Essential East Africa






















From AUD $3020
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)

Essential East Africa
10 days
Small Group
Basic
Light
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
10 days
Overland vehicle
Small Group
English
Nairobi, Kenya
Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya
Basic
18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Overland Expedition
Light
Itinerary
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Included Activities:
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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).
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.
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.
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
11/17/2023
If you want an unforgetable experience, even if the lack of facility, this is the best trip you’re gonna get
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
11/17/2023
If you want an unforgetable experience, even if the lack of facility, this is the best trip you’re gonna get
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!!
11/27/2023
Great way to see East Africa. Mix of nature and local culture.
10/23/2023
Perfect trip to live the African experience at it's fullest. The nature, fauna and landscapes will leqve you astonished. Local people are friendly and warm. I strongly recommend this trip.
09/25/2023
It was the most incredible experience; unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Can not recommend Intrepid and the East African Experience crew enough; they went above and beyond and made my experience one I’ll never forget!
09/25/2023
The trip was incredible and exceeded the already high expectations I had about visiting Africa. This was due to a combination of my fellow travels, the beauty of Africa and the excellent crew that made the trip run so smoothly. I have nothing but positive words for the crew members on our trip: Raymond (Crew leader), Simon (Chef) and Loyford (Driver). Individually they all performed their roles excellently. Overall, the trip was excellent in no small part due to the people mentioned above. I would highly recommend this trip, and especially this crew, to explore Africa - it truly has been an excellent experience.
09/25/2023
It was the most incredible experience; unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Can not recommend Intrepid and the East African Experience crew enough; they went above and beyond and made my experience one I’ll never forget!
09/25/2023
This trip was absolutely incredible! Such a diverse range of culture, safari and adventure. Such an amazing experience with a great team! Just be prepared for long drives ! Would recommend this trip to everyone :)
09/25/2023
Excellent experience in this short 10 day portion of this 30 day journey. This experience was enhanced by the crews vast knowledge and expertise of Kenya & Tanzania. Highly recommended to anybody that’s looking for a surreal experience.
09/25/2023
The essential east africa trip exceeded all its expectations. It is jam packed with amazing wildlife, people and cultural experiances. The Intrepid truck was sp resourceful and made travel easy. Thanks so much to our crew Raymond, Simon and Loyford who really made the trip the exceptional one it was. An unforgettable, wholesome first trip to Kenya and Tanzania, I can't wait to come back and explore more.
10/17/2023
This was a fantastic trip, one I will never forget. I was nervous about the long drives and the meals but the drives were absolutely fine (saw amazing scenery) and food was great every day! Amazing guides and group of people, awesome safari/experiences and learnt a lot from the friendly locals we met. Although the camping was basic, it added to the adventure! Already booked onto my next Intrepid tour!
08/27/2023
I really had a great time on this trip. The game drives were amazing and our group was lucky to have spectacular sightings ! Peace, Lyoford and Simon were a great team and really looked after our group.
09/08/2023
The trip was good (as always), still the Itinerary felt a bit packed. For me, it looked like it was more designed to "tick the boxes", that to be actually good to travel. The washroom facilities were very basic, but still acceptable. Animal sighting were amazing, Serengeti is truly amazing!
07/23/2023
Excellent tour! So many safari opportunities to see all the animals, but also a good mix of cultural moments too. The crew are fantastic and encouraged us to have a lot of fun together!
07/23/2023
Just go! We saw all of the big 5 and the great migration, which was life changing! The sights were amazing and so were my fellow travelers. Count yourself especially lucky if your team is Cornelius, Caleb and Loyford, since they were wonderful and excellent at their jobs!
07/10/2023
Amazing trip, so much to see and learn about Kenya and Tanzania, with amazing company. Our guide Tim Tim was incredible as were the local safari guides. Got lucky and saw the big 5 in one day in the Masai Mara!
07/10/2023
Great trip. Our guide Tim Tim was superb. If you want to see the big 5 then this is the trip to do it! Should be noted that the Serengeti NP game drive is in the massive transport truck so do not expect to see as much as you would like here.
11/29/2023
This trip was beyond my hopes and magical! I loved the itinerary, the people, and feel really fulfilled and grateful for participating.
11/30/2022
Excellent trip! Dolly was the best chef ever and we were lucky to have him!
09/25/2022
This trip truly is a once in a lifetime experience. If you are on the fence about going and worried about anything don’t be the leaders will take care of everything and you are free to have an unforgettable adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.

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