Kenya & Tanzania Elite

Itinerary

• Kenya

  Kenya is the regional hub for the quintessential safari experience, featuring top game parks of Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, and the beaches of Mombasa and Lamu. The country has the most modern infrastructure in the region and excellent flight connections to other countries in Africa. The "Big Five" animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. It is also famous for the annual migration, when millions of wildebeest head north to find fresh grass during the dry season. The migration varies yearly based on the rains, but tends to peak between mid-July to mid-September (in other months the migration moves around the Serengeti park in Tanzania.

• Masai Mara

  Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

• Meru

  Meru is located on the Kathita River, on the northeast slopes of Mount Kenya. It is situated about five miles north of the equator, at approximately 5,000 feet altitude, in an area of mixed forest, rivers and clearings. Such an abundance of water flowing through a predominantly arid part of Kenya creates a mosaic of different habitats making Meru one of the most diverse Parks in the whole Africa. Meru N. P. is home to species typical of northern Kenya such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, oryx, lesser kudu, which are not to be found in many other National Parks or areas in Kenya.  A specific mention has to be made for the Rhino Sanctuary. The area devoted to the protection and population increase of rhinos is today about 50 square kilometres and is located on the Western boundary of the Park. Here 40 white and 20 black rhinos roam freely.

• Nairobi

  Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

• Tanzania

  Tanzania has a wealth of natural attractions. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated in the northeast, near the tourist hub of Arusha. The nearby game parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire receive most of the visitor volume. Other notable game parks are Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park in the south, and Gombe National Park in the west. Further to the west are the Great Lakes, Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (the world's deepest lake). The capital city of Dar Es Salaam is located on the eastern shore, but the main attraction is the exotic island of Zanzibar lying just offshore, with its Swahili architecture, spice plantations and white sand beaches.

• Ngorongoro

  "The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World’. A massive extinct volcano, the sheet walls drop thousands of feet to a "Noah's Ark" of animals on the verdant floor below. Large herds of zebra, buffalo, antelope and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

• Serengeti

  Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, the Serengeti is massive in size, 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq miles). Famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers the most diverse game-viewing in Africa.

• • Nairobi
  • Ngong Tree House Exterior View

  Day 1: Nairobi

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

  Accommodation: Ngong House

  Ngong House is a private, serene and luxurious home stay situated in Karen / Langata area of Nairobi. The lodge overlooks the Ngong Hills, only a few minutes away from what used to be Karen Blixen’s coffee farm. Secluded in 10 acres of private land, it is close to Nairobi National Park, 30 to 40 minutes from Nairobi International Airport, 15 minutes from Wilson airport (where all fly safaris depart from) and 20 minutes from the city center.

• • Grevy
  • Elsa's Exterior

  Day 2: Nairobi - Meru

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  You will board your flight enroute to Meru landing strip.

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  Sit back and relax, as your guide takes you on an unbelievable game viewing drive through Meru National Park. In order to view the most game possible, this drive is done during the wildlife's active periods, early in the morning, and in the late afternoon. Your park fee is included.

  Head out with your private guide on safari. Lions are commonly seen on the plains and there's a good chance of spotting cheetahs. Baboons, elephants, and gazelles roam and graze along these plains. You may even spot a leopard as they lurk among the boulders of euphorbia-draped kopjes. Your park fee is included.

  Accommodation: Elsa`s Kopje

  Elsa’s Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa’s Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film ‘Born Free’, released into the wild here in Meru. The word Kopje means ‘small hill’. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson’s original camp. Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park. The atmosphere induces a feeling of peace thanks to a highly trained, unobtrusive team of staff and a skilled hosts that manage the lodge. Each cottage is attended by a butler who also waits on the guests at mealtimes.

• • Meru Game Viewing

  Day 3: Meru

  Game drives in open-sided vehicles are provided daily by Elsa's Kopje during your stay. Head out in the early morning to view some of the rare game of Kenya's north. Rustic, arid landscapes provide stunning scenery as you drive.

  Time permitting, there are many optional activities. Activities range from nature walks to cultural village visits. Some of these can be pre-booked through your destination specialist while others can be booked directly with the lodge upon arrival.

  Accommodation: Elsa`s Kopje
• • Masai
  • Cottars Camp 1920

  Day 4: Meru - Masai Mara

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  Catch your chartered game flight to Masai Mara airstrip. Flight time is approx. 45mins.

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around water holes or up in a tree after a long, hot day.

  Accommodation: Cottars Camp

  Cottar’s Camp is an intimate family built camp located in a private reserve near the Masai Mara National Park, in Kenya. With eighty years of Safari service on their sleeves, the Cottar family leads you by the hand in exploring this diverse landscape. The camp provides tents for up to 12 guests in a relaxing setting built with a 1920's antique charm. Dining consists of local bush cuisine, often taken beside the waterfalls or on game drives. The outdoor veranda offers a stunning view of the surroundings and the opportunity to take a bush bath and perhaps a massage on the doorstep of this backdrop is swoon-worthy.

