Tanzania & Kenya’s Elephants and Hidden Reserves
Where exclusivity meets conservation
Inspired by Tembo—Swahili for “elephant”—this cross-border safari through Tanzania and Kenya is bookended by exclusive private conservancies far from the crowds. Along the way, experience abundant wildlife, witness conservation successes, and enjoy extraordinary conservation encounters, including visits to the reserve protecting the last two northern white rhinos and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary’s orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program.
Itinerary
Days of Adventure
DAY 1
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Your guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport via your Delta/KLM flight and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Arusha.
As local Tanzanians, your guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land.
OVERNIGHT
The Arusha Hotel
Enjoy a stay at one of the oldest hotels in East Africa: The Arusha Hotel was first established in 1894. Just outside the hotel is the Clock Tower roundabout, famously known as the “Center of East Africa” due to its location halfway between Cairo and Cape Town. The Arusha Hotel is a stylish and comfortable refuge amongst the bustling streets of Arusha.
DAYS 2–3
Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge
The Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge is a private 10,000‑acre sanctuary exclusively for Thomson guests. Home to countless wildlife species—many of which visit the camp’s watering hole—the refuge offers walking safaris and night drives for up-close encounters. Guests can also connect with the Maasai community, visit markets run by the Enjipai Women’s Group, and hear traditional stories from Maasai storytellers.
The experience seamlessly blends authentic cultural interaction, meaningful community engagement, and immersive wildlife viewing in one of Tanzania’s most pristine wilderness areas.
OVERNIGHT
Eastern Serengeti Nyumba
Wake up to the sweeping views of the Eastern Serengeti ecosystem’s remote savanna. After a day of adventure, you’ll appreciate the comforts of the camp—and a hot shower in your en suite bathroom. Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared fresh from local ingredients, and discuss the day’s excitement with your fellow travelers and attentive staff.
DAYS 4–5
Serengeti National Park
Head to the iconic Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes rise from endless grassy plains. The park offers daily opportunities to spot big cats, elephants, giraffes, and more, and to witness the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.
Every wildlife drive promises unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most legendary landscapes.
OVERNIGHT
Serengeti Nyumbas
These seasonal camps are strategically located across the Serengeti to place you at the center of migrating wildlife. Relax with spacious tents, comfortable beds and en suite bathrooms, as sounds of the surrounding wildlife fill your ears. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, your stay won’t harm the landscape.
DAYS 6–7
Ngorongoro Crater
Just 10 miles wide, the Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a collapsed volcano, creating a unique, self-contained ecosystem. It’s home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from lions and elephants to flamingos and black rhinos. Visitors have the rare opportunity to see all of the Big Five in a single day.
Camping on the Crater’s rim offers you early morning access to its wildlife-filled floor before any other safari-goers.
OVERNIGHT
Ngorongoro Nyumba
Set on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, this Nyumba offers the best possible access to the Crater—all within a remote, private setting. With temperatures as low as 40 degrees at this camp, you’ll want to remember to bundle up. But don’t worry: our chefs will treat you to a traditional Tanzanian meal to warm you up.
DAY 8
Nairobi, Kenya
Your guide will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival from your international flight and accompany you to your accommodations in Nairobi.
OVERNIGHT
Emara Ole-Sereni
Centrally located and overlooking Nairobi National Park, Emara Ole-Sereni offers the perfect blend of convenience, style, and natural beauty. Enjoy panoramic park views, indulge in world-class dining, and unwind with sunset cocktails at the rooftop lounge.
DAYS 9–11
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Fly north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sprawling 90,000-acre reserve on the scenic Laikipia Plateau near Mount Kenya. This remarkable sanctuary is East Africa’s largest home for black rhinos and protects the world’s last two northern white rhinos, offering guests an extraordinary opportunity to witness these iconic species up close.
Ol Pejeta is also a haven for predators, elephants, giraffes, and rare species like Grevy’s zebra. Beyond the wildlife, the conservancy is a model for modern conservation, combining habitat protection, community engagement, anti-poaching efforts, and sustainable tourism—so every visit supports both nature and local communities.
OVERNIGHT
Rhino Camp
Rhino Camp offers exclusive access to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre reserve on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. This mobile tented camp blends rustic luxury with intimate wildlife encounters in a truly iconic setting. Each spacious tent features deluxe bedding, an en-suite bathroom, and a private veranda, while a dedicated crew provides hot showers, hearty meals, and attentive service, creating a unique and comfortable safari experience.
DAYS 12–14
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
A short charter flight takes you to the remote wilderness of the Namunyak Community Conservancy, set and home to the groundbreaking Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. You’ll be one of the privileged few to visit Reteti – the first community-owned sanctuary in Africa.
