Masai Mara to Kruger - 31 days
Masai Mara to Kruger - 31 days
Masai Mara to Kruger - 31 days
31 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Pretoria, South Africa
Visiting: Nairobi, Masai Mara, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, Lake Malawi, Chipata, Lusaka, Livingstone, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Tshipise, Kruger National Park, Pretoria
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2504/MMKR
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 31-day adventure from the Masai Mara to Kruger, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Africa. This small group safari tour takes you through seven countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Experience thrilling game drives in iconic reserves like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kruger National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot the Big Five. Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls, and immerse yourself in local cultures with guided village walks. With 25 nights of camping and simple accommodations, this journey offers an authentic taste of Africa's natural beauty and vibrant cultures. Enjoy the convenience of a licensed crew, purpose-built safari vehicles, and a range of included excursions, making this an adventure of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: permanent en suite tents
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. Early this morning we depart Nairobi and drive to the Masai Mara. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour to enjoy a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience. In the Masai Mara we spend two nights on the edge of the reserve in permanent en suite tents and spot wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: permanent en suite tents
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We go in search of the Big Five and other wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive in the legendary Masai Mara today. Between July and October the Masai Mara plays host to The Great Migration, when giant herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other grazing animals migrate from the adjoining Serengeti plains, followed by predators and scavengers. The Masai Mara is excellent for game viewing at any time of year but the enormous congregation of wildlife during The Great Migration is simply spectacular.
Day 3: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara - NairobiWe leave the Masai Mara this morning and travel back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi where we spend the night.
Day 4: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Bidding farewell to Kenya we board our overland truck and cross the border into neighbouring Tanzania today, travelling on to Arusha. Arriving in Tanzania's 'safari capital' late afternoon we stop to browse the curio markets before heading to our camp just outside the city. If time permits we enjoy a walk around a traditional Maasai village to gain an insight into their everyday life and traditions.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. This morning we set out on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Spot an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. Camping in the wilderness, with wildlife roaming nearby, is an experience you'll never forget!
Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 6, keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. After lunch we ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, where wildlife roams free.
We wake early the next morning and drive down a steep road into the crater for a game drive in this incredible wildlife haven, which is home to all Africa's major mammals except giraffes. Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Day 8: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. It's a long but scenic drive today as we travel to Bagamoyo on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. Passing Mount Kilimanjaro en route, if the weather is clear we'll get an excellent of Africa's highest mountain.
The port town of Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 9: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. We make our way south along the coast to the bustling seaport city of Dar es Salaam today. Setting up camp on the beach just outside the city, there's time to relax and take in the balmy Indian Ocean sea breeze before we travel to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Day 10-12: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: simple hotels
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. Leaving our overland truck on the mainland we take the ferry to Zanzibar on the morning of day 10. Idyllic Zanzibar, with its sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests, is our home for the next three nights.
In Zanzibar we stay in simple hotels, usually spending day 10 in Stone Town and days 11 and 12 at one of the northern beaches. Enjoy free time on the island or choose from a range of optional excursions. Opt for a tour of Stone Town's Slave Markets or a Spice Tour. Go snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relax on the tropical beaches. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
Day 13: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean before we board the ferry back to the mainland and return to our camp on the beach.
Day 14: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Leaving the coast we drive inland through Mikumi National Park, where we might be lucky enough to spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. Our campsite tonight is a short distance from the park and, if time permits, there will be the opportunity to go on an optional game drive, exploring Tanzania's 5th largest park.
Day 15: Iringa
Location: Iringa
Accommodation Name: Kisolanza Farm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known camping spot, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 16-17: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). On day 16 we travel through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations en route to Malawi. We drive to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country's population. Our first two nights in Malawi at spent at Chitimba Beach, where we enjoy free time.
On day 16 relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or enjoy an optional full day trip to Manchewe Falls where, after an 11km hike, you can cool off in a natural bath.
Day 18-19: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chitimba Beach - Mzuzu - Kande Beach. We take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the large town of Mzuzu on day 18, where we pick up some supplies and visit the markets before travelling on to Kande Beach. The remains of the day and day 19 are spent at leisure. Stroll around the craft market and meet the locals, relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the lake. You can also partake in the optional activities on offer, including diving, snorkelling, horse riding and a guided village walk.
Day 20: Chipata
Location: Chipata
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Leaving the sandy shores of Lake Malawi we head cross into Zambia at the border town of Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, Chipata is the capital of Zambia's Eastern Province. If time permits we'll stop in Chipata before travelling on to our campsite a short distance from the town centre.
