Embark on an exhilarating journey through the iconic Masai Mara, the stunning Lake Nakuru, and the majestic Amboseli in Kenya, then venture into the breathtaking Serengeti, the enchanting Lake Manyara, and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania – this East African wildlife safari takes you on an unforgettable exploration of these remarkable destinations.

This Kenya & Tanzania Safari brings together the iconic safari destinations of Africa, Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, with accommodations at tented eco-camps and lodges along the way. Imagine Kenya’s breathtaking Amboseli National Park, famous for its majestic elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside Lake Nakuru, teeming with vibrant birdlife, rare rhinos, and the elegant Rothschild’s giraffes.

In Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, journey to Lake Manyara where lions ascend trees and baboon troops flourish, while also exploring the game-rich Ngorongoro Crater for unmatched wildlife encounters.

Exciting features of the Masai Mara & Serengeti Lodge Safari:

Masai Mara National Reserve – ‘Out of Africa’ savannah landscapes alive with wildlife & the Great Migration (in season)
Lake Nakuru National Park – a haven for birdwatchers and a refuge for endangered rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes
Amboseli National Park – majestic herds of massive elephant bulls and diverse wildlife set against the backdrop of the towering Mount Kilimanjaro
Lake Manyara National Park boasts a variety of habitats, featuring tree-climbing lions and an abundance of birdlife, including flocks of migratory flamingos.
Serengeti National Park – expansive landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the spectacular Great Migration (during the season)
Ngorongoro Crater – home to an incredible array of wildlife, featuring Africa’s Big Five in abundance.

Day 1: Journey from Nairobi to the breathtaking Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

At the beginning of this budget Kenya and Tanzania Lodge Safari, you will be picked up from your pre-safari hotel at 7:30 AM in Nairobi and given an overview of the remarkable wildlife journey that awaits you.

The journey kicks off at one of Africa’s premier safari spots – the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. Our drive leads us through the breathtaking terrains of the Great Rift Valley, gliding from north to south across East Africa, and into the realm of the Maasai tribes.

Upon reaching the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve in the afternoon, we eagerly embarked on our first exhilarating game drive. Venturing into one of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries on the planet, we embark on a quest to encounter the iconic Big Five of Africa (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), alongside a multitude of other wild creatures traversing the vast plains. We pause to take in the serene sunset over the wild landscape as our thrilling first day on safari in Kenya comes to an end.

The Masai Mara is a realm of grand wildlife – the expansive savannahs and the legendary bush landscapes that have graced the silver screen, showcasing the wild heart of Africa. Observe graceful giraffes, striking zebras, uniquely formed wildebeest, and sleek antelopes grazing on the acacia-dotted grasslands, while keeping an eye out for predators like hyenas, foxes, jackals, and cheetahs.

After our exhilarating game drive, we make our way to our cozy tented camp nestled within a private conservancy close to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is nestled along the banks of the Oloirigynyisho River, a place where elephants, wildebeest, zebra, and a variety of other wildlife often roam.

Dining options provided: Meals

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Today is all about immersing ourselves in the wonders of this iconic African game park. As we navigate through the Masai Mara, our eyes wander over the expansive grasslands, where a diverse array of wildlife reveals itself in every direction. Over 450 animal species call this pristine reserve home, from the formidable crocodile and hippo to the agile gazelle.

On day two, you have the opportunity to soar high in a hot air balloon above the national reserve (optional extra). This is an incredible opportunity to experience Masai Mara and the abundant wildlife that thrives here.

The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is an integral part of the expansive Serengeti ecosystem, which includes the Serengeti National Park in nearby Tanzania. These two premier game parks together showcase one of the most incredible wildlife migrations on the planet – the Great Migration. Often referred to as the Wildebeest Migration, this incredible wildlife event involves the seasonal journey of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and various other grazers. The Great Migration is an exhilarating spectacle of nature, featuring herds of hoofed mammals racing across vast plains and daringly leaping into rivers teeming with crocodiles, all in pursuit of lush pastures. Naturally, the abundance of these magnificent herbivores draws in a variety of enthusiastic predators, alongside the ever-hungry crocodiles.

