African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Booking #: 1435717

Step into the heart of East Africa with luxury safaris, expert local guides, and intimate wildlife encounters—where adventure meets reassurance and refinement.

About this Tour

Travel Dates: September 29 , 2026– October 13, 2026
Price Per Person: From $9,999
Booking #: 1435717

In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, embark on 8 lively safaris to seek out the elusive “Big 5” – Africa’s “bucket list” of animals. Spend time at the famous farmhouse from Out of Africa and have giraffes eat directly out of your hand. Connect with locals at a bead factory, where single mothers are employed and trained as jewelry artisans. Get a glimpse into the traditions of native communities when you visit with two tribes at Lake Eyasi. From the picturesque savanna in Kenya to the renowned Serengeti in Tanzania, this is the wild Africa of your dreams.

Stay: 15 Days | 14 Nights

Meals: 38 Meals | 13 Breakfasts | 13 Lunches | 12 Dinners

Activity: 3 – Active

Travel Style: Explorations: Dive deeper and engage with local life on these tours designed for small groups

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Highlights and Inclusions

Your Tour Includes

  • 6 Handpicked Accommodations
  • 38 Meals

Must-See Inclusions:

  • Visit Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa farmhouse and feed the sanctuary’s Rothschild giraffes.
  • Spend three nights on the legendary Serengeti, home to seemingly infinite wildlife.
  • Gaze out at the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Essential Experiences

  • See how a local workshop empowers citizens with disabilities through the Shanga Project.
  • Get a peek into the daily lives of two local tribes at Lake Eyasi.
  • Seek out the elusive “Big 5” on 7 different game drives.

Culinary Inclusions:

  • Enjoy five picnic lunches on your game drives, taking in the natural landscape around you.

Highlights

  • Nairobi
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • Out of Africa Farmhouse
  • Amboseli National Park
  • Shanga Workshop
  • Karatu
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Serengeti
  • Lake Eyasi
  • Tarangire National Park
  • 7 Game Drives

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Sep 29, 2026 – Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to Africa – where sprawling grasslands and cultural traditions intersect into a land like no other. In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, discover a natural wonderland of curious giraffes, playful elephants, and wandering lions. From the picturesque savanna in Kenya to the renowned Serengeti in Tanzania, this is the wild Africa of your dreams.

Day 2: Sep 30, 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya

Ole Sereni Hotel

Arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Serving as the gateway to Africa’s sought-out wildlife, Nairobi is the ideal place to get acclimated to the Kenyan lifestyle. As travelers’ arrival times will vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day. Dinner tonight will be on your own.

Day 3: Oct 01, 2026 – Nairobi

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Ole Sereni Hotel

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rehabilitates young or injured elephants. See the gentle giants up close as they are fed and bathed by their caretakers. Head to Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa farmhouse for lunch before stepping outside to visit the sanctuary’s inquisitive Rothschild giraffes. Visit the Kazuri Beads Factory, where mothers are employed and trained as jewelry artisans. In the evening, toast to the start of your African adventure at a savory welcome dinner.

Day: 4 Oct 02, 2026 Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Kilima Safari Camp

Make your way to Amboseli National Park, nestled along the border of Tanzania and looking out on the great Mt. Kilimanjaro. After lunch, get a glimpse into Kenyan culture and interact with locals at a Masai village. Settle into your accommodations for the next two nights – a tented camp with the comfort amenities of a proper lodge.

Day 5: Oct 03, 2026 Amboseli National Park

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Kilima Safari Camp

Embrace your wild side on a full day game drive in Amboseli National Park. This is your first chance to seek out Africa’s elusive “Big 5” – the safari “bucket list” of animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and water buffalos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the open plains, watching for herds of wildebeest and grazing zebras.

Day 6: Oct 04, 2026 – Amboseli National Park – Arusha, Tanzania – Karatu

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Country Lodge

Enter Tanzania, a country devoted to harmony among its people and animals. Today will be an Impact Moment as you visit Shanga, a local jewelry workshop that trains and employs citizens with disabilities. Your day ends in Karatu, a humble town located on the precipice of untamed nature. Overnight in a charming lodge where colorful gardens meet welcoming hospitality.

Day 7: Oct 05, 2026 – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Country Lodge

Make the most of more opportunities to spot the local wildlife with a full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Containing one of the densest mammal populations in the world, this “African Eden” is one of the best places to seek out the “Big 5.” Allow the sheer magnitude of the area to wash over you as you enjoy a picnic lunch in the highlands, taking in the flourishing habitat around you.

