Duration: 14 Days
Africa conjures up dreamy images of mystical mountains, savanna grasslands, and endless plains, but for the adventure seeker, it’s where the wild things are. The “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo await you on this ultimate safari through East Africa. Featuring unique lodges and tented camps, custom-made 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles, and exclusive meals in the bush, this Kenya and Tanzania tour promises larger than life experiences and countless memories. You’ll savour the unique terrain and wildlife at seven renowned national parks, reserves, and conservancies, including the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Beyond sightings of the “Big 5,” be on the lookout for cheetah, wildebeest, crocodile, hippo, and rhino. On the tamer side, you’ll also enjoy a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary as well as the endearing experience of interacting with the local children at a primary school in Karatu.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for an amazing adventure—from hand-selected safari lodges and tented camps to friendly Globus Tour Directors and expert Driver/Guides, and seamless transportation between destinations including intra-trip flights. 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles come stocked with fresh, filtered water and equipped with a popup roof for unfettered game viewing and photography. Plus, each vehicle is limited to just six guests, so you’ll always have a window seat!
- The Great Migration is a natural event, and the movements of the migrating herds are difficult to predict year to year. This safari includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, you’re guaranteed to see the herds no matter when you visit. River crossings are more of a challenge, and we’ll adjust game viewing if there is a chance to witness this rare and extraordinary sight!
- All game viewing is done at your own risk. We require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.
- This tour explores game areas with rough roads and is not recommended for guests suffering from back problems or other physical issues.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Jambo, Kenya!
Welcome to Nairobi, gateway to your dream safari. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
To the Foot of Mount Kenya
Drive north out of the city to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest rhino sanctuary in East Africa. After lunch and some time to settle in, embark on a game drive to begin your search for the "Big 5"-lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. End the day with a [LF] welcome barbeque dinner in the bush. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT A guest Favourite, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is in the heart of the conservancy with magnificent views of Mount Kenya. Globus guests are always given tents directly in front of the floodlit waterhole where wildlife comes to drink day and night, improving the opportunity to see fascinating wildlife directly from your private verandah!
LOCAL FAVOURITE
A WILD WELCOME Join your travelling companions for a special welcome dinner in the bush overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Share stories of the day over food and drink and learn what adventures lie ahead.
Safari Sensation
Rise early for a morning game drive with beautiful Mount Kenya as the backdrop. Beyond the "Big 5," you may spot cheetah, zebra, gazelle, and more. If you are lucky, you might even spot rare wild dogs. After some down time and lunch, visit the [LF] Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary then set out on an afternoon game drive. Dinner at camp concludes your first full day on safari! (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
TAKE SANCTUARY Learn more about the plight of chimpanzees during a visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary offers a long-term home to orphaned and abused chimpanzees-a moving example of wildlife conservation for future generations.
High and Mighty
Leave Ol Pejeta and journey through the beautiful Kenyan highlands, one of the most fertile agricultural areas in all of Africa. Stop at scenic Nyahururu Falls and then on to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive and a chance to see giraffe, impala, flamingo, striped hyena, and a variety of birdlife along the water's edge. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the largest euphorbia forest in Africa, an important pollination and food source for bees and to black rhinos, yet toxic to many animals. (B,L,D)
Jewel of Kenya
This morning, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's most famous game area. "The Mara," as it is called by locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives, typically from August to early November, their population grows by almost 2 million - a bountiful food source for predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. After lunch at your lodge, set out on an afternoon game drive. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
RICH IN CULTURE Neutral tones are encouraged for safari expeditions but the village visits provide spectacular visions of vibrantly beaded necklaces and red clothing traditional to the Maasai culture, symbolizing strength and courage, as well as serving to ward off predators from afar.
Magical Mara
Rise early for a morning game drive including an exclusive [LF] bush breakfast. Be sure to watch for elephant, rhino, giraffe, topi, hyena, and much more. Return to the camp and relax prior to your afternoon game drive. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
BREAKFAST IN THE BUSH As part of your morning game drive, you'll be treated to this time-honoured safari experience in Africa's unmatched landscapes, reminiscent of Africa's early explorers. Sip mimosas as you savour this memorable experience in the wild.
In the Shadows of "Kili"
After breakfast, fly to Amboseli National Park, known for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro or "Kili" as the locals call it, the highest mountain in Africa. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SAFARI LODGE Spend leisure time at the lodge exploring the grounds on a guided nature walk or participate in eco-tourism activities by planting an indigenous tree to improve the dry area. Cooking classes, language lessons, massage services, and a free-form pool enrich your experience.
Adventure in Amboseli
Morning and afternoon game drives are included today. Amboseli affords you a terrific opportunity to get close to the mighty elephant. You may spot Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, and more. Stop for sundowner drinks prior to returning to your lodge for dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SUNDOWNER DRINKS This evening, as the sun sets with "Kili" as the backdrop, savour a memorable happy hour in the bush!
Border Duties & Into Tanzania
This morning, cross the border into Tanzania. Enjoy lunch in Arusha. Witness the colourful culture in the villages and diverse ecosystems en route to your lodge along the rim of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Check in and enjoy leisure time prior to dinner. Consider a visit to a local village for a market experience or nature walk on the safari lodge property. (B,L,D)
From Forest Floor to Crater's Edge
Lake Manyara National Park is a small, ecologically diverse park with groundwater forests, grassy plains, and alkaline Lake Manyara itself. The park is also home to the world's largest concentration of baboon. Watch for these mischievous primates, giraffe, hippo, and more on your morning game drive. After lunch, journey to Karatu where you'll visit a [LF] local primary school. Continue to your lodge on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, which is part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CLASS IS IN SESSION Visit a local primary school to meet the children and learn about the educational system in rural Tanzania.
Into Africa's Eden
Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest unflooded caldera, more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. Game viewing here is fantastic, as most of the animals stay in this area year round. This is your best chance to see the rare black rhinoceros, lion, Cape buffalo, hippo, elephants, and a variety of birds during this extraordinary experience. An exclusive [LF] bush lunch will be served in the crater. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CRATER CATERING Because of the time it takes to descend into and ascend out of the crater, it's common to eat lunch in the crater. Standard safari fare is a typical box lunch, but you'll enjoy an exclusive, freshly cooked lunch served under a grove of Acacia trees.
On the Endless Plains
Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's largest and most famous park. The Serengeti covers an area of roughly 5,700 square miles. The name comes from the Maasai word siringit, meaning "endless plains." Enjoy lunch at your tented camp before an afternoon game drive. You have the chance to see the big cats-lion, leopard, and cheetah-as well as an abundance of other animals, including the Nile crocodile, giraffe, gazelle, and eland. You may even spot a caracal, a rare, beautiful cat with distinctive ears and strong hind legs. (B,L,D)
Serengeti Serendipity
Continue your exploration during morning and afternoon game drives. Home to the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, generally between late November and July, the Serengeti attracts visitors from around the world and is great for year-round game viewing. Tonight, join a [LF] farewell dinner in the bush featuring a traditional Maasai dance performance. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
DINNER & DANCE The Maasai people bring a history of colourful culture tied to this wilderness known as the Cradle of Life. Your special farewell dinner in the bush includes a traditional Maasai dance performance celebrating an ancient culture amid the majestic wildlife who find sanctuary here. The perfect ending to a spectacular safari adventure!
A Furry Farewell
Embark on one final game drive before flying back to Arusha, where a day room has been reserved for your use. Schedule departing flights after 5 pm. (B)
