8-Day Wildlife Expedition from Nairobi to the Serengeti – Ending In Nairobi

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel in Nairobi for a scenic journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Arriving in time for check-in and lunch, you’ll embark on an afternoon safari, enjoying the picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife around the lake. Known for its world-famous birdlife, the park offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness vibrant flocks of flamingos turning the shores a brilliant pink. This is also one of the few places to see both black and white rhinos, as well as the rare Rothschild giraffe. The park also offers sightings of lions, leopards, gazelles, waterbucks, and playful baboons. Overnight at a cozy safari camp, where the sounds of the wild fill the air.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve, an expansive wilderness that is the ultimate safari destination in Kenya. Home to countless species, the reserve shares a border with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and together they host the spectacular wildebeest migration. Arrive in time for lunch, then set out on an exciting afternoon game drive. Later, enjoy a warm evening around the campfire under the African stars before a delicious dinner.

Spend an entire day on a thrilling game drive through the Masai Mara. Your expert guide will lead you across the vast plains, searching for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Alongside, you may spot cheetahs, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, and various species of antelope. The Mara River is a hotspot for crocodiles, and the hippo pods are always a sight to behold. Consider taking an unforgettable hot air balloon safari at dawn for an aerial view of the plains, and watch as wildlife grazes below in the early morning light.

Enjoy another full day of safari adventure, with early morning and late afternoon game drives. This day is also perfect for relaxation, with optional spa treatments available at most camps/lodges. If you’re curious about the local Maasai culture, you can visit a Maasai village, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional songs and dances, and gain insights into the lives of these semi-nomadic warriors who have long coexisted with the land and wildlife of the Mara.

After breakfast, we drive to the Isebania border with Tanzania, where we’ll swap guides and vehicles for the continuation of your safari. Our journey takes us into the Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s largest and most iconic wildlife areas. Known for its endless plains, the Serengeti boasts vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Settle into your comfortable safari lodge or tented camp in the heart of the Seronera Valley, surrounded by acacia trees and teeming wildlife.

Your guide will take you through the Serengeti on a full-day game drive, where you’ll encounter a wealth of animals, including lion prides, cheetah families hunting together, and elusive leopards. The Serengeti is also home to large pods of hippos and impressive crocodiles. During the right time of year, you may witness the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration, where over two million animals make their journey between the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh pastures. For an extra special experience, opt for an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise and float above the plains for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.

Today, we leave the Serengeti and head for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive volcanic caldera is teeming with wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, and hyenas. The lush vegetation and rich soils make it a sanctuary for diverse species. After a picnic lunch, venture down to the crater floor for a safari in one of the most visually dramatic landscapes in Africa. In the evening, return to the crater rim, where you might catch a magnificent sunset.

After breakfast, we head toward Arusha for a final lunch at the charming Arusha Coffee Lodge. Then, we proceed to the Namanga border, where we cross back into Kenya. This marks the end of your incredible 8-day safari, filled with extraordinary wildlife sightings and unforgettable adventures. We arrive in Nairobi in the early evening, where your journey concludes.