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Original

Wildlife

East Africa Highlights

4.8

Excellent

352 reviews

10 days

Start

Nairobi, Kenya

Finish

Arusha, Tanzania

Trip Code

YGSA

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

4WD Open Safari Vehicle, Private 4WD Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (4 nights)

From £2,822(10 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Meet the Maasai warriors of Kenya, visit a Maasai village that champions women’s health, and spend time with the Hadzabe community in Tanzania to see how their ancient culture endures today.

Venture into the incredible Maasai Mara National Reserve for 4WD safaris, in the morning and the afternoon. This gives you the best possible chance to spot the amazing wildlife that calls this place home.

Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth, with two early morning and two late afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.

Visit Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe people, who have lived in the area for over 10,000 years. Participate in daily activities like hunting and gathering, and discover their unique 'click' language, one of the oldest still in use today.

Safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.

Staying in a permanent tented camp in the Serengeti National Park, with no barriers between you and the animals, is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader.

This is a 4WD overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in 4WD vehicles, visiting remote communities and world-renowned wildlife parks. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.

There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider. All activities are subject to availability.

Itinerary

Sleep in the wilds of Serengeti, 4WD through a crater and spot the Big Five

Uncover the very best of East Africa on this 10-day journey from Nairobi, Kenya. Travel to some of the country’s most famous areas including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, where you'll take multiple game drives in search of the Big Five animals and more. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, impalas, wildebeest, leopards, giraffes, antelope and varied birdlife. Take in the enormity of Africa's largest lake and spend time with the local Maasai warriors and Hadzabe people to learn about their ancient traditions and modern way of life from an elder in the communities. With overnight stays in the middle of the national parks, stargazing opportunities, and local connections – this is the trip of a lifetime.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Nairobi
Karibu! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins in Nairobi – Kenya’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. When you've met your new travel buds, why not join the group for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Petty theft is common in Nairobi. As a general rule, the safest place for your valuables is on your person in a neck wallet or money belt. Your hotel room or reception may also have a safe in which to store things. If you do decide to go exploring, make sure you get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk – particularly for later in the day. Be careful not to leave bags unattended on chairs or the floor when you're in a bar or restaurant. Without being paranoid, appearing vigilant is a great deterrence to would-be thieves. Also, make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself – this will save you hours of time in paperwork if anything does happen.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Petty theft is common in Nairobi. As a general rule, the safest place for your valuables is on your person in a neck wallet or money belt. Your hotel room or reception may also have a safe in which to store things. If you do decide to go exploring, make sure you get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk – particularly for later in the day. Be careful not to leave bags unattended on chairs or the floor when you're in a bar or restaurant. Without being paranoid, appearing vigilant is a great deterrence to would-be thieves. Also, make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself – this will save you hours of time in paperwork if anything does happen.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Maasai Mara National Reserve
Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Maasai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Maasai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Maasai Mara National Reserve
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Maasai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited. You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Optional activities
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Balloon Safari (from price) - USD470
Special information
An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Lake Victoria
Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake. Your travel time today will be approximately 10-11 hours, including border formalities.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10-11 hours, including border formalities.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented camp via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – with your comfortable safari camp set right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories, then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, not including your safari en route to camp. Your safari tent is equipped with an ensuite, solar power, and private veranda. The camp is unfenced, and there's a good chance wildlife will be nearby or wander through camp, particularly at night. Your leader will provide a full safety briefing upon arrival.
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, not including your safari en route to camp.
Your safari tent is equipped with an ensuite, solar power, and private veranda. The camp is unfenced, and there's a good chance wildlife will be nearby or wander through camp, particularly at night. Your leader will provide a full safety briefing upon arrival.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Serengeti National Park
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to camp for a relaxed brunch. This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to camp for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars. There is another optional balloon ride this morning, offered as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Today’s game drives will depend on the time of year and how far the best possible animal sightings are likely to be from camp. To maximize your chances of epic wildlife encounters (and reduce time spent commuting to and from camp), you may do a full-day safari rather than separate morning and afternoon safaris.
Accommodation
Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Optional activities
Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
Special information
There is another optional balloon ride this morning, offered as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
Today’s game drives will depend on the time of year and how far the best possible animal sightings are likely to be from camp. To maximize your chances of epic wildlife encounters (and reduce time spent commuting to and from camp), you may do a full-day safari rather than separate morning and afternoon safaris.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Karatu
Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including the safari as you make your way out of the Serengeti.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including the safari as you make your way out of the Serengeti.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Karatu
After breakfast, make your way towards Lake Eyasi, a vast seasonal soda lake, stopping at a scenic viewpoint to take in the magnificent views across its shimmering waters. The area surrounding Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues with little modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers fascinating insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. Meet community members and take part in daily activities such as hunting, gathering, and traditional dance, while learning about their unique ‘click’ language — believed to be one of the oldest still spoken today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to relax and unwind. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake View Point
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Arusha
Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. The optional activity prices do not include transportation costs. These depend on the number of travellers booking the activity and can be split accordingly.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Optional activities
Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
The optional activity prices do not include transportation costs. These depend on the number of travellers booking the activity and can be split accordingly.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Arusha / Nairobi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours to Nairobi. Any flights out of Nairobi should not be booked to depart before 9 pm tonight. We highly recommend you book a post-trip accommodation and depart the following day. If you need additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent beforehand. The drop-off point in Nairobi will be Hotel Boulevard.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours to Nairobi.
Any flights out of Nairobi should not be booked to depart before 9 pm tonight. We highly recommend you book a post-trip accommodation and depart the following day. If you need additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent beforehand.
The drop-off point in Nairobi will be Hotel Boulevard.

