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Essential East Africa

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US$1,781
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Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Nairobi
 Trip Finishes
Arusha
10 Day Essential East Africa Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: Kenya, Tanzania
Trip Style
Basix
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
YGYE

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day Essential East Africa. Got 10 days, an adventurous spirit and a desire to see as much of East Africa as you can? Whether you're a solo traveller looking for new friends or some new friends looking for a solo to join the pack, this is for you! Head out on multiple 4WD safaris in the Maasai Mara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park for the best opportunities to spot the Big Five and all your bucket list wildlife!

Stop at remote market towns, spend a night in a Maasai village and another night by the largest read more tropical lake in the world and soak up all the chances to chat with the locals and learn about their culture. This trip is like a crash course in what East Africa is all about.

Itinerary

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not check out the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of some Kenyan tribes are displayed at an outdoor village. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your new fellow travellers.

Depart Nairobi this morning, stopping in Narok along the way for some food shopping. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley – Africa's huge divide – to the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the Maasai people and when you arrive, you’ll grab some lunch then visit the Maasai, known for their dazzling red dress and elaborate jewellery. Gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk about the Maasai and what they're about. You'll also be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept. (B/L/D)

Travel from Loita Hilla to Maasai Mara today. The Maasai Mara is one of those classic African experiences – wide open plains, perfect blue skies and some of the world's great wild animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch. Then, it's time to jump aboard your 4WD and go for a game drive through the wilderness of the Mara. (B/L/D)

Adventure into the reserve for a full day's 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a lots of different wildlife. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is well worth considering. If you have pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before sunrise and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Then, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast, then return to your campsite to meet up with your group. (B/L/D)

Travel towards the Kenya-Tanzania border and to the shores of Lake Victoria. This is not only Africa's biggest lake – it's the largest tropical lake in the world. It shares its shores with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, with time to chill out lakeside with a cold drink at sunset. Make the most of the ATM and local market to stock up for your next three days of wilderness adventures. You’ll be camping on the shores of the lake tonight, at one of its least visited campgrounds on the outskirts of a small town called Musoma, far from the tourist track. (B/L/D)

Today, you’ll travel from Lake Victoria to the gate of Serengeti National Park on a smooth road. Stop for a picnic lunch on the way, then enter the Serengeti and start your overland vehicle game drive on the way to your campsite. These plains – green after rain and brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, so see how many you can spot! Your campsite is right in the action, within the park itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep tonight. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a game drive in your overland truck at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing as the animals do, depart again in the afternoon for another adventure through the wild. You'll return in time for dinner. There's the option of an early-morning balloon ride here too, so if you didn't take one in the Mara, today's your chance! (B/L/D)

Rise and shine for a final chance to spot Serengeti wildlife as you make your way out of the park this morning. At Nabi gate, hop aboard a jeep and descend into Ngorongoro Crater. This gigantic, perfectly intact volcanic crater is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor is great for game viewing all year round and the photo-opportunities here are next level. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before heading back out on safari all afternoon. After, travel on to Karatu town and arrive at camp for a freshly prepared dinner with your group. (B/L/D)

Take it easy this morning with a relaxed breakfast at camp. Maybe set off for Mto Wa Mbu for an optional guided village walk or take a bike ride around the farming areas, spotting milling machines, local homes and farmlands. Mto Wa Mbu offers a snapshot of small-town East African life. Then, hit the road to Arusha where you'll spend your final night together. (B/L/D)

Your adventure comes to an end this morning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to explore East Africa. A departure transfer can be booked at an additional expense, to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Alternatively, you can join the overland truck and travel back to Kenya to finish your trip in Nairobi around 5pm. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Spend the night in a Maasai village in the remote Loita Hills region – be welcomed with traditional warrior song and dance, learn about life from community elders and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
  • Search for wildebeest, lions and leopards on a game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve, then listen to the African wilderness come alive after sunset at your bush camp.
  • Cross the Serengeti in a purpose-built truck for one of those classic East African experiences – think vast plains spotted with thorn trees and huge herds of zebras and gazelles.
  • Explore the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater – the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a home for around 30,000 large mammals. Look out for elephants and hippos as you drive along the crater floor.
  • Stop in places like Karatu and Musoma for a chance to chat with locals, swap stories and learn about their culture.

  • Hotel (2 nights)
  • Camping (with facilities) (5 nights)
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights)

  • 9 Breakfasts included
  • 8 Lunches included
  • 8 Dinners included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Trip Style: Basix
Trip Style: Basix

Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget. Using simple, clean and centrally located accommodation (typically with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating), local transport where we can, along with plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!

