Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safari
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Why You Should Go
Though South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, and Zambia may be our favorite high-touch safari destinations over the past few years, we certainly cannot overlook the uniqueness of Kenya and Tanzania’s wildlife areas which include Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Masai Mara National Reserve Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park. There is no roughing it here as the 5-star Sirikoi House, Sanctuary Olonana, Nimali Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge all offer a custom luxury experience. The flagship wildlife feature of Ngorongoro is the Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 250,00 animals, including the “Big 5”. Complimenting Ngorongoro is the iconic Serengeti National Park and the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where, though becoming increasingly less predictable, two million wildebeests usually pass through from mid-June to August.
For our clients passionate about hiking, we may offer a seven-day ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route offering the challenge of a lifetime, but much rewarded by a relaxing, luxury safari experience after!
Best Travel Time: Spring Summer
*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.
Sample Itinerary
13 Days
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Nairobi, Kenya
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Day 2
Arrive Nairobi
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be privately transferred to Hemingways Nairobi (an approximately 40-minute drive).
Accommodations: Hemingways Nairobi
Day 3
Fly Nairobi/Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
This morning, at approximately 9:00 a.m., you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (an approximately 1-hour flight). Upon arrival in Lewa, you will be met by a Sirikoi House representative and transferred to the property, located in the wilderness of the conservancy. This afternoon, have lunch at the lodge and enjoy the various activities offered at Sirikoi such as wildlife drives, horseback riding, helicopter excursions, and quad bike safaris.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sirikoi House
Day 4-5
Wildlife Drives in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Each day, you will embark on wildlife-viewing tours in the morning, afternoon, and evening on open 4×4 vehicles. Here, you will be able to see many rare and endangered species such as reticulated giraffe, black and white rhino, and the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. There are also frequent leopard, cheetah and lion sightings. Elephant families can be seen almost daily in front of the Sirikoi deck for hours at a time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sirikoi House
Day 6
Fly Lewa Wildlife Conservancy/Masai Mara National Reserve
At 8:00 a.m., following breakfast at Sirikoi House, you will be transferred to Lewa Airstrip for your flight to Masai Mara (an approximately 1 hour, 25-minute flight). Upon arrival in Masai Mara, you will be privately transferred to Sanctuary Olonana. Following lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 7-8
Wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Enjoy wildlife drives with professional guides in Sanctuary Olonana’s private concession in open safari vehicles! Here, you will likely see an abundance of wildlife year-round, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, impala, wildebeest. The Mara River is also the stage for the Great Migration. From around July to October each year, millions of grunting wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the Mara River and moving between Tanzania and Kenya. They are closely followed by crocodile, lion, and cheetah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 9
Fly Masai Mara National Reserve/Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast at Sanctuary Olonana, at 10:00 a.m., you will be transferred to the local airstrip for your flight to Migori (an approximately 30-minute flight). Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred across the Kenyan border to Tarime, Tanzania (an approximately 1-hour transfer) for your afternoon flight to the Serengeti (an approximately 30-minute flight). Upon arrival, you will be met by a Nimali Mara representative and transferred to the camp with the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Nimali Mara
Day 10
Full-Day Serengeti National Park Wildlife Drive
Following breakfast, you will set out on a full-day wildlife drive. Excursions are focused in northern Serengeti via private 4×4 vehicles. When the wildebeest migration is in full force, you’re likely to head towards the Mara River in search of river crossings. The resident wildlife in the northern Serengeti is excellent and big cats can be seen here throughout the year. Other available activities include walking and hot-air balloon safaris, and bird watching.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Nimali Mara
Day 11
Fly Serengeti National Park/Lake Manyara + Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Following breakfast at Nimali Mara, you will be transferred to Kogatende Airstrip for your flight to Lake Manyara Airport (an approximately 2-hour flight). Upon arrival, you will be met by a Ngorongoro Crater Lodge representative and be transferred to the lodge in time for lunch. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the amenities of the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 12
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Today, you will be led on a safari adventure through the Ngorongoro Crater. Apart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, the Ngorongoro Crater has protection status for the wildlife and also permits human habitation. Maasai cattle can sometimes be seen grazing alongside zebras on Ngorongoro’s grassland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 13
Drive Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Arusha/Kilimanjaro + Fly Kilimanjaro/Home
At 8:00 a.m., following breakfast at Ngorongoro Lodge, you will be driven to Arusha Coffee Lodge (an approximately 3- hour drive) where you will have lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (an approximately 1-hour drive).
