Kenya and Tanzania – An Epic Safari Adventure!

I visited these vibrant East African countries, Kenya and Tanzania, in September 2023, embarking on a thrilling safari adventure with Seven Wonders Safaris. My journey was nothing short of awe-inspiring, as I delved deep into the heart of the African wilderness, encountering magnificent wildlife, experiencing rich cultures, and making unforgettable memories along the way. Here’s a detailed account of my 11-days expedition:

Some useful trivia while traveling to Kenya and Tanzania:

Kenya:

• Population: Approximately 31.6 million people.
• Borders: Shares boundaries with Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• Seasons: July to October marks the Peak Season, November to March is the High Season, and April to June is the Low Season for tourism.
• Visa: Offers Visa on Arrival and eVisa facilities for tourists.
• Telephone Country Code: To reach someone in Kenya, use the country code +254.
• Language: Kiswahili, English, and various tribal languages are commonly spoken.
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (1 KS = 0.58 INR).
• Time Difference: Kenya is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind India.
• Capital: Nairobi is the vibrant capital city of Kenya.

Tanzania:

• Population: Approximately 61.5 million people.
• Borders: Shares borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
• Seasons: Ideal times to visit are during the Dry Season from June to October and January to February, while the Wet Season occurs from November to May.
• Visa: Offers Visa on Arrival and eVisa facilities for tourists.
• Telephone Country Code: To reach someone in Tanzania, use the country code +255.
• Language: Swahili and English are the official languages, with numerous indigenous languages spoken.
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (1 TZS = 0.031 INR).
• Time Difference: Tanzania is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind India.
• Capital: Dodoma is the designated capital, although Dar es Salaam remains the largest city and former capital.

List of essentials to pack for a trip to Kenya and Tanzania:

• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Insect repellent
• Essential prescribed medications
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses
• A classic Safari Hat
• Clothing in neutral tones like green, beige, brown, khaki, and tan (Avoid bright colors, neon shades, white, and black)
• A lightweight Safari jacket
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting and birdwatching
• Camera equipment including DSLR, various lenses, spare batteries, memory cards, and lens cleaner
• Passport and necessary travel documents
• A reliable torch for any nighttime adventures

Day Wise Itinerary:

Day 1 – 22nd Sept – Nairobi Arrival: A Warm African Welcome

I landed in Nairobi at 6.45 pm, filled with anticipation. Nairobi airport welcomed me with open arms, where I quickly grabbed a Safaricom SIM card for easy communication during my journey. Fueling up for the adventures ahead, I indulged in a delightful coffee and croissant at Cossta Caffee in Terminal 1E, savoring the flavors and the exciting start to my Kenyan exploration amidst the bustling airport ambiance. Nairobi’s energy set the stage for the incredible experiences awaiting me.

Day 2 – 23rd Sept – Masai Mara Adventure Begins: A Day of Thrills

I started my day with a delectable breakfast at Java House in Nairobi, savoring an almond croissant and a refreshing green smoothie, a perfect blend of flavors to kickstart my journey. At 8.30 am, our group set out for Masai Mara in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle, guided by the ever-smiling Ali, and accompanied by six fellow adventurers. Along the way, I exchanged 50 USD for 7150 KS, immersing myself in the local currency’s tactile charm.

By mid-afternoon, we arrived at the enchanting Lenchada Tourist Camp, where the wild and the comfortable co-existed harmoniously. Lunch was a delightful affair in the camp’s dining area, featuring a menu of rice, moong gravy, noodles, and a comforting drinking chocolate. The picturesque camp surroundings were irresistible for capturing memories with my camera.

The day’s highlight was our evening game drive, commencing at 4.15 pm. As we ventured deeper into the Mara, nature unfolded its treasures one by one. I was awestruck by the sight of wildebeests, zebras, jackals, ostriches, elephants, gazelles, giraffes, African buffaloes, and elusive hyenas. With the sun setting on the horizon, we returned to our campsite around 7 pm, where a satisfying dinner awaited, followed by the warmth of a bonfire beneath the African night sky. This was just the beginning of my Masai Mara adventure, and the anticipation for the days ahead was palpable.

Day 3 – 24th Sept – Masai Mara’s Majesty: A Day of Wildlife Wonder

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at 6.30 am, filling up on anticipation for the adventures ahead. At 7 am, we embarked on a full-day game drive that unveiled the Mara’s wild treasures in all their splendor. From regal lions to sunbathing crocodiles, cunning hyenas to majestic hippos, and soaring vultures to the graceful giraffes – the Mara showcased its full spectrum of life. We marveled at zebras, gazelles, and even the elegant ostrich, while a chance encounter with a pack of mongooses added a touch of the unexpected to our day. It was a reminder that even the smallest creatures play a vital role in this ecosystem.

