Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – City Tour & Transfer to Masai Mara
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or pick-up from your hotel, your adventure begins with an optional Nairobi city tour. You may visit the Nairobi National Museum and the Giraffe Centre to get a glimpse of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage. Later, drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. En route, enjoy dramatic landscapes and spot wildlife along the way. In the evening, relax at your lodge or optionally visit a local Masai Boma for cultural interaction and traditional dances.
Meals & Accommodation:
Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Day 2–3: Full Days of Wildebeest Migration Safari in Masai Mara
Spend two full days immersed in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Rise early and head out on extended game drives along the Mara River, the main stage for the famed wildebeest migration. Watch in awe as herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters, closely followed by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The plains are alive with elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and a myriad of birdlife that makes for spectacular photography and storytelling.
Meals & Accommodation:
Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Day 4: Cross Border into Tanzania – Transfer to Mugumu
Start your day early with a scenic drive through the Mara Triangle, exiting via Ololoolo Gate. Journey toward the Isebania border, stopping briefly at Migori for lunch. After clearing immigration, continue your drive through rural Tanzania to Mugumu town for overnight stay and a chance to rest before entering the Serengeti.
Meals & Accommodation:
La’tonna Safari Hotel or similar
Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park – Big Cats & Wildlife Encounters
Depart Mugumu and head into the Serengeti via Ikoma Gate. This journey itself offers fantastic wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Spend the next two days exploring the central Serengeti’s vast savannahs in search of lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, and more. Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives and embrace the serenity and magnificence of the African wilderness.
Meals & Accommodation:
Into the Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Day 7: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti with picnic meals and stop at the iconic Naabi Hill Gate. Later, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater—a true Eden of wildlife. The crater is a haven for black rhinos, hippos, zebras, flamingos, and predators. Spend the day inside the caldera with game drives and a packed lunch near a scenic picnic site before ascending by evening to the crater rim.
Meals & Accommodation:
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar
Day 8: Community Tour & Wildlife in Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and dense elephant population. En route, stop at Mto wa Mbu village for a rewarding cultural tour. Participate in traditional cooking, local art, dance, and storytelling with community members. Proceed to Tarangire for an optional evening game drive or relaxation at your lodge.
Meals & Accommodation:
Simba Lodge Tarangire or Burunge Tented Lodge
Day 9: Morning Safari & Transfer to Arusha
Begin your day with a final game drive in Tarangire National Park, taking in early morning wildlife activity. Spot birds, monkeys, and predators in action before heading to Arusha. Here, unwind and prepare for the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure ahead.
Meals & Accommodation:
Green Mountain Lodge – Arusha or similar
Day 10–16: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Expedition
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins! A separate detailed itinerary will be shared based on your chosen route (e.g., Machame, Marangu, Lemosho). Over seven days, trek through different ecological zones—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Professional guides, porters, and support staff will accompany you every step of the way. This is both a physical and spiritual journey that will leave lasting memories.
Note:
Day 16 may be reserved as a rest day post-hike or used to transfer to the airport for your flight. Optionally, you can extend your trip to Zanzibar for beach relaxation.
Day 17: Departure / Optional Zanzibar Extension
Depending on your post-hike plans, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, continue your journey to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters for a luxurious extension to your East African adventure.