Meals: Breakfast
Day-Use Accommodations: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Seven-Day Ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
As the highest mountain in Africa, with its summit being approximately 16,100 feet from its base and 19,341 feet above sea level, it is no wonder why bucket lists of avid climbers and hikers worldwide feature Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro can be hiked all year round; however, we feel it is best to climb when there is a lower possibility of precipitation. The dry seasons are from the beginning of December through the beginning of March and from late June through the end of October. These are considered to be the best times to climb in terms of weather. Please note that large animals are rarely seen and are more frequent in the forests and lower parts of the mountain.
Though there are six main trekking paths used to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, we feel the nine-day/eight-night Machame Route, with a seven-day ascent, to be the best option. To read more about this journey and day-by-day itinerary, please read our blog post here.
Hotels
“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills…” opens Danish author Karen Blixen’s bestselling novel-turned-film, Out of Africa which detailed 17 years of her life as an expat in Kenya.
Hemingways Nairobi is just one of three Hemingways Collection luxury hotels in Kenya. Set in the center of East Africa in Kenya, this hotel is beautifully tucked at the edge of the Ngong Hills. Ngong comes from Maasai, meaning “the eye of water” where native rhinos flock to drink from the springs along the Great Rift Valley. This is our absolute favorite hotel in the Nairobi area.
With just 45 suites, including two penthouse suites, Hemingways provides an intimate and exclusive accommodation in the suburbs of Nairobi. This boutique hotel offers top-notch service and includes full butler service and 24-hour security throughout your stay. The air-conditioned suites are spacious and range from 80 to 240sq. meters with vaulted ceilings, design elements from classic East African safaris, and unbelievable views of the Ngong Hills from your private balcony. Idyllically set in its own wing with a view of the pool and gardens, the Hemingway Spa provides personalized treatments in collaboration with each guest Spa treatments are infused with traditional African essential oils including Madagascan citronella, Ylang Ylang, and South African Buchu.
The Brasserie is the on-site restaurant that showcases flavors from Asian and European cuisines. Nairobi National Park is a quick drive away from the hotel and is the oldest national park in Kenya which is home to endangered wildlife and native plants.
Hemingways Nairobi works closely with the local community to maintain a sustainable environment in Kenya and give back to the environment that so generously provides lush landscapes and stunning views. The hotel mindfully respects the local residential neighborhood and works to conserve water and energy. Hemingways also emphasizes an effort to highlight local farmers, business owners, artisans, and craftsmen.
Hemingways Nairobi
“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills…” opens Danish author Karen Blixen’s bestselling novel-turned-film, Out of Africa which detailed 17 years of her life as an expat in Kenya.
Hemingways Nairobi is just one of three Hemingways Collection luxury hotels in Kenya. Set in the center of East Africa in Kenya, this hotel is beautifully tucked at the edge of the Ngong Hills. Ngong comes from Maasai, meaning “the eye of water” where native rhinos flock to drink from the springs along the Great Rift Valley. This is our absolute favorite hotel in the Nairobi area.
With just 45 suites, including two penthouse suites, Hemingways provides an intimate and exclusive accommodation in the suburbs of Nairobi. This boutique hotel offers top-notch service and includes full butler service and 24-hour security throughout your stay. The air-conditioned suites are spacious and range from 80 to 240sq. meters with vaulted ceilings, design elements from classic East African safaris, and unbelievable views of the Ngong Hills from your private balcony. Idyllically set in its own wing with a view of the pool and gardens, the Hemingway Spa provides personalized treatments in collaboration with each guest. Spa treatments are infused with traditional African essential oils including Madagascan citronella and South African Buchu.
