KENYA & TANZANIA, AFRICA

Arrive in Nairobi, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. A microcosm of the African continent, this capital city is your gateway to a dramatic procession of natural spectacles in Kenya and Tanzania, among the most thrilling destinations in the world.

Nairobi Serena Hotel
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Set out on early morning and afternoon game drives, crisscrossing the landscape in search of the park's large herds of elephants, as well as zebras and wildebeests, along the salt pan trails. Prepare for predator sightings as opportunistic animals begin roaming the plains in search of prey. Return to your lodge for dinner followed by a relaxing evening under African skies.

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive, searching for nonchalant baboons, dik-diks that forage for food beneath acacia trees and large herds of buffalo, wildebeests and zebras, which gather on the grassy, sun-drenched plains. Along a narrow belt of acacia woodland, you may even spot the region's storied tree-climbing lions, which ascend branches for a cool breeze. After lunch, continue to the village of Mto wa Mbu, where you Ride Like a Local on a tuk-tuk, viewing rice fields and the local community as you go. Then, travel to Ngorongoro Crater, ascending its outer wall through dense vegetation. Ngorongoro is the largest unbroken ancient caldera in the world and a likely place to view lions, elephants, hyenas and gazelles. This afternoon, participate in a Chef's Table demonstration in the hotel kitchen, preparing and sampling local dishes.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to vast, wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park and through its spectacular mix of savanna grassland and volcanic hills, stopping en route for a privately guided tour of Olduvai Gorge, one of the key sources of prehuman hominid fossils. Renowned paleontologists Mary and Louis Leakey made many notable finds here, including "Nutcracker Man," who lived approximately 1.75 million years ago. Visit the on-site museum, take in views from the lookout point and examine the excavations, which revealed 3.7-million-year-old footprints and the 1.8-million-year-old skull of a human. Continue to your lodge, which is framed by commanding views of this land of lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes and topi. The park also serves as a setting for the Great Migration when it passes through each year. Enjoy your room's blend of elegant and contemporary design with influences from the traditional Maasai culture.

Meliá Serengeti Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to the vast Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya's finest wildlife spectacle, offering excellent game viewing year-round. The unending landscape hosts some 450 bird species, 95 animal species and all of the great predators, including the country's largest lion population. After familiarizing yourself with your luxurious tented accommodations, ideally situated at the confluence of the Mara's four game-viewing regions, drive through the famed reserve.

Mara Intrepids
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Venture forth on a morning game drive. After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

Set Out on a Guided Bird Walk for the opportunity to spot some of the nearly 500 species of birds in the region.

Make Beads with the Maasai, learning the craft of beading from tribal members and
creating your own jewelry.

Throw the Rungu with Maasai Warriors, testing your skills with their traditional wooden hunting club.

Then, go on a late-afternoon game drive for a final look at the Mara's treasures. Later, enjoy a Scenic Sundowner, sipping traditional cocktails while marveling at the incredible open plains just before dusk - a relaxing prelude to a memorable farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Mara Intrepids
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner