Deluxe East Africa: Safari and Sun

Itinerary Highlights

This unforgettable journey takes you through the heart of East African’s top wildlife destinations with a finale on Kenya’s sultry coast. As you make your way through Tanzania and Kenya, explore five distinct regions. each as beautiful and rich in adventures as the next. World-class safari is at the heart of this itinerary but just as significant is the emphasis on experiences in and around the sensational accommodations in which you’ll stay along the way. Each lodge or villa is wholly unique to the region and among one another. The beauty of this itinerary lies in the eclectic blend of five properties whose only consistent overlap is excellence in service and commitment to conservation and philanthropy.

Begin in Northern Tanzania as you head toward Tarangire National Park, one of the country’s most game-dense areas, particularly in the dry months as limited water sources push wildlife toward the Tarangire River. Nestled between Tarangire and Lake Manyara lies the private concession where Chem Chem Lodge resides. This luxury vintage tented camp enjoys over 16,000 hectares of exclusive use land, meaning that unforgettable moments like watching cheetah sprint across the savannah, observing elephants herds on the move or spotting rare tree-climbing lions are lived without any crowds or competing vehicle traffic. Next on your itinerary is the iconic Gibbs Farm, a working farm nestled into the lush hills surrounding Ngorongoro Crater. Exchange your deluxe canvas abode for a cozy bungalow steeped in history-rich decor overlooking coffee plants. After the singular safari experience you’re sure to encounter in the extraordinary Crater, you’ll find yourself yearning to return to Gibb’s Farm to take advantage of the incredible activities offered on site on the walking plantation, including coffee roasting, organic vegetable gardening, egg collecting, biking and visits to the local community.

Say farewell to Tanzania as you head north into neighboring Kenya. Recently purchased by The Nature Conservancy and partnered with Space For Giants elephant foundation, the Loisaba Conservancy, a functioning ranch within the greater Laikipia Plateau, is a success story of conservation. Home to elephant, a healthy population of lion, the rare wild dog and an abundance of other species, Loisaba is a prime example of successful collaboration between conservation, communities, ranching and tourism. Perched on the edge of an escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp is designed to capitalize on unhindered views across Laikipia's mottled landscape all the way to Mount Kenya. The camp’s main areas and each of its sweeping tents, spacious and contemporary in design, enjoy a breathtaking vantage point over an expansive panorama. Loisaba Tented Camp boasts traditional game drives in addition to other more adventurous excursions that take advantage of the dry and rugged terrain, such as hiking, camel rides, fishing and mountain biking. Your safari experience culminates in the iconic Masai Mara as you head to Angama Mara, quite possibly the national park’s most luxurious lodge and almost certainly its most architecturally stunning. Balanced on the rim of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is the culmination of a husband and wife team whose careers developing and operating safari lodges all over the world. Angama guiding principle is the commitment to guest delight, with a fresh take on both safari and lodge design. Angama’s tailor-made experiences mean complete flexibility throughout your day, with sunrise hot-air balloons, an onsite photography studio, spa, Maasai village visits and bush walks. Perhaps the most quintessential Angama moments are spent picnicking on the same iconic kopje where Out of Africa’s most famous scene was shot. From the impeccable design to the sweeping views to what may be the most prolific Big Five wildlife in the region, Angama is guaranteed to wow the eyes.

After ten nights of adventure, your final stop destination will strike a restorative chord as you unwind in the idyllic Kenyan beach town of Diani. Alfajiri Villas overlooks a peaceful and pristine stretch of Indian Ocean beach. With just three luxury villas, each appointed its own personal butler, service at Alfajiri is paramount. Expect delicious cuisine as you lounge poolside and ultimate relaxation in the villa’s spa. Venture along the coast to enjoy water activities like snorkeling, kite surfing or romantic dhow cruises into the African sunset.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

See “Expert Notes & Customization” section below.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro’s international airport you’ll be met by your guide who will greet you and immediately get you launched into safari on your private vehicle as you head toward Tarangire National Park.

With 20,000 hectares (55,000 acres) of untainted African bush, the Chem Chem - Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) protects an invaluable migration corridor between the ancient landscape of Tarangire National Park and the tranquil waters of Lake Manyara National Park. It is the perfect place to connect with the rolling wilderness around you and to immerse yourself in an authentic Tanzanian wilderness experience. The concept of “slow safari” was born at Chem Chem. Key is the ethos of a safari as a tangible, sensual experience beyond the confines of a vehicle, where on foot guests can see, feel, touch and smell the African bush for themselves. Enjoy traditional game drives in addition to more unique experiences like running with the Maasai, helicopter flips, balloon rides and walking safari.

The eight beautifully stylish and secluded tented suites have been designed to reflect the ethos of the camp, evoking the spirit of vintage safari. With each tented suite situated at least 80 metres apart from each other, you are ensured total privacy each with a stunning lake view. A pool is hidden beneath the trees to cool off from the midday sun, and the Chem Chem Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Chem Chem Lodge is the ultimate setting from which to explore on foot, slow down and indulge in a sensual African safari.

Overnight at Chem Chem Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Situated on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibb’s Farm combines perfectly with Chem Chem to create a wonderful itinerary through northern Tanzania. Gibb's Farm's dedication to providing gracious hospitality has earned them recognition by numerous travel and environmental organizations. Its well-established farm with mature gardens (sitting out in the gardens is magical) contributes to a singular sense of space and sense of place. Seventeen large well-appointed cottages each featuring a unique theme and richly appointed with hand-crafted furniture, two queen-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. Take advantage of farm to fork dining with an organic vegetable garden and fresh food offering.

Overnight at Gibb’s Farm (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

African-themed sophistication and style is the flavour of Loisaba Tented Camp. Spacious and airy tents are custom-built with large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, high ceilings and polished wood floors. The tent suites are adorned in chic Africana furniture with a modern European twist.  

The inviting main areas of Loisaba Tented Camp include a large open dining area, separate open lounge and bar, a large wooden decking area for outside dining, relaxing and enjoying the view, and one of Africa's most picturesque infinity pools.

Visitors to Loisaba are offered a myriad of activities to experience the wildlife and landscape on many different levels. Loisaba boasts a fleet of brand new custom-designed Land Rover safari vehicles for game driving both day and night. Other activities include horse-riding, camel-trekking, guided bush walks, fishing, mountain biking, cultural visits to Samburu villages and visits to the anti-poaching sniffer dogs.

Overnight at Loisaba Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Angama Mara opened in 2015 after more than 20 years in the planning; the end result will almost certainly take your breath away. Angama Mara is a world-renowned owner-operated lodge that is a complete one off in every way. Its iconic location, known for its spectacular 180˚degree panoramic views, sits 300m above Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara.  The location is also where some of the most memorable scenes from Out of Africa were filmed.

What many guests love about Angama Mara are its bold interiors and its iconic architecture, setting it apart from the other lovely high-end lodges on a top East African itinerary. Here the style is contemporary, drawing from the traditional Maasai colors of red and blue.

For anyone wanting world-class year-round game viewing, complimented by an exceptionally lovely lodge Angama Mara delivers this and much more. Here the team are a family, and their warm Kenyan hospitality ensures that you have a very intimate and tailor-made stay.

Overnight at Angama Mara (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Alfajiri is renowned as Kenya’s most exclusive beach retreat A complete one off, there is no comparable beach villa experience in East Africa.

Comprising of three completely unique villas which can be booked individually for honeymoons, romantic breaks or family adventures. Each villa comes with your own butler and offers unrivalled exclusivity, impressive private swimming pools and stunning sea and beach views.

The Alfajiri experience offers serious wow-factor. The concept here is space, relaxation and ultimate privacy. This is the ultimate beach retreat for downtime and pampering or it can be an adventurer’s paradise with all the nearby activities of the local area.

Alfajiri opened in 2004 and set a new standard on the Kenya and East Africa coast. The villas have a remarkably relaxed feel with uniquely styled interiors and fabulous one off interior pieces collected from around the globe.

Privately owned and managed by the warm and welcoming Italian team of Fabrizio and Marica you arrive as guests and leave as friends.

The south Kenya coast is beautiful, wild and pristine, Diani is easily accessible for a relaxing break after your safari or indeed as a stand-alone beach experience.

Overnight at Alfajiri Villas (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• 13 nights accommodation based on double/twin occupancy

• All meals and drinks, wines and liquors (excluding French champagne)

• All internal flights

• English speaking naturalist guides with twice daily game drives

• Additional guided activities at lodges as described

• All airport and ground transportation on private basis

• All conservancy and national park fees

• Daily laundry

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights (other than between Tanzania and Kenya), meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

Depending on your arrival time into Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), you may require a night prior to beginning the itinerary in the Arusha area. Depending on flight schedules between Tanzania and Kenya, an overnight in Nairobi may be required between Ngorongoro Crater and Loisaba. Your travel advisor can assist you in determining if this is necessary and if so will make the necessary arrangements for you.

This itinerary is excellent almost year-round, with the exception of the rainy season from mid-March to mid/late May.