This budget East African safari merges the famous game parks of Kenya and Tanzania with the stunning white-sand beaches of palm-fringed Zanzibar Island.

Discover the breathtaking Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, alive with wildlife, and embark on an exhilarating game viewing experience across the vast Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Two of the finest game parks globally, Masai Mara and Serengeti Parks provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation throughout the year. However, they are most renowned for the spectacular annual Great Migration, where immense herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and other wild animals surge across the expansive plains in pursuit of fresh grazing and water. Then we plunge into the Ngorongoro Crater for unparalleled wildlife encounters in this paradise of Africa.

After embarking on a thrilling wildlife journey, make your way to the enchanting Zanzibar Islands for the final days of this Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Camping Safari. Unwind and soak in the sun on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, where the vibrant history and captivating cultures of the Spice Island await your exploration.

Exciting Features of the Tour:

Exciting excursions in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Exciting Journey through the Great Rift Valley & Maasai Village
Serengeti National Park offers thrilling game viewing. Ngorongoro Crater provides an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Ferry and lodging options on Zanzibar Island

DAY 1 – 3: Nairobi & Maasai Mara, Kenya

This overland camping safari begins in the vibrant heart of Kenya, the lively city of Nairobi. Nairobi, often referred to as the “Green City in the Sun”, has experienced swift development in recent years and is now not only Kenya’s largest city but also the most populous city in East Africa. Encounter the warm-hearted locals of Kenya, a top travel hotspot in East Africa, and listen for the cheerful “Jambo” that greets you with a friendly hello. Kenya boasts a vibrant tourism industry, and you’ll frequently encounter the phrase “Hakuna matata”, which translates to no problem.

On the first day of our camping safari, we set off from Nairobi at dawn, embarking on a journey to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. We traverse the breathtaking Great Rift Valley en route to the Maasai Mara, renowned for its abundant big cats, magnificent landscapes, and the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration.

We spend the next two nights camping on the fringes of the famous Maasai Mara Reserve, where the majestic Big Five roam – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. Our days are packed with exhilarating morning and afternoon game viewing drives in safari vehicles, as we seek out the rich wildlife that thrives in this expansive 1510 km² game park. The Maasai Mara resembles the perfect depiction of Africa found in films, featuring expansive plains adorned with Acacia trees and clusters of lush vegetation, alongside rich riverine woodlands that line the winding Mara and Talek rivers. As we explore the Mara, we’ll encounter a vibrant array of wildlife, including Maasai giraffes, wildebeests, baboons, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyenas, topis, impalas, and hartebeests.

The Maasai Mara Reserve captivates with its spectacular annual event, where countless wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores charge across the vast plains in pursuit of fresh grazing grounds. They journey north from Tanzania’s Serengeti around July and make their way back south, crossing the Mara River around November. This breathtaking migration stands out as one of the most remarkable wildlife displays on the planet, particularly when witnessing the grazers leap into the Mara River, home to crocodiles and hippos. A remarkable array of predators and scavengers, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, trail the herbivore migration, enhancing this truly breathtaking spectacle.

The Maasai Mara boasts an abundance of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos, offering exceptional opportunities for bird watching and game viewing throughout the year. Lions are often seen basking in the sun after a hearty feast or prowling the vast plains in pursuit of their next meal. Cheetahs and leopards roam the Mara, where their elusive nature makes them a thrilling challenge to find.

After venturing through the magnificent Maasai Mara Reserve, we traverse the stunning Great Rift Valley once more, making our way back to Nairobi for an overnight stay.

Maasai Mara Lodging – Tented Camp Nairobi Lodging – Camping (twin share tents with communal facilities)
Journey: 300 km / approximately 5 hours (day 1 & 3)
Morning meals (day 2 & 3) / Midday meals (day 1, 2 & 3) / Evening meals (day 1 & 2)
We suggest arriving a day or more before your safari starts, allowing you to unwind and discover the charming city center of Nairobi. Hone your negotiation talents at the captivating market of Nairobi, explore its intriguing bookshops and craft stores, or unwind at one of the many inviting cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the city.

