kenya and tanzania safari itinerary

The Ultimate Two Week Travel Itinerary for Kenya And Tanzania

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• Last Updated On: September 10, 2023

Kenya and Tanzania are at the top of the bucket list for many people and perhaps the first things that come to mind when you think of a “safari”. Surreal landscapes, towering mountains, warm culture, and the most fantastic safaris African offer are just a few things you can expect from these two countries. The Masai Mara and Serengeti are also home to the Great Migration where millions of Wildebeests and Zebras cross from one reserve to the other attracting lurking predators making for the best safari experience you can imagine.

As Kenya and Tanzania share a border, it is very feasible to do the two countries together as part of the same trip. Like my two weeks spent in Peru and Bolivia , two weeks in Kenya and Tanzania is also a tight squeeze. You’ll be on the go constantly but you will end up seeing the main highlights of the two countries. I would recommend at least 4 weeks to see the two countries but that’s not the world we live in and who has 4 weeks off to travel somewhere??

In addition, this post will feature two itineraries: budget+midrange, and luxury (near the end of the post).

Where I went in Kenya and Tanzania

I came to East Africa in September which was at the tail end of the migration. The heart of the migration is in the month of August. I still was able to witness an insane amount of wildlife although not the crossing of the wildebeests. Expect to pay much higher rates during this period and be prepared to book accommodations well in advance!

Kenya and Tanzania share the same seasons. The dry season running from June to October offers the best game viewing in both countries. The rainy season runs from Dec to Apr with shoulder seasons in between.

In total, this itinerary is perfect for anyone with  14-16 days  to see both countries. These are the highlights of the trip

• Ngorongoro Crater

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! I did my trip in that specific order but it is easy to mix and match depending on what you want to see.

Zanzibar is a beach destination and if this isn’t your jam, then consider doing a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro after the safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Alternatively, the beaches around Mombasa, Kenya are just as pristine as Zanzibar but at a fraction of the costs and tourist numbers.

I did the entire trip on an overland tour with Acacia Africa. An overland trip will be more expensive than doing it yourself but I’d highly recommend them if you are one or two people and you don’t want the hassle of planning the trip. In addition, you get to meet some amazing people that will keep you entertained the entire trip. This itinerary focuses on those that are not planning to do an overland tour! For more info about overland tours, read my detailed Overland Tour Guide.

Detailed Posts

• The Masai Mara
• The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Is Kenya and Tanzania Safe to Travel?

This is a common question I always get about traveling through Africa. It’s not unfounded as you’re constantly being bombarded by the media in Western countries about crime statistics, poverty, political unrest and the like.

I’ve traveled extensively all around Africa and it’s like any other developing part of the world I’ve been to. There are some sketchy pockets but the vast majority of the country is completely fine. This is like  every country I’ve ever been to , first world or third world. Like South Africa’s safety  or Egypt’s safety , the big cities see more crime, and potential for crime picks up at night time. Avoid flashing the cash, reciprocate the friendly attitudes of the locals, try the local food and drinks, and you’ll be fine.

Visas for Kenya and Tanzania

Visas for the two countries can be purchased at the border or airport and do not require any preparation before hand. The Kenyan visa costs  $50 USD . Make sure your USD bills are crisp, post 2006 bills. They will turn away bills with wear and tear without hesitation.

For Tanzania, the fee is  $100 USD  for American citizens. All other Western countries (UK, EU, AU, CA etc.) will pay  $50 USD.  Not sure why Americans have to pay more here but perhaps something to do with reciprocation.

As of 2016, Tanzania has pulled out of the East Africa Visa which let people travel Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda on one visa for $100 USD. If you are planning to visit Uganda or Rwanda after this trip, it will make sense to purchase the East Africa Visa. Otherwise, it’s more economical to just purchase the Kenyan visa by itself.

Budget vs Not Budget Travel in Kenya and Tanzania

Africa is not a cheap place to travel with the exception of South Africa (which is very easy and cheap to travel through) . Sure the locals live off next to nothing but you’re not coming here to live like a local. You’re coming here to go on a safari and do touristy things. These safari experiences have long been catered to older wealthier retirees with money to spend.

Unlike South Africa’s Kruger which has accommodation and safari options in all price ranges, the offerings are much more scarce in Kenya and Tanzania.

For budget travelers, you can expect to stay in a tent if you want to keep costs below $100 a night. If you can spend $200-$400, you can expect to stay in a modest permanent tent with some amenities in place.

For luxury travelers , you can easily spend over $1,000 a night for a ridiculous 5* all inclusive lodge that has more amenities than you could ever imagine.

Full Kenya and Tanzania Itinerary

The Itinerary starts in Nairobi, the defacto International Hub of Eastern Africa. Nairobi’s International airport is world class and flights from all around the world come here. It’s most likely that the cheapest and easiest flights you can find will arrive here.

From Nairobi, head to the Masai Mara for an epic 3 day/2 night Big 5 safari in one of the most epic game reserves in Africa. Return to Nairobi before either taking the bus to Arusha or flying to Kilimanjaro. From these towns, an even more epic safari to the Serengeti for 3 days/2 nights and Ngorongoro Crater for 2 days/1 night awaits.

Then you will return to either Arusha or Kilimanjaro. A flight to Zanzibar is in order after this where you’ll spend the next 5-6 nights in paradise.

Day 1-2: Explore Nairobi

My flight landed in Nairobi around noon time. Because there is so much to do in this itinerary, I would elect to spend less time in Kenya’s capital and more time seeing the game reserves. There are plenty of things to do in Nairobi for tourists but like most African capitals, it is hectic and not a picturesque place. But like most African capitals, once you dedicate the time and effort to exploring the town (and meeting some cool locals), the place really opens up and is actually quite fun. For the purpose of this itinerary which is focused on tourism, Nairobi will just be a stopover before the Masai Mara.

As I had my whole afternoon to explore at my leisure, I went to the Giraffe Center. I very much enjoyed my visit here to learn and interact with giraffes. It is about 45 minutes from the downtown area but with  Uber readily available in Nairobi nowadays, it is very easy and incredibly affordable to visit. For a 40 minute Uber ride to the Giraffe Sanctuary, expect to pay under 1,000 shillings. The entrance fee for the Giraffe Sanctuary is 1,000 shillings.

From the Giraffe Sanctuary, have dinner at the famous Carnivore restaurant. This is a Brazilian Churascarria style restaurant that serves many different cuts of meat. Unlike the Carnivore in Johannesburg , this location does  not serve any game meats.

Where to stay in Nairobi:  For budget travelers, I recommend the Wildebeest Eco Camp  and for middle end accommodation, I recommend  Salmiya Place.

Day 2-4: Masai Mara

Finally, on to the good stuff! From Nairobi, it’s time to visit the famous Masai Mara. During July and August, if luck is on your side, you may be able to see the Great Migration. Literally millions of Wildebeests and Zebras cross from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara to seek new food sources. Lions and other predators follow suit making this a prime time to view the Big 5 in action!

• Read my detailed post on the Masai Mara

There are hundreds of tour companies in Nairobi that will offer to book your Masai Mara tour. You can join an overland tour like  Acacia Africa  or  Nomad  or  G Adventures , where you you will travel in a truck for the next two weeks visiting the highlights I have mentioned. You’ll also meet other travelers which can and will make the trip a lot more enjoyable!

Booking a Masai Mara Safari

Booking a safari to the Masai Mara can be complicated. You need to book your accommodation in the Masai Mara, but this usually doesn’t include game drives (unless you’re staying in a luxury lodge) which will cost extra but that’s the whole point of coming here so you’ll want to pay for this. You will also need to book a car transfer from Nairobi. My advice? Book everything all in one.

My preferred choice of accommodation on a budget is  Mara Explorers Camp and Backpackers which is next door to the  Enkolong Camp , another good option. The rates at these places are all inclusive of meals which are basic but still tasty. For a tent, expect to pay 5000 shillings a night per person and up to 8000 shillings a night for a little cottage. The best option is just to book their safari packages which include accommodation, food, transfer to and from Nairobi, and all game drives. These normally run $400-$500 per person for 3 days and 2 nights.

The schedule works like such:

• Pick up early in the morning from Nairobi
• Arrive in Masai Mara in the afternoon, just in time for a sunset drive
• Full day game drive on day 2
• Morning game drive on day 3 before arriving back in Nairobi at 17:00-18:00h

Where to stay in Masai Mara:  For budget travelers, Mara Explorers Camp and Backpackers Lodge , or Enkolong Camp . For midrange travelers, the Sekenani Camp.

Day 5: Nairobi to Arusha

After returning from an amazing Masai Mara safari, the next step is to reach Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. From Nairobi, there are numerous bus companies that make the journey to Arusha.

There are two companies I have experience with, Riverside Shuttle and Marangu Shuttles.  The cost for this transfer is $25-$30 USD one way. They will pick you up from your accommodation in Nairobi as well. The vans/buses that they use are actually quite comfortable.

The Namanga border crossing can be quite a disaster at times but overall, the journey will take 4-6 hours depending on traffic on the road and at the border. Remember to have USD cash ready for the Tanzanian visa.

US Citizens need to pay $100 USD while other Western countries pay $50. Make sure the cash bills are crisp without any wear and tear.

What to do in Arusha

The transfer arrives in Arusha in the early afternoon. This is too late to go to the Serengeti right away as those trips only leave in the mornings (like in the Masai Mara). Don’t worry, there is plenty in Arusha to occupy you for a half day.

Accommodations in Arusha are in abundance and fairly cheap. I would recommend staying at the  White House of Tanzania  which is run by an amazing family. Loads of travelers stay here before going to the Serengeti which makes for a fun place to meet people.

Go for a Masai village walk here which is quite interesting and insightful. I loved my stay in Arusha and could have used another day to be honest. The food in town is delicious and the views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance is stunning as well!

Day 6-8: Serengeti Safari

Having been to a dozen different major game reserves on the continent, the Serengeti is firmly at the number 1 spot. The sheer abundance of wildlife here is stunning as I saw the Big5 within an hour, and the landscape is as picturesque as you can imagine. It’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of a safari. The Lion King movie is based off the Serengeti after all which is perhaps why the Serengeti comes to mind first for so many people.

• Read my detailed account of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Like the Masai Mara, the Serengeti is also expensive and the options are few. You can either do a camping safari for budget prices, or spring out for the ultra luxury lodges that can eclipse prices of $2,000 per night. There are various mid range options as well for $250-400 a night which I would highly recommend doing if you can swing it!

I would recommend 2 nights in the Serengeti and 1 night in the Ngorongoro Crater for a total of 4 days and 3 nights for the two parks. The Serengeti is 6-8 hours west of Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater is 4-5 hours west of Arusha. It is very common to do these two parks on the same trip as they are both along the same road.

Where to stay in the Serengeti:  For budget travelers, you will likely be staying at a campsite within the outer ring of the park (still inside the park) as a part of a budget safari tour. For mid range, stay at the  Mbalageti Serengeti Camp.

Day 8-9: Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro crater is next up on the itinerary. This is one of my favorite places in Tanzania and the game viewing is spectacular. It’s much smaller than the Serengeti so one significant game drive is enough to get a feel for the area. Most tours will spent just 1 night in the Ngorongoro crater with a long game drive in the morning.

Due to its size and its crater shape, there are many animals densely packed in allowing for some fantastic game viewing. There are not many options to stay here, and everyone that is camping will be staying at the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite  which I found nice enough. If you want something a little nicer that is not camping, try the Rhino Lodge which is about $300 per night.

Where to stay in Ngorongoro Crater: For budget travelers, you’ll likely be staying in the  Ngorongoro Simba Campsite.  For midrange travelers, I recommend the  Pembani Rhotia

Day 10: Getting to Zanzibar from Arusha

From Arusha, there are two ways to get to Zanzibar; take a bus to Dar Es Salaam and then a ferry to Zanzibar, or fly. While the traditional backpacker way would be to take a bus and the ferry, I’m here to say that flying is the much better option.

Firstly, the bus ride from Arusha to Dar Es Salaam is long and arduous. The total journey time is 10-12 hours. Then you’ll have to overnight in Dar Es Salaam or a nearby town before taking the ferry to Zanzibar the following day. There are some cool little towns around Dar Es Salaam like Bagamoyo but it’s not worth the trouble to go all the way there just to stay a night. While the journey by road does offer some fantastic scenery and rustic experiences of the Tanzanian country-side, your precious time is much better spent Zanzibar with just two weeks!

Therefore, I would highly recommend taking a 1 hr flight from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport to Zanzibar. Numerous airlines make the flight (Air Tanzania, Precision Air, ZanAir). These flights cost $100-$150 for a one way flight from Kilimanjaro and slightly more from Arusha.

For comparison, the bus from Arusha to Dar Es Salaam is $25. You’ll also need to pay to get to the bus station in Arusha and then to get to your guesthouse when you arrive in Dar Es Salaam, so add another $15 to that price and you get $40 for the bus transfer. The ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar is $35 one way so the total cost to get from Arusha to Zanzibar is at least $75 USD.

That’s not a big savings when you compare it to a flight!

Day 10-15: Stone Town and Zanzibar

The last part of the trip is enjoying the culture and pristine beaches of Zanzibar. You can’t go wrong with any itinerary in Zanzibar to be honest but do know that the island itself is very large and getting around is expensive. Having a plan of attack is definitely necessary. With 5 nights, you can adequately explore a bit of the island.

• Read my detailed post on Zanzibar

Stone Town, Zanzibar City

Stone Town is the starting point for most visitors to Zanzibar. It’s the largest city on Zanzibar Island and is one of the most fascinating cities in Africa. It reminds me a bit of Ilha De Mozambique . Spices from all around the world were brought to Zanzibar in the old days and are harvested to this day. It’s also a giant melting pot of cultures as African, Arabian, and Indian all converge on one island. The result is some incredibly unique and delicious food.

There are no nice beaches in Stone Town but the food and cultural experience alone is worth at least a night. If you’re looking for a budget trip to Zanzibar, I would stay 2 nights in Stone Town to explore the markets, go on a Spice Tour, and visit the historic sites like the slave markets. Then spend 3 nights in a beach destination like Nungwi or Kendwa

Beaches in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is perhaps known for two things: Pristine Indian ocean beaches and the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. Focusing on the beaches part, Zanzibar has a long coastline of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The resorts are scattered all along Zanzibar’s coast with the highest concentration on the eastern part of the island.

The whole Eastern side of the island is one long atoll reef. Like the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique , the tide movements are quite drastic. In the mornings, it’s possible to walk out a half kilometer on the sandy beach.

Zanzibar has fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as a myriad of other water activities on tap like kitesurfing, windsurfing, the Safari Blue day trip, and the ultra famous Rock Restaurant.

Where to stay in Zanzibar:  For budget travelers, Garden Beach Bungalows, Sagando, and Paje hotels can be booked for under $50/night. For a slightly better experience, I’d recommend Queen of Sheba, Zanzistar, and Mnana Beach Bungalows. You can find rooms at these mid-range accommodations for around $100 a night.

For a higher price range, stay at the Dreams of Zanzibar Hotel in the Northeast area of Kiwengwa. You can get an all inclusive stay for 2 people for $300-350 a night. The food here was absolutely fantastic and the rooms were a treat especially after 10 days of (not so difficult) camping.

Kenya and Tanzania Two week Itinerary Day by Day breakdown

Here is a day by day breakdown of my two week Kenya and Tanzania itinerary.

Day 1 – Nairobi:  Explore Nairobi Day 2 – Nairobi to Masai Mara:  Early morning transfer to the Masai Mara, afternoon game drive Day 3 – Masai Mara:  Full day game drive Day 4 – Masai Mara to Nairobi:  Morning game drive, transfer back to Nairobi Day 5 – Nairobi to Arusha:  Transfer to Arusha by bus Day 6 – Arusha to Serengeti:  Early morning transfer to the Serengeti, afternoon game drive Day 7 – Serengeti:  Full day game drive Day 8 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater:  Morning Serengeti game drive, afternoon transfer to Ngorongoro crater Day 9 – Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha:  Morning game drive in the Ngorongoro crater, transfer back to Arusha in the afternoon Day 10 – Arusha to Zanzibar:  Flight on Air Tanzania or Precision Air to Zanzibar, stay in Stone Town, night markets exploration Day 11 – Stone Town:  Full day in Stone Town, Spicy Tour, explore night markets Day 12 – Stone Town to Nungwi: Early morning transfer to the north of Zanzibar, Beach time Day 13 – Nungwi:  Beach Day 14 – Nungwi:  Beach stay in Zanzibar Day 15 – Nungwi:  Beach stay in Zanzibar Day 16 – Fly Home

Luxury Travel Itinerary For Kenya and Tanzania

Luxury travel around Kenya and Tanzania is a whole different ballgame. You may as well disregard everything above this section! If you’re going on a honeymoon or if money is of no object (or both), this is the itinerary for you.

There will be no 7 hour car rides or waiting 2 hours at the border for no reason other than it just being Africa. No tents with sleeping bags, and certainly no drop toilets. For luxury safari seekers, this is the perfect itinerary for you. Note that it is of course possible to combine elements of a luxury trip with a more budget trip, it all just depends on how much money you want to spend.

Flying everywhere in Kenya and Tanzania

Believe it or not, there are actually flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, the Mara to the Serengeti, the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, and from the crater to Arusha or Kilimanjaro. Technically, you do  not need to take any bus rides in Kenya and Tanzania if you don’t want to. Not a single one!  Safari Link  is a charter airline that flies within Kenya to all the little airstrips in the Masai Mara.  Coastal Aviation is its counterpart in Tanzania.

Fly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Instead of the grueling 7 hour drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, take a flight with Safari Link airlines instead. From Nairobi, there are two daily flights to the Masai Mara. Your lodge will pick you up from the airstrip when you arrive. Expect to pay around $200 USD for a one way flight.

• Click here for Safari Link’s schedule and rates

Fly from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti

This one is a bit trickier. There are no direct roads leading from the Mara to the Serengeti even though it might look like it does on a map. For the average traveler, getting from the Masai mara to the Serengeti involves going back to Nairobi, taking a bus to Arusha, and then a transfer to the Serengeti the following day. All in all, about 2 full days of travel.

Alternatively, you can fly from the Masai Mara back to Nairobi, and take another flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. Kilimanjaro airport is the larger more central airport in Tanzania (about 1 hour east of Arusha). There are multiple daily flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport. From Kilimanjaro Airport, take a land transfer to the Serengeti (7-8 hours).

This is all a lot of work. There must be a way to just fly direct from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti right? The answer is  yes .

Coastal Aviation in conjunction with  Safari Link offers flights between the two reserves. From the Masai Mara, take a Safari Link flight to Migori Airstrip , which is the border town of Kenya and Tanzania. From Migori, you’ll take a car transfer to Tarime, Tanzania which is included in the price of the airfare. Similar to crossing the Peru-Bolivia border , Safari link can only operate in Kenya and Coastal Aviation only in Tanzania.

• Click here for Coastal Aviation’s schedule and rates

From Tarime, take the Coastal Aviation flight to Arusha. There are numerous airstrips within the Serengeti where different ultra luxury lodges reside, and this Coastal Aviation flight stops at each of them like a bus.

Fly from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater

Continue with Coastal Aviation and take the flight to Lake Manyara where your lodge in the Ngorongoro crater will pick you up. It’s a 1 hour car transfer from Lake Manyara airport to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Fly from the Ngorongoro Crater to Zanzibar

From Lake Manyara, take Coastal Aviation to Arusha or Kilimanjaro. Both airports offer regular daily transfers to Zanzibar. You also don’t need to continue flying with Coastal Aviation if you don’t want but it might be easier just to continue with them all the way to Zanzibar.

Luxury Lodge Options in Kenya and Tanzania

There are so many expensive lodging options that anyone not planning a luxury trip will be sad to read this section. You have been warned. I will list the options by luxury ($350-$1,000 a night for two people) and ultra luxury (Over $1,000 a night for two people).

Note that the Serengeti is absolutely massive and if you are targeting a visit during the migration months, I would recommend staying in the Northern section of the Serengeti. This is where all the action will be as the herds migrate from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara.

Giraffe Manor –  World famous lodge outside of Nairobi where you can have breakfast and feed giraffes directly outside your window. Perhaps the most Instagram worth place on the entire trip!

Masai Mara – Luxury Lodges

• Neptune Mara Lodge
• Sand River Lodge
• Sekenani Camp
• Governor’s camp
• Entumoto Safari Camp
• Amani Mara Camp

Masai Mara – Ultra Luxury Lodges

• Angama Mara Lodge
• andBeyond Kitchwa Tembo Tented Camp
• andBeyond Bateleur Camp
• Ngerende in the Wild
• Mahali Mzuri – Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp
• Great Plains Conservation Mara Plains Camp

Serengeti – Luxury Lodges

• Nomad Serengeti Camp
• Nasikia Migration Mobile Camp
• Serengeti Simba Lodge
• Grumeti Migration Camp
• Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp

Serengeti – Ultra Luxury Lodges

• Any of the Singita Lodges
• Any of the Lemala Lodges
• Any of the Lamai Lodges
• andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas
• andBeyond Grumeti Tented Camp
• andBeyond Klein’s Camp

Ngorongoro Crater – Luxury Lodges

• Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
• Oldeani Mountain Lodge
• Neptune luxury lodge

Ngorongoro Crater – Ultra Luxury Lodges

• andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• Lemala Ngorongoro Lodge

Luxury Travel Two Week Kenya and Tanzania Day by Day Breakdown

The luxury tour differs from the budget tour itinerary because you have an extra two days by not having to drive anywhere. In addition, one night is added for Nairobi to stay at the Giraffe Manor and another night is added for the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 1 – Nairobi:  Giraffe Manor Lodge Day 2 – Nairobi:  Giraffe Manor Lodge Day 3 – Nairobi to Masai Mara:  Flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara, afternoon game drive Day 4 – Masai Mara:  Full day in Masai Mara Day 5 – Masai Mara to Serengeti:  Morning game drive, transfer to Migori Airport at 11:30, take a car transfer to Tarime, Tanzania and take the Coastal Aviation flight to the Serengeti. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive Day 6 – Serengeti:  Full day in Serengeti Day 7 – Serengeti:  Full day in Serengeti Day 8 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater:  Morning Serengeti game drive, Coastal Aviation flight to Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara car transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater Day 9 – Ngorongoro Crater:  Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater Day 10 – Ngorongoro Crater to Zanzibar: Morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, flight from Lake Manyara to Arusha to Zanzibar Day 11 – Zanzibar:  Full day in Stone Town, Spicy Tour, explore night markets Day 12 – Zanzibar: Early morning transfer to the north of Zanzibar, Beach time Day 13 – Zanzibar:  Beach Day 14 – Zanzibar:  Beach stay in Zanzibar Day 15 – Zanzibar:  Beach stay in Zanzibar Day 16 – Fly Home

Continue Reading:

• Para-sailing in Zanzibar!
• Why Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration Is A Must
• Ultimate Safari Guide For The Serengeti And Ngorongoro Crater
• Ultimate Safari Guide For The Masai Mara
• Kenya and Tanzania – Intro and Nairobi
• The Ultimate One Week and Two Week Travel Itinerary for Uganda
• The Best Of Johnny Africa – Top Moments Traveling Through Africa
• Cape Town to Namibia Overland: Etosha National Park
• A Weekend at Thandeka Lodge
• The Perfect South Africa And Zanzibar Honeymoon Itinerary
• Garden Route Road Trip Itinerary Part 1: Intro and Addo Elephant Park
• Staying At the Dreams Of Zanzibar Hotel
• The Perfect South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary And Guide
• Guide To Traveling Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

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Jaw dropping post here, Johnny!

The luxury lodges looks incredible!

We went to Tanzania recently and fell in love and can’t wait to go back! We’d love to explore more and go to Kenya too! Hopefully soon!

Thank you for your insight!

Very helpful post thank you!

JUST AMAZING! THIS IS THE KIND OF BLOG POST I WAS LOOKING FOR

Hi Annette glad you enjoyed it and happy travels!

What a great post, thanks for sharing!

Outstanding fun you have there. Good Luck!

Wow! This is so detailed and helpful! I’ve always just considered choosing between Kenya or Tanzania. Both countries have their own unique attractions. I think in the end it all boils down to what you are really up for during the trip. I hear if you’re leaning towards a vibrant city nightlife coupled with amazing natural landmarks then Kenya is the place to be. But if you’re more into enjoying the vast wilderness and wildlife plus a relaxing time at the beach then Tanzania is ideal. I guess getting to enjoy the best of both would definitely be ideal, just like how you did it.

I would agree with that! Nairobi definitely has a vibrant city life and the Serengeti in Tanzania for me is the ultimate wildlife experience.

The Tanzanian government has been leaning towards Southern Africa than East Africa. This also makes it difficult for Kenya tour vehicles with Kenyan registration plates to enter Tanzania parks.

That is interesting to hear! So do you think the chances that Tanzania resumes their participation in the East Africa Visa is slim?

Yeah i wouldn’t count on it. Last year a group of maasai herdsmen crossed over from Kenya to Tanzania and their cows were seized and auctioned. You gotta remember these borders are really just on the map in most areas so its hard to even know where Kenya ends and Tanzania begins.

Ultimate 2-Week Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

By Author Ella McKendrick

Posted on Last updated: 6 April 2024

So you want to go on safari in East Africa but can’t choose between visiting Kenya or Tanzania. Well, the good news is, with 14-days of safari, you don’t have to decide!

