THE HEARTBEAT OF AFRICA AND THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Embark on a journey within the birthplace of Humanity into Kenya and Tanzania, and be immersed in the most dynamic ecosystem of the world. In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, explore out into multiple safari experiences to seek out the elusive “Big 5” – Africa’s “bucket list” of animals that include the Black African Bush Elephant, the African Buffalo, the Black Rhinoceros, the magnificent Lions and Leopards. Spend time at the famous farmhouse from Out of Africa and have giraffes eat directly out of your hand. Connect with locals at a bead factory, where single mothers are employed and trained as jewelry artisans. Get a glimpse into the traditions of native communities when you visit with two tribes at Lake Eyasi. Perhaps witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and also enormous groups of zebra and Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle and eland, that journey through Serengeti National Park…considered to be the greatest wildlife spectacle of its type in Africa, and perhaps the world. Although variations occur from year to year, the Serengeti migration follows a reasonably predictable annual cycle, dictated by local rainfall patterns. From the picturesque savanna in Kenya to the renowned Serengeti plains in Tanzania, this is the wild Africa of your dreams. The magic of Serengeti National Park is not easy to describe in words. Marvel at the beautiful vistas of honey-lit plains at sunset; and the genuine smiles of the Maasai people; along with the aura that this year-round magical nature wonderland has to offer, all of which gives one an immediate glow inside. Or just the feeling of constantly being amongst thousands of animals – it doesn’t matter what season of the migration you visit the Serengeti National Park, it’s magical all year round.
This is a private THIRDHOME small-group tour with a maximum occupancy of 18. Our group size is kept small, allowing this Adventure to be a more engaging and rewarding experience for participants. On this active, immersive journey, travelers will connect with the culture of the extraordinary destinations of Africa’s regions visited on this adventure in an authentic and more intimate way.
Who Can Participate
Exchange Club & Adventure Club Members, along with their family & friends ● Age requirement 12+
Activity Level
To experience this unique destination, you will need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, 4×4 vehicle drives and various time-period lengths of standing (between 1-2 hrs). You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb onboard various modes of transportation and adapt to changes in elevation. You can expect some longer guided days, balanced with ample free time to relax or set out on your own to explore each city. Some of the touring days have pre-planned select included group activities in addition to occasional meals together as a group. Guests should bring adequate sun protection, appropriate layers and sturdy walking shoes adequate for walking and climbing on uneven surfaces.
KENYA & TANZANIA HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the Cradle of Humanity, where human civilization’s roots are celebrated
- Delve into the Masai cultures and history of Kenya & Tanzania
- Journey through the vast Serengeti, the greatest wildlife experience on Earth
- Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Park and Karen Blixen’s Farmhouse
- Encounter the giraffes at the Rothchild Giraffe Sanctuary
- Marvel at Mt Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park
- Explore Africa’s “Big 5” bucket-list of natural habitat on 4×4 safari drives
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tanzania’s open plains, highlands and savannas
- Soak up idyllic beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater
- Connect with local bead artisans within a local factory in the village of Shanga
- Gain a glimpse into the old practiced traditions within the tribes of Lake Eyasi
- Venture out into Tarangire National Park to view the giant baobab trees and native elephants
ADVENTURE ROUTE MAP
Itinerary
Collapse AllTUESDAY, JUN 13 OR JUN 27 (2023)
ARRIVAL INTO NAIROBI, KENYA
Our Adventure begins today with international flight arrivals into Nairobi per your preferred carrier. Upon arrival Collette Tours will meet and greet all participants, with private ground transfers to the group hotel. Remainder of the day free to relax and explore the city on your own if you wish. This evening dinner on your own. Overnight at the Ole Sereni Hotel.