DAY 4: Journey from Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania

Next, we journey south to the bustling border post of Namanga, where we make our way into Tanzania. From there we journey to Arusha, Tanzania’s primary safari center nestled at the base of the majestic Mt Meru. The vibrant city of Arusha serves as a midpoint between Cape Town and Cairo, offering a rich tapestry of colorful curio markets, shops, and the energetic flow of its inhabitants. As we arrive in the late afternoon, we dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Arusha, taking a moment to wander through the curio markets.

If time permits, we can also explore one of the Maasai villages nearby to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of African lifestyles and the renowned Maasai tribe specifically.

Next, we journey west to our upcoming overnight camp nestled on the vast plains just beyond Arusha. This evening, we prepare for our exciting two-night journey to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater – the premier highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Stay in twin share tents with communal facilities, perfect for those seeking a spirited experience in the great outdoors.
Journey: 270 km / approximately 5 hours
Morning Meal / Midday Feast / Evening Banquet

DAY 5 & 6: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

From our camp near Arusha, we embark on an exciting journey west in 4×4 safari vehicles to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, where we will immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature for the next three days. Our journey leads us through the breathtaking Rift Valley, passing by the vibrant village of Mto Wa Mbo. We then journey past the Ngorongoro Crater, navigating around the rim, through the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

Departing from the Crater, we make our way down to the expansive, wildlife-abundant plains of the Serengeti, renowned for its spectacular Great Migration. Often referred to as the Wildebeest Migration, this yearly wildlife phenomenon takes place as 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles thunder across the vast Serengeti plains in pursuit of water and lush grazing grounds. Exploring the Serengeti plains, vibrant during the wet season and more rugged in the dry, offers an extraordinary wildlife experience throughout the year. Serengeti National Park stands out as one of the most renowned game reserves globally, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation.

Tanzania’s oldest national park, the Serengeti National Park spans 15,000 km² and is recognized as a world heritage site. The Serengeti boasts an incredible array of wildlife and birds, featuring vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, alongside lions and other formidable predators. The Maasai name for Serengeti is Siringitu, which translates to “the place where the land moves on forever”, perfectly capturing the essence of the vast, unending flat plains.

Following the incredible experience of camping beneath the stars in an open campsite within the Serengeti, where lions and hyenas wander freely, we embarked on our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater. We embark on an exhilarating game viewing drive as we journey out of the Serengeti Plains, pausing for a delightful lunch before ascending the Crater rim. Tonight we set up camp on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, taking in breathtaking views of the crater floor, which lies 600m beneath us (the nights at 2400m above sea level can be chilly, so don’t forget to pack a warm jacket).

The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden, boasts the title of the largest unbroken caldera in the world, spanning approximately 326 square kilometers. This World Heritage Site is home to a remarkable array of animal species native to East Africa, featuring rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, buffalo, various antelope species, and a multitude of birds.

Serengeti Accommodation: Bush Camp – Experience the thrill of camping in twin share tents with essential shared facilities.
Ngorongoro Accommodation: Safari Camp – Experience the thrill of camping in twin share tents with essential shared facilities.
Journey: 250 km (day 5)
Meals throughout the day (x2)

DAY 7: Journey from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha, Tanzania

On the morning of day seven, we descend into the vibrant Ngorongoro Crater, immersing ourselves in the thrill of game viewing in this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. Following our exhilarating game drive, we ascend the steep crater wall, pausing at the rim to soak in the stunning vistas one final time. After a thrilling day, we gather at our camp on the crater rim to enjoy a hearty lunch, before heading back to our camp outside Arusha for a cozy overnight stay.

In the afternoon, we explore a local Masai village to witness the vibrant lifestyle of this iconic East African tribe in rural Tanzania (if time did not allow on day 4). Encounter the tall, brightly-robed Masai warriors and herders, immersing yourself in their rich traditions and vibrant culture.

