9 Day Big Nine Expedition - G

Highlights – Arrive in Nairobi.

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Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel
   [Alt: Southern Sun Mayfair]
   [Alt: Sarova Stanley Hotel]
Activity: : Airport arrival, meet and greet, followed by transfer to your hotel.

Your host will be on hand when you arrive at the airport and will take you to the Nairobi Serena Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World Group. Despite its pivotal central location, the Nairobi Serena offers an oasis of serenity amidst the bustle of one of Africa's most vibrant capital cities. Take some time to explore the wide range of dining experiences as you relax and unwind after your flight. If you’re ready for sleep, you’ll immediately relax in your luxurious room, with its fine linens. In the morning you’ll be refreshed and ready to go. Who says a safari has to be rustic?

Highlights – Your first day at Amboseli National Park; afternoon game drive.

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Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Ol Tukai Lodge]
Meal Plan: Full Board - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity: Transfer to Amboseli National Park to see an afternoon game drive.

After a tasty breakfast, it is time to head out to Amboseli National Park, considered the prime location in the world for viewing wild elephants. Nothing can beat the site of these magnificent creatures with Mount Kilimanjaro as their backdrop. The mountain is the world’s highest free-standing mountain and its majesty will take your breath away. In addition, you’ll see plenty more wildlife – including giraffes, lions and cheetahs. You’ll know this is a real safari as you travel over the rugged roads to the park and later on your afternoon game drive. It is an exciting day and you’ll be grateful for a chance to unwind at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, which more than lives up to its serene name. The décor is inspired by the indigenous Maasai people and it harmonizes with the Kenyan terrain beautifully. Walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens to enjoy a delicious meal, including many local food items.

Highlights – Your second day at Amboseli National Park.

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Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Ol Tukai Lodge]
Meal Plan: Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives.

You will be glad to have a second day at Amboseli National Park as the morning and afternoon game drives offer completely different experiences. The park is home to more than 400 bird species as well as wildebeests, zebras, white rhinos and other wildlife – there is no telling what you will see. Every hour of the day is different, and every season of the year is different, which means that every game drive is different, so be sure to have your cameras prepped and ready for some stunning photos and videos in both the morning and afternoon. At mid-day, when the heat drives all of East Africa into the shade, you can lounge in the pool, take a siesta in your comfortable room or meet fellow travelers for a refreshing drink at the bar.

Highlights - The beautiful Lake Manyara National Park.

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Accommodations: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Kirurumu Tented Lodge]
Meal Plan: Full board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activity: Crossing into Tanzania. Transfer to Lake Manyara

Today we cross into Tanzania and proceed to Lake Manyara.  This is a truly wildlife sanctuary famous for its spectacular landscape. The western wall of the Great Rift Valley is visible, with its majestic brown and red cliffs that seem to rise directly out of the lake. There are springs at the base of the cliffs that provide the water that enables the abundant wildlife to thrive.  There are several distinct habitats that are home to various bird species and big game animals. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge's buildings are arranged like a traditional village around the pool. The rooms are two-story, designed to look like traditional rondavels, and colorfully furnished. The lodge restaurant offers fine dining, with occasional barbecues and bush dining options.

Highlights: First day at Serengeti National Park, Afternoon game drive.

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Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp]
Meal Plan: Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activity: Transfer to Serengeti - afternoon game drive.

The Serengeti has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. All of the various animal and plant species are dependent on the sparse rainfall, as well as on each other. A variety of different vegetation zones make up the park. Grasslands with both short and tall grasses are in the dry south, which receives an average of 19 inches of rain per year. A savanna abounding with acacia trees is in the center, and the western area has more heavily wooded highland areas, complete with what is known as 'black cotton' soil. This last area follows a sweeping curve around the edge of Lake Victoria. There is wooded grassland to the north, and tributaries from the Mara and Grumeti rivers flow through this region.

Highlights: Second day at Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives.

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Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp]
Meal Plan: Full board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activity: Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.

The Serengeti Serena Lodge offers a fusion of luxury style and local architecture. The Serengeti's volcanic reefs and reaches are easily seen from the lodge's setting on a wooded ridge. The design and layout of the Lodge were inspired by traditional Maasai practices, with winding paths and rondavel-style buildings. The rooms are in a setting that includes ponds, streams and a variety of native trees. These rooms are built of stone with traditional grass roofs. A ‘vanishing horizon’ pool is found at the lodge, and the circular bar overlooks the pool. The bar features columns that are carved to resemble Maasai tribesmen. Both areas provide a great way to relax in the African evening, enjoying an excellent view of the savannah, where you may be lucky enough to witness the wildebeest migration as a fantastic highlight of your safari in Africa.

Highlights: The amazing Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy.

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Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
   [Alt: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge]
Meal Plan: Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activity: Transfer to Ngorongoro; optional visit to Olduvai Gorge and museum.

The Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy Area is where you will be off to after breakfast, and there will be time for a picnic lunch along the way. The Olduvai Gorge and museum are at the site where remains from prehistoric people were first found. The Ngorongoro Crater itself is all that remains of a long-extinct volcano. The 2000-foot high crater rim encloses a depression measuring 100 square miles, which provides water and vegetation for wildlife, as well as the cattle of the Maasai people. You are very likely to witness Maasai herders and their cattle passing through the area. The lodge is situated right on the crater rim, with outstanding views from its well-appointed suites and from the outdoors dining area of the buffet restaurant.

Highlights: Full day crater tour at Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy.

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Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
      [Alt: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge]
Meal Plan: Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activity: A day of exploring the crater.

You can take a picnic lunch and spend the day within the crater. There are around 30,000 large animals within the crater, so you are bound to see lots of wildlife: large herds of wildebeest, antelope and zebras roam the landscape, often being pursued by hyenas, cheetahs or lions. The lake inside the crater is home to numerous colorful bird species, and you can see hippos lounging in the water. Every so often, visitors see impressive bull elephants passing through the crater area in search of water, though herds with cows and calves are rare. You can also visit a Maasai village to learn more about what living in this unique area is like, as well as getting acquainted with the Maasai culture. This is a key part of a safari in Tanzania.

Highlights - Last day at Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy. Fly to Nairobi.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Activity: Transfer by road to Arusha for flight to Nairobi. Connect with flight home.
Optional: Souvenir shopping in Arusha.

You will start your last day with a hearty safari breakfast at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. As you prepare to depart you take in the last views of the crater rim and reflect on a truly special experience. When you are ready, your host will drive you to the airport and see that you get to your flight in plenty of time. We want the last hours of your Big Nine Expedition safari to be as relaxed and trouble-free as the rest of the trip has been. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will connect with your departure flight home.