Essential East Africa
Experience Overview
Got 10 days, an adventurous spirit and a desire to see as much of East Africa as you can? Then this is the trip for you! With multiple 4WD safaris in the Masai Mara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, you’ll have the best opportunities to spot the Big Five and all your bucket list wildlife! Stop at remote market towns, spend a night in a Maasai village and another night by the largest tropical lake in the world and soak up all the chances to chat with the locals and learn about their culture. This trip is like a crash course in what East Africa is all about!
Highlights
- Safari, safari, safari – what East African adventure would be complete without one? On this trip, you’ll embark on multiple safaris within three different areas.
- Go in search of hippos, lions, leopards, zebras and more during game drives in the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara National Park with your experienced local leader.
- Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
- Cross the Serengeti in a purpose-built truck for one of those classic East African experiences – think vast plains spotted with thorn trees and herds of animals.
- Stop in places like Mto wa Mbu and Musoma for the best opportunities to chat with locals, swap stories and get to know their culture.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3151
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: YGYE
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (8), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Hotel (1 night),Camping (with facilities) (6 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,248 ($225 /day)
Itinerary
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not check out the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of some Kenyan tribes are displayed at an outdoor village. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your new fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Nairobi this morning, stopping in Narok along the way for some food shopping. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley – Africa's huge divide – to the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the Maasai people and when you arrive, you’ll grab some lunch then visit the Maasai, known for their dazzling red dress and elaborate jewellery. Gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk about the Maasai and what they're about. You'll also be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept.
Included Activities:
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel from Loita Hilla to Masai Mara today. The Masai Mara is one of those classic African experiences – wide open plains, perfect blue skies and some of the world's great wild animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch. Then, it's time to jump aboard your 4WD and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Adventure into the reserve for a full day's 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a lots of different wildlife. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is well worth considering. If you have pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before sunrise and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Then, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast, then return to your campsite to meet up with your group.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Optional Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (470 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel towards the Kenya-Tanzania border and to the shores of Lake Victoria. This is not only Africa's biggest lake – it's the largest tropical lake in the world. It shares its shores with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, with time to chill out lakeside with a cold drink at sunset. Make the most of the ATM and local market to stock up for your next three days of wilderness adventures. You’ll be camping on the shores of the lake tonight, at one of its least visited campgrounds on the outskirts of a small town called Musoma, far from the tourist track.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel from Lake Victoria to the gate of Serengeti National Park on a smooth road. Stop for a picnic lunch at the entrance to the park, then enter the Serengeti and start your overland vehicle game drive on the way to your campsite. These plains – green after rain and brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, so see how many you can spot! Your campsite is right in the action, within the park itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep tonight.
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a game drive in your overland truck at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing as the animals do, depart again in the afternoon for another adventure through the wild. You'll return in time for dinner. There's the option of an early-morning balloon ride here too, so if you didn't take one in the Mara, today's your chance!
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (800 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine for a final chance to spot Serengeti wildlife as you make your way out of the park this morning. At Nabi gate, hop aboard a jeep and descend into Ngorongoro Crater. This gigantic, perfectly intact volcanic crater is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor is great for game viewing all year round and the photo-opportunities here are next level. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before heading back out on safari all afternoon. After, travel on to Karatu town and arrive at camp for a freshly prepared dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Take it easy this morning with a relaxed breakfast at camp before setting off for Mto Wa Mbu with your group. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore. Mto wa Mbu offers a snapshot of small-town East African life. You might consider joining a guided village walk or maybe take a bike ride around the farming areas, spotting milling machines, local homes and farmlands. Or, round up your fellow travellers to check out the craft market.
