East Africa Highlights
Experience Overview
Uncover the very best of East Africa on this 10-day journey from Nairobi, Kenya. Travel to some of the country’s most famous areas including the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll take multiple game drives in search of the Big Five animals and more. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, impalas, wildebeest, leopards, giraffes, antelope and varied birdlife. Take in the enormity of Africa's largest lake and spend time with the local Maasai warriors and Hadzabe people to learn about their ancient traditions and modern way of life from an elder in the communities. With camping experiences in the middle of the national parks, stargazing opportunities and local connections – this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Highlights
- Meet Kenyan Maasai warriors, visit a Maasai village that champions women’s health and spend time with a Hadzabe community in Tanzania to see how their ancient culture exists today.
- Venture into the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full day of game drive in 4WDs, in both the morning and the afternoon. This gives you the best possible chance to spot the amazing wildlife that calls this place home.
- Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth, with two early morning and two late afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.
- Safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
- Spend all your time looking for wildlife and soaking up the atmosphere – with a local crew and cook on hand, you’ll be free to focus on the good stuff.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the East African Wildlife Society. Donations help them protect endangered wildlife, support conservation and promote sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3145
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: YGSA
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (8), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Lodge (2 nights),Permanent Tented Basic Lodge (2 nights),Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,509 ($451 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Permanent tented camp (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (625 USD)
Accommodation:
- Permanent tented camp (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 campsite via the 'scenic safari route' in our overland vehicle. Along the way, stop to take photos while your leader provides information about the Serengeti’s unique ecosystems and the wildlife you encounter. 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:
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning overland game drive to search for the local animals when they're at their most active. Then, return to the campsite 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:
- Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (745 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 in your overland vehicle. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in 4WDs and descend to the crater floor for a 4WD excursion. If all goes to plan, you'll see some or maybe even all of the Big Five that reside here! Better yet, the vehicle has an open roof, so you can really feel like a part of the action. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, so watching them up close is 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:
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
- Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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 overland 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:
- Karatu - Village Visit (20 USD)
- Karatu - Coffee Tour (25 USD)
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek (80 USD)
- Lake Manyara Game drive (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Katia - Traveled, February 2024
Overall the crew was impeccable and they contributed to us having the best time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Alison - Traveled, February 2024
If anyone is considering doing this trip you must it was fantastic and the crew were excellent
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Vera - Traveled, February 2024
My first time in Africa, and for sure a trip to remember. Incredible crew, fantastic memories like camping in the Serengeti with lions and interacting with tribes in an authentic way. 100 % recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Thomas - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing trip, well worth a look. This was mine and my girlfriend's favourite trip of all time and we were lucky to see all of the big 5. The visits to the tribes was very informative and a great cultural experience and they will look to include you in dancing, archery, grinding corn, etc. Ride could be very bumpy at times and there was a lot of hours spent on the bus so bare this in mind if you have a back or neck issues and perhaps opt for the more premium package if you want to avoid this. Also please note that the camping in the Serengeti is unfenced, without an armed guard or guard tower and sometimes animals are killed in or near to the campsite by lions which can be terrifying to hear if unprepared.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Francesca - Traveled, January 2024
Our 10-day East Africa tour was nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the incredible staff who made every moment unforgettable. Our tour leader's chilled attitude set the perfect tone, while the cook delighted us with delicious, balanced meals. The driver navigated challenging terrain flawlessly, and the assistant ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in East Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Batya - Traveled, December 2023
I can’t give intrepid a good review because the accommodations on this trip were absolutely subpar. The snorkeling trip I took was subpar-We were added to a diving trip, and I almost died. We were not given phrases to interact with locals so effectively -we were (mostly) white people in a bus looking at locals and animals in a colonial way. This is tourism of the past. This is not about fostering engagement or understanding between cultures. This is not about understanding the animals or the land and how to improve that situation. That being said, the staff could not have been better – John, the driver is an absolute gem. Florence is a queen and anyone who gets the opportunity to meet her and spend time with her is better for it. The people I met on this trip were absolute life changers- I feel so lucky for all the laughs that we had, and all the laughs we will have. Because I am not letting these people go. Quality humans.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Kylie - Traveled, October 2024
