Imagine yourself in the midst of it all, in a luxurious lodge at fabled Maasai Mara Game Reserve or Serengeti National Park, drifting to sleep to the sounds of exotic birds and Days of big game viewing ahead. This is a dream come true of a 13-Day safari to Africa’s wildest places.

The African savannah – even the name evokes images of gazelle galloping across the plain, and herds of wildebeest and elephants gathering at water holes while families of lions keep watch in the tall grass nearby. Now, imagine yourself in the midst of it all, in a luxurious lodge at the fabled Maasai Mara Game Reserve or Serengeti National Park, drifting off to sleep to the sounds of exotic birds and dreams of Days of big game viewing to come. This is the dream come true of an incredible 13-Day safari to the heart of Africa’s wildest places.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi
Upon arrival in Nairobi, check into the superior, first-class Nairobi Serena Hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 2: Nairobi
Bustling Nairobi awaits—and beyond, the great natural wonders of Africa’s savannahs. ToDay, set out on a panoramic city tour of Nairobi that features the Parliament Building, the law courts, City Hall, McMillan Memorial Library and a visit to the National Museum or the National Gallery. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the home of Karen Blixen—more commonly known as Isak Dinesen, the famous author who wrote “Out of Africa.” Then enjoy a close-up encounter with the world’s tallest animal at the Giraffe Center. Later, a true cultural highlight of your tour—a special dinner cooked in your honor at the home of the Sofat family.

Day 3: Nairobi & Amboseli
ToDay your safari begins with a short scenic flight in a light aircraft to Amboseli National Park. Check into the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for a 2-night stay. After lunch hear about the traditions of the Maasai during an informal lecture and watch some of their most celebrated dancing. In the afternoon, take a game drive in the Park. This is the third most visited game reserve in Kenya, home to a kaleidoscope of wildlife. You may also be able to get a wonderful glimpse of legendary Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy dinner tonight at the lodge, followed by an evening of leisure.

Day 4: Amboseli
Wake to your first morning on an African game reserve. But do not linger long, for you will enjoy an early morning game drive in Amboseli National Park, where you might see zebras and giraffes grazing against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. This afternoon, take another game drive in the park and enjoy an exclusive “sundowner” at Observation Hill, where the views across the savannah can only be described as breathtaking. You will have dinner back at the lodge and relax under the Kenya stars.

Day 5: Amboseli & Ngorongoro
ToDay you will depart Amboseli for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the Crater Highlands of Tanzania—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and attend a short lecture introducing you to this unique place at the small museum as you enter the National Park. You will stay for two nights in a picturesque lodge on the rim of the crater—the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
This morning, you will set out on a game drive into the crater, searching for one of Africa’s most endangered animals—the difficult-to- spot black rhino. Afterward, you will enjoy a fascinating visit to a Maasai village where the traditional way of life continues to the present Day. Here you will meet the charming Maasai people and get to know their culture. Dinner is at the lodge, and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater & Central Serengeti National Park
ToDay the adventure continues in Olduvai Gorge, the place known as “The Cradle of Mankind,” where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the remains of the earliest humans. Then, proceed on a game drive en route to your lodge—as you enter Serengeti National Park. Check in at your lodge, relax and prepare for an afternoon game drive in the animal kingdom. You will stay for two nights at the Serengeti Serena Lodge right in the heart of the great park, amidst all the wildlife you have come so far to see.

Day 8: Central Serengeti National Park
ToDay you will enjoy a full Day of game viewing inside the world’s most famous game park, Serengeti National Park, searching to catch a glimpse of Africa’s great migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Be on the lookout exploring the unique natural diversity of the wildlife as this is one of the best places on the continent to witness the circle of life.

Day 9: Central Serengeti National Park & Western Serengeti National Park
Your third Day on the Serengeti begins with an early morning game drive. Take a picnic breakfast at the Seronera Visitors Center where, following a nature trail, you will learn the full story of the great migration. Enjoy a lovely lunch at the lodge before you cross the plains to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. For the next two evenings, you will be staying at the deluxe Kirawira Tented Camp in the remote region of the Grumeti River, offering commanding views of the African bush and majestic sunsets over the horizon.

Day 10: Western Serengeti National Park
Another of the region’s highlights awaits you on this morning’s tour—massive Lake Victoria, a source of the River Nile. As you head toward this great lake’s shores, you may encounter a range of wildlife including elephants and herds of zebra. At the lake you will be able to witness fisherman selling their catch and villagers going about their Day-to-Day business. Back at camp, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please.

Day 11: Western Serengeti National Park & Maasai Mara
This morning you will set out for Kenya, and the majestic expanses of yet another of Africa’s greatest wild places—the Maasai Mara. Here you will stay at the Serena Mara Lodge, with commanding views across the plains below and beyond. Enjoy more game viewing that defines your time in East Africa.

Day 12: Maasai Mara
Get a bird’s eye view of the Mara with an early morning hot-air balloon flight over the reserve, followed by a delectable “bush breakfast.” After an early dinner at the camp, set out for an incredible night game drive in the park.

Day 13: Maasai Mara & Nairobi
ToDay, return to Nairobi, Kenya. Enjoy a “farewell lunch” at a local restaurant. You will have a few hours to rest in a hotel room near the airport prior to beginning your journey home. Later, board your overnight flight home. Extend your journey for 4 nights in Zanzibar, the Spice Island and Mombasa, Kenya.

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