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

4WD Open Safari Vehicle, Private 4WD Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (4 nights)

Included activities

Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari

Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive

Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit

Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake View Point

Optional activities

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Balloon Safari (from price) - USD470

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800

Karatu - Village Visit - USD20

Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25

Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80

Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Jan 30, 2026

Sunday Feb 08, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Tuesday Feb 03, 2026

Thursday Feb 12, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£3,278£2,950

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£3,185

Friday Feb 13, 2026

Sunday Feb 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£3,740

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026

Thursday Feb 26, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£3,185

Friday Feb 20, 2026

Sunday Mar 01, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£3,460

Tuesday Feb 24, 2026

Thursday Mar 05, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 15 spaces left

£3,135£2,822

Friday Feb 27, 2026

Sunday Mar 08, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£3,289

Friday Mar 13, 2026

Sunday Mar 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£3,229

Friday Apr 24, 2026

Sunday May 03, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£3,135

Friday May 08, 2026

Sunday May 17, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£3,168

Friday May 15, 2026

Sunday May 24, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£3,135

Friday May 22, 2026

Sunday May 31, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£3,113

Friday May 29, 2026

Sunday Jun 07, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£3,234

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This itinerary offers two optional sunrise balloon safaris—one in the Maasai Mara and another in Serengeti National Park. We offer both as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.

Reviews (331)

5 stars

292

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Troy

Jan 11, 2026

The East Africa Highlights Tour was the trip of a lifetime which did not disappoint! Elijah our tour leader, along with drivers Becky and Pascal, were awesome. They were all so patient and knowledgeable making sure we all left with the best experience. Bucket list ✔️.

Brett

Jan 11, 2026

As a family of five, we had a wonderful experience on this tour. All arrangements weee excellent and I recommend this tour to anyone wanting a blend of cultural and safari parks.

Steven

Jan 10, 2026

Beyond your expectations!

Anouska

Jan 10, 2026

A trip of a lifetime! Thank you Intrepid- you came highly recommended from friends and you lived up to it all and more! We absolutely loved our Africa adventure so much. Until next time.

Diane Krosby

Jan 10, 2026

This was a sensational trip, highly recommended. Our guide Elijah & drivers Charles & John were sensational, we were lucky enough to see the Big Five and had an amazingly memorable experience.

Kristi

Jan 10, 2026

An experience of a lifetime. This trip was exciting and personal. It had a great balance of exploring, culture and rest. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough. The drivers and our leader Elijah were so knowledgeable and passionate it adds so much excitement to the trip!!!

Daniel

Jan 10, 2026

This trip was the best trip I have ever been on, the trip leaders, drivers, accommodations and tribes were all so knowledgeable and it was so lucky that we got to experience this. Seeing all the animals was amazing, we were truly lucky and we spent it with great people as well. Highly recommend this trip to everyone!!! Make sure Elijah is your trip leader!!

Malcolm

Jan 04, 2026

Big shout out to the Intrepid brand & just wanted to say that Embarking on this safari through Kenya and Tanzania was a 40th wedding anniversary for us which was a truly fantastic adventure for the three of us that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived in the Maasai Mara, we were captivated by the vast golden savannahs, teeming with wildlife. Witnessing the majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and enormous herds of wildebeest roaming freely was nothing short of magical. To have also seen all the BIG 5 was also a big bucket list tick for silvana and alanah. All of our driver / guides were incredibly knowledgeable as were you as Chief Experience Officer, and all your sharing insightful information from your own knowledge and experience about animal behavior, conservation, and the fascinating Maasai culture were greatly appreciated. Crossing into Tanzania, the Serengeti greeted us with endless plains and spectacular predator activity. The Ngorongoro Crater felt like a natural amphitheater of wildlife — elephants, rhinos, zebras, and flamingos all within a few kilometers. Seeing the final BIG 5 (black rhino) which coupled with the other spectacular park offerings 🦬🦒🐃😁🦏🐘 with its own unique beauty, from Tarangire’s giant elephant herds to the lush surrounding landscapes. The accommodations ranged from luxury lodges / Motels with stunning views to authentic tented camps, blending comfort with the raw beauty of the wild. What truly stood out was the seamless organization, the attention to detail, and the genuine passion of our guides, which made every game drive and every cultural interaction unforgettable. The combination of Kenya’s iconic plains and Tanzania’s vast wilderness creates a safari experience that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. This journey didn’t just meet our expectations — it redefined what a wildlife adventure should be.” 👏🥰🤘🏿🦾🐘🦬🦏🦒🐃🐆

Malcolm

Jan 03, 2026

Gemma

Dec 21, 2025

This was a great trip to get to spend a lot of time out searching for animals! We got to see lots and lots of wildlife across the tour. Travel days are long and bumpy, and some accommodation is quite basic, but then other accom sites (i.e. glamping) were sensational. Definitely do the balloon safari!

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