The Brasserie is the on-site restaurant that showcases flavors from Asian and European cuisines. Nairobi National Park is a quick drive away from the hotel and is the oldest national park in Kenya which is home to endangered wildlife and native plants.
Hemingways Nairobi works closely with the local community to maintain a sustainable environment in Kenya and give back to the environment that so generously provides lush landscapes and stunning views. The hotel mindfully respects the local residential neighborhood and works to conserve water and energy. Hemingways also emphasizes an effort to highlight local farmers, business owners, artisans, and craftsmen.
Located on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House is surrounded by 68,000 acres of wilderness that have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the endangered Grevy’s zebra, black and white rhino, and the reticulated giraffe. Guests can also expect to see leopards, cheetahs, and lions during their stay! There are three types of accommodation at Sirikoi House: four luxury one-bedroom tents, a two-bedroom cottage, and a three-bedroom house. With such intimate accommodations, no more than 18 guests are ever on the property at any given time. No matter what room type you choose, all guests will find amenities such as a fireplace, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and complimentary laundry service (!) Activities offered include morning, evening, and nighttime game drives, in-room massages, horseback riding, an infinity pool, guided bush walks, wildlife watching, and adventurous runs down ATV trails! The property has its own helicopter, available to take guests to remote destinations for intimate experiences. An added benefit is that the lodge is located at 5,500 feet where there are no mosquitos, meaning you are able to relax without having to repel pesky bugs and comfortably enjoy delicious meals outside! All meals are served on the deck overlooking a water hole, and all meals contain fresh produce from the organic garden on site. Guests are welcome to end their day with a glass of champagne around the community campfire each night! The true bond with nature that Sirikoi House offers its guests is our absolute favorite aspect of this unique and special property!
Sirikoi House
Located on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House is surrounded by 68,000 acres of wilderness that have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the endangered Grevy’s zebra, black and white rhino, and the reticulated giraffe. Guests can also expect to see leopards, cheetahs, and lions during their stay! There are three types of accommodation at Sirikoi House: four luxury one-bedroom tents, a two-bedroom cottage, and a three-bedroom house. With such intimate accommodations, no more than 18 guests are ever on the property at any given time. No matter what room type you choose, all guests will find amenities such as a fireplace, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and complimentary laundry service (!) Activities offered include morning, evening, and nighttime game drives, in-room massages, horseback riding, an infinity pool, guided bush walks, wildlife watching, and adventurous runs down ATV trails! The property has its own helicopter, available to take guests to remote destinations for intimate experiences. An added benefit is that the lodge is located at 5,500 feet where there are no mosquitos, meaning you are able to relax without having to repel pesky bugs and comfortably enjoy delicious meals outside! All meals are served on the deck overlooking a water hole, and all meals contain fresh produce from the organic garden on site. Guests are welcome to end their day with a glass of champagne around the community campfire each night! The true bond with nature that Sirikoi House offers its guests is our absolute favorite aspect of this unique and special property!
Being big fans of its sister luxury lodge, Chief’s Camp in Botswana, Bev Zen and I were excited to see the opening of Olonana in 2019. Our stay here happily satisfied our high expectations! Sanctuary Olonana is set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, the Masai Mara. The 14 glass-sided suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold open to reveal the spectacular views of the Mara River. Each suite includes king-sized beds with overhead fans, glamorous ensuites, and a daybed on the private deck, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Three of the suites boast an extra bedroom, ideal for families! The main dining area, lounge, and vast decking area command views over a dramatic stretch of the river. Other amenities include a swimming pool and a mini spa. Though remote, Wi-Fi is available in all rooms!
