12 Days | Alluring East African Luxury Safari

Tommy MO
Jan 6, 2020
11 min read

Updated: Jan 12

Observing the Pride of Lions during Luxury Tanzania Safari with AMARA SAFARI — Exhilarating Early Morning Game Drives with AMARA SAFARI

At a glance:

On this comprehensive introduction to East Africa, witness abundant and diverse wildlife roaming vast, sun-drenched panoramas, and stay in comfortable, spacious lodges with ideal locations in the region’s greatest parks and reserves.

Safari Highlights

Discover Africa’s astounding diversity, including the iconic Big Five, in custom-made vehicles with an unobstructed view from every seat
Experience incredible up-close encounters with East Africa’s diverse wildlife thanks to the in-depth tracking skills of our handpicked safari guides
Visit the Canines for Conservation training center for a special behind-the-scenes experience and to meet the talented dogs who sniff out illicit animal products
Stay on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a privileged location that affords you early access to the crater floor for a quieter, less-crowded safari experience
Privately visit Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakey family discovered fossils linking man to his distant ancestors
Visit a Maasai village to learn about the customs and traditions of these nomadic herders

TRIP COST – Starts at $ 14,800 Per Person

SAFARI ITINERARY

DAY 1 –– Arrive Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive in Nairobi, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. A microcosm of the African continent, this capital city is your gateway to a dramatic procession of natural spectacles in Kenya and Tanzania, among the most thrilling destinations in the world.

In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-off point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya.

Favorite Lodges in Nairobi

HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI HOTEL

This boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travellers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Each of our 80m² suites have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, a magical view which can also be enjoyed over sundowners at the Bar.

Our service is personal and sincere, offering a luxury experience from the moment you touchdown in Kenya.

Your dedicated butler will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones, and will remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.

HOUSE OF WAINE

House Of Waine is an 11 bedroom luxury boutique hotel on 2.5 acres that blends the elegance of gracious living with the spirit of modern Africa in an exclusive and serene setting. The aim is to provide the guests with an experience that exceeds all their expectations of city hotels and is punctuated by personalised, friendly and excellent service and cuisine in beautiful surroundings.

The 11 spacious rooms are individually styled and their names reflect the different themes. 9 of our rooms can be Single/Double or Twin rooms . All the large marble bathrooms are filled with natural light from the large windows.

House Of Waine is centrally located near the best of Nairobi's attractions such as the Karen Blixen Museum, the Kazuri beads, The Giraffe centre and The world famous David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust amongst others.

DAYS 2 & 3 – Amboseli National Park | Game and Mountain Vistas

Mount Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli National Park in Kenya

Drive to Amboseli National Park, known for its thriving big-game population, especially elephant, more than 1,000 of which live in the park. From a distance, take in views of the highest mountain in Africa, the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, with its impressive Uhuru Peak soaring to 19,341 feet.

Arrive at your lodge set beneath acacia trees in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. After lunch, explore the acacia woodland, freshwater swamps, scrub brush and open plains in search of wildlife. Part of the park is composed of a dried-up lake bed, where mirages rise from the shimmering heat. This evening, share in a special welcome dinner with your fellow guests.

Favorite Lodges in Amboseli

TORTILIS LODGE AMBOSELI

Tortilis Camp has a prime location for witnessing the majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree, the Acacia Tortilis, and embraces a hill in one of Amboseli’s areas of Acacia Tortilis woodland. Located in a private conservancy bordering the national park, game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals take place both inside the national park and in the conservancy, where guests enjoy exclusivity.

The tents are all spacious, with king or twin beds and elegant en suite bathrooms. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs. The Private House and Family Tent are located slightly separate to the main camp, upon the hill where they share a pool.

Tortilis Camp was one of the first eco-lodges of its size, and is very proudly 100% solar. Guests can rest assure they are leaving a minimal footprint during their stay.

OL DONYO LODGE

The captivating ol Donyo Lodge is tucked away in the cool shadow of the Chyulu Hills neighbouring Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most prized safari destinations. The lodge boasts spacious guest suites, no two of which are the same. Each features their own exclusive plunge pool, as well as a rooftop terrace where an elegant star bed can be set up to sleep beneath the glittering night sky.

Guests can dine on tantalising meals, accompanied by an extensive wine list, and served in the elegant dining area. After a rewarding morning of wildlife viewing, guests can choose to cool off in the inviting infinity pool or indulge in a relaxing massage. Flexibility is key at ol Donyo and guests are encouraged to curate their own time, well suited to their interests, while on safari.

