From CAD 4296 Was CAD 5370
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Watch the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible 15-day overland adventure. Head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople and the finest game parks in eastern Africa. Travelling through the acclaimed Masai Mara and the vast Serengeti plains to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Follow in the footsteps of the Maasai with local knowledge each step of the way, leaving you with memories of Africa to last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Explore Amboseli National Park, home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya - known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
- Learn about rural Tanzanian life as you join the community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before enjoying a traditional meal together.
- Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
- Head out on an early morning game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. This might be your best chance of seeing black and white rhinoceroses in the flesh.
- Embark on unforgettable safaris across Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for a chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3130
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YGOCC
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Arusha / Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (12), Dinner (12)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (8 nights),Hotel (2 night),Camping (with basic facilities) (3 night),Basic Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4296 (CAD 286 /day)
Itinerary
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your trip begins in Nairobi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, consider getting to know the city on an Urban Adventure like the ‘Nairobi Experience’. This optional 4-hour tour is a great way to get a feel for Nairobi and includes lunch at a local restaurant. After the meeting, maybe join your new travel companions for an optional group dinner and get to know each other better.
Optional Activities:
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive north-west past splendid views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita to Lake Nakuru National Park. Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a great location for spotting wildlife, which you’ll get a chance to do on an early morning game drive tomorrow. For now, head to a nearby village with your leader. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with the local folk and get a feel for everyday life here. Take a cooking class and return later in the evening to share the results for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Lake Nakuru - Village Walk & Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake early for a light breakfast this morning and head into the Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive in the overland vehicle. Lake Nakuru is home to rhinos, and there will be a good chance of spotting and photographing one of these magnificent beasts. Return to camp for lunch, then drive to Lake Naivasha. One of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha has floating islands of papyrus reeds and a border of flat-topped acacias. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos and a huge variety of birds.
Included Activities:
- Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll head out for a boat trip across Lake Naivasha – the best way to take in the atmosphere of this lush area. With your experienced guide, look out for the numerous hippo that live here, as well as kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, giraffes, zebras and waterbucks. Set against a backdrop of the Eburru volcanic mountain range and lined by acacia trees, this lake is one of the most renowned in the area. After, you have a free day to choose from a variety of optional activities. Maybe opt for a trip to Hell's Gate National Park, which boasts beautiful cliffs, gorges, rock towers, volcanoes and a range of geothermal phenomena, or hire a bike for the day and make some of your own discoveries, venturing beyond the cacti and olive trees.
Included Activities:
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
Optional Activities:
- Lake Naivasha - Bike hire (12 USD)
- Lake Naivasha - Game Walk in Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (entrance fee) (50 USD)
- Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate NP (Game Drive) (65 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Lake Naivasha, making a short stop in Narok for food shopping. Continue to Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people, stopping for lunch on the way. You’ll be camping at Tepesua Village, which is known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. When you arrive, be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance, then your host will explain the details of Maasai warrior training. Take a walk to the community village, founded to alleviate the poverty of Maasai widows, who traditionally are not allowed to inherit property. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Spend the evening around a campfire and learn more about their age-old culture and traditions as you share stories with Maasai warriors into the night.
Included Activities:
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel from Loita Hills to Masai Mara. Most of the road there is tarmacked, but the final 5 km is dusty when dry and muddy when wet. The Masai Mara, with its sparse open plains, dramatic skies and some of the world's most tremendous animals, is the quintessential African experience. After setting up camp, sit down for some lunch. Then, it's time to jump in 4WDs and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara, looking out for all your wildlife favourites form the Lion King – think wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, elephants and rhino.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (500 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, you can 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. Tonight, why not ask your leader for local dinner recommendations and head out to get to know your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and discover the wildlife that calls this place home.
Included Activities:
- Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you'll visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the inspiring men and women who protect the vital Kimana Sanctuary, an important wildlife area, particularly for migrating elephants. At the Ranger Training Academy, listen to stories of what it takes to safeguard this unique environment and the risks involved in protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The project plays a crucial role in improving the lives and working conditions of rangers, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts where both wildlife and people can thrive.
After your visit, travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border, heading to Mto wa Mbu, a charming village that offers a glimpse into small-town African life. In the afternoon, join the local community for a guided walk around the village, visiting farms, milling machines, and homes. You'll finish the day with a traditional dinner, experiencing local hospitality before settling in at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu.