Our lunch was a picturesque picnic amidst this untamed paradise, savoring flavors with the African wilderness as our backdrop. As the sun began its descent, we returned to our camp at 4.30 pm, hearts brimming with gratitude for the extraordinary day. The evening unfolded with a satisfying dinner, the crackling warmth of a bonfire, and a well-deserved night’s rest, all against the backdrop of the Mara’s enchanting soundscape. This was a day etched in my memory, a testament to the wild wonders of Masai Mara.

Day 4 – 25th Sept – Cultural Exploration and Lake Nakuru Arrival: A Day of Contrast

Our day commenced with a flavorsome breakfast, followed by an enlightening visit to a Masai village. Spending an hour with the welcoming Masai tribe was a captivating experience. Adorned in vibrant traditional attire Shuka, they shared insights into their daily life and artistic heritage, displaying intricate beadwork and stunning jewelry. They even invited us to their huts called Bomas, made of mud, cow dung and wood, with a single entrance and minimal side windows and explained us the culture of the Masai tribe. The highlight was the mesmerizing Masai jumping dance Adumu, a display of strength and pride that left us in awe. We even tried our hand at it, humbly attempting to emulate their graceful leaps. Additionally, we learned the age-old art of making fire from the ground, a skill passed down through generations and a testament to their resilience in the African savannah.

After our cultural immersion, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, heading to Lake Nakuru with a scenic lunch enroute. The landscape transformed as we reached the Buraha Zenoni hotel in Lake Nakuru, our haven for the night. There, we enjoyed a delectable dinner, eagerly anticipating the natural wonders Lake Nakuru had in store for us on the following day. We even witnessed a birthday being celebrated at the dining hall. This day offered a beautiful blend of cultural enrichment and the anticipation of wildlife encounters, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable Masai people and their enduring traditions.

Day 5 – 26th Sept – Lake Nakuru’s Natural Spectacle and Arrival in Arusha: A Day of Discovery

Our day began with a sense of adventure as we departed for a game drive at 7 am, eager to explore Lake Nakuru’s wildlife haven. The journey was nothing short of thrilling as we encountered remarkable sights, from the majestic rhinos to the vibrant flamingos and graceful pelicans, all gracefully going about their daily routines in this captivating ecosystem.

Our exploration continued as we made our way to the Makalia Waterfalls View Point, where the breathtaking natural beauty left us in awe. After a satisfying lunch, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, bound for Arusha. The border crossing into Tanzania was an experience in itself, with passport stamps, visa checks, and the verification of our yellow fever certificates.

By nightfall, we reached the welcoming embrace of Parachichi Hotel in Arusha at 9.15 pm. Exhausted yet exhilarated, we enjoyed a hearty dinner, eager to rest and recharge for the adventures that awaited us in this vibrant Tanzanian city. This day had been a whirlwind of discovery, from the wonders of Lake Nakuru to the intricacies of border crossings, setting the stage for more thrilling experiences on our African odyssey.

Day 6 – 27th Sept – Tarangire’s Splendors and Arrival at Fanaka Lodge: A Day in the Wild

We awoke to the promise of another exhilarating day, enjoying a hearty breakfast before setting off on our adventure at 8 am. Our destination was Tarangire National Park, and the journey itself was a captivating experience as the landscapes unfolded before us. By 11 am, we found ourselves amidst the park’s iconic residents – magnificent elephants, graceful giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and impalas – all co-existing in this vibrant ecosystem.

A picnic lunch amidst the wilderness added a touch of enchantment to our day. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we bid farewell to Tarangire and made our way to Fanaka Lodge, arriving at 6.30 pm. Along the way, we secured a Tanzanian SIM card to stay connected. Our evening concluded with a satisfying dinner at 8 pm, and as we settled in for the night, we eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited us in this untamed corner of Tanzania. This day had been a celebration of nature’s wonders, and we were eager to uncover more in the days ahead.

Day 7 – 28th Sept – Serengeti National Park Beckons: A Journey to the Wild Heart

Our day began with a leisurely breakfast at 8.15 am, fueling our excitement for the adventures ahead. At 9.15 am, we embarked on a journey to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes – the Serengeti National Park – “place where the land runs forever”. Along the way, we enjoyed a picturesque lunch at 2 pm, savoring flavors amidst the changing landscapes.

By 3 pm, we had arrived at the legendary Serengeti National Park, where the vast savannah stretched as far as the eye could see. The stage was set for an unforgettable evening as we embarked on a game drive that lasted for 2.5 captivating hours. The Serengeti revealed its treasures, from majestic lions to graceful gazelles, in a breathtaking display of wildlife in its natural habitat.

As the sun began its descent, we reached the Nguchiro Campsite at 6.30 pm, where the magic of camping under the African skies awaited. Our day concluded with a satisfying dinner, the sounds of the wilderness as our soundtrack, and the promise of more Serengeti adventures in the days to come. This was a day that epitomized the untamed beauty of Africa, and we couldn’t wait to uncover its secrets further.