• • Bateleur or Short Tailed Eagle

  Day 5: Masai Mara

  On today’s afternoon game drive the choice is up to you: search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover something different. Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of animals – it also has an incredible array of bird life with almost 450 different species.

  Accommodation: Cottars Camp
• • Hot Air Balloon
  • Rhino

  Day 6: Masai Mara

  Depart early this morning to meet up with others for your sunrise hot air balloon ride. Soar into the skies and watch as the sun dawns across the plains. The balloon will float up for a wide view of the park, then sweep down almost to the treetops so you can see the animals up close, sometimes dropping to just inches above the animals and ground. This ability to quietly ascend and descend allows you to get closer to the animals, affording some of the most incredible views of game and the park. Afterward, enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast right in the middle of the game park complete with champagne. This is one of our most highly rated activities.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with your guide and head out on your game drive. Mara is one of the few places you could spot the rare rhino. Stay alert as you track these elusive lumbering giants.

  Accommodation: Cottars Camp
• • Serengeti
  • Lioness
  • Sasakwa Lodge & Pool

  Day 7: Masai Mara - Serengeti

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  Take your flight from Masai Mara to Serengeti via Nairobi and Kilimanjaro International Airports. The flight duration is approximately 6hrs.

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  You will have a private guide throughout your stay at Singita.

  Today head out with your guide to explore the wide expanse of the Serengeti. The park is well known for its healthy stock of resident wildlife, particularly the "Big Five", named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros, and African buffalo. Though there are now few black rhino in the park, you may still spot them. The Serengeti has the largest population of lion and giraffe in all of Africa and the largest concentration of topi and Coke's hartebeest (kongoni). Enjoy the challenge of spotting other game such as cheetah, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, crowned crane and marabou stork.

  Accommodation: Singita Sasakwa Lodge

  Sasakwa Lodge is situated on a huge private reserve near Serengeti Park, which offers stunning views of these wondrous plains. Architects built this lodge to represent the Colonial Ranch homes of the past, with seven suites, each hosting 1-4 bedrooms. Guests will be living in the lap of luxury, with the Serengeti as a backdrop. Dining is gourmet cooking from the most highly trained chefs, comparable to European standards. Activities include an equestrian centre, where sixteen horses lounge. This allows experienced riders to take a day on the plains.

• Day 8: Serengeti

  You will have a private guide throughout your stay at Singita.

  Today head out with your guide to explore the wide expanse of the Serengeti. The park is well known for its healthy stock of resident wildlife, particularly the "Big Five", named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros, and African buffalo. Though there are now few black rhino in the park, you may still spot them. The Serengeti has the largest population of lion and giraffe in all of Africa and the largest concentration of topi and Coke's hartebeest (kongoni). Enjoy the challenge of spotting other game such as cheetah, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, crowned crane and marabou stork.

  Accommodation: Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• • Impala

  Day 9: Serengeti

  You will have a private guide throughout your stay at Singita.

  Spend today searching out Impala, one of Africa's most beautiful and graceful animals. Previously thought to be part of the gazelle tribe, Impalas have been found to be so different that they are now classified as their own sub-family status. When frightened or startled the whole impala herd starts randomly leaping to confuse their predator. They can jump distances more than 10 meters (33 ft) and 3 meters (9 ft) high. Leopards, cheetah, lions and wild dogs prey on impala. Impala can reach running speeds of approximately 50 to 55 mph (80 to 90 km/h) to escape its predators. See if you can track these incredible animals!

  Accommodation: Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• • Crater Floor
  • Crater Lodge Bed Room

  Day 10: Serengeti - Ngorongoro

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  Take your flight from Serengeti to Manayara today. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hr. Dep 10h30 - 12h00

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  You will have your own private guide throughout your stay at the lodge.

  Accommodation: Crater Lodge

  Hanging off the edge of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits the opulent Crater Lodge. On the eastern side of the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania, the lodge is an astonishing example of accommodations somehow built in the great African wilderness. It comprises three separate camps totaling 30 suites of the highest standard and most breathtaking views. Dining is a gala event, where one may put on their best etiquette and flaunt the outfits that have been collecting dust when roughing it during the day. Here, one may feast on cuisine from the American chef’s world-knowledge. Activities include game drives involving visits to the Ngorongoro Crater.

• • Lions

  Day 11: Ngorongoro

  Descend into the Ngorongoro caldera to view the wildlife on the crater floor. The crater is roughly 20 km/12 mi wide and 600 m/2,000 ft deep, once you've reached the top of the caldera it takes about 45 minutes to descend to the crater floor. The floor is home to a rich and highly concentrated wildlife. Some 20,000 mammals of size live there, including about 20 black rhinoceros, making the crater the best place in Tanzania to see the rhino. The crater floor also has one of the highest carnivore densities in the world. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals are commonly seen, while leopards, servals and bat-eared foxes may be seen with some good luck. You'll spend most of the day in the crater.