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Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

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Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Saturday 14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 26 Nairobi
Monday 23 Feb 2026 23 Feb 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,160
US$1,781
Save $379
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Nairobi
Monday 22 Jun 2026 22 Jun 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,160
US$1,781
Save $379
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Nairobi
Monday 06 Jul 2026 06 Jul 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,160
US$1,781
Save $379
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 26 Nairobi
Monday 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Nairobi
Monday 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 26 Arusha
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,520
US$2,078
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Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Nairobi
Monday 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 26 Arusha
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Was: $2,435
US$2,008
Save $427
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Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Nairobi
Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Arusha
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Nairobi
Monday 28 Sep 2026 28 Sep 26 Arusha
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Nairobi
Monday 26 Oct 2026 26 Oct 26 Arusha
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 26 Nairobi
Monday 23 Nov 2026 23 Nov 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 28 Nov 2026 28 Nov 26 Nairobi
Monday 07 Dec 2026 07 Dec 26 Arusha
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 26 Nairobi
Monday 21 Dec 2026 21 Dec 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
US$2,057
Save $438
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 13 Feb 2027 13 Feb 27 Nairobi
Monday 22 Feb 2027 22 Feb 27 Arusha
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Was: $2,240
US$2,173
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Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 Nairobi
Monday 24 May 2027 24 May 27 Arusha
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Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,240
US$2,173
Save $67
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Nairobi
Monday 21 Jun 2027 21 Jun 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,240
US$2,173
Save $67
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 27 Nairobi
Monday 05 Jul 2027 05 Jul 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,240
US$2,173
Save $67
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Nairobi
Monday 19 Jul 2027 19 Jul 27 Arusha
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Nairobi
Monday 09 Aug 2027 09 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 21 Aug 2027 21 Aug 27 Nairobi
Monday 30 Aug 2027 30 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Nairobi
Monday 13 Sep 2027 13 Sep 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Nairobi
Monday 27 Sep 2027 27 Sep 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Nairobi
Monday 25 Oct 2027 25 Oct 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 13 Nov 2027 13 Nov 27 Nairobi
Monday 22 Nov 2027 22 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 27 Nov 2027 27 Nov 27 Nairobi
Monday 06 Dec 2027 06 Dec 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 11 Dec 2027 11 Dec 27 Nairobi
Monday 20 Dec 2027 20 Dec 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,600
US$2,522
Save $78
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 26 Nairobi
Monday 23 Feb 2026 23 Feb 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,455
US$2,076
Save $379
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Nairobi
Monday 22 Jun 2026 22 Jun 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,455
US$2,076
Save $379
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Nairobi
Monday 06 Jul 2026 06 Jul 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,455
US$2,076
Save $379
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 26 Nairobi
Monday 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Nairobi
Monday 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,815
US$2,373
Save $442
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Nairobi
Monday 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,730
US$2,303
Save $427
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Nairobi
Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Nairobi
Monday 28 Sep 2026 28 Sep 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Nairobi
Monday 26 Oct 2026 26 Oct 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 26 Nairobi
Monday 23 Nov 2026 23 Nov 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 28 Nov 2026 28 Nov 26 Nairobi
Monday 07 Dec 2026 07 Dec 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 26 Nairobi
Monday 21 Dec 2026 21 Dec 26 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,352
Save $438
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 13 Feb 2027 13 Feb 27 Nairobi
Monday 22 Feb 2027 22 Feb 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,535
US$2,468
Save $67
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 Nairobi
Monday 24 May 2027 24 May 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,535
US$2,468
Save $67
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Nairobi
Monday 21 Jun 2027 21 Jun 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,535
US$2,468
Save $67
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 27 Nairobi
Monday 05 Jul 2027 05 Jul 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,535
US$2,468
Save $67
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Nairobi
Monday 19 Jul 2027 19 Jul 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Nairobi
Monday 09 Aug 2027 09 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 21 Aug 2027 21 Aug 27 Nairobi
Monday 30 Aug 2027 30 Aug 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Nairobi
Monday 13 Sep 2027 13 Sep 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Nairobi
Monday 27 Sep 2027 27 Sep 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Nairobi
Monday 25 Oct 2027 25 Oct 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 13 Nov 2027 13 Nov 27 Nairobi
Monday 22 Nov 2027 22 Nov 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 27 Nov 2027 27 Nov 27 Nairobi
Monday 06 Dec 2027 06 Dec 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
Saturday 11 Dec 2027 11 Dec 27 Nairobi
Monday 20 Dec 2027 20 Dec 27 Arusha
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,895
US$2,817
Save $78
Solo (Own Room)
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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