Overview
This 12-day safari combines the best wildlife experiences in both Kenya and Tanzania, offering a unique opportunity to witness incredible landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse cultures in two of Africa’s most iconic countries. Here’s an overview of the itinerary:
Highlights
- Amboseli National Park, Kenya Mount Kilimanjaro Views: Stunning views of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, while observing large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Rich Wildlife: Opportunity to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a wide range of bird species in a scenic setting.
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Great Migration (Seasonal): Witness the extraordinary annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles (typically from July to October). Big Five Safari: See lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Cultural Encounters: Visit Maasai villages and experience the rich traditions of the Maasai people.
- Lake Naivasha, Kenya Lake and Crescent Island Safari: Boat ride to see hippos, abundant birdlife, and wildlife like giraffes and zebras on Crescent Island. Hell's Gate National Park: Option for a walking safari in this dramatic park, famous for its geothermal features and stunning landscapes.
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Vast Plains and Wildlife: Explore one of Africa’s most famous parks, known for its immense plains, large populations of big cats, and the chance to see the Great Migration if you're visiting in the right season. Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional): Get an aerial view of the Serengeti's vast landscapes during a serene balloon ride at sunrise.
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Crater Safari: Descend into this ancient volcanic crater, home to incredible wildlife, including the rare black rhino, lions, elephants, and more. UNESCO World Heritage Site: A geological marvel and one of the most sought-after safari destinations in Africa, with a rich ecosystem in a natural bowl.
- Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania Tree-Climbing Lions: Unique opportunity to witness the famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Flamingos and Birdlife: The park is renowned for its birdlife, especially the large flocks of flamingos that often grace its shores.
- Cultural Experiences Maasai Villages: Experience the Maasai culture firsthand by visiting a traditional Maasai village in both Kenya and Tanzania. Maasai Traditions: Learn about their way of life, including rituals, dances, and insights into their traditional clothing and customs.
- Scenic Landscapes Rift Valley: Journey through the iconic Great Rift Valley with stunning vistas and a variety of landscapes. Mount Kilimanjaro Views: In Amboseli, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, set against the African savannah.
Itinerary
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast only
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, across the equator, where lies the rift valley’s most famous lake. Known all over the world for its flamingoes, it’s alkaline and is recognized as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Nakuru is now a rhino sanctuary, harboring a population of over 40 black and over 60 white rhinos, but the flamingos, of course, have always been the main attraction. At times there may be almost 2 million flamingos in residence, forming a stunningly beautiful deep pink band around the edge of the lake shore. Arrival in time for lunch then afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Sarova Lionhill Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
An early morning drive to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It holds on as one of the few places left on earth where wildlife still lives comparatively undisturbed, in the numbers that once roamed the plains and forests of Africa. As the northern tip of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of Wildebeest, Zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Between July and October, one night in Serengeti will be substituted by one night in Mara in order to maximize the opportunities to witness the Great Migration in Mara
One full day in the Maasai Mara with flexible schedule and unlimited mileage. After breakfast, we have a full day game drive with packed lunch provided. The reserve is well known for its black-manned lions as well as its abundant resident wildlife and it’s one of the few places where it’s possible to see the Big Five during a morning’s game drive. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one’s vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get better view of prospective prey. For the bird enthusiast, almost 500 species have been recorded: among these, 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks, 4 of bustard (including the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sun birds.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
We will initiate the day with an early morning game drive in Maasai Mara en-route while driving out of the National reserve. After border formalities, drive to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It will be a long day of driving but the game drives in and out of the parks can be surprisingly incredible. Picnic lunch at Isebania Kenya Tanzania border.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Extra tour recommended: The wonderful balloon flight over the Serengeti plains.