WEDNESDAY, JUN 14 OR JUN 28 (2023)
NAIROBI EXPLORATION & ROTHCHILD GIRAFFES
Awaken this morning, enjoy breakfast and experience an insightful day with our guide as we discover highlights of Nairobi. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rehabilitates young elephants who hve become orphaned and/or injured in the wild. We will encounter with the gentle giants up close as they are fed and bathed by their caretakers. Afterwards we will visit Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa farmhouse for lunch before stepping outside to visit the sanctuary’s inquisitive Rothschild giraffes. We will continue to the Kazuri Beads Factory, where mothers are employed and trained as jewelry artisans, to enjoy watching their bead-making handicrafts. We will return to the hotel to relax and freshen up; this evening we will toast to our African adventure at a savory welcome dinner. Overnight at the Ole Sereni Hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
THURSDAY, JUN 15 OR JUN 29 (2023)
DEPART NAIROBI – JOURNEY TO AMBOSELI
This morning after breakfast, we will depart the Nairobi and make our way to Amboseli National Park, nestled along the border of Tanzania and looking out onto the great Mt. Kilimanjaro. After lunch, we will gain a glimpse into Kenyan culture and interact with locals at a Masai village. This late afternoon, settle into your accommodations for the next two nights – a deluxe tented camp with the comfort amenities of a proper lodge. Overnight at the Kilima Safari Camp and enjoy a wonderful group gathering for dinner. Kilima Camp is set on top of the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Mara plains, and is located at the northern entrance of the Mara Triangle. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
FRIDAY, JUN 16 OR JUN 30 (2023)
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK EXPLORATION
Following breakfast, today embrace your wild side on a full day of game safari drives in Amboseli National Park. This is your first chance to seek out Africa’s elusive “Big 5” – the safari “bucket list” of animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and water buffalos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the open plains, watching for herds of wildebeest and grazing zebras. Late afternoon return to the Camp for a nap or refreshing shower before gathering for dinner. Overnight at Kilima Safari Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
SATURDAY, JUN 17 OR JUL 1 (2023)
DEPART AMBOSELI – JOURNEY TO ARUSHA/KARATU
This morning after breakfast we will depart Amboseli, and journey to Arusha. As we enter Tanzania, a country devoted to harmony among its people and animals, we will enjoy an impact moment as we visit Shanga, a local jewelry workshop that trains and employs citizens with disabilities. We will continue onward to Karatu, a humble town located on the precipice of untamed nature. We will enjoy a group dinner in our charming lodge where colorful gardens meet a warm welcoming hospitality. Overnight at Karatu Country Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
SUNDAY, JUN 18 OR JUL 2 (2023)
NGORONGORO CRATER EXPLORATION
After breakfast we will depart for a full-day exploration on a game drive into the mystique of the Ngorongoro Crater. We will encounter and spot wildlife within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contains one of the densest mammal populations in the world. This “African Eden” is one of the best places to seek out the “Big 5″ and enjoy nature photography moments at their best. Allow the sheer magnitude of the area to wash over you as you enjoy a picnic lunch in the highlands, taking in the flourishing habitat around you. Late afternoon return to Karatu Country Lodge for a group dinner and overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
MONDAY, JUN 19 OR JUL 3 (2023)
DEPART KARATU – JOURNEY TO SERENGETI
After breakfast we will depart Karatu to discover our next marvelous region of Africa…..our path will lead us into the world renowned Serengeti, a Masai word meaning “endless plains.” We will enjoy lunch and then venture out on our first Serengeti safari adventure with an afternoon game drive, returning to Camp at dusk. Relax in your exclusive safari abode immersed in nature, with a wonderful group gathering for dinner. Overnight at Thorn Tree Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
TUESDAY, JUN 20 OR JUL 4 (2023)
SERENGETI GAME DRIVE
Say (early) Good Morning to the Serengeti as we will depart for on a fun 4×4 exploration into the grasslands. After our morning game drive, we will return to Camp for a hearty breakfast before enjoying a full day of animal-seeking safari adventures along with a memorable picturesque picnic lunch. This evening enjoy a group dinner and overnight at Thorn Tree Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and included)
WEDNESDAY, JUN 21 OR JUL 5 (2023)
SERENGETI GAME DRIVE