You can easily visit both countries within 2 weeks, exploring the highlights of each.

However, visiting two countries in 14-days can easily get exhausting so it’s essential that you have the right itinerary that factors in the distance and travel time between each sight as well as just giving you some great things to do.

I recently visited both countries in one trip and there were some things I loved about the itinerary and some things that were less than ideal. I want to help you to craft the perfect Kenya and Tanzania itinerary so you don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to spend longer in each country you can view my Tanzania and Kenya itineraries. 

In this guide I’m going to bring you the ultimate 2-week Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary . I’m going to provide you with everything you need to know, including the cost, how to find the perfect tour operator, tips and tricks to make your trip go smoothly and much more so that you can have the safari of your dreams!

Embark on the Safari of Your Dreams

Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from my recommended local safari companies

I’m here to make booking your perfect safari quick, easy and risk-free. It takes under 60 seconds to fill out the form and in under 48 hours you will receive multiple, no-obligation proposals from my favourite local tour operators with glowing online reviews.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary Map

In this Guide

Why go on safari in kenya and tanzania.

• How to Book Your Kenya and Tanzania Safari

How Much Does a Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost?

• Best Time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania

How Long to Spend in Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya and tanzania safari logistics.

• Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Nairobi

Day 2: lake nakuru national park.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 4-5: Masai Mara National Reserve

• Day 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

Day 7: Serengeti National Park

Day 8: serengeti national park, day 9: ngorongoro crater, day 10: tarangire national park.

• Day 11: Arusha to Zanzibar

Day 12 – 14: Zanzibar

Final thoughts.

Kenya and Tanzania are both prime wildlife destinations. Kenya is home to the Masai Mara, one of the best places in the world to see Africa’s big cats, whilst Tanzania houses the Serengeti, arguably the most famous national park in Africa.

Together the two countries house all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos) as well as a host of other animals which are no doubt on your bucket list, such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and much more.

The landscape in both countries is also incredible. You have the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, as well as the second tallest, Mount Kenya, in Kenya. The Great Rift Valley carves through both countries and means that they both contain a number of impressive lakes, both freshwater and saltwater, which are teeming with life.

A safari that visits both countries allows you to see the highlights of each. Furthermore, due to the location of the parks in both countries, it’s very easy to do a circuit that hits the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and more, which doesn’t involve too much driving.

Many airlines allow you to book multi-city tickets which allow you to land in one city and leave from another. The price isn’t too dissimilar to booking return flights in and out of the same city which makes this an extremely convenient option.

How to Book your Kenya and Tanzania Safari

I’d always recommend booking your Kenya and Tanzania safari through a local tour operator. After doing copious amounts of research when trying to organise my own first trip to East Africa, I came to the realisation that local tour operators offer the perfect combination of good value for money as well as a seamless safari experience with minimal hassle.

Let’s face it, organising a trip to East Africa can be incredibly daunting. So one of the fantastic benefits of a local safari company is they organise pretty much everything for you: accommodation, park fees, meals, the vehicle, an expert driver guide, beverages in the vehicle and more.

Save time and get quotes from the same tour companies who I use to organise my safaris and who I highly recommend

There are other types of safari available such as self-drive safaris, safaris through your hotel and safaris booked through an overseas travel agency. Which you choose will have a large impact on your safari cost and the overall experience.

Below I will go into more detail on the pros and cons of each option.

Option 1: Self-Drive Safari

A self-drive safari is the most budget-friendly safari option. However, the cost savings may not be as great as you’d imagine.

The most expensive aspect of any safari is the park fees. A single entry to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, for example, costs $100 + 18% tax per person in low-season (January to June) and $200 + 18% tax per person in high season (July to December). A single entry into Ngorongoro Crater costs $70 + 18% tax per person plus an additional vehicle entry fee of $299 + 18% tax per vehicle.

These fees are exactly the same if you have a self-drive safari or a safari with a tour operator.

Accommodation costs are also similar. Tour companies are often able to get reduced rates at hotels which offsets some additional costs of booking with a tour operator.

For a self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania you cannot hire just any vehicle. Only Toyota Land Cruisers are allowed within Tanzania’s national parks so you’d have to hire one of these. The typical cost for hiring a Land Cruiser per day is $150.

The main saving on a self-drive safari is not having a driver guide.

With self-driving safaris you have an additional cost of a permit to cross from one country to another. This cost isn’t present when booking with a local tour operator.

In terms of experience, self-driving gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility. You can set off exactly when you want and stop where you want. I absolutely loved this freedom when on a self-drive safari in Namibia .

However, private safaris with tour operators give you similar amounts of flexibility. You’re still able to dictate when you set-off, how long you spend on safari and at each sighting, and even request detours and stop-offs on your journeys. Group safaris however don’t have any flexibility.

Although I loved my safari in Namibia , it is notable that I see a lot more wildlife when on safari with an expert driver guide compared to on self-drive safaris. Driver guides not only know a lot about the wildlife and their habits but they also have a radio system which helps them to take you to the best sightings. You sadly don’t get this when self-driving.

Another consideration is how difficult the parks are to drive in. The Masai Mara in particular is a maze with self-drivers frequently getting lost and having to be helped by other drivers.

Another con of self-driving for this particular multi-country itinerary is that if you hire your car in Kenya, you are likely to get stopped by police in Tanzania for having a Kenyan registration plate and vice versa. Even though you’re doing nothing wrong as you will have paid for your permits, police in both Tanzania and Kenya have been known to do this.

In southern Africa self-driving makes perfect sense but honestly, I don’t think it’s worth it in East Africa. The cons far outweigh the pros.

Option 2: Local Tour Operator

Booking with a local tour operator isn’t much more expensive than booking a self-drive safari. Tour operators generally don’t make much profit on their safaris – around 10%. This cost is often off-set as they are able to get special rates at hotels, so in reality, the cost saving of booking a self-drive safari is minimal.

Booking with a local tour operator is considerably cheaper than booking with an overseas travel agency as the agency makes a huge mark-up on the safari and then outsources the actual safari to local operators. The end experience is therefore very similar.

Local tour operators typically take care of booking your hotels, park fees, organising full board for you, the vehicle, the driver guide, the fuel and much more. The only costs that are excluded from your safari package are your international flight costs, visa fees, tips, alcoholic beverages and souvenirs.

There are two key types of safaris that you can book with tour operators: private and group tours. Should your budget permit it, I’d always book a private safari (unless you are a solo traveller looking to socialise) as it gives you so much more flexibility and customisation for your safari. With group safaris you can’t typically choose your hotel, parks you visit or times you go on safari. Additionally, safari companies tend to reserve their very best guides for private safaris.

However, there can be a big difference in your safari experience depending on which local tour operator you select. I always recommend reading reviews to ensure the tour operator consistently provides a satisfactory service. Reviews on third-party platforms such as Google Reviews are more reliable than reviews on the company’s own website as they have no way to manipulate them.

Reading and watching past customer experiences is one of the best ways to get a sense of how good a company is.

I’ve been on safari with a number of different tour operators and had vastly different experiences. Some tour operators were extremely helpful and flexible whilst others really battled with me when I made a request, even if it was something small such as going on safari just 30 minutes earlier than they suggested.

I want to help you choose the perfect local safari tour operator. You can get safari quotations from my favourite local tour operators who I have personally been on safari with and had an excellent experience with here on Safaris By Ella .

Recommended Booking Options For Your 2-Week Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Private Safari

Most popular & best experience – typical prices start from $300 per person per day .

Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.

Group (Shared) Camping Safari

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $160 per person per day.

My recommended Tanzania and Kenya tour operators only provide private safaris, however, I’ve listed the best group options for the most similar itineraries I could find, on Safari Bookings below. Please note that none of them follow the exact itinerary below. To get the exact itinerary in this article, you’ll need to book a private safari.

Click the links below to request quotes for the group safari options on the safari bookings website.

13-Day Budget Group Kenya and Tanzania Safari Option 1

13-Day Budget Group Kenya and Tanzania Safari Option 2

12-Day Budget Group Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Option 3: Hotel-Provided Safaris

Some lodges and tented camps also provide safaris. These can be a good option if you wish to base yourself in one hotel for a decent amount of time. However, it’s not the most convenient option if you wish to travel around (such as with this itinerary) as you don’t have a vehicle with you so would have to use public transport to travel between hotels.

The most convenient way to journey between hotels in different parks is by plane. The parks are often linked via airstrips and hotels within or near the national parks often offer transfer services to and from the airstrips, although this can be at an additional cost. The flights themselves are pretty expensive. It costs over $100 per person per flight, sometimes up to $500 per person for some flights.

If you are flying between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti (or any park in another country for that matter), you’ll have to take two flights. The first takes you to an international airport which has immigration within it, the second to your destination. Sometimes you have to transfer by road between two airports in between flights.

For this itinerary, going on safaris hosted by your hotel probably isn’t the most convenient or cost-effective option.

Option 4: Overseas Travel Agents

Booking through an overseas travel agent is perhaps the most convenient option. However, it’s also by far the most expensive option.

The main advantage of booking with an overseas agent is they have the ability to book your international flights as well as the safari. Otherwise, the experience is pretty much the same as booking with a local tour operator as the overseas agent will sub-contract the safari work to a local operator, giving you ultimately a very similar safari experience.

Overseas travel agents have to make a profit on each safari which is why this option is always more expensive than going direct to the local tour operators.

Overview: Booking through a local tour operator is by far the best option. It’s cost effective, convenient and provides an amazing safari experience when you book through the right operator.

You can get quotes from the local tour companies I use to organise my own trips.

Prices for a typically private Kenya and Tanzania safari using a local tour operator start from $280 per person per day.

The cost of a shared group safari is slightly less at around $190 per person per day. For this price you can expect basic accommodation including camping.

Below you can view a chart of typical safari costs based on your budget.

Please note that the costs above are for booking through a local operator. Prices will be quite a bit more if you book through an overseas company or travel agent.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost Breakdown

It’s a similar cost to visit both Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya was once regarded as cheaper than Tanzania but recent hikes in park fees make them comparable destinations price-wise. A typical Tanzania safari cost for a 7-10 day safari is around $250-$300 per person per day and is very similar for a 7-10 day Kenya safari cost.

The park fees make up the majority of the cost. For example, it’s $100 + 18% tax per person per day to enter many parks in Kenya. It’s actually $200 + 18% tax per person per day to enter the Masai Mara between July and December.

Costs are similar in Tanzania with it costing $70 + 18% tax per person per day plus an additional $60 + 18% tax per person per night to visit the Serengeti. Ngorongoro Crater costs $70 + 18% tax per person per day plus an additional charge of $299 + 18% tax for your vehicle to enter.

Hotels and lodges are the next biggest expense. A budget tented camp in the Serengeti costs around $150 per person per night (excluding nightly concession fees mentioned above). Budget tented camps in the Masai Mara are a similar price.

Below I’ve included a chart which breaks down where the money goes for a safari of 2 people.

Factors Affecting Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of your safari. The most obvious factor is the level of accommodation that you choose. A safari staying in mid-range will be more pricey than a safari where you stay in budget accommodation.

Another factor that can greatly impact the cost of your Kenya and Tanzania safari is the time of year that you visit. In low season, park fees can be cheaper. The main park that’s affected by monthly fluctuations in prices is the Masai Mara. Masai Mara park fees between January and June are $100 + 18% tax per person per entry whereas between July and December they are $200 + 18% tax per person per entry.

The vehicle that you choose can have an impact on your safari cost. In Kenya there are two types of vehicles that you can go on safari in: a Toyota Land Cruiser or a minivan. The Land Cruiser is around $50 more expensive per day. You can also upgrade your Land Cruiser to a specialist photography one which is $100 more expensive per day.

You can choose to fly between parks rather than travelling by road. This can significantly increase the cost of your safari as the flights are typically at least $100 per person per flight.

Best time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania

Both Kenya and Tanzania can be visited year-round. However, the rains can greatly affect your experience and what you see.

East Africa has two distinct dry seasons. The long dry season runs from June through to mid-October and is generally classed as the best time to visit. This is because the days are warm yet not too hot and there is little to no rain. The lack of thick vegetation also means that animals are easier to spot and the lack of water means they are easier to find as they often congregate near waterholes.

The short dry season runs from mid-December to late-February. This is the hottest time of year. Although classed as a dry season, some rain can’t be ruled out. Sitting between two rainy seasons, the landscape at this time of year is lush and green; it makes for some striking photographs! The thicker vegetation technically means that animals are harder to see. However, due to the vast quantity of wildlife in this area, I have never personally found this to be an issue. There’s an abundance of baby animals around at this time of year which is a lovely bonus.

The long rains run from March to the end of May. This is considered the worst time to visit Kenya and Tanzania as days are typically very wet. However, the rains have been increasingly unpredictable in recent years, sometimes not arriving at all.

The short rains run from mid-October to mid-December. At this time of year you can expect some light showers in the evening but otherwise it’ll be dry and sunny. Again, like with the long rains, the short rains have become more unpredictable recently. The short rainy season in 2023 was particularly heavy and caused terrible flooding in both Tanzania and Kenya .

The best time to visit can also be determined by the great wildebeest migration, the largest migration of terrestrial mammals on earth.

The prime time to see the migration is between mid-July and mid-September, when the great herds risk their lives crossing the Mara River. It’s an intense spectacle, characterised by hundreds of wildebeest plunging into the fast-flowing river, battling against strong currents and crocodiles in order to reach the other side. This can be seen from both the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Another great time of year to see the wildebeest migration is from mid-January to late-February in southern Serengeti. This is when the wildebeest give birth. Up to 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day and it’s delightful watching them get to their feet so quickly and tentatively take their first steps. It’s also a great time of year to see the Serengeti’s predators as so many new lives catch their attention.

Overview: Whilst you can do this itinerary at any time of year, visiting between June and October is perhaps the best time. And if you want to ensure you see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River, visit between mid-July and mid-September.

In order to make the most of your visit, you need to allow at least 5 days in each country.

However, whilst a 5-day itinerary in Kenya and another 5 days in Tanzania may allow you to glimpse each country, I’d recommend 2 weeks for this trip so that you aren’t rushing around and have a greater chance to encounter the wildlife. It also allows you to visit the island of Zanzibar for the last days of your trip.

When you book your safari with a local tour operator, the safari company will organise much of the trip for you. However, there’s still a few things to keep in mind and organise.

Border Crossings

You don’t necessarily have to organise anything here (other than your visa and make sure your documents are in order) but it’s useful to understand how border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania work so that you can ensure they go smoothly.

You can cross either land borders between the two countries or airport borders. Generally, airport borders are considered smoother as there are less people arriving this way. However, my experience crossing land borders between Kenya and Tanzania has been extremely positive.

When flying from the Masai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania, you have two take two flights with a 45 minute car-ride in between to a land border as there’s no international airport border at any of the airstrips in this area.

If you decide to cross from one country to another via a land border, there’s a few things to note.

Safari companies based in Kenya cannot drive in Tanzania and vice versa. This rule was imposed to allow local companies to flourish and not have their business taken away by companies across the border. This means that when you arrive at the border you’ll have to meet your new driver and switch vehicles.

When you arrive at the land border, you’ll need your passport, visa and yellow fever certificate to display to the border officials. You may also need to bring your bags into the building to have them scanned but I’d recommend waiting to see if your guide advises you to do this or not.

I crossed two land borders between Kenya and Tanzania (first crossing into Tanzania from Kenya and then a week later crossing back into Kenya from Tanzania) and both went incredibly smoothly. There weren’t any queues and I got seen immediately. The whole thing lasted around 10 minutes. It is worth noting however that I visited during the short rainy season which is significantly quieter than the peak season between June and the end of September so queues are likely to be larger at that time of year.

The Kenya part of your trip will be organised by a different company to the Tanzania part of your trip. However, both Kenya and Tanzania companies tend to have partners in the other country so the booking will be made with one company and they’ll then outsource half of the trip to their partner company across the border.

Many countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe need a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism purposes.

A single-entry visa to Tanzania which costs $50 per person is what is required when entering from most countries. However, American citizens need to purchase a multiple-entry visa which costs $100 per person.

Tanzania offers both visas on arrival and the option to apply in advance online using their e-visa system for single-entry visas. You have to apply in advance using the e-visa system if you are applying for a multiple entry visa – these will not be given on arrival.

I always advocate for applying for visas in advance where possible. It just saves time and hassle when you arrive.

You can apply for your e-visa to Tanzania here .

I’d recommend applying for your e-visa between 1 and 2 months in advance of your trip as it can sometimes take a couple of weeks to receive approval of your visa.

In contrast, as of 2024, Kenya is now officially visa-free so you don’t need a visa to travel here. You do however need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance of your trip. There are a couple of exemptions – you can view a full list of them here .

Useful Links

UK government travel advice for Kenya

UK government travel advice for Tanzania

USA government travel advice for Kenya

USA government travel advice for Tanzania

Canada government travel advice for Kenya

Canada government travel advice for Tanzania

Vaccinations

A Yellow Fever vaccination is required as Kenya country has a risk of Yellow Fever. Tanzania however has a low risk of Yellow Fever.

When travelling between the two countries you’ll be asked to display your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and will be refused entry if you don’t have one.

Other vaccinations are not mandatory but are recommended, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and more. You can view a full list of recommended vaccines here .

Medications

Both Kenya and Tanzania have a risk of malaria so it’s recommended that you take anti-malarial tablets with you for your trip.

 I’d recommend talking to a medical professional about which medication is right for you.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Overview

I’ve spent copious amounts of time in both Kenya and Tanzania. Based on my experience in both countries, I have crafted what I believe to be the perfect 2-week Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary.

This itinerary allows you to visit the best safari destinations in each country whilst also allowing enough time in each location in order to make the most of it. I’ve also chosen locations that are relatively near each other, trying to minimise travel time between locations as much as possible.

It’s hard however to cut-down on travel time completely as crossing from one country to another inevitably takes some time, whether you journey between them by road or air.

The itinerary ends on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, allowing you some time to relax after a fabulous safari.

Click any of the days below to jump to my full notes on that day.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

Day 11: zanzibar.

Day by Day Breakdown of the Ultimate 2-Week Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Today drive time: dependent on what activities you choose to do on this day

Your East African adventure starts in Kenya’s bustling capital city of Nairobi.

Depending what time your flight arrives you will either journey straight to your hotel for the evening or you can spend the day exploring the city.

About Nairobi

Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and is home to over 4 million people. It’s a vibrant city with a host of wonderful eateries. Interestingly, it’s the only city in the world to border a national park.

Nairobi can be a little intimidating for first time visitors due to its size and its reputation as being a little rough around the edges. However, if you apply common sense and maintain an open mind, Nairobi can be a wonderful place. I’ll go into this in more detail in my ‘tips for visiting’ section below.

Where to Stay in Nairobi

Nairobi contains a range of hotels and guesthouses. Airbnbs are my preferred choice of accommodation when staying in Nairobi as they are reasonably priced, often located in great areas and extremely convenient.

Nairobi is made-up of a number of neighbourhoods. My favourite neighbourhood to stay is Karen, south west of the city. Another great location is Loresho. Both Karen and Loresho are classed as suburbs. If you want to stay in a more central location then Westlands is a good choice.

Things to Do in Nairobi

There’s an array of things to do in the city. From dining in one of the many wonderful restaurants to visiting the only national park that borders a city, feeding rare giraffes or doing a bout of shopping in the local markets.

Below are some of my favourite things to do in Nairobi.

1. The Giraffe Centre

Ths Giraffe Centre is a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Over the years the sanctuary has successfully reintroduced Rothschild giraffes into various national parks across the country, doubling their numbers.

You can visit The Giraffe Centre and get to meet some giraffes in person. At the centre you’ll be given a coconut shell full of pellets and have the opportunity to hand-feed some of the resident giraffes.

2. Nairobi National Park

Just south of Nairobi’s Central Business District is Nairobi National Park, an area of wilderness which is remarkably home to the big give (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and buffalos). It feels crazy how you can have so much wildlife so close to a massive city!

The national park is one of the smallest in Africa so can easily be explored in one afternoon. The most amazing thing about this park is that you can spot wildlife and see Nairobi’s skyline in the background, a surreal merging of nature and our modern world.

3. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is committed to rescuing orphaned baby elephants from throughout Kenya and nurturing them until they are old enough to be released back into the wild.

As well as this, the David Sheldrick Trust has helped to fund anti-poaching units across the country and has been involved in the construction of permanent waterholes within Kenya’s driest national parks, protecting wildlife from drought.

The positive impact that the trust has on wildlife throughout the country makes visiting the orphanage a worthwhile trip.

Not only are you supporting a good cause but it’s adorable to watch the baby elephants have their morning feed.

Do note the orphanage is only open for an hour a day, between 11am and 12pm and you have to make a reservation in advance.

4. Eat at One of Nairobi’s Delicious Restaurants

Nairobi has an impressive food scene with restaurants lining pretty much every street. My absolute favourite restaurant in the city is Talisman Restaurant in Karen. This restaurant serves Asian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.

One of the most popular restaurants in Nairobi is The Carnivore Restaurant , recommended if you are an avid meat eater. At this all-you-can-eat restaurant meat comes round on Maasai swords and you can eat as much as you like until you decide to lower the white flag on your table in surrender. Carnivore is famous for serving some unique meats such as crocodile and ox balls.

Tips for Visiting Nairobi

When visiting a big city such as Nairobi, being street-smart is essential to ensuring you have a positive experience. This means not flashing valuables around when in public places. Instead refrain from taking excessive valuables out with you and the ones that you do need to bring (for example a mobile phone) should be safely stored in a bum bag or fanny pack.

Refrain from going out at night. Crime such as muggings are much more likely to happen after dark. Additionally, car accidents are also more likely at night.

There are some neighbourhoods in Nairobi that should be avoided, such as Eastleigh and Kibera. Taxi drivers know to avoid these areas so it shouldn’t be an issue.

I’d personally recommend taking an Uber between locations rather than walking, even if it’s only a short distance away. When walking in Nairobi, being approached by individuals trying to sell you things like tours or souvenirs is incredibly common and can quickly get exhausting so driving between locations avoids the stress of it.

Ubers are widely available throughout the city and are reasonably priced. I’d recommend using Uber rather than a traditional taxi service as prices are pre-agreed, saving you the hassle of haggling or ensuring the metre is working correctly.

Uber Eats is also available. This is a great service if you don’t feel like venturing out for some food as you can order takeaways or even shopping straight to your door.

My Experience Visiting Nairobi

I had a wonderful time in Nairobi! I found it extremely easy to get around using Ubers and loved the convenience of Uber Eats when I was feeling too tired to go out.

Additionally, Nairobi has some fantastic restaurants which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I personally felt safe in Nairobi and everyone that I met was extremely friendly. However, I was cautious and never put myself in a position where I could feel unsafe. Security is high at Airbnbs, hotels and restaurants which increases peace of mind.

Before visiting Nairobi I was actually pretty nervous. However, I’d now happily go back and spend even more time there as I enjoyed it so much.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 3 hours

Today your adventure truly begins as you leave the lively capital and venture to your first safari destination: Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its high density of both black and white rhinos. It’s one of the best places in East Africa to see them.

Lake Nakuru National Park is just 3 hours north from the city of Nairobi. I’d recommend setting off from Nairobi at around 8am so that you arrive at the national park by late-morning. Setting off early increases the chances of skipping the traffic.

There are a number of ways for you to explore Lake Nakuru National Park. You can go on a typical game drive, a cycling safari or even a horse riding safari.

I’d be inclined to recommend that you embark on a game drive as it covers the most ground and gives you the best chances of encountering a rhino. Lake Nakuru is the location on this itinerary where you are most likely to encounter a rhino.

As lunch-time approaches you can either eat a hot lunch at your nearby lunch or enjoy a picnic lunch within a park. Ensure your guide knows your choice beforehand so he can make preparations for your meal.

You’ll then enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park.

About Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds Lake Nakuru, an alkaline lake which attracts thousands of flamingos. The lake has an abundance of algae, a favourite source of food for greater and lesser flamingos. It’s the flamingos’ diet that gives them their striking pink colour as naturally flamingos are in fact white.

Lake Nakuru is within the Great Rift Valley and sits at an elevation of 1,754 m (5,755 ft) above sea level. Within the last 10 years the lake has expanded massively, from 40 to 68 square kilometres (15 to 26 sq mi). This expansion has caused the flooding of over 600 homes and has started to deter the flamingos. It’s a sad reminder of the effects of climate change.

The national park has become a sanctuary for endangered white and black rhinos and is one of the few places in East Africa where you have a high chance of encountering them. To protect the rhinos from poachers the park is encircled by a fence. It’s the presence of the fence which means that you won’t find elephants within the park as they roam wide areas and wouldn’t do well being restricted in their movements.

As well as rhinos, you can find lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras and more within the national park.

Where to Spend the Night

Spend the night in one of the lodges or tented camps which can be found just outside Lake Nakuru National Park.

Flamingo Hill Tented Camp and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge are both good choices. The latter is actually within the boundaries of the national park.

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5 hours

Today you will journey to Kenya’s flagship safari destination – the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It will take all morning to reach the Masai Mara from Lake Nakuru. For the afternoon you then have a choice of either going on a game drive or visiting a local Maasai boma.

You’ll set-off from Lake Nakuru National Park at around 8am; the drive takes around 5 hours. This means that you’ll arrive in the Masai Mara in time for a nice hot lunch at your lodge.

This afternoon you can either go on a game drive or visit a local Masai boma.

The Masai Mara National Reserve charges you each time you enter the park so if you have an afternoon game drive within the park it will cost you $100 + 18% tax per person between January and June and $200 + 18% tax per person between July and December.

Visiting a Maasai boma for the afternoon is significantly cheaper, around $20 per person.

It’s entirely up to you which activity you do. As you have two full days of game drives within the reserve coming up and visiting the Masai Mara for a couple of hours is the same price as a full day, it may be better value for money to visit a Maasai boma. Plus I always recommend visiting the Maasai at least once on your trip to understand more about their vibrant culture.

However, if you have the budget and you want to pack-in as much wildlife viewing as possible into your safari, an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara will increase your chances of seeing more wildlife as the more game drives you go on, the more chances you have of seeing everything you wish. Additionally, the late afternoon is a great time to see predators in action.

After your afternoon activity, you’ll return to your lodge for some dinner.

About Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. It’s particularly renowned for its high density of predators. There are numerous lion prides in the Masai Mara as well as a high concentration of cheetahs, hyenas and leopards. A lot of these animals have been featured in countless wildlife documentaries.

As well as being a great place to find predators, the Masai Mara houses all of the Big Five. Elephants, buffalos and even black rhinos can be found here, although black rhinos are the trickiest to see as there are only estimated to be around 80 individuals in the entire reserve.

From mid-July to mid-September the great wildebeest migration arrives in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. At this time of year you can expect to see millions of wildebeest throughout the Mara. They have to cross the treacherous Mara River in order to reach the Masai Mara and this is the only time of year where you can see the dramatic crossing.

Tips for Visiting Masai Mara National Reserve

The best time to see wildlife in action, particularly the predators, is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I’d therefore always recommend starting your safaris early so you can be at the gate as it opens at 6am. With afternoon safaris I’d recommend staying out until the gate closes at 6pm.

The Masai Mara has tsetse flies which can give an uncomfortable bite. These pesky flies are attracted to dark colours such as navy blue and black so avoid wearing these colours. Instead opt for light neutral colours such as beige, light brown, grey or cream. Also wear insect repellent.

The temperature can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the day so I always recommend wearing multiple layers for game drives. In the early morning you’ll need a jacket or jumper and then as the day gets hotter, you can take this off. Beneath that I typically wear a shirt over a vest top and can always remove the shirt if still too hot.

Don’t forget to wear plenty of high-factor sunscreen! Bring the bottle out with you so you can re-apply accordingly.

There are a number of lodges and tented camps both within the reserve and surrounding it. 

The accommodation options within the reserve are preferable as it eliminates driving time to and from your lodge to the reserve. However, there are limited options and they are typically quite expensive.

The Talek region is just outside the reserve but the lodges here are only around a 10 minute drive to the gate which makes it a desirable area to stay. There are a lot of options here ranging from budget to luxury. This would be my recommended place to stay due to its close proximity to two gates to the Mara.

Sekenani and Ololaimutiek are also options, both to the east of the Masai Mara and just outside the gates. These typically house more budget accommodations.

Day 4 – 5: Masai Mara National Reserve

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 0 hours

For days 4 and 5 you will go on full-day game drives within the Masai Mara National Reserve.

For these two days I recommend that you go on full-day game drives from dawn to dusk. As you pay each time you enter the Masai Mara, this option is by far the best value for money.

For full-day safaris you will need to bring a picnic breakfast and lunch with you so you’ll need to let your guide know this the day before so he can make arrangements with your lodge.

The Masai Mara’s gates open at 6am so you’ll want to be at the gates by this time, ideally just before as sometimes queues to the gates can form, so that you’ll be within the reserve as early as possible.

Mid-way through the morning you’ll stop for a picnic breakfast at a scenic spot within the Masai Mara before continuing your safari.

You’ll stop again for a picnic lunch before the game drive continues into the afternoon.

You can leave the reserve whenever you like but if you have the energy, I’d recommend staying until the gates close at 6pm. You’ll then return to your lodge for some dinner.

You’ll spend another night at a lodge or tented camp either within or near to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

My Experience Visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve

I was lucky enough to be able to see all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos) over my few days in the Masai Mara.

The leopard was actually the hardest for me to find as they kept eluding me. On one occasion, I arrived at the site of a kill just moments after the leopard had slunk away. I waited for several hours for it to re-emerge and feed on the freshly-caught zebra but soon gave up. Of course, after I left, the leopard returned!

On my final day in the Masai Mara I came across a beautiful female leopard feeding upon a gazelle. I watched in amazement as she grabbed her gazelle kill from the topmost branches of a tree and climbed down with it, deciding to feed out in the open, just inches from my vehicle! It was a magical moment.

Other favourite sightings within the Masai Mara included seeing seven individual cheetahs. The best cheetah sighting was of a mother with her four young cubs. It was adorable watching them play with each other and pounce affectionately on their mother.

I also saw more lions than I can count. My most memorable lion sighting was of a huge male lion from Topi pride feeding on a huge buffalo kill right beside the road!

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 10 hours or 3 hours by plane

Today you will journey from Masai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti National Park.

The two destinations are actually linked together and are part of the ecosystem. The Masai Mara is like the northern tip of the Serengeti but has a different name and is managed differently as it sits in Kenya whilst the Serengeti is in Tanzania.

There are no fences between the two, just regular border markers. The animals don’t care for international borders and frequently cross from one to another.

However, despite their close proximity to one another, journeying between the two is sadly a complicated affair as there’s no international border post between the two locations.

You can either embark on a 10 hour drive, crossing between the two countries at the Isibania border 80km west of the Masai Mara. It takes around 5 hours to drive from the Masai Mara to Isibania and then another 5 hours form the border to Central Serengeti.

Alternatively, you can fly between the two. But again the process isn’t simple.

You have to first fly to the Migori Airstrip from the Masai Mara. The Migori Airstrip is a 30 minute drive from the Isibania border post.

You’ll then cross the land border at Isibania and drive for 14 minutes into Tanzania to reach the Tarime Airstrip. Finally, you will then fly from Tarime to Seronera in Central Serengeti.

If you’re driving, you’ll depart from the Masai Mara at around 7am. You will then start your journey towards the Serengeti.

First you have to drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve. You don’t need to pay for an entrance fee as you are just transiting through. However, if you exit the park later than 10am, you will be required to pay the fee.

You leave the Masai Mara from its northern Musiara gate. It’s then around 3 hours to journey from the Masai Mara to Isibania on very bumpy roads. The road between the two was perhaps one of the worst roads I’ve been on so it’s pretty slow going!

You should arrive at Isibania around noon. You’ll then have to cross through immigration which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or so, depending on how busy it is. It only took me 10 minutes but I was visiting in the short rainy season, outside of peak season.

You’ll then need to switch from your Kenya vehicle to a Tanzania one which should already be there waiting for you. You’ll also meet your new driver guide.

If you are journeying to Central Serengeti (you’ll be heading here except if you are visiting between July and the end of September), it’s a 3 hour drive to Fort Ikoma Gate, on the western edge of the Serengeti.

If you are journeying to Northern Serengeti (you’ll be heading here between July and the end of September to see the great wildebeest migration), it’s a 3 hour drive to Tabora B Gate which is to the north west of the Serengeti.

Once within the Serengeti National Park it will take you a couple of hours to reach your tented camp or lodge. This is the most scenic part of the drive and you can expect to see some wildlife on the way.

If you are not completely exhausted and have the time, you can ask your guide to meander slightly through the Serengeti so that you can see some animals on the way to your accommodation.

If you are flying between the two, you don’t necessarily need to set-off quite as early. However, I’d recommend arriving in the Serengeti earlier rather than later so you can enjoy an afternoon game drive there.

There are flights from all Masai Mara airstrips to Migori daily at 8:15am and 11:30am. The flight takes 30 minutes. You can expect to pay around $300 per person for the flight. However, as there are limited flights per day, they can quickly get booked up so you’ll need to book at least a couple of months in advance.

Tips for Your Journey to Serengeti National Park

The journey by road is very long and involves contending with some pretty rough roads. If you get travel sick easily then you may need to take some travel sickness pills with you. I’d also recommend bringing a neck pillow if you plan on napping and have either an audiobook or music downloaded to your phone to help you with the long journey.

You’ll need a picnic lunch for your journey so simply let your guide know the day before so they can make arrangements for you.

Have your passport, Tanzania visa and Yellow Fever vaccination card easily accessible so you can quickly get them out when passing through immigration at Isibania.

For long drives, I always recommend carrying some toilet paper with you in case you need to use public bathrooms. They don’t always have toilet paper.

Spend the night in a tented camp or lodge within Serengeti National Park. If you are visiting Central Serengeti, you’ll want to stay at an accommodation in the Seronera region as this is closest to where much of the wildlife can be seen.

Staying outside of the park is cheaper as you don’t need to pay nightly concession fees, however, I really wouldn’t recommend it as it takes time to drive to and from the Serengeti, taking up time that could be used for game viewing.

My Experience Driving from Masai Mara to Serengeti

My drive from the Masai Mara to Central Serengeti took me 10 hours. Most of the roads were unpaved so it was pretty bumpy.

The main mistake that I made was not arranging a packed lunch with my lodge. As the drive was taking so long and I needed to be at my lodge in the Serengeti in time for an online meeting at 6pm, I couldn’t afford to stop for some lunch on the route. Besides, there weren’t many places to actually stop for food.

I wasn’t expecting the drive to take as long as it did. The tour operator that I booked with for this particular trip told me it would be 3 hours from the Masai Mara to Isibania and then another 3 hours to our lodge. It’s for this reason that I didn’t have any lunch with me. This is why it’s important that you book with a tour operator that has ample experience and can set the correct expectations from the start.

Today you will have a full-day game drive in the beautiful Serengeti National Park.

Wake up early in order to start your full-day game drive at around 6am, as the sun is starting to rise. Going on safari at this time best ensures that you will see some of the Serengeti’s predators. Lions and hyenas are particularly active at this time.

Continue your game drive, stopping half-way through the day to have a picnic lunch at one of the Serengeti’s scenic picnic spots.

You’ll then continue your search for wildlife throughout the afternoon, ending your safari at sunset.

About Serengeti National Park

The name Serengeti means ‘endless plains’ in the Maasai language. It’s an accurate description of this national park, where savannahs roll for as far as the eye can see, broken up by the occasional kopje (rock formations made up of large granite boulders) or towering hill.

The Serengeti is a great place to see predators. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas can all be found here in healthy numbers. There’s estimated to be around 3,000 lions across the Serengeti and around 6 leopards per 100 square kilometres .

The Serengeti is perhaps best known for its incredibly high numbers of wildebeest which make an annual migration through the park. Each year over a million wildebeest journey from the southern Serengeti plains to the Masai Mara, which sits atop the Serengeti. It’s estimated that at least 250,000 wildebeest die on this annual journey from a mixture of starvation, drought, predation and exhaustion.

The most dramatic part of the great wildebeest migration is when the wildebeest have to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in the north of the Serengeti. This is the most dangerous part of the journey as they have to contend with hungry crocodiles, strong currents and predators waiting at the banks of the river.

Tips for Visiting Serengeti National Park

I’d recommend going on a full-day safari in the Serengeti and having a picnic lunch rather than returning to your lodge for a hot meal. This is because the Serengeti is so vast and going out all day gives you a chance to explore more of it, not just the plains near your lodge.

The Serengeti has tsetse flies so avoid wearing dark colours such as black and navy blue as these are attractive to the flies. Wear light colours instead as well as insect repellent.

Wear high-factor sunscreen for your safari, even if it’s a bit cloudy. Take the tube out with you so you can reapply throughout the day.

Mornings in the Serengeti can be chilly but the middle of the day can get quite hot. Therefore it’s best to layer up so you can be prepared for all temperatures.

The best time to visit the Serengeti is within the long dry season, between June and October. However, the short rainy season between mid-December and the end of February is also a great time.

In order to make the most out of the Serengeti, you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights and 3 days here .

Spend another night in the Serengeti National Park.

If you spent the previous night in Central Serengeti, you will spend another night here.

If you spent the previous night in Northern Serengeti, you will spend tonight in a lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti.

My Experience Visiting Serengeti National Park

I’ve visited the Serengeti on numerous occasions and can confidently say it’s my favourite national park in the world! A highlight for me was spotting three individual leopards in one day, all relaxing in acacia trees.

Another magical moment was watching two cheetah brothers feed on a freshly-caught wildebeest one evening. They were bathed in golden light as they gorged themselves, their bellies quickly becoming very round!

You can watch my video on my big cat experiences in the Serengeti here .

I have also witnessed the famous Mara River crossing, watching several groups of wildebeest run the gauntlet and risk their lives swimming across the river. One wildebeest was not so lucky and was taken out by a massive crocodile as it struggled to battle against the current.

You can watch my video on the Mara River crossing here .

Today you will have another full-day game drive in the Serengeti. However, instead of spending another night in the Serengeti, you’ll end the day at a lodge on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater which is a 3 hour drive from Central Serengeti.

Embark on another early morning game drive at around 6am. Today you’ll have the chance to enjoy another full-day safari, increasing your chances of seeing as many of the Serengeti’s key animals as possible.

On today’s safari you will gradually journey further south, journeying through the vast open plains of Southern Serengeti.

You’ll stop for a picnic lunch part-way through the day before commencing your game drive.

This afternoon you will leave the Serengeti National Park and journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, past the Olduvai Gorge Monument before journeying across the rim of Ngorongoro Crater to your lodge for the night.

You’ll spend the night in a lodge that’s ideally located on Ngorongoro Crater rim. Alternatively, you can spend the night just outside Ngorongoro Crater, in the town of Karatu.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 3 hours (30 minutes to the crater and 2.5 hours to Tarangire after your safari)

This morning you will descend into the majestic Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari. After your safari, you will journey to your onward accommodation which is near your next safari destination – Tarangire National Park.

The gates to Ngorongoro Crater open at 6am. I’d recommend arriving at the gates as early as possible as this increases your chances of seeing Ngorongoro’s rare black rhinos, who can often be found together in the early morning. As the day goes on, they tend to disperse and hide.

You’ll then go on a full-day game drive within the crater. All of the Big Five can be seen here (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos) as well as hippos and flamingos on the crater’s large lake, Lake Magadi.

You’ll have a picnic lunch in the early afternoon at the crater’s designated picnic area, Ngoitokitok Picnic Area, which sits overlooking a hippo pool.

You’ll then continue your safari for an hour or so before exiting the crater.

It’s then a roughly 2.5 hour journey to your lodge for the evening which is just outside Tarangire National Park. You’re then ready for an early morning safari in Tarangire tomorrow.

A slight adjustment to this itinerary is spending the night in Karatu after your safari instead. Karatu is only 30 minutes outside the crater and has more budget accommodation options. If you are on a budget safari then this will be the preferred option as the lodges outside Tarangire are mid-range and luxury.

About Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is in fact the caldera of a collapsed ancient volcano which once stood taller than Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the world’s biggest caldera and there’s nowhere else like it on earth. The crater formed 2.5 million years ago when the volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself.

The vast plains on the crater floor provide a sanctuary for tens of thousands of animals. Herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests and gazelles like the open plains as they can easily see predators approaching.

The crater is home to the highest density of lions in the world.

Ngorongoro Crater can be visited year-round as due to the enclosed nature of the crater, animals don’t migrate out of it.

Tips for Visiting Ngorongoro Crater

When having lunch at the picnic site, be wary of black kites. These birds of prey have grown confident around humans and will frequently try to grab food out of your hands. You’ll therefore want to keep any food that you’re not currently eating covered and not wave any food around in your arms. I witnessed a black kite swoop down and snatch a woman’s sandwich right out of her hands!

Black kites aren’t the only bird you have to watch out for. I also saw a marabou stork sip someone’s champagne when they weren’t looking!

The crater floor is surprisingly windy so I’d recommend wrapping up in layers to keep warm and wear a hat if you have one. My ears ended up getting extremely cold and painful, even with a cap on.

Despite the iciness of the breeze, the sun still shines brightly and you can easily get sunburnt. Therefore you need to wear high-factor sunscreen and I’d recommend bringing the tube with you so you can reapply throughout the day.

I’d recommend spending the night outside or within Tarangire National Park which is a mere 2.5 hour drive from Ngorongoro Crater. Spending the night here ensures you’re able to get up bright and early tomorrow for a game drive within Tarangire.

It is worth noting however that Tarangire only houses mid-range and luxury accommodation options at present. Therefore if you are on a budget safari, you’re probably better spending the night in Karatu, the town just outside Ngorongoro Crater, and journeying to Tarangire for your safari tomorrow morning.

My Experience Visiting Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a truly magical safari destination. Even driving atop the crater rim provides an incredible experience as in the morning it is often shrouded by mist.

When you first lay eyes on the crater, I’m confident it will take your breath away, like it did with me. Towering crater walls surround the crater on all sides, providing you with a unique landscape to marvel at.

In terms of wildlife experiences, Ngorongoro Crater is the only place I’ve been to so far where I have seen a serval cat. Smaller than a cheetah, the serval is normally active at night and so seldom seen. I was lucky enough to see an entire family wandering through the open plains of the crater, on the hunt for rodents. They were successful and I watched them leap into the air and accurately land on their quarry before devouring them in a few hungry gulps.

I was also excited to see a golden jackal in Ngorongoro Crater. Despite what Scientists long believed, this canine is in fact a wolf and has since been renamed as the African golden wolf . The wolf found in Tanzania and Kenya is in fact a sub-species known as the Serengeti wolf. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see them.

I also saw lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, zebras, wildebeest and more.

You can watch my video on my experience in Ngorongoro Crater here .

Today you’ll go on a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, one of the best places in the world to see African elephants.

If you spent the night just outside Tarangire or within the park itself, you will rise early for a game drive starting at 6am, when the gates open.

If you spent the night in Karatu then you will depart from Karatu at around 7am in order to arrive in Tarangire National Park at around 10am.

You’ll then embark on a full-day game drive within the park, stopping for a picnic lunch at a scenic site, known as Matete Picnic Site, which overlooks the Tarangire River at lunchtime.

After lunch, you will gradually make your way through the park, back towards the northern entrance gate. You will then journey to Arusha which will take around 3 hours. You’ll spend the night in Arusha.

About Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is home to over 4,000 elephants. They can be seen in herds of up to 500 individuals at a time. This makes Tarangire one of the best places in the world to see African elephants in the wild.

As well as being a haven for elephants, Tarangire is also well known for its impressive baobab trees , some of which are 100 metres in size. Easily recognisable by their wide trunks, baobabs almost look like upside down trees, their small branches like roots in the air. Old baobab trees often have hollow trunks with gaping holes in them. The old baobabs of Tarangire were once used by poachers who would hide in the hollow trunks.

Tarangire National Park houses a number of migratory animals which means that the time of year that you visit can have a big impact on what you see. The best time to visit is during the long dry season between June and October as this is when you’ll see the large herds of migrating herbivores such as elephants, wildebeest and zebras.

Tips for Visiting Tarangire National Park

If you want to see Tarangire in all its glory then you’ll need to plan your visit to coincide with Tanzania’s long dry season, between June and October. Although you can still have a good experience at other times of the year, this is where you’ll see the highest density of animals and have the highest chances of seeing huge elephant herds.

As with all your safaris on this itinerary, remember to wear high-factor sunscreen and insect repellent. I also recommend bringing the tubes with you on your game drives so you can reapply when necessary.

You’ll spend the night in the bustling city of Arusha which is around a 3 hour drive from Tarangire. There are a vast number of accommodation options here, including hotels, lodges, Airbnbs and even some hostels.

My Experience Visiting Tarangire National Park

The first thing I noticed about Tarangire was how the scenery was so vastly different to other parks I had visited in Tanzania. The grass is long and baobab trees dot the landscape. It’s a very scenic park – great for photographs.

As soon as I entered the park gates, I was greeted with my first wildlife sighting. Wildebeests, zebras, warthogs, elands and banded mongooses were all out and about.

It didn’t take long until I had my first elephant sighting. A family of elephants were crossing the road up ahead, on route to a watering hole. I watched as the family drank from the pool and tossed water over their heads. Amongst the family was a small baby elephant who enjoyed rolling around in the water. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I watched it play!

I saw a number of other elephant families that day. I also saw giraffes, lions, baboons and many types of antelope including a pair of dik-diks.

You can watch my video on my experience in Tarangire here .

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 3 hours (around 1 hour from Arusha to the airport and around 2 hours from Zanzibar airport to your hotel)

Today you will leave mainland Tanzania and fly to the island of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches that are lapped upon by crystal clear waters. Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities here, as well as visiting the island’s capital of Stone Town.

You’ll journey from your hotel in Arusha to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport in order to fly to Zanzibar.

Arusha Airport is closest to the city, a mere 30 minute drive from the centre. Several flights depart from Arusha Airport to Zanzibar each day. They are typically 1.5 hours long and cost between $100 and $200 per person.

Kilimanjaro International Airport is 1 hour outside of Arusha. Again, there are a number of flights that depart for Zanzibar each day, each lasting around 1.5 hours in length and costing between $100 and $200 per person.

Some flights available stop in Dar Es Salaam before Zanzibar. Ensure that you book a direct flight as stopping can add a lot of time to your journey.

Flights are available throughout the day so exactly what time you depart is up to you. I’d recommend a flight around 10am so that you don’t have to wake up too early for your flight yet still have plenty of time to enjoy Zanzibar.

Once you arrive in Zanzibar, you will journey to your hotel for the evening.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the name given often to the largest island off the coast of Tanzania. In reality, Zanzibar is the name of the entire archipelago and the largest island is actually called Unguja. As Zanzibar has become so synonymous with the large island of Unguja, in this article when I talk about Zanzibar, I am talking about Unguja.

Zanzibar is perhaps most famous for its miles of white sandy beaches that are fringed by swaying palm trees. Many of its flagship beaches can be found on the east coast. Jambiani and Paje are considered some of the best beaches on the island.

The island’s capital city is Zanzibar and can be found on the island’s south west coast. Within Zanzibar city is a historical old town called Stone Town which is a must-visit for travellers who wish to learn more about Zanzibar’s heritage and culture. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting point of cultures.

You can enjoy a number of water-related activities on Zanzibar, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing and going on boat trips to nearby islands.

Tips for Visiting Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a predominantly muslim island so when in public spaces it’s respectful to dress modestly. Long trousers or skirts for women are acceptable as well as tops that cover the shoulders.

Remember to wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent!

You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Zanzibar. I’d recommend booking a beachfront hotel on the island’s east or north coast as this is where the nicest stretches of beach are.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): dependant on what activities you do

For the last few days of your Kenya and Tanzania itinerary, you will get to explore Zanzibar island at your own pace.

On your final day, you will fly home from Zanzibar.

Things to Do in Zanzibar

There are a number of things you can do in Zanzibar. Below are some of my favourites.

1. Go Snorkelling

The coasts of Zanzibar are fringed with beautiful coral reefs. One of the best spots for a snorkel is Nungwi Beach, in the very north of Zanzibar. The reef herer is a narrow strip and amongst all the corals you can often find starfish.

Other great locations to snorkel include Pingwe Beach, Paje Beach and Jambiani Beach on the east coast.

2. Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is the colourful hub of Zanzibar, characterised by old crumbling buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, rows of quaint shops and lively markets.

You can explore Stone Town as part of a city tour or simply wander the streets on your own.

There are a lot of monuments to look out for in Stone Town including the Old Fort, the oldest building in Zanzibar, on the seafront and Freddie Mercury’s house.

3. Go Scuba Diving

Mnemba Island atoll off Zanzibar’s east coast is a fantastic place to go scuba diving. Lionfish, moray eels, stingrays, dolphins and turtles are some of the many critters that you can expect to see here.

Spend the rest of your nights in a beachfront hotel on Zanzibar island.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are incredible destinations for a safari. Combining the two countries into one itinerary can provide a diverse safari experience, taking you to the very best of each of them.

If you have more time, consider a 10-day Kenya safari followed by a 10-day Tanzania safari as this will allow you to see even more of what the countries have to offer.

Read More East Africa Guides

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‍Embarking on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa? A Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary presents a myriad of possibilities. From the bustling city life of Nairobi to the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar, it’s a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Let’s delve into the perfect 2-week plan that encapsulates the best of these two majestic African nations.

Sojourn Begins: Nairobi, Kenya – 2 Days

Kick-off your exciting Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary in the heart of Kenya, the bustling city of Nairobi. This city may seem overwhelming to first-time African travelers but its vibrancy and energy are contagious.

From amazing Ethiopian cuisine to the renowned Kenyan ‘Dawa’ cocktail at the famous Carnivore restaurant, Nairobi offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Of course, don’t forget to explore the city’s various attractions , which are detailed in our in-depth Nairobi guide.

Dream Destination: Masai Mara, Kenya – 3 – 4 Days

Next on your Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary is the iconic Masai Mara. The Mara is an absolute must-visit for safari enthusiasts, offering unparalleled wildlife sightings, including the famed Big 5.

Accompanying the wildlife is the enriching cultural experience of spending time with the Maasai tribe. Additionally, the town of Sekenani nearby serves as a great spot for dinner after a day of exploration.

Cultural Hub: Arusha, Tanzania – 1 – 2 Days

Transitioning from Kenya to Tanzania, your first stop is Arusha. Known as the gateway to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater , Arusha also offers plenty of attractions in its own right.

