East Africa Wildlife Wonders

Arriving at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, Jack and Judy were met and assisted to their waiting transfer vehicle, which drove them to their accommodation – a Cape Dutch style private home situated in its own lush gardens. The couple could explore the city and take in the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum, or take a refreshing dip in the pool, sit by the river, or simply wander through the calm oasis of beautifully landscaped gardens.

After an early breakfast and check out, the couple took a road transfer to Nairobi Wilson Airport for their flight to Mara Siana Airstrip where their ranger team was waiting to welcome them. Their transfer from the airstrip to Mara Bushtops was their first game drive where they could spot wildlife along the way. With exclusive conservancy access to Bushtops guests, the couple could take advantage of the lodge’s private night and off-road game drives, walking safaris direct from the camp, sundowners, sunrises on the Sekenani hill and visits to the nearby Kakiya cave. The pair were also free to visit a local school, enjoy drinks around the camp fire with traditional Maasai dancing and opt for a thrilling hot air balloon safari during their stay.

After a last morning safari, Jack and Judy headed back to the airstrip for their flight to Tanzania, finally arriving at Kogatende aistrip in the northern Serengeti after two flights and road transfers. Upon arrival, the pair were met by the team from Nimali who accompanied them to their lodge in an open safari vehicle to make the most of the road transfer. Nimali Mara is a beautiful hideaway that offers luxury in the wilderness. Situated in the far-flung area of Kogatende, this retreat offers the ability to explore the Serengeti whilst still enjoying privacy and isolation. Located on top of a small kopje, just 30-minutes from the airstrip and with easy access to the Mara River, it is famous for the migration crossings in season.

Day nine of their journey saw the couple transfer to the Kogatende Airstrip for a scheduled flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip. From here the pair were transferred by road to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge where they could visit the Lake Manyara National Park with their local guide and enjoy picnic-style lunch before heading to Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp for two nights. The park supports over 400 species of bird and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species to spot include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and the Egyptian mongoose, as well as thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.

With time for a final morning adventure, Jack and Judy were driven from the Ngorongoro region through local villages and towns towards Lake Manyara Airstrip and onto Arusha, with enough time to stop in the Mto wa Mbu village for a visit and tuk tuk tour. Their one-night stay at Arusha afforded the couple time to join the ‘Bean-to-Cup’ coffee estate tour and a garden luncheon in between relaxing at the stunning accommodation and drinking in the views.

After a adventure-filled vacation, day 12 marked their final day in Africa. The pair were transferred from Arusha Coffee Lodge to Kilimanjaro International Airport for their scheduled flight back to Kenya, where they had a day-use hotel room available to drop their luggage while a local driver helped them explore Nairobi’s attractions and best shopping spots for souvenirs and gifts. After a invigorating day, Jack and Judy headed back to the airport for their international flight home.