Enjoy breakfast before we depart for our safari discovery to spot lions, gazelles, cheetahs and hippos! There’s no telling what we might spot on our morning and afternoon game drives. Under the careful guidance of an expert, discover the savanna’s wild residents and get a glimpse into the untamed animal kingdom. This evening enjoy gathering as a group for dinner and overnight at Thorn Tree Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
THURSDAY, JUN 22 OR JUL 6 (2023)
DEPART SERENGETI – JOURNEY TO LAKE EYASI
After breakfast, we will depart Serengeti and journey to to Lake Eyasi, an unexpected splash of blue amidst the plains and mountains. Pause for a picnic lunch along the way, providing more chances to view the local wildlife. Meander around the salt lake, perhaps passing a wading pat of flamingoes or some lively hippos cooling off in the water. Upon arrival at Lake Eyasi, relax and freshen up for dinner. Overnight at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
FRIDAY, JUN 23 OR JUL 7 (2023)
LAKE EYASI EXPLORATION
Enjoy breakfast before we depart to see how native communities live in harmony with the environment. We will begin your morning with the Hadzabe tribe, hunter-gatherers that strive to leave no lasting impact on their surroundings. We will return to the lodge for a lovely lunch, then afterwards continue with a visit to the Datoga tribe, another community based at Lake Eyasi, to see how their vast farms contribute to the importance of day-to-day life here. Return to the lodge to freshen up before a group dinner. Overnight at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
SATURDAY, JUN 24 OR JUL 8 (2023)
DEPART LAKE EYASI – JOURNEY TO TARANGIRE
This morning after breakfast, decide how you would like to spend the morning on a “It’s your choice experience” – choose between: Learn from a local fruit vendor in Mto Wa Mbu village about their trade -OR- spend time with a local craftsman who will show you current projects at the African Galleria. We will then depart Lake Eyasi and journey into Tarangire, the forested National Park known for its giant baobab trees and elephant migration. After lunch, embark on a thrilling game drive. Don’t be surprised if you see a pride of lions lounging in the shade, a herd of buffalos wading into the water, or a parade of elephants passing by. This evening enjoy a group gathering for dinner. Overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
SUNDAY, JUN 25 OR JUL 9 (2023)
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK EXPLORATION
Enjoy breakfast this morning and then depart for a full-day of game drives, venturing out in the morning and afternoon on our quest for animal sightings with a break for a picnic lunch in between. Make sure you look to the skies because Tarangire is an aviary paradise, home to more than 500 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for various starlings, weavers, and guinea fowl, among other brilliant birds. This evening we will bid farewell to beautiful Africa as we enjoy a farewell dinner with all our fellow travelers. Overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
MONDAY, JUN 26 OR JUL 10 (2023)
DEPART TARANGIRE TO ARUSHA – JOURNEY HOME
Depart the hotel this morning after breakfast for group ground transportation back to Arusha. We leave with fond memories made on the endless plains and cherish the encounters we have had of the unparalleled wildlife of Africa. We will settle into our “day-room” accommodations to relax before we enjoy a lunch together as a group. IMPORTANT NOTE: International flights will be out of Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer will take place from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport. Please do not book departure flights earlier than 3PM. Depart on your return flight homeward bound or if you are extending, to your onward destination. (Breakfast and lunch included)
OPTIONAL PRE NIGHTS
NAIROBI, KENYA
Would you like to extend the Adventure with an additional night or two in Nairobi at the beginning of our tour? Depending on your arrival flight needs, pre night accommodations can be added on with our Adventure group hotel. For pre nights in Nairobi (Ole Sereni Hotel) the cost is $275 per room per night approximately. Please inquire for more details
ACCOMMODATIONS
Enjoy 4-star accommodations throughout the Adventure in the order of the itinerary nights, at the following properties:
- Ole Sereni Hotel (Nairobi)
- Kilima Safari Camp (Amboseli Game Reserve)
- Country Lodge (Karatu)
- Thorn Tree Camp (Serengeti National Park)
- Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge (Lake Eyasi)
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Tarangire National Park)
What’s Included
- 13 nights accommodations in 4-star properties throughout group itinerary – 2 Nights Nairobi, 2 Nights Amboseli Game Reserve, 2 Nights Karatu, 3 Nights Serengeti National Park, 2 Nights Lake Eyasi, 2 Nights Tarangire
