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Kenya Wildlife Safari

with Tanzania extension

Duration: 13 or 17 days
Group size: 5-25
Reviews: 248

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Wondrous wildlife, stunning landscapes—this African nation has it all.

Kenya’s landscapes are teeming with animals of all spots and stripes, from speedy cheetahs to majestic herds of zebras. On this thrilling Kenya tour, you’ll see them all in some of the country’s most spectacular settings. Travel from towering Mount Kenya to the wild expanses of the Masai Mara to witness the drama of the bush unfolding around you.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
9 lunches
9 dinners
1 guided sightseeing tour

Included highlights

Giraffe Manor
Karen Blixen Estate
Aberdare National Park
Great Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Nairobi today.

Nairobi2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Nairobi

Welcome to Kenya! Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3: Karen Blixen Estate & Giraffe Center

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome dinner

Climb into 4x4 land cruisers and set out to tour the Karen Blixen Estate and visit the Giraffe Center, a preserve dedicated to raising rare giraffes.

Tour the Karen Blixen Estate, a former coffee plantation where the author lived for several years, as described in her novel “Out of Africa”
Enjoy an included lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
Head to the Giraffe Center and climb to the tree house deck to feed the giraffes by hand
Learn about preservation efforts put in place to increase the giraffe population

Tonight, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Aberdare National Park1 night

Day 4: Transfer to Aberdare National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take in sweeping views of the countryside, passing pineapple and coffee plantations, as you journey to the forested foothills of Mount Kenya National Park.

Stop at Aberdare Country Club for lunch
Enjoy wildlife viewing at your lodge near Aberdare National Park

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Great Rift Valley2 nights

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Naivasha

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

En route to the Great Rift Valley region, stop at the Equator to experience the famed Coriolis effect.

Continue on to Lake Naivasha for lunch and an optional nature walk. Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru game drive

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Lake Nakuru, one of the "soda lakes" of the Rift Valley where flamingoes make their home.

Take a morning game drive in a 4x4 land cruiser through Lake Nakuru National Park
Keep an eye out for wildlife like zebras, monkeys and rhinos, both the elusive black and white varieties
Enjoy an included lunch

Head back to your safari lodge and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Masai Mara2 nights

Day 7: Transfer to Masai Mara & game drive

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue through the Great Rift Valley as you travel to the land of the Masai warriors—the Masai Mara.

Enjoy an included lunch
Set out on an afternoon game drive
Watch for the famous Big Five of African safaris —leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalo, lions, and elephants
Admire the rolling hills, waving savanna grasses, and acacia trees

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 8: Game drives & Masai Mara village visit

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head out on an early morning game drive. Then, enjoy an included lunch before trying to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, impalas, elephants, warthogs, cheetahs, and wildebeest on an afternoon game drive.

Later, immerse yourself in the Masai way of life during a visit to a local village.

Tour an authentic boma and discover the history and heritage behind the Masai tribe
Hear how the money they receive from your visit is used to sustain the community

This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

Nairobi1 night

Day 9: Transfer to Nairobi

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a free morning and an included lunch in Masai Mara. Then, admire the incredible scenery as you travel through the Great Rift Valley back to Nairobi.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Amboseli2 nights

Day 10: Transfer to Amboseli National Park & game drive

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel south to Amboseli National Park, which sits against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy an included lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive to see lions, baboons, cheetahs, hippos, wildebeest, and elephants.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 11: Amboseli National Park game drives

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner

Head out on a day of game drives and marvel at the park’s huge herds of elephants, as well as ostriches, leopards, lions, and rhinos. Enjoy an included lunch this afternoon.

Later, celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 12: Travel to Nairobi & departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to Nairobi for your flight home, or extend your stay to explore Tanzania.

Arrive Home

Day 13: Travel day

Arrive home today.

Extension to Tanzania

Not ready for your safari to end? We don't blame you. Cross into Tanzania to extend your wildlife adventure. You'll enjoy game drives through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as you try to spot lions, and leopards, and elephants—oh my!

Tarangire National Park 1 night

Day 12: Tarangire National Park via Arusha

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stop in Arusha for an included lunch on your way to Tarangire National Park where you’ll marvel at one of Africa’s largest herds of elephants and keep watch for over 500 bird species.

Later, set out on an afternoon game drive and sit down for an included dinner.

