East Africa Safari & Coast

Intrepid Travel · 13 days

4.6

10 Reviews

View Map

Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through East Africa, starting in Nairobi, Kenya. Explore some of the continent's most renowned destinations, such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Highlights

Meet Maasai warriors and experience Kenya's tribal life during a village visit in Loita Hills. Then, get to know a Hadzabe community in Tanzania to see how their ancient culture exists today.
Venture into the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive in 4WDs, looking out for the iconic wildlife that call this reserve home.
Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth, with two early morning and two late afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.
Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater with local guides in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
Snorkel with tropical fish on a dhow cruise in the transparent waters of northern Zanzibar. Then, spend some time chilling on the beach and exploring at your own pace.

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

4WD Open Safari Vehicle,Private 4WD Vehicle,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Nungwi, Kenya

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Karibu! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. When you've met your new travel buds, why not join the group for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve

Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Masai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Masai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.

Included Activities:

Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve

This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Masai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.

Included Activities:

Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (470 USD)

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Lake Victoria

Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented camp via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – with your comfortable safari camp set right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories, then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to the camp for a relaxed brunch. Spend the hottest part of the day chilling out at camp – don't stress, the animals will do the same! This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to the camp for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (800 USD)

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Karatu

Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.

Included Activities:

Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Karatu

After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi – a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. You’ll be able to meet community members and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to put your feet up and relax.

Included Activities:

Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Arusha

Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.

Optional Activities:

Karatu - Village Visit (20 USD)
Karatu - Coffee Tour (25 USD)
Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek (80 USD)
Lake Manyara Game drive (100 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Stone Town

This morning, bid farewell to your crew, transfer to Arusha Airport and take an included flight to Stone Town, Zanzibar. You'll be unescorted for the rest of the trip, however, local representatives will be on hand to look after you. Zanzibar is an archipelagic gem filled with idyllic beaches, vibrant markets and a varied history. This is a place rooted in slavery, where Arabian sultans once lived, and Swahili and Islamic influences blend together to create an island paradise. Why not throw yourself into the midst of Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets on a self-guided walk or head to one of the bars on the seafront and soak up the salty air with a cocktail. If you would like to hear more about Stone Town and the island's history, a local representative can organise an afternoon tour.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Nungwi

This morning, you have the option to visit the spice plantations for a guided tour, where you'll learn about the history of the region's spice trade and have the chance to touch, smell, and taste spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger, followed by a tea sampling. Alternatively, you can head directly to the white sands and sparkling blue seas of the northern beaches.

Optional Activities:

Zanzibar - Spice tour (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Beach Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Nungwi

Wake up in paradise and perhaps take the opportunity walk along the coast before a beachside breakfast. Today, you'll have an included dhow cruise and snorkelling trip in the transparent waters among the tropical fish.

Included Activities:

Zanzibar - Snorkelling

Accommodation:

Beach Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Nungwi

Your trip comes to an end today. Please advise your booking agent at the time of booking if you need help with transfers to Stone Town Airport or the ferry terminal. If you’d like to spend more time in this island paradise, post trip accommodation can also be pre-booked at your beach resort or in Stone Town.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,175

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jan 2027

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Kendra

Traveled, February 2025

03/09/2025

This trip was a dream come true. We decided to celebrate our honeymoon in Africa - wanting something more special to create lasting memories. The trip was beyond what I could have ever imagined having done other (non intrepid) tours in the past. So grateful we chose this adventure together. And the time of year was perfect! Quiet season meant we were able to spend more time in certain areas.

4.5

Nancy

Traveled, February 2025

02/28/2025

This trip gave me so much more than I expected. I went primarily for the Serengeti safari, but I found the experiences with the people and the places to be just as exciting and fulfilling. The itinerary really gave a broader view of Tanzania than I had expected. Loved it!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now