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Forge lifelong family memories on an unforgettable East African safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Travel across world-famous wildlife reserves including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara, with 4WD safaris offering the chance to spot iconic African wildlife like lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat. Along the way, connect with local communities through hands-on cultural experiences, from preparing a traditional Swahili meal with Maasai Mamas to learning about Maasai traditions and daily life. Combining incredible wildlife encounters, meaningful cultural connections and family-friendly adventures, this journey is the ultimate safari for the whole family.
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CharlotteJambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins in Nairobi with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you and your family arrive early, maybe head out and visit the National Museum of Kenya or the Karen Blixen Museum. Or to get a glimpse of some rehabilitating animals, head to the David Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. After your meeting, maybe get to know the other families over dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, head out to the Langata Giraffe Sanctuary. See the animals up close and learn about the sanctuary’s conservation projects. Then, continue to Lake Nakuru National Park. Have some lunch, pitch your tents, then head out for an afternoon safari drive to hopefully catch a glimpse of this large game reserve’s endangered black and white rhinos, which can often be seen along the shore. Keep an eye out for the abundant bird life in the lush areas around the lake and maybe add a species or two to your life list! Head back to camp for dinner and sunset with your family.
Rise early for a dawn safari drive around Lake Nakuru – one more opportunity to spot those black and white rhinos. After, drive to Lake Naivasha, stopping in a village along the way to meet the locals. Continue to Lake Naivasha – a birdwatcher’s paradise with floating islands of papyrus reeds. Be on the lookout for giraffes wandering among the acacia trees, buffalo wallowing in the swamps and colobus monkey swinging in the treetops. The lake’s large hippo population can usually be spotted whiling away the day in the shallows. The rest of the day is free for you to explore your hotel grounds at your own pace. Maybe hire a bike or simply relax or play a board game with your family.
Fill up on a hearty breakfast, then head to Crater Lake. When you arrive, lace up your walking shoes and set off on a guided walk along one of the many trails. The waters of the lake are a haven for bird life and plains animals – if you didn’t spot giraffes, buffalos or monkeys yesterday, you likely will today! Later, maybe take the family on an optional boat ride across the lake or simply relax at camp – the kids will love the on-site swimming pool.
Say goodbye to Lake Naivasha today and travel to Loita Hills. Along the way, you’ll stop in Narok to get some groceries. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley – Africa's spectacular great divide – and into the remote region that’s home to the Maasai people. Today will be a real highlight, as you get to know the Maasai, one of Kenya’s most recognizable Indigenous communities, whose distinctive clothing, beadwork and jewellery reflect a rich cultural heritage. Maasai warriors will welcome you at Loita Hills, then, after setting up your tents, hear from a local elder as they teach you about their history and ancient culture. Later, you'll be shown around a traditional home and see where the resident cattle are kept, maybe getting the chance to milk them, too.
This morning, drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve – a large, preserved savannah along the Tanzanian border known for its grassy plains, rolling hills and blue wildebeest who traverse the plains during their annual migration. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch, then after setting up, head out on a safari drive through the national reserve. Along the way, you’ll see animals like lions, cheetahs, elephants, gazelles and zebras roaming the plains or drinking from nearby waterholes, so be sure to have your camera ready. You might also get a glimpse of jackals and hyenas on the prowl.
Get another early start, this time for a full safari day in the Maasai Mara National Reserve – most animals tend to be more active in the morning. Explore this diverse environment and see plenty of wildlife, like lions, elephants and cheetahs, then head back to camp for lunch. Relax during the heat of the day before setting off on another safari this afternoon. Return to the camp around sunset and relax into camp life. Maybe tell stories by the fire or stargaze before falling asleep to the sound of the wilderness.
Set off early this morning, crossing the plains of the Mara and climbing the Rift Valley’s eastern wall past Mount Suswa on the return drive to Nairobi. When you arrive, settle into your hotel, say goodbye to any of the families that may be departing, then have the rest of the day and evening to relax. If you didn't get a chance earlier in the trip, why not visit the National Museum of Kenya or the Karen Blixen Museum. Or, you could simply have a laidback day by the pool.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred to Arusha (crossing the border), where you’ll check into your next hotel. There will be a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet with your leader and the other families travelling on the next part of your journey.
Today, you and your family will start the day with some local Mamas (the name for female artisans in Tanzania). Learn to prepare traditional Tanzanian dishes, learn a few simple words in Swahili, and enjoy the fruits of your labour for breakfast. After, head to Rhotia and enjoy a free afternoon. If you’re up for more adventure, you can visit a Hadzabe community near Lake Eyasi – this area has been their home for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Learn how this community still lives the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and how they use locally made poisons and camouflage. Maybe even join in on daily activities, like gathering food and dancing. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, believed to be one of the oldest languages still in use.
Today, you’ll explore the iconic Ngorongoro – a gigantic volcanic crater home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent wildlife viewing all year round and is a perfect photo opportunity. This morning, you’ll set off in your open-top 4WD safari vehicles and head into the crater itself for a couple hours where the kids (and adults!) can enjoy spotting the animals. After lots of excitement and a break for lunch, it’s off to the Serengeti.
Start the day with an early-morning safari drive, when the wildlife is at its most active. As you explore the vast plains, keep an eye out for lions, elephants, cheetahs and other favourites straight out of The Lion King. After your safari, return to camp for a leisurely brunch and spend the hottest part of the day relaxing, just as the animals do. In the late afternoon, head back into the park for another drive as the sun begins to set, offering another chance to spot wildlife before returning to camp for dinner. For an unforgettable family experience, you may choose to take the family on a sunrise hot air balloon safari. If pre-booked, you'll be collected before dawn and driven to the launch site, where you'll receive a safety briefing before taking to the skies. As the sun rises, drift silently above the savannah, sometimes floating at treetop level and other times soaring high above the plains for breathtaking views of the landscape and the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a five-star bush breakfast before returning to camp.