Game drives are amazing! We saw so many animals and had so many amazing encounters, everyday or every hour sometimes we had a new highlight, being in the 4wds to get up close was great, the Serengeti 2 day drives is done in the bus which wasn’t as good as the 4wds but you could still see, was just harder to get photos and not as comfortable What an adventure it was though Accommodation was better than expected, it’s Africa so forget well flushing toilets & good pressure showers for 10 days and you will be ok Always carry toilet paper on you as its often you will need it Take protein bars or snacks to help you through a missed meal if you dont like whats served up, very basic meals and hard for plain boring eaters like i am Camping in the Serengeti was amazing and facilities much better than expected including full toilet/shower block 13 hour day on a big very bumpy bus on very bumpy roads is full on, Ive never had motion sickness in my life but got it so maybe take dome tablets with you The visit to the womans village was a great day, the kids are so beautiful, we took some bubbles, stickers etc for them and they loved it We went a day earlier and did a tour of the Giraffe Centre & David Sheldrick Wildlife trustin Kenya - this was an amazing day so definitely recommend The tour last day was a wasted day IMO, none of the activities recommended were enjoyed by our tour group, we could of headed home a day earlier I over packed jumpers & jacket but didnt need them, one jumper would of been sufficient in October
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Roberto - Traveled, January 2024
I had the best experiences thanks to the wonderful intrepid Crew . I would highly recommend Intrepid travel to anyone who is curious abut the world, has a sense of fun and adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Michelle - Traveled, October 2023
Our trip was outstanding! The days are long when you reflect but in the moment they don't feel it as there is such wonder in the world around you. It was truly the experience of a lifetime to be so close to animals. Definitely do your research before embarking on a journey like this, but if you set your expectations properly, it's an absolute bucket-list experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Sandra - Traveled, October 2023
Our tour guide King Julius Leteele (I like to move, move it) for introducing me to the cultural of Kenya and Tanzania tribes and his knowledge of the wildlife in Africa. Also providing expert guides for the tribes were visiting or the conservation parks with visited. I liked that they encouraged us to participate and interact with the tribes we meet (welcome dance, using a bow and arrow). I noticed that he was also organizing in advance for our next destination accommodation and activities and our safety (hand sanitizer was on hand). Set up and dismantled the tents. Tim, our truck driver was an excellent driver as just about all the roads were very bumpy, four wall driving 90% of the time. (African massage). The bridges were not only very narrow and sometimes we had to wait for a bulldozer to flatten a road for us or repair a bolt by the side of the road, or the times I noticed him early morning repairs or starting the truck. He was also very helpful when he saw that you needed help, luggage, or tents. I will need a real massage now that I am home. Chef Judy, your food is delicious, and I would highly recommend it. Most meals were 3 courses. Your soup was so good I requested a copy of the recipe (zucchini, pumpkin, tomato, vegetable). You also introduced me to Kenya and Tanzania food. I know you had some very early starts and some late nights due to set-up/preparing and cooking our meals for us and I really appreciate it. I also suggested that you start a cookbook with your recipes. Joseph, you were the helper, and you were always helping set up and prepare the meals but unloading and loading the bus. You also went out of way to help with my luggage, getting it in and out the lockers on the bus and help with shotting the bow and arrow with the bush tribe. To my fellow travel buddies, thank you for your friendship and helping to make my African adventure the trip of a lifetime. I have some wonderful memories. Sandra
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Nicole - Traveled, October 2023
I had an amazing time. Definitely not for everyone, but if you like adventure, getting out of your comfort zone, learning about life different than your own, and seeing some magical animals and nature, this trip is for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Nicole - Traveled, October 2023
I had an amazing time. Definitely not for everyone, but if you like adventure, getting out of your comfort zone, learning about life different than your own, and seeing some magical animals and nature, this trip is for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Thomas - Traveled, September 2023
This was a very beneficial and eye opening trip that really changed my perspective of nature in our world. With endless knowledge of required fields from our staff on the trip only made the trip more smooth and relaxing for everyone. 9/10 for me
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Fiona - Traveled, September 2023
This was an excellent trip, totally jam packed! The game drive in the Masai Mara was amazing and camping in the Serengeti felt like a real wild adventure. Be prepared for a lot of driving, much of it on rough roads.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Patrick - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was outstanding. The crew were excellent, the game viewing opportunities were fantastic, and the accomodation was comfortable. I would strongly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Lisa - Traveled, September 2023
Just finished the East Africa Highlights trip… WOW! From start to finish an amazing trip. The game drives were a dream come true, an unbelievable experience. The tribe visits were fun and a real taste of African culture. Everyone has been so welcoming. The Serengeti camping is very special, hearing the Lions roar from your tent is an unforgettable experience but while also feeling very safe. The trip is well organised and our leader couldn’t do enough to help us. The food was amazing, a real taste of Africa from Judy, a really lovely person and can’t forget Charles our driver who was very accommodating of our requests while also having to control the African massage truck on difficult terrain. Can’t recommend this trip enough and it’s just a shame you can’t request Paul, Charles and Judy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Blaire - Traveled, September 2023
The East Africa Highlights Tour was better than I could have hoped for. The trip provided many opportunities to see an array of African animals, and engage with local communities. The Intrepid staff on my tour went above and beyond. I highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Barrie - Traveled, August 2023
Take the time, take the trip!! Great adventure, awesome opportunities for photography. Able to participate in culture and learn lifestyle of people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Marilee - Traveled, August 2023
This trip fulfilled all of our expectations and more. We did see the big 5 and so much more. Our cook (Phillip) was excellent as was our guide, Zach, and our driver (Charles) showed a lot of skill dealing with African roads.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Ed - Traveled, August 2023
An amazing experience from an environmental and socially conscious company. Wry lucky to see and experience so much
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Greg - Traveled, August 2023
Awesome trip with knowledgeable tour guide, amazing cook, and fantastic driver. Sensational safari and relaxing time on the coast. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
