Best of Kenya Bush Safari
OVERVIEW
Your Kenyan safari begins in Nairobi, where you’ll be warmly welcomed upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel. After settling in and relaxing, you can explore local dining options or enjoy dinner at the hotel. The next day, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. There, check into Ziwa Bush Lodge, enjoy lunch, and go on an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its birding opportunities, flamingos, and wildlife like the Black Rhino and Rothschild giraffe.
On Day 3, journey through the Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you’ll spend three nights at Sentrim Mara Camp. Immerse yourself in game drives seeking the Big Five and the Great Migration (July to October). Optional activities include hot air balloon safaris and Maasai village visits. On Day 6, head to Lake Naivasha, known for its volcanic features and rich birdlife. Enjoy the lodge’s amenities and optional boat and Crescent Island tours. Conclude your safari with a short game drive at Lake Naivasha and lunch at Nairobi’s Carnivore Restaurant before your flight home.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel, where you’ll be preparing for the adventures ahead. Settle into your accommodations and take some time to relax after your journey. In the evening, you can choose to enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant or explore local dining options at an additional fee. The hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for your stay in Nairobi, allowing you to unwind and prepare for the exciting days to come. Your first night includes a restful overnight stay at the hotel, ensuring you’re well-rested for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel Bed and Breakfast (Drinks not included)
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by your driver guide and embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its exceptional birding opportunities. This park is celebrated globally by bird enthusiasts as one of the premier ornithological sites, often showcasing a breathtaking spectacle of millions of pink flamingos along its shores. Upon arrival, check into the Ziwa Bush Lodge, enjoy a delicious lunch, and prepare for an afternoon game drive starting around 16:00. Lake Nakuru is not only famous for its flamingos but also serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Black Rhino and the Rothschild giraffe. Return to the lodge in the evening for a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Overnight: Ziwa Bush Lodge Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, heading towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey offers stunning views and rich landscapes as you make your way to your camp, where you will arrive in time for a delicious lunch. A representative from Mara Leisure Camp will assist you with check-in. In the afternoon, around 16:00, set out for your first game drive in Maasai Mara.
Over the next three nights, immerse yourself in the wonders of this iconic reserve, renowned for the incredible “Big Five” – Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, and Elephant – and the world-famous wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara during peak months (July to October). Observe the vast savannahs where giraffes, lions, and rhinos might surprise you with their presence, creating unforgettable moments and photo opportunities. Return to the camp for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Camp Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, heading towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey offers stunning views and rich landscapes as you make your way to your camp, where you will arrive in time for a delicious lunch. A representative from Mara Leisure Camp will assist you with check-in. In the afternoon, around 16:00, set out for your first game drive in Maasai Mara.
Over the next three nights, immerse yourself in the wonders of this iconic reserve, renowned for the incredible “Big Five” – Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, and Elephant – and the world-famous wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara during peak months (July to October). Observe the vast savannahs where giraffes, lions, and rhinos might surprise you with their presence, creating unforgettable moments and photo opportunities. Return to the camp for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Camp Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, heading towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey offers stunning views and rich landscapes as you make your way to your camp, where you will arrive in time for a delicious lunch. A representative from Mara Leisure Camp will assist you with check-in. In the afternoon, around 16:00, set out for your first game drive in Maasai Mara.
Over the next three nights, immerse yourself in the wonders of this iconic reserve, renowned for the incredible “Big Five” – Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, and Elephant – and the world-famous wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara during peak months (July to October). Observe the vast savannahs where giraffes, lions, and rhinos might surprise you with their presence, creating unforgettable moments and photo opportunities. Return to the camp for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha Kongoni Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, heading towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey offers stunning views and rich landscapes as you make your way to your camp, where you will arrive in time for a delicious lunch. A representative from Mara Leisure Camp will assist you with check-in. In the afternoon, around 16:00, set out for your first game drive in Maasai Mara.
Over the next three nights, immerse yourself in the wonders of this iconic reserve, renowned for the incredible “Big Five” – Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, and Elephant – and the world-famous wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara during peak months (July to October). Observe the vast savannahs where giraffes, lions, and rhinos might surprise you with their presence, creating unforgettable moments and photo opportunities. Return to the camp for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Package Includes and Excludes
- Meet and greet services with assistance at the airport or hotel
- All transport and game drives will be in a safari 4X4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing
- Services of a Professional English/ Spanish-speaking driver-guide on private basis.
- FULL BOARD accommodation whilst of safari
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- All Park fees and government taxes
- 2 ½ litter bottles of water per day
- Flying doctors cover
- Visas, international flights and Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
- Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance.
Travel Information
Destination Location
Lake Manyara National Park covers 330 sq km (127 sq mi), 70% of which is a lake. Along with its western boundaries is the Rift Valley’s western wall. The park is famous for its birdlife – almost 400 different species – and for its elephant population and tree-climbing lions, who have a large variety of tree species to choose from. The short game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.
