Classic Highlights of Kenya & Tanzania 3.5 Star

CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS OF KENYA & TANZANIA 3.5 STAR

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
We have uniquely combined the very best, most famous of Kenya & Tanzania parks and uniquely located accommodation to offer you the greatest safari experience, far from the beaten track, venturing deep into the beautiful most celebrated East Africa Heritage within the shortest time without the feeling of being rushed or being in a hurry! As they say ‘No Hurry in Africa’!

Our Classic Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania gives the very best of the African wildernesses that our clients have come to see in East Africa spending adequate time in each location for the greatest & most memorable experience. We take you to the best located camps and lodges, offering bespoke access to the most game-rich areas for an in-depth, privileged safari experience with the help of our most professional & dedicated safari guides who are ready to show you what best our great East Africa parks have to offer.

Beginning your discovery journey in Amboseli National Park famous for its large herds of elephants and the most classic & breathtaking views of the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Cross over into Tanzania and to Ngorongoro Conservation Area , the 8th wonder of the world which has remained unchanged since time in memorial and is always game rich not forgetting the rich culture of the Masai people co existing with wildlife there!! Drive into the vast Serengeti plains the venue to the greatest show on earth the wildebeest migration! Enjoy unlimited game in this vast and sensational 14,763km sq of endless savannah, then wind up your adventure Masai Mara the arenas to one of the greatest spectacle on earth ~ the wildebeest migration that occurs as millions of herds of wildebeests and zebras follow fresh grazing that sprout in the wake of annual rains.

The selected accommodation offers great value to each and every traveller and pay keen attention to conservation, minimum environmental degradation impact to areas they are located, bettering the livelihoods of the local people through meaningful employment!

We hope that you will join us soon in discovering what our Classic Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania adventure has to offer!

 ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY  

DAY 1 : NAIROBI- ARRIVAL
JAMBO! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa Customer Care Representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Before checking in at hotel, he will brief you on your program ahead and introduce the Driver Guide who will be with you throughout the safari.

Accommodation: Long View Suites Karen
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 2 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
This morning, you will drive to Amboseli National Park which is famous for its large elephant population roaming across the vast grassy plains, the big five, and the majestic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa among other species of flora and fauna.
Lunch will be at your lodge before proceeding for an afternoon for a game viewing drive.
Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 3 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Full day in the Amboseli National Park with two game drives. You drive through across this vast lake bed, often dry but swampy in some areas. We have a lot of game here like cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, gazelles and herds of elephants all set against the amazing back drop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro showing all its glory.
If you wish, for a nominal fee, you can also visit a Masai Village to experience this nomadic tribe’s way of life and see their colorful culture.

Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 4 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
This morning drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Namanga Border for Customs and Immigration formalities and hot delicious lunch in Arusha before proceeding to the famous Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area (NCCA) which features rolling plains, lakes, craters, mountains and dormant volcanoes. Arrive in time for relaxation at your lodge or an optional cultural village visit.

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 5 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
After breakfast, descend into the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, a unique biosphere that has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Enclosed within its towering walls are grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife. Here too are all the members of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) as well as a large cast of plains game and one of Africa’s densest populations of predators. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before climbing back up to the lodge in time for relaxation before dinner.

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 6 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, drive through NCCA with picnic lunch boxes and cross into neighboring Serengeti National Park stopping en route at Ol Duvai Gorge. Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, this is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. Pioneered by famous paleontologists Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1950s it offers a glimpse into life two million years ago.
Arrive at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy a classic safari supper.
Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 7 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, enjoy a full day’s game driving (meals taken in true safari style ‘in the bush’) in the vast and sensational Serengeti, which covers 14,763 sq km of endlessly rolling savannah. Venue for ‘the greatest wildlife show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest, the park is
also renowned for its lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and plains game. Overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 8 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver guide, drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, backdrop to ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest.  Stopping en route at Isebania border for customs and migration formalities. You will enjoy picnic lunch boxes en route before driving to arrive in time for late afternoon game viewing drive in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Arrive back in lodge in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 9 : MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Your day will be spent on safari in Africa’s richest wildlife viewing arena. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara hosts Kenya’s largest lion prides and elephant herds. Other predators include leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena; while in the Mara River you will see fat pods of hippo and vast Nile crocodiles.
Other highlights include giraffe tops, gazelle, zebra, buffalo and over 550 species of birds.

Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon at an extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively visit a Masai village and get learn the Masai culture at an extra cost.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 10 : NAIROBI
After breakfast at the Camp, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi.  Drive back down the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, passing the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot, and lakes Elementeita and Naivasha on the way. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle and head up the escarpment. You will arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital city Nairobi in the early afternoon. Spend time doing last minute shopping. Lunch is your own arrangements
Transfer to back to the airport for your flight out!

Say good bye to the wonderful country and promise to join us on another expedition!

Inclusions

• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a private chauffeur driven custom made safari minivan in Kenya and a 4 X 4 land cruiser in Tanzania. Supplement for using a 4 X 4 land cruiser in Kenya is quoted separately.
• Services of an English speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Complimentary 1500 ml mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
• All meet and greet services.
• All arrival and departure transfers.
• 24 hours stand-by contact number.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Exclusive use of the vehicle.
• All park entrance fees.
• Two-way long range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
• On safari accessories in each vehicle: – First-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cool box and fire extinguisher.
• Flying doctors coverage which covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days. In the eventuality of a medical emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital. Hospital bills are born by the patient.

Exclusions

• All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc.
• Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver- guide(s).  Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters and $ 5.00 – $ 10.00 per person per day for driver-guides).
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks,
• Any local or international flight and departure taxes.
• Laundry services.
• Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
• Visa fees

TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI
Our professional guides are there to assist you every step of the way.  Even though there is a general outline of your safari, your guide will talk with you regarding each day’s plans.  He will tell you about the country you are visiting, its history, traditions, the area you are visiting, what you see; he will take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. They all are proficient in bush craft, and can also tell you about the local traditions, wildlife, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you. All our guides speak English as well as their local language and some speak French and Spanish as well. Days will vary depending on your specific schedule, road conditions, and what you would like to do. A typical day may unfold like this:

You will get up before dawn when hot coffee and tea are served.  The air is cold as the sun rises and shimmers on the open plains.  This is the best time to see the wildlife.  Your camera is ready to go and you have layered your clothing to keep you warm.  Head into the bush and search for lions, elephant, giraffe and plains game.   Each turn will offer something unique – a lioness and her cubs, a herd of elephant moving to a waterhole, a cheetah stalking a gazelle.  Your morning game drive lasts about two hours, depending on what you see.  Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.  After breakfast there is time to relax from being up at sunrise or now is the time to participate in any additional activities that the lodge may offer – such as walks, village visits, or bike rides.

Lunch is usually served in camp/lodge, unless you are out for a full day’s game drive, when they will have a picnic lunch.  You will head out again in the afternoon; searching for the special species that may have eluded you.  As the sun sets, return to camp for a hot shower. Then indulge in a delicious dinner and after dinner drinks in the lounge. There may also be a chance to sit around the campfire exchanging tales of the bush. Everyone retires early with great anticipation of the next day’s adventure!

When you are out on safari your schedule is flexible at most locations; however, some locations have set times for game drives or walks.  You can always talk with the hosts of the camps/lodge to adjust schedules and they will try to accommodate you.  The restriction will be to stay within park rules and travel times required to get you to your destination.  Your guides will always give their recommendations but are there to listen to your needs.