Day 1 : Depart the USA

Our adventure begins with a pleasant overnight flight to Africa.

Day 2 : Arrive in Africa

We have a layover in Amsterdam to stretch our legs before continuing our journey to Nairobi. Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, we receive a special welcome from our English-speaking local guides and check in for a restful night at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill.

Day 3 : Amboseli National Park

We begin our day with a wonderful Welcome Breakfast at the Manji Family Residence and get to know our fellow travelers. After our feast, we head to Amboseli National Park for lunch and our first safari adventure! Some of the most breathtaking sights in all of Africa surround us and, weather permitting, we see the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peak. Our custom safari land cruisers have pop-up game-viewing rooftops, reference guide books, coolers, and unlimited bottled water. Keep watch for large elephant herds, lions, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, baboons, and hippos. There are also 400 species of birds that nest in the trees and soar overhead! We relax in our elegant accommodations this evening at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, nestled right inside this spectacular national park.

Day 4 : An Amboseli Adventure

Today is filled with opportunities to witness more of the phenomenal wildlife that call Amboseli National Park home. Revel in a full day of game-viewing drives with a break in the afternoon for lunch and a relaxing siesta. Don’t forget your complimentary safari hat and essentials pack! A delicious dinner is included at the lodge this evening.

Day 5 : Arusha

Rise and shine early this morning to catch unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro as we check out of our lodge. We then cross the border into Tanzania and stop in Arusha for a pleasant lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to accommodations at the Gran Melia Arusha. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore nearby attractions, such as the Arusha Gymkhana and Golf Course.

Day 6 : Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, we’re off to appreciate the exotic atmosphere of Tarangire National Park. We check in at Tarangire Sopa Lodge and take some time to rest before our afternoon game-viewing drive in Tanzania's most elephant-dense region. The park offers signature Tanzanian backdrops of beautiful, sparse landscapes with little vegetation, just a sprinkling of acacia trees and giant baobab trees set in thick grasses for a classic wild Africa feel. There’s no shortage of wildlife to see with nearly 500 bird species and herds of elephant, zebra, rhino, greater kudo, leopard, Oryx, and so much more.

Day 7 : Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This morning we depart our hotel and travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up breathtaking vistas along the way as we head to our hotel for the next two nights, The Retreat at Ngorongoro. Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at leisure to take in panoramic sights of the iconic crater, the world's largest unbroken caldera. Eight million years ago, Ngorongoro Crater was an active volcano. Now, it’s home to many species of birds and wild game, including almost every species of African plains mammal, the densest population of predators in Africa, and endangered species like the black rhino.

Day 8 : Ngorongoro Crater

Today we descend nearly 600 meters into one of Tanzania’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders where we are immersed in an abundance of wildlife. This photogenic paradise located on the crater floor exists off the water from Lake Magadi, a complete ecosystem residing within the caldera. Learn about the great human archeological discoveries made here and enjoy unmatched views during our game-viewing drive that includes a picnic lunch at a private scenic site.

Day 9 : Serengeti National Park

After checking out of our hotel, we travel to Serengeti National Park, the site where hominid carbon footprints are believed to date back 3.6 million years. Intriguing wildlife fills the expansive and flat savannah grass landscape; in fact, this is one the best areas for views of the spectacular “big five.” Our resident guide provides narrative highlights as we talk and interpret the sights on our photo safari. Following lunch, we check in to Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge just outside of the park and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 10 : The Great Migration

This morning, you may choose to have the experience of a lifetime on an optional hot air balloon excursion over the Serengeti followed by a champagne breakfast. Our day is then spent enjoying a photo safari of the Serengeti's Ndutu area, the ultimate region for witnessing the Great Migration, which happens between December and March. This iconic natural phenomenon includes herds of roughly 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles traveling in search of nutrients. Watch closely for their predators lurking nearby!

Day 11 : Lake Manyara National Park

We say farewell to Serengeti National Park and begin our next adventure at Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. Nestled along the Rift Valley escarpment, these protected lands offer countless photo opportunities and views of giant acacia trees, large elephant herds, and a flamingo-filled lake. When we arrive at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, enjoy lunch and take time to get settled in before our thrilling afternoon game-viewing drive to see more wildlife, such as giraffes or baboons. Tonight, we gather for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our unforgettable safari adventures and new friendships.

Day 12 : Depart Africa

After breakfast, we bid goodbye to Lake Manyara National Park and return to Arusha. We then travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport and begin our journey back home.

Day 13 : Arrive Home