Serengeti2 nights

Day 13: Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to the Serengeti, stopping en route in Olduvai Gorge for a guided tour of this “Cradle of Mankind,” where Louis and Mary Leakey excavated 1.8 million-year-old human fossil fragments in 1959.Savor a scenic picnic lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive through Serengeti National Park.

Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 14: Serengeti National Park game drives

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on a day of game drives through the Central Serengeti’s rich ecosystems and endless plains.

• Enjoy an included lunch

• Keep watch for the Big Five

Sit down for an included lunch this evening.

Ngorongoro1 night

Day 15: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater & game drive

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera.

• Enjoy an included lunch

• Set out on a game drive, looking out for lions, black rhinos, and cheetahs

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 16: Departure

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to the Nairobi airport, stopping in Arusha for an included lunch, for your flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 17: Travel day

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

What a fabulous trip!

03/09/2020 by 3rd time traveler Tara Y.

This trip exceeded our expectations in so many ways. The people were friendly and helpful, and our Guide/Driver Steve (in Kenya) was terrific. He had to drive over the most awful roads (washboard effect and potholes galore) but he tried to make the trip as comfortable as he could. He made us feel ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/09/2020

Dear Tara, Thank you very much for your feedback a...

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03/09/2020 by 8th time traveler Jeff B.

We saw so many animals. The guides got us so close. Felt safe the whole time. The lodges in the national parks were amazing. This trip exceeded my expectations. Lots of fun. Mix of people in tour group was good too. The guides were great.

Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/09/2020

Dear Jeff, We work hard to create smooth and stres...

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Absolutely a fantastic trip!

03/02/2020 by 2nd time traveler Cathrine G.

This was our first trip to Africa and as such we went in with few expectations - accommodations were beyond what we expected - food was great, wildlife viewing and guides great. The Tanzania extension was well-worth doing - did involve quite a bit of driving during a short period - would have been ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Cathrin, Wow! We are so happy to read that th...

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02/03/2020 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. I totally recommend it. Accomodations were mostly great although Ambesoli was not my favorite. The meals were very good with buffets at every meal so always something for everyone. The amount of animals we saw was just amazing.

2020 Safari

01/29/2020 by 2nd time traveler Alison W.

This trip was amazing! Our tour guide - Daniel - was full of knowledge and history and was very accommodating. Moongai was a very organized tour leader as well as Pamela - who we only had for one day. Meals were all delicious (buffet) - lots of selection for everyone and loads of cooked vegetable...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge

This lodge-style hotel is located in Tarangire. Guests enjoy a gymnasium, swimming pool, and outdoor dining. Nearby, you'll find Tarangire National Pa...

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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

This ambient hotel is located at the highest point on rim of the Ngorongoro crater. Guests enjoy free internet, a swimming pool, and a gift shop. Near...

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The Boma

This modern hotel is located in Nairobi. Guests enjoy outdoor dining, a pool, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find the Railway Museum, August 7th Memorial P...

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The Ark Lodge

This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of the Aberdare National Park in Kenya. Guests enjoy a library, bar, gift shop, and multiple decks and...

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Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

This elegant hotel is set in one hundred and fifty acres of grassland studded with acacia bushes. Guests enjoy WiFi, a pool, and a sauna. Nearby, you’...

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Amboseli Sopa Lodge

This rustic hotel is located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests enjoy a fitness center, a pool, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Amboseli Nat...

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Mara Leisure Camp

This cozy hotel is located along the Talek River. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, a bar, and a gift shop. Nearby, you’ll find the Masai Mara Game Reserv...

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Serengeti Sopa Lodge

This lodge-style hotel is located in Arusha. Guests enjoy a gymnasium, swimming pool, and outdoor dining. Nearby, you'll find Serengeti National Park.