Two full days in the Serengeti with flexible schedule and unlimited mileage. As you crest the hillside, spread out before you, as far as the eyes can see, is the vast Serengeti. Serengeti mean ‘endless plains’ in Kiswahili and this 6,900 sq. mile (18,000 sq. km) park is inhabited by more than 2 million large animals including more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of plains zebras, and Thomsons gazelles. Large predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are drawn to the area by this abundance of prey which migrate throughout the park. Many smaller animals like rock hyrax, bat eared foxes, mongoose, honey badger, jackals, monkeys, baboons and African hares also inhabit the area along with nearly 500 species of birds. On the way into the Serengeti, option to stop at the famous Olduvai Gorge, where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made their discovery of the first man that walked the earth. After attending a short lecture describing the archeological digs and geology of the gorge, you’ll have time to visit the small museum.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
In the morning, transfer to Ngorongoro, the 8th natural wonder of the world. Stop for a picnic lunch, afternoon descent down to the crater floor for a day of wildlife viewing in one of the most incredible places on Earth. With walls 2,000 ft high and a crater floor that spreads for 102 sq. miles, the crater is a virtual Noah’s Ark, inhabited by almost every species of wildlife indigenous to East Africa including the rare black rhino. In fact, the crater has the greatest concentration of wild life in the planet. It contains a river, several swamps, a soda lake that, from the top, looks like steam, full of flamingoes, a forest and open plains. Drive up the steep road out of the crater and transfer to your accommodation for overnight.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Depart after breakfast and drive across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day game drive. Although only 205 sq. miles in size this enchanting park is noted for its beauty and incredibly lush acacia forest of giant fig and mahogany trees, which are home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. The park is also home to a large numbers of buffalos, giraffes, elephants, impalas and a Hippo lake, where large numbers of hippos usually gather. Well known for its birds (over 400 different species), Lake Manyara is one of the few places where you’ll be able to see the Ground Hornbill and the Crested Eagle. This park has become famous for the the climbing lions and the flamingos in the lake shore. The landscapes of these park are absolutely stunning, very different from the Serengeti for example. The game drives are done along the shore of the lake, providing incredible views of giraffes and buffalos in the foreground with the lake, flamingos and flat plains in the horizon.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Early morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park, check in at your accommodation and afternoon rest or game drive, as you prefer. Amboseli National Park is situated South of Nairobi, most of the park consisting of a dry ,ancient lake bed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, while in the southern area there is a number of small rocky volcanic hills. Around the swamp s Ol Okenya, Ol Tukai and Enkongo Narok, the vegetation is lush with yellow barked acacias and phoenix palms.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Early rise for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build up over the summit with packed lunch provided. Despite its changing habitat, Amboseli National Park is possibly the best wildlife area in the whole Africa to experience elephants at close range. Left unharassed by poachers, elephants feeding and bathing in the swamps must form the highlights of any Safari. Dinner and overnight at campsite or lodge.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
Morning game drive in Amboseli. An optional visit to a Maasai village can be planned also. A visit reveals the singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a poignant experience. Early afternoon drive to Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation
- Lodging: All accommodations (hotels, lodges, and tented camps) as per the itinerary, offering comfort, proximity to wildlife, and scenic views.
- Transport
- Safari Vehicle: Comfortable, well-equipped 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide for all game drives.
- Internal Flights (if applicable): Flights between major destinations (e.g., Nairobi to Serengeti) if included in the itinerary.
- Transfers: Airport and border transfers in both Kenya and Tanzania.
- Game Drives & Excursions
- Daily Game Drives: All scheduled game drives in national parks and reserves (Amboseli, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc.).
- Boat Ride: Boat safari at Lake Naivasha to observe hippos, birds, and other wildlife.
- Cultural Visits: Visit to Maasai villages and cultural centers to experience traditional Maasai lifestyles.
- National Park Fees
- Park Entrance Fees: All entry fees to national parks, game reserves, and conservation areas (Amboseli, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, etc.).
- Meals
- Full Board: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at lodges and camps.
- Special Diets: Meals catering to special dietary requirements (if pre-requested).
- Guides
- Driver-Guide: Services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari.
- Local Guides: Expert local guides for specific excursions and activities, such as boat rides or cultural visits.
- Optional Activities (Depending on itinerary)
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Option for a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti (extra charge).
- Maasai Cultural Experiences: Visits to Maasai villages and interactions with local communities.
- All Taxes and Service Charges
- Includes local taxes, government fees, and other service charges.
Excludes
- International Flights
- Flights to and from Nairobi, Kenya, and any additional international travel costs.
- Visas
- Visa Fees: Visa costs for Kenya and Tanzania (if required). This varies by nationality.
- Travel Insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Drinks outside the included meals (alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, etc.).
- Optional Activities
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti, or any other optional excursions not specified in the itinerary (e.g., scenic flights, additional excursions, or activities outside the itinerary).
- Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs: Purchases such as souvenirs, gifts, or personal items.
- Tipping: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (suggested tipping is generally between $5-$10 per day per person for the driver-guide).