- Small-group deluxe bus transportation where applicable in each region of the itinerary, including other modes of unique transportation as noted per adventure itinerary
- Internal Domestic flights required per adventure itinerary as part of our organized group tour
- 38 Group Meals including 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches
and 12 dinners - Insider expert tour guides throughout adventure itinerary
- All sightseeing experiences as noted per adventure itinerary
What’s not Included
- International Airfare – home town into Nairobi for arrival / departure from Arusha to home or onward destination
- Airport/Hotel Transfers – Arrival in Nairobi / Departure from Arusha – $125 per person (roundtrip)
- Safari Park Fees – are required to be paid at final payment and will be additional (approx $930 per person)
- Visas are required for each destination based on traveler’s nationality (SEE BELOW)
- Meals “on your own” when not provided in the scheduled group itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages, and/or soft drinks are not included – these are personal pay
- Optional activities, spa treatments and hotel incidentals are on your own
- Premium Experiences offered are optional and at additional cost as noted
- Additional pre and post nights/extensions while in Africa
- “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance (refer to pricing details)
VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
- KENYA – Entry Requirements, U.S. citizens may enter for tourist purposes by obtaining an e-visa in advance
- KENYA – Covid Entry Requirements per the U.S. Embassy in Kenya
- TANZANIA – Entry Requirements, U.S. citizens may enter for tourist purposes by obtaining an e-visa in advance
- TANZANIA – Covid Entry Requirements per the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania
- PASSPORTS – All traveler passports MUST have validity of minimum 6 months or longer at the time travel occurs, otherwise the risk of denied travel could be experienced per airline carrier rules and country entry requirement mandates with Customs & Immigrations (this applies to both Kenya & Tanzania). We recommend that our members travel abroad with a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. Your photocopy should be packed separately from your actual passport. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact or entrusted family/friend. In addition, passports must have at least two blank pages.
- PROOF OF RETURN OR ONWARD TICKET – Travelers are required to have proof of onward ticket or return to your original destination or another destination outside of their country, to ensure you are not staying past the 90-days allowance
ADVENTURE PRICING
$5999 per person based on Double Occupancy
$7399 Single Occupancy
DEPOSIT REQUIRED to Confirm: $750 per person
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: APR 8, 2023
Deposits are refundable if the Adventure is cancelled or postponed by Collette Tours. Adventure is non-refundable after final payments have been made. This Adventure requires 18 people to operate at the price quoted; if less participants join this adventure than an increase in cost would be required.
“Cancel for Any Reason” Travel Insurance: $399 per person
Adventure is fully non-refundable after final payment. THIRDHOME requires all participants to purchase travel insurance. Insurance is required to be purchased prior to final payment date. Collette Tours has partnered with TripMate Travel Insurance for this Adventure, offering a special group tour rate for coverage. Click here to learn more about what’s covered. Collette Tours reserves the right to modify or change itinerary accommodations and/or alter tour routing if conditions beyond their control require such alterations thereof due to unforeseen circumstances.
THIRDHOME strongly recommends that all travelers purchase travel insurance prior to participating in a THIRDHOME Adventure and that all such insurance be purchased when a tour deposit is made. THIRDHOME travelers can purchase travel insurance through (1) the THIRDHOME preferred provider Allianz Travel or (2) the traveler’s insurance provider of choice. THIRDHOME will require proof of such travel insurance protection when a tour deposit is made.
Any traveler that elects not to purchase travel insurance, by either of the above means, agrees to release THIRDHOME from liability for any loss of funds incurred due to the cancellation of a specific THIRDHOME Adventure as a result of, but not limited to, an act of God, a failure to purchase travel insurance, the cessation of business with respect to a tour operator/ground operator, the failure of a tour operator/ground operator to refund consumer deposits or payments within 120 days following the cancellation of a THIRDHOME Adventure or a material failure to complete performance of a THIRDHOME Adventure.
Click here to view the THIRDHOME Adventures Terms and Conditions
CURRENT COVID-19 UPDATE per Collette Tours
This Adventure is provided in partnership with Collette tours.