Experience another enchanting night at the luxury-tented camp near Masai Mara. Experience the thrill of sleeping in spacious, walk-in tents that come with en-suite bathrooms, cozy beds, and charming verandahs, perfect for unwinding in the great outdoors while gazing at the starry sky.

Dining options provided: Meals throughout the day

Day 3: Journey from Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

Day three kicks off with a delightful breakfast at the tented camp nestled within a private Masai Mara conservancy area. Next, we embark on a breathtaking drive northeast through the Great Rift Valley, leading us to our next destination – Lake Nakuru National Park. We reach our lodge just in time for lunch, then set off for an afternoon game drive in this intimate national park.

Lake Nakuru began its journey as a bird sanctuary before evolving into a national park, with a key focus on safeguarding rhinos. Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s premier game parks, boasts a significant population of endangered black and white rhinos. The national park is home to a vibrant array of wildlife, featuring a captivating mix of hippos, zebras, buffalos, waterbuck, baboons, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffes. Encountering animals like lions, leopards, pythons, and hippos can lead to thrilling yet perilous situations you definitely want to avoid. Lake Nakuru National Park is a vibrant haven for bird enthusiasts, drawing in a diverse array of migratory and native birds, particularly water birds such as pelicans and flamingos.

We spend the night at a cozy lodge nestled within Lake Nakuru Park. The lodge is nestled in vibrant gardens with a swimming pool, showcasing stunning views of the lake and the untamed wilderness beyond.

Enjoy a delightful array of meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Journey from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park – Kenya

On day four of this Masai Mara & Serengeti Lodge Safari, we kick off the day with an early breakfast before embarking on a journey southeast towards the Kenya-Tanzania border, making our way back to the vibrant Maasai lands.

Our next destination is Amboseli National Park, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro majestically rising in the background, just across the border in northern Tanzania. In Amboseli, the terrain transforms from sparkling, arid plains to vibrant swamplands throughout the seasons and years, nourished by the underground water from Kilimanjaro’s snowy summit as it gradually melts.

We enjoy a delightful lunch on our journey, bringing along hampers, and reach this premier Kenya game reserve just in time for an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing. Our game drive leads us into Amboseli National Park, where thrilling wildlife photo opportunities await. From Amboseli, we journey to Kibo Safari Camp, where we savor dinner and relax.

Delicious meals await: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Amboseli National Park – Kenya

Set out on an exhilarating morning and afternoon game viewing drive in Amboseli today.

Majestic Kilimanjaro towers over vast plains adorned with magnificent herds of giant elephants – this is the enchanting landscape of Amboseli National Park. The park is renowned for offering intimate photographic chances, particularly with the magnificent big tuskers, showcasing some of the most impressive tusks in Africa. Alongside its impressive elephant herds, Amboseli boasts a diverse array of antelope species, including Grant’s gazelle and Coke’s hartebeest, as well as three other iconic members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, and buffalo. One of Kenya’s finest game parks, it is home to a variety of animals including caracals, hippos, jackals, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, and cheetahs. This well-known reserve provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, boasting over 300 recorded species, including a variety of raptors.

After an exhilarating day in the national park, we head back to Kibo Safari Camp (or a similar place) for dinner and our second night in the captivating Loitoktok region of the Rift Valley Province.

Dining options: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Journey from Amboseli to Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania

As the sun begins to rise and the day winds down, these moments are perfect for encountering the wonders of nature. On day six, we rise early once more for a swift breakfast, eager to embark on our journey through Amboseli National Park, keeping our eyes peeled for the incredible sights that await us.

Today marks the start of our thrilling safari in northern Tanzania as we journey south, crossing from Kenya at Namanga. Our drive leads us through the town of Arusha, the entrance to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit – the most sought-after safari area in this wildlife-abundant East African nation.

