Classic African Safari Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi

Karibu (welcome)! Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Nairobi to check in and rest up for your early departure tomorrow to begin your Classic Safari Nyota adventure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nairobi
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Fly to Maasai Mara National Reserve & Safari

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to Maasai Mara National Reserve. Disembark from the plane to enjoy a colorful reception before it’s time to load into your 4×4 vehicle for your first of many safaris.

Once settled at camp, you have the additional options of planting a tree to be a part of the reforestation initiative as well as interacting with the mamas maasais to purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
Overnight Location: Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Discover the Great Migration Safari

This morning covers some ground on a safari of the game reserve, up to the Mara riverbanks not far from camp. The Mara River acts as a natural barrier wildlife cross each year. Hundreds of thousands of zebra and wildebeest create a spectacular show of survival as they make the crossing, known as The Great Migration.

You’ll have the pleasure of trekking to some of the major crossing points along the Mara River on a Bush Walking Safari. Keep a keen eye to spot the local wildlife, including crocodiles.
Overnight Location: Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Transfer to Victoria Lake & Afternoon Cruise

Splurge on the option to sail over the savannah in the basket of a hot air balloon followed by a champagne breakfast, not unlike the Victorian-era safaris of the past.

Come mid-morning, you’ll pack up and head west along the Mara River to cross into Tanzania to make your way toward Lake Victoria. Here, you’ll board a boat to then enjoy a 45-minute cruise to a Lukuba Island When it’s time, you’ll go on a guided walk to explore the island, climbing to the highest peak for all-encompassing views and take in a stunning African sunset.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Lake Victoria
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 River cruise & Transfer to Serengeti National Park

This morning you’ll embark on a river cruise after breakfast to Musoma for some of the best sightings of local birdlife amid the stunning beauty of the area. Next, you’ll proceed into the heart of the Serengeti National Park to your tent at the Pumzika Luxury Safari Camp in exclusive Seronera.

A natural extension of the Masaai Mara, Serengeti National Park’s borders are crossed annually by one and a half million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras and 500,000 gazelles between July and October, followed by the carnivores of mostly lions and hyenas. Relax in your luxury setting, far from civilization, and enjoy the 360-degree views of the Serengeti and all contained within.
Overnight Location: Luxury Camp in Serengeti National Park
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Explore Serengeti National Park

As wildlife is most active at sunrise and sundown, you’ll have an early start to the day to seek out the “big 5” (lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinoceros, and leopards) as well as a second outing in the late afternoon.
In between safaris, relax at camp, set in the middle of the unending plain complete with infinite skies and innumerable stars.
Overnight Location: Luxury Camp in Serengeti National Park
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Visit a Maasai Village & Ngorongoro Conservation Area

At sunrise, you’ll move on toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing the kopjes (stacks of ancient rock formations that jut out of the grasslands), where you might be lucky enough to see a lounging lion, leopard, or cheetah. If there’s interest, there is the option to visit Olduvai Gorge, home to incredible fossils and artifacts showcasing the earliest existence of man.

From here, it’s a quick visit to a Maasai community to discover local customs before finally arriving at your camp at the edge of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy the unique experience of such an exclusive location granting striking vistas and insight into the symbiotic relationship between the Maasai way of life, wildlife, and sustainable tourism.
Overnight Location: Camp at the Ngorongoro Crater
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Morning safari of Ngorongoro Crater; Transfer to Arusha

At sunrise, you’ll wake to venture down to Ngorongoro’s floor for an up-close look at the unique volcanic crater. At 600 meters deep and 20 km in diameter, Ngorongoro hosts the densest animal population in the whole of Africa with more than 40,000 Maasai farmers working the land. The crater acts like a natural cage keeping the incredible numbers of wildlife contained and provides a year-round source of water (so the animals are not forced to migrate). You’ll have excellent chances of spotting big game animals on your safari of the famous crater.

After the game drive, it’s time to make your way further east to your hotel in Arusha.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arusha
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Depart Arusha

This morning you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination taking your memories with you.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast