner (vegetable soup, meat & vegetables, eg. bbq, curry, stew)

ACCOMMODATION:

Safaris feature a variety of accommodation including upmarket lodges, first class hotels, unique cottages/chalets, permanent tents with ensuites.  

Bush camping is only on our Southern Explorer safari.  Roomy dome tents high enough to stand up in and a 50mm mattress. You will bring your own sleeping bag.

ON THE ROAD:
Africa is huge and we do need to do some long days on the road to get to our favourite destinations. The roads vary between modern bitumen highways to bumpy dusty tracks and everything in between but there's always something interesting to view from your seat high up on the truck. Toilet stops are often roadside behind a bush - Africa is not blessed with a lot of public toilets outside of the cities. The truck is naturally air-conditioned with fresh air blowing in the window.
Getting onboard the truck is via steepish steps but once on-board you are rewarded with fantastic views and the sweet sounds and smells of Africa. On our Eastern safaris there is the opportunity to sit up above the cab in the open air.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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