East Africa Safari - Overland Trip

Itineraries (Nairobi - Mt Kenya - Dar Es Salaam)

We leave the bustling city early this morning and drive north through hilly countryside dotted with Kikuyu villages. After crossing the equator, we head towards Mt Kenya and camp for the night in the foothills. You have the afternoon free to enjoy an optional walk on the lower forested slopes of the mountain, a remote area where the Mau Mau often hid during the struggle for independence. The forest around the base of Mt Kenya is known for its prolific bird life and black and white Colobus monkeys. (LD)

We cross the shoulder of Mount Kenya and enter the Samburu National Reserve. Our camp is made alongside the Ewaso Nyiro, one of Kenya’s largest rivers, which forms a ribbon of oases in this parched landscape. (BLD)

An early start to the day. We enjoy an early morning game drive and arrive back at the camp for a late breakfast. Time to reflect on all that you have seen whilst we relax during the hottest part of the day. We head out again for a late afternoon game drive, returning to the campsite for dinner around the campfire. (BLD)

We travel to Thompson’s Falls, arriving in time for lunch. We have the afternoon to explore the falls, which during the rainy season are particularly spectacular. (BLD)

Today we travel to Lake Nakuru, famous for being the home of up to 2 million flamingos. The park is also well known for leopard, and as it is a rhino sanctuary, sightings of black and white rhino are common, as well as lion and buffalo. We then continue on to Lake Naivasha to set up camp for the night. (BLD)

We break camp and drive across the rolling plains towards the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which is known for its density of animals, including the ‘big five’ and 453 species of birds. We set up camp here for two nights. If time allows we enjoy an afternoon game drive. (BLD)

An early wake up for a game drive, returning to camp for a late breakfast. Time to relax for the hotter part of the day and then out for another game drive in the afternoon. We enjoy our last night and dinner around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the bush. (BLD)

After a hearty breakfast we pack up camp and head back to Nairobi, arriving around lunchtime. The rest of the day is free.  (B)

We depart early and make our way from Nairobi across the border into Tanzania, and head for Arusha.  (BLD)

After breakfast we move on to the Serengeti, one of the best known wildlife areas in the world. The park is host to the spectacular annual migration of wildebeest in late May or early June.  (BLD)

After a morning game drive, we drive to Ngorongoro Crater via the Olduvai Gorge, where fossil remains dating back to 1.75 million years ago were found. The crater is teeming with wildlife and birdlife and offers superb opportunities for game spotting. We descend into the crater on using 4WD vehicles for a half day of game viewing. We spend tonight in Karatu, a small town near the Ngorongoro Highlands. (BLD)

One of Tanzania's most diverse parks, the combination of lakes, woodlands and mountains in Lake Manyara make for superb game and bird viewing. The park is home to large herds of elephants and is also known for its tree climbing lions. We take a game drive here before returning to Arusha.  (BL)

Today we travel by public bus to the capital city of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam. It is the largest city in East Africa and now also the busiest port in East Africa. Here you can walk around the city and shop or just relax. (B)

This morning we take a ferry across to Zanzibar Island. We’ll spend 2 nights in Stone Town, the atmospheric capital, with its narrow streets and distinctive architecture, and then 3 nights on the idyllic coast, where you can relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or take various excursions to explore the island (B).

We leave Zanzibar and head back to the mainland of Tanzania. Tour ends on arrival in Dar es Salaam. (B)