From the city’s beautiful jacaranda-lined streets to its cozy cafes, Arusha is a great place to unwind and prepare for the safari adventures ahead. Check out our Arusha guide to plan your stay.

Wildlife Wonder: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – 2 Days

Your Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary would be incomplete without a visit to the Serengeti. This wildlife haven is best explored on an organized safari, where you’ll experience the thrill of spotting diverse animal species in their natural habitat.

Choose from a range of safari options depending on your budget . Our comprehensive guide can help you find the perfect Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater tour.

Marvelous Landscape: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – 1 Day

Next, head to the Ngorongoro Crater , an unmissable part of any Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary . The Crater’s stunning views are worth the trip alone, not to mention the rich wildlife you can spot in the early morning hours.

Cultural Immersion: Mto wa Mbu – 1 – 2 Days

Take a break from the safari and immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture at Mto wa Mbu. Located near Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, this bustling town offers market visits, cycling tours, and cooking lessons.

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Base: Moshi, Tanzania – 1 – 2 Days

Moshi, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro , is another gem on your Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary . Whether you’re planning a Kilimanjaro expedition or simply soaking in the beautiful surroundings, Moshi is a lovely place to relax and unwind.

Explore the region’s Maasai villages or simply chill at the Chemka Hot Springs , a popular picnic and swimming spot. Our Moshi guide provides a comprehensive list of activities.

Off the Beaten Path: Bagamoyo, Tanzania – 1 Day

Bagamoyo offers a glimpse into the less touristy side of Africa. This former major port of Tanzania is rich in history and culture, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern life.

Take a stroll around the town, admire the architecture, and don’t miss the sunrise at the beach. For a comfortable stay, consider Firefly, one of the best hostels in Bagamoyo.

Island Escape: Zanzibar, Tanzania – 4 – 5 Days

Conclude your Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary on the enchanting islands of Zanzibar . From the cultural melting pot of Stone Town to the pristine beaches of Paje, Zanzibar is a paradise for beach lovers and history buffs alike.

Savor fresh seafood, take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow, or go snorkeling around the Mnemba Atoll. Our comprehensive guides on Zanzibar’s attractions and Stone Town’s best sites offer more detailed insights.

Crossing Borders: Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania

To transition from Kenya to Tanzania, consider taking a bus from Nairobi to Arusha. For a more comfortable journey, opt for a shuttle bus service by companies like Impala and Riverside.

If you’re self-driving or on a tour, you can go from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti via the Isibania border. Alternatively, you could fly between the two countries, although this option is more expensive.

To expedite the visa process at the borders, consider applying for your Tanzania visa in advance online.

With this comprehensive Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary , you’re now equipped to plan an unforgettable African adventure. Enjoy the journey of a lifetime!

For more articles related to Things to Do in Tanzania (Zanzibar), click  here !

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Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Kenya and tanzania safari, a family-friendly itinerary guide.

A Completely detailed 12 Days Kenya And Tanzania Safari Itinerary Guide is Greatest Wildebeest Migration . This Kenya and Tanzania Safari captures the very best of Kenya and Tanzania and is the most likely route for observing the Great Wildebeest Migration.

This 12 Days Kenya And Tanzania Safari Itinerary guide encompasses the best of Kenya and Tanzania, as well as the most likely route for witnessing the Immense Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra over East Africa’s great plains. Admire the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the world’s highest free-standing extinct volcano, which was previously in Kenya but handed to the Kaiser by Queen Victoria because she already possessed Mt. Kenya! Explore the lush meadows of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater , the world’s largest caldera, with its entire rainbow of African species peacefully living in the crater’s bowl.

Explore Ngorongoro Crater, one of the World’s Natural Wonders, is home to both predators and prey.

Discover Amboseli’s natural splendor, with its famous huge tusked elephants and views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro.

Experience The Excitement of tracking Africa’s Big Five and seeing millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River during their annual migration

Enjoy Aerial game viewing as you fly between spots, maximizing your safari time at every turn.

Itinerary at the Glance: 12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Day 1: arrive in nairobi, kenya, day 2: nairobi / amboseli national park, day 3: amboseli national park, day 4: amboseli / lewa wildlife conservancy, day 5: lewa wildlife conservancy, day 6: lewa wildlife conservancy / masai mara, day 7: masai mara, day 8: masai mara, day 9: masai mara / arusha, tanzania, day 10: arusha / ngorongoro crater, day 11: ngorongoro crater area.

• Day 12: Ngorongoro / Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Karibu na Jambo! Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm Swahili welcome and transferred to your boutique hotel on Nairobi’s outskirts. Spend the rest of your day any way you like.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi

The first leg of your Kenya and Tanzania safari begins with a flight to Amboseli National Park . Meet your expert ranger for an afternoon wildlife drive after checking into your well-appointed tented camp. Capture panoramic images of some of Africa’s largest elephants as they amble through the meadows against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Finish the day with traditional sundowners while admiring vistas of Africa’s highest mountain shining in the twilight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation : Elewana Tortilis Camp

Rise with the dawn’s early light for your game drive; you might catch up with the big cats, who have been satiated by their night hunt. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, zebra, impala, and warthogs, as well as any of the 300 bird species. Unwind tonight and be enchanted by the magnificent blanket of stars.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation : Elewana Tortilis Camp

Fly to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the north. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch and an afternoon wildlife drive in search of the region’s unique animals, such as the Grevy zebra and reticulated giraffe.

Accommodation : Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the peaceful and beautiful environment. You might come across a cheetah snuggling with her cubs or a herd of gerenuk munching the bush. Before your afternoon game drive, relax poolside and enjoy the views of wildlife that may be around.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Your Kenya and Tanzania Safari continues when you fly to Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve, the Masai Mara . Your classic safari camp is positioned beside the Sand River, where millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate each year. Meet your expert rangers and embark on a game drive across the reserve’s tree-flecked grasslands, armed with your photographic gear. The herds of plains game, elephants, and a huge variety of other creatures and birds will astound you.

Accommodation: Elewana Sand River Masai Mara

Get up with the animals to go on a morning game drive. Keep an eye out for returning black-maned lions, leopards, and cheetahs following their nocturnal hunt. Explore the river bends where hippos and crocodiles congregate in their favorite feeding sites. We went on a second game drive this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Elewana Sand River Masai Mara

Spend the day participating in various game viewing activities. Perhaps take a hot air balloon trip to see the sunrise, or visit a typical Maasai farm to learn more about their cattle-based society. Gather around the campfire after dinner to share your favorite animal images with your safari mates.

Cross the border on a flight to Arusha, where you’ll be met and transferred to your lodge, a tranquil refuge nestled inside a vast coffee plantation. Allow yourself to unwind and explore at your leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

Explore the magnificent Lake Manyara, which has seasonal pink-hued flamingos dotting its shores and over 400 bird species. To fill up your photo album, your ranger will meticulously search out the park’s renowned tree-climbing Manyara lions and blue monkeys. Continue to your lovely lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater .

Accommodation: Elewana The Manor At Ngorongoro

Descend 2,000 feet to discover the vast crater floor of Ngorongoro. This one-of-a-kind environment, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , has remained largely untouched since the dawn of humanity. The crater is home to huge elephant herds, lion prides, jumping gazelles, and innumerable zebras and wildebeest. Take a look at the hippo pool’s funny antics. After dinner, marvel at the equatorial constellations as they light up the night sky.

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater Area – Departure

After a short flight to Arusha, you’ll have lunch and time to rest in a designated hotel day room before going to the airport for your next departure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

End of the 12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this Kenya and Tanzania Safari itinerary? Essential Trip Information provides, visa info, How to get to Tanzania the Best Time to visit – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Let’s Plan your 12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari itinerary  One of our Safari Experts will get back to you within 2 – 4-hours.

Inspirational Safaris in India & Africa

11 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania Safari

11 Days & 10 Nights

Daily Departure.

This Itinerary is 100% Customizable.

Cost Per Person

Standard: ₹ 350,000.00 Onwards

Luxury: ₹ 425,000.00 Onwards

*Above price is based on 4 Adults travelling together in low season (1st April till 30th June)

Embark on an 11-day safari, immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Kenya and Tanzania's finest National Parks. Begin your journey at Amboseli National Park, nestled on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and massive herds of African Elephants, Amboseli sets the stage for a spectacular safari experience. Crossing into Tanzania, encounter the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest intact caldera. This natural wonder shelters a breathtaking wildlife haven, making it a must-see destination.

Continue your expedition to the Great Serengeti, a home to the illustrious Big Five and the mesmerizing annual wildebeest migration. Experience the pulsating energy of the wildlife in action amidst the vast Serengeti plains. Your adventure then takes you to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Park, where the great migration unfolds between July and October. Track wild cats and witness other plains animals in dynamic displays within the expansive savannah grasslands of the Mara.

Conclude your safari by marveling at the spectacle of millions of flamingoes in Lake Nakuru, alongside encounters with rhinos and various other game animals. As your journey comes to an end, you'll return to Nairobi, captivated by the diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Discover more Tanzania Safari Packages .

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in nairobi - amboseli national park.

Upon your arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, The Earth Safari representatives will warmly welcome you. Expect a detailed briefing about your safari, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure. After the briefing, embark on your journey to Amboseli, celebrated for its vast elephant herds at the base of the majestic Kilimanjaro. The afternoon game drive promises an immersive experience, offering close encounters with not only elephants but also giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this captivating landscape.

Overnight at the Lodge Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Amboseli National Park

Dedicate a full day to exploring the wonders of Amboseli National Park. Beyond the iconic elephants, the park is a haven for diverse wildlife. Traverse the natural ecosystem, capturing the scenic landscapes through photography. The day presents an opportunity for an even deeper connection with the environment, with optional cultural visits to Maasai villages, offering insights into traditional lifestyles at an additional cost.

Overnight at the Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Amboseli - Ngorongoro Crater

After a satisfying breakfast at the lodge, embark on a journey to the Namanga border with picnic lunch boxes in tow. Clear customs and immigration formalities, crossing into Tanzania to join your local driver. The road to the famous Ngorongoro Crater leads through Arusha. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest intact crater on Earth, beckons with its unique physical protection and pristine wilderness. Upon arrival at the Crater rim lodge, indulge in a late lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Explore the surrounding areas on walking safaris, absorbing the breathtaking views and uncovering the lodge's facilities.

Ngorongoro Crater

Embark on an early morning adventure after breakfast, checking out of the lodge with packed picnic lunch. Descend to the crater floor for a day filled with encounters with the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard) and numerous plains game. The crater, with its famous picnic spots, invites you to savor lunch surrounded by the unique landscape. As the day unfolds, relish the awe-inspiring views of the crater floor from your strategically perched lodge on the rim.

Ngorongoro - Serengeti National Park

With an early start, leave Ngorongoro for the vastness of the Great Serengeti. Home to the Big Five and countless plains game, the Serengeti promises an exhilarating day of game viewing with a packed lunch in tow. As the sun sets, transfer to the lodge for rest, dinner, and overnight. The Serengeti offers sightings of not only the Big Five but also cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and an array of birdlife.

Serengeti National Park

Delve deeper into the wonders of the Great Serengeti with a full day of game drives. The park's vast plains provide a canvas for Africa's Big Five and a myriad of other species. As evening descends, return to the lodge for leisure time and a delectable dinner, recounting the day's wildlife encounters.

Serengeti - Masai Mara National Park

After a hearty breakfast, check out with a packed picnic lunch for a scenic journey to Masai Mara via the Isibania Border. Engage in game drives en route, soaking in the diverse landscapes. Complete immigration formalities before entering the renowned Maasai Mara Reserve. Arrive at your lodge for check-in, a late lunch, and an afternoon game drive, offering glimpses of the Big Five and the richness of the Mara's plains. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

Masai Mara National Park

Spend a full day exploring the extensive and beautiful Mara reserve, with a focus on spotting the Big Five. Enjoy multiple game drives, each revealing a new facet of the park's vibrant ecosystem. The Masai Mara is famous for its large population of lions, cheetahs, and wildebeests during the Great Migration. Optional activities include visits to Maasai villages, walking safaris, or the enchanting experience of a hot air balloon safari.

Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru National Park

After a sumptuous breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru, traveling via Naivasha. Lake Nakuru National Park, an alkaline Rift Valley lake, is renowned as a fantastic bird sanctuary, with its shores often adorned by over one million flamingos. Enjoy lunch and an evening game drive, immersing yourself in the diverse birdlife and other wildlife.

Lake Nakuru - Nairobi

Commence the day with a thrilling game drive in Lake Nakuru, absorbing the final moments of wildlife wonders. After a sumptuous breakfast, bid adieu to the park, leaving behind the memories of diverse birdlife and captivating wildlife. Your journey takes you back to Nairobi, traversing scenic landscapes. Upon reaching the city, you'll be transferred to your hotel for some leisure time.

The evening unfolds at your own pace, allowing for reflection on the incredible experiences of the safari.

Overnight at the Lodge Meals: Breakfast

As your safari comes to an end, savor a final breakfast before checking out. Be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight to your next destination, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Safari

• All park entrance fees and game drives
• Full board accommodation as specified
• Nairobi hotel on breakfast basis.
• All airport transfers
• Visit to Olduvai Gorge
• Services of a professional English-speaking tour driver/guide
• Drinking water during the safari
• Transport in a Private Safari Minivan in Kenya and 4X4 Land Cruiser in Tanzania with pop up roof for game viewing and photography
• Applicable government taxes
• International flight fees and departure taxes
• Extras at the lodges or tented camps i.e. beverages and drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
• Visa Fees in Kenya and Tanzania
• Personal travel insurance
• Any other item not included in itinerary

Important Notes

• Above price is based on 4 Adults travelling together.
• Above price is based on low season (1st April to 31st May, excluding Easter period)

Tanzania boasts a diverse and captivating climate that caters to a wide range of travel experiences throughout the year. Located near the equator, this East African nation offers a tropical coastal climate along its Indian Ocean shores, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). The coastal regions, including the popular destinations of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, are perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, with warm waters and abundant sunshine. As you move inland, the climate transitions to a more temperate one, ideal for wildlife safaris in world-renowned national parks like the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The dry season from June to October is the prime time for Tanzania safari adventures when wildlife congregates around water sources, making for exceptional game viewing. However, the wet season from November to May offers a lush and verdant landscape, making it an excellent time for birdwatching and experiencing Tanzania's vibrant cultural festivals. Whether you seek sun-soaked beaches, thrilling safaris, or a taste of local culture, Tanzania's climate ensures there's a perfect time to explore this enchanting country.

What To Pack

• Safari Hats
• Clothing in neutral colors
• A Safari Jacket
• Comfortable Safari Shoes
• Sun block Lotion
• Sun Glasses 
• Cameras, Lenses, Memory Cards, Batteries and Lens Cleaner
• Small Bean Bag 
• Plug Adaptors
• Prescribed Medicines
• Passport 
• Guide Books
• Your Itinerary

Recommend Extensions & Excursions

• Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara or Serengeti
• Masai Village cultural visit in Masai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli or Ngorongoro
• Half Day sightseeing tour in Nairobi
• Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi
• Beach Holiday in Mombasa or Zanzibar

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The Perfect 2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary

Planning your Kenya & Tanzania itinerary can be a little daunting, especially if you are short on time, as there are so many places you could include.

I’m often asked which is better for safari, Kenya or Tanzania? In  this post , I weigh both countries up! But if you have the time, why not visit both? Between them, they pretty much have everything you could want from an African adventure and a lot of people want to see both countries… in a two-week vacation.

Kenya and Tanzania are both big countries and the distances between some of the main destinations are vast. To cover all of the main highlights in both Kenya and Tanzania, I’d say you need at least 4 weeks in total. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go to both if you only have a couple of weeks. You’ll just have to pick and choose the places you go and flying between destinations will also save you some time.

For a 2-week trip, I’d suggest that you start your Kenya & Tanzania trip in Nairobi, working your way down to Zanzibar. I like to leave Zanzibar for last as it’s beautiful and a great place to relax at the end of your trip!

However, if you have longer, or you just want to stick with 1 country, take a look at my individual  Kenya  &  Tanzania  itinerary posts, as they go into much more detail! 

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary

My perfect 2-week Kenya and Tanzania itinerary would go something like this (and this is the route we follow on the  Rock My Kenya & Tanzania Adventure ):

• Nairobi, Kenya:  2 Days
• Masai Mara, Kenya:  3 – 4 Days
• Serengeti, Tanzania:  2 Days
• Ngorongoro Crater:  1 Day
• Mto wa Mbu:  1 – 2 Days
• Moshi:  1 – 2 Days
• Bagamoyo, Tanzania:  1  Day
• Stone Town, Zanzibar:  2 Days
• Paje, Zanzibar:  2 – 3 Days

If you are travelling by public transport, you will need to go back through Nairobi and Arusha, so your itinerary could look like this:

• Arusha:  1 – 2 Days

There are so many amazing places to visit and things to do in Kenya and Tanzania! You’re going to love them!

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi may seem a bit intimidating for a first-timer to Africa, but it’s actually a great city. To be honest, the first time I visited I wasn’t that impressed. I was passing through on an overland tour and it just seemed crowded, busy and congested.

It’s still all of those things, but it is also vibrant, exciting and full of adventure, I just didn’t see it. Nairobi is one of the most hectic of all the African cities I’ve been to (Kampala and Dar es Salaam are up there too), so if you can handle this, the rest of the continent will be a breeze! Just be patient and try and relax into it.

You can either head straight out of Nairobi and come back later or spend a few days there first before you go on safari. Nairobi also has some amazing restaurants and is known for having excellent Ethiopian food (try Habesha or Abyssinia) and nyama choma (grilled meat – usually goat).

One of the most famous places to get your meat fix is Carnivore and if you go, try the signature Kenyan ‘Dawa’ cocktail. I’ll leave it there as I’ve written a very comprehensive guide on  the best things to do in Nairobi here .

Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara is the safari destination that dreams are made of, so I would highly recommend that you include it in your Kenya & Tanzania itinerary.

With pretty much every animal you could wish to see on an African safari, including the Big 5. You can even take a balloon ride and see it all from above, especially cool if you time it when the Great Migration is passing through – this varies slightly from year to year.

But it’s not all about safari. Just outside the Masai Mara is the town of Sekenani, where you can find some cool places for dinner. I would also recommend spending some time with the Maasai tribe.

Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is the gateway for the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, but it’s also a great place in itself to regroup before carrying on with your adventures. There are lots of great  things to do in Arusha  and nearby.

It’s pretty easy to get around and about as laid back as an African city can get, plus there are lots of nice cafes where you can get a good piece of cake and a decent cup of tea or coffee. It’s pretty too, with purple jacaranda trees lining many of the roads at certain times of the year.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

If you only have a short time, you can do a 2-night, 3-day safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This is a short trip and involves quite a bit of driving, but you will still see a lot!Where you stay will depend on your safari operator. Some will use the basic camping within the park and others will be super luxurious tented camps or lodges. The prices can vary wildly from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand for a 2 – 3 day safari. I would suggest going on an organised safari, rather than self-driving (or hitchhiking as I saw one person trying to do).

You’ll get a lot more out of it if you do. Have a read of  this post , which explains how to find a Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater tour to suit your budget.

Want to experience the Serengeti as I do? Then you can always join one of  my awesome Rock My Adventure group tours ! 😉

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

You can combine your trip to the Serengeti with a Ngorongoro Crater safari. It’s on the way, so it would be a massive shame not to see it and it is stunning, so the views alone make it worth it.

Make sure you start early to catch the animals being active in the morning!

Mto wa Mbu is a bustling town, close to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks and I’d highly recommend adding it to your Kenya & Tanzania itinerary, even if only for a night.

Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions, whilst Tarangire is a beautiful park famous for elephants. Mto wa Mbu is also a great place to chill post-safari or to experience local Tanzanian life, as there are lots of cool activities to do there, such as market visits, cycling tours and cooking lessons.

Moshi, Tanzania

Moshi usually serves as the starting point for any Kilimanjaro expedition and is a great place to spend a couple of days before and after your climb and there are  loads of cool things to do in Moshi . It’s a lovely town, a bit less hectic than Arusha and with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop, it’s beautiful too.

There are plenty of great day trips to take from Moshi (you can also do these from Arusha too, but they’re a bit closer to Moshi), including a trip to Materuni village for a coffee tour and see the Materuni Waterfalls (one of my favourite places in Tanzania)and experience the hospitality of the Chagga people.

Another favourite of mine is the Chemka Hot Springs (also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs) a popular picnic and swimming spot for both locals and tourists. This is a great place to spend an afternoon.

You’ll also be able to visit Maasai villages in the region between Moshi and Arusha.

Bagamoyo, Tanzania

If you’re looking to see a bit of the less touristy, off the beaten track Africa, then I definitely recommend heading to Bagamoyo.

Bagamoyo is full of history, as it was once the major port of Tanzania and played an important role in the slave trade. Bagamoyo also has a specialist arts college, so it’s a really cool place with a lot going on. There’s a chilled-out hippy vibe and lots of Rastafarians, however most people still live very traditionally and it is, above all else a fishing town.

Be sure to take a trip to the beach in the morning to watch the sunrise and see the fishermen bring in their catch, walk around the town admiring the (crumbling) architecture and shopping at the Bagamoyo Art Market. I recommend the food at Corner Bar or Poa Poa.

One of my favourite hostels in Tanzania is  Firefly  in Bagamoyo. This is a cute place, perfectly situated in the main part of town, near the beach and close to Poa Poa restaurant. Tourism is slowly coming to Bagamoyo, so go sooner rather than later.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Finish your Kenya & Tanzania itinerary on the  magical island of Zanzibar .

Actually, ‘Zanzibar’ is made up of lots and lots of islands, but the most famous one, which people usually mean when they refer to Zanzibar is Unguja. The capital of Unguja is Zanzibar City, and the most famous section of Zanzibar City is called Stone Town.

Stone Town is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating places in the world, a true melting pot of cultures. Spend time getting lost, taking a tour with my pal Farid, watching the local boys doing acrobatics on the beach and eating delicious foods (like a Zanzibar Pizza above) at Forodhani Gardens, or take a day trip to Prison Island or on the famous, Safari Blue boat.

If you only have 2 weeks for your Kenya & Tanzania itinerary, it will be difficult to get two Zanzibar beach destinations into your itinerary, so if I were to choose just one, I’d probably go to Paje as it’s pretty but lively.

Paje, famous for windsurfing and white sandy beaches. There’s plenty of good nightlife to be had too. From here, you’re in a good place to get to  the Rock Zanzibar , as well as Jambiani, another beautiful village and beach.

But if you have time, I would definitely try and squeeze in Nungwi or Kendwa. These are two of Zanzibar’s loveliest beaches, up in the far north of Zanzibar. Whichever you go to, you will have a great time and the party tends to move around, with various bars holding the main party on different nights of the week. Saturdays at Kendwa Rocks are legendary.

Whilst you’re there, try the delicious fresh seafood and if you like being on the water, you can go snorkelling or diving around the Mnemba Atoll or take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.

I’ll leave it there as I’ve written a very comprehensive guide on  the best things to do in Zanzibar  and the  best things to do in Stone Town .

How to Travel from Kenya to Tanzania

The cheapest and most popular way to cross from Kenya into Tanzania overland is to get a bus to go from Nairobi to Arusha.

However, if you want comfort, I suggest getting a shuttle bus which takes around 6 or 7 hours. The Impala and Riverside Shuttle companies are the most popular. These cost around $15 – 20 and can be organised by most hotels, tour companies, travel agents or directly at their offices.

If you are self-driving or on a tour, you can go from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti, via the Isibania border on the west side of the parks, without having to go back via Nairobi and Arusha.

Unfortunately, you can’t go straight from one park to the other – which would be super convenient (despite how it appears on Google Maps – there is no border control inside the parks)!

Alternatively, you could fly between the two. Flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport are relatively frequent and take less than an hour, but again, expensive compared to buses.

To save time at the borders, you can apply for your  Tanzania visa  in advance online through the link here, as the queues for visas can be long, especially at the airports! I’ve spent many hours queueing in both Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports and it’s a pain – especially if you’re last off the plane. But if you have your visa already, you’ll sail straight through!

I hope this Kenya & Tanzania itinerary helps you plan a fantastic trip!

Other Kenya & Tanzania posts you might enjoy…

• 25 Awesome Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya
• A Little Guide to Lamu Island in Kenya
• Planning a Trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya – Everything You Need to Know
• Kenya vs Tanzania – Which is the Best Country to Visit?
• How To Get Visas for Kenya & Entry Requirements Explained
• 22 Awesome Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania
• 24 Fun Things To Do in Moshi, Tanzania
• How to Find a Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari (to suit your budget)
• How to Get Around Tanzania By Public Transport
• Climbing Kilimanjaro: How to Prepare & My Tips for Reaching the Top
• Backpacking Zanzibar on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know
• The Best Things To Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
• The Ultimate Tanzania Itinerary (Plus Things To See & Do)

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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104 Comments

From one Helen to another, thanks for including a link to my post about Ras Nungwi. 🙂 I love, love, LOVE Zanzibar. If it wasn’t for the mosquitoes, heat and humidity, I would’ve stayed much longer. It’s my favourite travel destination in the world.

Thank you Helen! I love your posts on Africa and your photography is amazing!

You were there when I was weren’t you? It was so hot! I’ve been there 4 times and that was the hottest yet!

Happy travels! x

I’m not sure if we were there at the same time but, yes, it was hot as hell. I’m Canadian, so it was overwhelming for me.