Following the 2018 rebuild, the two-bedroom Geoffrey Kent Suite, allows travelers to immerse themselves in secluded ultra-luxury in a free-flowing space. In addition to the extra bedroom and ensuite bathroom, the GK suite features an additional family room, wraparound private decking, an infinity pool, lounge, dining area. Another perk is your access to a private vehicle and safari guide.
Sanctuary Olonana
Being big fans of its sister luxury lodge, Chief’s Camp in Botswana, Bev, Zen and I were excited to see the opening of Olonana in 2019. Our stay here happily satisfied our high expectations! Sanctuary Olonana is set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, the Masai Mara. The 14 glass-sided suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold open to reveal the spectacular views of the Mara River. Each suite includes king-sized beds with overhead fans, glamorous ensuites, and a daybed on the private deck, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Three of the suites boast an extra bedroom, ideal for families! The main dining area, lounge, and vast decking area command views over a dramatic stretch of the river. Other amenities include a swimming pool and a mini spa. Though remote, Wi-Fi is available in all rooms!
Following the 2018 rebuild, the two-bedroom Geoffrey Kent Suite, allows travelers to immerse themselves in secluded ultra-luxury in a free-flowing space. In addition to the extra bedroom and ensuite bathroom, the GK suite features an additional family room, wraparound private decking, an infinity pool, lounge, dining area. Another perk is your access to a private vehicle and safari guide.
Recently opened and located in the northern, more remote area of Serengeti National Park, Nimali Mara is an intimate luxury camp waiting to welcome you on safari! With only 10 luxury tents (including two honeymoon suites that can be joined to form a family suite), the camp is welcoming to all sorts of travelers and families. The “tents” are a modern take and style compared to the traditional look, including fixed wooden floors, overhead fans, electronic safe, flush toilets, double showers, a beautiful brass bathtub, and comfortable post beds with netting. The camp boasts the unique ability to offer high-end experiences, whilst having the secluded and intimate location in the far-flung area of Kogatende. However, it is still easily accessible with an airstrip just 30 minutes away including easy access to the Mara River, famous for wildebeest migration crossings. In between your expertly guided game drives, Nimali Mara is a blissful property aimed to help you be at one with nature as you view the open fields from the floor to ceiling glass doors in your luxury tent. Our favorite amenities include the impressive wine cellar hidden in a natural cave where you can request to dine and a stunning infinity pool! Free high-speed internet is included for all guests, as well as a spa on-site for optimal relaxation. The delicious food is served fresh daily from local ingredients and trained chefs. You are sure to have both a tranquil and luxurious experience during your stay at Nimali Mara!
Nimali Mara
Recently opened and located in the northern, more remote area of Serengeti National Park, Nimali Mara is an intimate luxury camp waiting to welcome you on safari! With only 10 luxury tents (including two honeymoon suites that can be joined to form a family suite), the camp is welcoming to all sorts of travelers and families. The “tents” are a modern take and style compared to the traditional look, including fixed wooden floors, overhead fans, electronic safe, flush toilets, double showers, a beautiful brass bathtub, and comfortable post beds with netting. The camp boasts the unique ability to offer high-end experiences, whilst having the secluded and intimate location in the far-flung area of Kogatende. However, it is still easily accessible with an airstrip just 30 minutes away including easy access to the Mara River, famous for wildebeest migration crossings. In between your expertly guided game drives, Nimali Mara is a blissful property aimed to help you be at one with nature as you view the open fields from the floor to ceiling glass doors in your luxury tent. Our favorite amenities include the impressive wine cellar hidden in a natural cave where you can request to dine and a stunning infinity pool! Free high-speed internet is included for all guests, as well as a spa on-site for optimal relaxation. The delicious food is served fresh daily from local ingredients and trained chefs. You are sure to have both a tranquil and luxurious experience during your stay at Nimali Mara!