One of nature’s true wonders and a photographer’s paradise, Ngorongoro is the largest intact crater in the world, covering 265 square kilometers (102 sq mi). The 2,000-foot deep crater is home to an abundance of wild game including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, serval cats, jackals, pushbacks, elands, waterbucks, wildebeest, many antelope, and a large variety of birds. This is a sight that you will always remember!
Tarangire National Park covers 6,734 sq km (2,600 sq mi) and includes two large plains and a seasonal swamp in the south. This is a beautiful park filled with Baobabs and Acacias with a large variety of game such as zebras, elephants, giraffes, and waterbuck. All the animals enjoy the water coming from the Tarangire River. The animals are best viewed during the dry season, including elephant herds, elands, oryx, lesser kudo, rhino, leopards, lions, and cheetah. The birdlife is varied and plentiful. You can also see the very rare Roam Antelope in this park.
Is This Trip For You?
Zara Tours has been working successfully with visitors in the region since 1986 as a tour operator.
We were established in 1987 as an official Agent of ZaraTours organising Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and National wild parks safaris and have guided Safely, Reliably and Professionally many visitors anywhere from the plain of Serengeti to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Our years of experience and knowledge as qualified climbing guides and safari tours operation in Tanzania, Assures you an experience you can remember a life time. Safety, efficiency and reliability have earned us the reputation for being one of the best-valued and most reliable operators in the region.
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure and on top of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves or joining you on your climb on the many routes to the top of magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Travel Companions
The maximum group size for this trip is 16. If you are interested in organizing a group with Zara we offer great incentives! Please inquire if you are interested.
Guide(s)
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure. Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves
Safari Tips for guide and cook:
$15/day for driver/guide and $10/day for cook (basic camping) for the whole safari group.
Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items just for this purpose.
Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to the Springlands Hotel for drinks and/or dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.
Expectations
Tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
Transportation
With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This does not include transfers to and from the aiport to the hotel or the equipment for all activities listed.
Money
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter
Safari Packing List Notes
- You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
- You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferrably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Clothing
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack
Sleeping, for camping safaris
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
- Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge
Other
- Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier
- Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana (for dust, etc.)
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Maps, guidebooks
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travellers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
Toiletries
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
- Small towel
Soap - Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
Documents
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
First Aid
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
- Throat losenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
Gifts for Guides, Locals
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
Packing for your flight to Africa
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
Springlands Hotel
Pembo Road
Moshi
Tanzania, United Republic of
The following locations are available:
| We Accept: |  |
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| Category: | Safari | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Destination: | Tanzania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Theme: | Culture and Sightseeing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skill Level: | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adventure Matrix: |
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Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by ZaraTours Inc. as follows: Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by ZaraTours and the balance of the package price refunded. If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc. and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.
However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the canceling party. ZaraTours Inc. and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Payment:
- A 20% deposit is due at time of reservation.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
- We accept Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard.
- You can also wire transfer your money directly to our bank.
- Please review our Cancellation Policy.
Price Increases:
- Price increases are permitted when an itinerary is changed at the request of customer(s)
- Prices will remain quoted unless otherwise add-ons and or other changes are requested and availed by customer(s) and such requests are provided by Zara Tours Inc.
Forms and Other Documents Required by all Passengers:
- VISA (as detailed below)
- All passengers must sign the waiver form and return to us.
- Your passport must be valid for six months.
- Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and or travel documents are complete
VISA:
- Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport and the border posts of Namanga, Tunduma, Taveta and Holili.
- All Canadian Citizen who hold Canadian Passports are required to pay US$50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All United States Passport holders are required to pay US$100.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All Passport holders with EU Citizenship are required to pay US$50.00 or €50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- For additional information on obtaining a VISA to Tanzania please go to https://reveccs.com/resources/
Living Standards:
- Living Standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found universally.
Insurance:
- In order to obtain travel Insurance coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and or other travel insurance related matters, kindly follow the link to reach World Nomads, who provide such insurance coverage services
Cancellation Policy:
- Zara Tours Cancellation policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.
Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Zara Tours as described below:
- Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Zara Tours and the balance of the package price refunded.
- If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Zara Tours.
- If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Zara Tours and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
- Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party.
- Zara Tours and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at the discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Refund Processing Fee:
- While processing a refund, a 3% credit card fee is charged to the client's Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard.
- When a refund is processed using a Bank Wire payment, bank charges apply.
Disclaimer of Liability:
Kindly check the details of your trip. Please contact us directly for any questions you may have at zara@zaratours.com or at 1-866-550-4447.
Thank you for choosing Zara Tours and you are most welcome again to adventure with us!
TICO Registration No. 50020519
Package Includes and Excludes
- All Meals
- All ground and plane transportation
- All accommodation
- Full trek guide and staffs
- All trek pack and equipment
- Alcohol or Beverage
- Camera and other non trek accessories
Let's Plan your Trip
Our sample itineraries are fully adjustable and can be tailored to perfectly suit your unique preferences and interests.
