Great Safaris Trip Itinerary for a Group Safari

Private transfer to the Airport

Internal flight from Nairobi to Loisaba

Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba is a 57,000 acre wildlife conservancy located in Northern Laikipia, Kenya. The two permanent rivers and abundant permanent springs make Loisaba attractive to wildlife throughout the year. Made for adventure, guests can enjoy complete freedom to choose how they spend their time so the only barrier is your own imagination. Trek through the bush with camels, mountain bike down the escarpment, horseback ride or drive through the plains and really explore this vast and beautiful conservancy.

The Loisaba Community Trust, together with it’s partners, continues to ensure Loisaba remains a catalyst for community development, a hub for wildlife research, and a world-class ecotourism destination offering unique opportunities for guests to become part of the Loisaba story both during their visit and for years to come.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

Activities in Loisaba Conservation Area

One of the best ways to view the wildlife at Loisaba is from a safari converted Land Rover on a game drive. Whether you choose to go out early in the morning or later on in the afternoon, a KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) qualified guide will take you across the open plains, through the central scrub area or along the river.

As a haven for over 260 bird and 50 mammal species, guests can spend time with towers of endangered reticulated giraffes, herds of elephants and endangered Grevy’s zebra, prides of lions, cheetahs and elusive leopards. African wild dogs, thought for many years to be extinct in the region, are once again being sighted at Loisaba. If you are interested in learning about or meeting with our research partners, please do let us know.

Loisaba offers more than just morning and afternoon game drives ...
- Walking safaris: a great way to view Loisaba is on foot. You will be accompanied by your guide as well as a ranger whose knowledge of local flora, fauna and history is unmatched.
- Horse riding: an unique exhilaration riding on the plains with a herd of zebra, walking gently through a graceful tower of giraffes or past a herd of elephants. On horseback it is possible to get unusually close to wildlife and our horses and ponies have all been reared from birth in the bush so are quite accustomed to its presence.
- Camel riding: the traditional mode of transport in the drylands of Northern Kenya and another great way to experience Loisaba.
- Cultural visit: or a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon in our neighboring community and visit a traditional manyatta (village) and experience the local way of life, watch them dance and view some of their beadwork.
- Mountain biking: For the spirited adventurer, explore Loisaba’s varied terrain and stunning scenery with mountain bikes.
- Anti-poaching dog team: Loisaba has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, comprising of two sniffer dogs – Nanyokie and Memusi – and their handler team. Visit the headquarters and learn about their day to day training and activities, as well as participating in an anti-poaching demonstration.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

Activities in Loisaba Conservation Area

One of the best ways to view the wildlife at Loisaba is from a safari converted Land Rover on a game drive. Whether you choose to go out early in the morning or later on in the afternoon, a KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) qualified guide will take you across the open plains, through the central scrub area or along the river.

As a haven for over 260 bird and 50 mammal species, guests can spend time with towers of endangered reticulated giraffes, herds of elephants and endangered Grevy’s zebra, prides of lions, cheetahs and elusive leopards. African wild dogs, thought for many years to be extinct in the region, are once again being sighted at Loisaba. If you are interested in learning about or meeting with our research partners, please do let us know.

Loisaba offers more than just morning and afternoon game drives ...
- Walking safaris: a great way to view Loisaba is on foot. You will be accompanied by your guide as well as a ranger whose knowledge of local flora, fauna and history is unmatched.
- Horse riding: an unique exhilaration riding on the plains with a herd of zebra, walking gently through a graceful tower of giraffes or past a herd of elephants. On horseback it is possible to get unusually close to wildlife and our horses and ponies have all been reared from birth in the bush so are quite accustomed to its presence.
- Camel riding: the traditional mode of transport in the drylands of Northern Kenya and another great way to experience Loisaba.
- Cultural visit: or a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon in our neighboring community and visit a traditional manyatta (village) and experience the local way of life, watch them dance and view some of their beadwork.
- Mountain biking: For the spirited adventurer, explore Loisaba’s varied terrain and stunning scenery with mountain bikes.
- Anti-poaching dog team: Loisaba has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, comprising of two sniffer dogs – Nanyokie and Memusi – and their handler team. Visit the headquarters and learn about their day to day training and activities, as well as participating in an anti-poaching demonstration.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

*** Air Kenya Scheduled Flight to Masai Mara - depart 10:15am and arrive 12:15pm

Internal flight from Loisaba to Masai Mara

Masai Mara

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings and of course... more wildlife and adventure than any movie could ever portray. Welcome to the Masai Mara, home to the lions of ‘Big Cat Diary’, temporary residence of the ‘Great Migration’, mighty Maasai warriors and some of the most luxurious safari lodges on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travelers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

*** Inclusive of local drinks - water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, selected spirit and vodka

Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced and professional driver-guide. After sundowners in the bush, guests will get to experience a night drive on the way back to the lodge, allowing guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day.

