KENYA CULTURAL SAFARIS, KENYA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

 

This is one of the most beautiful lands in Africa and a satisfyingly exciting and relatively easy place to travel, whether on a short holiday or an extended stay. The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) would not mean much to most people if it was not for this East African adventure land. Revered by anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya boasts the most diverse collection of wild animals on the continent.

 

On the Indian Ocean coast, the palm-shaded strands of beach and almost continuous, reef-protected lagoons await you. You will find a rewarding degree of openness and curiosity in Kenya's towns and villages. Out in the wilds, there is an abundance of authentic scenic glamour - vistas of rolling savannah dotted with Masai and their herds, high Kikuyu moorlands, dense forests bursting with bird song and insect noise, and stony, shimmering desert.

 

CULTURAL SAFARIS IN EAST AFRICA - KENYA AND TANZANIA

14 Days/ 13 Nights CULTURAL / WILDLIFE SAFARI

 

Day 01 - Arrive Nairobi
Jambo Bwana and we are cordially welcomed as we arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We are transferred to our hotel, which is ideally situated within the city centre. Balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel /Nairobi Serena Hotel.

 

Day 2 Nairobi- Masai Mara
Safari begins as we depart by road and traverse the Rift Valley before ascending its western rim into Masai land. Red-clad, with spears always on hand, Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. Afternoon we have the first of many ‘Spice’ game drives in search of wildlife. Masai Mara is probably the best-known game reserve. Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Days 03 & 04 - Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon ‘Spice’ game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. The most spectacular feature is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara's grasslands from late June, tracked by predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Apart from the seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year round. Game includes: - elephant, Black Rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, Burch ell’s zebra, hartebeest, various antelope and gazelle, lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant cheetah, hippo, crocodile and much more. Meal Plan {B, L, D}.

 

Day 05 - Masai Mara / Lake Naivasha
Breakfast at our lodge and we proceed to Lake Naivasha - the highest and purest of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Lunch at the Club after which we enjoy a refreshing boat cruise on the lake. This area is famous for its bird life - a breeding ground for pelicans, fish eagles, cormorants and more. We will also find other animals such as hippos, zebra, antelope, colobus, monkeys, etc.
Overnight at Lake Naivasha Country Club. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Day 06 - Lake Naivasha -Amboseli
Today we drive to Nairobi to arrive in time for lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant after which we continue to Amboseli National Park situated at the foothills of the Majestic 5895m (19342 ft) Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa.
Overnight at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Day 07 Amboseli
Morning and afternoon, ‘Spice’ game viewing against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro. The park offers a wide variety of wildlife but the principal attraction is its vast herds of elephant within the park. The bull elephants here have some of the largest tusks in Kenya. Other game includes zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, leopard, caracal and several different species of cats. The park boasts a rich bird life such as ibis, egret, avocet, common and saddle-billed stork, secretary bird, heron, vultures, ducks, and geese. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Day 08 – Amboseli-Arusha
Kwaheri (Swahili for good-bye) to Kenya as we drive to the border post of Namanga where after clearing immigration formalities, we change vehicles and enter Tanzania. Drive to Arusha, to our overnight lodge situated on a working coffee plantation at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha is the exact center between Cairo and Cape Town.
Overnight: Mountain Village. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Day 09 - Arusha / Ngorongoro
An interesting drive through a rural area dotted with villages gets us to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Our lodge is situated on the rim of the crater. The crater covers over 250 square kilometers (over 100 square miles) of land and is home to the rare black rhino, lion, elephant, cheetah and great herds of buffalo, antelope and wildebeest.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Meal Plan {B, L, D}

 

Day 10 - Ngorongoro
We descend 600m (nearly 2000 ft) to the floor of the crater for a ‘Spice’ game drive and picnic lunch. Explore the forest areas inhabited mainly by monkeys and elephants. Around the lake area, we see flamingos and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Meal Plan {B}

 

Day 11 - Ngorongoro -Arusha –Zanzibar
Our ‘Spice’ game drive ends with a transfer to Arusha, to catch our scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Zanzibar invokes so many different images for so many different people, history, culture, the sultans of Oman once ruled romance...This ancient island and Pirates and explorers considered it their stepping-stone into the Africa. Upon arrival, we are welcomed in the typical Swahili culture and are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Inn. Meal Plan {B}

 

Day 12 - Zanzibar
We start our Zanzibar experience with a half-day tour of the World Heritage Site Stone Town and enjoy a fragrant and colorful spice tour. The tour of the historical town includes the City Market, Anglican Church, Zanzibar Museum and Sultan's Palace. The architecture of the stone town captivates the eye with its wooden Arab inspired doors ornately carved, some with pointed brass bosses. There is so much history to Zanzibar that you find acute juxtapositions. The Cathedral church was built over the former slave market, its high altar on the site of the whipping post. Continue on the Spice Tour, which is sure to sharpen your senses. Drive through the countryside to visit the spice plantations with an opportunity to pick, smell and savor exotic fruits and spices. Meal Plan {B}

 

Day 13 Zanzibar
Breakfast at our hotel. Today our day is at leisure to laze around the pool, explore the narrow streets, or enjoy the Indian Ocean silver sands. Meal Plan {B}

 

Day 14 Depart
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meal Plan {B}

 

Tour Includes

Hotels as per itinerary

Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Regional/Domestic Air: Arusha / Zanzibar

All game drive and transfers by jeeps

Road taxes, parking fees, drivers overnight wages

Local Guides

Entrance fees at all Parks, Sites, Museums

Visa Support as required

Tour Does Not Include

International Airfare

Departure Taxes

Personal Insurances

Visa Fees

Drinks/Beverages with meals

Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides

All Other Items Not Mentioned