Essential East Africa

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
Essential East Africa
10 Days
From AUD $3020
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Essential East Africa

Essential East Africa

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Got 10 days, an adventurous spirit and a desire to see as much of East Africa as you can? Whether you're a solo traveller looking for new friends or some new friends looking for a solo to join the pack, this is for you! Head out on multiple 4WD safaris in the Masai Mara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park for the best opportunities to spot the Big Five and all your bucket list wildlife! Stop at remote market towns, spend a night in a Maasai village and another night by the largest tropical lake in the world and soak up all the chances to chat with the locals and learn about their culture. This trip is like a crash course in what East Africa is all about.

Highlights

  • Safari, safari, safari – what East African adventure would be complete without one? On this trip, you’ll embark on multiple safaris within three different areas.
  • Go in search of hippos, lions, leopards, zebras and more during game drives in the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara National Park with your experienced local leader.
  • Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
  • Cross the Serengeti in a purpose-built truck for one of those classic East African experiences – think vast plains spotted with thorn trees and herds of animals.
  • Stop in places like Mto wa Mbu and Musoma for the best opportunities to chat with locals, swap stories and get to know their culture.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not check out the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of some Kenyan tribes are displayed at an outdoor village. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your new fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Loita Hills Maasai Experience
Depart Nairobi this morning, stopping in Narok along the way for some food shopping. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley – Africa's huge divide – to the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the Maasai people and when you arrive, you’ll grab some lunch then visit the Maasai, known for their dazzling red dress and elaborate jewellery. Gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk about the Maasai and what they're about. You'll also be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept.

Included Activities:

  • Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve
Travel from Loita Hilla to Masai Mara today. The Masai Mara is one of those classic African experiences – wide open plains, perfect blue skies and some of the world's great wild animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch. Then, it's time to jump aboard your 4WD and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara.

Included Activities:

  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve
Adventure into the reserve for a full day's 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a lots of different wildlife. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is well worth considering. If you have pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before sunrise and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Then, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast, then return to your campsite to meet up with your group. 

Included Activities:

  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Lake Victoria
Travel towards the Kenya-Tanzania border and to the shores of Lake Victoria. This is not only Africa's biggest lake – it's the largest tropical lake in the world. It shares its shores with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, with time to chill out lakeside with a cold drink at sunset. Make the most of the ATM and local market to stock up for your next three days of wilderness adventures. You’ll be camping on the shores of the lake tonight, at one of its least visited campgrounds on the outskirts of a small town called Musoma, far from the tourist track.

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Serengeti National Park
Today, you’ll travel from Lake Victoria to the gate of Serengeti National Park on a smooth road. Stop for a picnic lunch at the entrance to the park, then enter the Serengeti and start your overland vehicle game drive on the way to your campsite. These plains – green after rain and brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, so see how many you can spot! Your campsite is right in the action, within the park itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Serengeti National Park
Start the day with a game drive in your overland truck at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing as the animals do, depart again in the afternoon for another adventure through the wild. You'll return in time for dinner. There's the option of an early-morning balloon ride here too, so if you didn't take one in the Mara, today's your chance!

Included Activities:

  • Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Karatu
Rise and shine for a final chance to spot Serengeti wildlife as you make your way out of the park this morning. At Nabi gate, hop aboard a jeep and descend into Ngorongoro Crater. This gigantic, perfectly intact volcanic crater is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor is great for game viewing all year round and the photo-opportunities here are next level. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before heading back out on safari all afternoon. After, travel on to Karatu town and arrive at camp for a freshly prepared dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Safari
  • Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Mto Wa Mbu
Take it easy this morning with a relaxed breakfast at camp before setting off for Mto Wa Mbu with your group. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore. Mto wa Mbu offers a snapshot of small-town East African life. You might consider joining a guided village walk or maybe take a bike ride around the farming areas, spotting milling machines, local homes and farmlands. Or, round up your fellow travellers to check out the craft market.

Optional Activities:

  • Mto wa Mbu - Village bike ride and lunch (30 USD)
  • Mto wa Mbu - Village walk and lunch (20 USD)
  • Manyara - Forest Hike and National Park Fee (excl. transport) (79 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Arusha / Nairobi
Pack up camp for the final leg of your journey to Arusha, where your adventure comes to an end when you arrive at approximately 10am. A departure transfer can be booked at an additional expense, to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Alternatively, you can continue to finish in Nairobi around 5pm. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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 $3,020
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Feb 2027

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
4.5
Cosmin
Traveled, November 2023

11/17/2023

If you want an unforgetable experience, even if the lack of facility, this is the best trip you’re gonna get

5.0
Simran
Traveled, November 2023

11/27/2023

This trip was absolutely amazing! Everyone we met (game drive drivers, walking tour leaders, tribe members and locals etc) were so kind and welcoming. We were able to learn so much about the culture and history of Kenya and Tanzania. The safari game drives were incredible and it was great to see the animals in the wild. Flo, Njenga and Keziah are an amazing team and went above and beyond in every aspect; this trip was made even more special because of them. Flo was an amazing leader, very knowledgeable and welcoming, Njenga made sure all of journeys were smooth and always had funny stories to share and Keziah’s food was so delicious and she was attentive and adapted to anyone’s needs. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone!!

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