10 DAY MASAI MARA, SERENGETI AND VICTORIA FALLS

This 10-day adventure takes you on an exploration through some parts of East Africa (Tanzania; Serengeti and Kenya; Masai Mara) and some parts of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe; the Victoria falls). All these tourist sites have distinct and unique physical attractions and distinct cultural heritage. Start in Kenya (Masai Mara) where you will get to see the wildebeest migration, you will also get to site the big five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes) and also get to explore the Maasai culture.

After this you will embark on a venture in the Southern Tanzania into Serengeti National Park which is popular for its endless, uninterrupted plains that are potential grounds   for the wildebeests calving season and this is where they begin their journey to Masai Mara for the Great migration. Serengeti also has unique and fascinating rock outcrops which are known as kopjes like the Retima Kopjes located near the hippo pool, Simiyu Kopjes that are a  popular habitat for lions, Moru Kopjes  that have a  significance to Maasai culture for its ancient Maasai paintings and  many  more others.  Serengeti also has a variety of predator species lie the cheetah, Serval, Leopards, Hyena. Wild dog and African Civet.

NOTE;  The best time to witness  the wildebeest migration in a multi-day itinerary is between  July to  September because  these are the months  the wildebeest herds are transitioning  between Serengeti Northern regions  and the  Masai Mara.

After our adventurous journey from the Savannah of the Masai Mara we shall then proceed to Zimbabwe where we are to visit Victoria falls which is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World because of its massive curtain flow of water that creates a massive amount of spray and mist its considered one of the largest if not the largest in the world. The Victoria Falls are surrounded by the thick green rain forest with unique flora like fig trees, Mopane tree and Baobab tree. Victoria falls and its surroundings also has fauna like Nile crocodile, hippos, fish eagle tiger fish, bream, African rock python and crocodile monitor.

This above is a brief introduction for our adventures and experiences in our 10-day unforgettable itinerary.

However to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip one must adhere to the following;

-Follow the safari guide instructions

-Respect the culture of the local community and also respect of the environment.

-It is advisable for one to park mosquito repellants and sunscreen.

-One should also consult the doctor and carry out needed vaccinations.

-Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

 One should follow the above safety guidelines according to their safety needs.

10 DAY MASAI MARA, SERENGETI AND VICTORIA FALLS Itinerary

This experience will be different from others because it will have both the road trip adventures and fly-in safaris.

Day 1; Arrival in the Maasai Mara.

As you reach the airport you safari guide will be waiting for you and will welcome you and drive you to your safari lodge/hotel. The journey will be approximately 5 hours from Nairobi airport to Masai Mara, however the time used will be according the route taken. As you approach the Masai mara you will be greeted   by the breathtaking scenery of the vast plains, wildlife movement sightings and local villages.

Check in to your hotel/safari lodge, enjoy a lunch buffet with some of the local cuisines at the safari lodge restaurant as you relax from the long journey. In the evening you will get a briefing from your safari guide and then proceed on an evening game drive where you will get to see nocturnal animals like lions and cheetahs up-close.  You will also get to witness the sunset cast its glow on the Mara landscape as it descends below the Oloololo escarpment.

Go back to your safari lodge/hotel, get to enjoy dinner at the safari lodge/hotel and then take   a rest in your cozy bed.In the morning you are awakened by the sounds of the wilderness, sounds of the distant roars by the lions and the chirping birds and then savor on a warm breakfast.  Your safari guide will brief you about the day’s adventures and experiences and then you will embark on a guided morning game drive.

During this game drive you will spot the big five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and elephants) roaming around the tall grass and some grazing on it.  You will also witness the great wildebeest’s migration, some feeding on the short grass of the Savannah and others crossing the Mara River.  As they move in herds the lions will try to attack the calves of the wildebeests and the wildebeests will fight using their bodies and horns to defend their young ones.