  You will have your own private guide throughout your stay at the lodge.

  Accommodation: Crater Lodge
• • Masai Market, Nairobi
  • Carnivore Restaurant

  Day 12: Ngorongoro - Manyara - Nairobi

  A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

  Take your flight from Manyara to Nairobi (Wilson) today. The flight duration is approximately 3hrs.

  Private guide and driver for the day in Nairobi.

  Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs.

  Included in your stay, stop at the famous Carnivore restaurant. The Carnivore first opened in 1980 and is a meat specialty restaurant. Commonly referred to as the ultimate 'Beast of a Feast' - here you will enjoy a variety of meat roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Meats commonly include beef, chicken, and options to try game meat such as crocodile or ostrich. Delicious side dishes and an array of sauces complement the meats served. Your meal also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the restaurant remains a local attraction for international visitors.

  Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, requirements or food requests.

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The leopard is an agile and graceful predator. Although smaller than the other members of Panthera, the leopard is still able to take large prey given a massive skull that well utilizes powerful jaw muscles. One of many spotted cats, a leopard may be mistaken for a cheetah or a jaguar. The leopard has rosette rather than cheetah's simple spots, but they lack internal spots, unlike the jaguar. The leopard is larger and less lanky than the cheetah but smaller than the jaguar. The leopard's black, irregular rosettes serve as camouflage. They are circular in East Africa but tend to be square in southern Africa.

• Culinary Delights

  Just because you are on safari doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your palate. Enjoy a fusion of exotic and classic dishes such as traditional African and Cape Malay delicacies, fresh seafood served on the beach, Pan-African cuisine and authentic Indian curries.

• Pampered Indulgence

  After a hectic day of game drives, gourmet picnics, and leopard sightings, pull up a canvass chair around the fire, put your feet up on the old tree-stump stool in front of you, and indulge in the great old African tradition of the 'sundowner'. A sundowner consists of having a cocktail of your choice usually perched on a raised area (e.g., an escarpment, hill, rocky outcropping of rocks) as you marvel at the amazing African sunset.

• • Ngong Tree House Exterior View

  Ngong House

  Ngong House is a private, serene and luxurious home stay situated in Karen / Langata area of Nairobi. The lodge overlooks the Ngong Hills, only a few minutes away from what used to be Karen Blixen’s coffee farm. Secluded in 10 acres of private land, it is close to Nairobi National Park, 30 to 40 minutes from Nairobi International Airport, 15 minutes from Wilson airport (where all fly safaris depart from) and 20 minutes from the city center.

  • More information
• • Elsa's Exterior
  • Lounge & Dining Areas

  Elsa's Kopje

  Elsa’s Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa’s Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film ‘Born Free’, released into the wild here in Meru. The word Kopje means ‘small hill’. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson’s original camp. Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park. The atmosphere induces a feeling of peace thanks to a highly trained, unobtrusive team of staff and a skilled hosts that manage the lodge. Each cottage is attended by a butler who also waits on the guests at mealtimes.

  • More information
• • Cottars 1920 Camp

  Cottars Camp

  Cottar’s Camp is an intimate family built camp located in a private reserve near the Masai Mara National Park, in Kenya. With eighty years of Safari service on their sleeves, the Cottar family leads you by the hand in exploring this diverse landscape. The camp provides tents for up to 12 guests in a relaxing setting built with a 1920's antique charm. Dining consists of local bush cuisine, often taken beside the waterfalls or on game drives. The outdoor veranda offers a stunning view of the surroundings and the opportunity to take a bush bath and perhaps a massage on the doorstep of this backdrop is swoon-worthy.

  • More information
• • Sasakwa Lodge & Pool

  Singita Sasakwa Lodge

  Sasakwa Lodge is situated on a huge private reserve near Serengeti Park, which offers stunning views of these wondrous plains. Architects built this lodge to represent the Colonial Ranch homes of the past, with seven suites, each hosting 1-4 bedrooms. Guests will be living in the lap of luxury, with the Serengeti as a backdrop. Dining is gourmet cooking from the most highly trained chefs, comparable to European standards. Activities include an equestrian centre, where sixteen horses lounge. This allows experienced riders to take a day on the plains.

  • More information
• • Crater Lodge

  Crater Lodge

  Hanging off the edge of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits the opulent Crater Lodge. On the eastern side of the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania, the lodge is an astonishing example of accommodations somehow built in the great African wilderness. It comprises three separate camps totaling 30 suites of the highest standard and most breathtaking views. Dining is a gala event, where one may put on their best etiquette and flaunt the outfits that have been collecting dust when roughing it during the day. Here, one may feast on cuisine from the American chef’s world-knowledge. Activities include game drives involving visits to the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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