Masai Mara Game Reserve is a renowned park that offers wonderful wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Masai Mara plains are commonly dominated by an incredible variety of mammals. From large herds of herbivores like wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle to the famous “Big Five” - it is estimated there are around 1,000 lions in the Masai Mara.

In the Mara River you will find hippo that submerge at the approach of a vehicle, only to surface seconds later to snort and grumble their displeasure. It is also home to the Nile crocodile, the continent’s largest reptile. On several occasions you will spot drowsy crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, mouths agape, waiting for prey at which to strike with lightning swiftness. The region also provides habitat for a variety of birds with over 450 species having been recorded.

*** Inclusive of local drinks - water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, selected spirit and vodka

Hot Air Balloon safari Masai Mara

In the crisp air of dawn, the passengers watch the crew partially inflates the balloon with enormous fans before the gas burners are ignited to fill the balloon with hot air. The crew directs clients how to get into the basket moments before take-off. The balloons lift off just before sunrise when the breeze on the plains is still cold. Once airborne, the balloon is blown by the prevailing winds across the broad landscape. Apart from the hiss of the burners, the flight above the plains is magically silent. The pilot controls the height of the craft by regulating the flow of hot air into the balloon. Sometimes the balloon will descend over the plains for a close up view of the wildlife; on other occasions, it rises to clear a tree canopy and rise over the riverine forest. This is an experience never to be forgotten. Enjoy the rest of the day on safari exploring this amazing park.

Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced and professional driver-guide. After sundowners in the bush, guests will get to experience a night drive on the way back to the lodge, allowing guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day.

Masai Mara Game Reserve is a renowned park that offers wonderful wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Masai Mara plains are commonly dominated by an incredible variety of mammals. From large herds of herbivores like wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle to the famous “Big Five” - it is estimated there are around 1,000 lions in the Masai Mara.

In the Mara River you will find hippo that submerge at the approach of a vehicle, only to surface seconds later to snort and grumble their displeasure. It is also home to the Nile crocodile, the continent’s largest reptile. On several occasions you will spot drowsy crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, mouths agape, waiting for prey at which to strike with lightning swiftness. The region also provides habitat for a variety of birds with over 450 species having been recorded.

*** Inclusive of local drinks - water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local beers, house wines, selected spirit and vodka
*** The hot air balloon safari is an optional activity and not included in the tour cost - must be booked in advance

*** Air Kenya Scheduled flight to Migori with a short road transfer to Isebania Border. Clear customs & Immigration formalities and transfer to Tarime airstrip for Regional air scheduled flight to Serengeti Kogatende -depart Masai Mara 08:15am and arrive 11:20pm (flights included)

Travel from Masai Mara to the Serengeti

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is partly adjacent to the Kenya border and northwest of the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is best known for its huge herds of plains animals, especially wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras and it is the only place in Africa where vast land-animal migrations still take place. The park, an international tourist attraction, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.

The park was established in 1951 and covers 5,700 square miles with some of the best grassland range in Africa, as well as extensive acacia woodland savanna. With elevations ranging from 3,020 to 6,070 feet, the park extends 100 miles southeast from points near the shores of Lake Victoria and, in its eastern portion, 100 miles south from the Kenya-Tanzania border. During the wet season, from November to May, the herds graze in the southeastern plains within the park, with the calving season peaking around February when up to 8,000 calves are born daily for nearly two months. Early June one major group of animals moves west into the park’s woodland savanna and then north into the grasslands just beyond the Kenya-Tanzania border, an area known as the Masai Mara National Reserve, and another group migrates directly northward. The herds return to the Serengeti southeastern plains in November, at the end of the dry season.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

Game Drives in the Serengeti National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives in and over the vast plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometers in size. Dotted with trees and kopjes from which majestic lions control their kingdom; gaze upon the Great Migration in awe or find an elusive leopard in a riverine forest. The biological diversity of the park is very high with at least four globally threatened or endangered animal species: black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah.