Day 8 – 29th Sept – Serengeti’s Grand Odyssey: A Day of Wildlife Marvels

Our day began at the break of dawn, awakening to the serene beauty of the Serengeti at 5.30 am. With a hearty breakfast at 6 am, we fortified ourselves for a full-day adventure that promised to be nothing short of spectacular. Setting out on a game drive at 6.30 am, we ventured deep into the heart of the Serengeti, where the wildlife roamed freely. The sights were beyond imagination, from elusive leopards to graceful zebras, and the regal lions to the playful wildebeests.

Witnessing the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events, was a dream come true. The sight of countless wildebeests and zebras on the move was a humbling experience, reminding us of the awe-inspiring power of nature.

Amidst this untamed landscape, we enjoyed a picturesque picnic lunch, the savannah providing a breathtaking backdrop. The day was not just about sightings; it was an immersive experience. We delved into a guided tour and an information excursion that unveiled the intricate web of life in the Serengeti and Tanzania, leaving us with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this incredible ecosystem and country.

As the golden African sun began to dip below the horizon, we returned to our Nguchiro Campsite at 5.30 pm, hearts brimming with gratitude for the wild wonders we had encountered throughout the day. A satisfying dinner awaited at 7.30 pm, and as we retired to our tents at 9 pm, we knew that this day had been a true safari odyssey, etching the Serengeti’s grandeur into our souls.

Day 9 – 30th Sept – Ngorongoro Crater’s Mystique: A Day of Natural Wonders

The day dawned with the call of the African wilderness at 5.30 am, and by 6 am, we had savored a nourishing breakfast, gearing up for another day of exploration. Setting off on a morning game drive at 6.30 am, the Serengeti unveiled its captivating drama once more, with sightings of lions, leopards, and the graceful giants, the elephants, among many others.

We gazed in awe as several hot air balloons soared gracefully above the Serengeti, providing a breathtaking perspective of the vast savannah and its wildlife. It was a sight to behold, adding a new dimension to our journey.

Our journey then led us back to the Simba campsite at 11.30 am, where a satisfying lunch awaited. With our spirits high and cameras filled with memories, we embarked on the next leg of our adventure, leaving for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As the sun began its descent, we arrived at the Simba campsite at 5 pm, a perfect vantage point for our upcoming exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner was a communal affair at 7.30 pm, and as we retired at 9 pm, the anticipation for the wonders of Ngorongoro’s unique ecosystem lingered in the air, promising another day of awe-inspiring encounters with nature.

Camping in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater: Camping in the heart of the wilderness allowed us to truly connect with nature. The sounds of the African night, the crackling campfire, and the star-studded sky made our nights under canvas unforgettable.

Day 10 – 1st Oct – Ngorongoro’s Splendid Depths and Return to Arusha: A Day of Natural Wonders

Our day began with the serenity of dawn at 5.30 am, and by 6 am, we had gathered for a nourishing breakfast, preparing for an expedition into the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater. Setting out at 6.30 am, we embarked on a remarkable journey, exploring the crater’s diverse and unique ecosystem. The sight of roaming wildlife and flamingos against the backdrop of the crater’s walls was nothing short of mesmerizing.

As the day unfolded, we enjoyed a picturesque lunch amidst this geological wonder. Our adventure continued as we departed for Arusha, taking in the scenic beauty along the route via Lake Manyara. By 5 pm, we reached the welcoming embrace of the Charity Hotel in Arusha. We even witnessed an African wedding take place at the hotel. A satisfying dinner marked the end of this day of exploration, and as we retired for the night, we carried with us the indelible memories of our trip.

Day 11 – 2nd Oct – Journey’s End: Farewell to Africa

Our final day in East Africa began with a hearty breakfast at 7 am at the Charity Hotel, a moment of reflection on the incredible adventures we had experienced over the past ten days. At 7.30 am, we bid farewell to Arusha, setting out for Nairobi airport. The journey was filled with nostalgia as we retraced the paths we had traveled, each turn bringing back memories of wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, and the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.

By 2.30 pm, we had reached Nairobi airport, our departure point for the journey back to India. The evening held the promise of a flight that would carry us across the African continent and back to our homes, with hearts filled with gratitude for the unforgettable experiences that had shaped our African odyssey. Seeing the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos – in their natural habitat was a privilege that exceeded our expectations. The proximity and majesty of these creatures left us in awe. Interacting with travelers from different parts of the world enriched our journey. Exchanging stories and experiences around the campfire created a sense of camaraderie that made the trip even more special.

As we boarded our flight at 8 pm, we couldn’t help but carry a piece of Africa with us, a treasure trove of memories that would forever resonate in our hearts and minds. Africa had left an indelible mark on us, and it was with mixed emotions of sadness and gratitude that we embarked on the journey homeward. Africa, you have stolen our hearts, and we can’t wait to return for more adventures in the wild.