11-Day East Africa Safari Adventure: From Amboseli To Arusha

Your safari adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, residence, or directly from the airport. As you leave Nairobi behind, you will head toward the iconic Great African Rift Valley, famous for its volcanic mountains and breathtaking landscapes.

Upon entering Amboseli, one of the first things you’ll notice is Mount Kilimanjaro towering over the plains, offering a dramatic backdrop to your safari experience. This magnificent peak, the highest in Africa, dominates the landscape of rolling hills and scattered trees. After a brief game drive as you enter the park, you’ll head to your accommodation for lunch.

Post-lunch, you’ll embark on a more extensive game drive. The Amboseli plains are teeming with wildlife, and the cooling evening air brings the perfect conditions for observing animals in action. The golden hues of the setting sun will illuminate the animals, as they roam, graze, and hunt across the vast savanna. After an exciting day, you will return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and relaxation.

Start the day early with a game drive as dawn breaks over Mount Kilimanjaro. If you’re lucky, the snow-capped peak will be visible, offering a stunning sight. As the day unfolds, you’ll observe a variety of animals preparing for the day’s activities, including hunting and grazing.

After breakfast, you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the park’s wildlife. Amboseli is home to a rich variety of animals, including the iconic Big Five—elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Your expert safari guide will help you spot and identify the various species while sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and the ecosystem. Lunch will be a scenic picnic within the park. After the game drive, return to your accommodation for dinner and rest.

After an early breakfast, you’ll travel to Lake Nakuru, situated in the heart of the Rift Valley. Along the way, the stunning scenery offers views of deep valleys and dramatic rock formations. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and a short rest at your accommodation.

Lake Nakuru is renowned for its birdlife, with over 400 species frequenting the area. The sight of thousands of flamingos turning the lake a vibrant pink is a highlight. The park is also home to a small but protected population of white rhinos, which are incredibly rare and almost extinct. After an enriching day of wildlife sightings, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner.

Today, you’ll have an early breakfast before leaving Lake Nakuru and heading south toward the world-famous Masai Mara. The landscape gradually changes from volcanic terrain to open plains with rolling hills dotted with trees. Upon reaching the Mara, you’ll enjoy lunch before heading out on a game drive.

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, boasting an incredible diversity of wildlife. The Big Five are abundant, and you’ll also have the chance to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, crocodiles, and hippos. As you journey through the park, you’ll be immersed in nature, concluding your game drive as the sun sets. Afterward, return to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Start the day early with a sunrise game drive in the Masai Mara, an excellent time to capture stunning photos of the wildlife as they begin their day.

After breakfast, you’ll spend the entire day exploring the reserve, spotting a wide array of animals. A highlight of the day will be a visit to a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll experience the culture of this iconic tribe with a welcoming song and dance. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the village and even step inside a traditional Maasai home (this optional activity costs $20 per person).

In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Mara River before continuing your exploration of the reserve. In the evening, return to your camp for dinner and relaxation.

Another exciting day awaits as you head out for another game drive after breakfast. The Masai Mara’s diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to spot the elusive big cats, including cheetahs and leopards. The plains are also home to large herds of buffalo, zebras, and antelope.

A picnic lunch will provide a scenic break in the park. Afterward, continue your exploration and enjoy the changing light as the day comes to a close. Return to your accommodation for dinner and a chance to unwind before your next adventure.

Today marks the transition from Kenya to Tanzania. After breakfast, you’ll depart for the Tanzanian border, crossing into Serengeti National Park. Your journey through the Serengeti begins at the Ikoma Gate, where you’ll drive through the park to your accommodation.

Once you arrive, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy the amenities of your camp or lodge. After a long day of travel, you’ll be ready to rest for your upcoming exploration of Serengeti.

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Serengeti, famous for its abundant wildlife. You can choose between a full-day game drive or morning and evening game drives with a break in between. Whatever you choose, your safari guide will help you spot the park’s incredible wildlife, including the Big Five.

The Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to observe predators in action and enjoy the sights of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and more. After a picnic lunch in the park, you’ll continue your game drive and return to your accommodation for dinner.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, stop by Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site where some of the earliest human remains have been found (this visit costs $45 per person).

After a packed lunch, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, zebras, and flamingos. After exploring this stunning area, head to your accommodation for dinner.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a morning game drive around the crater before continuing to Lake Manyara. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and abundant birdlife, including flamingos.

The lake’s shimmering waters and the surrounding landscapes make for a picturesque setting as you take your afternoon game drive. Afterward, you’ll settle into your accommodation for a peaceful evening.

On your final day, you’ll enjoy a last morning game drive at Lake Manyara before returning to your accommodation for breakfast. From here, you’ll head to Arusha, where you’ll enjoy lunch before being dropped off at your hotel, residence, or the airport to conclude your incredible safari adventure.