The endless plains of East Africa have called to adventurers for generations, promising close encounters with magnificent wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Our eight-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania delivered on these promises and more, taking us through iconic national parks and reserves where nature’s drama unfolds daily. Join me as I relive our adventure through Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater—some of the most iconic locations in East Africa.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI
Our journey began at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where our pre-arranged drivers greeted us with warm smiles. The transition from bustling airport to comfortable vehicle was seamless, and we were soon en route to the Best Western hotel. After the long flight, a hot shower and a delicious dinner were exactly what we needed. We settled into our rooms, eager for the wildlife encounters that awaited us.
DAY 2: LAKE NAKURU – A RHINO HAVEN & GREAT RIFT VALLEY MAJESTY
The morning brought a delicious breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast and checkout, we set off, driving through Kenya’s countryside toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Our first wildlife sightings came early as zebras and giraffes appeared along the roadside – a thrilling preview of what was to come.
Our journey included a stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley – that massive geological feature stretching 6,000 km from Lebanon to Mozambique. The panoramic views were simply stunning, and the coffee break, coupled with browsing local artifacts and souvenirs, provided a cultural touch.
Arriving at Lake Naivasha, we took a relaxing boat ride that introduced us to the local wildlife. We delighted in seeing hippos lounging in the water while giraffes and agile impalas graced the lakeshore. The birdlife was nothing short of spectacular, with eagles, kingfishers, and a myriad of other species filling the skies.
Late afternoon brought us to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, a beautiful property nestled amidst the park’s natural beauty, After we checked in, we enjoyed a delightful lunch, and took some time to unwind. By 4 PM, we embarked on our first official game drive. The afternoon was a resounding success, with sightings of rhinos, water buffalo, baboons, jackals, and warthogs. As we drove deeper into the park, we marvelled at the majestic sight of white and black rhinos — one of the elusive members of “The Big Five”. The day concluded with a visit to the stunning Makalia Falls, making it the perfect wrap-up for our first full day.
We returned to the lodge, relaxed, had dinner, and drifted off to sleep, our minds filled with the day’s incredible sights.
DAY 3: ONWARD TO THE MASAI MARA
We rose before dawn to witness a spectacular sunrise over Lake Nakuru – the sky illuminated with vibrant hues – an image I will forever cherish. We had breakfast before checking out and setting off for the legendary Masai Mara. The scenic drive, lasting approximately six to seven hours, was further enriched by wildlife sightings as the landscape transformed into open savannas populated by giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and a rare Southern ground hornbill crossed our path. Each passing village revealed a glimpse of the rich Maasai culture — their vibrant attire contrasted delightfully against the golden grasslands. I soaked in the local culture – kids waving, markets buzzing.
After arriving at the Pride Inn Mara Lodge, we checked in, lunched, and planned to relax. A fever and cold sidelined me from the afternoon game drive, but I rallied with dinner and prepped for tomorrow’s full-day adventure.
DAY 4: FULL-DAY GAME DRIVE IN THE MAGNIFICENT MASAI MARA
This day was devoted entirely to exploring the world-famous Masai Mara Reserve, and it lived up to its reputation as one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Setting out at 8 AM with excited spirits, cameras, and packed lunches, we embarked on a full day of incredible animal sightings.
The Mara rewarded us with four of the “Big Five” in a single day, finishing our checklist: water buffalo in large herds, a pride of lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants with calves in tow, and the ultimate safari prize – a leopard walking with its cub right in front of us. We also witnessed hippos and crocodiles basking in the great Mara River.
The supporting cast included giraffes, countless zebras, topi, gazelles, impalas, jackals, and more. The option to visit a local Masai village was available, as was a pre-dawn hot air balloon ride, which I unfortunately missed due to illness. We spent the evening relaxing at the lodge, reminiscing about the day’s incredible sightings.
DAY 5: CROSSING BORDERS TO SERENGETI
We bid farewell to the Masai Mara and began our journey to Tanzania. We departed early for the Isebania border crossing, our gateway to Tanzania. The drive featured more wildlife sightings: hippos wallowing in muddy pools, zebras and giraffes grazing together, elephants tearing branches from acacia trees, and various antelopes, including topi, impalas, and gazelles.
After completing border formalities (including the $51 visa fee), we continued toward Serengeti National Park. The border crossing required a bit of patience, but it paved the way for the magic of Serengeti National Park. Entering the park, our senses were on fire with anticipation. We were driving through the legendary Serengeti, where we spotted our first dik-diks (tiny antelopes standing barely 12 inches tall), more giraffes, elephants, hippos, and even caught a glimpse of a leopard’s sitting on a tree and whimsical baby crocodiles.