Serengeti National Park is at the heart the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which is defined by the area covered by the annual migration. The property is contiguous with Ngorongoro Conservation Unit, an area of 528,000ha declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. The entire ecosystem also includes the Maswa Game Reserve in the south, Ikorongo Game Reserves in the east, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya (1,672km2) to the north, and Loliondo Game Controlled Area in the west. This entire ecosystem is intact and no barriers hamper the migration. Serengeti National Park is sufficiently large and intact to ensure the survival and vigour of all the species contained therein, if maintained in its present state but does not, by itself, ensure the protection of the entire ecosystem.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

*** Auric Air Scheduled flight to Lake Manyara - depart 10:15am and arrive 11:00am

Internal flight from Serengeti to Lake Manyara

Game drives in Lake Manyara National Park

Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. One of the small parks in Tanzania with an exceptional diverse vegetation ranging from savannah to marsh to evergreen forest, a total of 11 ecosystems. The chance to see elephant families moving through the forest or Lake Manyara's famous population of tree-climbing lions are alone reason enough to come. Lake Manyara also provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife with more than 400 species have been recorded to date, which include pink-hued flamingos (by the thousands during migration), as well as other large water-birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks. The dramatic western escarpment of the Rift Valley forms the park’s western border. To the east is the alkaline Lake Manyara, which covers one-third of the park but shrinks considerably in the dry season. During the rains, the lake hosts millions of flamingos and other bird life.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater

Game drives descend into the Ngorongoro Crater through a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, you may discover a large variety of grazing herbivores, up to 25,000 animals, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey. Depending on the time of year, you may see huge flocks of pink flamingo around the shores of the shallow Lake Magadi, while the surrounding swamp is inhabited by hippo. Safari vehicles are closed, with glass windows and a pop-up roof.

The crater has formed its own ecosystem due to its enclosed nature, and is one place where you can certainly tick all the boxes. Lerai Forest comprised of yellow fever trees and Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake. Roam to the east and you will find Gorigor Swamp and the Ngoitokitok Springs where happy pods of hippo can be found. The north of the Crater is where the bulk of the resident game resides thanks to the drier, open grasslands.

Masai village visit

An adventure to East Africa would not be complete without meeting the enchanting Maasai. This wonderful cultural excursion will immerse you in the fascinating ancestry of these noble people. On arrival at the Maasai village you will be warmly greeted by song and dance, followed by a guided tour of the village with the opportunity to meet with a Maasai family. Learn their way of living, and how to make fire.

The most famous of Africa’s people, these fierce warriors are still practicing their ancestral way of life and are known for their pastoral traditions, living off their herds of cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Since time immemorial the Maasai moved nomadically in search of water and pasture for their herds. Today they have established permanent settlements, and many of the Maasai do not roam as much. They still exist on a diet of milk, blood, and meat, however, it is becoming very common place to supplement their diet with grain.

Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater is an extinct volcanic caldera in the Eastern Great Rift Valley, northern Tanzania. The caldera measures between 10 and 12 miles across and has an area of 102 square miles. Its heavily forested rim rises 2,000 feet above the caldera’s floor to an elevation of 7,500 feet. Ngorongoro is thought to have formed about 2.5 million years ago from a large active volcano whose cone collapsed inward after a major eruption, leaving the present vast, unbroken caldera as its chief remnant.

The caldera’s floor is predominantly open grassland. It is home to a diverse array of animals including elephants, black rhinoceroses, leopards, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, gnu (wildebeests), Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, and the densest population of lions in the world. The local Masai people also graze their livestock in the crater. Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes, is renowned as a habitat for great flocks of pink flamingos.

*** Inclusive of local drinks and limited laundry

*** The international flight from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya is not included in the land tour cost

Arusha

Arusha is Tanzania's gateway to the northern circuit of stellar national parks and the starting point of a memorable safari. Located below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha City has a temperate climate. The city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru in the Arusha National Park.

It's also a large, sprawling city with vibrant markets that sell everything from meat and fish to fabrics and electronics, curios and African art by local artists. They are crowded and busy but a great way to experience 'local' Africa. Arusha is also considered an international diplomatic hub. It is home to the East African Community, and is set to be the capital city of the proposed East African federation. Arusha is home to many industries and business sectors, including banking, manufacturing, and tourism.

Private transfer to the Airport

International flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Nairobi, Kenya

Private transfer to the hotel

*** The international flight from Nairobi to Victoria Falls is not included in the land tour cost

Private transfer to the Airport

International flight from Nairobi to Victoria Falls

Meet & Greet - Zimbabwe

Tour of Victoria Falls

After breakfast, depart on a guided tour of Victoria Falls through the Rainforest. The guide will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird, wildlife and other points of interest as you walk along the ravine. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed, though it is recommended to take a small poncho with you.

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.

It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.

