East Africa Private Journey

Golden savannas, prowling lions, red-robed Masai warriors, the snows of Kilimanjaro—all the mystique and wonder of East Africa await you on this Private Journey. To bring you wildlife encounters in the most legendary settings in Kenya and Tanzania, we’ve combined three world-renowned sanctuaries—the breathtakingly beautiful Masai Mara, the famed Serengeti, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Expert naturalist guides, fascinating bush walks, exciting game drives, Masai culture, and fantastic accommodations in prime locations make this the quintessential East African safari. Post-trip, enjoy a visit to the paradisaical private island of Mnemba off Zanzibar. A mid-trip extension to Campi ya Kanzi offers Masai-led walking safaris and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Masai Mara, Magnificent Gameviewing

At an altitude of 5,000 feet, the Masai Mara Game Reserve is breathtakingly beautiful. The wide Mara River snaking through its rich, tree-studded grasslands is full of frolicking hippos, while enormous groups of elephants wander through the rich marshes along its edge. Buffalo graze here in abundance, baboons leap through the brush, and solitary leopards survey from their perches in acacia trees. Kichwa Tembo Bateleur Camp, one of Kenya’s most exquisite tented camps, is on private Masai lands directly adjoining the famed Mara parklands and is not restricted by park rules. This keeps you far from the main safari circuit and allows you the freedom to enjoy spectacular off-road game drives in open 4WD vehicles, interpretive bush walks accompanied by Masai warriors, and night game drives to look for nocturnal animals and lions on the hunt. Optional hot air balloon safaris are an especially amazing experience in the Mara.

Days 5-7
Ngorongoro and Olduvai

At the eastern edge of the Serengeti in Tanzania is the largest unbroken ancient caldera in the world, Ngorongoro, ringed by steep walls and sheltering over 30,000 resident wildlife. Head down to the grassy crater floor to explore by 4WD in this fantastic Eden-like setting, one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered black rhino, and enjoy an optional visit to the famed archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge, “the cradle of mankind.” (Our mid-trip extension to Campi Ya Kanzi begins on Day 5, followed by Ngorongoro and Serengeti.)

Days 8-11
The Serengeti Wilds

The Serengeti is a beautiful mosaic of woodlands and grasslands, laced with wild rivers and riverine forests, and punctuated by rounded granite outcrops called kopjes, a favorite resting spot for lions. Its celebrated untamed tracts have inspired writers from Ernest Hemingway to Peter Matthiessen, as well as renowned photographers and filmmakers. You’ll feel as if you have the Serengeti all to yourself at your small and luxurious safari camp in the wild northern reaches of the park. In this “kingdom of predators,” head out by 4WD to look for lions, cheetahs, and other big cats, clans of spotted hyena, and a breathtaking array of plains game, including more than a million wildebeests and zebras during the annual Great Migration. You’ll see more wildlife than you ever thought possible! Your lodging is strategically located Klein’s Camp or Grumeti River Camp, both offering superlative wildlife encounters and solitude amid Serengeti’s wild beauty. Depart on Day 11.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2. It is a luxury camping and lodge safari with game viewing by 4WD vehicle. It can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. On safari, there are long driving days over rugged dirt tracks.

Explanation of Trip Levels