Compare Kenya & Tanzania: The Safari Experience with Nairobi by Globus vs Tanzania Family Safari by Intrepid Travel
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 8,829 | $ 2,400 |
| Price Per Day | $ 589 | $ 300 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Africa conjures up dreamy images of mystical mountains, savanna grasslands, and endless plains, but for the adventure seeker, it’s where the wild things are. The “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo await you on this ultimate safari through East Africa. Featuring unique lodges and tented camps, custom-made 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles, and exclusive meals in the bush, this Kenya and Tanzania tour promises larger than life experiences and countless memories. You’ll savor the unique terrain and wildlife at seven renowned national parks, reserves, and conservancies, including the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Beyond sightings of the “Big 5,” be on the lookout for cheetah, wildebeest, crocodile, hippo, and rhino. On the tamer side, you’ll also enjoy a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary as well as the endearing experience of interacting with with local children at a primary school in Karatu.Add more to your Africa tour in Nairobi. Feeding endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Center, meeting orphaned elephant calves at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and visiting the former home of Out of Africa author Karen Blixen are just a few highlights! |
Experience East Africa with your family as you discover the wildlife, history, people, culture and beauty that spans across this incredible landscape. Roam the famous Serengeti National Park, nearly 15,000 sq km of rolling savanna that shelters an astounding array of animals, from miniature dik-dik antelopes to the noble African elephant. Spot wildlife while taking in mind-blowing views from the edge of Ngorongoro Crater and listen to the sounds of the African night in a thrilling camping experience. This is also a human journey that puts you in the heart of the valleys once inhabited by some of humankind's earliest ancestors – where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the Maasai community – hear about the customs and traditions of village life and even prepare a local Swahili dish. If you’re looking for a family adventure full of friendly folk and some of the best game-viewing in Africa, then this will truly be a trip to remember! |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN NAIROBI, KENYA
Jambo, Kenya!Welcome to Nairobi, gateway to your dream safari. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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Day 2: NAIROBI
Conservation MattersGuided sightseeing starts at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn about elephant conservation including orphaned elephant calves. After lunch, visit Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to the Danish baroness and author of Out of Africa – a 1937 autobiographical account (later, an Academy Award winning film) illustrating her experience as a coffee farmer and connections with Kenya. You’ll also visit the Giraffe Centre, followed by free time this evening.
(Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTALL ORDERS Operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a non-profit organization focused on saving the Rothschild giraffe. During a visit to this remarkable sanctuary, learn about this giraffe sub-species, meet them up close, and feed them. Get closer from the feeding platform, and you may just get a kiss!
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Day 3: NAIROBI–OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
To the Foot of Mount KenyaDrive north out of the city to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest rhino sanctuary in East Africa. After lunch and some time to settle in, embark on a game drive to begin your search for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. End the day with a [LF] welcome barbeque dinner in the bush.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT A guest favorite, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is in the heart of the conservancy with magnificent views of Mount Kenya. Globus guests are always given tents directly in front of the floodlit waterhole where wildlife comes to drink day and night, improving the opportunity to see fascinating wildlife directly from your private verandah!LOCAL FAVORITEA WILD WELCOME Join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner in the bush overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Share stories of the day over food and drink and learn what adventures lie ahead.
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Day 4: OL PEJETA
Safari SensationRise early for a morning game drive with beautiful Mount Kenya as the backdrop. Beyond the “Big 5,” you may spot cheetah, zebra, gazelle, and more. If you are lucky, you might even spot rare wild dogs. After some down time and lunch, visit the [LF] Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary then set out on an afternoon game drive. Dinner at camp concludes your first full day on safari!
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITETAKE SANCTUARY Learn more about the plight of chimpanzees during a visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary offers a long-term home to orphaned and abused chimpanzees—a moving example of wildlife conservation for future generations.
