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Classic East Africa

Classic East Africa

From $ 10,995 AUD

Description

On this 12-day safari adventure through the everchanging landscapes of East Africa, you’ll take multiple game drives in the Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park. With expert guides and a handy local leader, you’ll visit spots far off the tourist trail, including the base of Mt Meru, where you’ll go on a hike through the slopes of the mountain to a waterfall, and Lake Naivasha for a boat safari. Visit a Hadzabe tribe and learn about their way of life, getting a unique insight into a small community with ancient roots. Spend time in Arusha and take part in a traditional cooking class with a company that supports and empowers the local women and visit the Patinaai Osim project, supported by the Intrepid Foundation and working to fight inequality of women and girls in Indigenous communities. With all of this and more, you’ll hit all the iconic wildlife, landscapes and highlights of Africa and gain a special understanding of this incredible land – what are you waiting for?

Trip Name
Classic East Africa
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
13
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Take 4WD safaris through five iconic wildlife parks and spot the African wildlife you’ve always wanted to see, including herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, flamingos, hippos and so much more.
  • Hike at the base of Mt Meru – look out for local wildlife as you soak up the incredible views, on the way to a thundering waterfall for lunch. You might see buffalo, giraffes, zebras, Kilimanjaro colobus monkeys and Harvey’s red duikers along the way.
  • Learn about the Patinaai Osim Project – one of The Intrepid Foundation partners – and how they’re working to fight gender inequality for Indigenous communities, and how they provide a safe space or local women and girls.
  • Visit a small Hadzabe tribe to learn about their nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and their unique ‘click’ language, which is believed to be one of the oldest languages still in use today.
  • Take a traditional cooking class in Arusha in Tanzania with local women who will show you the tips and tricks of local food before you tuck into a delicious breakfast together.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. When you arrive at the airport today, you’ll be met by a representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure then begins in Nairobi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Day 2 - Maasai Mara
This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. When you arrive, you can opt to explore this diverse environment on an afternoon 4WD game drive with expert local guides, looking out for the abundance of wildlife that call this park home.
Day 3 - Maasai Mara
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, above the open plains at sunrise. Today, you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife – look out for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hippos.
Day 4 - Lake Elementaita
Today, you’ll drive to your lodge on Lake Elementaita, which sits between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley. This shallow soda lake is known for its huge concentrations of flamingos. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lake Naivasha – one of the few freshwater lakes in the valley, Naivasha has floating islands of papyrus reeds and a border of flat-topped acacias. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos, giraffes, zebras, and buffalos, which graze along the shores, and a huge variety of birds. Here, you’ll go on a boat safari – see how many kinds of birds you can spot while floating along the still waters!
Day 5 - Amboseli National Park
Board your private vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. This park is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which have impressively long tusks, known as ‘big tuskers’. Tusker elephants are increasingly rare in Africa due to poaching, but Amboseli is one of the few places where they can still be seen. You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ - a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg (100 lbs) each, usually so long they scrape the ground! If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll have the option to set off on a night safari to spot predators, like lions and hyenas, and nocturnal animals, like porcupines and aardvarks that emerge once it gets dark.
Day 6 - Amboseli National Park
After breakfast today, visit the Patinaai Osim project – supported by The Intrepid Foundation, this project supports Indigenous Maasai women in creating sustainable livelihoods and rising above poverty and inequality. Learn how this Community Care Organisation is committed to changing the narrative of girls and women in Indigenous communities and how they work to protect their fundamental human rights. The project also provides access to information and safe spaces for young girls.
Day 7 - Amboseli National Park
‘Home of the African Elephant’ and crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya's most picturesque parks, and today you will spend the full day on safari exploring. With your expert guides, you’ll get a deep dive into the wildlife of Kenya's thriving natural world. Spot herds of elephants as you look out for the other wildlife that call this park home, including lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and leopards. Don’t forget your camera, the views of the wildlife backdropped by Kili are nothing short of epic!
Day 8 - Mount Meru
Today, drive to Arusha National Park to hike in the foothills of Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second highest peak and a colossal dormant volcano sitting at an altitude of 4566 m (15,000 ft). When you arrive, you’ll head to Kitoto viewpoint to start your day hike. A perfect spot for wildlife spotting and exploring the diverse landscape, this hike offers the chance to experience the lower slopes of Tanzania’s mountains. From your starting point, trek through the Afromontane Forest and into the crater, looking out for warthogs, giraffes and zebras along the way. As you gain altitude, you’ll be surrounded by dense forest – the prime habitat for Kilimanjaro colobus monkeys and forest duiker (a pint-sized antelope). Follow the trail up to Meru Falls, the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch before you head back down the slopes.
Day 9 - Rhotia
Head to Arusha, often referred to as the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania, and start the day with a traditional cooking class that supports local women. The Mamas (skilled local cooks) will teach you how to cook traditional Tanzanian dishes, as well as some simple words in Swahili. Connect with the women, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour for breakfast. After finishing your meal, head to Rhotia and enjoy a free afternoon to relax. If you're up to more adventures, you'll also have the opportunity to visit a Hadzabe community near Lake Eyasi. This area has been their home for over 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Learn how this community still lives the hunter-gatherer lifestyle – men typically hunt and bring home honey to feed their families, while women and children gather fruits, berries and roots – and how they use locally made poisons and camouflage. By connecting with the locals, you’ll gain an insight into an ancient culture and have a chance to learn about their ways of life. Maybe even join in on daily activities, like hunting, gathering and dancing. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, believed to be one of the oldest languages still in use.
Day 10 - Serengeti
Depart for the wide-open plains of the Serengeti today. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending land is home to thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever. After entering the park gates, enjoy an en-route game drive to your accommodation for lunch. After lunch, you’ll head back out for an afternoon 4WD safari to spot the local wildlife. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep.
Day 11 - Serengeti
This morning, there’s the option of a balloon ride over the park to see Serengeti and its vast plains from a bird’s eye view. You’ll head out today for a full-day game drive through the wilds of the national park. A unique habitat with the riverine forests, this is a favourite spot for hippos and crocodiles, and you might also spot some long-neck giraffes, zebras, Topis, impala and gazelles.
Day 12 - Ngorongoro
Say goodbye to Serengeti National Park today and soak up the final views of this incredible spot, before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it's easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lions, zebras, cheetahs, buffalo, gazelles and the endangered black rhino. Later, you have the option to head to the village of Mto wa Mbu for a guided tour and dinner. Here, you can acquaint yourself with the village and get a snapshot of small-town African life.
Day 13 - Kilimanjaro International Airport / Nairobi
Set off early this morning to begin your final journey of the trip. Your first stop will be at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you'll have the option to end your trip. If it’s more convenient for you, there’s the option to travel back to Nairobi. You’ll be dropped at a centrally located hotel, however, no accommodation will be provided tonight. If you’d like to extend your stay in Nairobi, please speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 11,435-
07-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 11,435-
21-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 11,875-
04-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 11,875-
18-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 12,335-
08-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 11,875-
22-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 11,435-
13-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 10,995-
10-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 10,995-
08-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 10,995-
16-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 10,995-
25-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 12,095-
08-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 12,095-
22-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 12,095-
06-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 12,095-
20-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 12,095-
03-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 12,095-
17-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 12,095-
24-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 10,995-
07-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 12,095-
21-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 12,095-
12-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 12,095-
09-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 12,095-
21-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 10,995-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights),Lodge (7 nights),Permanent Tented Camp (4 nights)

Transport

4WD Open Safari Vehicle,Private Vehicle

Map