Offering exceptional value at unbeatable prices, this 10 night / 11 day safari combines Kenya and Tanzania, with transfers by air and road from the Mara to Serengeti where you begin your Tanzania portion of the tour. By going straight from Mara to Serengeti you avoid losing a day having to travel via Nairobi to connect between the two destinations. Instead, this itinerary maximises your game viewing experience with a morning in the Mara followed by the afternoon in the Serengeti. The safari combines the eco-friendly Porini Camps in exclusive wildlife conservancies in Kenya, where there are limits on vehicle numbers and guests are able to be driven off road, and the famous Tanzania parks of Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire staying in the luxurious small Nimali Camps. (Extra nights can be added at any of the camps for those preferring a longer stay).
The safari begins in Nairobi, from where you fly to either the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, right on the equator in Central Kenya, known for its rich wildlife, home to over 100 black rhinos and a sanctuary for rescued chimps as well as a refuge to the world’s last remaining three northern white Rhinos; or to Selenkay Conservancy in the Amboseli ecosystem, for 2 nights. Amboseli is famous for its large Elephant herds which can be photographed against the natural backdrop of Africas highest peak – the iconic Kilimanjaro. Accommodation is at Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta or Porini Amboseli Camp in Selenkay Conservancy.
Next the tour takes you to the Maasai Mara, known for its teeming wildlife including all the big cats. Your stay will be in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, at the exclusive Porini Mara Camp where you will be accommodated for 3 nights on all inclusive basis. From the Mara you will transfer by air and road across the border into Tanzania and on to Northern Serengeti where you will be accommodated for 2 nights at the newly opened luxury Nimali Mara Camp. The location of Nimali Mara allows for great wildlife viewing across the Serengeti all year round. Next you will fly to Lake Manyara National Park where you will enjoy a game drive before moving on to overnight at Tloma lodge in Karatu. From here you will visit the Ngorongoro Crater, considered to be one of the most breath-taking locations in East Africa. In the afternoon you will transfer to Tarangire National Park for 2 nights at Nimali Tarangire Camp.
September sees the great migration herds spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle. This river gushes through the northern Serengeti from Kenya’s adjacent Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular; there are often scenes of great panic and confusion. It’s common to see herds cross the Mara River north on one day, and then back south a few days later. Nimali Mara Camp is a great location from where to enjoy the spectacle.
The safari ends with a transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for the flight back to Nairobi.