Day 8: Oct 06, 2026 – Karatu – Serengeti

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | ThornTree Camp

Your path continues to the renowned Serengeti, a Masai word meaning “endless plains.” Enjoy lunch and venture out on your first Serengeti adventure on an afternoon game drive, returning to camp at dusk. Relax in your exclusive safari abode, your home for the next three nights. The camp includes all of the amenities of a lodge but allows you to remain immersed in nature.

Day 9: Oct 07, 2026 Serengeti

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | ThornTree Camp

Say good morning to the Serengeti! After breakfast, set out and enjoy a full day of animal-seeking safari adventures and a picturesque picnic lunch.

Day 10: Oct 08, 2026 – Serengeti

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | ThornTree Camp

Lions. Gazelles. Cheetahs. Hippos. There’s no telling what you might spot on your morning and afternoon game drives. Under the careful guidance of an expert, discover the savanna’s wild residents and get a glimpse into the untamed animal kingdom.

Day 11: Oct 09, 2026 – Serengeti – Lake Eyasi

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

You’re on your way to Lake Eyasi, a lesser-known corner of Tanzania nestled between the plains and escarpments. Pause for a picnic lunch along the way, providing more chances to view the local wildlife. Take a guided safari walk around the salt lake, perhaps passing a wading pat of flamingoes or some lively hippos cooling off in the water.

Day 12: Oct 10, 2026 – Lake Eyasi

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

See how native communities live in harmony with the environment. Start your morning with the Hadzabe tribe, hunter-gatherers that strive to leave no lasting impact on their surroundings. After lunch back at your lodge, continue with a visit to the Datoga tribe – another community based at Lake Eyasi – and see how their vast farms contribute to day-to-day life.

Day 13: Oct 11, 2026 – Lake Eyasi – Tarangire National Park

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

Decide how you spend the morning because it’s your choice! Learn from a local fruit vendor in Mto Wa Mbu village about their trade -OR- spend time with a local craftsman who will show you current projects at African Galleria. Then, head to Tarangire, the forested national park known for its giant baobab trees and elephant migration. After lunch, embark on a thrilling game drive. Don’t be surprised if you see a pride of lions lounging in the shade, a herd of buffalos wading into the water, or a parade of elephants passing by.

Day 14: Oct 12, 2026 – Tarangire National Park

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

Enjoy a full-day game drive, venturing out in the morning on your quest for animal sightings with a break for a picnic lunch in between. Make sure you look to the skies because Tarangire is an aviary paradise, home to more than 500 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for various starlings, weavers, and guinea fowl. Wish Africa goodbye at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 15: Oct 13, 2026 – Tarangire National Park – Arusha – Tour Ends

Breakfast & Lunch

Return to Arusha on the final day of your African adventure. Settle into a dayroom* to relax before lunch. Depart with memories of the endless plains and unparalleled wildlife.

Please Note

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience.

The following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

Personal audio devices (headsets) are not included on this tour.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance

Recommended

The travel protection program provides comprehensive coverage to safeguard your travel investment – from trip cancellation and interruption, to medical emergencies and baggage protection. For a small additional cost, you can have the invaluable peace of mind knowing you’re covered if the unexpected occurs during your travels.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $769 per person

Booking Your Own Flights

If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home. In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

Booking Flights with Us

If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. We ask that you keep the following in mind:

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

On-Tour Transportation

In Africa, specifically-designed 4×4 safari vans accommodate up to 6 passengers and their luggage.

Unlike motor coaches, these 4×4 vehicles are not equipped with lavatory facilities or air conditioning. Rest assured, frequent stops will be made along the tour route for your convenience and comfort. There are no outlets for charging devices available in the 4×4 vehicles. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.

Please note, traveling to and from the Nairobi airport will require at least 1 1/2 hours travel time as there is always heavy traffic.

Accomodations

This tour stays in a mix of hotels, lodges, and tented camps that reflect the personality of the region and enhance your experience.

Hotels will be located in city areas and offer a range of facilities including a concierge, bars and restaurants, room service, pools, and gyms. You may find the hotel rooms are not as large as standard hotel rooms in your home country. In some hotels, the air-conditioning and heating systems may be centrally-controlled and only operate seasonally. It is also important to note that not all hotels have air-conditioning, and those that do may not cool to the degree that you are used to at home.