In the afternoon you will proceed to an arranged picnic under the acacia trees next to Mara River. Get to enjoy a classified lunch buffet with some fruits and iced beverages as you watch the crocodiles bask in the sun and the hippos swim in the waters with their eyes and ears above the surfaces of the Mara River. You will also get to witness some birds like the fish eagles diving in to get fish in the waters and others just flying above you.

In the evening embark on an evening game drive through the park and here you will get to witness high predator-prey interactions as the cheetahs hide in the tall grass and stalk their prey and spotted hyenas move around as they hunt and scavenge carcasses. As the sun sets down the rolling hills, you will get to see birds flocking together and returning to their roosting sites.

In the evening enjoy a camping night in the wilderness where you   will get to roast meat and marshmallows at the campfire and enjoy different story experiences from other tourists as the sounds and roars of the wilderness come alive and then get back to your safari lodge/ camp for a rest.

Day 3; Exploring Maasai cultural heritage. 

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your safari lodge/hotel as you get a briefing from your safari guide and then embark on a sunrise game drive through the park. As the sun casts a warm glow on the golden landscape the giraffes and zebras feed on the grasses of Savannah covered with mist. Wildebeests are also seen grazing on the fresh morning grass and some also migrating in large herds.

In the early afternoon  you will visit the Maasai local community and villages where you will be welcomed with open arms and wide smiles. You will get to enjoy the traditional local cuisine of the Maasai and also enjoy entertainment from the Maasai as they showcase their culture through music and dance.

Your safari guide will take you on  a guided walk through the Maasai villages and get to see the traditional homes (Manyattas) and the Bomas where the Maasai enclose their livestock and also get witness the day to day daily lives of the Maasai.

In the evening get to experience  a camping experience with the Maasai as  they tell  you about  their ancient stories and myths as you enjoy a  bush dinner and then later  head back to your safari lodge /hotel for  a rest.

Day 4; Departure from Masai Mara.

In the early dawn, wake up get treated to a breakfast buffet that has part of the local cuisines and get a briefing from your safari guide about the next journey and experiences. Check out of your safari lodge/hotel and then proceed and board the safari vans for your Serengeti expedition. The journey will be about 5 to 7 hours according to the route your safari guide has taken.

As you reach your safari lodge/hotel check in and you will get hospitalized with refreshments and then relax. In the late evening your safari guide will brief you and take you on a sunset game drive through Serengeti National Park. As you drive through the endless golden plains you will get to spot predators like lions and leopards become prepared for their hunt as they stalk their prey in the tall grasses of the Serengeti Savannah.

You will often see the zebras, wildebeests and elephants some moving in herds and others moving individually as they roam freely in the Savannah and graze on the tall and short grasses.yu will also spot nocturnal animals like hyenas scavenging and on the hunt for their evening meal.  You will also get to witness the sun set in the open plains of Serengeti as the wilderness come alive and this will evoke feelings of peace and connection to nature.  You will then head back to your safari lodge/hotel and then enjoy a meal at your safari lodge restaurant and then head to your comfortable room and rest.

Day 5; Immersing into the Serengeti adventures.

In the early morning after breakfast you will be briefed by your safari guide and then you will take a guided morning game drive through the park. Here you will be able to witness the wildebeest migration in The Northern part of Serengeti, some roaming freely and other herds crossing the Mara River.

You will then be taken to the Seronera valley where hot air balloons are launched and get to experience the aerial view adventures of Serengeti. As you rise above the golden plains you will get to spot the migration routes of the wildebeests, you will get to also witness the predator—prey patterns as the cheetah’s chase the calves and the wildebeests fight and defend their young ones.  You will also enjoy   a stunning visual spectacle of the African sun rise as it sets its warm glow of the grasslands that are covered with dew. After this experience you will then go for another game drive experience where you will spot the big five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) some on the hunt and others roaming freely and grazing on the grasslands.

In the afternoon you will be taken on a picnic lunch experience at the Kopjes picnic site. As you sit under the acacia trees enjoying your meal, get to spot different herbivores like zebras, gazelles, impalas and giraffes grazing at a distance. You also be on a lookout for predators like lions, leopards and hyenas. Imagine enjoying your meal as you spot lions laying at a distance on the rocky outcrops, this experience is a memorable and thrilling one.

