Africa is the home of safaris. “Safari” means “Journey” in the local Swahili language, and in East Africa, a traditional safari is a multi day 4×4 journey with a private driver-guide through a succession of national parks. Luxury lodges, fly camping and seasonal Great Migration camps ensure that one is always in the thick of things! Hot air ballooning over millions of wildebeest is an unforgettable highlight.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury Family Safaris
Destination Highlights
Kenya
The first safari destination, Kenya is perfect for all ages, from babies to grandparents and everyone in between! In addition to safaris in some of Africa’s best national parks, there is also a magnificent Indian Ocean coastline. You can trek with camels, milk cows on a traditional colonial style farm, horseback ride through the jungle, volunteer with local schools and feed a giraffe at breakfast!
East Africa Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in lovely Arusha, located at the start of the famous Northern Safari Route of Tanzania!
Day 2
Begin your private family safari. The word Safari means Journey in Swahili and it’s a journey you will never forget! Depart Arusha in your 4×4 with your own private highly experienced driver-guide. Head for the Ngorongoro Crater area, stopping en route for a first safari drive at Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants! Stay overnight on a coffee plantation and learn all the secrets of how coffee is grown.
Day 3
Descend into the Crater. It is like Noah’s Ark here, with an amazing array of animals that spend their entire lives within the crater. A real Garden of Eden! Spend a full day exploring before making your way to a tented camp high up on the crater edge for overnight.
Day 4
Journey to the world famous Serengeti National Park. The Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest follow the cycle of the yearly rains largely takes place here. Spend 2 nights at a luxury lodge in the Central Region.
Day 5
Full day on safari in the Central Serengeti searching for lions, leopards and cheetah – the big cats!
Day 6
Depart for the focus region where the migration is concentrated. The millions of wildebeest may even be trying to cross the crocodile infested rivers during your time here. Overnight at a mobile wilderness camp that follows the migration.
Days 7/8
Two full days in the main migration area. Your guide will be explaining all about this incredible spectacle (and you will return home knowing more about the wildlife of Africa than you could ever learn in a classroom).
East Africa Trip Tips & FAQ's
What time of year is best to visit East Africa?
High season corresponds to Xmas-New Year and July/Aug vacation time.
In Tanzania, February is a wonderful time to see newborn baby animals in the Serengeti. March and April are wet, with cheaper prices, and the rest of the year is generally excellent.
In Kenya, the river crossings are a major draw in the Maasai Mara and this usually takes place around late July – early September. March-May are wet, and prices are lower. The rest of the year is very good. Similar weather patterns are found in Uganda and Rwanda.
Is East Africa a good place for a family vacation?
Outstanding. A family safari is one of the most wonderful bonding experiences one can ever have. Adventure, excitement, awe, educational and fun are all combined. One can go fly camping, trek with camels, learn to shoot a bow and arrow, snorkel and dive and of course, see all the wild animals you can ever wish for.
What about food?
Generally, most safaris offer an international menu, with European and often Asian dishes as well. It is a little more challenging to eat the real local food, as tourists usually spend their time away from most cities and towns. If you do find yourself exploring a major town, you’ll see that local bbq meat stalls are a big favorite.
And accommodation?
Accommodation ranges from midrange to ultra deluxe safari camps and lodges. City hotels are mainly business hotels though boutique hotels are also excellent. It is also possible to buy out an entire small camp, or beachside villa with a cook and cleaning staff.
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