Shadows of Africa

4.9/5 – 143 Reviews

$4,655 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 3.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

After having breakfast at your Nairobi hotel, you will be collected, commencing a lengthy southward journey to the Masai Mara.

During the trip, there will be stops to admire the breathtaking vista of the Great Rift Valley. Upon reaching the park, you'll have lunch at your lodge before embarking on an afternoon game drive within this renowned reserve. The Masai Mara is home to all members of the Big Five and serves as the annual stage for the Wildebeest Migration, creating a magnificent setting for your inaugural safari day.

Main Destination:
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and 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 bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve

Before daybreak, you'll arise for a unique opportunity to witness a stunning Masai Mara sunrise. After a swift coffee, you'll venture into the park to observe the savannah ignite with the morning sun while the majestic big cats capitalize on the cooler hours to hunt for their prey.

Alternatively, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari that will take you high above the action, concluding with a champagne breakfast amidst the wildlife upon landing. Consult your safari specialist about adding a hot air balloon adventure to your itinerary.

Subsequently, you'll return to your lodge for a leisurely late breakfast. Following this, you'll prepare a picnic lunch and set out for a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at your lodge in the morning, enjoy lunch on-site, and then venture out later in the afternoon once the temperature has cooled down a bit.

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

Day 3

Masai Mara National Reserve - Serengeti National Park

Masai Mara National Reserve - Serengeti National Park

Following breakfast, you'll proceed to the Mara Airstrip for your flight to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Upon arrival in the park, you'll be greeted by your newly assigned Shadows of Africa driver and embark on an afternoon game drive in this renowned park.

The Serengeti is home to an incredibly diverse and plentiful array of wildlife. The park boasts a staggering 70+ large mammal species, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and hippos, among numerous others. Moreover, it offers habitat to more than 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's haven. The Serengeti's exceptional biodiversity and stunning wildlife variety render it an absolutely extraordinary destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados alike.

It serves as an exceptional location for spotting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as herbivores such as elephants, hippos, and giraffes.

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

Day 4

Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Following breakfast, your game drive will commence in the Kogatende region, where you'll explore the kopjes in search of carnivores and the vast migration groups gearing up for their Mara River crossing into Kenya.

The Mara River stands as the final major hurdle between the Wildebeest Migration and the relative sanctuary of the Masai Mara, housing substantial populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. With a bit of patience and perhaps some luck, you might even have the opportunity to witness the thrilling river crossing itself, where wildebeest and zebras bravely contend with the river's currents and crocodile presence in their quest for safety on the opposite bank.

Your dinner and overnight accommodation will be situated in the heart of Serengeti National Park, in accordance with your chosen standard and accommodation preferences from our available options.

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

Day 5

Central Serengeti National Park

Central Serengeti National Park

After your breakfast, your day kicks off with a journey across the Togoro plains and the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes, eventually leading you to cross the Banagi River and enter the Seronera region in the heart of Central Serengeti. During this drive, you'll have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, from the elusive dik-diks to majestic elephants and everything in between.

Seronera is often referred to as 'big cat country', with its kopjes and acacia-rich landscapes offering an excellent opportunity to encounter prides of resting lions, sleek cheetahs on the prowl, and leopards surveying their domain from lofty perches. The region's hippo pools and expansive open spaces provide abundant game viewing opportunities.

Your dinner and overnight accommodations will be situated within the core of Serengeti National Park, in line with your selected standard and preferred accommodation type from our available options.

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

Day 6

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Following breakfast, you'll hit the road, heading back towards the Ngorongoro Crater.

Your journey will take you through an alternative route in the Serengeti, offering ample opportunities to spot the animals you may have missed on the second day. As far as the eye can see, you'll witness vast herds of animals, including wildebeests and zebras in migration, elegant giraffes, agile antelopes and gazelles, the mighty African elephant, and the most revered group of creatures: the predators.

You'll have the chance to glimpse sleek cheetahs, elusive leopards, scavenging hyenas, and last but not least, the king of the jungle himself: the lion.

Your dinner and overnight accommodations will be situated either on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in the nearby town of Karatu, in accordance with your selected standard and preferred accommodation type from our available options.

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 7

Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha

Following breakfast, you'll commence your journey towards the Ngorongoro Crater, often regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World. As you catch your initial glimpse of this expansive and lush caldera from a panoramic viewpoint, you'll quickly grasp why it has garnered such a prestigious reputation.

In the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to observe and capture photographs of some of Africa's most iconic wildlife. The crater is home to a diverse range of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, in addition to a substantial population of wildebeests, zebras, various antelope species, Cape buffalo, and more. It undeniably stands as one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

Subsequently, you'll head to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals 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.
  • A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the 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.