Days 1-2 – Depart the U.S. for Nairobi, Kenya

Fly overnight to Nairobi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Nairobi upon arrival. As arrival times may vary, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 – Nairobi

Get acquainted with Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital city today, beginning with a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the home of the Danish writer who wrote Out of Africa under the pen name of Isak Dinesen. Then head to the Giraffe Centre, which has played an important role in saving the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to observe giraffes up close and even interact with them. Return to your hotel late this afternoon and gather in the evening for a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 4 – Amboseli National Park

The plains of Amboseli National Park teem with zebras, impalas, and giraffes set off by the looming backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The park is also known for its large elephant population, including some of the last remaining large bull elephants known as “big tuskers.” Journey to the park in the morning and pay a visit to the Elephant Research Camp, run by the renowned Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Here, meet a researcher to hear about the latest studies on elephants and efforts to protect them. Then watch for these majestic creatures and many more on your first game drive this afternoon. Your home in Amboseli is a comfortable lodge in set within a copse of acacia trees. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Amboseli National Park

Rise early this morning to visit a nearby Maasai village before the residents leave to tend their cattle. Enjoy insights into Maasai traditions and everyday life, and stop in at a local school to meet students and their teachers. Then return to your lodge for breakfast followed by time to relax and a leisurely lunch. Head out again late this afternoon to spot wildlife—and the sunset—on safari. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Cross the border into Tanzania today and travel to tranquil Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s smallest parks. Edged by the craggy Western Escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara draws a wide array of flora and fauna, including abundant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and hippos. Settle into your lodge this afternoon with time to freshen up before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Observe active wildlife during an early morning game drive and return for lunch at your lodge. This afternoon, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a World Heritage site; an International Biosphere Reserve; and the site of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor is a microcosm of Africa’s many ecosystems: with grassland, swampland, lakes, forests, mountains, and unparalleled wildlife—including the rare black rhinos, hippos, wildebeests, zebras, eland, gazelles, and black-maned lions. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the 100-square-mile crater on a morning safari and watch for all manner of species, including the “Big Five”—elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your lodge, perched on the crater’s rim. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Serengeti National Park

Journey west to the Serengeti, stopping en route to visit Oldupai Gorge, where in 1959 anthropologist Mary Leakey discovered the 1.8-million-year-old skull of Paranthropus boisei, which revolutionized the study of human evolution. Learn about the Leakey family and their many fossil finds, and continue to your lodge. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, discovering the varied landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Serengeti. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti, which means “endless plains” in the Maasai language, spans approximately 12,000 square miles and is home to approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species. Watch for lions, cheetahs, herds of zebra, and much more on today’s morning and afternoon game drives, and enjoy free time during the mid-day to relax or attend discussions about the local species, ecology, and conservation. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Masai Mara National Park, Kenya

Return to Kenya today, flying to the Masai Mara, the traditional homeland of the native Maasai people, just across the border from the Serengeti. The park is especially known for the annual migration that sees some two million wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle march across the plains and across rivers in search of fresh pastures. Check in to a luxurious tented camp before your first game drive in this park. (B,L,D)

Day 12-13 – Masai Mara National Park

Spend two days on safari, venturing out on early morning and late afternoon game drives during prime viewing hours to glimpse some of the lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, gazelle, wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, hippo, rhino, and other wildlife that call the Mara home. When not out in the bush, enjoy the amenities of your luxury tented camp, including the spa and swimming pool. (B,L,D daily)

Day 14 – Nairobi

Return to Nairobi today and take advantage of free time this afternoon to prepare for your journey home. Tonight toast your safari adventure at a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 15–16 – Nairobi / Depart for the U.S.

After a morning at leisure, transfer to the Nairobi airport and board your connecting flight to the U.S, arriving the following day. (B)