After your meal you will take a guided nature walk at the rocky outcrop and you will get to discover ancient Maasai paintings that are a significance to the Maasai culture and historical background and also get to explore unique rock formations. You will also get to watch different bird species like verreaux’s eagles, lanner falcons’ rock martins and starlings.

In the evening take on a guided game drive through the park and you will get to spot nocturnal animals like owls and bush babies as you get to witness the sunset experience of the Savannah.  Then enjoy a bush dinner around the campfire as you get to hear distant noises of the roars and movements of the wild animals in the night and then head back to your safari camp/hotel and rest.

Day 6; uncovering the hidden gifts of the Serengeti.

Wake up to a morning buffet and get  a briefing from your safari guide and then head on the morning game drive where you will witness zebras and giraffes roaming in the sun-kissed plains covered   with morning mist and some moving in herds. As you go through the vas endless plains take in the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills and the scattered acacia woodlands.

In the afternoon you will be taken on another thrilling lunch picnic experience near Seronera River. Here you will get to spot wildlife like lions, leopards and elephants in proximity. Get to also enjoy the scenic views of the flowing Seronera River and the vast open endless grasslands with rocky outcrops. Get to also spot different bird species like the eagles, vultures and storks. This beautiful scenery is good for a photography session   as you can be able to capture some of the wildlife and physical features up-close.

As the darkness unfolds in the Savannah get to enjoy a game drive through Serengeti. Every game drive unveils a new experience because as you go through the park you are able to see animals like porcupines, gents and civet cats that you might not have seen in other game drives.  Later get to enjoy a campfire where you will get to roast meat and interact with other tourists as you share different experiences and then head back to your safari camp/hotel for rest.

Day 7; Cultural exploration of the Savannah.

In the morning   after a morning bite take a guided morning game drive through the park and see you will get to see the buffaloes one of the big five some moving to the grazing areas and others heading to the nearby water sources to drink some water.  You will also get to spot other animals like cheetahs, hyenas and servals roaming freely in the Savannah.

In the afternoon get to experience an expedition with the Hadzabe tribe. The Serengeti has different cultures like the Maasai known for  cattle herding,  the Sukuma known for their rich  agricultural heritage, Datoga  known for their traditional blacksmithing skills and Iraqw  Wambulu  known for their wood carvings and art,  however on this day we shall focus on the Hadzabe  who are one of the last remaining  hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. However when meeting this tribe you will strictly follow the instructions of your tour guide so as you can enjoy this unique cultural experience with these people.  Get to enjoy a meal that has part of the traditional cuisine of the Hadzape people like the baobab fruit and greens. Accompany the hunters and participate in gathering honey, wild fruits and berries as you learn about their unique hunting techniques and strategies and get to appreciate cultural diversity as you create unforgettable memories and experiences.

Visit ancient rock art, paintings and sites guided by  the safari guide and hadzabe guides  and get to explore the caves and witness ancient rock paintings that  have been there for over 2000  years  depicting hunting scenes and spiritual rituals and immense yourself in Hadzabe culture.

In the evening get to enjoy roasted meat and an outdoor feast around a campfire with other tourists   as you get to gear stories about the history and culture of the Hadzabe. Get to also enjoy entertainment through music and dance (Epeme dance) as you bond with the Hadzabe people and then head back to your safari camp/lodge.

Day 8; Arrival in the land of the Golden sun (Zimbabwe).

In the morning after breakfast you will get a briefing from your safari guide and then check out of your safari camp/ hotel and then you will be driven to the airport and check in for your flight to Zimbabwe, the flight will take approximately 3 hours. Check out and then transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls town. Relax at your hotel as you enjoy a meal and reminisce about the past experience and get ready for a new adventure.

Later in the day take a sunrise boat cruise on the Zambezi River as you enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape. You will also get to spot wildlife like the hippos grazing on the banks, giraffes bending down to drink water from the river and also enjoy watching diverse birdlife species like fish eagles and bee-eaters.