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Day 5: OL PEJETA–NYAHURURU FALLS–LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
High and MightyLeave Ol Pejeta and journey through the beautiful Kenyan highlands, one of the most fertile agricultural areas in all of Africa. Stop at scenic Nyahururu Falls and then on to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive and a chance to see giraffe, impala, flamingo, striped hyena, and a variety of birdlife along the water’s edge. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the largest euphorbia forest in Africa, an important pollination and food source for bees and black rhinos, yet toxic to many animals.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: LAKE NAKURU–MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Jewel of KenyaThis morning, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area. “The Mara,” as it is called by locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrive, typically from August to early November, their population grows by almost 2 million - a bountiful food source for predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena. After lunch at your lodge, set out on an afternoon game drive.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT RICH IN CULTURE Neutral tones are encouraged for safari expeditions but the village visits provide spectacular visions of vibrantly beaded necklaces and red clothing traditional to the Maasai culture, symbolizing strength and courage, as well as serving to ward off predators from afar.
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Day 7: MAASAI MARA
Magical MaraRise early for a morning game drive including an exclusive [LF] bush breakfast. Be sure to watch for elephant, rhino, giraffe, topi, hyena, and much more. Return to the camp and relax prior to your afternoon game drive.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEBREAKFAST IN THE BUSH As part of your morning game drive, you’ll be treated to this time-honored safari experience in Africa’s unmatched landscapes, reminiscent of Africa’s early explorers. Sip mimosas as you savor this memorable experience in the wild.
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Day 8: MAASAI MARA–AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
In the Shadows of “Kili” After breakfast, fly to Amboseli National Park, known for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro or “Kili” as the locals call it, the highest mountain in Africa. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSAFARI LODGE Spend leisure time at the lodge exploring the grounds on a guided nature walk or participate in eco-tourism activities by planting an indigenous tree to improve the dry area. Cooking classes, language lessons, massage services, and a free-form pool enrich your experience.
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Day 9: AMBOSELI
Adventure in Amboseli Morning and afternoon game drives are included today. Amboseli affords you a terrific opportunity to get close to the mighty elephant. You may spot Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, and more. Stop for sundowner drinks prior to returning to your lodge for dinner.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSUNDOWNER DRINKS This evening, as the sun sets with “Kili” as the backdrop, savor a memorable happy hour in the bush!
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Day 10: AMBOSELI–ARUSHA, TANZANIA–LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Border Duties & Into TanzaniaThis morning, cross the border into Tanzania. Enjoy lunch in Arusha. Witness the colorful culture in the villages and diverse ecosystems en route to your lodge along the rim of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Check in and enjoy leisure time prior to dinner. Consider a visit to a local village for a market experience or nature walk on the safari lodge property.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: LAKE MANYARA–KARATU–NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
From Forest Floor to Crater’s EdgeLake Manyara National Park is a small, ecologically diverse park with groundwater forests, grassy plains, and alkaline Lake Manyara itself. The park is also home to the world’s largest concentration of baboon. Watch for these mischievous primates, giraffe, hippo, and more on your morning game drive. After lunch, journey to Karatu where you’ll visit a [LF] local primary school. Continue to your lodge on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, which is part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECLASS IS IN SESSION Visit a local primary school to meet the children and learn about the educational system in rural Tanzania.
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Day 12: NGORONGORO
Into Africa’s EdenDescend into the crater for a full-day game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unflooded caldera, more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. Game viewing here is fantastic, as most of the animals stay in this area year-round. This is your best chance to see the rare black rhinoceros, lion, Cape buffalo, hippo, elephants, and a variety of birds during this extraordinary experience. An exclusive [LF] bush lunch will be served in the crater.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECRATER CATERING Because of the time it takes to descend into and ascend out of the crater, it’s common to eat lunch in the crater. Standard safari fare is a typical box lunch, but you’ll enjoy an exclusive, freshly cooked lunch served under a grove of Acacia trees.