Day 21: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chipata - Lusaka. Departing early this morning we travel along the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and rural villages to Lusaka, Zambia's capital. This is southern Africa's fastest-growing city, but we'll enjoy a slice of tranquillity at our campsite on a rural farm.
Day 22-25: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Livingstone (4)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lusaka - Livingstone. Heading south we travel to Livingtone on day 22 and set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just a few kilometres from Victoria Falls. This will be our home for the next four nights. During your stay in Livingstone a visit Mosi oa Tunya National Park to see the spectacular Victoria Falls is included. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry!
Spend your time in Livingstone at leisure. There's plenty to keep you entertained! Explore Livingstone and perhaps cross the border to see the Zimbabwe side of the falls. You can also enjoy a whole range of optional activities which are available to book locally, such as rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, and flights over the falls, to name a few.
Day 26: Bulawayo
Location: Bulawayo
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Livingstone - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). This morning we depart Livingstone and cross the border into Zimbabwe, passing through the town of Victoria Falls en route to Bulawayo. Camping just outside the city centre, once we've settled in the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area.
Day 27: Matobo N.P.
Location: Matobo National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we enjoy a half day tour of Matobo National Park which is just a short drive from Bulawayo. This remarkable reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and it also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world. Knowledgeable guides will take us on a nature drive and wilderness walk, leading us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these incredible animals.
After the tour drive back to camp for an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively there's the option to upgrade to a full day tour (optional - pay locally). On the full day tour explore the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills, see the Bushman paintings and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Day 28: Crossing Into South Africa
Location: Tshipise
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bulawayo - (South Africa). Today we continue our journey south, crosTshipisesing into South Africa at Beitbridge. Then we cross the mighty Limpopo River and travel on to the town of Tshipise, in the northern Limpopo province. Our campsite for the night is adjacent to Honnet Nature Reserve and there are hot spring in the area, surrounded by dense woodland and Baobab trees.
Day 29-30: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Hazyview (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tshipise - Hazyview (Greater Kruger). From Tshipise we travel to Kruger National Park, southern Africa's flagship game reserve. Several years ago fences between the national park and surrounding private reserves were removed to form the Greater Kruger where an abundance of wildlife roams free. Almost every major Africa mammal can be found in Kruger including all of the Big Five and there's also prolific birdlife.
We set up camp in Hazyview and enjoy an evening of Shangaan tribal dancing and singing. The following day we wake early, board 4x4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide and set out on a full day in the national park itself. Going in search of the Big Five and other resident wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive, with a break during the middle of the day to relax at a rest camp. Late afternoon we return to our campsite in Hazyview for the night.
Day 31: Pretoria
Location: Pretoria
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hazyview (Greater Kruger) - Pretoria. Bidding farewell to Kruger we make our way to Pretoria where our tour ends late afternoon / early evening.
Please note: We recommend that you spend the night in Pretoria. Pretoria accommodation and a transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport can be booked locally or in advance.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 29 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 22 dinners.
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes 25 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, and 2 nights permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara.
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Tour Crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.
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Masai Mara Excursion
Includes a Masai Mara excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide.
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Includes a Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide.
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Maasai Village Walk
Includes a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide.
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Zanzibar Ferry
Includes a return ferry ticket to Zanzibar.
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Victoria Falls Visit
Includes a visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls.
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Matobo National Park Tour
Includes a half-day game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park with a resident guide.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not provided; please bring your own.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Local Payment (Pre-15 Dec 2023)
A higher local payment of USD $1870 per person is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023.
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Local Payment
A local payment of $950 per person, paid in USD, is required.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, with specialized safari vehicles for excursions in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, and a ferry ride to Zanzibar.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of camping and simple accommodations on this tour, with 25 nights in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, and 2 nights in permanent tented camps in the Masai Mara.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 25 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, and 2 nights in a permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 29 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 22 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. Additionally, specialized safari vehicles are used for excursions in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
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Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew, and resident guides are available for game drives and excursions.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are game drives in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kruger National Park, a Maasai Village Walk, a visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park at Victoria Falls, and a half-day game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park.
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Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
Yes, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, although a sleeping mattress is provided.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The tour is for individuals aged 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, such as game drives in Mikumi National Park, excursions in Zanzibar, and various activities in Livingstone like rafting, bungee jumping, and river cruises.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.