The Lookout Café Victoria Falls

The Lookout Café is an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where casual dining is a decadent affair. Menus range from cocktails and canapes to diverse meal options for seated dinners.
Imported wine from South African vineyards and flavors foraged from nature make the ‘place on a plate’ sentiment a reality. Delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make the Lookout Café a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls. The Cafe’s simplistic design creates a flow through, connecting indoor and outdoor dining space, offering diners a unique experience with breathtaking views. If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant menu with traditional as well as new flavors like local game meats and crocodile, situated in a great location then the Lookout Café is the place for you.

Ra-Ikane Sunset cruise

The Ra-Ikane I, II and III, offer a variety of cruises, including breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters. These boats represent the grace of a bygone era and honour the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane fleet is owned and operated by Ilala Lodge Hotel, and provides unique and unsurpassed river cruises on the mighty Zambezi River.

Fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert, the Ra-Ikane boats are named after the instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who accompanied and assisted Livingstone in his monumental discovery of the natural wonder, Victoria Falls. The monohull design of the Ra-Ikane boats enables them to navigate further up the Zambezi River and bring guests closer to the banks in the shallow water and, therefore, closer to all the action! With lots of space on the flat deck and a maximum of 16 passengers, there is plenty room to make yourself comfortable.

The well-appointed Ra-Ikane fleet was built to ensure that each guest is able to experience the wild beauty of the Zambezi River with ease and style. Our boats take a circular route around the islands to provide guests with a panoramic view of the upper and lower Zambezi River and the wildlife and birdlife it offers. Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide and waiter to ensure that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy snacks and local brand drinks during your sunset cruise.

Elephant Encounter

The Elephant Encounter affords guests the opportunity to unobtrusively observe some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment overflowing with raw natural beauty. Guests spend between 2.5 - 3 hours on this tour, learning and connecting with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.

An open-design thatch Boma gives guests an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and against this breath-taking back drop, guests will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.

Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephants and the sight of the gentle mammals up close and personal will be remembered long after they have returned home. Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.

After the encounter with these amazing creatures guests will be offered a selection of refreshments, followed by the a transfer back to your hotel/lodge.

Victoria Falls Town

A genuine bucket-list destination, Victoria Falls remains one of Africa's most famous tourist towns in Zimbabwe. Known world-wide as one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World’, there’s much more to the Victoria Falls than one of the world’s greatest waterfalls. The town is situated within the wider Victoria Falls National Park, while a short distance upstream lies the Zambezi National Park, and elephant, buffalo and various antelope species, including impala, kudu and waterbuck are common in the area, where residents co-existing with free roaming wildlife.

Many safari options are available from the town, including game drives, walking safaris and river boat safaris, with specialist birdwatching and fishing options. The Zambezi River above and below the Victoria Falls offers a variety of activity options, from scenic upstream river cruses to racing white-water rapids in the Batoka Gorge. Victoria Falls also makes the perfect base for exploring the wider region, with tours to prime safari viewing areas such as Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe), Chobe National Park (Botswana) and extended activity options in Livingstone (Zambia).

Or, meander through the vibrant town. Explore the Elephant’s Walk shopping village peppered with a variety of curio shops, a popular café with a peaceful indoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful flowers. Discover local craft markets showcasing the range of local artists and their talented handmade stone and wood carvings. A little further beyond you’ll find the award-winning Tammy Walker Gallery, a local artist known for her exceptional photography. The town centre offers delicious restaurants and coffee shops including a craft brewery, The Lookout Café offering unmissable views of the Victoria Falls bridge and supporting gorges with the chance to spot guests taking part in the adrenaline-rushing gorge swing or bungee jump!

The Boma Drum & Dinner Show

In the afternoon you will be transferred to The Boma. An evening of song, dance and cultural interaction – a place of feasting and celebrating African lifestyles. This is not just another ethnic restaurant but a rather unique cultural experience. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes are accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal.

The Boma specializes in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes and is renowned for its warthog fillet. Tuck into a four-course meal of mouthwatering starters from the kitchen, soup from the campfire, a substantial barbeque buffet served on cast iron plates with a selection of salads, followed by a choice of delicious desserts. Everyone’s tastes are catered for, and whilst the adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as Mopani worms and game stews, those wishing to enjoy beef, pork, fish and chicken or a variety of vegetarian meals are welcome to do so.

Guests are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages. After dinner, guests are invited to spend some time with the restaurants very own Sangoma - a traditional storyteller to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage. The highlight of the evening is the interactive drumming and dancing!

Private transfer to the Airport

Departure Flight from Victoria Falls

Bid farewell to Africa, for now until your next Safari !