Nairobi National Park – Mara North Conservancy – Northern Serengeti – Eastern Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Michamvi Peninsula
15 Days / 14 Nights
Day 1: Ololo Safari Lodge
Nairobi National Park
Bordering the capital city of Nairobi, in beautiful Kenya, the Nairobi National Park is one of Africa’s smallest parks and one of the only parks on earth to be in such close proximity to a city centre. It boasts a large and varied wildlife population, amid wide open grass plains against a backdrop of city scrapers. The park is home to one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries with the world’s highest concentration of black rhinoceros. Its wetland areas are abundant with birdlife boasting over 400 bird species. Visitors can enjoy the many facilities the park has to offer such as scenic picnic sites, well-positioned campsites, and hiking trails. Commonly spotted species include lion, hyena, warthog, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, buffalo, and sometimes if you’re lucky, leopard and cheetah.
Overnight: Ololo Safari Lodge
Ololo Safari Lodge is located on the banks of the Mbagathi River on the southern border of the Nairobi National Park. The accommodation features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi access, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy food made from seasonal, fresh ingredients at the onsite restaurant. Additional facilities and services include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre, a bar, and parking facilities.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Day 2-5: Ngare Serian, Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy
Situated in southwest Kenya, the Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area spanning more than 30 000 hectares. It is home to a spectacular array of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals; including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and large concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other migratory wildlife. Leopard Gorge, in the heart of the conservancy, is famous as the setting of countless BBC Big Cat Diaries and National Geographic documentaries. Neighbouring the well-known Maasai Mara National Reserve, this conservancy is vital for sustaining the famous Serengeti wildebeest migrations as well as the endangered African wild dog and black rhino.
Overnight: Ngare Serian View iBrochure
Ngare Serian consists of only 4 tents, and this intimacy makes it perfect for hosting a family holiday, or gathering a group of friends. The tents are dotted along the riverbank, decked out in style with Zanzibar four-poster beds and open bathrooms overlooking pods of hippo. Take a leaf out the hippos’ book: lounge languidly, soaking up the sights and sounds of the bush from the bathtub built into your veranda decking.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Day 5-7: Sayari, Northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti
Located between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the north, the Northern Serengeti is a remote African wildlife wonderland. The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.
Overnight: Sayari View iBrochure
Sayari Camp offers some of the world’s finest game viewing – and it does so in remarkable style. Relax in your stylish hillside suite after a day on safari, or take a dip in the infinity pool with dramatic views over the northern plains. Intimate, contemporary, and elegant, it is no surprise that this permanent camp is regularly voted one of the top safari escapes on the planet.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Day 7-9: Namiri Plains Camp, Eastern Serengeti
Eastern Serengeti
The rich acacia-dotted plains of the Eastern Serengeti are home to abundant wildlife. Visitors flock here to view the world-renowned wildebeest migration. Some of the best game-viewing can be enjoyed from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River. Popular activities include: taking a guided walk through the spectacularly scenic terrain of the wild Serengeti, jumping on a hot air balloon safari, picnics in the bush, and learning about Maasai culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world famous Gol Kopjes for the best cheetah viewing in Africa.
Overnight: Namiri Plains Camp View iBrochure
Completely refurbished and upgraded in 2019, Namiri Plains is in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti. This remote camp is also a conservation initiative, protecting an area crucial to cheetah and other big cats.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Day 9-11: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.
Overnight: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp View iBrochure
Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.15am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the floor within 10-15 minutes – crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Day 11: Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas, Michamvi Peninsula
Michamvi Peninsula
Stretching over 10 kilometres in length and situated in the southeastern corner of Zanzibar, Michamvi Peninsula is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, and its array of luxury hotels and tropical island retreats. The peninsula is famed for its pristine palm-fringed beaches lapped by calm crystal-clear waters. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: snorkelling in the calm waters, jumping on a diving excursion to the thriving barrier reef, and relaxing on the countless unspoilt beaches that line this scenic peninsula. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Zanzibar’s most idyllically-set restaurant; perched on a coral outcrop and only accessible at low tide, ‘The Rock’ serves an impressive array fresh seafood including: prawns, fish, crab, and even crayfish.
Overnight: Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas
Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas is situated in Zanzibar, Tanzania, near Pingwe Beach, Michamvi Beach, the Jozani Forest National Park and the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. Villas feature air-conditioning, blackout curtains, soundproofing, a safety deposit box, a television, a desk and tea and coffee facilities. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy meals. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a spa, a swimming pool and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 12: Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas, Michamvi Peninsula
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 13: Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas, Michamvi Peninsula
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 14: Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas, Michamvi Peninsula
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 15: End of Itinerary
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Transport
Flight Information
Date | Flight | Airline | Departure Airport | Time | Arrival Airport | Time | Class | Ref |
Scheduled | Wilson Airport [WIL] | Mara North Airstrip | ||||||
Scheduled | Mara Kati Kati | Kogatende Airstrip | ||||||
Charter Flight | Seronera Airstrip [SEU] | Lake Manyara Airstrip | ||||||
Scheduled | Lake Manyara Airstrip | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport [ZNZ] |
Transfers
Date | Company | Pick Up | Drop Off | Time | Vehicle |
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [NBO] | Ololo Safari Lodge | Transfer | |||
Ololo Safari Lodge | Wilson Airport [WIL] | Transfer | |||
Mara North Airstrip | Ngare Serian | Transfer | |||
Ngare Serian | Mara Kati Kati | Transfer | |||
Kogatende Airstrip | Sayari | Transfer | |||
Sayari | Namiri Plains Camp | Transfer | |||
Namiri Plains Camp | Seronera Airstrip [SEU] | Transfer | |||
Lake Manyara Airstrip | Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp | Transfer | |||
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp | Lake Manyara Airstrip | Transfer | |||
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport [ZNZ] | Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas | Transfer | |||
Isaraya Luxury Over Water Villas | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport [ZNZ] | Transfer |
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling
Symbol: KSh
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)
Banking:
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Sometimes
Diner’s club: Sometimes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 – 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport
Road:
Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver’s License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared
Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.
Drinks:
Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)
*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 680 mm
Average temperature: 25°C – 29°C
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C
Average in lows: 16°C
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 12°C
* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.
Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in cities.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: G
Voltage (V): 240
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Symbol: TSh
ISO code: TZS
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 shillings
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shillings
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel,Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver’s License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don’t miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit).