The Kenya-Tanzania Explorer

The group gathers in Nairobi for the first time: introductions, a walkthrough of the eighteen days ahead, and a chance to ask any last questions before the road turns toward the Rift Valley tomorrow.

Leave the city behind for the floor of the Great Rift Valley, with scenic stops along the way to Lake Nakuru, your first national park. After lunch, take a tea plantation excursion for an inside look at the East African tea industry.

An early start into Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day of game drives, with a chance to spot the park's resident rhino population.

A short drive to Lake Naivasha, gateway to Hell's Gate National Park, where you'll take a cycling safari into the park and its gorge. Continue to the Elsamere Museum, former home of Joy and George Adamson.

Start the morning with a boat safari before setting off for the world-famous Masai Mara, taking the scenic, lesser-traveled road with a stop to restock supplies along the way.

A full day exploring the Mara's wildlife, with time spent at the river crossing points where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra move in search of greener pastures, sightings that have made this park a National Geographic favorite. Optional hot air balloon flights are available.

Leave the wildlife behind for a day's drive to Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, arriving in the afternoon with time for a relaxed check-in and a sunset cruise before resting up for the wilderness ahead.

Say goodbye to the lake and travel to the legendary Serengeti, predator paradise and home to some of Africa's largest lion prides. Explore the park's loops in search of its famous wildlife over a two-night stay.

A full day of game drives deeper into the Serengeti, with a chance of crossing paths with the Great Migration, though with wildlife this abundant, a sighting is never far away.

Travel from the Serengeti to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, taking in scenic views along the way. Overnight on the crater rim at a well-appointed campsite with panoramic views over one of the world's most extraordinary natural amphitheaters.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise aboard a 4x4 game viewer, exploring hippo pools, resident predators, salt lakes and forest in search of the rare black rhino. Return to the rim, then continue to the village of Mto wa Mbu.

A full day exploring Mto wa Mbu, a village sustained for generations by rice farming and home to a remarkable mix of more than 120 Tanzanian tribes living side by side.

After the time spent in the village, the route turns toward Tarangire for the last wilderness stop of the tour. Arrival is expected by mid morning, which leaves the whole day to explore the park and learn about the fauna and flora found here.

The morning starts on foot rather than in the vehicle, on a walking safari led by the park's rangers. It is the version of Tarangire a game drive passes straight over: tracks, insects, plants, the small detail underfoot. Afterwards the road leads to Arusha, with time at the Meserani Snake Park, the Cultural Gallery and the education centre.

A short morning flight carries the group from Arusha to Stone Town. The rest of the day is spent exploring on foot, learning the history of the old town and visiting several of its museums and places of interest, with the night in Stone Town itself.

Departure after breakfast, first to a spice farm and an educational walk through the crops Zanzibar built its name on. From there a local community kitchen turns the lesson into a cooking class, and lunch is what the group has cooked. The afternoon ends at the beachside retreat that holds the last three nights of the tour.

A full day of relaxation, and of the optional extra activities on offer for anyone who wants them.

Another full day of relaxation and optional activities. In the evening the group has its farewell dinner together.

Tour ends after breakfast.