Aw, thank you. I’m not sure if we were there at the same time but, yes, it was hot as hell. I’m Canadian, so it was overwhelming for me, haha.

Hello I want to plan for Kenya Tanzania trip. ±919422322264 Could you help me. [email protected]

Hi Bhaveen,

Have a read through my blog and I hope it helps you.

I can’t plan individual trips I’m afraid, but if you have any questions, I can try to answer

Great itinerary! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!!! 🙂

Great post! Tanzania and Kenya is still on my bucket list and you just gave me several reasons to go tehere asap.

Thanks Linda! Hope you get to go real soon! 🙂

I really need to go back to that region at some point. There’s still so much of Kenya that I haven’t seen and I’ve heard so many great things about Tanzania from friends who have been. But I also just really miss the East African culture and its beautiful people. Maybe I can use this post as a reference for what to do on my next potential trip to East Africa 🙂

Tanzania is amazing. It’s very similar to Kenya to be fair but has it’s own special flavour too! 🙂 You’d love it. x

I visited Tanzania probably 8 years ago now, I flew into Dar Es Salaam, then headed to Selous Game Reserve, then onto Zanzibar. It was my first experience of Africa, and on a safari, and I would definately visit again – I think I just haven’t researched it alot in terms of independent travelling.

It’s hard to see everywhere when you’re on a limited time frame. I’ve spent a few months there and still not seen it all! Excuse to go back! 🙂 x

Hi Helen. Great post, Thanks for your lovely experience you shared with us thru this post :). Surely, visit there within future.

Your blogs are a great source of information especially now when I am planning a trip to Tanzania. I and my husband are planning a trip for just a week during Christmas. We mainly plan to focus on wildlife and beaches and hence the obvious choice of Serengeti with Ngorongoro and Zanzibar. But to my disappointment, the safaris are too expensive. Can you please suggest a possible itinerary for us, if not Serengeti, can we look at other less popular reserves but with good viewing instead of Serengeti. We would be bagpacking and not looking for luxury stays and okay sharing safaris too. Our budget is maximum 200dollar pp for upto 3 days of safari and rest 3 days we would like to keep for Zanzibar.

Please guide us. Thanks, Chayanika

Hi Chayanika, thanks for reading!

The best thing for you to do, would be to get quotes from lots of different companies. You may find a few that will do a day trip for you which may be within our price range. A good place to start is https://www.safaribookings.com/ . I did a search in Tanzania for you for 1 – 3 days and under £200 and it brought up a few. https://www.safaribookings.com/tours/tanzania#min_no_of_days=0,max_no_of_days=2,min_price=0,max_price=200 and then I searched for up to £300 per person and it brought up more https://www.safaribookings.com/tours/tanzania#min_no_of_days=0,max_no_of_days=3,min_price=0,max_price=300

Unfortunately, safaris tend to be pretty pricey! But you can try and negotiate and see where you can join a group trip – but it’s a case of asking the relative companies to see who has booked what.

Alternatively, you could try and book when you are there – that way they’ll probably know who is going on the safari due to the short notice. There will also be lots of local companies that don’t have a web presence yet!

Hope you find what you are looking for!

Hi Helen, really amazed to see such beautiful and informative blog! I am 30 plus male, doctor by profession and traveller by passion, from India. Planning a solo trip to Kenya and Tanzania covering Nairobi (entry point), naivasha, aberdare, masaimara, ngorongoro, Serengeti and mt Kilimanjaro (not climb). What can be a preferable route plan for a budget solo traveller? Also for the visa issues, if I obtain a single entry tourist visa for Kenya, do I need to obtain prior visa for Tanzania entry (I am willing to travel from Nairobi to arusha by shuttle bus)? Also, if both my inward and outward flights are from Nairobi then do I need to obtain a multiple entry visa for Kenya as I have to come back to Nairobi from arusha by the same route in that case it do I get my return flights from kili airport itself? Thanks in advance…happy travelling ?

And by the way, I can spend maximum of 10-11 days in my whole trip (excluding my international flight durations)

Hi Mansij, In terms of an itinerary, probably the easiest thing to do is to contact some companies and see if they have any joining safaris that go to the places you want to go. Some camps will do games drives and you could make your own way there and then organise safaris etc when you are there, but might be easier to join a safari that takes you place to place.

There may be some that do Kenya and Tanzania, but if not, head to Arusha where you can easily get to Kilimanjaro and also take a safari into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Yes I would think you would need a multi-entry visa for Kenya as you don’t want to have to pay the full price twice. However you should check with your local Kenyan embassy. You can usually get Tanzania visa at the border – I could, but I am a British citizen, so it may be different for an Indian passport holder. If you are just transiting through Kenya on a flight from Kili, then you probably don’t need a double entry visa! But I’m not 100% sure.

Thank you again…actually I have dropped the idea of visiting both the countries at a single go due to time and budget constraints…so thinking of doing only Kenya this time visiting nairobi-masaimara-lake naivasha-lake nakuru-amboseli-hell’s gate and if possible aberdare as well…preferring mara Explorers as per your suggestions but unfortunately not being able to contact them since last 2 days…lets see how things go

Have you emailed them? I’m sure they will come back to you soon!

Wow! What an amazing experience that you shared with us! Would love to visit both of Kenya and Tanzania one day! Thank you for sharing!

This is so so useful Helen! Me and my husband are planning a shirt trip to Kenya. Just about 6-8 days, we will be starting and ending in Nairobi, the safari is definitely on our itinerary, after your blog post I’ve thankfully gotten some cheap options to stay etc. Because we aren’t looking to spend more than 500$ per person for the week hopefully. Any suggestions beyond your blog on things we should do is definitely welcome! 🙂 Thanks once again.

$500 per person might be tight for 6 – 8 days if you are including a safari and other activities. Will you be using public transport? There’s tons of things to do but it would take me ages to list them all! Do you have an itinerary?

Yeah I am figuring that it is probably too tight. Will stretch it a little since doesn’t seem to be another option. I checked out the Mara Explorers site, do you think if I booked the car separately and not the package it would work cheaper? They had a lot of other interesting community activities that I would like to do as well.

I currently don’t have an itinerary, am creating one. I have a conference in Nairobi for 5 days, so my husband and I are making an itinerary of his time in Nairobi for 5 days. Then we have a week together where we’d love to do a 2N/3D safari, ad a couple of other community activities as well, and probably spend the last 1-3 days together in Nairobi.

I’m not sure. Do you mean that you would book your own transport to the Mara and then did a game drive whilst there? To be honest, I’m not sure, you’d need to cost both options up I guess. You could contact them to ask how much it would be for game drives only. Yes they have some great community projects that I definitely recommend!

Hi, loved the post. I am looking at travelling for 3-4 weeks in March and having trouble deciding where to go! Also wondering if due to the weather some options may be better than others? I need to end up in Malawi and am interested in South or East Africa. Any recommendations? Love the outdoors, independent travel but also meeting others, and will hopefully squeeze a safari into the budget at some point…just!

The best thing to do would be to look up the rainy seasons in each place and then avoid them.

March is ok in Kenya. But isn’t the best time for a lot of the other countries, but it would still be ok.

South Africa in March is like Autumn so should also be nice.

This website has some good info on what the weather is like per month. https://www.safaribookings.com/kenya/best-time

All my favourite places are in this post: https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/2015/04/my-favourite-places-in-africa/ – might give you some good ideas! 🙂

I agree to Helen, you have to look at the weather first. Rainy season is probably not what you expect from a holiday (yes if you are an adventures travel ;-)) If you are looking for a classic Africa experience, You will find some of continent’s iconic landscapes in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro & the Spice Island Beckon are my favourites.

…Elise tell us at the end, how it worked out! (or was it already to late 😉 for my information)

Thanks both of you for the tips. Still a few months away so I’ll have to let you know how it goes!

In March the Wildebeest Migration will usually pass through the Southern Serengeti, so might be a good idea to go there 🙂

wonderful pictures Helen, brings back memories! thanks for sharing.

Hi Helen. I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your journeys in Africa. Hubby and I are going to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya for six weeks from mid January next year. We will have 4 full days in Zanzibar, arriving 1am on a Tuesday and flying out mid morning on the Saturday. Do you think two days in Stone Town to start and two days up north would be the best way to go? Do you know how long it would take to drive from the north of the island back to the airport? Thanks for your help!

Thanks Judith! 🙂

Yes, I think 2 days in each place is good. I love Stone Town, so could easily spend 2 days there. If you’re more of a beachy person, you might want to spend 3 days there, but there are loads of day trips from Stone Town too, so my preference would be 2 days in each!

I think it’s about an hour and a half back to the airport from Nungwi/Kendwa.

Have an amazing trip! 🙂

Hi! I’m going to Dar Es Salaam to work in a hospital for several weeks, but I would like extend my stay to travel to other places in Tanzania and possibly Kenya. The thing is, I will be a 21 year old woman travelling alone.. Is that a smart decision or will I be putting myself in danger? Have you ever felt unsafe during your trip?

I have travelled alone in both Kenya and Tanzania and been fine. As long as you keep your wits about you, you should be fine. Have a read of my top Africa Travel Tips for some more info!

Enjoy your trip!!!

I so so much loved my stay in Stone Town! It is such a beautiful and generous place with the perfect weather and some kick-ass architecture.

Thanks so much for your suggestion and sharing the experiences. My friends and I from Bangkok, Thailand, are planning to visit Tanzania this year during the migration period. I will come to digest on all these information again soon.

Do you think this five week schedule would be doable for a 60 year old with her 18 year old twins? Would I get enough downtime?

60 year old

Love your blog, thanks for all the great information you’ve shared here! My wife and I just spontaneously booked roundtrip flights to Nairobi for a two week trip. Was wondering how much we could do without squeezing too much in. Definitely want to see Serengeti and Zanzibar. If we could fit them in, Mombasa, Ambsoseli, and Masai Mara would be really cool too. Is that too much? We are on a budget so we’re taking that into consideration as well.

Hi Helen, I love the details you’ve provided. I would love to do something along these lines in June this year. How long would you recommend to get through your main suggestions? I’m hoping 4 weeks will be enough, but I don’t like to rush.

4 weeks probably would be a rush to do everything. But you could definitely get to most places. If you did two weeks in each country, I would say:

Kenya – Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mombasa, Kilifi and maybe Diani.

Tanzania – Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (I also love Bagamoyo).

I’m doing back to back Kenya and Tanzania trips in August this year… if you are interested? 🙂

Hi helen,my name leonard saina and work as a guide in maasai mara kenia,i would realy like to meet u.

Helen,this are ma number 0700616749 thanks.

Helen this is a super informative and fun post, being Kenyan I really enjoyed reading 🙂

Im Kenyan and took my family to Mombasa over the Easter holiday. Ive never gotten used to the hot air in Mombasa and was gulping water like a camel. I wonder how people wear suits in that town.

Masai Mara is OK though (for me) you get used to it after going there a couple of times (probably during the migration things are a bit more exciting)

Great post either way

Hey Gerald, yes it is hot in Mombasa, but a lot wear suits. I don’t know how they do it!!

I love the Mara, migration time or not – to me it’s always exciting! 🙂

Really great blog!!! Your info is amazing thank you! My partner & I are heading to Malawi, Tanzania & Kenya for 7 weeks in June, July & August. Is that manageable? How many weeks is your Kenya/ Tanzania route for? I know it’s peak season should we be booking accommodation prior to our trip? Your info is invaluable! Still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the though of independent travel & overland connections in Africa!

Thank you!!!

I think that’s manageable definitely! My Kenya and Tanzania route could work over 5 weeks.

I would book accommodation in advance where possible, but you will be able to find accommodation as you go if you don’t, usually, unless there’s an event on. I’m really fussy about where I stay, so I usually book in advance where possible.

Try not to feel overwhelmed – it will make so much more sense when you are there. I am currently planning an independent trip to a country I’ve not been to, and I feel your pain! 🙂 Have a look at these two posts, they may help! https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/2017/04/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-africa/ and https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/africa-travel-resources/

Hope it helps!!!

Your website is amazing! You have inspired me to plan my first trip to Africa. I have signed up for a tour in Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania and ending in Zanzibar. (Yours was full!!)

I’m sure you have 1 million questions… My only question is where should I go after Zanzibar for about two weeks to chill and be around other travelers?

Wow loni, that’s awesome! Sorry my tour was full though! 🙂

After Zanzibar, maybe he’d to Malawi! Get the Tazara train to and then make your way down to Lake Malawi, maybe ending in either Blantyre or Lilongwe. From Lilongwe you can even pop over to South Luangwa National Park. When are you going???

I can’t believe you answered! This made my day! Thank you so much for the advice. I am finishing in Zanzibar on July 31st. I have the opportunity on the tour I am taking to extend for another 12 days and go down to Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and some other places. I just don’t want to be on a tour for 40+ days. I want to have a little adventure of my own, but of course I am a little scared. I have about 2 weeks and really want to have some sort of a plan and a a least a departing flight.

I would maybe suggest, getting the ferry/plane to Dar es Salaam, getting Tazara train to Mbeya, and then working your way down through Malawi! And maybe go down into Malawi or across to South Luangwa. Or you could stay on the train and go across to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. Then go Lusaka, Livingstone!

So many possibilities!

Don’t be scared! It will be amazing! 🙂

Amazing advice! My only concern is that I did some research on the train and it says it is insanely unrealiable and sometimes a day late! Lol

It is very unreliable! 🙂 But you can also take the bus! The train is an experience though!

Hey, thanks so much for your blog, it’s great! I’m planning a trip to Tanzania in a few weeks and keen to summit Mount Meru. Do you have any particular companies that you would recommend? I’m finding it difficult to know which reviews to trust online and which companies might charge crazy amounts in total for tips etc. Any advice would be really appreciated – thank you 🙂

We’re planning an East Africa trip this summer and taking a ton of advice from this awesome blog (even doing the Tazara Train thanks to your suggestion). I’ve been reading about the Zanzibar ferry being really bad for seasickness but I’m wondering whether you know if this is only in bad weather. We’re not a strict schedule, so we could always wait for a clear day. Would it be smooth in this case, or is it pretty unpredictable? I do get motion sick and I’m trying to decide whether to alter that part of the itinerary…Any advice you have would be so appreciated!

I sometimes get seasick, but I haven’t been ill on the Zanzibar ferry. It is apparently worse on the way back to Dar from Stone Town, due to the wind, but I have done that journey 4 times and been fine. The weather has generally be fine though.

To stop seasickness, I always sit outside at the front of the boat, with the wind n my face – usually helps. And I make sure I’ve eaten and drink lots of water.

You can fly though and it’s only 15 minutes or so!

Hope that helps!

Very much, thank you!

Hi Helen, thanks for the awesome post. You are such an adventurer. I would be flying from Nigeria to Nairobi on the 6th of June and planning to end in Paje,Zanzibar by road, are you saying Nairobi to Paje will take me two days? Also,can you recommend any reliable and cheap bus company,as I am on a budget. Thank You.

By road it will take you 3 days to get to Paje,unless you travel at night which I don’t recommend. Nairobi to Arusha/Moshi (7 hours, stay overnight), Moshi to Dar (11/12 hours), stay overnight then ferry to Zanzibar.

There are a number of companies listed here that you can try! https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/africa-travel-resources/ – hope that helps!

Hi Helen,thanks for the awesome post. You are such an adventurer. I would be flying from Nigeria to Nairobi on the 6th of June and planning to end in Paje,Zanzibar by road, are you saying Nairobi to Paje will take me two days? Also,can you recommend any reliable and cheap bus company,as I am on a budget. And how long from Paje to kendwa rocks, hoping to go for the full moon party on the 10th of June. Thank You.

Thank you so much for this website! We are traveling in Tanzania next month, and thanks to your blog we are considering a stop in the Usambara mountains to do some hiking either from Moshi or from Dar. But our guidebook makes the bus ride between Moshi and the Usambaras, as well as Dar and the Usambaras, sound really dangerous. Do you have a bus company that you would recommend as the safest either from Moshi or Dar to the mountains? Or is there some alternative like a shuttle? Any advice you have would be much appreciated!

Hi Jessamyn,

The journey is more uncomfortable, long and crappy than dangerous I’d say, but accidents can obviously happen. Maybe contact my friends at Shemeji Tours and Travel and they can help you arrange everything! 🙂

Glad to see that the Dhow Palace is still going strong. I used to stay there when I was working in Dar es Salaam. I think the Usambara Mountains are probably my favourite spot in Tanzania although it’s a truly amazing country. I’d love to go back and see what has and hasn’t changed in the last 13 years.

I was fortunate enough to visit Kenya and Tanzania last year for 10 days, and got to go back to Nairobi earlier this year. Your photos and stories totally make me want to go back again!

You are spot on that Nairobi can seem overwhelming, intimidating, dirty and crowded to the first time visitor…but I learned to love it and to appreciate its beauty and its people. We also were able to visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire NP. Beautiful trip, and I can’t wait to go back!

Hi Helen! I am planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania, and I am using this blog post as inspiration. I am having struggles with finding some transport help online though. I really want to visit Kilifi, but it doesn’t seem that easy to get to from Mombasa; how could I get there via bus? Taxis seem far too expensive. And are there buses going from Mombasa to Arusha? Because I cannot seem to find anything online and I am trying to avoid having to go all the way back to Nairobi. Thank you! Love the blogs!

Yes there are mini buses (matatus) that go from Mombasa to Kilifi. It’s easiest to find a bus when there, you pick them up on the street – I’m sure your accommodation can help. Taxis are about $30 – $40.

There is one bus that goes to Arusha that I know of and it’s with Tahmeed – I took it a few months ago. They have an office in town.

Enjoy your trip!

Great post here. I love every little bit of information that you have given here because it is true. Kenya is my home, and I look forward to driving to Tanzania soon, and I will refer to this post again. Nice pictures too!

Your blog is awesome. Thank you for all the information you share with us. I have some questions regarding Kenya. I just have 2 weeks of vacation – do you think that is „enough“ for Kenya? I would fly to Nairobi and plan to do a safari and spending some time in Nairobi. Then I would go to the coast for a little relaxing time… Would you recommend anything special apart from that for these 2 weeks? Do you have experience with renting a car? Would you recommend that?

Thank you for your help:)

Hi Sabrina,

I think 2 weeks is fine for Kenya! You won’t get to see it all obviously, but you can definitely get a good feel for the country!

Sounds like your itinerary is exactly like the trips I run! 🙂 https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/kenya-adventure-tour/

If you are interested in coming on a trip, let me know and I can give you more info! If not, maybe use the itinerary as inspiration! I can’t let you into all my secrets :), but you get an idea!

I’ve never rented a car, however you could rent one! The roads are crappy in some parts, so just make sure you get a really good vehicle and just be aware of some crazy driving, especially in the cities!

Alternatively, you could mix it up, maybe go on an organised safari/rent a car to Mara (although I would suggest that you can get a tour for as cheap as renting) and I wouldn’t try and drive the Mara yourself – you could drive there and then take a tour once there.

And then public transport is usually fine over on the coast, or over to the coast, it just really depends on how you like to travel and weighing up the costs.

Hi Helen! I am looking to travel to Tanzania sometime between June- August and am keen to hike Kilimanjaro, do a safari in the Serengeti, do a gorilla trek, and possibly tack Zanzibar on to the end. I’m happy to head to Zanzibar on my own but would like to do a Kili hike and safari in one tour combined, and perhaps a gorilla trek separately. Would you suggest this, and are there any companies in particular that you would recommend? Also, what order would make sense to do these in? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much! Steph (NZ)

Which tour operator did you use for this, any recommendations would be appreicated.

I travelled by myself apart from Masai Mara (I went with Mara Explorers Camp) and now I like Shemeji for safari in Serengeti.

However, if you are looking for a good tour operator, I recommend my own company https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/rock-my-adventure-tours/

Wow, It’s amazing to visit kenya, I am really impressed with these pictures….Thanks for sharing this awesome post…

Thanks for this post Helen! My wife and I are thinking about going somewhere in Africa for a 2 week vacation. Where would you recommend and how much money should we budget for lodging, excursions, tips (if they accept them there), and food? I don’t know when the next time we will have an Africa trip so given the time, where would you go? What would be the top 7 things you’d have to do?

Hi Jackson,

There are so many places and they are all great so it really depends on what you are looking for. Budget also can vary massively, depending on how you travel and where you stay. Tanzania is potentially a good one to start with, but everywhere is great.

Have a look at some of my trips to give you inspiration. https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/rock-my-adventure-tours/

Without knowing where you want to go, or what type of travellers you are it’s hard to say. Are you backpackers or looking for nicer hotels/lodges – costs vary massively. I also just got quoted $750 and $1400 for the same 4-day Serengeti safari from 2 different companies, so you have to really do your homework.

Let me know what you are looking for and i can give you a bit of guidance.

Hi Helen, my friend Lucia told me all about you and your amazing website and I’ve just come back from an amazing 12 days in Kenya and Tanzania-we we’re trying to do exactly what you described at the beginning of this blog!! Two types of holiday in one! I think it has to be one of the best holidays that we have ever been on and we’ve been on a lot! Your website is great and helped along the way so thought I’d let you know! We went to the rock for lunch on your recommendation so thanks! It was amazing! And I have just ordered Daaphne Sheldricks book and can’t wait to read it and reminisce about those gorgeous elephants. Thanks again. I think we’ll definitely be visiting Africa again so will definitely keep this website in mind for inspiration and share it with others! I know Lucia had a great trip in January with you so maybe we’ll try Mozambique next!! Oh and thanks for being honest about the mozzies-they don’t tell you that in the brochures!! I don’t think I’ve ever been bitten so much and my legs are horrific but hey all worth it!! Enjoy your future travels!

Are both countries safe to travel alone or in a couple of two females? We are just trying to establish if we need an organised tour or if it possible to co-ordinate ourselves?

Yes I’d say they were safe. Obviously keep your wits about you, but I’ve travelled in both countries completely alone many times.

If you were interetsed in a tour, check out my tours. They are awesome… if i do say so myself… 🙂 https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/rock-my-adventure-tours/

Hi, Around what price range do you think a 3 weeks trip would cost excluding flights? Thanks in advance, Lucy

That’s a really difficult to question as it depends how you travel. You can see wha I spend in 5 weeks here: https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/2015/05/africa-travel-budget-2/

The best thing to do is just cost it all up individually, hotels, activities, safaris, travel and then food and drink on top.

Great post. Im planning on doing something similar next year. How were the trips between cities/towns? Do you remember how long it took you each? Thanks

It depends how you travel however roughly:

Nairobi to Mara – 6/7 hours by road Nairobi to Arusha – 7 hours by road Arusha to Serengeti – 6 hours by road Arusha to Bagamoyo – 11/12 hours by road Bagamoyo to Dar 1.5/2 hours by road Dar to Zanzibar – 1.75 hours by ferry

Hi Helen, thanks for your post! My husband and I get limited time off so we’re planning a crazy trip for just 8 days in february (including travel) to Kenya. Originally we had planned to do Nairobi and Zanzibar but now I’m thinking should we only do Nairobi or only do Arusha/Serengeti in Tanzania. We want to do a safari, some hiking depending on weather, and are open to other activities. Can you suggest which are your top 2 cities and if we’d have time to do these activities? Thank you!

With 8 days, I would do Serengeti and Zanzibar.

Nairobi and Arusha are great (Nairobi has lots to offer), Arusha is a busy city – I like it and have lots of friends there but I’d probs say that if you are short on time, just use it as a jumping off point to safari. There are a few nice things to do around Arusha/Moshi (Maasai village, hot springs, Materuni waterfall – but you could do those another time.

You could (if you wanted) join part of my trip if the dates lined up? https://www.rockmyadventure.com/tanzania-zanzibar-group-adventure-solo-travellers/

Thanks for this! Was just wondering if you knew anything about buses from Nairobi to Dar directly? Currently working in NBO but want to take vacation to Dar and then Zanzibar. Have heard that buses might not be safe? Would love to hear your thoughts and if you could recommend any companies.

I wouldn’t attempt it all in one go.

Take the Impala or Riverside Shuttles to Arusha or Moshi and then take the Kiliamnajaro Express to Dar.

Or maybe just fly – it’s not that expensive between Nairobi and Dar/Zanzibar and much quicker!

Hope that helps.

Hello, We love your itinerary and are currently trying to plan our trip loosely based on it. What form of transportation do you recommend? Are there buses or shuttles that you can take to get from point A to point B? Or will we have to take a private car or taxi? Just trying to consider our options. Any information can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

There are tons of small dala dalas/matatus (mini buses) between most locations, some bigger buses, ferry to Zanzibar. There’s info in the post about getting from Kenya to Tanzania too. You can get private transport too, however it’s a lot more expensive.

Have a look at this post about getting around Tanzania. It’s pretty similar for Kenya. https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/2018/12/how-to-get-around-tanzania/

I also run a fab tour to Kenya and Tanzania, which is obviously the best way to travel! 😉

hello, The blog is the best information and perfect kenya Tanzania is nice. Thank you for share us

Hi, My name is Marline…. we are planning to travel to Keny for a week… we would love to travel to Tanzania too…but we are informed that we have to take a vaccine for yellow fever which is not available at the country we are staying (Bahrain) I would like to know which one will be good to visit this time….. Moreover, i want to travel to Dar es Salam because my parents were there …till 1970…from there they settled in India.

If you travel to Tanzania from Kenya, you will need a Yellow Fever certificate. If you go straight to Tanzania, you shouldn’t need a YF certificate.