- Laundry Services
- Laundry services at accommodations.
- Extra Meals or Room Service
- Meals or room service outside of the planned itinerary (e.g., meals in private dining or non-inclusive services).
- Medical Expenses
- Any medical expenses, including vaccinations or treatment for illness/injury that may occur during the trip.
FAQs
What is the best time to go on this safari?
Answer: The ideal time to visit Kenya and Tanzania for wildlife safaris is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is when wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara also takes place during this period, typically from July to October. However, the safari can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
2. Do I need a visa for Kenya and Tanzania?
Answer: Yes, you will need a visa for both Kenya and Tanzania. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online before traveling. It’s recommended to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before departure.
3. Is this safari suitable for families or children?
Answer: Yes, this safari can be a great experience for families, but it’s important to note that some lodges or activities may have age restrictions. Children under 12 may not be allowed on certain walking safaris or in some lodges, but many safari companies offer family-friendly accommodations and activities. Always check with the tour operator regarding age limits and child-friendly options.
4. What should I pack for the safari?
Answer: Packing for a safari is essential for comfort and safety. You should bring:Light-colored clothing (to blend in with the surroundings)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Comfortable shoes for game drives and walking safaris
Binoculars and camera for wildlife observation
Insect repellent
A light jacket for cooler evenings
Travel adapter for charging devices
Personal medications (if necessary)
Be sure to also pack light and breathable clothing, as temperatures can vary between the hot days and cool evenings.
5. Are the accommodations comfortable?
Answer: Yes, the accommodations on this safari are typically high-quality, ranging from luxurious lodges and tented camps to more basic options, depending on your package. Many of these accommodations offer stunning views, excellent service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Some lodges even provide amenities like pools, spas, and fine dining. However, it’s important to note that some tented camps or lodges in remote areas may offer a more rustic experience.
6. Is there Wi-Fi and phone service on the safari?
Answer: Wi-Fi and phone reception are typically available in more developed areas or larger lodges, but they can be limited in remote locations. Expect to have little to no signal during the game drives and in the more isolated camps or national parks. This is a great opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Some lodges offer internet access but may charge extra for it.
7. What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Answer: You will have the chance to see the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) across various parks. Additionally, you’ll encounter other animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including flamingos and vultures. Depending on the season, you may also witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
8. Is this safari physically demanding?
Answer: This safari is relatively easy in terms of physical exertion. Most of the activities, such as game drives, are conducted in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, and the walking safaris or cultural visits are usually optional and can be tailored to your preferences. However, some areas may involve walking or hiking for short distances, such as on nature walks or when visiting villages.
9. How many people are typically in a safari group?
Answer: Safari groups typically range from 2 to 12 people. Smaller groups ensure more personalized attention from the guide and a more intimate experience. Private safaris can also be arranged, offering a more customized itinerary.
10. Will I be safe during the safari?
Answer: Safety is a priority during safaris. Professional guides are well-trained in handling wildlife and ensuring guest safety. While game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, the guides take all necessary precautions to keep you safe while observing animals from a distance. You’ll be briefed on safety measures before activities like walking safaris or cultural visits.
11. What currency should I bring?
Answer: The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), and in Tanzania, it is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in both countries, especially for large purchases, park fees, and tips. It’s recommended to bring a combination of cash and credit cards. Some lodges and shops may accept credit cards, but always carry cash for smaller purchases.
12. Can I extend my safari or customize the itinerary?
Answer: Yes, many safari companies offer the flexibility to extend your safari or customize the itinerary. You can add extra days in specific parks, such as adding a beach holiday in Zanzibar after your Tanzania safari, or explore other areas like the Masai Mara in more detail. It’s best to discuss customization options with the tour operator at the time of booking.
13. What vaccinations or health precautions do I need before traveling?
Answer: It’s recommended to check with your doctor or a travel health clinic for any vaccinations required or suggested before traveling to Kenya and Tanzania. Common vaccines include Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and Malaria prophylaxis. Be sure to consult with a medical professional to ensure you’re up-to-date on any necessary immunizations.
14. How do I stay in touch with family or friends during the safari?
Answer: Most of the safari areas have limited connectivity, but some lodges may provide satellite phones, Wi-Fi, or internet access for communication. It’s advised to inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance. You can also stay in touch via email, mobile phone, or through the tour operator if needed.