9 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari

Overview

Your journey begins in the gateway city of Nairobi, with the Hemingway Hotel setting the tone for a truly memorable African safari experience. Inspired by the American adventurer and author, Ernest Hemingway, the boutique hotel is designed with elegance and is one of very few to demonstrate Kenyan contemporary architecture.

Your safari adventure begins in the savannah wilderness of Kenya's top conservation area, the Masai Mara. As an all-year-round safari destination, the next two nights are sure to be exhilarating as you explore the bush for the notorious Big Five and the famous Mara Cats. Every season brings changes to the park, with July through November showcasing one of the world's greatest spectacles—the mammal migration. December and January are the calving seasons, bringing plenty of action. The Bateleur Camp reflects the ambiance of authentic Kenyan safaris and is the epitome of tented luxury.

Your journey continues to the Serengeti, undoubtedly one of the world's most celebrated wilderness areas. The Masai Mara is Tanzania's oldest game reserve and renowned for the annual mammal migration. The next two nights are spent at Serengeti under Canvas, a mobile camp that moves around the park year-round, attempting to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration and ensure prime viewing.

Next, you head to the smaller Lake Manyara National Park, a diverse wilderness area with its Rift Valley soda lake, dense woodlands, and steep mountainsides. The park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions, vast elephant herds, and flocks of pink flamingos. The next three nights are spent at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, the only permanent lodge in the national park. Cradled in the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest, the lodge blends into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi

This morning, you arrive in the capital city of Nairobi where you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. You will have the rest of the day to either rest and prepare for your safari adventure, which begins tomorrow, or, depending on your time of arrival, you may have the opportunity to explore some of the city's top attractions, including the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi

Day 2-3: Masai Mara

After a hearty breakfast, you bid farewell to Nairobi as you begin your safari adventure. You will be transferred by road to Nairobi Wilson Airport for the scheduled one-hour flight to Kitchwa Tembo's private airstrip. Here, you will be met and transferred to your camp, which is an approximate 30-minute journey.

This afternoon, you will venture out on your first African safari in search of the famous Big 5 and the migrating herd—should you be traveling during the months of July through November.

The next day sees the continuation of your exploration with daytime game drives, night drives, bush walks, and other optional activities which include hot air balloon safaris and interactions with the Maasai people.

Accommodation: Bateleur Camp

Day 4-5: Serengeti

After one final safari in the Masai Mara and a sumptuous breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kitchwa Tembo private airstrip for your scheduled flight to the airstrip nearest to the current position of the mobile camp. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the camp for check-in.

The next two days are focused on a privately guided Great Migration experience and other exciting activities, including stargazing, hot air ballooning, and day trips to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands (Seasonal).

Accommodation: Serengeti under Canvas

Day 6-8: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

After one last game drive in the Serengeti, your journey continues as you transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Lake Manyara airstrip. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the lodge on a scenic three and a half-hour game drive. Once you arrive back at the lodge, you will check into your magnificent tree house suite and enjoy the facilities of the lodge.

The next few days are spent on daytime game drives, night drives, Maasai cultural visits, and exploring Lake Manyara by bicycle. Be sure to have your camera ready as you venture out into the African bush in search of the tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Day 9: Lake Manyara to Kilimanjaro

Your final morning is spent exploring the bush one last time before bidding farewell to East Africa. You will be transferred from Lake Manyara Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will connect with your onward travel arrangements.