Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer (Accommodated) - 13 days
Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer (Accommodated) - 13 days
13 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Visiting: Masai Mara National Reserve, Masai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2493/
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 13-day adventure through the heart of East Africa with the Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer tour. This journey takes you from the bustling city of Nairobi to the iconic Masai Mara, where you'll experience thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five. Cross into Tanzania to explore the vast Serengeti and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with wildlife. Relax on the Indian Ocean's palm-fringed beaches in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, before heading to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Here, unwind on pristine beaches, explore historic Stone Town, and indulge in optional activities like snorkeling and spice tours. With comfortable accommodations ranging from permanent tents to beachfront chalets, this small group safari tour offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later.
During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp in pre-erected en suite tents on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 3: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night at a campsite on the edge of the city.
Day 4: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Meserani Snake Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country's safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our rustic accommodation at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles to embark on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.
Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We game drive to our unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife roaming nearby.
Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Simba Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 6, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 7 we drive down a steep road into the crater itself for an unforgettable morning game drive. You will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes. Interestingly, they cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Day 8: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: Firefly Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. Today we have a long but scenic drive as we travel away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and towards the Indian Ocean coast. We will pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route, and if the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of Africa's highest mountain.
The port town of Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We stay on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 9: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: Kipepeo Beach Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. It's only a relatively short drive south along the coast to Dar es Salaam today. The city is Tanzania’s main port and is a hub of commerce and industry - a hot, humid, and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets, and Arab-influenced architecture on the coast. We stay by the beach just outside the city tonight, and you'll have time to go for a swim.
Day 10-12: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: All Seasons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 10, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Enjoy free time on the island. Independently explore historic Stone Town on day 10 before we drive to one of the beautiful beaches in the north of the island for two days of Indian Ocean relaxation. Perhaps visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. You can also enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
In Zanzibar we typically spend day 10 in Stone Town and days 11 and 12 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 13: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean or do some last-minute shopping before we board the ferry back to the mainland. Feeling refreshed after your three-day beach break, it is time for our tour to come to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple accommodation & camping -
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners.
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7 nights simple twin share accommodation, 3 nights in permanent tented camps and 2 nights camping in 2-person dome tents
Accommodation includes 7 nights in simple twin share rooms, 3 nights in permanent tented camps, and 2 nights camping in 2-person dome tents.
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Escorted by a 2-person crew
The tour is escorted by a 2-person crew.
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Masai Mara Excursion in purpose built safari vehicles and game drives with a resident guide
The tour includes a Masai Mara excursion in purpose-built safari vehicles with game drives led by a resident guide.
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Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide
A walk through a Maasai village with a resident guide is included.
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Mattresses, sleeping bag and pillow provided for the nights camping
Mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided for the nights spent camping.
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
The tour includes an excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in a purpose-built safari vehicle with game drives led by a resident guide.
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All road tolls and vehicle taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included in the tour.
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Zanzibar return ferry ticket
The tour includes a return ferry ticket to Zanzibar.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
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Local Payment - A higher local payment of USD $1770 pp is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023
A local payment of USD $1770 per person is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023.
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour price.
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Local payment - $850pp, paid in USD
A local payment of $850 per person, paid in USD, is required.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations from permanent tents at Enchoro Wildlife Camp in the Masai Mara to simple chalets at Meserani Snake Park. Enjoy beachfront chalets at Kipepeo Beach Village and Amaan Bungalows in Zanzibar, offering comfort and stunning views. Each location provides unique amenities, including ensuite bathrooms, shared facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, transitioning to specialized safari vehicles for game drives in the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Enjoy a ferry ride to Zanzibar, leaving the truck on the mainland, for a seamless exploration of diverse landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a mix of accommodations including simple twin share accommodation, permanent tented camps, and camping in 2-person dome tents. Specific accommodations include Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Wildebeest Eco Camp, Meserani Snake Park, Simba Camp, Firefly Camp, Kipepeo Beach Village, All Seasons Hotel, and Amaan Bungalows.
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Are there any special activities included in the Masai Mara part of the tour?
Yes, during the Masai Mara part of the tour, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in purpose-built safari vehicles with a resident guide. There is also an opportunity to join a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide.
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What wildlife can I expect to see in the Ngorongoro Crater?
In the Ngorongoro Crater, you can expect to see a variety of major African animals, except for giraffes, as they cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim. The crater is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
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What activities are available during the Zanzibar portion of the tour?
During the Zanzibar portion of the tour, you have free time to explore historic Stone Town, relax on the northern beaches, visit a spice plantation, snorkel, and enjoy optional activities such as massages, yacht trips, and a sunset dhow cruise.
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Is there any special equipment provided for camping during the tour?
Yes, for the nights spent camping, mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided.
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What is the transportation like during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. For certain excursions, such as the Masai Mara and Serengeti, purpose-built safari vehicles are used.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.