Activities include game drives (and night drives), guided bush walks, exhilarating horseback safaris (for intermediate to experienced riders), Maasai village visits, day trips to the Amboseli National Park (at an extra cost) and mountain biking. ol Donyo’s famous underground hide is a true highlight, allowing guests to witness super tusker elephants drinking at a nearby waterhole, amongst many other bird and wildlife interactions, with Mt Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.

DAY 4 –– Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania | Canines for Conservation

Cross the border into Tanzania and continue to your hotel on the picturesque slopes of Mount Meru. This afternoon, stop at the kennels of the Canines for Conservation training center for a special behind-the-scenes visit with the K-9 cadets trained to detect illicit wildlife products in cargo and luggage.

Return to your hotel, enjoying a refreshing Scenic Sundowner on the edge of the balcony before gathering for dinner. The charming town of Arusha rests underneath the mighty gaze of Mount Meru and is an ideal base to explore Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit. It's hard to think of another place in the world that is in close vicinity to such a variety of national parks and game reserves!

Here, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are only a short flight away from Arusha's beloved coffee plantations. Savoir the beautiful sceneries of Arusha, taking a short tour of the city and its amazing people, landscapes, foods etc.

Favorite Lodges in Arusha

ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE

Ideally situated on the outskirts of Arusha, this lodge is a brilliant spot to stay either before, or after your safari in Tanzania. Hidden on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee farms, with wonderful views of the Tanzanian countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Arusha.

The cottages offer you a homely space to either relax after a long international flight, or to flick through your photos before you head home again. In the main lodge you can enjoy the warmth of open log fires while sipping a well-earned gin and tonic or spend time in the gardens breathing in the smells of the coffee bushes around you.

GRAN MELIA ARUSHA

A tranquil connection to your Tanzania safari. Little under an hour from Kilimanjaro Airport and few minutes from Arusha Airport, Gran Melia Arusha is the perfect stopover on your way to or from a Tanzanian safari.

Featuring views of Mount Meru, this refined hotel is set on 7 hectares of coffee and tea plantations. It's 10 km from Arusha Airport.

Featuring balconies, the polished rooms offer Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms add mountain views, and club level quarters have access to a private lounge. Suites feature separate living rooms, and upgraded suites include butler service.

There are 5 chic restaurants and bars (1 is poolside and another is rooftop). Other amenities consist of a spa, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym, as well as a running track, gardens and a business centre. Breakfast and parking are available.

DAY 5 –– Ngorongoro Crater | Explore a Natural Wildlife Haven

Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater with Mike, Amara Safari Guide

A Full Day Private Tour of Ngorongoro Crater is your next experience in this wonderful Tanzania luxury safari. Alongside your personal guide, explore the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Magnificent geography and fertile soils lure huge herds of plains game and predators in what makes for a multi-coloured and thrilling amphitheater of wildlife.

The Big Five are all present here and you can spot flamingos on the central soda lake, zebras grazing along the plains, lions lazing in the tall grass and leopards in the trees of the crater rims.

Favorite Lodges in Ngorongoro Area

THE HIGHLANDS LODGE

The spectacular Highlands Lodge combines a cutting-edge, open design with an intimate setting within the lush forest that sprawls along the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Stylish and contemporary, The Highlands balances its striking design with a deeply authentic wilderness experience in an exclusive setting. Just eight canvas-and-glass domed suites draw their inspiration from the enchanting Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Guests can expect warm and contemporary interiors that offer the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a successful day of game viewing.

Guest areas include a well-stocked library, cosy bar area and luxuriously comfortable sitting areas that surround an indoor fireplace. Hearty gourmet meals are prepared with only the freshest organic ingredients and are served in a variety of dining areas. Adventures include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, community and cultural visits and hiking along Maasai cattle trails through the various habitats of the Olmoti volcano.

MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE

A natural wonder in the largest volcanic caldera in the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an ecosystem that is unlike any other in Africa. Designed with the utmost respect for the environment, this lodge allows you to sleep accompanied by the sounds of nature, wake up admiring the Ngorongoro Crater, and enjoy a truly extraordinary safari experience.

A 600-metre deep crater, more than 25,000 animals and 2.5 million years of history are just some of the treasures awaiting you in this "Garden of Eden". Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection is fully integrated with the local biodiversity, home to the Maasai, one of the largest tribes in the country. Relax in its exclusive spa and delight yourself with a gastronomic proposal deeply rooted in the local cuisine.

DAY 6 TO 8 –– Explore The Serengeti National Park

Luxury Game Drive in Serengeti with Amara Safari

Three Days on Safari in the North Serengeti––Spend your days mostly exploring the northern section of the Serengeti on safari tracking the great array of game and wildlife that this vast area offers.

