Classic East Africa Tour - 10 Days / 9 nights
Arusha
Experience the magic of East Africa on this unforgettable 10-day, 9-night journey through Kenya and Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. Begin in vibrant Nairobi, then venture into the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its abundant wildlife and sweeping savannahs. Continue to the scenic lakes of Nakuru and Elementaita, home to flamingos and rhinos. Head south to Amboseli National Park, where elephants roam beneath the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Cross into Tanzania to explore the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park, followed by a relaxing stay in Karatu, the gateway to the highlands. Discover the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife in a unique volcanic caldera. Conclude your adventure in Arusha, a bustling town nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. This classic East African itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable safari experiences.
Highlights
- Enjoy thrilling game drives in Masai Mara with chances to spot the Big Five.
- Admire flocks of flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita.
- See elephants roam beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.
- Relax in the scenic highlands of Karatu near Ngorongoro.
- Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Conclude your journey in Arusha with time to unwind or shop for local crafts.
- Day 1 - Nairobi
- Day 2 - Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 3 - Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 4 - Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru – Lake Elementaita
- Day 5 - Lake Elementaita - Amboseli National Park
- Day 6 - Amboseli National Park
- Day 7 - Amboseli National Park – Tarangire National Park
- Day 8 - Tarangire National Park – Karatu
- Day 9 - Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 10 - Karatu – Arusha
- Additional Information
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred by the hotel’s shuttle service to your accommodation.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
Suggested Optional Excursions for Early Morning Arrivals:
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant Orphanage
- Out of Africa Excursion
- Nai Nami Cultural Walking Tour
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel or similar
Hilton Garden Inn Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is conveniently located on Mombasa Road, just seven kilometers from the airport, with complimentary shuttle service. The hotel offers modern accommodations with free Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioned rooms, and 24‑hour room service. Guests can enjoy dining at the Great American Grill® restaurant, snacks from the Pavilion Pantry®, or relax at the rooftop bar with panoramic views. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, meeting rooms, and free parking. The property is close to Nairobi National Park’s East Gate, just 9 kilometers away, and offers easy access to the city center via the Nairobi Expressway. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel combines convenience, comfort, and contemporary amenities.
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you'll travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok, continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch.
Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the camp as the sun sets.
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Sentrim Mara Game Lodge
Sentrim Mara Game Lodge is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, just 3 km from the Sekenani Gate. The lodge offers a classic safari experience with 40 tents and 3 family houses, all equipped with en‑suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas overlooking the Mara plains. Guests enjoy proximity to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, and seasonal highlights such as the Great Migration. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gift shop, and conference amenities. The lodge is approximately 18 km from Keekorok Airstrip, providing convenient access for travelers arriving by flight. Designed for both leisure and adventure, Sentrim Mara Game Lodge combines comfort with authentic bush surroundings in one of Africa’s most renowned safari destinations.
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid-morning.
After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the camp as the sunsets.
OPTIONAL: Shared Hot Air Balloon Safari
Early morning shared transfer in the balloon company vehicle to the balloon staging site. You'll meet the pilot who provides a safety briefing while the crew inflate the hot air balloon. At sunrise, your shared hot air balloon lifts off over the African plains. At times, your pilot will ascend to a higher altitude to give you an overview of the ecosystem. Then you descend to treetop level to silently observe the wildlife from above. After about 50 minutes, you land and are met by the balloon staff to transport you to your shared bush breakfast. You then return to your camp or lodge.
Accommodation: Sentrim Mara Camp or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerSentrim Mara Game Lodge
Sentrim Mara Game Lodge is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, just 3 km from the Sekenani Gate. The lodge offers a classic safari experience with 40 tents and 3 family houses, all equipped with en‑suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas overlooking the Mara plains. Guests enjoy proximity to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, and seasonal highlights such as the Great Migration. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gift shop, and conference amenities. The lodge is approximately 18 km from Keekorok Airstrip, providing convenient access for travelers arriving by flight. Designed for both leisure and adventure, Sentrim Mara Game Lodge combines comfort with authentic bush surroundings in one of Africa’s most renowned safari destinations.
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, arriving at your lodge at Lake Elementaita around midday.
Following lunch, depart for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, returning to your lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingos. It is also home to Black and White rhinos, as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
Sentrim Elementaita Resort is located along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, set at the foot of historic Lake Elementaita. The resort offers uninterrupted views of the lake, open countryside, and the iconic Sleeping Warrior Mountain. It features 64 cottages designed with modern amenities, providing comfort in a serene natural setting. Lake Elementaita is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), home to flamingos, pelicans, and diverse birdlife, making the resort ideal for nature lovers. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, conference rooms, and landscaped gardens. Guests enjoy easy access to nearby attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park and the Great Rift Valley. Sentrim Elementaita Resort combines relaxation, scenic beauty, and a convenient location for both leisure and business travelers.
Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch, depending on road conditions) and continue south towards Amboseli, arriving at your camp by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Sentrim Elementaita Lodge or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
Sentrim Amboseli is located on the border of Amboseli National Park, right near Kimana gate. The entirely new 60 luxurious and comfortable deluxe ensuite tents are evenly spread out with fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro. The main guest area consists of reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar lounge and gift shop.
After breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive.
Later, enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to the lodge by 1600hrs, giving time to unwind in your room or lounge, or even take a quick dip in the pool before dinner.
Accommodation: Sentrim Amboseli Camp or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
Sentrim Amboseli is located on the border of Amboseli National Park, right near Kimana gate. The entirely new 60 luxurious and comfortable deluxe ensuite tents are evenly spread out with fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro. The main guest area consists of reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar lounge and gift shop.
Following an early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. You travel by road to the Namanga border where you will say goodbye to your Kenya driver/guide and perhaps some of your fellow travellers who will return to Nairobi.
You'll meet your Tanzanian transfer driver and travel by road to Arusha where you'll have lunch (excludes drinks). You'll meet any other travellers joining the trip in Arusha and continue to Tarangire National Park.
Arrive at the tented lodge in the late afternoon for time at leisure, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tarangire Simba Lodge
Tarangire Simba Lodge is located near the Sangaiwe Gate of Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania, overlooking Lake Burunge and adjacent to a Wildlife Management Area. Opened in 2015, the lodge features 24 classic safari tents under thatch, each with en‑suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private verandas. The property is anchored by a giant baobab tree, offering an authentic African setting. Wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions, along with abundant birdlife, is frequently seen around the lodge, especially during the dry season. Facilities include a swimming pool, an elevated viewing platform, a restaurant serving continental cuisine, and a bar. Tarangire Simba Lodge provides a comfortable base for exploring Tarangire’s renowned elephant herds, baobab landscapes, and diverse ecosystems.
Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge. Then, depart Tarangire Region, you drive through the surrounding bushland, passing small Maasai villages and farms. The road is mostly unpaved but well-maintained, with occasional bumps and dips.
After about 20 minutes, you will reach the town of Makuyuni, where you will turn left onto the main road that leads to Lake Manyara, the Great African Rift Valley, and onto Karatu town. This road is paved and in good condition, and it winds through lush green hills and valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
As you approach Karatu town, you will see small markets and shops along the roadside. Karatu town is a small and bustling town, known for its proximity to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and its vibrant local market.
On arrival at your lodge, proceed with check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Karatu Simba Lodge
Karatu Simba Lodge is located in Tanzania’s Karatu district, about 30 minutes from Lake Manyara National Park and 4 km from the road leading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Nestled beside the Ngorongoro Forest, the lodge offers views of farmland and the distant rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Accommodation consists of 23 tented cottages with en‑suite bathrooms, showers, and private verandas. Guests enjoy proximity to wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and hyenas, alongside the vibrant rural scenery of barley, wheat, corn, and sunflowers. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and lounge areas, providing a comfortable base for safari travelers. Karatu Simba Lodge blends rustic charm with modern amenities, offering peaceful hospitality in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
Early departure from your lodge and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Climb the back wall of the crater and continue to the rim of the crater, and descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. You game drive in this paradise. With a space of only 102 square miles and a resident wildlife population of more than 30,000 mammals, there is a great chance that you might see all of the big five. A picnic lunch box is provided at a scenic location within the floor of the crater.
In the afternoon, you'll return to the rim of the crater and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Karatu Simba Lodge
Karatu Simba Lodge is located in Tanzania’s Karatu district, about 30 minutes from Lake Manyara National Park and 4 km from the road leading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Nestled beside the Ngorongoro Forest, the lodge offers views of farmland and the distant rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Accommodation consists of 23 tented cottages with en‑suite bathrooms, showers, and private verandas. Guests enjoy proximity to wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and hyenas, alongside the vibrant rural scenery of barley, wheat, corn, and sunflowers. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and lounge areas, providing a comfortable base for safari travelers. Karatu Simba Lodge blends rustic charm with modern amenities, offering peaceful hospitality in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
Following breakfast, depart your lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha arriving in the city for lunch (excludes drinks). Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your departure flight (flight booked by agent or on own arrangements).
This concludes the tour.
*Breakfast included
Meals Included: BreakfastNo Vendor Set
Cost Includes:
- Landside meet and greet services
- Transfers as specified
- Transport for the safari sector in 4x4 vehicles on a shared basis, with a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle
- Guaranteed window seats
- Services of experienced bilingual English-speaking driver-guides on our scheduled seat-in-vehicle safaris
- Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary
- All accommodation and meals as specified
- All park fees and government taxes
- Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles provided by Pollman’s Tours and Safaris & Ranger Safaris
- Travellers should bring reusable water bottles
- Internal flights (if applicable) as specified in the itinerary, inclusive of all airport taxes
Cost Excludes:
- International and regional flights (except where specified)
Airport taxes except on tickets we issue - Passport and visa fees
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (where applicable) - Hot air balloon safaris
- Driver-guide gratuities
- Dining rooms tips and porterage
Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance - Drinks, Laundry, Telephone bills and any items of a personal nature (except where specified)
Arrival Information:
- Earliest check-in at the arrival hotel is 14h00. Travellers arriving on early morning flights are urged to book a pre-night at the arrival hotel (at an additional cost) to avoid delays in accessing the hotel rooms on arrival.
Departure Information:
- This safari returns to Arusha City Centre at 1230 hrs.
- Travellers departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport on a domestic or international flight should book a flight departing later than 1630hrs.
- Travellers departing from Arusha Airport on a domestic flight should book a flight departing later than 1245 hrs.
- Travellers with a long layover before their departure flight should consider booking a day room (at an additional cost) to refresh and repack before their international journey.
IMPORTANT Luggage Information:
- Travellers should only bring soft-sided bags on safari.
- Bags should measure no more than the following:
- Height - 66cm
- Length - 42cm
- Width - 28cm
- Soft-sided bags with wheels are permitted
- If travelling on internal flights during your safari, luggage allowances are strictly enforced to 15 kilograms per person, including carry-on bags
