Basix
Overland
Wildlife
The Masai Heartlands
15 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
29 reviews
15 days
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Nairobi, Kenya
Trip Code
YGOCC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
Transport
Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (4 nights)
From £2,807(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Explore Amboseli National Park, home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya - known for large tuskers and exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Learn about rural Tanzanian life as you join the community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming area of Mto wa Mbu, before enjoying a traditional meal together.
Spend the night in a Maasai village to learn about life from community elders, visit a widows’ community and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
Head out on an early morning game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. This might be your best chance of seeing black and white rhinoceroses in the flesh.
Embark on unforgettable safaris across Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for a chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife.
Is this trip right for you?
This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/au/africa/overland)
In Loita Hills you will stay in a secure bush camp with basic facilities and cold showers. There is no Wi-Fi or upgrades available but the rewards of experiencing Maasai culture should more than make up for the lack of creature comforts.
As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
Itinerary
Cross Kenya and Tanzania through the fertile Masai Mara
Watch the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible 15-day overland adventure. Head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople and the finest game parks in eastern Africa. Travelling through the acclaimed Masai Mara and the vast Serengeti plains to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Follow in the footsteps of the Maasai with local knowledge each step of the way, leaving you with memories of Africa to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
Transport
Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (4 nights)
Included activities
Lake Nakuru - Village Walk & Cooking Class
Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional activities
Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
Lake Naivasha - Bike hire - USD12
Lake Naivasha - Game Walk in Crater Lake Game Sanctuary (entrance fee) - USD50
Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate NP (Game Drive) - USD65
Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip is a combination of YGOK and YGOT, two of our most popular itineraries. As such, the make up of your group and your leader may change on Day 8.
3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 15. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm this evening.
4. If it is more convenient, we offer the option to finish the trip in Arusha or Nairobi. Please do not book flights out of Arusha airport until after 11 am.
5. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara or Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited, and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
Reviews (28)
5 stars
26
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
Gregory
Oct 02, 2024
Fascinating trip through a wonderful part of the world. Learned so much about Kenya and Tanzania. Camping, long travel days, early starts aren't for everyone. A truly amazing trip.
Alyssa
Aug 24, 2024
Although this was a difficult two weeks of basic camping within the African wildlife, I wouldn’t trade this kind of experience for anything! We toured with two different groups and we met so many different kinds of people who gave each leg trip a different experience in the best way possible. The Tanzania part of the trip was a little bit more underwhelming than the Kenya part, but that’s only because we had seen most of what we wanted to see in Kenya! An almost guarantee of seeing the Big Five while you’re in Africa!
Sean
Aug 24, 2024
The trip was amazing. We were able to see the Big 5 and we made some amazing friends. Though the trip was a little tough with the camping and the driving especially the road to the Serengeti, the animals were saw and experience that were had will last a lifetime. I would definitely recommend this trip. Shoutout to Dan, Sally, and Peace for making the trip even more unbelievably great.
Carol
Aug 17, 2024
Masai Heartlands, such a life changing experience under the competent supervision of Henry our lead, Wicky our cook, Martin and Sally our drivers. Everything we experienced was safe. From the delicious food preparation to washing hands and safe drinking water - not to mention game drives. Cool nights and very warm days, and amazing wildlife. We were fortunate to see the Great Migration and x2 buffalo kills by lions which were also attended by hyenas, vultures and jackals. Great new friend travellers, tents were easy to erect, showers and bathrooms a little hit and miss. All in all, an amazing experience! Thanks to all involved.
David
Jul 13, 2024
Would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the big 5 and more. Unbelievable
David
Jul 05, 2024
The trip i wasn’t sure about as my daughter booked it for us and it has blown a our mine
Justin
Jun 26, 2024
June 8 trip - Overall Amazing! Unfortunately did not see the great migration...i think its supposed to be July/Aug for Kenya. Got to see all big 5!!! Tim Tim is a great leader!
Judith
Jun 25, 2024
I don’t want this review published but this is only place to add comments. # safari vehicle (first)very good but needs mike system # bus windows should be at least clean on first day # Sandra was terrific cook. Her donut recipe should be standard # need some form of portable lighting for eating and washing up - too many things needing to be done in the dark # food on second half of journey not as interesting as Sandra and often inadequate especially at breakfast # dinner needs to be ready by 7pm at the latest and hot meals do not need to be provided for lunches. Salad sandwich perfectly acceptable. Need to cook and clean up after hot meal added considerably to the length of the day #rattle on bus of second half of trip fixed by guests. Should have been fixed prior to trip start. # travel bags given out were great but in terms of sustainability won’t last as the stitching is too loose. # time estimates consistently under quoted.
Kate
Apr 20, 2024
The Maasai heartlands tour in Paril was fantastic. The people in Kenya and Tanzania as incredible welcoming and passionate about their wildlife and landscapes. My tour crew were friendly, caring and knowledgeable and my fellow travellers and I shared so many amazing experiences together. I would recommend this trip, especially as a first trip to Africa.
Ewa
Mar 06, 2024
I just returned from the “ Masai Heartland” tour. I had no expectations but it turned out to be fantastic. Well organised and executed. Friendly, caring and knowledgeable leaders, always willing to help. I will definitely travel with Intrepid again, I simply trust them, Ewa B.
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