Lodges blend the quiet wilderness of a national park with the comfort of a hotel. Lodges often have a main building where you will find the front desk, restaurant and bar, and any other amenities, like a pool. Rooms will often be self-contained buildings and you may need to walk a little to get to the main building.

Tented camps are semi-permanent canvas tents, fully equipped with all the amenities of a hotel or lodge. You can expect to find a fully functioning bathroom with running water, a proper bed, lighting and electricity, and tea and coffee. There will be a main tent area where you will enjoy your meals. While more rustic than hotels and lodges, tented camps allow us to stay right in the middle of the national park, close to the animals so you can maximize your game viewing time.

Due to the natural setting, you may encounter insects inside rooms. Properties take measures to minimize this, and most provide mosquito nets and insect repellent, but complete elimination is not possible.

Room Types and Layouts:

We will forward your room request to the hotel; however, room assignments are made at each property’s discretion and cannot be guaranteed.

For most hotels in Africa, the standard double room consists of two small beds joined together with a mattress topper to create a queen or king-sized bed.

A single or solo room has only one queen or king-sized bed. If your tour includes multiple hotel stays, your preference may be honored at one property, all properties, or none.

Amenities vary by property. For details such as hair dryers, safes, or Wi-Fi availability, please refer to the hotel name listed in your final travel documents. You are also welcome to look up the hotel online for the most current and specific information.

Check-in is typically after 3:00 p.m. Early check-in is uncommon due to high occupancy. If you arrive before your room is ready, the hotel may offer to store your luggage in a secure location, though this service may come with a fee and the hotel is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

At check-in, you may be asked to provide a credit card or passport for incidentals. Any additional charges must be paid at check-out. Please note that hotel membership programs are not applicable.

Choice on Tour

One of the ways we encourage you to make your journey your own is with Choice on Tour, letting you decide how to experience a destination or site based on your unique interests.

It’s your choice! Included in your itinerary, there may be a day, or days, featuring a choice of two (or more) activities during a designated time. You may have selected your preferred option(s) when booking your tour. In most cases, your selection may be made upon arriving on tour and discussing it with your Tour Manager.

While in Lake Eyasi, you have the choice between 2 activites.

Your first choice is to chat with a fruit vendor in Mto Wa Mbu village and learn how to cut decorative fruit shapes.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 1.

Your second choice is to spend time with a local craftsman at African Galleria and try carving on your own.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 1.

Tour Manager

Peace of mind is our top priority. When you’re on tour, your focus should be on creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is more than a destination specialist—they’re here to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for the entire group.

On some tours, you’ll also meet local guides in select cities who share deeper insights into the history, culture, and traditions of their region.

Safari Tours: During game drives, professional driver-guides—experts in wildlife and the safari environment—will lead your experience. They provide commentary and work together to deliver the best possible sightings. On some tours, your Tour Manager rotates among safari vehicles; in others, they may serve as a driver-guide and remain with the same vehicle.

Extensions: If you’ve added pre- or post-tour extension, separate arrangements will be outlined in your extension documents.

Wi-Fi on Tour

At most of the lodges and tented camps on this tour, Wi-Fi can only be accessed from the main building and not from your room/tent.

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though at times it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi will not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.

Access to Water on Tour

The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, bottled water is provided where drinking the tap water is not advised.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Kenya or Tanzania. We recommend using bottled water for brushing your teeth as well as for drinking. Place a bottle of water in the sink to remind yourself not to use the tap water. Travelers will have bottled water provided at meals, during safari drives, and in their rooms for personal use. Additional water can be purchased at safari lodges if needed.

Water is a precious resource in these countries, and because tap water is unsafe to drink, bottled water is a costly necessity.

Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!

Culinary Experiances

A note about dietary restrictions:

If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify us at the time of booking. This information will be shared with your Tour Manager, who will communicate with restaurant staff during included meals. While we do our best to accommodate requests, options may be limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Meals are prepared in shared kitchens, and we cannot guarantee they will be free from cross-contamination.

International travel may present challenges, as menus reflect local tastes and alternative diets may not be widely understood. Group meals typically feature pre-fixed menus designed to suit a variety of travelers.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary and our team has carefully created menus that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

On your African safari through Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll enjoy a true culinary adventure. Savor dishes featuring distinctive meats, fresh seasonal vegetables, and tropical fruits that showcase the vibrant tastes of East Africa.

