East African Trails (2026)

Day 1: The Residences at Karen, Nairobi

On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi you will be met by an Albatros Travel representative and given a short safari briefing before being transferred to Karen residence, ideally located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, Nairobi.

Situated along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Nakuru

You will check out and meet your driver guide who will transfer you to Nairobi National park with picnic breakfast for a game drive.

Thereafter drive a short distance to Daphne Sheldricks’ Elephant Orphanage – where you have an opportunity to visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.

You will then visit the Karen Blixen Museum: a chance to go back in time and discover the famous Karen Blixen’s house exactly as it was when she lived in Kenya. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, ‘bogani’, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century.

After lunch at the lovely Matteo's Restaurant, you will depart on the next part of your adventure that takes you from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to Nakuru.

Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Nakuru

Full Day at Lake Nakuru. Morning and afternoon game drive.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Masai Mara

Today you are off to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You will check out of your hotel after breakfast and arrive for lunch at your camp in the Mara. On arrival and check in, you will have lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your tent waiting for the late evening when the temperature cools to head out on your first Mara game drive. Masai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers. The great wildebeest migration is one of nature’s wonders; an estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Back at the camp, dinner is served and this gives you the perfect opportunity to look back at your day and relive all those highlights.

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Masai Mara

After breakfast drive across the Mara plains in search of the big five and other plains game or engage in the optional activities on offer at the Maasai Mara. The early mornings are one of the best times to view the animals as this is when they are their most active before the heat of the day sets in. After a mid-morning of relaxation and lunch, head out into the reserve for a chance to tick off some more animals on your “must see” list. Keep your eyes peeled as you hunt for the last members on your list. Visit the Mara River and ask your guide to show you the regular river crossing routes.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Masai Mara

Morning and afternoon game drives.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha

After breakfast and check out, you will be driven back to Nairobi, with your packed lunch (included) and from here board the flight to JRO . On arrival you will be met by an Albatros vehicle will meet you for a transfer to the Mount Meru Game Lodge for the night.

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Breakfast included.

Day 8: Honeyguide Tarangire Camp, Tarangire National Park

This morning, wake to the views of Mt Meru before heading down to breakfast. After collecting your packed lunch, you will join your Albatros Travel driver guide as you head to Tarangire National Park. On clearing the paperwork at the entrance you will head into the park for a full day game drive.

As the afternmoon begins to end, you will make your way back to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Serengeti Kati Kati, Central Serengeti

After breakfast and check out, depart to the Serengeti with a packed lunch. On arrival into the park, game drive towards your camp.

As the afternoon begins to end, you will make your way towards your camp. On arrival you will be assisted with check in and shown your tent.

Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterised by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite and scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Serengeti Kati Kati, Central Serengeti

After breakfast meet with you guide and enjoy a full day, with morning and evening games drives in Serengeti National Park. Enjoy quiet evenings by the camp fire and the exclusivity of absolute comfort combined with the authenticity of a night spent in the African bush, an extraordinary experience for all nature lovers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 11: Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu

After breakfast and check out - depart with a packed lunch and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way you will one of the world's most important prehistoric sites, Olduvai Gorge, for a tour and lecture. Learn how the gorge was vital in establishing the African origin of humankind and in turn, why it is referred to as the 'Cradle of Mankind'. Proceed on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on clearing the paperwork you will drive through the Crater Rim from where you will have the opportunity – weather permitting – to see the Crater, in all its glory. Drive onto your Lodge, located in lush grounds within the Karatu Area. On arrival you will be assisted with check in and shown your room.

Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Acacia Farm Lodge, Karatu

Get up early to make the most out of your day in the Ngorongoro Crater with lunch boxes. Return to your lodge before dusk, and in time to freshen up before dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 13: End of Itinerary

After breakfast and check out and drive to Lake Manyara National Park with lunch boxes for morning game drives.

At a time, convenient to you, you will depart from the park and make your way to Arusha for lunch. After lunch, and depending on your flight and/or extension plans, you will be transferred either to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight home (additional supplement of $120per vehicle for the transfer to JRO) or to Arusha airport for your flight to Zanzibar or elsewhere in TZ (transfer to ARK is no charge, flight not included – ask for details).

Breakfast included.