Thanks for your quick reply. Can you give a quote for 3 persons(adults) for Tanzania package.( traveling date with be 9th August, deptdep Also would like to know if we require to take YF vaccine as we will be traveling from Bahrain? Can i have you email ID where i can send you my requirements to quote pls. thanks

Hi Marline,

I’ve just emailed you! Please check your junk if you can’t see it!

Goodday Helen,

CJ here, possible for you to share approx your total budget during your entire stay there.

Thank you, ❤ from Malaysia.

Hi Helen, great blog post! I was just wondering what kinds of vaccines I will need to take before my trip? Are there any you would strongly recommend? I’m from Canada. Thanks, Nicole

You’ll need to speak to a medical practitioner, although you can find some advice in this post!

https://www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk/africa-travel-tips/

Have a great trip!

Hi ! I have been reading your post a lot as me and my fiance are going to Kenya and Tanzania. I wanted to ask how would you suggest traveling from our Airbnb or Hotel to different excursions in Kenya? What would the safest route be. I also saw your comment on using The Impala and Riverside Shuttle companies to travel from Kenya to Tanzania. Wanted to know where we should have our drop of location as we wish to be close to Dar – E – Salaam to take the ferry to Zanzibar? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

In Nairobi, taxis and Uber are a safe option. There are local mini busses (matatus) and piki pikis (motorbike taxis) but they are less safe.

Then for everywhere else, there are big coaches, a train to Mombasa and the shuttle bus to Arusha/Moshi.

The Impala/Riverside Shuttles should be taken to Moshi (which is 1.5/2 hours closer to Dar) and then you take a 12 hour bus to Dar. Kilimanjaro Express is good. Or you can get the ferry from Bagamoyo which is before Dar, book via Firefly Guesthouse.

Hi Helen, I read through your itinerary and it sounded just great. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania for July however we were very unsure whether we should go by ourselves and make a self made itinerary (which is what we normally do) or have it planned by a tour operator. To be honest, I never went on a organized tour and I’m very sceptical about those as I really enjoy to make my own trip and read through others’ experience. However, I read that it is not easy to travel through Africa without guidance. What would you recommend? Do you think it would be doable to organize it ourselves and, as you said, book the safaris on spot or do you think it’s better to go with guidance? I appreciated very much your comments and I think I will now become a regular guests of your blogs.

Waiting for you reply, I wish you a great day.

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10-Day Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safaris

10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari

$5,290 to $7,380 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Spirit of Kenya

4.9 /5  –  483 Reviews

10-Day From Kenya to Tanzania - High-End

$6,590 to $8,980 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  438 Reviews

10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Best of Wildlife Safari

$5,767 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (City) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Shadows of Africa

5.0 /5  –  131 Reviews

10-Day Best of Kenya and Tanzania Combo Game Safari

$4,440 to $5,555 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Kevic Tours and Travel

5.0 /5  –  41 Reviews

10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari

$3,861 to $4,290 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (City) , Nairobi (End)

Madukha Tours and Safaris

4.7 /5  –  26 Reviews

10-Day Combination Kenya & Tanzania Safari

$3,982 to $4,950 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (City) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Kameraz of Afrika

4.8 /5  –  98 Reviews

10-Day Luxury Safari Experience Across Kenya and Tanzania

$7,491 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Berngo Safaris

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

10-Day Kenya -Tanzania Shared Safari

$1,585 to $1,805 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Arusha (City) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi (End)

Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris

4.3 /5  –  76 Reviews

10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari&Zanzibar Beach Holiday

$5,258 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Stone Town (Zanzibar) , Pwani Mchangani (Zanzibar) , Zanzibar (End)

Tanzania Roadside Expeditions

5.0 /5  –  249 Reviews

10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Combined Budget Camping Safari

$1,738 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (City) , Arusha (City) , Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Nairobi (End)

Big Time Safaris

4.2 /5  –  188 Reviews

10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Majestic Luxury Tour

$5,973 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (City) , Jomo Kenyatta Airport (End)

Kipok Africa Adventures

4.7 /5  –  47 Reviews

10-Day Combined Safari to Kenya and Tanzania

$2,530 to $2,915 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Pride of Africa Adventures

4.5 /5  –  68 Reviews

10-Day Mara, Naivasha, Amboseli, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

$4,796 to $5,598 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Serengeti NP, Karatu (Town) , Central Serengeti, Arusha (End)

Gametrackers K

5.0 /5  –  62 Reviews

10-Day Mid-Range Amazing Safari Across Kenya and Tanzania

$4,688 to $5,777 pp (USD)

Kensai Safaris

5.0 /5  –  24 Reviews

10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Combined Budget Group Safari

$1,385 to $1,685 pp (USD)

Beasts Africa Safaris

4.5 /5  –  8 Reviews

10-Day Best of Kenya and Tanzania Safari - Midrange

$4,793 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Northern Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (End)

Passionate Guides Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  10 Reviews

10-Day Signature Kenya and Tanzania Experience - Luxury

$5,690 to $7,380 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

Unlimited Expeditions: Safari Expeditions

10-Day The Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania Safari

$3,366 to $3,575 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)

African Sunset Safaris

4.6 /5  –  82 Reviews

10-Day From Kenya to Tanzania - Mid-Range

$4,290 to $5,810 pp (USD)

10-Day Mid-Rage Tour Across the Beauty of Kenya &Tanzania

$4,688 to $5,520 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

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12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Best Safari Tour

Witness big five and great migration in one trip.

Cross an item off your bucket list on this Kenya and Tanzania tour, where exploration and natural splendor intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

• Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, where the majestic Big Five awaits and the awe-inspiring Great Migration may grace you with its presence.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Kenya and Tanzania by visiting the Maasai communities , where ancient traditions thrive, and embark on thrilling safaris, indulging in full-board feasts that tantalize your senses.

We happily customize this itinerary to accommodate your interests, adjust schedules, and plan special themed events for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, or bucket list experiences.

from US$9,996 p/p

First-timer

Jul. - Oct.

Domestic flights included, international on request

Cancellation Policy:

100% Refund 22 Days before Arrival

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Brief itinerary for kenya and tanzania tour.

• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Itinerary details.

• Welcome to the diverse land of Kenya! Upon your arrival at Nairobi airport, you will be warmly greeted by our English-speaking representative in the arrival hall.
• Enjoy a warm and informative introduction to Kenya, followed by a private transfer to your cozy hotel.
• Global Highlights guests in Kenya and Tanzania receive Flying Doctors insurance for emergency evacuation flight(s) to the nearest hospital.
• Meet the driver in your hotel and transfer to Nairobi's Wilson Airport for a 1-hour scenic flight to Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your private guide and transferred to your lodge in a 4x4 open-top safari jeep.
• Enjoy a quick game drive on the way to the lodge and indulge in a delicious lunch upon reaching the lodge.
• Experience an exhilarating afternoon guided game drive , venturing into wildlife hot spots to spot elusive animals, such as leopards. Your expert guide will determine the locations to visit, leveraging their intimate understanding of animal behavior and tracking techniques.
• After the game drive, you will be escorted back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a delectable lodge dinner.
• Meet your private driver-guide in your lodge, and enjoy Mara full-day game drives .
• Depart from the lodge with your expert guide for a game drive in the crisp air. Watch out for elephant herds, lion pride, and the abundant wildlife in the Masai Mara along the way.
• Discover the iconic Big Five or explore lesser-known wildlife in the dynamic Masai Mara. Keep an eye out for hyenas, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, vultures, cranes, eagles, falcons, and ostriches.
• Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the expansive African savanna, under the shady branches of a beautiful acacia tree, while taking in the breathtaking views.
• Experience an afternoon game drive , while endless excitement awaits! Discover the rich wildlife diversity of the region, featuring the renowned Big Five.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your Mara Lodge.
• Enjoy a Serene pre-dawn breakfast by the fire before a thrilling safari adventure.
• Embark on a captivating 2-hour morning game drive to the Lemek Conservancy, where you'll pass by herds of graceful impala and majestic giraffes grazing on the plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the presence of elusive predators in this wildlife adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting their community and gaining insights into their rich traditions, unique way of life, and the captivating dynamics of their village.
• Relish the classic safari experience by enjoying a sundowner from our custom-built 4x4 safari land cruiser, while witnessing the breathtaking sun setting over the rolling plains.
• Indulge in a unique night safari and experience the magic of the African wilderness after dark: alert gazelles, roaring lions, and the mysterious calls of hyenas.
• Savor a delightful dinner and enjoy an overnight stay at your Lemek lodge.
• Experience a captivating morning bush walk accompanied by a Maasai warrior. Leave the jeep behind and establish a deep connection with the land, the flora, and the smaller wildlife.
• Indulge in a delightful lunch amidst the heart of Masai Mara , beneath a tree that provides shade and tranquillity.
• Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon game drive , where you can spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and jackals.
• Explore the Rhino Sanctuary , a haven for two majestic rhinoceroses, dedicated to safeguarding these incredible creatures from the brink of extinction.
• Gather around a mesmerizing bonfire and witness an enchanting Massai dance performed by our Maasai friends in your lodge.
• Embark on a thrilling morning game drive and keep an eye out for majestic wildlife, including elegant giraffes, powerful elephants, and colourful birds.
• Return to the lodge to freshen up, then head to the Mara airstrip for a short flight to Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
• Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and escorted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a late afternoon flight to Arusha.
• Upon arrival in the vibrant land of Tanzania, you will be greeted by our friendly English-speaking representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escorted to the Arusha hotel.
• Our private driver-guide will greet you at your hotel in the morning and transfer you to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Witness the vibrant colors and unique character of Tanzania, including the sight of Maasai herdsmen tending to their goats along the way.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting a Maasai community and gaining insights into their rich traditions, unique way of life, and the captivating dynamics of their village.
• Experience a 2-hour Crater Rim Walk accompanied by an armed ranger, amidst stunning natural beauty. Spot an array of colorful birds and have close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Learn about traditional uses of plants and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of the Crater.
• Check in your Ngorongoro lodge, and take some time to freshen up before indulging in a delightful dinner at the lodge.
• Experience the thrill of full-day game drives in Ngorongoro Crater, surrounded by lush forests teeming with birdlife. Encounter grazing herbivores and their predators, including the iconic Big Five. Marvel at the diverse wildlife including cheetahs, gazelles, flamingos, featuring over 400 bird species.
• Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch during the exhilarating game drives.
• After a day of exploration, you will be escorted back to the lodge to freshen up before savoring a delectable dinner.
• Depart from Ngorongoro lodge with your expert guide and head to Serengeti National Park.
• Immerse yourself in breathtaking wildlife encounters as you enter Serengeti National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating game-viewing drive, tracking through the park on your way to the lodge.
• Embark on an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti with your expert guide. Habitat to the African Big Five, black rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, African wild dogs, and a wide range of bird species, this renowned park offers exceptional wildlife encounters.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your lodge.
• Set out on a thrilling journey to the Northern Serengeti and immerse yourself in an en-route game drive , offering an abundance of opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Elevate your chances of encountering a vast array of animals, compensating for any missed encounters during regular game drives.
• Journey to the Mara River region in hopes of witnessing the Great Migration , a remarkable event that unfolds between July and October, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse vast distances in search of fresh grazing lands.
• Experience the classic charm of a safari with a sundowner . Enjoy a refreshing drink and tasty homemade snacks while watching the sunset over the vast Serengeti plains.
• Return to your lodge to refresh yourself before indulging in a sumptuous dinner.
• Enjoy full-day game drives through Serengeti, witnessing an unparalleled spectacle of wildlife. From graceful giraffes and majestic elephants to cunning predators like lions and cheetahs, the Serengeti teems with life.
• Savor a picnic lunch on the game drive, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the African savanna.
• Witness the possible wildebeest migration , a remarkable event that sees millions of these animals, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traversing the plains in search of fresh pastures between July and October.
• Indulge in a bush dinner and immerse yourself in a remarkable dining experience beneath the stars, where relaxation, camaraderie, and a connection with nature await.
• Retreat to your lodge and unwind with a peaceful night's sleep.
• Experience a morning game drive , immerse yourself in the symphony of nature as the sun paints the sky and spot diverse animals roaming the vast savanna.
• Return to your lodge to freshen up, then you will be escorted to the airstrip for a flight to Arusha.
• Upon your arrival, be greeted by our representative and escorted to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

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Price includes.

*Price from: $9,996 per adult

*The price is based on 2 adults in 4-star hotels/Lodges during the low tourist season. We can offer an even more competitive price for groups of 4 or more people. (tour code: gh-af-2)

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12 days on a classic safari in Kenya and Tanzania

A safari is bound to be one of the most memorable trips of your life. There isn’t anybody I have met who will not agree with this statement. The bush gets under your skin and it keeps you wanting more. Whether you explore Africa’s parks by  safari  or from the lightness of a hot air balloon , during The Great Migration  in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti or up north in the most remote and deserted parks, this will be a once in a lifetime journey.

Most wildlife you expect to see when on safari can be found in several countries in Africa. In fact, the famous Big Five can be seen in 11 countries, from Ethiopia to South Africa. Each of the countries in east and southern Africa offer different experiences. In Namibia you will be taken aback by the incredibly rugged and prehistorical landscapes. South Africa is developed, with proper infrastructure and lots of opportunities for self-driving. Botswana’s Chobe is a water lover’s paradise, with plenty of boat safaris and larger river cruises on offer. Zimbabwe is a rough diamond and only coming into the safari scene recently whereas Kenya and Tanzania were the pioneers in the safari industry. Zambia offers great walking safari opportunities as well as Victoria Falls, shared with Zimbabwe, and Uganda and the DRC are prime destinations for gorillas . No matter what you are looking for and what type of traveler you are, there is a safari for you.

Of all the countries offering safaris, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa are the best for beginners. They have solid safari infrastructure, plenty of lodges and camps to stay at for different affordability levels and almost guaranteed sightings of all the animals on your safari list. On my last safari, I wanted to see The Great Migration and finally visit the Maasai Mara, one of the parks in Africa with the highest wildlife density, especially in the winter months of July and August.

How long should your safari be?

For most people, a trip to Africa is one of the most expensive and remote vacations they will take, so they want to make the most of it. A typical safari trip will last between one and two weeks. In my case, I spent 12 days between Kenya and Tanzania, eight of which I was on safari and then the final three on the beach. It took me over 24h to get back home given the hard to reach location of Pemba Island’s The Manta Resort where I ended my stay, as well as the bad connections between Africa and Asia.

My two Maasai guides in Amboseli

If you can afford the vacation time, I would strongly recommend taking two weeks. Most people will not be returning to Africa often, so you should make the most of the expensive flights and the time it takes to get there. A two-week safari would include four destinations, one of which could be the beach, an urban center or the wine lands (in the case of South Africa), and three national parks. This would give you enough variety to combine culture with wildlife, water and desert, Savannah and forestry, mountains and plains, nature and civilisation and interaction with local tribes. If you are looking for variety, the larger countries in  Kenya , Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa are best, as they have different eco-systems within their borders and can provide a range of experiences that will ensure you don’t get bored of seeing the same wildlife over and over again. Believe me, there is such thing as too much of a good thing and even if leopards, lions, giraffes and elephants are incredible animals, after two weeks of tracking them you might get a bit tired. It is best to combine different habitats and experiences to ensure variety.

Alternatively, if you are not looking to visit the typical safari countries, you could also combine two countries. For example, you could spend some days in South Africa and then head out to Namibia. You could also combine Zambia and Malawi, spending some days by Lake Malawi or add in Mozambique to South Africa or Botswana to Namibia. The continent also has some fine beach destinations like Mozambique or the coast of Kenya and Tanzania with some of the remote beach and island resorts  rivalling the high end properties in the Caribbean, Asia or Southern Europe.

The sky is the limit in terms of safari options and, usually, money and time are the key determining factors for your choice. For beginners and first time visitors to Africa, a safari in Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara followed by a few days in Zanzibar is usually a great trip. It’s easy to plan, and you have a range of prices to choose from and it’s sure to provide an experience of a lifetime.

The itinerary for a 12 day classic safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Zebra in Amboseli

Given the difficulties in reaching some of the parks and the cost of chartering your own plane, I recommend staying three nights in each park. This should give you enough time to settle in without having the constant feeling of being on the road while not leaving you too long in one place seeming like you have seen it all. As you will be going on game drives, distances covered within a day are not very long, so after three days you have probably explored most of the radius around your accommodation.

The proposed itinerary I booked included two thirds of the trip in the bush and one third by the beach. I was going to Africa for the safaris and the wildlife mostly, but I did want to add in some days of relaxation, warmth and vitamin sea at the end because the bush can be dry after a while.

Cheetah in Amboseli

Day 0 – Arrival

Depending on where you are coming from, you will be landing in the morning or evening in Nairobi. If you land in the morning, your first day can be spent directly reaching your first park, but if you land in the evening, you will be spending your first night in Nairobi. The city does not offer much in the sense of activities, but the Nairobi National Park is worth a quick excursion if you have the time and want to get a flavour for what to expect. It is the only national park within the city limits and you can see the Big Five . Traffic in Nairobi is horrendous, so avoid moving around and use your time in the city to manage the jetlag.

Days 1 to 4 – Amboseli National Park

Elephants on Amboseli park

Amboseli is well known for the backdrop images of Kilimanjaro and the large herds of elephants. The outside of the park is home to genuine Maasai communities, most of which still live in their traditional huts and villages. The civilisation from Nairobi has yet to reach here, so it is a great place to get to know more about Kenya’s largest tribe.

Upon landing in Nairobi, in the very early hours of the morning, we started our drive to Amboseli National Park. The drive took four hours, but for the last hour we had our first wildlife sightings as we were already inside the conservancy. The drive went by quickly as we relaxed on the 4×4 open top vehicle. We stopped on the way for breakfast and in no time we were already at our mobile tented camp.

We stayed outside of the National Park, in the Amboseli Conservancy and on a privately owned mobile tented camp which was a real treat. There were no other tourists in the huge area leased by Ker & Downey from the local Maasai communities and we had a great time with the Maasai, participating in spear throwing, singing and dancing, visiting local villages and going on game drives with no other car in sight.

We chased spring hares at night, drank gin and tonics against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, went on game drives over dried out lake beds, watched a hippo have a face off with some lions, chatted to the Lion Guardians team about an injured lionesses, visited a local Maasai village and spent time inside one of the huts, played with school children on their last day of the semester and enjoyed many a story by the camp fire. Amboseli was a great cultural experience in complete solitude. As conservancies are privately owned and managed, I also got the chance to fly the drone, something which is forbidden in national parks.

Day 4 to 7 – Maasai Mara

Hot air balloon over Maasai Mara

On the 5th day of the safari we drove to the closest airstrip for our charter light aircraft to the Maasai Mara. As this was a private plane just for us, the pilot gave us a real scenic flight, descending very low and providing commentary to what we were seeing. We could observe wildlife from low altitudes, especially as we approached the Mara.

Once we landed in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, we started our game drives on the way to camp. This was the time of The Great Migration and so the Maasai Mara was teeming with wildlife in concentrations I could have never imagined. Wildebeest and zebra amounting to more than one million roamed the plains, joined by the many other animals that usually fill the Maasai Mara including impala, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, hyena, kudu, lions, leopards, cheetah, buffalo, you name it. The Maasai Mara is almost like a larger than life zoo with no enclosures or fences. It is a wildlife and nature lovers dream.

Our days in the Maasai Mara were the typical format for a safari. Early mornings followed by long drives, breakfast in the wild, peaceful lunches, lazy afternoons and sunset drives always entertained with animals killing and hunting. There was not a single moment of boredom in the Mara. And, the result, we managed to witness nature’s most impressive spectacle: The Great Migration. Parked at a river bank, 20-30,000 wildebeest and zebra decided to cross the fierce waters to the greener pastures of the other side. The dust raised, the power of the run towards the water, the effort to get out on the other side and the failure of some to find refuge was one of the most impressive experiences of our lives. And it all happened right before our eyes.

In the Maasai Mara you will not be able to go on walking safaris as it is too dangerous given the amount of traffic and the wildlife denstity, but you can join a hot air balloon safari which is an icnredible experience.

Day 7 – Nairobi

Dawa at the Carnivore, Nairobi

It is almost impossible not to spend a night in Nairobi. We wanted to make the most of our last day in the Maasai Mara and so we booked a schedule flight in the afternoon back to the city. In Nairobi, we checked into our hotel, the Fairmont The Norfolk , a real institution from the time of those first safari goers and hunters , and then went out to Carnivore , a slightly cheesy restaurant which brought me nostalgic memories of my time working in Kenya. Back then, Carnivore used to serve real game meats, including kudu, impala, ostrich and crocodile, but that is no longer the case today. Don’t forget to order a Kawa, a honey and lemon alcoholic drink unique to the restaurant.

The next morning, very early, we drove to Nairobi Airport to catch a flight to Zanzibar and on to Pemba.

Days 8 to 11 – The beach at The Manta Resort

The Manta Resort

We wanted to end the trip away from the dust of the winter months in Africa and so we booked three nights by the beach, at the quieter island of Pemba off Zanzibar , Tanzania. To make the experience even more unique, we chose to stay at the underwater room at The Manta Resort , instead of at Fundu Lagoons rustic charming huts, as in all previous trips in East Africa’s beaches. It was a unique experience, not comparable to much else except for maybe a luxury sailing trip on a glass boat. The Manta Resort is a great place to sunbathe and enjoy the sea, even if you are not staying under water. There was sailing, diving, snorkelling and many a day spent relaxing in the sun. Although you should beware, the winter months in peak safari season in East Africa are not the warmest, but you can still expect plenty of sun and warmth. But the sea will not be as warm as it can often get.

Day 12 – Return home

Although time difference worked in my favour on this trip, I needed over 24h to get back home. From Pemba to Zanzibar, on to Nairobi then Bangkok and finally Singapore. My friend Edwin, who was traveling with me, only had to go from Pemba to Zanzibar, to Nairobi and back home to Dubai. So, when he departed the resort at 2pm he got home the next morning, but I got home the evening after, almost 30h after leaving The Manta Resort. If you leave east Africa, then you will most likely take longer to get to Kenya that can save time on the way back. Either way, most people need a day to either get there or get back home from their safari in Africa.

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19 Can’t-Miss Places to Visit While on Safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Explore the varied wildlife of kenya and tanzania while immersing yourself in the region’s culture..

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A male lion with cubs in the Maasai Mara

Courtesy of Tauck

A safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Tauck offers you much more than ample sightings of wild animals. Tauck makes the trip extraordinary with experiences including a champagne breakfast in the bush and a balloon ride over the Maasai Mara plains. On this 13-day foray into the wilderness, travelers learn about wildlife conservancy efforts in the region and visit a Kenyan weaving community.

A Tauck tour director acts as a personal concierge on the safari and caters to travelers’ every need, enabling local guides to focus fully on showing the best their region has to offer. Accommodations on the itinerary are also steeped in the traditions and culture of the region, so you’ll delight in boma dinners (tribal dining experiences) and tented camps in the celebrated hotels and lodges that have been thoughtfully curated for guests.

Trip Highlight

Ngorongoro crater.

Trip Designer

The stunning Gran Meliá Arusha

Day 1 Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Courtesy of Serena Hotels

Day 2 Safari at Lake Manyara National Park

Gazing down into the Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3 Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

Encounter with a giraffe in the Serengeti National Park

Days 4-6 Discovering the Vast Serengeti

Amboseli National Park

Days 7-8 Elephants of Amboseli and Maasai Matters

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Days 9-10 Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Animal Orphanage

A luxury tented camp at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club

Days 11-12 More Game Drives and a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Maasai Mara

Enjoy memories of stunning settings like Amboseli National Park

Day 13 Time to Say Goodbye

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How to Spend 10 Days in Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Combining Best of Kenya and Tanzania Safari in One Itinerary. Kenya and Tanzania Safari is for wildlife lovers but also Best for Family & Honeymooners. In the 10 Days Luxury Kenya and Tanzania safari, you will visit Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Reserve . You will later have a city tour in the Arusha capital which is the safari capital of Tanzania. Through all the destinations, the 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari Package will include arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and departure at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania.

What we’ll cover in this article

• Overview of 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari
• Tour Summary of 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari
• Detailed Itinerary 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari
• Safari Route 10 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari
• Safari Inclusions & Safari Exclusions
• Related Tanzania Safari Itineraries

Quick Tour Details

Number of People : Tailored Start/End : Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Kenya – Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania Availability : All year throughout Activities : Wildlife viewing, Morning & evening game drives Destinations : Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara National Reserve, Arusha city Price :  Request a Quote for this Trip

Highlight: Kenya and Tanzania Safari

• Day #1 : Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and transfer to hotel.
• Day #2 : Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
• Day #3 : Spend a full day at Amboseli National Park
• Day #4 : Amboseli to Lake Naivasha for a sunset boat ride & Crescent Island walk
• Day #5 : Transfer from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
• Day #6 : Drive from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day #7 : Spend a full day on game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day #8 : Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi then to Arusha.
• Day #9 : Arusha city tour
• Day #10 : Departure via Kilimanjaro International Airport

Detailed Itinerary: Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Day 1: arrival at jomo kenyatta international airport in nairobi and transfer to hotel..

On arrival at the airport, your Kenya safari guide will in around for pick up and transfer to the hotel. This will be after you have been cleared at the airport. Your driver guide will ensure a drive to a designated hotel where you will rest from jet lag, have dinner and spend the night.