If you're there at the right time for the great migration (depending on the season), this is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated because the North Serengeti forms the border with the Famous Maasai Mara of Kenya, and it’s where (if you’re lucky) you’ll see the infamous river crossings. It’s also an area of untamed natural beauty, of rolling hills, rivers, forests and open plains.

Favorite Lodge in Serengeti National Park

NIMALI MARA

Tucked into the kopjes, Nimali Mara is a chameleon, blending effortlessly into its surroundings. An infinity pool set within the natural rock formations offers the perfect place to cool down during the heat of the day.

The eight tented suites and two honeymoon suites immerse guests seamlessly Into their environment. Private decks afford our guests with exceptional views out over the Serengeti. Enjoy a luxurious bath in view of the grassy plains. Nimali Mara's interior design is a mix of slick and contemporary elements with more earthy textures and fabrics and styling elements.

MELIA SERENGETI LODGE

In harmony with the fabulous natural surroundings of the Serengeti National Park, this hotel offers an intense wildlife experience accompanied by all the comforts of the most exclusive accommodation. Elegant rooms inspired by Maasai traditions with spectacular views of the hotel gardens or Serengeti plains. A cuisine that reinterprets local dishes with ingredients inspired by international cuisine. And magnificent, sustainable facilities that include an incredible infinity pool, gym and spa.

The magic of Africa permeates every corner of the Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Meliá Collection. Savor the experience on the fabulous terrace of your room and marvel at the immensity of the Serengeti National Park. If you've always wanted to go on a safari, you've come to the right place. Visit with your family. Kids will also enjoy their own little African adventure in the kids' club.

DAY 9 TO 11 –– Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya | Into the Wild

Fly to the vast Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya’s finest wildlife spectacle, offering excellent game viewing year-round. The unending landscape hosts some 450 bird species, 95 animal species and all of the great predators, including the country’s largest lion population. After familiarizing yourself with your classic tented accommodations, ideally situated at the confluence of the Mara’s four game-viewing regions, drive through the famed reserve.

Explore a region bestowed with over 500 square miles of savannas, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers on morning and afternoon game drives. You may observe crocodile basking in the sun, see ever-alert hippo wallowing in muddy water and catch the antics of mischievous monkeys overhead. Watch, too, as African elephant rumble along the forest edge and giraffe snatch leaves from branches high above.

Favorite Lodge in Masai Mara National Reserve

SANCTUARY OLONANA

Olonana Camp is situated in the heart of Kenya’s Big Game country — rich with hippo, elephant, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, armies of gazelle and famed prides of lion. Immersed in this magnificent wildlife haven, 14 chic, contemporary suites are designed with clean lines and an organic feel, with floor to ceiling glass doors that fold open onto Mara River views. Featuring plush king-sized beds, overhead fans and an indulgent daybed on the deck for the ultimate relaxation, three suites offer an extra room which is ideal for families. Spacious bathrooms of slate and marble offer a tub, rain shower and double vanity, and mini fridges are fully stocked with an extensive array of drinks and treats.

Olonana’s superbly well-trained chefs create sumptuous meals to be savoured in the large dining room, or al fresco — on the sweeping terrace perched over the river. A sparkling swimming pool offers a cool refuge from the scorching heat. Guests in need of quiet time can select a book from the camp’s well-stocked library and sink into the one of the comfortable couches dotted around the sitting room. A mini-spa offers a wonderful selection of soothing treatments ranging from traditional African massage to French marine therapies including a full body sweet and savoury scrub or pure collagen velvet mask. Adventures include morning and evening game drives, balloon safaris, Maasai cultural visits, nature walks, birdwatching and bush dinners.

HEMINGWAYS OL SEKI, MARA

This stunning private tented camp is your enclave of luxury in the wildest terrain of Kenya. 9 exclusive luxury tents with 270° panoramic views of the Mara plains.

Hemingways Ol Seki Mara is located in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy which borders the Maasai Mara Reserve. The conservancy limits entry to clients actually staying inside the area and offers an incredibly private safari experience.

We have a choice of nine exclusive tents in which to host you accompanied by some breathtaking views and the warmest Kenyan hospitality you could wish for. There is no typical day at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara. We’re small and aim to personally tailor every day to suit what you want making your time in the Mara an unparalleled adventure in the realms of safari.

DAY 12 –– Last Day on Safari | Depart Nairobi

Last game drive in the morning before private transfer from Olonana Lodge to the airstrip, in Central Mara. Fly to Nairobi and relax in a comfortable dayroom before transferring to the airport for your flight home.