14 Days Best of Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari

Description

Day 1: Nairobi- Mt Kenya:

Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel at 0800hrs. Pass through the industrial town of Thika and the intensely cultivated farms of the central Kenya to arrive at The Ark Hotel in time for lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at The Ark Hotel.
Sailing like an ark amid the primeval forests of Kenya’s highest mountain, Mount Kenya, this timbered tree hotel offers champagne-clear mountain air, sweeping views across the tree-canopy, sparkling trout streams, and gentle forest walks. Located at 2,134 metres above sea level, on the lower slopes of the mountain, our treetops hotel is cool, tranquil and hushed for optimum game-sightings. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to its own water hole and salt-lick, which attracts numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. There is also a tunnel leading to a photo-hide, which offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the water hole.
Raised on stilts above the forest canopy, a timbered drawbridge leads from the Mount Kenya forest and up on to the wooden ‘decks’ of our tree hotel. Inside, the impression of having boarded a ship is perpetuated by a combination of log paneled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms. Activities include guided walks through the forest, trout fishing in the clear mountain streams, trips to the high moorlands of the mountain, and 5-day luxury climbs of the mountain.

Day 2: Mt Kenya – Lake Nakuru:

Depart your Mt. Kenya Hotel soon after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National park. Lunch at a Resort followed by a full afternoon game drives at the Kenya’s Park famed by its numerous species of birdlife. Lake Nakuru’s claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here. Dinner and overnight stay at Lanet Matfam Resort.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru – Naivasha:

After breakfast, depart and drive to Lake Naivasha where you arrive in time for lunch. After lunch spend the evening boat riding where you visit the crescent island. There is an option of driving into Hell’s Gate National Park where you can cycle/drive in the park; you will also have a chance to walk in the most amazing gorges, including a visit to the devil’s bedroom. An optional visit to hell’s gate will an extra fee and is payable before the safari begins. Dinner and overnight at Resort.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha- Masai Mara:

After breakfast depart Taphe Guest Resort and drive to Masai Mara arriving in time for lunch at Lenchada Tourist Camp/ Rhino Tourist Camp. Thereafter, you will have an afternoon game drive then return for dinner and overnight at Campsite.

Day 5: Maasai Mara Full day game drive:

Full day spent exploring the park in search of the big 5. Optional early morning hot air balloon safari can be arranged.
The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. In the evening opt to visit a local Masai village. You will mingle with the Masai Warriors. You will be welcome to dance with them, admire their beadwork, learn their unique culture and if you want even spend a night in their Manyatta (House). Meals and overnight at Campsite.

Day 6: Maasai Mara –Isebania- Tanzania:

Early Breakfast (0600hrs) then start morning game drives, a perfect time for wildlife photography. Around 0830hrs depart Masai Mara and drive to Kenya- Tanzania Border via Isebania with Lunch break en route. Proceed with Tanzania safari. Drive to Spekebay Lodge for Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Lake Victoria – Serengeti:

In the morning we go out for a boat trip to Lake Victoria by local fishermen. Afterwards you proceed towards Ndabaka Gate and enter the Serengeti through the Western Corridor. Dinner and overnight at Katikati Tented Lodge or similar.

Day 8: Serengeti:

A full day of game drives around Serengeti. You can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species. Dinner and Overnight at Katikati Tented Lodge or similar.

Day 9: Serengeti – Olduvai Gorge:

Early morning game drive after tea/coffee which is the best time to see the animals as they get out from their hide for the morning preys or return from their night hunt. Afternoon proceed to Ngorongoro for overnight on the rim of crater. Dinner and overnight at Rhino Lodge.

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater:

After breakfast you will descend into the crater for a wonderful game drive (with a picnic lunch). Late afternoon ascend up and drive to Ngorongoro Farm House for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park:

In the morning you drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Spent the whole day at the Park. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Manyara Hotel.

Day 12: Lake Manyara –Arusha- Zanzibar:

Time at leisure in the morning until your departure (Breakfast included). Transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar for beach extension.
Meet & Greeting at Zanzibar Airport/Seaport in the evening and transfer to Amaan Beach Bungalows. Checking inn for 2 nights at hotel and Overnight at the Resort.Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast.
Room category: Pool Sea view Rooms.

Day 13: Relax at Beach Hotel:

After breakfast at around 0800hrs, pick up to Mnemba for a half day diving at Zanzibar lies the idyllic Mnemba Island. This small, privately owned island is surrounded by a large circular reef. In the clear turquoise waters surrounding this marine conservation area, a great diversity of marine life can be found. Bottlenose dolphins often visit the waters around the island and green turtles lay their eggs on its white beaches. From July till September, humpback whales cruise through the waters near Mnemba Island. There are many beautiful dive sites around Mnemba and it is a popular area for both scuba diving and snorkeling. (Lunch is included) later drop back to Amaan Beach Bungalows. Overnight at the Resort.Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
Room category: Pool Sea view Rooms.

Day 14: Zanzibar-Departure-Zanzibar Airport:

After breakfast, at around 10:00am, transfer to Zanzibar airport; fly back to Nairobi or to your next destination ending your adventure with us.

Tour Cost Includes:

• Transport on custom made tour van ideal for game viewing and photography.
• Accommodations as stipulated in the program.
• Accommodation in double occupancy rooms.
• All park entrance fees to include government taxes. (Except Airport taxes).
• Day trip to Mnemba.
• Transfers as mentioned in the package.
• Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide.
• All game drives as detailed in the itinerary.
• 2litres of Bottled water per person per day whilst on safari.

Tour Cost excludes:

• Optional Tips.
• Laundry/ Beverages/ Alcoholics drinks.
• Local and International flights / Visas / Airport taxes.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Visit to local Villages.
• Balloon Safari over Mara Plains.
• Any other extras not detailed in itinerary.
• Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before the safari.