Before reaching our tented camp (Osinon Camp), we stopped at central Serengeti to arrange the next day’s hot air balloon adventure. It cost us $500/person. The Osinon camp’s authentic tented accommodations perfectly blend comfort and wilderness immersion. Dinner that night was a relaxed affair, where laughter and excitement for the next day’s hot air balloon ride filled the air.
DAY 6: SERENGETI FROM ABOVE & BELOW – A WILDLIFE BONANZA
The 4 AM wake-up call was painful but worth every lost minute of sleep. En route to the balloon launch site, our headlights illuminated a pride of female lions on the hunt, zebras nervously watching them, a scavenging hyena, a jackal, and several hares darting for cover.
As the dawn broke, our hot air balloon rose gracefully above the Serengeti plains, offering a bird’s-eye view of this magnificent ecosystem. From our floating vantage point, we spotted zebras, gazelles, and impalas scattering below us, entire herds of elephants moving like gray rivers across the savanna, and hippos crowded into shrinking water holes.
The landing was celebrated with champagne, traditional songs, and dances in the middle of the plains, followed by a delicious bush breakfast under acacia trees. With certificates in hand and memory cards full of photos, we rejoined our guide for a full-day game drive.
Post-breakfast, we set off for a game drive where the wildlife seemed eager to greet us. Throughout the day, the Serengeti continued to amaze us with multiple lion prides (we nearly witnessed two hunts!), thousands of wildebeest on their endless migration, zebras intermingled with the herds, more elephants and giraffes, hippos crowded in muddy pools, warthogs trotting with tails held high, and various antelopes. Birdlife included the distinctive white stork, vultures circling overhead, and Egyptian geese near water sources.
The sheer abundance of wildlife was overwhelming. We returned to camp, relaxed by the campfire, and enjoyed another delicious dinner under the starry African sky. And fell asleep to the distant sounds of elephants, hyenas, and sounds of lions roaring.
DAY 7: NGORONGORO CRATER – A NATURAL AMPHITHEATER OF WILDLIFE
We departed for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at the crater rim by midday. The vastness inside this UNESCO World Heritage site is simply breathtaking. Upon arrival, the sheer beauty of the volcanic caldera welcomed us. The descent into the crater was breathtaking, and we were immediately greeted by a plethora of animals.
The crater delivered extraordinary wildlife density: we spotted a sleeping black rhino, several lion prides, including two magnificent male lions, a flamboyance of flamingos, warthogs, hyenas, huge elephants with impressive tusks, water buffalo, wildebeest, zebras and their newborns. The hippo pool provided endless entertainment, and a picnic lunch spot allowed us to safely observe the wildlife activity around us. After lunch, we continued our game drive, capturing more incredible moments.
After a final game drive in this unique habitat, we started our journey back to the “Farm of Dreams Lodge” hotel in Karatu, filled with amazement from our experiences. We returned to our hotel, stopping at a gift shop for souvenirs. As evening settled, we watched an incredible African acrobatic show that left us in awe. Sipping coffee and reflecting on our trip, there was no denying the bonds we had formed along the way.
DAY 8: HOMEWARD BOUND – NAIROBI & GIRAFFE ENCOUNTERS
On our final morning, we awoke feeling bittersweet. After checking out, we traveled back to Nairobi via the Namanga border crossing, traversing through the beautiful landscapes one last time. Back in Nairobi, we visited the Giraffe Conservation Center, where we learned about these gentle giants, fed them by hand, and walked a nature trail. A farewell dinner at the Taj restaurant in the Marriott Hotel was a fitting end to our incredible adventure. We were then dropped off at the airport for our flight home, our hearts full of memories that would last a lifetime.
CONCLUSION
This journey through Kenya and Tanzania was more than just a vacation; it was a chance to immerse ourselves in the raw beauty of nature, witness incredible wildlife, and appreciate diverse cultures. From the rhinoceros of Lake Nakuru to the leopards of Masai Mara, from the hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti to the concentrated wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, our safari delivered wildlife experiences beyond our wildest expectations.
This 8-day Kenya-Tanzania Safari provides the perfect balance of iconic destinations, incredible biodiversity, and unforgettable moments with some of our planet’s most magnificent creatures. It was a testament to the power of nature and the beauty of the wild, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the wonders of East Africa. If you’re considering an African safari, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore this breathtaking itinerary — you won’t be disappointed! Safe travel!
Shout out to our fantastic Safari travel company – Shanjoy Tours & Safaris – for arranging this great itinerary and giving us the trip of our lifetime.
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