Wild Game Safari

Cultural tour & Safari of Kenya & Tanzania

Specials on all departures: 3 adults sharing one room will be accorded a discount of US$ 125/CA$ 173 per person.

Explore the untamed beauty at the heart of Kenya and Tanzania on our carefully crafted 13-day safari.  From the majestic Big 5 of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, to a plethora of bird species, this unfenced wilderness offers the largest and most diverse animal population on earth. Explore the world’s most legendary safari parks, including Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and more. We may even see the Great Migration, an incredible mass movement of more than two million wildebeest and other large herbivores. All game viewing is done from the comfort of our professionally equipped 4x4 safari vehicle, limited to a maximum of 8 seats (including our highly knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Lake Nakuru National Park, part of Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley 2. Serengeti National Park
3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area 4. Olduvai Gorge
Tour Information
Duration : 13 days
Minimum : 02 persons
Maximum : 07 persons
Price (From) : US$ 5095
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Nairobi (KENYA)
Day 02: Nairobi/Amboseli (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 03: Amboseli
(B, L, D)
Day 04: Amboseli/Lake Naivasha (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 05: Lake Naivasha /Lake Nakuru (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 06: Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 07: Masai Mara
(B, L, D)
Day 08: Masai Mara/Lake Victoria (Drive) (TANZANIA)
(B, L, D)
Day 09: Lake Victoria/Serengeti (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Serengeti
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Serengeti/Ngorongoro (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Ngorongoro/Lake Manyara (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Lake Manyara/Kilimanjaro Airport (Arusha) (Drive)
(B, L)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Nairobi (KENYA)

Karibu, Jambo, Habari Gani, Hakuna Matata, Greetings we will hear. We are warmly received in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, at Nairobi International Airport (NBO), and transferred to our hotel. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix the vernacular with English words. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Eka Hotel, Nairobi (1 night)

*Upgrade to Nairobi Serena Lodge available for US$ 70/CA$ 95 per person, per night

Day 02: Nairobi/Amboseli (Drive)

Snow on top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli

Our day begins with an exploration of vibrant Nairobi. Witness the grand Parliament House, then dive into Kenya’s rich heritage at Nairobi National Museum. Next, get up close with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and experience the Karen Blixen Museum, celebrating the famous author of Out of Africa.

After a hot lunch, our safari adventure begins as we travel to Amboseli National Park, a photographer’s paradise. Amboseli is famous for it’s stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest stand-alone mountain. On clear days, we have the chance to snap photos of Amboseli’s vast herds of elephants against the majestic backdrop of Africa’s tallest peak. During our afternoon game drive, our expert guides leads us to the best spots for wildlife sightings before we savour one of Kenya’s famously beautiful sunsets.

Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Amboseli

Samburu men lighting a fire, Samburu County, Kenya

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives exploring one of Kenya’s most scenic national parks. Sightings of scores of big-tusk elephants is almost guaranteed, but we’ll also have the chance to spot wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, hyena and some of the parks more than 370 species of bird. Amboseli also offers a hot air balloon safari as do Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks. Details found in our “Notes” section.

We also have the option to meet the unique Masai people, a proud warrior tribe who have managed to preserve much of their traditional culture and lifestyle. Visits to the Masai village must be booked in advance – Details found in our “Notes” section. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Amboseli/Lake Naivasha (Drive)

A picturesque rural drive takes us to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake with shores filled with flower farms, traditional villages and a great range of game life. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffalo wallow in the swamps and colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the lake’s large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows. Naivasha is also a true haven for bird lovers. Time permitting, take a one-hour optional boat safari to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitats (details found in our “Notes” section).

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Naivasha (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Lake Naivasha /Lake Nakuru (Drive)

Goliath Heron scanning the shallow end of Lake Naivasha for fish.

Today, we embark on a full day of adventure, exploring the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park*. The park supports a wide range of ecological diversity, including greater and lesser flamingos, as well as more than 80 species of bird—a highlight for any birdwatcher! The lake is also known for the black and white rhinoceros who call it home. We experience morning and afternoon game drives through this wildlife haven, with a stop for lunch at our lodge in between.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara (Drive)

Today, we journey to the iconic Masai Mara, one of the world’s most well-known game reserves. Thousands of animals make their home here, from elephants to giraffes to countless species of antelope. Scores of predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena, roam the plains, providing ample opportunities for unforgettable encounters. Upon arrival at our lodge, we will be treated to a hot lunch before embarking on our first game drive at the Mara through this unforgettable wildlife haven.

Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge, Masai Mara (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07: Masai Mara

East African lioness (Panthera leo nubica) and her cubs being watched by people in a safari vehicle, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya

An adventurous day ahead as we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the spectacular Masai Mara Game Reserve. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a year-round population of diverse and abundant game. All of the Big Five animals – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – are quite common on this scenic grassland, as well as cheetah, hippo, zebra and giraffe (rounding out the Big Nine!). Additionally, the Mara is yet another perfect place to experience a balloon safari. During this unforgettable hour-long balloon floating we take in the beautiful birds-eye view of the vast Mara followed by a delightful champagne breakfast at the centre of the park. Because of the popularity of balloon safaris, it is highly advisable to book well in advance. Let Bestway Tours & Safaris know at the time you book the tour, so that your spot can be secured. After our two extraordinary game drives at the Mara, we drive back to our lodge in time to freshen up for a sumptous dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Masai Mara/Lake Victoria (Drive) (TANZANIA)

We embark on a scenic drive from Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. We first make our way to the Isebania border, where we cross into Tanzania. Here, it’s time to say goodbye to our Kenyan safari guide and meet our equally experienced guide for Tanzania. We also switch transport to a Tanzanian-registered vehicle. We then proceed to the Speke Bay area of Lake Victoria. About the size of the counry of Ireland and best known as being the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria offers a tranquil combination of lakeside charm and traditional villages. Balance of the day is free to enjoy beautiful views of the lake, or take in local village life, complete with fishing boats, children playing and bustling local markets.

Overnight: Serenity Eco Resort, Lake Victoria (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Lake Victoria/Serengeti (Drive)

Wild giraffes in african savannah. Tanzania. National park Serengeti.

For early risers, there is a unique opportunity to participate in optional activities such as boating or canoeing on Lake Victoria, or visiting a local fishing village (advisable to pre-book). After an early lunch, we continue to the majestic Serengeti National Park*, entering via the Ndabaka Gate located on the western side. As soon as we cross the gate, we will see huge numbers of game as we safari along the western corridor towards the centre of the park. Serengeti is the prime place to witness the Great Migration, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle of more than two million wildebeest and other large mammals crossing the plains and the Grumeti River, followed by thousands of predators. Seregenti experiences the Great Migration several times during the year. Dinner is savoured t our lodge in the heart of Serengeti.

Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Serengeti

Cheetah at Serengeti

Enjoy a full day at the world famous wildlife sanctuary of Serengeti National Park*. Serengeti is home to the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale which has no parallel anywhere in the world. The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, topi, buffalo and hartebeest, to name just a few. Serengeti is also famous for its predator population, including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena, as well as a wide variety of birdlife, believed to be in the realm of 500 species. What’s more, the park is well known for its rare views of tree-climbing lions. Throughout the day, our experienced guide and driver will ensure we explore areas teeming with a wide variety of animals, birds and vegetation.

Here too, we get the opportunity to take part in a hot air balloon safari combined with a champagne breakfast, providing an incredible overhead view of the park and its animal residents. Pre-booking this optional activity at the time you book your tour is highly advised. Details found in our “Notes” section. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater (Drive)

Savour our last Serengeti game drive this morning as we explore the areas of Moro Kopjes and Gol Kopjes. The extensive grasslands in this area are interspersed with kopjes, rocky outcrops resembling islands on the flat plain that each host their own wildlife communities. We also discover the Seronera River, meandering through the park and offering a vital habitat for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Afternoon, we proceed to Nabi Hill gate and enjoy a lovely picnic lunch. Next, journey on to the renown Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important Paleolithic sites in the world. An optional stop at the site and museum is available for pre-booking (details found in our “Notes” section).  Home to the first early human species Homo habilis  approximately 1.9 million years ago, this site provides invaluable insight into human evolution. Continue on to Ngorogongoro Conservation Area, where we spend our evening.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater/Lake Manyara (Drive)

birds from Serengeti national park and lake Manyara and Ngorongoro national park, Tanzania

Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area*, which spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. Its crowning jewel is the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera. We descend to the famous crater for a day of game-viewing like no other. The crater is a haven for an estimated 30,000 large mammals, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hyena, hippo, wildebeest, baboon, gazelle, the endangered black rhino and many more species.

After a day of superb game-viewing, we drive to Lake Manyara. As we approach the lake, we’ll be greeted by the beauty that inspired Ernest Hemingway to call Manyara “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. For those seeking a unique experience, there is an option here to take part in a thrilling night drive, where we track predators and other animals that only emerge after dark (pre-booking advised, details found in our “Notes” section).

Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Lake Manyara/Depart Arusha

After breakfast, we have a unique opportunity to learn about life in an African village and support local initiatives. Our guided walking tour first takes us through the famous colourful African village of Mto wa Mbu and the surrounding areas. This fertile land brings 120 tribes together. We can take in people selling vegetables, sifting through their harvest, and playfully interacting with other communities. Throughout the tour, we interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. We end the experience with a special home-cooked meal tasting authentic African food.

We then drive to Arusha, where we are transferred to one of the two airports. Arusha Airport (ARK) will be our first drop at about 2:00 PM, followed by Kilimanjaro International (JRO) at about 4:30 PM. Please make sure your onward flights are at least 2 hours after our scheduled arrival times. Or, extend your safari with a climb of the famous Kilimanjaro, a safari through the south of the country or a visit to the incredible Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. This Kenya-Tanzania safari is also cobinable with an excursion to the majestic Victoria in Zimbabwe and Zambia. See our Victoria Falls with a Kenya-Tanzania Safari. (B, L)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+
Departures - Start day FRIDAY / End day WEDNESDAY East Coast West Coast
Jan 05 & 19; Feb 02 & 16; Mar 01 & 15; Apr 05 & 19; May 03, 17 & 31; Jun 14; Jul 05 & 19; Aug 02, 16 & 30; Sep 13; Oct 04 & 18; Nov 01 & 15; Dec 06 & 20        
Low Season
Apr 05 & 19, May 03 & 17
US$ 5095 US$ 390 - -
Shoulder Season
Mar 01 & 15
US$ 5485 US$ 630 - -
Mid-Shoulder Season
Nov 01 & 15, Dec 06
US$ 5775 US$ 630 - -
High Season
Jan 05 & 19, Feb 02 & 16, May 31, Jun 14
US$ 5995 US$ 630 - -
Peak Season
Jul 05 & 19, Aug 02, 16 & 30, Sep 13, Oct 04 & 18
US$ 6970 US$ 870 - -
Christmas
Dec 20
US$ 7070 US$ 890 - -
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Estimated Airfare (FROM)+
Departures - Start day FRIDAY / End day WEDNESDAY East Coast West Coast
Jan 05 & 19; Feb 02 & 16; Mar 01 & 15; Apr 05 & 19; May 03, 17 & 31; Jun 14; Jul 05 & 19; Aug 02, 16 & 30; Sep 13; Oct 04 & 18; Nov 01 & 15; Dec 06 & 20        
Low Season
Apr 05 & 19, May 03 & 17
CA$ 7032 CA$ 539 - -
Shoulder Season
Mar 01 & 15
CA$ 7570 CA$ 870 - -
Mid-Shoulder Season
Nov 01 & 15, Dec 06
CA$ 7970 CA$ 870 - -
High Season
Jan 05 & 19, Feb 02 & 16, May 31, Jun 14
CA$ 8274 CA$ 870 - -
Peak Season
Jul 05 & 19, Aug 02, 16 & 30, Sep 13, Oct 04 & 18
CA$ 9619 CA$ 1201 - -
Christmas
Dec 20
CA$ 9757 CA$ 1229 - -
Specials on all departures: 3 adults sharing one room will be accorded a discount of US$ 125/CA$ 173 per person.

Notes

  • Recommended to use soft bags during safaris with 15 kg/33 lbs  luggage per person.
  • Please note that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • 12 Nights' accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 35 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • 15 half-day game safaris/transfers by 4 x 4 loose top/pop up roof jeeps
  • Game park fees (ranging from US$ 1500 to US$ 1750 per person, INCLUDED in the tour cost – Park fees are subject to change). New park fees increments made for 2024 have been incorporated in our pricing
  • Services of an accompanying local English speaking guide-drivers for each country
  • Window seating for each passenger
  • 1 litre water per person per day during safari
  • Shared electrical outlets in safari vehicles
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Travel Insurance - highly recommended
  • Tips/gratuities

Optional Services (Necessary to pre-book before final payment)

Day Services Per Person
3,7,10 Hot Air Balloon Safari including transfer & champagne breakfast in Amboseli, Masai Mara or Serengeti US$ 620
3,7,12 Masai Village Cultural Experience in Amboseli, Masai Mara or Ngorongoro US$ 50
4 Boat Safari at Lake Naivasha US$ 65
9 Boat Safari at Lake Victoria US$ 95
11 Visit to Olduvai Gorge Museum US$ 55
12 Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park US$ 390
Hot Air Balloon Safari cost includes an early morning transfer from your lodge to the balloon launching sites, a one hour balloon flight culminating with an open air champagne breakfast upon landing.