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Day 13: NGORONGORO–SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
On the Endless PlainsDrive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most famous park. The Serengeti covers an area of roughly 5,700 square miles. The name comes from the Maasai word siringit, meaning “endless plains.” Enjoy lunch at your tented camp before an afternoon game drive. You have the chance to see the big cats—lion, leopard, and cheetah—as well as an abundance of other animals, including the Nile crocodile, giraffe, gazelle, and eland. You may even spot a caracal, a rare, beautiful cat with distinctive ears and strong hind legs.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 14: SERENGETI
Serengeti SerendipityContinue your exploration during morning and afternoon game drives. Home to the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, generally between late November and July, the Serengeti attracts visitors from around the world and is great for year-round game viewing. Tonight, join a [LF] farewell dinner in the bush featuring a traditional Maasai dance performance.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEDINNER & DANCE The Maasai people bring a history of colorful culture tied to this wilderness known as the Cradle of Life. Your special farewell dinner in the bush includes a traditional Maasai dance performance celebrating an ancient culture amid the majestic wildlife who find sanctuary here. The perfect ending to a spectacular safari adventure!
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Day 15: SERENGETI–ARUSHA
A Furry FarewellEmbark on one final game drive before flying back to Arusha, where a day room has been reserved for your use. Schedule departing flights after 5 pm.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1 Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you and your family arrive early, perhaps 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. Or, to get a glimpse of some animals, head to the David Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. These conservation projects allow you to see the animals up close while learning more about them and their plight in the modern world.
Day 2 Arusha
Hit the road after breakfast as you drive across the border to Tanzania and your overnight stop, Arusha. Located at the base of volcanic Mt Meru, Arusha is the gateway to safari destinations and to Africa's highest peak – the 5895 m Mt Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometres northeast. After setting up the campsite on arrival, you and your family can relax and have a swim in the pool. Driving time: 5 hours
Day 3 Karatu
Take a short drive to the small town of Kisongo where you and your family get to enjoy a fun day with some local ‘Mamas’ (the name for female artisans in Tanzania) First, the women will teach you how to prepare a local Swahili dish for lunch. After enjoying your creations, you’ll get the chance to take a closer look into their lives. With help from a translator, the women will lead smaller groups around their village. Visit their homes and see how a traditional boma (small hut made of mud and cow dung) is set up. You’ll also get to meet their families and learn about Maasai culture. After this illuminating day, drive to the small town of Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater. Have a good night’s sleep before we head on safari tomorrow!
Day 4 Serengeti National Park
Travel from Karatu to the gate of Serengeti National Park and have a picnic lunch at the entrance. Enter the Serengeti and enjoy a game drive on the way to your campsite. The vast plains of the Serengeti – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Flat and rolling, with long grass and acacia trees, these plains get their name from the Maasai word siringet – 'The place where the land moves on forever'. 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. Driving time today is 4 hours plus game drives.
Day 5 Serengeti National Park
Start the day with a game drive at dawn. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing, as the animals do, depart again at dusk for another adventure through the wild before returning in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park today, which makes for an excellent family activity. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see the ‘Notes' section) you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will 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 five-star bush breakfast, before being returned to your camp.
Day 6 Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Karatu
Enjoy a game drive on your way out of the park today. After lunch you and your family will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation area. A gigantic, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round, and the photo opportunities here are unrivalled. We jump in some 4WDs and head into the crater itself for three to four hours where the kids (and adults!) can enjoy spotting the animals. Leaving the park we head to Karatu - our overnight stop were the kids can take a swim in the campsite pool.
Day 7 Mto Wa Mbu
After breakfast take a short 30-minute drive to Mto Wa Mbu where you will camp for the night. Upon arrival, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes before enjoying a traditional meal. This afternoon you can relax around the campsite or have a swim in the pool. Driving time: 30minutes
Day 8 Nairobi
Set off early this morning (around 7.30 am), heading for the border with Kenya and then on to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you'll be dropped at the finishing point hotel. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. Driving time today is 7–8 hours.