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Kenya (and Tanzania on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter Kenya. While it is possible to obtain a visa at the airport, we strongly recommend purchasing your visa in advance as wait times upon arrival can exceed 2 hours. You may purchase an e-visa online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or submit a request for a paper visa by visiting your local embassy. (Please note: The consulates in the U.S. and Canada have no jurisdiction over the e-visa process). You can also purchase your visa by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral. You will need to have your visa receipt with you upon arrival in Kenya.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Tanzania on the tour extension. While it is possible to obtain a visa at the border, we strongly recommend purchasing your visa in advance as wait times upon arrival can exceed 2 hours. You can purchase an electronic visa on the Tanzanian Electronic Visa Portal website. You may also submit a request for a paper visa by visiting your local embassy or purchase your visa in advance by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral. You will need to have your visa receipt with you upon arrival in Tanzania.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 45 minutes daily across mostly flat terrain, including some paved roads, unpaved trails, and dirt paths.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times. This tour also includes long bumpy rides in safari vehicles. You should feel comfortable stepping up and down to get in and out of the vehicles, standing for long periods of time, and maintaining your balance.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Nairobi. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
During your game drives, you’ll travel in a specially equipped 4x4 safari land cruiser. The vehicle is open, allowing for panoramic views. Window seats are guaranteed for all travelers. Transfers between parks are long and cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on safari vehicles.
You’ll need one overnight bag, such as a backpack or small collapsible duffle bag.
One small carry-on bag is also permitted (which can double as your overnight bag).
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag. Safari luggage restrictions are strict and strongly enforced. It’s essential that your luggage meet the following requirements:* A soft, flexible duffel bag (absolutely no hard suitcases or bags with hard sides are permitted)
Your bags can be no larger than 34” W by 17” H by 15” L
The total weight cannot exceed 44 pounds (including your camera equipment and carry-on bag)

Clothing & packing tips

Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will be most comfortable. Quick-dry material is best for hot days outside and a warmer layer may be needed for chilly evenings and early mornings.
Wear muted colors for game drives, as bright clothing may scare animals away and blue or black clothing attracts tsetse flies.
Comfortable closed-toes shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for walking during the day.
Pack a swimsuit as many of the hotels have pools that you are free to use at your leisure.
Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
Occasional rain showers are common during certain seasons, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip.
Mosquito repellent, binoculars, and a flashlight are highly recommended.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
The Kenyan government has a strict ban on plastic bags. It is illegal to use, sell, or carry plastic bags anywhere in the country under the new law, and violators will face charges including high fines or imprisonment. Please bring reusable cloth bags if you plan to go shopping on tour, and do not pack any plastic bags, including small resealable bags.

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
If you’re traveling on the tour extension to Tanzania you’re required to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry on luggage.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Cuisine in your game lodges reflects the region’s British colonial influence—you may find that many locals pause for afternoon tea. Most restaurants offer curries and other South Asian cuisine brought over by the many Indian immigrants. Maize, sweet potatoes, and pineapple were brought over by the Portuguese, and beef has been a staple since the 1600s.

Electricity & air conditioning

Kenya operates on the British standard 240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
Tanzania (on the tour extension) operates on 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
Not all of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Power outages are common. In some of the camps, power is turned off in the late afternoon as well as in the early morning.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, though charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches or safari vehicles.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Kenya (and Tanzania on the tour extension) is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and eight hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 8pm in Nairobi.

Currency

The currency you’ll be using on your tour is the Kenyan shilling (and the Tanzanian shilling on the tour extension).
You may be able to purchase Kenyan shillings in advance from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex. There is no limit on importing currency into Kenya, but please note travelers are restricted from carrying more than $100,000 in Kenyan shillings out of the country (and cannot export more than $5,000 in Tanzanian shillings from Tanzania on the tour extension).
We recommend that you carry as little local cash as possible as well as small amounts of U.S. dollars (only crisp bills printed in 2004 or later).
ATMs are most readily available in Nairobi; while there, we recommend taking out cash in small bills to have on safari.
Major North American credit cards are accepted but can be difficult to use in remote locations (Visa is the most widely accepted).
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your driver/guide a gratuity in USD. We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day.
If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.
You can also expect to be solicited for tips from the hospitality and restaurant staff that you encounter. Leaving as little as the equivalent of $1USD is greatly appreciated, although tipping is entirely at your discretion.

Tour Director

Your guide for this tour will be different than a typical Tour Director. You will be met by a representative from Go Ahead Tours upon arrival and will then meet your guide the morning of your first full day on tour. He or she will act as both your tour guide and driver for the duration of your tour.

Shopping

You will have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, such as wood carvings and textiles, at outdoor markets and roadside stalls. Some lodges will have boutiques on the premises as well.
Prices at most markets are negotiable, so don't be afraid to bargain—it's a great way to strike up a conversation with a local.

Dates & prices

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Kenya Wildlife Safari

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