Stay in twin share tents with communal facilities, perfect for those seeking an exciting outdoor experience.
Journey: 250 km Dining options: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 8: Journey from Arusha to Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Today we embark on our journey south, cruising through the vibrant town of Moshi nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, as we make our way to the next exciting camp in Bagamoyo. On clear days, we are treated to a stunning view of the magnificent Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain globally, soaring to an impressive 5895m.

Bagamoyo emerged in the late 18th century as a significant trading port along the East African coastline. This evening, we set up camp near a sandy beach lined with palm trees, soaking in the warmth of the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation – Camping in twin share tents with communal facilities
Journey: 560 km / approximately 11 hours
Dining options: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 9: Journey from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam

Next stop is Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, nestled on the East coast of Africa and serving as the main port in Tanzania. There’s often an opportunity to delve into this vibrant African city, wandering through the curio markets and taking in the sights. We gear up for our journey to Zanzibar Island and spend the night at a campsite on the beach just outside Dar es Salaam.

Accommodation – Camping in twin shared tents with communal facilities
Journey: approximately 60 km / 2-3 hours
Morning Meal / Midday Feast / Evening Banquet

DAY 10 – 12: Journey from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

In the morning, we embark on a ferry to the Zanzibar Archipelago, a collection of vibrant tropical islands situated approximately 40 km off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.

The primary island is Unguja, often referred to as Zanzibar Island, while the second significant island is Pemba. The Zanzibar Islands beckon travelers with their stunning white sand beaches, vibrant spices, and a deep cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. Visitors are captivated by Zanzibar for its stunning beaches and fascinating history reflected in the architecture of places like Stone Town, along with its rich tapestry of diverse cultures.

We spend the next three nights on Zanzibar, giving us ample opportunity to discover the charm and allure of this enchanting island paradise. This tour offers the freedom to explore Zanzibar Island without a set itinerary, allowing you to select your own activities and savor the islands at your own pace. We usually enjoy a night in Stone Town and then two nights at one of the stunning northern beaches.

Venture to the palm-fringed beaches up north, selecting from the exciting range of activities that await you. Engage in thrilling snorkelling and scuba diving in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean, embark on excursions to the charming off-lying islands, and indulge in the delightful fresh seafood available. Or you could just unwind on one of the stunning beaches; enjoying a cocktail and diving into the refreshing waves of the sea. Embark on a captivating sunset cruise aboard a classic Dhow sailing boat or explore the scenic trails on the verdant island of Zanzibar.

Explore the vibrant local markets and discover the captivating mosques, palaces, and courtyards of Stone Town, or wander through the twisting streets of the historic quarter, pausing at charming Arabic-style shops. Embark on a journey that will awaken your senses with a day tour to a local spice plantation, where you’ll discover the vibrant world of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper—an exhilarating blend of tastes, scents, and colors awaits you.

Zanzibar showcases a captivating mix of Arabic and African cultures, having once served as a significant hub for the trade of slaves and spices. Even today, the population of Zanzibar is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a vibrant Arabic influence that is clearly reflected in the island’s culture, architecture, and town design. In the 19th century, notable European explorers like Richard Burton and David Livingstone made Zanzibar their launching point, and the islands achieved independence from Britain in 1963.

Zanzibar Accommodation: Lodge & beach resort – twin/triple rooms featuring en-suite facilities
Journey: Ferry ride & transfers on Zanzibar Breakfast provided with lodging

DAY 13: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

It’s the perfect moment for a refreshing swim or some spontaneous shopping in Stone Town, just before we hop on the ferry back to Dar es Salaam on the mainland. As we step into the bustling big city, we conclude our remarkable journey through Mara, Serengeti & Zanzibar on our Overland Camping Tour.

Morning meal
Get ready for an exciting experience! Your stay in Zanzibar for the three-night island adventure is covered in the tour price. Your tour leader will arrange a stay in Stone Town for one night and at the beach for two nights, allowing you the freedom to discover the island and unwind at your leisure. Dining in Zanzibar isn’t part of the tour cost (expect to spend around $30 – $35 each night).