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13 Day Serengeti & Masai Mara Small Group Tour

You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted by Local Guides

This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5

 

Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Active

Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.

Group Size
Small Group

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days
Small Group Tour
218 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Small group tour up to 7 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including game drives through six national parks, game reserves and conservation areas across Tanzania and Kenya in search of the “Big Five”
✓ Game drives in 4x4 vehicles with photo roof and a maximum 7 travellers per vehicle, guaranteeing a window seat for each guest for uninterrupted game viewing opportunities
✓ Cultural interactions with a local Maasai people learning the customs of distinctive tribes
✓ 12 nights in selected 3 & 4-star hotels, lodges, chalets and tented camps, all with private en-suite facilities
✓ Breakfast daily, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
✓ Bottled drinking water provide during the tour daily 
✓ Emergency Evacuation cover with AMREF flying Doctors
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
✓ Fully escorted by expert naturalist guide
✓ All park entrance fees
If you would like to add Gorillas & Chimps of Uganda to your trip click HERE

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

✈ Wanting to travel in 2025 - please click here
What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Golden Tulip Hotel or Similar

Welcome to Kenya! On your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Hotel
Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, meet your local Kenyan guide and fellow travellers for a tour briefing before we depart for Amboseli National Park, your home for the next two nights. Dominated by the magnificent presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s oldest and most famed parks. Although not as large as Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli is known for its great herds of elephants, cheetah, and unique terrain dotted with emerald-green swamps. 

This afternoon, enjoy a game drive where your guide will introduce you to the park, the swamps and say hello to its inhabitants before we return back to the lodge for an included dinner.

Hotel
Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our itinerary for today takes us to the renowned Amboseli National Park, where we will embark on an exhilarating full day of wildlife observation. This park holds great fame within Kenya and is particularly renowned for its impressive population of majestic elephant bulls, adorned with remarkable tusks. Capture the ultimate safari moment as you witness these magnificent creatures against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, its snow-capped peak adding a touch of awe-inspiring beauty to the scene.

Hotel
Kibo Palace Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following a relaxed breakfast, we commence our journey towards the border and proceed onward to Arusha, known as the gateway to the esteemed Kilimanjaro National Park. Enjoy lunch along the way and upon our arrival, we will check into our hotel, where the rest of the evening is at leisure to unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s safari at Tarangire National Park. 

Please note that there will be a change of both guide and vehicle at the border as we enter Tanzania.

Hotel
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast,  we set out for Tarangire National Park, where we will indulge in a full day of thrilling game drives. Prepare to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring vistas of the Maasai Steppe and the majestic mountains in the southern horizon, creating a mesmerising backdrop during our visit to Tarangire. This national park is renowned for its remarkable population of elephants and the iconic baobab trees that dot its landscape. It also serves as a pivotal location within an annual migratory cycle, attracting a multitude of wildlife, including up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras. 

As the day draws to a close, we will make our way to our accommodation for the evening where we can relax and unwind, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Hotel
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we begin our journey towards Lake Manyara National Park. This remarkable reserve is situated at the northwestern edge of Lake Manyara, a soda lake nestled at the base of the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Our drive through the park will treat us to breathtaking scenery, renowned not only for its vast flocks of vibrant flamingos but also for the elusive sight of tree-climbing lions, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to our adventure. 

Following this we make our way to the charming village of Karatu, where we will spend the night. Take this time to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day, anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.

Hotel
Thorn Tree Tented Camp or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we begin our day with an early departure to embark on a thrilling game drive in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary wildlife encounters. For many, this awe-inspiring natural wonder stands as the pinnacle of their safari experience. The crater boasts the entire 'Big 5' group of animals, including a small population of the critically endangered black rhino. The diverse range of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery make this an unforgettable adventure.

After enjoying a delightful picnic lunch amidst the beauty of the crater, we proceed towards the Serengeti, we traverse the breathtaking central Plains, which epitomise the iconic landscapes the park is famous for. Picture endless undulating grass savannahs punctuated by rugged outcrops that provide secluded havens for wildlife. Finally, we arrive at our tented camp, nestled in the heart of this remarkable wilderness, where you will find comfort and tranquillity during your stay.

Hotel
Thorn Tree Tented Camp or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The legendary Serengeti is our playground today with a full day game drive through the vast rolling plain whose sparse vegetation allows for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The Serengeti is best known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomson's gazelle (the complete migration route is around 800 km), but throughout the year, the Serengeti is excellent for lion (the park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa), leopard and cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hyena, hippo, and rhino spotting, and many varieties of antelopes and birds.

Optional Tour - Morning Hot Air Balloon Over the Serengeti

Embark on a magical hot air balloon ride across the vast expanse of the Serengeti National Park. As the first rays of sunlight paint the sky with hues of gold and orange, ascend to new heights and witness the Serengeti transform into a breathtaking panorama. From your vantage point above the clouds, observe the untamed beauty of the African savanna, teeming with life.