Here, you’ll see orphaned baby elephants up close, learn about their rescue, and witness the community-led conservation efforts that make this sanctuary unique. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with some of Africa’s most vulnerable and endearing wildlife.
OVERNIGHT
Reteti House
Reteti House offers spacious, standalone en-suite rooms built from natural materials, each with a private veranda and outdoor shower overlooking the wilderness. The house sits above rugged hills and open savanna, with a spectacular central lounge and infinity pool gazing down onto a busy elephant waterhole below. This waterhole is often visited by the Reteti orphans, creating unforgettable wildlife sightings throughout your stay.
DAY 15
Depart NAirobi
Head to Nairobi and relax in a day room at Four Points Nairobi before your flight home.
Interested in this Safari?
Take advantage of a limited-time $500 savings on this itinerary.
Availability is limited—don’t miss out.
Add-On
Fly over the Serengeti
Prepare for Takeoff
Enjoy a bird’s eye view, a hearty breakfast and a glass of champagne during a morning hot air balloon tour. Your entire trip will be unforgettable, but this will bring it to new heights.
Call for current pricing. Advanced reservations required.
limited-time offer
Save $500 Per Person on This itinerary
Call us or complete the form below to connect with a safari consultant and secure this limited-time offer before it expires on March 11, 2026.
*Offer valid for a $500 credit per person on 2027 Tembo Explorer Safari and Savannas & Silverbacks Safari departures. Offer expires 03/11/26 at 11:59 PM. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other offers. Prices and terms are subject to change. Additional exclusions may apply. Thomson Safaris does not control government fees, including Tanzanian value-added tax, national park fees, or other costs outside our control.
Trip Extensions
Enhance Your Safari
Zanzibar
From $2,500 per person
Zanzibar invites you to turquoise waters, white sands, and vibrant culture. Explore Stone Town’s lively markets, unwind on serene beaches, and uncover the island’s rich history.
Zanzibar
Indulge in Relaxation
Snorkel or dive in the clear Indian Ocean, or sunbathe on the white-sand beaches. Explore bustling markets in Stone Town and visit historic slave and spice trade sites.
Recommended Stay: 5 days, including 3 nights on the beach and 1 night in iconic Stone Town
From: $2,500 per person
Rwanda
From: $8,000 per person
Travel to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to trek through rugged terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas. In Kigali, visit the city’s highlights, including the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Rwanda
Spot Endangered Gorillas
Fly to Kigali, Rwanda and drive north to Volcanoes National Park. Journey on foot over wild, ungroomed mountain terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas, of which only 1000 survive worldwide. After your arrival, tour Kigali, including the world-renowned Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Recommended Stay: 5 days
From: $8,000 per person
Cape Town
Call for current pricing.
With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers stunning vineyards, fine dining, penguin sightings at Boulders Beach, and a visit to historic Robben Island. This vibrant city is sure to inspire.
Cape Town
Vineyards, Views and Fine Dining
Table Mountain National Park provides the dramatic backdrop to this vibrant, colorful city. Explore South Africa’s best vineyards, enjoy fine dining in town, observe penguins at the famous Boulders Beach, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s—and South Africa’s—struggles echo poignantly. A visit to Cape Town is sure to inspire and delight.
Call for current pricing.
Ruaha National Park
From: $4,500 per person
Journey to the remote Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in East Africa. Track elusive wildlife by day and enjoy torch-lit dinners by the river at night.
Ruaha National Park
Track African Wildlife
Fly to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of the least explored parks in East Africa, where tracking is as much an art form as a practical pursuit. Explore uncharted territory by day, spotting leopard, cheetah and wild dog, and savor torch-lit dinners on the banks of the river by night.
Recommended Stay: 4–5 days
From: $4,500 per person
Nyerere National Park
From: $5,500 per person
Explore the Rufiji River’s wildlife by boat, and on foot. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rare species like Greater Kudu on the plains.
Nyerere National Park
Traverse Vast Wilderness
Take a scenic flight to one of Africa’s largest national parks (formerly Selous Game Reserve), where you’ll view the Rufiji River’s wildlife. Travel by 4-wheel drive, boat and foot and spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the riverine environment, while rare species like Greater Kudu can be spotted on the plains.
Recommended Stay: 4 days
From: $5,500 per person
Mahale Mtn. National Park
From: $6,500 per person
Fly to Lake Tanganyika’s shores and take a boat to your secluded camp. Hike the Mahale Mountains to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Mahale Mtn. National Park
Encounter Playful Chimps
Fly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, along the westernmost border of Tanzania, and take a short boat ride to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees, grooming, feeding and playing.
Recommended Stay: 4 to 5 days
From: $6,500 per person