Included Activities:
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
- Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine early today before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, swap your overland vehicle for open roof 4WDs. 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, head to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending landscape is home to 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite within the park. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep.
Included Activities:
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You’ll 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.
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (745 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 making the long drive to Karatu – a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe 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.
Optional Activities:
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek (80 USD)
- Lake Manyara Game drive (100 USD)
- Karatu - Village Visit (20 USD)
- Karatu - Coffee Tour (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Set off early this morning at around 7.30 am to begin your final journey of the trip. Your first stop will be in Arusha, where you'll have the option to end your trip. If it’s more convenient for you, there is the option to travel back to Nairobi, too. Your adventure comes to an end in Nairobi. You'll be dropped at a centrally located hotel, however, no accommodation will be provided tonight. If you want to extend your stay in Nairobi, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ewa - Traveled, February 2024
I just returned from the “ Masai Heartland” tour. I had no expectations but it turned out to be fantastic. Well organised and executed. Friendly, caring and knowledgeable leaders, always willing to help. I will definitely travel with Intrepid again, I simply trust them, Ewa B.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Sophie - Traveled, November 2023
Unforgettable experience. Perfect mix of nature and culture - local guides and crew were great and made the trip seamless. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Philippa - Traveled, July 2023
Intrepid are a professional and extremely responsible travel company. Staff are exemplary, friendly and welcoming and with so much knowledge to share. I have enjoyed my trip with them immensely and shall be travelling with them again as soon as possible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
Lisa - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was amazing and I truly feel changed. The wildlife was only a small part of that. The local visits are so special and impactful, and the Kenyan people are so kind and welcoming. The wildlife was spectacular. We saw the big 5 and other highlights. It’s a hard trip in some ways and I went to bed every night exhausted, however it is truly life changing! Caroline, our guide, Silvia, our cook, and Ben, our driver, made the trip so special and fun. They were the perfect hosts who became family. I can’t recommend this trip enough! You will never be the same! Amazing! Sublime! Delightful! ;)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Kassidy - Traveled, November 2022
I cannot express my gratitude to Patrick, Asaph, Becky and Kim . This trip was a once in a lifetime adventure and every day we were embarking on a different adventure, from staying in Loita Hills listening to the stories of the Masai to the game drives. This trip was phenomenal. We were looked after and everyone was catered for and made sure they felt at home. Asif’s cooking was delicious and we were always surprised by the amount of effort he put into his meals. Becky, the queen of the roads made everyone feel so safe on the roads and once in the camp always had a smile on her face and was so welcoming with her singing and dancing. Patrick “the father of the moving home” made us all feel at home instantly and his experience and leadership was what made the trip that much more special. The intrepid team made this trip an experience myself and my family will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2022
Rabea - Traveled, November 2022
Two weeks full of adventure, new cultures, and unforgettable experiences. I'd recommend the Intrepit Masai Heartlands Tour to anybody who likes fascinating landscapes, meeting local people and learning about their way of living, who doesn't mind getting a bit dirty while setting up the tend and apreciates the beauty and the unpredictability of nature. But: read the tour description first in order to know what to expect. We sleep outside in tents and sleeping bags. We set up our own tents, do the washing up and other chores and it sometimes bathrooms are basic and we'd only have cold showers. A nice suprise was that we had electricity in the truck. I didn't know that previously and I brought a power bank which I never needed. Our tour leader Patric, our chef Asaph and our drivers Becky and Kim did an amazing job. They went the extra mile to make us feel welcome, safe and satisfied 24/7. When someome had a problem or forgot something, Patric would immediately start looking for a solution - and find one. He answered all our questions and fascinated us with his broad knowledge of cultures, animals, nature and the history of Kenya and Tanzania. When we weren't driving, we'd always find Asaph in his kitchen preparing the most delicious meals for us: sometimes only with a simple flashlight. From beakfast to lunch to dinner our meals were diverse, tasty and prepared with great care. Asaph would often get up first and go to bed last, for the vegetarian in the group he'd prepare something extra each time and if you'd have a craving for some special food he'd try to make it happen somehow. During the first week Becky was our driver and she manoeuvered our big safaritruck through tight gates, park it in the most impossible places and she literally left us speechless with her unbelievable driving skills. On top of that, it was great fun to see the big eyes