In the evening head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner buffet with some of the Zimbabwe local cuisine and get to discover different African dishes and you could enjoy entertainment from the open bar and then head back to your hotel.

Day 9; exploring the Victoria Falls.

In the morning after breakfast get treated to a helicopter ride over the Victoria waterfalls. As you high above, the falls rise high into the air  forming a  misty veil that creates  stunning rainbows on sunny days that creates an enchanting and dazzling scenic view surrounded by the vibrant green forest as the Zambezi river meanders through the  steep and rocky gorge creating a captivating landscape  and you  also get to see the  Livingstone Island.

In the afternoon enjoy lunch at the nearby hotel or café as you take in views of the River and waterfalls. Later in the day take a guided nature walk through the rainforest  and get to explore other physical adventures like the Devil’s pool, Eastern Cataract,  Black Rhinos,  Klipspringer, African Fin foot and rainbow sightings.

In the evening you will take a guided game drive through Chobe National park near Victoria Falls that is known for its large elephant herds. As you go through the park you will spot impalas, gazelles, Nyala, wild dogs hippos in the Chobe Rivers and crocodiles in the park’s waterways.

In the evening  proceed to Boma restaurant  that is designed in a traditional setting and get entertained with African music, culture and dance  as you enjoy traditional Zimbabwean cuisine  and warm hospitality and then head back to you hotel after your delight satisfaction.

Day 10; End of the expedition in the Paradise.

In the morning after breakfast you will take a guided walk on the famous bridge, while you take this walk you will encounter troops of baboons roam the bridge in the search of food    and water, agile monkeys swinging in the trees of the rain forest and warthogs crossings the bridge. You will also get an up- close view of the waterfalls, the river gorge and get to also see various islands and spot the Victoria Falls town. Take this moment and capture these captivating scenes on your photographic equipment.

In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Baines restaurant so that you can enjoy your lunch as you take in the breathtaking sceneries. Later engage in leisure activities like swimming in the devil’s pool, kayaking, zip lining and horseback safari.

And this marks the end of our journey and this expedition will leave you with a sense of connection to nature, beautiful unforgettable memories and you will get appreciate life.

Different accommodation one can opt for in the above places.

 

Maasai Mara. (1 adult, 1 night)

Budget-friendly         

• Leruk Maasi Mara camp-US$88
• Sunset Masai Camp-US$75
• Mara Sunset Camp-US$59
• Mara green heart-US$75

Value-based      

• Flair Camp Experiences-US$135
• Talek Bush Camp, Masai Mara-US$137
• Mara Serena Safari Lodge-US$300
• Kambu Mara Camp-US$216

 

Luxurious

 

• Entumoto Main Camp-US$770
• Mara Interpids Tented Camp-US714
• Soroi Private Wing-US$2,125

 

 

Serengeti (1 adult, 1 night)

 

Budget- friendly

 

• Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma-US$92
• Africa Safari Maasai Boma Camping-US$79
• Seronera Wildlife Lodge-US$190

Value-based

• Mbalegeti Serengeti-US$450
• Osero Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp-US$203
• Mawe Tentted Camp-US$237

 

Luxurious

 

• One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti-US$2,700
• Serengeti Luxury Retreat-US$1,090
• Anatya Serengeti –US$1,170
• Zawadi Camp-US$768

 

 

 

Victoria Falls (1 adult, 1 Night)

 

Budget-Friendly

 

• Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge-US$15
• Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge Vic Falls-US$18
• Tabokana House-US$85
• N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls-US$88

 

Value based

• Pamarah Lodge-US$205
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge-US$265
• Elephant Hills Resort-US$266
• Miombo

 

Luxury

• The Victoria Falls Hotel-US$1,113
• 528 Victoria Falls Guest House-US$525
• Sian-simba-river-lodge-US$406

NOTE; The prices range according to the number of people and nights and they also change according to the offers and seasons.