Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour: arrival day (LO)
Welcome to Kenya! On your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight in preparation of your exciting adventure ahead!
Special Information:
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport by a representative who will escort you through immigration, and be transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Please be advised that luggage restrictions limited to 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag applies for the flight from Serengeti to the Masai Mara on Day 10. If travelling with luggage that does not abide by these restrictions, we recommend taking an extra soft sided bag and packing essentials required for this trip. Excess luggage can be stored free of charge at your Nairobi hotel and collected on return to the hotel on Day 12.
Day 2 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, meet your local Kenyan guide for a tour briefing before we depart for Amboseli National Park, a 3.5 hour drive away and your home for the next two nights. Dominated by the magnificent presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 metres, Amboseli is one of Kenya's oldest and most famed parks. Although not as large as Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli is known for its great herds of elephants, cheetah, and unique terrain dotted with emerald-green swamps.
This afternoon, enjoy a game drive where your guide will introduce you to the park, the swamps and say hello to its inhabitants before we return back to the lodge for an included dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Amboseli National Park game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Day 3 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy a full day of exploration in Amboseli National Park, featuring both morning and afternoon game drives. In the early hours, take in the breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds—a truly iconic African landscape. Amboseli's diverse terrain ranges from the ancient, dry lakebed of Lake Amboseli to sweeping savannahs and lush swamps. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including antelopes, spotted hyenas, jackals, warthogs, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. With some luck, you may also encounter predators such as lions, leopards, or cheetahs.
Inspiring Highlights
Amboseli National Park game drives
Day 4 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, you depart Amboseli National Park and begin your journey toward Tanzania, crossing the border at Namanga. From there, travel onward to Arusha before continuing to Tarangire National Park. Named for the life-sustaining Tarangire River, this remarkable park is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse array of wildlife, including zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, buffalo, eland, waterbuck, lion, giraffe, oryx, and a rich variety of birdlife. Between June and November, the river draws impressive concentrations of animals, though the park offers exceptional game viewing year-round. This afternoon, set out on a game drive to discover the park's abundant wildlife.
Inspiring Highlights
Tarangire National Park game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Please note that there will be a change of both guide and vehicle at the border as we enter Tanzania.
Day 5 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After an early breakfast, embark on a full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife. As you explore, take in sweeping views of the Maasai Steppe and the distant southern mountains—an unforgettable backdrop to your safari experience. Tarangire is famed for its dense elephant population and striking baobab trees scattered across the terrain. As a key part of the region's annual migration, the park draws an impressive concentration of wildlife, including up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras.
Inspiring Highlights
Tarangire National Park game drives
Day 6 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, journey onward to the charming village of Karatu, nestled in the lush highlands of northern Tanzania. Immerse yourself in the local culture through engaging community experiences and gain insight into daily life in this welcoming region. Explore the vibrant local market, where you can interact with friendly vendors and soak up the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, taking in its authentic charm before settling in for a relaxing evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Karatu community activities
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 7 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, we begin our day with an early departure to embark on a thrilling game drive in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary wildlife encounters. For many, this awe-inspiring natural wonder stands as the pinnacle of their safari experience. The crater boasts the entire 'Big 5' group of animals, including a small population of the critically endangered black rhino. The diverse range of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery make this an unforgettable adventure.
After enjoying a delightful picnic lunch amidst the beauty of the crater, we proceed towards the Serengeti. we traverse the breathtaking central Plains, which epitomise the iconic landscapes the park is famous for. Picture endless, undulating grass savannahs punctuated by rugged outcrops that provide secluded havens for wildlife.
Depending on the time of the year and to maximise the opportunity of witnessing the incredible wildebeest migration, you will be transferred to your lodge located in either the central or southern parts of the Serengeti National Park.
Inspiring Highlights
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 8 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
The legendary Serengeti is our playground today with a full day game drive through the vast rolling plain, whose sparse vegetation allows for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The Serengeti is best known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomson's gazelle (the complete migration route is around 800 km), but throughout the year, the Serengeti is excellent for lion (the park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa), leopard and cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hyena, hippo, and rhino spotting, and many varieties of antelopes and birds.
Inspiring Highlights
Serengeti National Park game drive
Day 9 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Get ready for another thrilling day of adventure as we continue our exploration of the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Equipped with lunch boxes to keep us energised, we embark on captivating game drives throughout the afternoon. As we traverse the vast and boundless plains, our eyes are treated to a spectacle of wildlife sightings, reaffirming the well-deserved fame of this extraordinary national park. Marvel at the diverse array of animals that roam these lands, and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Serengeti.
As the sun begins its descent, we make our way back to the lodge, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Rest and rejuvenate overnight, ready to embrace the wonders that await us on the next leg of our journey.
Inspiring Highlights
Serengeti National Park game drive
Day 10 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve, where we'll experience the magic of this incredible wilderness for the next two days. We'll have the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Five': lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant, and we may get to witness the wildebeest migration from Serengeti Park into Masai Mara.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your included flight allows one 15kg soft-sided duffle bag per person.
Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance.
Your journey will include two flights, with a change at the Tanzania-Kenya border crossing at Isebania. The border crossing will be conducted by a short shuttle bus transfer. Please keep your passport handy. Note, there will be a change of guide when you return to Kenya.
Day 11 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, we embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure immersed in the renowned Masai Mara National Park. This iconic wildlife sanctuary offers an abundance of diverse habitats that serve as a haven for a wide array of game species. Prepare to be captivated as we seek to encounter magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. The sweeping landscapes of the Masai Mara are also home to an impressive range of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest (gnu), giraffes, buffalos, jackals, topis, gazelles, impalas, and elephants.
As we navigate the park's lush plains and traverse its meandering rivers, we are likely to encounter a multitude of hippopotamuses and crocodiles, adding to the wildlife spectacle. Keep your eyes trained on the skies as well, for the birdlife in this area is incredibly abundant, offering opportunities to spot a wide variety of avian species.
Inspiring Highlights
Masai Mara National Park game drive
Day 12 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, we'll begin the journey back to Nairobi, with opportunities to stop to take in the views of the Rift Valley and enjoy an included lunch.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, where you will check into the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure as you relive your safari highlights.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Day 13 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
This morning you will be transferred to Nairobi airport for your included flight to Zanzibar.The exotic Spice Island of Zanzibar is set just off Tanzania's coast in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and given a brief orientation before setting out on a guided tour of historic Stone Town. Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, discovering this UNESCO World Heritage Site and former island capital, where beautifully carved doors and centuries-old buildings reflect over 400 years of rich history. Visit key landmarks such as the former Sultan's Palace and Beit El-Ajaib, the iconic House of Wonders, while learning about Zanzibar's past as a major slave and ivory trading port and its vibrant cultural heritage.After the tour, transfer to your beachside hotel and unwind with an evening at leisure, surrounded by the island's tranquil coastal beauty.
Inspiring Highlights
Stone Town
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Day 14 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
Enjoy leisurely days at your own pace, with time to swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, take advantage of the optional activities available at the resort, or simply unwind on your sunbed and relax in complete tranquility.
Day 15 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
Enjoy another day at leisure, soaking up the sun and relaxing at your resort.
Day 16 - Departure Day - Zanzibar to Nairobi
This morning you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your included flight to Nairobi, where your tour comes to an end.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please ensure your onward flight from Nairobi departs after 1600hrs.