Serengeti Trail

Day 1  Nairobi, Kenya  
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, and you can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important briefing. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

Day 2  Nairobi to Amboseli National Park  
Today, you'll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, and is known for large tuskers. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive to explore the park and discover the wildlife that call this place home.

Day 3  Amboseli National Park to Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania  
This morning, depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. Today includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Later, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes before enjoying a traditional meal for dinner. Your campsite this evening is located in Mto wa Mbu.

Day 4  Mto Wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park  
Rise and shine early, and head out to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see myriad colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season – but one thing is a constant: this never-ending landscape is home to thousands upon thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever, and you’ll begin to understand why on your overland vehicle game drive today. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite, which is located within the park itself! At night, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

Day 5  Serengeti National Park  
Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner.

Day 6  Serengeti National Park to Karatu  
Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot, before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area.

On arrival at the crater, swap our overland vehicle for open roof 4x4's. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills.

The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it's easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino. Later on, we'll leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu, a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights.

Day 7  Karatu
Today is a free day to relax or explore as you please. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Perhaps opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves - a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk.

Day 8  Karatu to Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya  
Set off early this morning, around 7.30 am, to begin your final journey for this trip. Your first stop will be in Arusha, you'll have the option to end your trip here. If it is more convenient for you, there is the option to travel back to Nairobi.