AMAZING KENYA AND TANZANIA SAFARI

• You'll depart from Nairobi after breakfast and begin the long drive south to the Maasai Mara. • Stopping along the way to take in the stunning view of the Great Rift Valley, you'll arrive at the park in time for lunch at your lodge before enjoying an afternoon game drive through the iconic park. • Home to the entirety of the Big Five, the Maasai Mara also plays host to the Wildebeest Migration each year and makes for a stunning backdrop for your first day of safari.

• Wake before the dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Maasai Mara sunrise. • After a quick cup of coffee, you'll head out into the park to watch as the sun sets fire to the savannah and the big cats take advantage of the morning cool to search for a meal. • Alternatively, you can take to the skies with a hot air balloon safari that will see you soar above all of the action before setting down on the plains for a champagne breakfast among the wildlife. Ask your safari expert about adding a hot air balloon adventure to your safari. • You'll then return to your lodge for a late breakfast before packing a picnic lunch and heading back out into the park for a day-long exploration of the Maasai Mara. You may also opt to relax at your lodge in the morning, enjoy lunch on site, and then head out again in the afternoon once the weather has cooled off a bit.

• You'll start your day with an early breakfast ahead of the long drive across to Lake Naivasha. • You'll arrive on the shores of this picturesque lake in time for lunch at your lodge, and will then have the opportunity to take a guided boat tour out onto the lake to see the abundance of wildlife that calls the shores home. • A visit to Crescent Island to walk among the herbivores who call it home will round out your day, giving you the chance to see giraffes, zebras, and other animals up close without fear of predators.

• You will depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast and drive to Amboseli National Park. Sometimes called the Royal Court of Kilimanjaro, this stunning park lies at the foot of Africa's highest mountain and affords visitors the best views of the mountain to be found anywhere in Kenya or Tanzania. • Photographers will revel at the chance to photograph the park's vast herds of elephants against the backdrop of the towering mountain, and the park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and much more.

You'll be up early today for your opportunity to see Kilimanjaro at dawn. The Roof of Africa is often shy, but in the early morning light, you'll have your best chance to see the tallest mountain on the continent. After breakfast, you'll enjoy a leisurely morning game drive through the park on your way to the Namanga border crossing. Once immigration formalities have been completed and you've liaised with your new driver, you'll continue south to Arusha for overnight.

You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise. After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed. Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller. You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.

We'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us! We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way, we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth. It's a nearly four-hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities: Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country. Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market. Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary. After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

After breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion. Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

After breakfast, you'll descend into Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation. Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations. After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. You'll then return to Arusha in the evening.

You'll depart Arusha after breakfast and begin your trip back towards Kenya. The drive itself is a scenic one, and you'll once again go through immigration and meet with your new driver before proceeding to the park. Amboseli National Park is called the "Royal Court of Kilimanjaro' with good reason, and you'll enjoy an afternoon game drive where you'll see herds of wildebeest and zebras, proud lions, skulking hyenas, a variety of antelopes, and some of Kenya's largest herds of elephants - all set against the startling backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

You'll be up early today for your opportunity to see Kilimanjaro at dawn. The Roof of Africa is often shy, but in the early morning light, you'll have your best chance to see the tallest mountain on the continent. You'll then make your way back to Nairobi, where you'll be taken to the airport or your hotel.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you'll be met by your Shadows of Africa driver and begin the ninety-minute drive to Musanze, Rwanda's second largest city. Located in the foothills surrounding the famous Volcanoes National Park, Musanze is a dynamic town with a variety of dining and entertainment options. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to visit the nearby Twin Lakes or pay a visit to the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll proceed directly to the Volcanoes National Park's headquarters to meet your guides. After completing the briefing, you'll embark on the once in a lifetime experience of tracking the enigmatic mountain gorillas. There is no guarantee how long or difficult your tracking experience will be as it depends on where the family of gorillas is and on weather conditions, It can take anywhere from two up to six hours of trekking through the mountain forest at relatively high altitudes. Fitness is definitely recommended for those wishing to undertake the excursion. One of the most memorable experiences you're likely to ever have, you'll be allowed an hour of close contact with the gorillas once you've found them. You'll be privileged enough to come within mere metres of a family of these rare and beautiful animals, observing their family dynamics and getting to learn a bit about each gorilla's distinct personality in serene silence. After your hike is complete, you can choose to return to your lodge to relax or take part in a number of local activities such as the Musanze cave tour and the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village.

You'll return to Kigali in time for lunch in the Rwandan capital before participating in a complimentary city tour including the Genocide Memorial, the Presidential Palace Museum, and the local craft markets. The opportunity to have lunch at the famous Mille Collines Hotel (Hotel Rwanda) is also a highlight of your day. You'll fly to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Airport in the afternoon/early evening and overnight in Arusha.

You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise. After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed. Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller. You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.

After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation. Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations. After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. You'll return to your Karatu accommodations for the evening for dinner and rest.

We'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us! We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way, we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth. It's a nearly four-hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities: Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country. Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market. Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary. After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

We start your day early by getting up before dawn to embark on a sunrise game drive. Accompanied by the melodic singing of the birds, you'll spend your morning searching for leopards and lions hunting for their morning meal and spying the contrastingly calm hippos returning to their watery homes with their families. You may also wish to include a sunrise hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast in your safari. Consult your safari expert on how to make this happen. After your morning meal, you'll set out with a packed lunch to continue your exploration of the park. Your driver will select the best possible route based upon the time of year and the kind of animals you'd like to see, catering your day so that your opportunities to see the Serengeti's diverse wildlife are maximized. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

There's no pulling punches here: this is a long day's driving. Departing after an early breakfast with a packed lunch, you'll enjoy a game drive en route to the Isebania border crossing that separates Tanzania and Kenya. Once your immigration formalities are complete and you've met with your new driver, you'll continue on to the Maasai Mara. Arriving late in the day, you'll check into your hotel and relax ahead of tomorrow's explorations.

You'll enjoy a sunrise game drive in the Masai Mara - an ideal opportunity to spot predators such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs on the hunt for their morning meal. It's a brief stay n the Maasai Mara, but it should give you a taste for the park's rugged landscapes and diverse inhabitants. After taking breakfast at your lodge, you'll make the six-hour journey back to Nairobi - stopping along the way for lunch and/or some souvenir shopping (at your