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 07 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

Traveller's Testimonials


Richard and Melvina McCaw of Barrie, Ontario

This African safari experience will make you want to pack your bags

Richard and Melvina McCaw of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, recently returned from their first African experience, Bestway’s Wild Game Safari in Tanzania and Kenya, which combines world famous game viewing with exciting cultural heritage. Read on for their first-timer’s perspective on this popular African safari package.


Bestway: What inspired you to choose Bestway Tours & Safari’s Wild Game Safari in Kenya and Tanzania?

Melvina: Well, we were looking into African safari trips with another company who told us we were far too old to go on their trip! Then I remembered that when we had been on a trip last year up in the Arctic, we met several people who had spoken very highly of Bestway. So I looked up Bestway and was absolutely impressed with the variety of tours and where they were going.


Bestway: How was your safari experience?
Melvina: I was extremely impressed with everything that Bestway had to offer - from their pick up at the airport until they dropped us back off to fly home. The accommodations were amazing. The vehicles were neat and clean, and the drivers were extremely knowledgeable about where we were travelling.

Richard: In particular, our guide Simon in Kenya. Simon is actually an accountant and he’s chosen to be a safari guide because his passion is explaining Kenya to visitors.

Melvina: Simon was so valuable, because all the way along, he was telling us about every community, and every crop. He really wanted to share the Kenya experience with us.


Bestway: The 12-day safari visits many different game parks, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Manyara National Park and Amboseli National Park. Which one was your favourite?

Melvina: Each park was entirely different. My favourite was Amboseli. I loved the diversity of the countryside and animals that we saw there. Going not just on the savannah, but through the swampland, the desert area and the old abandoned buildings really intrigued me.

Richard: We got the impression that Simon and Baracki, our guide in Tanzania, knew where to find the animals. They took us there without relying on what the other safari guides were seeing and finding. In the Masai Mara and certainly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, we were often the only vehicle in a particular area.


Bestway: Were any wildlife sightings a highlight for you?

Melvina: We were fortunate enough not to see the kills, but to see animals with the kills. We saw a hyena kill, a cheetah kill and a leopard kill, so that was pretty awesome.

Richard: My special moment was in Tanzania with Baracki. We were driving along - again, we were the only vehicle out there - and somebody spotted some lions a short distance off the road. So we went over and parked the vehicle about eight feet from three lions.

Then, one of the young lions got up and started walking to the back of the vehicle. I thought it was going to walk away, but it just walked around the vehicle and laid down right beside my seat. If I’d sat down on my seat and leaned way out my window, I would have been able to pet him.

That was just an incredible experience from me. None of the animals seem to be too concerned about the vehicles or the humans in them!


Bestway: At Bestway, we find African safari trips to be a great inter-generational vacation option because they’re well-suited for any age range. Would you agree?

Melvina: I certainly think so. It was a pleasure to see all the young kids getting excited out on safari. I was very impressed because I hadn’t anticipated kids that young being there, but they all seemed quite absorbed. They were really just enthralled by the experience.


Bestway: Your tour included an optional one night stay at the Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village in Tanzania. What made you decide on this optional excursion and how was your experience?

Richard: Well, what we were doing with the safari was an animal cultural tour. But what about the people of a country? I spoke with Melvina and said, I think we should spend some time with the people to have a cultural experience.

I found it to be a very interesting experience. There were three Maasai young men who spoke English very well and had actually taken tourism training in Tanzania. They gave us information about their history and showed us a long house open on one side that they refer to as their museum.

Melvina: They took us on a bush walk and explained what every plant and every tree was used for, whether it be medicine, food or construction. Then, we had a bonfire and a lovely dinner.

They were also very excited to take us into the grandmother’s hut to have tea with the grandmother. She was 97, very spry and very interested in our life. She wanted to learn about what we were doing and was willing to share her knowledge with us as well. That was amazing.

Richard: If you do decide to do this experience, make sure to take headlamps because the huts don’t have any electricity in them!


Bestway: Would you recommend African safari trips to others?
Richard: Oh yes. We had an amazing experience and we’ve already been telling others that they should try an African safari. We tell them that Kenya and Tanzania should absolutely be their first choice too. And when we’re talking to people about safaris, our number one recommendation is to go with Bestway.

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