East Africa is heavily influenced by the Indian immigration of its past, so expect to find many Indian style curries and meats. Adventurous meat eaters may choose to indulge in safe wildlife game meat, such as crocodile and ostrich. For those less adventurous, beef and goat are also prevalent.

Common vegetables used throughout Kenya include kale, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, avocados, and a plethora of leafy greens.

Tropical fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pineapples, bananas, papaws, and pears are incredibly fresh and very popular on Kenyan tables. The rule of thumb is, if you can peel it, it is fine to eat.

In Tanzania, coconut, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, saffron and the one-of-a-kind pilau masala (a mixture of black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin) make this country’s cuisine something special. Be sure to sample some traditional Tanzanian dishes such as vitumbua, ndizi kanga, and the ever-popular nayama – minced beef, garlic, coconut, lime, and tomatoes.

For lunch, expect to enjoy packed picnic lunches while out exploring, allowing for uninterrupted game viewing deep within the national parks. Typical picnic lunches include fresh sandwiches with locally sourced meats and salads, accompanied by fruit, muffins, nuts, and juices. This flexible approach maximizes your time in the wilderness without the need to return to the lodge.

Evening meals are buffet-style, offering a diverse selection of dishes such as curries, stews, salads, roasted vegetables, and desserts. Buffets provide the flexibility needed to accommodate the unpredictability of safari schedules based on the activity of the animals.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from $7 to $20 US Dollars for lunch and $15 to $30 US Dollars for dinner.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Kenya or Tanzania. We recommend using bottled water for brushing your teeth as well as for drinking. Place a bottle of water in the sink to remind yourself not to use the tap water. Bottled water is provided for you daily in your safari vehicle. You may also purchase water at convenience stores and lodges. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Shopping can be a memorable part of your journey. Many tours include stops at local shops or cultural centers, where you’ll find regionally made goods and souvenirs. In some destinations, gift shops may be integrated into the itinerary, offering curated items that reflect local craftsmanship and traditions.

Each region has its own shopping style. In markets and bazaars, bargaining is often expected and part of the cultural experience. Sellers may be very assertive in their approach, which can feel surprising if you’re not prepared If you choose to negotiate, do so respectfully and only if you intend to buy. In other areas, prices are fixed and haggling is not appropriate. Your tour manager can provide guidance on what to expect before visiting any of these markets.

When shopping, consider what the region is known for—whether it’s textiles, ceramics, spices, jewelry, or artwork. Be cautious with items that may be mass-produced or misrepresented as handmade. If authenticity matters to you, ask your Tour Manager or local guide for advice.

While in Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll find a plethora of products like carvings of animals made from soap stone, ebony, or other woods. Other popular items include wooden masks, bowls and chess sets. Please note, if you purchase any wooden items, they need to be packed in checked baggage for your flight home.

Discover gorgeous jewelry. Made from semi-precious stones such as malachite, lapis, and topaz, these souvenirs truly sparkle. If you’re an art lover, you’re in for a treat! Quality native art paintings, murals, and sculptures are popular here as well.

Bring a touch of the culture home with you when you buy safari clothing or tie dye prints of animals.

Please note that ivory is NOT permitted into the United States.

Take home the flavor of the area with coffee and tea products. Whatever your interest, there are plenty of shopping possibilities on this tour.

Tax-Free Shopping: In select countries, purchases over a certain amount may qualify for a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund. Keep your receipts and inquire at the point of sale or airport. Your Tour Manager will provide more details.

Elevation

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 7800 feet / 2377 meters in Kenya.

Smoking Restrictions

Our tours are non-smoking throughout: This includes all transportation exclusively provided by Collette, dining venues, and any other designated non-smoking areas on tour. Smoking of any kind including traditional tobacco products, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vaporizers, and any other smoking devices—is strictly prohibited during group travel.

Hotel policies: Most hotels worldwide are entirely non-smoking, including guest rooms and public areas. Smoking rooms are generally no longer offered, and we cannot accommodate requests for them.

Local laws and regulations: Smoking laws vary widely by country and region. Travelers are responsible for understanding and complying with local regulations during their free time. Your Tour Manager may be able to assist in identifying permitted smoking areas when available.

Name Badges

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.