Start time: 5am
End time: 9am

Inclusions: flight briefing, return transfers, breakfast

Hotel
Thorn Tree Tented Camp or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get ready for another thrilling day of adventure as we continue our exploration of the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Equipped with lunch boxes to keep us energised, we embark on captivating game drives throughout the afternoon. As we traverse the vast and boundless plains, our eyes are treated to a spectacle of wildlife sightings, reaffirming the well-deserved fame of this extraordinary national park. Marvel at the diverse array of animals that roam these lands, and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Serengeti.

As the sun begins its descent, we make our way back to the lodge, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Rest and rejuvenate overnight, ready to embrace the wonders that await us on the next leg of our journey.

Hotel
Mara Sopa Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Serengeti and Masai Mara border where we’ll experience the magic of the Masai Mara Game Reserve for the next two days. We’ll have the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Five’: lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and elephant, and we may get to witness the wildebeest migration from Serengeti Park into Masai Mara. 

Please note that there will be a change of guide and vehicle at the border crossing into Kenya.

Hotel
Mara Sopa Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure immersed in the renowned Masai Mara National Park. This iconic wildlife sanctuary offers an abundance of diverse habitats that serve as a haven for a wide array of game species. Prepare to be captivated as we seek to encounter magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. The sweeping landscapes of the Masai Mara are also home to an impressive range of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest (gnu), giraffes, buffalos, jackals, topis, gazelles, impalas, and elephants.

As we navigate the park's lush plains and traverse its meandering rivers, we are likely to encounter a multitude of hippopotamuses and crocodiles, adding to the wildlife spectacle. Keep your eyes trained on the skies as well, for the birdlife in this area is incredibly abundant, offering opportunities to spot a wide variety of avian species.

Hotel
Golden Tulip Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll begin the journey back to Nairobi. When we arrive, we’ll have lunch and check-in to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure.

Meals
Breakfast

After a final breakfast, the tour concludes, and it's time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight. 

We hope the memories and experiences from this journey will stay with you as you continue on your future adventures.

 

Special Information

Post tour accommodation information can be found under “Extra Services” and can be purchased at time of booking. Rates include breakfast PLUS transfer from your hotel to Nairobi Airport.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Inclusions

  • Small, intimate group experience – no more than 7 guests
  • Fully escorted by expert naturalist guide
  • All park entrance fees
  • Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
  • Breakfast daily, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
  • 11 nights in selected 3 & 4-star hotels and boutique lodge accommodation
  • Game drives in 4x4 vehicles with photo roof and a maximum 7 travellers per vehicle,
  • Bottled drinking water (1 Litre per client each day)
  • Emergency Evacuation cover with AMREF flying Doctors.
  • Incredible sightseeing including game drives through six national parks, game reserves and conservation areas across Tanzania and Kenya in search of the “Big Five”
  • guaranteed window seat for each guest for uninterrupted game viewing opportunities
  • Cultural interactions with a local Maasai tribe 
  • Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour

  • Serengeti National Park – Spend two full days exploring the plains of a truly iconic park, home to the largest annual animal migration.
  • Masai Mara National Game Reserve – Enjoy a full day of game drives of the incredible protected game reserve in search of the famed Big Five as well as migratory birds, crocodiles, hippos and other mammal species
  • Amboseli National Park – Home of the African Elephant, this national park is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Experience a full day game drive in the park and enjoy iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance
  • Lake Manyara National Park – Explore this incredible park known for the tree climbing lions as well as pink flamingos that frequent the soda lake
  • Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the crater floor with a picnic lunch to witness some of the 25,000 large mammals that wander the plains, lakes and forests including enormous bull elephants, rhinos and lions
  • Tarangire National Park – Enjoy a full day game drive in the national park, host to massive herds of elephant, wildebeest and zebra
  • Nairobi – Vibrant capital city of Kenya

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $1,170.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $2,340.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

Travelling in Africa
Travelling by road in Africa can include some long travel days.  Road quality can vary from comfortable sealed roads to rough & bumpy dirt roads.  Distances covered can be in excess of 300 km (180 miles) per day or more than 6 hours journey time, subject to the road conditions.
  
Luggage
Due to limited storage capacity of your safari vehicle we ask that luggage is kept to a manageable amount in a small soft bag – 15kg (33 pounds) max. Hard suitcases are not suitable.  It is also recommended to bring a day pack for use throughout the day.
 

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a”3”

Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,845.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 7

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Fully Escorted by Local Guides - You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

  • Morning Hot Air Balloon Over the Serengeti (Day 8) - $765 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

  • $289.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $161.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

  • $289.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $161.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

  • International airfares
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Why book with us
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