A flash in the tall grass as a leopard pounces on his prey and the sound of thunder as vast herds of elephants cross the savannah. The lofty neck of a giraffe above the trees and the ‘traffic stopping’ stripes of grazing zebra on the horizon. The imposing backdrop of a snow capped mountain and the incredible ‘endless plain’ of Africa’s most famous reserve. Timeless traditions of ancient tribes and a warm welcome on a working farm. Travel on an incredible journey through breathtaking landscape and discover the very best of East Africa on this stunning adventure.

• Travelling - 1 to 2
  

  Fly to Nairobi, arriving on Day 2. There will be time to freshen up before a journey south to the first game reserve.

• An Introduction To Amboseli National Park - 1 to 2
  

  Amboseli National Park epitomises East Africa. Expansive plains and a sky that just seems wider than anywhere else in the world, this is also home to the proud and independent Masai. The national park lies within the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro, catch glimpses of the imposing and iconic snow lined cratered peak as you approach the park. After a late lunch at your lodge, board your safari vehicle and discover the treasure trove of wildlife that inhabits the endless savannah. Big game is the main attraction so have your binoculars and camera ready for first sightings. Vast herds of elephants, over 100 strong, patrol the park. The old bulls carry some of the largest tusks anywhere in Africa. This is big cat country too; cheetahs, leopards and lions hunt across the grasslands. Overnight Amboseli.

• A Day With The Wildlife - 3
  

  Wake early for the first of two game drives. As you drive through the acacia trees watch the sun rising over the magnificent landscape and listen to a dawn chorus from an abundant choir of local birds. Pelicans, kingfishers and crakes are drawn to the swamps and lakes of the park. You will probably need the expert eyes of your safari guide to spot the rare Madagascar squacco heron and always be on the lookout for big cats. Plains game is prolific; watch Burchells’ zebra, white-bearded wildebeest and impala grazing on the open grasslands. Breakfast is served at an observation point, the perfect start to the day. Relax and enjoy the facilities at the lodge before joining your guide for an afternoon in the park. Watch lofty Masai giraffe and listen for the chattering of black-faced vervet monkeys and yellow baboon. As the afternoon turns to evening black backed jackals may emerge from the undergrowth and the laughter of hyenas breaks the silence of the bush. Overnight Amboseli.

• Across The Border And Onward To Lake Manyara - 4
  

  Mount Kilimanjaro still forms a splendid backdrop as you cross the border into Tanzania. Change vehicles as we cross, stop for lunch at Arusha and then continue to the top of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Descend to the valley floor for a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The riverbeds are the perfect spot to watch wildlife. This is a natural playground for baboons and monkeys; sturdy warthogs thrive in this landscape too. The star of the park is the tree-climbing lion, they are notoriously elusive. Keep everything crossed for sightings of these truly magnificent creatures. Overnight Manyara.

• Local Village Life - 5
  

  Get a taste of local life at the Mto Wa Mbu Village. Walk through rice fields and banana plantations to the shores of Lake Manyara. Learn how many different tribes have settled on these fertile plains turning the area into a melting pot of cultures and watch the local people brew banana beer. The Sandawe people still produce bows and arrows and the Rangi use papyrus to make the most beautiful mats and baskets. On the surrounding plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Masai warriors wander with their cattle, looking for pasture and water.

• The Cradle Of Mankind - 5
  

  At Olduvai Gorge look into the steep ravine which forms part of the Great Rift Valley. Centuries of erosion have revealed fossils and the remains of one of the earliest humans were found here. Tanzania now lays claim to the title ‘The Cradle of Mankind’.

• The Endless Plain - 5
  

  Vast expansive plains with endless horizons, seas of pale yellow grass rippling in the breeze and gnarled acacias twisting to the sky. This is the Serengeti, Africa’s most famous and fabulous natural park. In the Masai language Serengeti means ‘endless plain’, now you will be able to see why. Your safari guide will introduce you to the park en route to the lodge. Overnight Serengeti.

• Sunrise And Sunset In The Serengetti - 6
  

  The Serengeti wildlife is unparalleled. Lion are a fairly common sight, cheetahs pace the plains and leopards lounge in sausage trees. Spotted hyena and golden jackal slink through the grass and elephants feed on the fertile fringes. Kirk’s dik-dik and roan hide in the acacia woodland and vultures circle on thermals overhead. Explore the park with your safari guide on early morning and late afternoon game drives. Overnight Serengeti.

• A Day In The Crater - 7
  

  Take a full day safari into the Ngorongoro Crater, a photographers dream. Watch from the rim of the crater as herds of antelope move in ant-like formation across the crater floor. As you descend look out for other prolific wildlife, all framed against the striking backdrop of the high crater wall. Countless flamingos form a beautiful pink blanket over the soda lakes and thousands of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo graze on the open grasslands. Waterbuck, bushbuck and eland hide in the yellow fever trees and elephants gather in the swamps. Rhino, lion and leopard complete the big five in this extraordinary natural sanctuary. Overnight Ngorongoro.

• Tribes, Tradition And Culture - 8
  

  South of the Serengeti lies the wild and scenically stunning Lake Eyasi. Spend time with the fascinating Hadzabe and Datoga tribes who inhabit this area. These people still use an ancient dialect, with a distinctive clicking sound. Meet the Hadzabe Bushmen and learn about the fruits and roots they gather and where water is sourced during the dry season. The Datoga nomads will explain how they find pastures for their animals and store food in the ground. Watch how the local blacksmith makes weapons and maybe try out your skills with a bow and arrow.

• Leisurely Life On The Farm - 8
  

  Spend your last two nights in Tanzania in the very comfortable surroundings of a traditional working farm with all the comforts of a warm and welcoming hotel. Take a cooling dip in the pool and order an ice cold beer or a Tanzanian Tonic. Enjoy the splendid views, dine on delicious home cooked cuisine and soak up the atmosphere of ‘times gone by’. Overnight Ngorongoro.

• Local Schools And Plantations - 9
  

  Visit a nearby school and see the children who will welcome a visit from you. Then, experience the tranquillity of rural life in a timeless setting and walk through acres of organically grown vegetables, flowers and herbs. Visit coffee plantations and lunch on locally grown produce. If you prefer enjoy a last day of relaxation by the pool. Join your travelling companions and Tour Guide for a final evening and share stories of your wildlife adventures. Overnight Ngorongoro.

• Travelling - 10 to 11
  

  Head back to Arusha and on to the border back into Kenya, with a picnic lunch en route. In Nairobi there will be an opportunity to freshen up before departing for the airport. Return to the UK, arriving on Day 11.

Accommodation

• Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Manyara (4-Star) – 1 Night
• Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Serengeti (4-Star) – 2 Nights
• Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro (4-Star) – 1 Night
• Ngorongoro Farm House Or Tloma Lodge, Ololdukan (4-Star) – 2 Nights

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 6:45 am

Includes

Not Included