Set out on another safari drive this morning through Serengeti National Park before returning to Karatu in the afternoon. It’s the final chance to be on the lookout for any wildlife you haven’t seen yet and capture some potentially treasured family photos. Back at camp in the afternoon, maybe kick back and relax at the lodge swimming pool. Later, join your group a dinner of local African cuisine in the family-friendly restaurant.
After breakfast, take a short drive to Mto Wa Mbu. When you arrive, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes. Learn about their culture and way of life, then sit down to a traditional meal. Continue to Arusha in the afternoon, where you’ll have some free time when you arrive.
Your trip finishes today after breakfast and there are no further activities planned. If you’re able to spend longer in Arusha, you can arrange another activity or two ahead of time with your leader. Maybe visit a local coffee farm to learn about Tanzania’s coffee production process and taste some freshly prepared coffee with the local community. Or paddle on Lake Duluti with an experienced guide, watching out for aquatic birds and lizards. If you’re hoping to spot more freely roaming wildlife, maybe head out on an Arusha National Park walking safari in the shadow of Mt Meru.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room/tent to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
CLOTHING: You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes particularly if you are in a malaria zone. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.BATTERIES/POWER: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. Hotels and many campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day.LUGGAGE LIMIT The luggage weight limit is maximum 20kg per person, but we recommend packing as lightly as possible. Day bags with items you'll need throughout the day/drives (phones, money, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.) can be stored near your seat on the overhead shelf or, on some trucks, in pockets in the seat in front of you. Each traveller will have a locker on the truck to store valuables like passports and items that you don't need during the drive. Locker sizes vary by truck, with an average size of 18 inches wide, 10 inches high, and 26 inches deep. You will need to bring your own lock. We recommend a 20-30mm sized padlock. Larger luggage can be stored in the compartments under the truck, but you won’t have access to it until you set up camp. We recommend backpacks or duffel bags, as large framed suitcases can be difficult to fit, especially when the truck is at full capacity. Please contact your booking consultant if you think you will have issues with this luggage limitation. CLOTHING - Lightweight, long shirts and pants for protection against the sun and insects. -Comfortable clothing for hot weather; shorts, t-shirts, activewear. - Closed-toed comfortable walking shoes to protect your feet in wilderness areas and campsites. - Water shoes or sandals suitable for wearing in the shower and during water activities. - Light waterproof/windproof jacket for rain and wind. - Fleece or jumper/sweater for cooler mornings/evenings. - Sun protection – sunglasses and securable sunhat. - Swimming costume. - Sarong, scarf, or buff for dusty roads and cooler temps. - Nightwear, especially if travelling on twin-share. - Beanie. TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE - Sunscreen - biodegradable, reef-safe, and waterproof if available. - Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, soap, detergent, etc. - Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, nail clippers, etc. - Towel or travel towel. - Tropical strength insect repellent. - Antiseptic hand sanitizer. - Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit, but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhea, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, after-sun, band aids/plasters, etc. ELECTRONICS - Power bank or spare batteries. - Charging cords. - Travel plug adapter(s) for the countries you’re visiting. - Head torch (recommended) or flashlight. LUGGAGE & SLEEPING GEAR - A smaller backpack to take with you on day excursions. - Sleeping bag: A 3-4 season from June to August, or if you are travelling to desert and mountainous regions due to colder temperatures. Otherwise, a two-season sleeping bag should suffice. Available for hire (pre-booked at least 14 days before departure). - Pillow or travel pillow. - Sleep sheet can be used in addition to your sleeping bag for extra warmth or used alone if it’s hot. - Earplugs. OTHER ITEMS - Reusable water bottle (min 1 litre). Our vehicles have large tanks of treated water to refill bottles. - Camera. OPTIONAL EXTRAS - Camping mat (in addition to the one provided) for added comfort. - String and pegs for drying handwashed clothes. - Reusable dry bags to keep your belongings and clothes dry. - Binoculars. TOP TIPS - Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended. - Pack layers to add or remove as the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. - Wear neutral-colored clothing while on safari to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife. - Account for your personal temperature preferences—if you tend to run hot or cold, pack accordingly to stay comfortable. LAUNDRY Some campsites located on hotel grounds offer laundry services, but this is not guaranteed due to limited time and availability on overland tours in Africa. Be prepared to handwash your clothes at campsites, as most provide simple facilities for this. We recommend bringing non-polluting, biodegradable soap and a roll of string to create a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive late in the afternoon or face poor weather, drying your clothes completely may not be possible. Laundry services may also be available at your start/end hotel for a fee. VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. Use your hotel safe and the lockers on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. POWER Our overland vehicles are equipped with power sockets to use while on the road. Charging you personal items may be restricted if there is a risk of draining the vehicle’s batteries. Some camps will have powered sites where you can recharge your devices when not on the road. We recommend bringing a power bank and a universal travel adapter. If your devices are not compatible with different voltages, you may also need a voltage converter. DRESS CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN AND GENDER-DIVERSE TRAVELLERS In certain parts of Africa, we recommend women and gender-diverse travellers dress in a way that respects local customs and traditions. While there’s a wide range of cultural practices, we recommend packing a few items like skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee, tops that cover the shoulders, or cover-ups when stepping off the beach in coastal areas. Your leader will be able to advise you on when it is appropriate to dress more conservatively. WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. While it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when you're travelling, sometimes your acommodation or transport will have a water dispenser you can use. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.
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