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is located on the edge of the World Heritage Site – Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is surrounded by the local conservation area spanning 3, 204 square miles from the Rift Valley to the Serengeti. Divided up into three camps, totaling 30 suites, each camp has its own common and dining areas with private butlers providing excellent service. Architecturally striking, the design of the camps follows the Maasai mud-and-stick style combined with ornate French baroque interiors. Aside from daily game drives that take you into the crater itself, guests can enjoy walking safaris that circle the rim of the crater, visit a local village, and enjoy visits to the nearby lakes. The wildlife here is plentiful and you may be able to spot elephants, zebras, rare black rhinos, and pink flamingos during your stay.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Located approximately one hour from the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Reserve, the exclusive, 20-cottage Manor at Ngorongoro is enclosed within the lavish 1,500-acre grounds of the Shangri-La Coffee Estate. With several other quality lodges located in the Ngorongoro areas, The Manor is still our favorite in terms of its high-touch service and unique surroundings and facilities. Each two-floor cottage is designed in the old, colonial Dutch-style, easily accommodating a family of four. In addition to the private entrance and adjoining sun terrace, we feel the double log-burning fireplaces to be especially nice, given the cool evenings. Kids should enjoy the playroom with a TV, as well as the jar of homemade cookies delivered to the cottage daily! Other Manor amenities include a spa, snooker room, 24-hour room service, and wonderful meal selections. Laundry service is provided and Wi-Fi is guaranteed in main areas.
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel living up to its name due to its location on one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. The hotel’s 30 Victorian-style split level “cottages” offer stunning views of Mount Meru, located just nearby. The hotel itself dates back to the early 1900’s and was built with the intention of being the plantation house. Today, all of the 30 cottages are quite spacious and have been decorated to stay in tune with the history and elegance of the building. With cozy home-like furniture such as living spaces and neutral colors as well as wooden beams and luxurious chandeliers, you will feel relaxed and comfortable. Each room as an en-suite bathroom including a rain shower and separate bathtub, private balcony terrace with a log burning fire, WiFi, a personal attendant for required services, safe, and of course, views overlooking the surrounding coffee plants. The hotel has lots of gastronomic options such as a four-course garden lunch buffet, the Grill Room for an upscale dinner and impressive wine collection, the Bistro for classic meals anytime of the day, the option to have a picnic lunch arranged by the staff, and 24-hour room service. Our favorite part of Arusha Coffee Lodge is the welcoming and personal touch of adding a coffee percolator in your room so that you can try the local product for yourself!
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee House is a luxury boutique hotel living up to its name due to its location on one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. The hotels 30 Victorian-style split level “cottages” offer stunning views of Mount Meru, located just nearby. The hotel itself dates back to the early 1900’s and was built with the intention of being the plantation house. Today, all of the 30 cottages are quite spacious and have been decorated to stay in tune with the history and elegance of the building. With cozy home-like furniture such as living spaces and neutral colors as well as wooden beams and luxurious chandeliers, you will feel relaxed and comfortable. Each room as an en-suite bathroom including a rain shower and separate bathtub, private balcony terrace with a log burning fire, WiFi, a personal attendant for required services, safe, and of course, views overlooking the surrounding coffee plants. The hotel has lots of gastronomic options such as a four-course garden lunch buffet, the Grill Room for an upscale dinner and impressive wine collection, the Bistro for classic meals anytime of the day, the option to have a picnic lunch arranged by the staff, and 24-hour room service. Our favorite part of Arusha Coffee Lodge is the welcoming and personal touch of adding a coffee percolator in your room so that you can try the local product for yourself!
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Location
Overview
Temperature |
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Highs: Low 80’s |
Lows: Mid 50’s |
Area |
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582,646 SQ KM |
224,961 SQ MILES |
Capital |
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Nairobi |
Population |
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53.4 Million |
Language |
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Swahili & English |
Currency |
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Kenyan shilling |
Temperature |
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Highs: Low 90’s |
Lows: Mid 60’s |
Area |
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945,087 SQ KM |
364,900 SQ MILES |
Capital |
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Dodoma |
Population |
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59.2 Million |
Language |
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Swahili & English |
Currency |
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Tanzanian shilling |