Shadows of Africa

5.0/5 – 166 Reviews

$7,031 pp (USD)

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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Nairobi City Tour

Nairobi City Tour

At 8 am, you'll be picked up from your hotel after breakfast and proceed to the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. Explore Kenya's history and culture through exhibits on Kenyan art, the Kenyan War for Independence, and prehistory. We'll then visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at 11 am to interact with orphaned elephants and witness their feeding and bathing routines.

At 12 pm, we'll proceed to the Giraffe Centre and get up close to Rothschild's giraffes and maybe even receive a kiss!

We will have lunch at 1 pm. You can choose between the Carnivore Restaurant, Utamaduni Centre, or Mamba Villabe for a delicious meal.

We will visit the bomas of Kenya at 2:30 pm and experience the diverse cultures of Kenya through traditional housing, arts, crafts, and captivating dance performances.

The tour concludes at 5 pm when your driver will drop you off at the hotel.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City, Kenya)
Accommodation:
Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel in Nairobi (City, Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Nairobi - Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara

You'll depart from Nairobi after breakfast and begin the long drive south to the Masai Mara. Stopping along the way to take in the stunning view of the Great Rift Valley, you'll arrive at the park in time for lunch at your lodge. Thereafter, you'll enjoy an afternoon game drive through the iconic park.

Home to all of the Big Five, the Masai Mara also plays host to the wildebeest migration each year and makes for a stunning backdrop for your first day of safari.

Main Destination:
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and July or August to October (For wildebeest migration)
High Season June to October and December to March
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
BuffaloCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Basecamp Masai Mara
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Masai Mara

Masai Mara

Wake before dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Masai Mara sunrise. After a quick cup of coffee, you'll head out into the park to watch as the sun sets fire to the savannah and the big cats take advantage of the cool morning to search for a meal.

Alternatively, you can take to the skies with a hot-air balloon safari that will see you soar above all of the action before setting down on the plains for a champagne breakfast among the wildlife. Ask your safari expert about adding a hot-air balloon adventure to your safari.

You'll then return to your lodge for a late breakfast before packing a picnic lunch and heading back into the park for a day-long exploration of the Masai Mara. You may also opt to relax at your lodge in the morning. Enjoy lunch on site, and then head out again in the afternoon once the weather has cooled off a bit.

Main Destination:
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation:
Basecamp Masai Mara
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Masai Mara - Northern Serengeti National Park

Masai Mara - Northern Serengeti National Park

There's no pulling punches here: this is a long day's driving.

Departing after an early breakfast with a packed lunch, you'll enjoy a game drive en route to the Isebania border crossing that separates Tanzania and Kenya. Once your immigration formalities are complete and you've met with your new Tanzanian driver, you'll continue to the Serengeti.

Arriving late in the day, you'll check into your hotel and relax ahead of tomorrow's explorations. It is possible to cut on some travel time by opting for a flight here. The exact price will depend on your travel dates and availability.

Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)
High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Black RhinoVery Rare
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
  • Luxury tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Northern Serengeti National Park

Northern Serengeti National Park

You'll spend your day driving through this distinct and beautiful region of the park in search of the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five.

As you stay a full day in the Northern part of Serengeti, the chance to see the river crossing of the wildebeests becomes greater. Almost every day some of the wildebeests are crossing the river looking for new nutrients. There are different crossing points and there might be multiple crossings in one day.

Of course you will also need some luck - it is possible that the wildebeest will not cross during your stay. Your guide will be connected with a radio to hear from (or inform) other guides about the location of the crossing- so you will have the best possible chance of catching a crossing.

Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
  • Luxury tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Northern Serengeti - Central Serengeti

Northern Serengeti - Central Serengeti

We'll start our day immediately after breakfast, driving through the plains of Togoro and the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes on our way to cross the Banagi River into the Central Serengeti. Along the way, you'll spot everything from the enigmatic dik-diks to towering elephants, and everything in between.

The Seronera is often known as 'big cat country', and its kopjes and acacias provide an excellent opportunity to spot prides of lazy lions, sleek cheetahs out on the hunt, and leopards overseeing everything from their lofty perches.

The region's hippo pools and wide open spaces provide ample opportunities for game viewing.

Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

Main Destination:
Central Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Tamu Tamu Tented Camp
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy your last morning game drive in the central Serengeti. After a delicious lunch you will set out to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Our afternoon drive takes us through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Highlands, offering plenty of opportunities to spot animals. You’ll spot tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators.

You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.

Dinner and overnight in the nearby town of Karatu.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Highlands (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Marera Valley Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge in Karatu (Town, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.

Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world.

From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable animals. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, Cape buffalos, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

You'll head to your nearby accommodation.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HyenaAbundant
Show more
ElephantCommon
HippoCommon
LeopardOccasional
Accommodation:
Marera Valley Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Lake Manyara - Arusha

Lake Manyara - Arusha

You'll make your way to Lake Manyara National Park shortly after breakfast with a scenic 2-hour drive, whetting your appetite for your day of exploration.

The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees, practically begging to be photographed.

Bird watchers will find Lake Manyara an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly-coloured lilac-breasted roller.

You'll then proceed to Arusha for overnight.

Main Destination:
Arusha (City, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge in Arusha (City, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Arusha - Amboseli National Park

Arusha - Amboseli National Park

You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast and begin your trip back to Kenya. The drive itself is a scenic one, you will meet with your new driver before proceeding to the park.

Amboseli National Park is called the "Royal Court of Kilimanjaro" with good reason. You'll enjoy an afternoon game drive where you'll see herds of wildebeests and zebras, proud lions, skulking hyenas, a variety of antelopes, and some of Kenya's largest herds of elephants - all set against the startling backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Main Destination:
Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Best Time To Visit June to October and January to February
High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)
Best Weather June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Amboseli NP

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HippoCommon
Show more
HyenaCommon
LionOccasional
CheetahOccasional
LeopardRare to None
Accommodation:
Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Amboseli NP (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Amboseli National Park - Nairobi

Amboseli National Park - Nairobi

You'll be up early today for your opportunity to see Kilimanjaro at dawn. The "Roof of Africa" is often shy, but in the early morning light, you'll have your best chance to see the tallest mountain on the continent.

You'll then make your way back to Nairobi where you'll be taken to the airport or your hotel.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City, Kenya)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Shadows of Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Shadows of Africa.