Day 2: Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

Pick up from your hotel early morning for a drive to Amboseli National Park arriving in good time for lunch. Amboseli National Park provides the classic Hollywood image of Africa. Against a magnificent backdrop of the distant Mountain Kilimanjaro roam vast herds of elephants accompanied by lions, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, baboon, gazelle hippo, and wildebeest.

When you arrive at the park, the warden will give you several common-sense rules: do not get out of your vehicle, except at designated spots; do not harass the animals in any way; keep to the tracks; no off-road driving; and remember that the animals always have the right of way. You will then have a short game drive in the afternoon.

Despite its small size (392 sq. km), this fragile ecosystem supports a wide range of mammals (well over 50 of the larger species) and birds (over 400 species). It has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps, and marshes. This diversity, along with a long dry season, ensures excellent viewing of the large concentrations of African animals living in this natural habitat. The roads in Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable in the wet season.

Day 3: Spend a full day at Amboseli National Park

Full day in Amboseli with game drives in the morning and afternoon to explore the park. View large herds of elephants, renowned to be residents of this park. Amboseli is popular with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and reliably good elephant viewing. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, the savannah, and woodlands.

You can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture. Animals to be found here include the leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser Kudu, and nocturnal porcupine. There is also a prolific birdlife featuring 600 species. Later on in the evening return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha for a sunset boat ride & Crescent Island walk

After breakfast depart from Amboseli via Nairobi to Lake Naivasha , a freshwater lake located on the Great Rift Valley Floor. You will arrive in good time for lunch and siesta. You will then enjoy a scenic sunset boat cruise to see the hippos and walk on Crescent Island among wildlife, and herbivores only. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffalo wallow in the swamps, and colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the lake’s large hippo population sleeps the day out in the shallows.

Crescent Island is a private Wildlife Sanctuary on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. The Island features more animals per acre than any other park in Kenya. Here you can enjoy a fantastic and easy guided walking safari (around 1 hour on a plain terrain) surrounded by a variety of animals including giraffe, zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, waterbuck, eland, and indeed many bird species. It’s also common to spot hippos bathing or basking in the sun close to the island shores. The Island is not fenced, and the animals are free to roan to and from the mainland. Later have dinner and overnight at a lodge in Naivasha

Day 5: Transfer from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru

From the hotel in Lake Naivasha, drive to Lake Nakuru (120 km – 1 hour 30 minutes). Enjoy game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park for game viewing drives. It is a shallow alkaline lake where visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity with varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges.

The game drive is the main activity at Lake Nakuru . Foragers, grazers, hunters, and scavengers all play their roles in the natural existence of Nakuru. The park also has over 450 bird species including the flamingos. The national park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic, and game drives. The park is famed as one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles. Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to zebras, gazelles, Rothschild giraffe, impala, black and white rhino sanctuary, and other large mammals. Continue with an afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Drive from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Drive to Masai Mara Game Reserve arriving in time for lunch. Masai Mara National Reserve is a pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific birdlife, and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the ‘Big Five in one morning.

The 1,800 sq. kilometers of this veteran reserve offers the classic mix of African imagery; miles of lion-gold grasslands, shoals of lilac-misted hills, a meandering river, acres of thorn-bush, and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness. Game viewing in the Masai Mara is excellent all year round thanks to the diverse population of resident game, including the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – plus popular species like zebra, giraffe, hyena, eland, and gazelle.

Afternoon game viewing to spot the Big Five as your introduction to the park. Masai Mara is arguably Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary. It is the most famous and most visited game reserve in Kenya . The film ‘Out of Africa’ was made to a great extent in this reserve. Virtually every type of wildlife can be seen at the Mara. A spectacle worth seeing is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle from Serengeti plains across the Tanzania border and the Mara River to reach Masai Mara grazing fields in late June. The dramatic crossing of the river and the preying on the migrants by predators can be viewed from early July to August. The reserve abounds with birdlife close to about 452 species recorded.

Day 7: Spend a full day on game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve

This day you will spend a full day in the Maasai Mara National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve offers one of the best opportunities to see cheetahs and lions in Africa. A visit to this reserve in July will allow you the best chance to witness and watch firsthand as thousands of wildebeests migrate across the swollen crocodile-infested Mara River.

The migration is a dramatic mass movement of almost two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles in a seasonal annual cycle driven by rainfall. In order to reach Masai Mara’s fresh grazing, wildebeests make dramatic river crossings, facing enormous crocodiles to feast on the Mara plains and regain their strength. Meals, dinner, and overnight at lodge

Day 8: Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi then to Arusha.

Leave, Masai Mara early morning then transfer to Nairobi where you, later on, have a transfer drive across the Namanga border to Arusha city of Tanzania. Arrive in the evening in time for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation and dinner at Green Mountain Hotel

Day 9: Arusha city tour

From Hotel, you will be picked up for a transfer to Arusha city which is Tanzania’s safari capital. The city tour includes a visit to the Tanzanite market where you will find great craft and can have the opportunity to do shopping before your departure. Accommodation and dinner at Green Mountain Hotel

Day 10: Departure

From the hotel after breakfast, you will then be picked up at the hotel in Arusha then transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for a departure flight back home.

End of 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Safari Route: Kenya and Tanzania Safari

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Safari in Kenya & Tanzania

14 days, nairobi to arusha.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

On this epic journey, explore some of the finest national parks in East Africa, from Kenya’s Masai Mara to the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Keep your binoculars at hand on a trip to Lake Nakuru, a birder’s paradise; and seek out lions, leopards, and elephants in the wilds of the Serengeti. In between safaris, learn about local customs on a visit to a Maasai community and share a meal with a family in the vibrant Mto wa Mbu village.

14 days - Nairobi to Arusha

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: national geographic journeys.

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 6, Avg 5.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 14

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Highlights from Safari in Kenya & Tanzania

They surge across the Serengeti-Mara like the force of nature that they are. More than a million wildebeests, careering around the endless open plains and acacia savannas of Kenya and Tanzania.—K. M. Kostyal, Great Migrations, National Geographic Society, 2012

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Itinerary notes.

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Day 1 Nairobi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Nairobi/Lake Nakuru National Park

Depart early for Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.

Meals included:

Day 3 lake nakuru national park.

Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for buffalo, impalas, lions, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.

Day 4 Lake Nakuru National Park/Lake Naivasha

This morning attend a talk given by a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—a government institution dedicated to managing the country’s wildlife—about the issues surrounding poaching and wildlife conservation. Later head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a large freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks and olive trees. Cruise the lake on a boat, watching for hippos and buffalo; and peer through your binoculars to spot lovebirds, ibis, and the African fish eagle. Step ashore at Crescent Island—a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the lake— and enjoy a guided stroll in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 5 lake naivasha/masai mara.

Travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp, located in the heart of the reserve. Head out for an afternoon safari through vast, acacia-dotted plains, driving past throngs of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes; and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five.” In the evening, relax at the camp and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains.

Day 6 Masai Mara

Venture out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day. Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara.

Day 7 Masai Mara/Nairobi

Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi. Stop en route at Café Ubuntu, a G Adventures–supported Planeterra project that trains and employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. Café Ubuntu is an oasis with delicious organic food, hospitable staff, and a relaxing atmosphere based in Maai Mahiu. It is a beacon for tourists who drive through the area each year on their way to the famous Maasai Mara conservancy. Learn about how the initiative empowers the community, visit the craft centre to meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, and then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Options range from breakfast tacos, soups, and salads, to freshly made pizzas, curry dishes, and burritos.

Day 8 Nairobi/Arusha

Fly to Arusha, gateway to the Serengeti and the northern parks of Tanzania, and settle into your lodge.

Day 9 Arusha/Lake Manyara National Park

This morning, make your way to Mto wa Mbu village, a vibrant settlement of Tanzania’s diverse tribal groups. Take a guided walk through the village, visiting the local market and meeting artisans in their workshops; then sit down for a traditional lunch with a local family. Continue to the Rift Valley escarpment and settle into our safari camp, located at the edge of Lake Manyara National Park. Set out on our first safari drive to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife, searching for lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more.

Day 10 Lake Manyara National Park/Serengeti National Park

Travel through the breathtaking Rift Valley en route to our safari camp in Serengeti National Park. Enjoy a stop along the way at the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitor’s Centre—located near the site where National Geographic archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early hominid fossils and stone tools in 1960. From here, continue to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and head out on a late afternoon safari drive across the Serengeti Plain, keeping an eye out for grazing giraffes, lounging lions, and herds of antelope in the golden light.

Day 11 Serengeti National Park

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Discover the park’s iconic creatures when you set out in a 4x4 on morning and afternoon safaris through the golden grasslands. With luck, spot all of Africa’s “big five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Later, visit the Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre, and enjoy a talk by one of the visiting researchers.

Day 12 Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Depart from the Serengeti early and travel across the vast savanna to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Spanning more than 20 kilometres in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest non-flooded caldera in the world and is inhabited by some 25,000 animals. Set out on a full-day safari drive into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the biodiversity and resident wild animals in this incredibly important location to the conservation and protection of global wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the world’s largest caldera surrounded by Ngorongoro’s flora and fauna. Then, travel to our accommodations in Pembeni for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in a pristine wilderness setting.

Day 13 Ngorongoro/Arusha

Leave Ngorongoro behind this morning and travel from our lodge in Pembeni to a Maasai village. Here, we learn about the G Adventures–supported Clean Cookstoves Project, dedicated to providing clean-burning cookstoves to Maasai communities throughout Tanzania. Enjoy a presentation by a Maasai woman on the impact of the project, and take a guided tour of the village, visiting traditional homes or bomas and helping build a new stove. Continue to Arusha stopping en route for lunch. Spend the remainder of the day in the safari capital city of Tanzania, at your own leisure.

Day 14 Arusha

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Talk, Lake Nakuru National Park
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Café Ubuntu and Ubuntu Made, Maai Mahiu
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre Lecture, Serengeti National Park
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Clean Cookstove Project Talk, Mto wa Mbu
• Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch, Mto wa Mbu
• Your G for Good Moment: Clean Cookstove Project Visit, Mto wa Mbu
• Arrival transfer
• Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Nakuru, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti
• Boat trip on Lake Naivasha and wildlife walk on Crescent Island
• Entrance to Olduvai Gorge Museum
• Internal flight
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (4 nts), safari lodge (4 nts), comfortable tented camps (5 nts).

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners Allow USD195-255 for meals not included.

Transportation

7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, plane, boat, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, certified driver/guide.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $1639.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

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Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Tour the top national parks in Kenya and Tanzania for unparalleled safari adventures. This trip is packed with iconic African experiences, from bumping across the Maasai Mara in a 4×4 and bird-spotting in Lake Nakuru to exploring the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater and drifting above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon. Along the way, you’ll stay at chic tented camps and have the chance to spot the Big Five.

Top Experiences Itinerary Highlights

Seek out africa's headlining wildlife on an escorted group safari.

Share the experience of your safari adventure with a small group...

Explore the Maasai Mara - an African icon

Home to the one of the world’s highest concentrations of wildlife, the Maasai Mara is Africa's most famous national reserve ...

Spend a day exploring the world-famous Serengeti

The Serengeti is one of the world’s most incredible natural gifts, home to the Great Migration and African Big Five ...

Day by day Itinerary in detail

Arrival in nairobi.

Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Eka Hotel (or similar).

Things to do:

Visit endangered rothschild’s giraffes, meet orphaned elephants at the sheldrick wildlife trust, visit the karen blixen museum, nairobi & lake nakuru.

After breakfast, drive for 2-hours to Lake Nakuru in the famous Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for birdlife, with over 400 colourful African species found here, including spoonbills, storks and pelicans. But perhaps the most famous visitors are the flocks of pink flamingos who gather here attracted by the blue-green algae that they feed on. On arrival there will be time for a relaxed lunch, before heading out on an afternoon game drive to explore the incredible surroundings. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (or similar).

Enjoy a birdwatching bonanza at Lake Nakuru

Lake nakuru.

Spend a second day exploring Lake Nakuru National Park. As well as an opportunity for more bird spotting, the park also provides habitat for lion, leopard, buffalo and Rothschild giraffe, as well as white rhino and the endangered black rhino. Returning from your game drive, there’ll be time to relax and enjoy the panoramic lake views from the lodge. Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (or similar).

Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

After an early breakfast, drive for 7-hours to the most famous wildlife reserve in the world – the incredible Maasai Mara. Home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the world, the endless wide-open savannah and rolling grasslands truly epitomise Kenya. On arrival, there’ll be time to relax at your luxury lodge and enjoy the wildlife and uninterrupted views from the large viewing deck. Overnight at Mara Engai Lodge (or similar).

Serengeti views at Mara Engai Lodge

Experience the great migration, maasai mara.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable day, beginning with a highly recommended optional hot air balloon safari. Drift upwards as the sun rises across the vast savannah, offering an endless panorama and completely new perspective on the wildlife roaming far below. Afterwards, head out on morning and afternoon game drives into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve offers fantastic chances of seeing the Big Five, and other wildlife including giraffe, hyena and impala. Look out for lions basking in the shade or an elusive solo leopard - there are few places better for viewing big cats. Overnight at Mara Engai Lodge (or similar).

The Maasai Mara balloon safari

The vantage point breakfast with serengeti views, maasai mara & arusha.

After an early breakfast, drive for 7-hours back to Nairobi Airport for your flight to Tanzania. Upon arrival in Arusha, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll transfer to your comfortable hotel with a refreshing pool and views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. The rest of the day is free to relax ahead of the second half of your safari adventure. Overnight at Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar).

Arusha & Lake Manyara

After breakfast, drive for 2-hours past rustic villages and coffee, maize and banana plantations to Lake Manyara. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, a rustic-luxe lodge located on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley. After lunch enjoy your first game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, an impressive landscape mixing dense forest, small open plains and lush waterside grasses. Here you’ll search for buffalo, hippos, elephants, flamingos and the tree-climbing lions that the park is famous for. Overnight at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge (or similar).

See tree-climbing lions and 400 species of birds at Lake Manyara

Lake manyara & serengeti.

Today you’ll take a scenic 5-hour drive north through the highlands to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, arriving at Embalakai Camp in time for lunch. Serengeti is one of the most prominent national parks in Africa, filled with an abundance of varied wildlife with a particularly high concentration of big cats. The park also boasts some of the richest birdlife in the region with over 500 species including ostrich, hornbill, African fish eagle and the secretary bird. You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the open plains on a game drive, before returning to camp for dinner. Overnight at Embalakai Camp (or similar).

Enjoy a dream safari in the Serengeti

The serengeti bush dinner.

Today you’ll enjoy a full day game drive in the Serengeti, but first there’s the opportunity to take a thrilling hot-air balloon safari to gain a whole new perspective of the Serengeti. Wake early and watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises. The bright pink-orange haze is visible for miles across the vast savannah, as wildlife roam below. After breakfast, head into the national park in search of the big cats, rhino, buffalo and giraffe that inhabit its vast open plains. You’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch while admiring the monumental panorama and seemingly endless horizon. Overnight at Embalakai Camp (or similar).

Fly high above the Serengeti on a hot air balloon safari

Witness the world’s top wildlife show: the great migration, serengeti & ngorongoro.

After breakfast, drive for 4.5-hours to Ngorongoro with the chance of viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch en route, before heading into the incredible Ngorongoro Crater for an afternoon game drive. This collapsed volcanic crater is 12 miles in diameter and 600 metres deep, with fertile soil and a vast lake attracting a huge range of wildlife including the Big Five and critically endangered black rhino. After a memorable safari experience, drive to your colonial-style lodge located on a hillside above the quiet town of Karatu, where dinner with be served with far-reaching views. Overnight at Oldeani Mountain Lodge (or similar).

The Ngorongoro crater picnic

Experience the ngorongoro crater, oldeani mountain lodge: luxury in the heart of ngorongoro, ngorongoro & departure.

This morning drive for 3-hours to Arusha, for lunch before your return flight to the UK or onward travel.

Another stop?

We recommend finishing your African adventure with a beach stay on the white sands of Zanzibar, or its small sister island of Pemba.

Unwind on the 'spice island'.

Breezes Beach Club and Spa: a slice of pure Zanzibar

A walking tour of historic stone town, the zanzibar spice tour, explore the wildlife-rich jozani forest, pemba island.

Authentic Swahili life, minus the crowds.

Fundu Lagoon: the Robinson Crusoe resort on Pemba Island

World-class dives and canoeing through the mangroves on pemba island, holiday budget guide price information.

Small Group Safari 2024: 07 May

2025: 13 May

Small Group Safari 2024: 04 Jun, 18 Jun, 19 Nov

2025: 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 18 Nov

High Season

Small Group Safari 2024: 13 Feb, 17 Sep, 01 Oct, 22 Oct

2025: 14 Jan, 11 Feb, 18 Mar, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 07 Oct, 28 Oct

Peak Season

Small Group Safari 2024: 09 Jul, 23 Jul, 06 Aug, 20 Aug, 03 Sep

2025: 08 Jul, 22 Jul, 05 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 02 Sep

Private Itinerary

This itinerary is also available as a private departure, on the dates of your choice. This option is ideal for families or groups of friends, as the price per person reduces as the size of your group increases.

Guide price information is based on the included flights from London, accommodation, transport and experiences detailed in the itinerary above for 2 people sharing as part of a small group departure. Guide prices do not include optional things to do. Call us for up to date prices – the cost of your holiday depends upon the time of year you travel, how long you go for, preferred departure airport, airlines, hotels and things to do.

Alfred & Helen Austin

Plan your holiday with alfred&.

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.

Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.

Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly  worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.

Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide.  Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.

Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.

Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.

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• Tours & Safaris

10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari

• Family friendly
• Honeymoon Safari
• Migration Safari
• Tanzania Lodge Safaris

Our 10 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari is the best you can take if you are planning to combine Kenya and Tanzania in one trip.  Kenya and Tanzania offers the best multi destination combined tours in Africa, and Our 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania safari package is one such combo tour. This package in particular takes you to the most prominent national parks and wildlife areas in Africa; Masai Mara Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Amboseli National Park.

10 days Kenya and Tanzania safari Itinerary

Below is the details of the outlined itinerary for the 10 days Kenya Tanzania combined safari, subject to customization according to your needs and interests.

Day 1 – Drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 2 – Full day at Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 3 – Drive from Masai Mara via Isebania border to Serengeti National Park

Day 4 – Full day game drives at Serengeti National Park

Day 5 – Spend full day at Serengeti National Park with game drives

Day 6 – Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Day 7 – Full day game drives at the Ngorongoro Crater floor

Day 8 – Transfer via Isebania border to Amboseli National Park

Day 9 – Full Day game drives at Amboseli National Park

Day 10 – Amboseli National Park to Nairobi – Departure

10 days Kenya and Tanzania safari ; Where to visit?

Masai Mara Game Reserve – The Mara Mara National Reserve (often referred to as Masai Mara Game Reserve)is arguably the most famous wildlife area in Africa due to the wildebeests migration that happens every year between July and October as herds of wildebeests and zebras as well as gazelles cross the crocodile infested waters of Mara River in a bid enter Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania, in search for greener pastures and water points.

Apart from the wildebeests the Masai Mara is a well-known destination for its big cat population and for that reason a famous shooting site for many wildlife documentaries in the past including the ‘Big Cat Diary’.

Serengeti National Park – The Serengeti National Park’s name is derived from the word ‘Siringit’ which is a Maa word (a language of the Masai tribe) that means ‘endless plains’. This is the best national park in Tanzania and the whole of Africa having been voted several times. You expect to See the wildebeests migration herds , the big five as well as a lot of game and birdlife in the Serengeti National Park . Your 10 days Kenya Tanzania safari package includes a visit to this world renowned national park that has been voted the best park in the world countless times.

Ngorongoro Crater – This is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Tanzania and the world largest unbroken caldera. The small are a(around 21 Km in diameter) is like a natural zoo full of wildlife and birds living in their natural settings. Apart from many small and large game, you can spot the big five in Ngorongoro Crater even in one day.

Amboseli National Park – Think of the large herds of elephants with views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa) at the backdrop, then that is Amboseli National Park. This small park in southern Kenya is home to a lot of wildlife and birds including the colorful flamingos. You get the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro while doing game drives in this park and a great chance to get that postcard photo you have been dreaming of.

This tour starts and ends at Nairobi, Kenya and therefore international flights should be arranged as a return flight to Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a major hub in Africa, and therefore the airport has many flight options to choose from and you can arrive early in the morning and start the safari tour straightaway to the Masai mara. Alternatively we can arrange a room and overnight stay at Nairobi before the safari starts on the next day in case you arrive late or arrive early but want to relax and recuperate from jet lag. You may also like our other options for Kenya and Tanzania safari packages that combine the best of Kenya and Tanzania safari national parks and game reserves.

The above is the outlined program for our 10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari tour that can otherwise be customized in anyway in order to suit your preferences and requirements.

Additional information

10 days kenya and tanzania safari – detailed itinerary, departure nairobi to masai mara game reserve, maasai mara game reserve safari.

Apart from traditional game drives in safari land cruisers, you also can go on a walking safari in Masai mara or visit the local Maasai Villages to learn more about their culture and traditions. At a supplement you can also do the a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains.

Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

This morning you will wake up early for breakfast then you will check bid farewell to camp/lodge staff and head out by road towards Isebania / Sirare Border where you will make a brief stop for visa processing to enter Tanzania. At the border on the Tanzania side (Sirare) you will change jeeps and proceed from here with a Tanzanian registered safari jeep and a safari guide from the Tanzania side according to the new laws.

You will drive through Nyamongo mining villages and Mugumu township towards the Serengeti National park accessing the park through Ikoma Gate or Fort Ikoma Ranger post depending on where  your camp is located in the Serengeti. You will embark on your first game drive in the Serengeti straightaway in search of the many animals and birds that Serengeti has to offer. In the late afternoon you will check in at a lodge / camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Pamoja Serengeti Camp at Serengeti or Similar camp. All meals included.

Serengeti National Park Safari

Serengeti to ngorongoro crater, ngorongoro crater safari - transfer to arusha.

We will descend with a picnic lunch which will be served in the crater next to the hippo pool, where you will be able to stretch your feet and visit the washrooms. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the declared UNESCO protected World Heritage Site and the Ngorongoro forms part of an international biosphere reserve.

The crater is actually the largest unbroken caldera in the world; measuring approximately 300 sq km and about 21 km across. The Crater is a natural zoo and with  600 meters walls, this world-famous wildlife area ensures that not many animals escape. Among the animals available here are black rhinos, lions, buffalos, elephants, cheetahs and various antelope species. You will continue with game drives in the Crater floor until later in the afternoon when you will ascend up the Crater rim, then transfer to Arusha town where you will check in at a lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight will be at Ilboru Safari Lodge . All meals included.

Arusha - Namanga Border - Amboseli National Park Safari

You will arrive for lunch at your lodge/camp. After lunch and a little rest, you will go for an afternoon game drive until late afternoon; at sunset when you will retire back to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge . All meals included.  

Full day safari at Amboseli National Park

Amboseli - back to nairobi.

This same 10 days Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary can be offered using other lodges and tented camps in case you wish to stay at cheaper accommodation options to keep bring the costs lower than this or even in upgraded lodges and or tented camps in case you wish to stay at more luxurious deluxe options or more upgraded; upmarket/top end accommodations.

Get in touch for your customized Kenya & Tanzania Safari!

10 days Kenya & Tanzania Safari Prices

The prices below are quoted based on staying in mid-range lodges and tented camps subject to customization with upgraded accommodation or even cheaper lodging options.

A Group of 2 Persons – USD 4324 per person sharing (Double room or Twin room)

A Group of 4 Persons – USD 3428 per person sharing (2 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

A Group of 6 Persons – USD 3130 per person sharing (3 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

Single Traveler – Ask for price

Group of more than 6 Travelers – Ask for price

Children Prices depend on Age of the child and room configuration.

We can customize the program according to your interests and budget.

The Price includes

pick up / drop off in Nairobi Kenya

10 days private safari for 02 – 06 persons

Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch (change cars at Isebania border)

Services of a professional English speaking safari guide

All wildlife reserve entry fees in Kenya & Tanzania parks

All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary (can be customized)

Bottles water during game drives in the parks

09 x FB at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary (can be customzied)

Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority

Concession fees for lodges & camps in Tanzania

WMA fees in Tanzania (where applicable)

Tourism Development Levy in Tanzania lodges & camps

The Price does not include

International Air Fare

Regional flight from Masai Mara to Serengeti ( can be included – ask for price)

All items of a personal nature

Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately)

Travel insurance if needed

Visa fee ( 50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)

Visa fee for Kenya ( 50 US$ per person – to be paid upon arrival or online – Kenya E – Visa )

Drinks and beverages in lodges and tented camps

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Serengeti (599 USD per person), including concession fees

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Masai Mara Game Reserve ( 485 USD per person).

Accommodation at Nairobi on arrival or on the last day if needed

Airport transfer on arrival at Nairobi if you need (only if staying  a night at Nairobi on arrival)

You may also be interested in visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar and you can sample our 10 days combined Kenya, Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday package .

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12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Special Safari

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Departs any day

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African Safari Holiday in Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya and Tanzania Combined Tour Package.

Kenya and tanzania safari tour itinerary..