Optional Activities:
- Mto wa Mbu - Village bike ride and lunch (32 USD)
- Mto wa Mbu - Village walk and lunch (20 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Pack up camp after breakfast for the final leg of your journey to Arusha where your adventure comes to an end. A departure transfer can be booked at an additional expense, to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Alternatively, you can continue to finish in Nairobi around 5 pm. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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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
Cosmin - Traveled, November 2023
If you want an unforgetable experience, even if the lack of facility, this is the best trip you’re gonna get
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Simran - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was absolutely amazing! Everyone we met (game drive drivers, walking tour leaders, tribe members and locals etc) were so kind and welcoming. We were able to learn so much about the culture and history of Kenya and Tanzania. The safari game drives were incredible and it was great to see the animals in the wild. Flo, Njenga and Keziah are an amazing team and went above and beyond in every aspect; this trip was made even more special because of them. Flo was an amazing leader, very knowledgeable and welcoming, Njenga made sure all of journeys were smooth and always had funny stories to share and Keziah’s food was so delicious and she was attentive and adapted to anyone’s needs. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Garrett - Traveled, November 2023
Great way to see East Africa. Mix of nature and local culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Alberto - Traveled, October 2023
Perfect trip to live the African experience at it's fullest. The nature, fauna and landscapes will leqve you astonished. Local people are friendly and warm. I strongly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Ebony - Traveled, September 2023
It was the most incredible experience; unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Can not recommend Intrepid and the East African Experience crew enough; they went above and beyond and made my experience one I’ll never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was incredible and exceeded the already high expectations I had about visiting Africa. This was due to a combination of my fellow travels, the beauty of Africa and the excellent crew that made the trip run so smoothly. I have nothing but positive words for the crew members on our trip: Raymond (Crew leader), Simon (Chef) and Loyford (Driver). Individually they all performed their roles excellently. Overall, the trip was excellent in no small part due to the people mentioned above. I would highly recommend this trip, and especially this crew, to explore Africa - it truly has been an excellent experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Ebony - Traveled, September 2023
It was the most incredible experience; unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Can not recommend Intrepid and the East African Experience crew enough; they went above and beyond and made my experience one I’ll never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Isabella - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was absolutely incredible! Such a diverse range of culture, safari and adventure. Such an amazing experience with a great team! Just be prepared for long drives ! Would recommend this trip to everyone :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Jett - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent experience in this short 10 day portion of this 30 day journey. This experience was enhanced by the crews vast knowledge and expertise of Kenya & Tanzania. Highly recommended to anybody that’s looking for a surreal experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Melissa - Traveled, September 2023
The essential east africa trip exceeded all its expectations. It is jam packed with amazing wildlife, people and cultural experiances. The Intrepid truck was sp resourceful and made travel easy. Thanks so much to our crew Raymond, Simon and Loyford who really made the trip the exceptional one it was. An unforgettable, wholesome first trip to Kenya and Tanzania, I can't wait to come back and explore more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Lauren - Traveled, August 2023
This was a fantastic trip, one I will never forget. I was nervous about the long drives and the meals but the drives were absolutely fine (saw amazing scenery) and food was great every day! Amazing guides and group of people, awesome safari/experiences and learnt a lot from the friendly locals we met. Although the camping was basic, it added to the adventure! Already booked onto my next Intrepid tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Sarah - Traveled, August 2023
I really had a great time on this trip. The game drives were amazing and our group was lucky to have spectacular sightings ! Peace, Lyoford and Simon were a great team and really looked after our group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Niklas - Traveled, August 2023
The trip was good (as always), still the Itinerary felt a bit packed. For me, it looked like it was more designed to "tick the boxes", that to be actually good to travel. The washroom facilities were very basic, but still acceptable. Animal sighting were amazing, Serengeti is truly amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Harriet - Traveled, July 2023
Excellent tour! So many safari opportunities to see all the animals, but also a good mix of cultural moments too. The crew are fantastic and encouraged us to have a lot of fun together!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Hannah - Traveled, July 2023
Just go! We saw all of the big 5 and the great migration, which was life changing! The sights were amazing and so were my fellow travelers. Count yourself especially lucky if your team is Cornelius, Caleb and Loyford, since they were wonderful and excellent at their jobs!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Eloise - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing trip, so much to see and learn about Kenya and Tanzania, with amazing company. Our guide Tim Tim was incredible as were the local safari guides. Got lucky and saw the big 5 in one day in the Masai Mara!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Tom - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip. Our guide Tim Tim was superb. If you want to see the big 5 then this is the trip to do it! Should be noted that the Serengeti NP game drive is in the massive transport truck so do not expect to see as much as you would like here.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Olivia - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was beyond my hopes and magical! I loved the itinerary, the people, and feel really fulfilled and grateful for participating.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Jun Loke - Traveled, November 2022
Excellent trip! Dolly was the best chef ever and we were lucky to have him!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2022
Eli - Traveled, September 2022
This trip truly is a once in a lifetime experience. If you are on the fence about going and worried about anything don’t be the leaders will take care of everything and you are free to have an unforgettable adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2022
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