Shadows of Africa

5.0/5 – 131 Reviews

$5,767 pp (USD)

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*This tour does not accept children under 3.
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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve

After having breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, you'll be picked up.

Then, you'll start a lengthy journey heading south to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

During the trip, there will be stops to admire the breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley.
Afterward, you'll reach the park in time for lunch at your lodge. Following that, you'll go on an afternoon safari drive in this famous park.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to all of the Big Five animals and is also the location of the annual Wildebeest Migration.
This creates a magnificent setting for your initial day of safari adventures.

Main Destination:
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and August to October (For wildebeest migration)
High Season June to October and December to March
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
BuffaloCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Basecamp Masai Mara
  • Mid-range tented bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve

You'll wake up early in the morning to witness a breathtaking Masai Mara sunrise, a truly unique experience. After a quick cup of coffee, you'll venture into the park to watch as the sun paints the savannah with its warm glow, while the big cats take advantage of the cooler morning hours to hunt for their meals.

Alternatively, you can choose an exhilarating hot air balloon safari, where you'll soar above all the action before descending onto the plains for a champagne breakfast amidst the wildlife. Feel free to inquire with your safari expert about adding this hot air balloon adventure to your safari.

Following these morning activities, you'll return to your lodge for a late breakfast. You can then prepare a picnic lunch and head back into the park for a full day of exploring the Masai Mara. Alternatively, you have the option to relax at your lodge in the morning, enjoy lunch there, and then venture out again in the afternoon when the weather is cooler.

Main Destination:
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation:
Basecamp Masai Mara
  • Mid-range tented bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Masai Mara - Serengeti National Park

Masai Mara - Serengeti National Park

After having breakfast, you'll head to the Mara Airstrip for your flight to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Once you arrive in the park, a new Shadows of Africa driver will meet you, and you'll embark on an afternoon safari drive in this renowned park.

The Serengeti is known for its vast populations of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, making it an ideal location to encounter predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as herbivores such as elephants, hippos, and giraffes.

Main Destination:
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)
High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Black RhinoVery Rare
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Baobab Serengeti Camp - Central
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

After your morning meal, you'll commence your safari in the Kogatende area, exploring the rocky outcrops (kopjes) while on the lookout for carnivores and the large groups of the Wildebeest Migration that are preparing to cross the Mara River into Kenya.

The Mara River, home to significant populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, serves as the final major obstacle before the wildebeests and zebras can reach the relative safety of the Masai Mara. If you're patient and a bit fortunate, you might even have the chance to witness the thrilling river crossing, where wildebeests and zebras brave the river's currents and crocodile presence in their quest for safety on the opposite bank.

Following your adventurous day, you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, based on your chosen accommodation option and standard.

Main Destination:
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Baobab Serengeti Camp - Central
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

After your morning meal, your day begins with a drive across the plains of Togoro, passing by the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes as you make your way to cross the Banagi River into the Seronera region of Central Serengeti. During this journey, you'll have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, from the elusive dik-diks to majestic elephants, and everything in between.

The Seronera region is renowned as 'big cat country,' and its kopjes and acacia trees offer an excellent opportunity to encounter a pride of relaxed lions, agile cheetahs on the prowl, and leopards observing their surroundings from high vantage points. The hippo pools and expansive open areas in this region also offer abundant opportunities for wildlife observation.

At the end of your eventful day, you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, based on your selected accommodation option and standard.

Main Destination:
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Baobab Serengeti Camp - Central
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

Following breakfast, you'll hit the road on your journey back to the Ngorongoro Crater.

The drive will take you through the Serengeti, but this time on a different route, providing ample opportunities to spot the animals you might have missed on the second day of your safari. As far as your eyes can see, you'll witness vast herds of animals, including wildebeests and zebras migrating together. You'll also encounter the elegant giraffes, nimble antelopes and gazelles, the majestic African elephants, and the most respected group of animals: the predators.

Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to observe slender cheetahs, elusive leopards, scavenging hyenas, and last but certainly not least, the king of the savannah, the lion.

As the day comes to an end, you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night either on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in the nearby town of Karatu, based on your chosen accommodation option and standard.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HyenaAbundant
Show more
ElephantCommon
HippoCommon
LeopardOccasional
Accommodation:
Marera Valley Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you'll set off for the Ngorongoro Crater, often regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you catch your first glimpse of this vast and lush caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll quickly understand why it enjoys such a prestigious reputation.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 120 species of mammals, including the famous Big Five, making it one of the most coveted safari destinations globally. It's a particularly excellent spot to witness the endangered black rhinoceros peacefully grazing on the grass plains and observe numerous hippopotamuses enjoying the refreshing waters.

From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to observe and capture photographs of some of Africa's most iconic animals. The crater is inhabited by a significant number of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, cape buffalo.

You will spend the night in the region.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Marera Valley Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Ngorongoro - Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha

Ngorongoro - Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha

Following breakfast, you'll head to Lake Manyara National Park, embarking on a scenic two-hour drive that will surely whet your appetite for a day of exploration.

This park is a true haven for photographers and boasts some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities worldwide. You can anticipate encountering many of Africa's most famous animals, with the tree-climbing lions being a particular highlight. These majestic predators relax in the acacia trees, practically posing for your camera.

For bird enthusiasts, Lake Manyara is a true delight, offering a vast array of bird species within the park. Even if you're a novice bird watcher, you can expect to be astonished by the sight of large flocks of flamingos, soaring birds of prey, and the vibrant lilac-breasted roller.

Following your day at the park, you'll head to Arusha for your overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Arusha (City, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgein Arusha (City, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Arusha - Amboseli National Park

Arusha - Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, you'll leave Arusha and embark on your journey back towards Kenya.

The drive itself offers picturesque views, and you'll once again go through immigration procedures, meeting your new driver before continuing to the park.

Amboseli National Park is aptly nicknamed the "Royal Court of Kilimanjaro," and you'll enjoy an afternoon safari drive where you'll encounter herds of wildebeests and zebras, majestic lions, stealthy hyenas, various antelope species, and some of Kenya's most substantial elephant herds, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Main Destination:
Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Best Time To Visit June to October and January to February
High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)
Best Weather June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Amboseli NP

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HippoCommon
Show more
HyenaCommon
LionOccasional
CheetahOccasional
LeopardRare to None
Accommodation:
Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Amboseli NP (Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Amboseli National Park - Nairobi

Amboseli National Park - Nairobi

You'll need to rise early today to catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro at sunrise. The highest peak in Africa can be elusive, but the early morning light offers your best chance to witness this towering mountain.

Following your Kilimanjaro experience, you'll journey back to Nairobi, where you'll be either transported to the airport for your departure or taken to your hotel for the conclusion of your safari adventure.

Main Destination:
Nairobi (City, Kenya)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Shadows of Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Shadows of Africa.