East Africa Safari & Coast
East Africa Safari & Coast
East Africa Safari & Coast
13 Days Starting in Nairobi and ending in Zanzibar
Visiting: Nairobi, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Karatu, Arusha, Stone Town, Nungwi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
YGSZC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through East Africa, starting in Nairobi, Kenya. Explore some of the continent's most renowned destinations, such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience multiple game drives to spot the Big Five and other majestic animals. Marvel at the vastness of Africa's biggest lake and immerse yourself in the culture of the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes. Learn about their ancient customs and modern ways of life from their wise elders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation: Hotel
Karibu! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. When you've met your new travel buds, why not join the group for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better.
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Permanent tented camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Masai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Masai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Permanent tented camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Masai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Lake Victoria
Location: Lake Victoria
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Before hitting the highway, stock up at the local market and grab cash from the ATM, as the next three days will be spent in the wild. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented campsite via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – camping in an unfenced site right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to the camp for a relaxed brunch. Spend the hottest part of the day chilling out at camp – don't stress, the animals will do the same! This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to the campsite for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Karatu
Location: Karatu
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Karatu
Location: Karatu
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi – a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. You’ll be able to meet community members and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to put your feet up and relax.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Stone Town
Location: Stone Town
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, bid farewell to your crew, transfer to Arusha Airport and take an included flight to Stone Town, Zanzibar. You'll be unescorted for the rest of the trip, however, local representatives will be on hand to look after you. Zanzibar is an archipelagic gem filled with idyllic beaches, vibrant markets and a varied history. This is a place rooted in slavery, where Arabian sultans once lived, and Swahili and Islamic influences blend together to create an island paradise. Why not throw yourself into the midst of Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets on a self-guided walk or head to one of the bars on the seafront and soak up the salty air with a cocktail. If you would like to hear more about Stone Town and the island's history, a local representative can organise an afternoon tour.
Day 11: Nungwi
Location: Nungwi
Accommodation: Beach Cottage
Venture out of Stone Town this morning and drive to the spice plantations for your optional guided tour, or head directly to the pristine northern beaches. If you choose to explore the spice plantations, you’ll learn all about the history of this town's renowned spice trade. Take the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices – such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger – then sample some delicious teas! After lunch, head to the northern beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await for an afternoon of leisure.
Day 12: Nungwi
Location: Nungwi
Accommodation: Beach Cottage
Wake up in paradise and perhaps take the opportunity walk along the coast before a beachside breakfast. Today, you'll have an included dhow cruise and snorkelling trip in the transparent waters among the tropical fish.
The late afternoon is free to dine on freshly caught seafood or to simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Nungwi
Location: Nungwi
Your trip comes to an end today. Please advise your booking agent at the time of booking if you need help with transfers to Stone Town Airport or the Ferry terminal. If you’d like to spend more time in this island paradise, post trip accommodation can also be pre-booked at your beach resort or in Stone Town.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (1 night), Permanent Tented Basic Lodge (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (2 nights), Beach Cottage (2 nights) -
Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
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Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
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Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
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Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
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Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
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Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
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Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake
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Zanzibar - Snorkelling
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Meals
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
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Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Nairobi - Farm to Feast Community Visit
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Zanzibar - Snorkelling
Transport
- On this trip we use 8 seater 4x4 safari vehicles. For smaller groups of up to 6 travellers we will use 1 safari vehicle and for larger groups between 7-12 we will use 2 vehicles.
- There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
- African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. This itinerary offers two optional sunrise balloon safaris—one in the Masai Mara and another in Serengeti National Park. We offer both 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.
- 3. You will be unescorted for the flight and Zanzibar portion of this trip. However, our local representatives will be on hand to look after you.
- 4. This trip finishes on the northern beaches of Zanzibar. Pre-bookable transfers back to Stone Town are available through your bookings consultant or your hotel can assist in arranging a taxi.
Mode of Transport
- Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/Kenyan 3 pronged outlet.
- There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
- African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The section of this trip that takes place in Zanzibar is unescorted. You will not have a designated local leader while you are here. However, our local representatives are on hand should you need any advice or assistance.
This is a 4WD overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in 4WD vehicles, visiting remote communities and world-renowned wildlife parks. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.
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.
The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions