Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Boulevard (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Location: Nairobi, Samburu Trails

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Samburu Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Samburu National Reserve in time for an afternoon wildlife safari drive. Visit a Samburu village en route.

Depart Nairobi and drive north through the farmlands of the Kikuyu people, passing Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain (5199m/17,060ft). Just outside the national reserve, visit a local Samburu village. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The walk within the village is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community. Continue to Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife haven to many species rarely found elsewhere. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of large elephant and big cat populations living within this wild part of Kenya.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: Meet the locals in a traditional village in the Samburu area and learn more about their way of life. The Samburu people are related to but distinct from the Masai. They too are semi-nomadic who herd cattle, goat and occasionally camels. The men have more than one wife; each lives in her own hut within a family compound. Be sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty and colour of the layers of bead necklaces and bracelets, the red clay braids of the warriors, and the contrast of their bright cloth wraps against the African savanna.

ACTIVITY: Head out into the wilds of Samburu National Reserve in search of elephants, lions, as well as some of the more unique animals found only in this northern region of Kenya.

Location: Samburu Game Reserve

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Samburu Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend a full day on safari in search of Samburu's special five.

A full day wildlife safari drive to spot a group of animals only seen north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the majestic reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk, a graceful antelope that stands upright on its hind legs to feed on tall bushes.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Head out into the wilds of Samburu National Reserve in search of elephants, lions, as well as some of the more unique animals found only in this northern region of Kenya.

Location: Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Nderit Campsite (East Africa) (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend into the Great Rift Valley enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way.

Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Maasai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets. Camp outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction. Time and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea farm and see how the tea is grown, picked and produced.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Nderit Campsite (East Africa) (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of the elephant, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Search for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the "big five" on an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara. Head into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Location: Masai Mara

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day on safari. Opt to take to the skies on a balloon safari.

Rise early for a wildlife safari drive during the best time to spot animals and criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. With a full day to explore the area, we can cover a lot of ground. If time allows, visit the Mara River area. Opt to go for a balloon safari for a new perspective over the beautiful landscape.

Additional Information: If you have pre-booked a Masai Mara Balloon Safari, your flight will be in the morning. You will miss the morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have spectacular views from above.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Location: Masai Mara, Nairobi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Boulevard (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning wildlife safari drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve before departing for Nairobi.

Breathe in the fresh morning air as you enjoy the African sun as it rises over the savanna of the "Mara". Visit a watering hole while on a morning wildlife safari drive, a perfect time and place for wildlife photography. Visit the G for Good supported Ubuntu Cafe for lunch, before heading back to Nairobi.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: MORNING Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

ACTIVITY: In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Sit down to a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch.

Location: Nairobi, Arusha

Accommodation: Outpost Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day travelling to Tanzania.

Journey across the border into Tanzania, arriving in the picturesque town of Arusha in the afternoon. Spend some time exploring the town and its bustling markets, and have another night in the comfort of a hotel. Upon arrival into Arusha, you may be joined by other G Adventures travellers starting the Tanzania portion of the trip.

TRANSPORT: Move efficiently from point A to point B aboard this dependable ride.

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Location: Arusha, Mto Wa Mbu

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Twiga Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Experience the Mto wa Mbu village with a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family. Take a wildlife safari drive in Lake Manyara NP.

Travel to Mto wa Mbu village and take part in a cultural walk to learn about village life in the area. Meet the women who run the village tours and enjoy a delicious home made traditional lunch. Spend the afternoon viewing wildlife along the main road that winds through a lush cool forests of Lake Manyara National Park, overgrown with ficus trees and covered with bromeliads. This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment provides a gorgeous backdrop. Search for the phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the village's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops. Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON This western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly stunning. It provides a backdrop for your search for the park's phenomenal bird life (including raptors), tree-climbing lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, baboons, and buffalos. Look up and see some of the more than 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and storks. Beyond wildlife, Lake Manyara NP is home to giant fig trees, acacia woodlands, mahogany trees, and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply breathtaking; the open plains, huge escarpment, central alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and distant volcanic peaks coming together in an area best described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa.”

Location: Mto wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Seronera Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a wildlife safari drive en route to the central Serengeti.

Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on to Serengeti National Park. En route marvel at the sheer vastness of this territory, and spot the multitude of animal and birdlife while cruising through this acacia-accented savanna.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Location: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Seronera Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a morning wildlife safari drive, returning in time for lunch. Continue the search for the "big five" in the afternoon while taking in the vastness of the Serengeti plains.

Additional Information: If you have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari, your flight will be in the morning. You will miss the morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have spectacular views from above. If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Location: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Simba Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a morning wildlife safari drive as you depart the Serengeti, then continue wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, before getting a spectacular view of the crater from your campsite on its rim.

The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a resident population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals.

Additional Information: Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: MORNING This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

ACTIVITY: Head down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebra, gazelles, buffaloes, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor.

Location: Ngorongoro, Arusha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit an authentic Maasai village and the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project, then return to Arusha where the tour ends on arrival. Onward flights can be booked from 6pm, or extend your stay in Arusha by a night, or two.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: Visit a Maasai village in the Monduli District and witness the benefits of the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project. In Tanzania, 95% of people rely on cooking with wood and coal. Women and girls spend hours walking to collect wood every day (making them vulnerable to assault and unable to use their time to go to school). Indoor smoke from open-fire stoves causes cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, blindness, and burns. Take a guided tour of these villages and meet the women that have been trained as stove engineers, visit bomas (traditional homes), and observe (or get your hands dirty) by helping the Stove Team build a stove in a home. See the beneficial impact of the clean-burning stoves on the health and daily lives of the Maasai villagers, especially the women.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.