Day1: Nairobi

Arrive in Nairobi where you are met and transferred to your hotel during the day on BB -One double room. Meal Plan: B & B

Day2: Nairobi – Masai Mara

One of East Africa’s most famous reserves, The Mara consists of undulating hills and great rolling grasslands that sustain some of the most varied wildlife in Africa, if not the world. Arrive for lunch then proceed for a safari game drive you’ll get to see; lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, gazelle and other plains game abound, not forgetting the hundreds of species of birds. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 3 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day3: Masai Mara

Full day is dedicated to game spotting in this sprawling reserve. You can watch a lion, cheetah or leopard hunting or feasting on its kill. Option -of visit to a Masai village or a hot-air balloon ride that starts at 06.00AM -at extra cost -and ends with a Champagne breakfast on the plains. What an exhilarating experience! Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 7 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day4: Masai Mara- Lake Nakuru

After breakfast go on a safari game drive to Lake Nakuru National Park which is on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 3 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day5: Nakuru –Amboseli

After breakfast, drive to Amboseli near Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak. It is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with Sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. Arrive for lunch after which you proceed for a safari game drive. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 2 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day6: Amboseli-Namanga-Arusha -Manyara

Early morning safari game drive -breakfast, after which start a morning safari game drive enroute as you exit the park. Continue to Namanga border. Exchange vehicles at Namanga border and proceed to Arusha for late lunch. After lunch proceed to Lake Manyara for a safari game drive you’ll get to see a good number of elephants, buffalo and wildebeest along with plenty of giraffe. Also prolific in number are zebra, waterbuck, warthog and impala. You may need to search a little harder for the small and relatively shy Kirk’s dik-dik, and klipspringer on the slopes of the escarpment. The broken forests and escarpment make it good country for leopard, whilst Manyara’s healthy lion population are famous for their tree-climbing antics. (Whilst unusual, this isn’t as unique to the park as is often claimed.) Immediately obvious to most visitors are the huge troops of baboons – which often number several hundred and are widely regarded as Africa’s largest. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 3 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day7: Manyara – Ngorongoro

After breakfast full day game around the lake with packed lunch. Evening drive to Ngorongoro crater. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 9 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day8: Ngorongoro Crater

Morning breakfast, after which descend to the breath-taking Ngorongoro crater, which is home to the vast, “big 5” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Huge herds of wildebeests and zebras traverse its plains during their annual migration. Livestock belonging to the semi-nomadic Maasai tribe graze alongside wild animals. You’ll have a full day safari game drive during lunch you’ll have a picnic with a scenic view. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 8 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day9: Ngorongoro – Serengeti

After breakfast, drive to Serengeti which is best known for its abundance of animals and the great wildebeest migration. Its famous known for its 2,500 Lions the largest concentration found anywhere. The park also has over 518 identified bird species where some of them are Eurasian migrants who are present in the European winter months from October to April. Overnight stay at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 8 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day10: Serengeti

Full day safari at Serengeti. Overnight at -Lodge or Camp. Safari game drive: 8 hours Meal Plan: B, L & D

Day11: Serengeti-Arusha

Early morning safari game drive in the park, after which drive to the lodge for breakfast, after breakfast drive to Arusha. Overnight stay at – Hotel. Meal Plan: B, L & D Safari game drive; 3 hours

Day12: Arusha –Nairobi

After breakfast –you will be transferred to Namanga border -exchange vehicles and proceed to Nairobi. Overnight stay at – Hotel. Meal Plan: B, L & D End of 12 days safari in Kenya and Tanzania

$4,679.00/ Adult

Accommodation Options

Option 1:  Luxury – 5 Star -Accommodations -USD-6,449.00 -per person 

• Nairobi -Sarova Panafric, Sarova Stanley or Eka Hotel
• Masai Mara -Mara Sarova, Mara Serena or Ashnil Mara
• Lake Nakuru -Sarova Lion Hill
• Amboseli; Ol Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Serena Lodge
• Lake Manyara -Serena Lodge
• Ngorongoro -Sopa Lodge or Ngorongoro Wildlife Loge
• Serengeti: Sopa Lodge or Serena Lodge or Mbalageti Lodge
• Arusha-Kibo Palace Hotel

Option 2: Standard (Mid – range) -Accommodations -USD-5,971.00 -per person

• Nairobi -Azure Nairobi or Garden Hilton Hotel
• Masai Mara -Azure Mara or Mara Leisure Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge
• Lake Nakuru -Flamingo Hill Camp or Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Amboseli; Sopa Lodge  or Kibo Camp
• Lake Manyara -Wildlife Camp or Kirurumu Camp
• Ngorongoro -Rhino Lodge or Ngoro Farm House
• Serengeti: Thorn tree Camp or Tortilis Camp or Mbalageti Lodge
• Arusha -Palace Hotel

Option 3: Budget: Accommodations -USD-4,679.00 -per person 

• Nairobi -Ibis Hotel or 67 Airport Hotel
• Masai Mara -Enchoro or Manyatta Camp
• Lake Nakuru -Waterbuck Hotel
• Amboseli;  Kibo Camp
• Lake Manyara -Twiga Lodge
• Ngorongoro – Bougainvillea Lodge
• Serengeti:  Ikoma Safari Camp
• Arusha -Silver Palm Hotel

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Price Includes:-

• Airport transfers
• Transport in an air-conditioned safari-designed vehicle
• All park entrance fees Bottled mineral water while on safari
• Full board accommodation whilst on safari
• Services of our professional driver/guide

Kenya and Tanzania safari price excludes:-

• International air transportation to and from Nairobi
• Masai Village
• Hot Air Balloon ride
• Christmas Supplements
• Expenses of personal nature such as visas, travel/baggage insurance, laundry, beverages, tips etc.

Where and when does the tour start?

• Nairobi, Kenya. Anytime of the year.

Is it a private or group tour?

• This is a private tour.

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Date of travel

Kenya and Tanzania Special Safari Combined Safari Photos.

Find Your Safari Itinerary​

Our safari itineraries, two ways to view safari itineraries.

1) View Our Featured Itineraries 

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Featured Safari Itineraries

Epic Mara: Big Cats in Focus

This safari is designed with serious photographers and/or wildlife aficionados in mind. We combine all the essential elements for remarkable wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. The location is the renowned Masai Mara, unsurpassed for prolific wildlife viewing. The guiding is on the legendary level, utilizing one of our 3 Kenyan guide team who are recognized among the most accomplished in Africa.

Rwanda 4-Day Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be added on to any other safari.

Primates of Uganda

Experience up-close viewing of chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.

Quintessential Tanzania: River Crossing Season

With the Great Migration of nearly 2 million animals in the area, the Northern Serengeti is the stage for one of nature's most famed events - the dramatic migration crossings of the Mara River.

Botswana Desert and Delta Safari: Outstanding Value, Top Wildlife and Diverse Landscapes

This safari is customized to take advantage of the best opportunities for the green season in Botswana to observe diverse wildlife.

Ultimate East Africa: Exceptional Guiding in Northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara

This incredible itinerary features East Africa's top guides on a private safari through Tanzania and Kenya.

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The majority of our travelers receive customized safaris tailored to their preferences for experience and budget.

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Wild Cats of Chile: A Puma Tracking Adventure (Small Group Trip 2025)

Explore Patagonia, the premiere wild puma destination, with a small group. In the Patagonia region of Chile there is a large population that has become visible. Hunting was banned here and the puma found sanctuary in the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Over generations, sightings increased until reaching a point of becoming very reliable. There can be no guarantee of finding such wide-ranging and elusive cats, but a small handful of expert trackers have mastered the craft and are now finding puma almost daily.

Bushman’s Botswana

Return to the origins of humanity as you head deep into the heart of Botswana and the world-famous Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert. Experience the Old Way of the Bushmen – the indigenous people of southern Africa.

Okavango Origins – Painted Dog Focus – Botswana Group Trip 2024

This one-of-a-kind small group safari features an exceptional Bushman Guide team from The Wild Source, as you visit an iconic location where African wild dogs have been featured in 2023 films by BBC (Planet Earth 3) and Disney Nature (Animals Up Close). We utilize an authentic mobile camp, the ultimate for safari purists. Here the experience is in dining under the stars while sharing stories around the fire, learning of Bushman culture through the oral tradition, and being connected to the bush and wildlife at all times. You will have a nice level of comfort but never forget your special surrounds!

Wild Dog Days – Botswana and Zambia Group Trip 2024 – SOLD OUT

This small group safari features an exceptional Bushman Guide from The Wild Source, as you visit two iconic locations featured in films about African wild dogs. First you’ll visit a prime wildlife area in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where BBC filmed Planet Earth III “Freshwater” episode, featuring African wild dogs hunting red lechwe in the water. Then Diesel will lead the group as you travel on to Zambia; first for a night on an island in the Zambezi River near Livingstone, then on to Lower Zambezi National Park. The Lower Zambezi has also been a hotspot for wild dogs the past few seasons, with filmmakers focusing on a massive pack that frequently hunt buffalo – extremely unusual for wild dogs to hunt this large and dangerous species.

Into the Botswana Wild with Victoria Falls

Experience the best of Northern Botswana in the Okavango Delta, Kwando Concession and Chobe River, plus the majestic “smoke that thunders” in Victoria Falls.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari

Join The Wild Source America for Denver’s newest and wildest time out – a Rocky Mountain Arsenal wildlife safari aboard the one-of-a-kind Roaming Bison safari vehicle. The refuge is home to bison, coyote, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, hawks, burrowing owls, prairie dogs and so much more (even the extremely rare Black-footed ferret.) This photographic safari is offered year-round for private groups of 1-6, with flexible dates.

Owls of Minnesota – Small Group Trip – January 2024 (SOLD OUT)

This special safari has been jointly developed and marketed by The Wild Source with our preferred American birding experts – Reefs to Rockies. Owls have a special allure for wildlife watchers. Perhaps we are drawn in by the familiarity of front-looking faces. With most species being nocturnal we often don’t see them even when they are around. Owls are a mystery, with super powers of remarkable hearing and the ability to thrive in darkness these birds of prey are masterful predators. They can even thrive in frigid temperatures, but as winter takes hold some owls from the far north move to a larger food base in the rich Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota, creating a unique opportunity for owl viewing.

Zimbabwe Rhino Conservation Safari

Explore the best of Hwange National Park and visit / support Imvelo Safaris’ groundbreaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.

Ultimate Tanzania with Paul Kirui (Calving Season) – Group Trip 2024 (SOLD OUT)

Join legendary Kenyan guide, photographer and camp owner, Paul Kirui for a Tanzania safari. Paul is ready to explore the best of Calving Season with a private small group, capped at 4 travelers total sharing a private vehicle.

Cycling Circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro plus Biologist Safari (Origins Collection)

This 95-mile bicycle tour passes through colorful mountain villages, past lush coffee and maize farms, into cool mountain forests, and then out into the drier and sparsely populated savanna on the northwest side. Enjoy a mode of travel that allows you to experience more personally the sights and sounds of life on Kilimanjaro. Top your adventure with a world-class safari in the Serengeti.

Hike the Foothills of Kilimanjaro plus Biologist Safari (Origins Collection)

There are more ways to experience Tanzania’s most famous mountain than summiting it! Trek through the foothills of Kilimanjaro for an incredibly authentic cultural and wilderness experience, propelled by your own feet through this incredible region. Cap off your off-the-beaten-path hiking adventure with 3 days on safari in the world famous Serengeti, seeking out big cats, the Great Migration and dozens of iconic safari species and astounding bird life. You will have the special experience of being guided by a local wildlife biologist at your authentic tented camp.

The Adventurous Soul of the Lower Zambezi (Origins Collection)

Explore The Adventurous Soul of the Lower Zambezi with a primary focus on the wilderness itself. This is an experience that takes you back in time in a part of Africa that will reconnect you with nature and replenish your senses. This is a unique owner-operated safari that specializes in flexibility and making the most of your personalized experience.

Bush & Beach Honeymoon

Combine wildlife, culture, luxury and relaxation on this ultimate East Africa bush and beach honeymoon (or romantic anniversary trip)!

Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek: The Roof of Africa

Mt. Kilimanjaro to experience the views from the Roof of Africa Trip Details: At 19,341 feet (5,895 m), Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, giving it the name, the “Roof of Africa.” There are many trekking companies and routes to choose from. We have selected a route that ensures top quality guiding and supports a locally-owned business. You will journey through the life zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the less-used, more scenic trails that offer excellent opportunities for acclimatization and optimizes for your chances to summit.

Intrepid Zimbabwe Explorer: Victoria Falls, Hwange and Canoeing Mana Pools (Origins Collection)

Step back in time to the era of exploration with our Intrepid Zimbabwe Explorers itinerary, customized for remote adventure in some of the most pristine wilderness on Earth.

Big Five of Southern Africa

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. This itinerary covers three major highlights of Southern Africa: The Greater Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta.

Essential Diversity: River and Desert

This safari is designed for the safari connoisseur seeking rarity, exclusivity and luxury along with the full diversity of wildlife. The itinerary includes private guiding and vehicle at both safari camps, offering the ultimate in flexibility and maximizing the opportunities to see wildlife you want to see, while maintaining supreme comfort and luxury.

Realm of the Jaguar with Ocelot Research – Brazil’s Pantanal – 2024 Group Trip

Brazil’s Pantanal has an unrivaled claim as South America’s top wildlife viewing region.  In fact, many say it’s the top wildlife area outside of Africa.  Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland, a staggering ten times the size of the Everglades and fifteen times the size of the famed Okavango Delta.  Like Botswana’s Okavango there is a fantastic variety of habitats including wetlands, savanna, riverine gallery forests, and cerrado (forested savanna).  A number of rivers form the lifeblood of the Pantanal, and these have become reliable areas for sighting jaguars.  During our time of travel there is an astounding 95% daily success rate along the rivers for observing the world’s third largest cat.

Malawi Expedition: Trekking Mt. Mulanje and Liwonde Safari with optional Lake Malawi Finale (Origins Collection)

Our Malawi Expedition combines an incredible hut-to-hut alpine trekking experience, outstanding scenery, wildlife viewing in a premiere national park, and the optional finale of swimming, snorkeling and kayaking off your private island camp in Lake Malawi.

Wonders of the Crater and Trek to Lake Natron with optional Serengeti Biologist Finale (Origins Collection)

Our Tanzania Trekking and Wonders of the Ngorongoro adventure is the very epitome of getting off the beaten track. This adventure takes you on foot through the volcanic landscapes of northern Tanzania, traveling through areas that are impossible to reach by road.

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Magical Kenya: Our 2022 itinerary for a perfect safari & beach holiday

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(Last Updated, September 2023) . Kenya has cast a spell on us, and that’s why we already visited the country twice within just 2 years! In the beginning of 2021 we visited Kenya for the first time and fell head over heels for it’s splendid safaris, incredible lodges, unique wildlife and for the lovely people who welcomed us with open arms after the challenges of the pandemic. So, when the Kenya Tourism Board asked us if we would re-visit Kenya in 2022 , we immediately said YES!

This time we travelled to a few new regions within Kenya, but also re-visited the famous Maasai Mara (because you can never have enough of this safari wonderland). In this blogpost we will share the full 2 week itinerary and updated tips for a Kenya visit .

This time we combined our safari with a beach holiday – and can highly recommend this!

Table of Contents

Our two week itinerary in Kenya in 2022

This time we planned an itinerary that combines safari and beach holidays – which we believe is the perfect way to really enjoy the variety of Kenya ! Last year we missed out on the beaches, but little did we know how incredible the coastline of Kenya is. Here is the detailed itinerary of our 2 weeks in Kenya:

• 1 night in Nairobi: Nairobi Tented Camp
• 3 nights in the Maasai Mara: Emboo River Camp
• 3 nights in the Maasai Mara: Olimba Mara Camp
• 3 nights in Tsavo West: Kipalo Hills by Secluded Africa
• 3 nights at Kuruwitu Beach, Vipingo: Cardamom House by Secluded Africa
• 1 night in Nairobi: Nairobi Tented Camp

Most first time Kenya visitors will focus on Nairobi and the Maasai Mara (and maybe adding Lake Nakuru on the way). For two week itineraries some operators also combine Kenya with Tanzania, but we think if you have more than one week it’s best to extend your Kenya trip and add either the Northern parts (Laikipia and Samburu)  or venture further to the East (Tsavo and the coastline).

In 2021 we decided to leave out the beach portion of the Kenya trip and went to the North instead , which is famous for it’s incredible conservancies and for cultural encounters with the Samburu and also worth a trip. This year we opted for the Eastern parts with the famous Tsavo National Park and it’s abundance of elephants as well as a few days at the beach.

In the end it depends on your preferences, if you’re into beach holidays go to the beautiful coastline, but if you prefer nature and safaris go to the North instead and visit Lewa or Samburu.

The Maasai Mara is always a staple when it comes to Safaris in Kenya and should not be missed!

Which regions to visit during a two week kenya roundtrip.

Just like the year before we spent two weeks in Kenya, but this time we travelled to these regions:

• Nairobi (1 night):  We’re not huge city fans, so we decided to only spend one night in Nairobi, but stayed right inside the famous Nairobi National Park. There’s only one safari camp located right within the National Park called “Nairobi Tented Camp”, which is rustic, but offers a great gateway to a safari holiday in Kenya. This way your pick-up from the airport is already your first game drive! Other than that Nairobi has a lot to offer besides the National Park as well, if you’re opting for a longer stay.

Where to stay: Nairobi Tented Camp – a rustic tented camp inside the National Park

Read more about a stay at Nairobi Tented Camp inside Nairobi’s National Park here.

• Maasai Mara (6 nights):  We already learned that this is the crown jewel of Kenya’s safaris last year, so of course we couldn’t pass the Mara this time around. We stayed in two different camps to get to know new areas of the national reserve. The Maasai Mara is – next to the Serengeti on Tanzania’s side – the location of the great migration, when millions of wildebeests and zebras inhabit the large grassy plains. But we visited outside of the main season twice now and can give testament to it’s plentiful wildlife in the low season as well.

Where to stay: Emboo River Camp – the first 100% carbon neutral eco luxury camp in the Maasai Mara. Olimba Mara Camp – a brand-new camp for socially responsible travellers, that is co-owned by a Maasai.

Learn more about the Maasai Mara and the different areas and lodges here!

• Tsavo (3 nights): Together Tsavo East and Tsavo West form the largest National Park in Kenya – combined they have the size of Israel and are famous for the red soil and huge elephant populations. For us it was the first time in this part of Kenya and we had some of the most incredible wildlife encounters here – including seeing 3 leopards drinking at the water hole right next to our lodge during one dinner!

Where to stay: Kipalo Hills – a secluded barefoot luxury camp in it’s own private conservancy adjacent to Tsavo West and with access to Tsavo East

Read more about where to stay in Tsavo and why it’s worth a trip!

• Kuruwitu / Vipingo (3 nights): The coastline of Kenya has a bit of a mixed reputation (ever heard of the infamous beach boys before?). You might want to avoid their efforts to score a relationship and therefore it’s crucial to choose the right spot. Kuruwitu has a private bay, that is inaccessible for the beach boys, that not everyone is seeking when going on beach holidays. So this is a bit of an insider tip and comes highly recommended! There’s only a handful of villas at the beach, most of them privately owned – so it doesn’t get better than that.

Where to stay: Cardamom House – a Swahili-style beach villa at a private stretch of beach in Kuruwitu, Vipingo

Find out more about Kenya’s beach paradise Kuruwitu here!

• Nairobi (1 night):  To finish our trip we stayed one more night in Nairobi again. This time we didn’t need to get a COVID test anymore to return to Austria, but we still enjoyed one last day in Nairobi National Park before the night flight back home. Another option would be to book yourself a more luxurious stay to end the trip, like The Emakoko or Hemingway’s!

Find out more about other options to stay in Nairobi here!

What has changed since 2022 in Kenya?

A year after our first visit the most distinct difference is that  tourism is slowly returning after more than two years of battling with COVID-19 travel restrictions. In March 2022 Kenya lifted the test mandate , so for entering the country now you only need a full vaccination – PCR-tests are not required anymore. But please check the regulations before you travel again to make sure you cover any changes!

During our time in the Maasai Mara we also noticed that visitors are returning, the bush planes were full (as opposed to 2021, when we were alone in most of the camps) and at leopard sightings you could easily meet 20 other cars. Outside of the Maasai Mara it’s still rather “empty”. Many lodges have had a higher influx of local Kenyan tourists in the last months, but we were alone in the lodges in Tsavo and at the coast. The bookings for the next months are looking promising though as international travellers are returning now step by step.

One of the reasons why we chose Kenya in 2021 was that the government took COVID-19 really seriously and had put enough measures in place. In March 2022 COVID cases in Kenya were at an all time low, but there were still measures in place, which felt quite reassuring. Masks were still worn in public places, in the planes, there’s hand sanitising stations everywhere and our temperature was checked at several entry points to National Parks for example. Also all the staff members in the lodges and camps were fully vaccinated.

All in all life in Kenya is spent outside, which makes it a safe travel destination – even if COVID-19 isn’t gone yet.

More details about our first Kenya trip

If you’ve now got a taste for Kenya, we recommend you also check out all the locations from our first round trip through Kenya. In 2021 we also travelled around Kenya for 2 weeks with a bit of a different itinerary, focusing on the Maasai Mara and the Northern parts of Kenya with Lewa and Samburuland. Here are all the blogposts and tips from that trip:

• Remote luxury safaris with an abundance of rhinos at the incredible Lewa House
• From camels to helicopter rides and Samburu encounters –  the unique Ol Malo Lodge
• Safaris in 1920’s style at the original Cottar’s
• The ultimate in luxury in the Maasai Mara at andBeyond Bateleur Camp

And here’s our full 2 week Kenya itinerary from 2021.

We hope this post included some valuable tips for your Kenya travel plans! Do let us know if you have any further questions.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, but we stayed in the mentioned safari camps and lodges as part of a press trip in collaboration with Magical Kenya. The views in this blogpost are our own.

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Hi guys, my husband and i are visiting tanzania for honeymoon in early september this year. This is a rough itinerary, im having trouble deciding what is best for our time there & would be grateful if you could offer some insight/improvements to our itinerary . We don’t want to stray from budget too far & want to see the river crossing/add extras for a unique experience. Also wanting to see if we should upgrade accomodation in Ngorongoro?

DAY 2- FULL DAY NOTHERN SERENGETI MIGRATION EXPLORING -

full day breakfast game drives exploring the great wildebeest migration during the mara river crossing.

DAY 3- NOTHERN SERENGETI-CENTRAL SERENGETI

Today after breakfast we head to the central Serengeti- afternoon & evening game drives followed

overnight-accommodation kubukubu tented lodge.

DAY 4- CENTRAL SERENGETI –NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA-

half day in the central Serengeti for game drives, drive to NgoroNgoro. Maasai village visit on the way. (should we stop at the olduvai gorge too?)

overnight at - NgoroNgoro acacia tented camp.

DAY 5 - NGORONGORO CRATER GAME DRIVES|TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK.

Descend to crater & full day there.

leave the crater to Tarangire national park for overnight.

accommodation at - Tarangire tree top lodge.

DAY 6- TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK GAME DRIVES- ARUSHA

full day game drives at tarangire.

depart to Arusha for overnight.

18 replies to this topic

This post has been removed at the author's request.

For September, If you you can adjust your time and budget, try this:-

Day 1: Arusha /Northern Serengeti.

Day 2 & 3: Full days in Northern Serengeti Mara river area.

Day 4: After breakfast, drive to central Serengeti.

Day 5: full day central Serengeti.

Day 6: Half day Serengeti park/then drive to Ngorongoro for overnight.

Day 7: Ngorongoro crater tour.

Day 8: After breakfast drive to Tarangire park for full day game drives.

Day 9: Full day in Tarangire park.

Day 10: half day, then drive to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight .

Same Itinerary you can start with Tarangire and end the trip at northern Serengeti, flying out from Kogatende airstrip. All are possible. Also if your time is limited, on day 9 early in the evening you can end up your tour and drive straight to the airport depending on your flight departing time.

Karibu Tanzania .

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Hi guys, i am so grateful for your suggestions! i think we will definitely add in more days, maybe 1 day more at central serengeti and 1 day at tarangire? would that be a good idea? sorry i am just so new to safaris 🥲

additionally i think we will stay in a hotel for a day before flying into the serengeti, to sleep off tiredness.

thank you, this is very insightful. So i can definitely extend the trip, but maximum number of days would be 7 i think, is it worthwhile to add a day to tarangire? or should we just skip this?

And second day at Central Serengeti this is also another good idea. Which I'll definitely give them a pass in my book.

Now on Tarangire, this depends on your time and budget, If you are comfortable sleeping inside the park and coming out from the safari and head straight to the airport, then definitely do that, but if you are not comfortable then you should consider sleeping in Arusha town then wake up and head to the airport.

The only difference here is that coming from the park and coming from town. Which is that in the park will give you another advantage of spotting something which isn't guaranteed since I think you will have already have seen a lot but you can decide to do Walking early morning before leaving the Tarangire Lodge, and it will be a bit dusty from lodge to the gate.

But from Arusha you will wake up fresh, no dusty and also you can have long sleep up to 9, since the check out is usually at 10am.

So you decide on the pros and cons plus your budget and time. The drive from Tarangire to Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) is approximately 3 hours drive and from Arusha is 1 hour drive.

I guess that will give you full picture and be able to make your decision.

So i can definitely extend the trip, but maximum number of days would be 7 i think,

so something like this

1 night Arusha am flight next day

3 nights Northern Serengeti

2 nights central Serengeti

1 night Ngorongoro

thats 7 nights and skip Tarangire.

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