Our first game viewing destination in Tanzania is the Lake Manyara National Park, a true treasure of the region’s wildlife. As we draw near to this compact yet varied national park, breathtaking vistas of this enchanting wilderness unfold before us. Nestled on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the game park surrounds Manyara Lake, a soda lake that draws a vibrant array of birds. Lake Manyara offers an exciting opportunity to observe a variety of water birds, featuring impressive gatherings of flamingoes during their migration to the shoreline.

Upon reaching this serene and charming location, we head to the Nysa Lodge (or a comparable place) to spend the night.

Dining options provided: Meals throughout the day

Day 7: Journey from Lake Manyara to the vast Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Awaken with the dawn for an exhilarating morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Witness the incredible sight of lions effortlessly perched in trees, resembling leopards as they bask in the sun. The sight of flamingoes among the pink flocks is truly breathtaking, and the vibrant bird life captivates throughout the seasons. Baboons are frequently observed, as Manyara boasts some of the largest baboon troops in Africa, alongside a variety of giraffes, warthogs, buffalos, elephants, and wildebeest. Zebras and a variety of antelope species roam the landscape, while hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys add to the vibrant scene.

From Lake Manyara Park, we journey northwest to Serengeti National Park, the equally renowned southern companion of Masai Mara. Get ready for the vast savannahs that embody the spirit of wild Africa.

On our journey to Ikoma Safari Camp (or similar), we remain vigilant, scanning the untamed landscapes for the rich array of wildlife that the Serengeti Plains has to offer.

Enjoy a delightful array of meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Today we embark on an exciting journey through this vast wilderness, exploring its wonders during both a morning and afternoon game drive. As we dive into this vast 14,736 km² African wildlife sanctuary, the open grasslands unfold endlessly before us.

In this region of Tanzania, the wildlife drama of Africa unfolds in an exhilarating clash for survival. The Serengeti Park is a captivating stage for the annual drama of the Great Migration, as millions of hoofed mammals journey in pursuit of lush greenery. This incredible journey of herbivores is primarily composed of rushing wildebeest, which is why it’s also known as the Great Wildebeest Migration. The wildebeest are accompanied by Grant’s gazelles, zebras, and a variety of other antelopes such as impala, eland, waterbuck, and roan, along with a mix of other herbivores like giraffes and warthogs. A vast gathering of prey species draws in a diverse array of predators, including majestic big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside the cunning scavengers such as hyenas, jackals, and foxes.

The Serengeti Plains offer a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife and birds throughout the year, ensuring remarkable sightings even outside of migration season.

After an exhilarating day at the most renowned game park in Tanzania, we savor dinner and unwind at Ikoma Camp (or similar), nestled close to Serengeti Park.

Dining options: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Journey from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

Today we enjoy an early breakfast before setting off to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eden of Africa.

As we approach the vast, unspoiled caldera, the breathtaking expanse of game-filled plains unfolds beneath us, while we navigate the dramatic descent of the towering 600m crater walls. We immerse ourselves in the vastness of this enormous unflooded crater, enjoying packed lunches we brought from the lodge throughout the day.

The Ngorongoro Crater boasts an incredible abundance of African wildlife. This diverse 8300km² conservation area is home to nearly every animal species found in East Africa, with the notable exception of giraffes.

We bring packed lunches into this stunning crater, regarded by many as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering an exceptional experience for game-viewing in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. After encountering a wealth of large mammals, we journey back up the crater walls, soaking in the breathtaking vistas as we navigate the terrain. We spend the night at Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge (or similar), where we also enjoy a delightful dinner.

Enjoy a delightful array of meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Journey from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha & Nairobi – Tanzania

On the last day of our East African journey, we savor the moment, relishing breakfast before embarking on the final stretch of our adventure.

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we embarked on our journey to Arusha, where you have the choice to conclude your safari adventure. Upon reaching Arusha around noon, you can hop on the shuttle bus heading north to Nairobi. At around 18:00, we reach the vibrant city of Nairobi, where you will be taken to the airport for your next journey.

Dining options: Breakfast & Lunch