of other people when they saw a woman driving our big truck. Having a women in the leading group was very nice and it's wonderful that Intrepit tries to get more women into their teams - for the group it was definetly an enrichment. Becky was not only our driver, she basically was our second tour leader as she would assist us with whatever we needed and she'd asways be there for everyone. The second week Kim drove us over to Tanzania, through the tricky roads of Serengeti and up the steep hills of the Ngorongoro Crater. Kim too is an excellent driver and I felt save with him all the time. Last but not least: Our group dynamic was really enjoyable and we had a good vibe despite the big diversity amongst us. Also we were really lucky with the wildlife we saw: Patric and our Safari Drivers made a big effort to bring us the the best places to spot the animals we wanted to see and oftentimes we would me rewarded with great experiences. But nature is unpredictable and I'd recommend anyone to start the trip without big expectations: this will make every Lion, Leopard or Rhino you'll see to be a cherry on top of the cake.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2022
Michael - Traveled, July 2022
Loved the organization. Team was outstandingly kind, well informed. Definitely recommend this
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2022
Sarina - Traveled, July 2022
Absolutly stunning! A packed itinary with culture, landscape and wildlife - still respecting the environment and nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2022
Thomas - Traveled, July 2022
Amazing wildlife, great group, better food than in a lot of restaurants!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2022
Louisa - Traveled, July 2022
I have just completed my 9th trip with Intrepid through Kenya and Tanzania for the Massai Heartlands tour. The tour leader Darleen was an amazing tour guide. She was so helpful, knowledgable, caring and went above and beyond to make sure everyone on the trip was well looked after and had a great time. We had ken with us who cooked all our meals. After a long day on a game drive it was alway nice to arrive back into camp to ken’s cooked meals. His cooking was delicious and was able to cater for all the groups dietary requirements. There was also Philip who managed to drive us safely to each destination navigating the bumpy roads around the Serengeti. Africa is a beautiful country and I feel so lucky so have been able to travel around we such an amazing team.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2022
Bradley - Traveled, July 2022
Masai Heartlands trip is an incredible experience. A must do. Everywhere and everyone was so awesome :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2022
Carola - Traveled, July 2022
I feel lucky to say I’ve had such a caring and enthusiastic crew that made this trip more than what I’ve ever expected. Mike, Nico, Becky you guys have set the bar so high for my future travels!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2022
Amy - Traveled, June 2022
I really recommend Intrepid. I had a really great trip and learnt so much about the location and all the people and animals we visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2022
Cherilyn - Traveled, June 2022
Clara, Tim, and Wilson made this one of the best trips I’ve ever taken in my life. From meeting the Maasai, to sleeping in a tent in the Serengeti, to seeing so many baby elephants… it was just such a beautiful, breathtaking, and personally restorative trip for me. I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you so much for your brilliant, kind, and always fun and entertaining tour-leading, Clara!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2022
Bryan - Traveled, February 2022
First trip in two years. Felt very safe traveling again. The world is re-opening and booking with Intrepid was a good safe way to get on the road again! Very helpful crew. Great experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2022
Emma - Traveled, February 2022
If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in game drives and African wildlife then this is an unforgettable fortnight. Surrounded by lush views, and continually fed delicious food, this is an experience I’ll never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2022
Judith - Traveled, June 2024
I don’t want this review published but this is only place to add comments. # safari vehicle (first)very good but needs mike system # bus windows should be at least clean on first day # Sandra was terrific cook. Her donut recipe should be standard # need some form of portable lighting for eating and washing up - too many things needing to be done in the dark # food on second half of journey not as interesting as Sandra and often inadequate especially at breakfast # dinner needs to be ready by 7pm at the latest and hot meals do not need to be provided for lunches. Salad sandwich perfectly acceptable. Need to cook and clean up after hot meal added considerably to the length of the day #rattle on bus of second half of trip fixed by guests. Should have been fixed prior to trip start. # travel bags given out were great but in terms of sustainability won’t last as the stitching is too loose. # time estimates consistently under quoted.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Justin - Traveled, June 2024
June 8 trip - Overall Amazing! Unfortunately did not see the great migration...i think its supposed to be July/Aug for Kenya. Got to see all big 5!!! Tim Tim is a great leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Wai Lan - Traveled, June 2024
I really enjoyed the trip, friendly and supportive crew members. But if they can accept the visa card payment through the trip, it will be much convenient for the customers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
David - Traveled, June 2024
Would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the big 5 and more. Unbelievable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2024
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