Embark on an exhilarating 12-day journey through East Africa with a Tanzania & Kenya Safari, discovering legendary sites such as Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

This affordable journey begins with an exhilarating safari in the Masai Mara, nestled in the Great Rift Valley, then leads to an ascent of Mount Longonot and a night spent camping by the serene Lake Naivasha. Explore the breathtaking volcanic terrain of Hells Gate National Park and savor a delightful tea at Elsamere. Venture into Tanzania for exhilarating game viewing in the iconic Serengeti National Park and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, where Africa’s Big Five roam freely. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Maasai culture in a local Tanzanian village, then venture to the lively city of Arusha before making your way back to Nairobi, where your remarkable journey began.

Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya

Your journey through the Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari kicks off at our initial overnight hotel in Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya.

For those who get in early, a range of exciting optional activities awaits in Nairobi, all easily arranged through the hotel, perfectly situated in the vibrant center of this bustling city.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for an exciting pre-tour briefing at the hotel, followed by a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in Nairobi, where you can savor the flavors at your own expense.

Meals are not included
Stay: Hotel in Nairobi

Day 2: Journey from Nairobi to the breathtaking Masai Mara – Kenya

On the second day of our Kenya & Tanzania Safari, we journey west to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where our thrilling wildlife experiences await!

Our journey leads us to the brink of the escarpment, where we stop to absorb the breathtaking vistas of the Great Rift Valley. This magnificent landscape was shaped around 40 million years ago when tectonic plates diverged, creating a trench that stretches approximately 6000 kilometers through East Africa, interspersed with volcanoes—some of which remain active—and a series of shimmering lakes.

The Masai Mara Reserve came into existence in 1961 and has expanded over the years to cover an impressive area of 1510 square kilometres today. The landscape features expansive grasslands interspersed with trees and seasonal rivers that come alive during the two distinct rainy seasons, providing a vibrant habitat for a remarkable array of wildlife.The Mara, as it is known locally, captivates with the spectacular annual migration of vast herds of herbivores—approximately 1.3 million wildebeest, antelope, and zebra—journeying north in July in pursuit of fresh grazing, only to return south each September. The Reserve is open and unconfined, particularly along its southern border with Tanzania, enabling wildlife to roam freely. The migration unfolds as a dramatic spectacle, where young animals face the peril of predators and the lurking danger of countless crocodiles in the Mara River. Yet, the overwhelming abundance of creatures guarantees that many animals manage to evade capture.

We reach our camp in the afternoon and immerse ourselves in the experience of camping just outside the Masai Mara for the next two nights. An exciting opportunity for an accommodation upgrade awaits each night of the tour, but be sure to secure your booking before departure to ensure you don’t miss out.

Morning Meal / Midday Meal / Evening Feast
Stay options: Camping in a 2-man dome tent or opt for an upgraded accommodation.
Journey: 225 km Highlights: Great Rift Valley

Day 3: Masai Mara Expedition – Kenya

Today we embark on an exciting journey, heading into the renowned Masai Mara. We spend a full day exploring this quintessential African safari destination on extensive game drives in search of the abundance of wildlife that roams across the open plains and gentle hills. We will embark on a journey to trace the paths of seasonal migrations whenever we can.

Kenya’s premier game park, Masai Mara, is renowned for its remarkable populations of Africa’s majestic big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah. The Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant—can be spotted year-round, along with a variety of plains game.

At lunchtime, we enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Mara River, where hippos and massive crocodiles roam. This evening, we head back to our nearby camp, where we savor a delicious meal by the warm glow of the campfire.

Morning Meal / Midday Feast / Evening Banquet
Stay options: Pitch a tent, cozy 2-person dome tent or Stay options Enhancement Included: an entire day Masai Mara Expedition, Mara River

Day 4: Journey from Masai Mara to Mount Longonot National Park & Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Departing from the Masai Mara, we make our way back to Mount Longonot National Park, famous for its dormant volcano that last erupted in the early 1900s.

We abandon our safari truck and embark on a brief hike to the crater rim alongside our guides. The views of the jagged-edged caldera and the forest within are well worth the climb. It’s also a fantastic place to soak in the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley below. Even though the volcano last erupted in the early 1900s, you might still catch glimpses of steam vents along the way, and there’s an exciting array of plains game to observe as we stroll. We will bring a packed lunch for an exciting picnic with a stunning view.

Back with our safari truck, we embark on a brief journey to our campsite by the shores of Lake Naivasha, where we’ll establish our base for the next two nights.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Stay options: Camping in a 2-man dome tent at Lake Naivasha or other lodging Enhance
Journey: 225 km Highlights: Majestic Great Rift Valley, towering Mount Longonot, exhilarating hike in the National Park, serene Lake Naivasha

Day 5: Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park – Kenya

This morning, our journey to Hell’s Gate National Park begins, just a short drive away, promising excitement and exploration ahead. This national park earned its name from 19th-century explorers who were captivated by a striking natural cleft in the towering basalt cliffs and the intriguing geothermal activity that characterizes the region.

The stunning landscapes here inspired the movie “The Lion King,” making it an incredible spot for a stroll, where you might encounter zebras, giraffes, and buffalo alongside a variety of antelope species. The daring can choose to navigate the park on a bicycle (local hire, own expense). Hot springs serve as a thrilling reminder of the volcanic forces simmering beneath us, while the nearby Olkaria Geothermal Power station harnesses this natural energy.

Afterward, we head back to camp for a delightful lunch, then set off for an exciting afternoon boat cruise on Lake Naivasha. Here we have an opportunity to encounter hippos and explore some of the 400 species of birds that the lake draws in.

The grand finale of our exhilarating day is a delightful high tea at Elsamere. This place was once the residence of the legendary “lion whisperers”, George and Joy Adamson, and it carries the name of Elsa, the lioness they nurtured in the 1960s. Here we delve into their captivating lives and dedicated conservation efforts.

Morning Meal / Midday Feast / Evening Repast
Stay options: Camping in a cozy 2-man dome tent or opt for an upgraded accommodation experience.
Journey: 60km (round trip)
Experience a guided hike in Hell’s Gate National Park, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha, and visit Elsamere.
Optional Activities: Thrilling mountain bike expedition in Hell’s Gate

Day 6: Journey from Lake Naivasha to Arusha – Tanzania

Our journey takes an exciting twist as we set our sights on the neighboring Tanzania. Our journey leads us south, beyond the edges of Nairobi, and across the border into Tanzania. When the skies are clear, we might just catch a thrilling glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro peeking through the clouds.

We navigate around the majestic volcanic Mount Meru, the fifth highest peak in Africa, before reaching the lively town of Arusha. Arusha buzzes with energy, celebrated as Tanzania’s “safari capital” because of its closeness to the country’s premier safari spots and Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, located about 100 kilometres to the northeast. You are free to explore the town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (own expense).

Morning Meal / Midday Meal
Stay: Lodge/Hotel
Journey: 375 km Highlights: Picturesque route

Days 7 and 8: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Next up on our Tanzania & Kenya Safari, the iconic Serengeti Park awaits us. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey to Tanzania’s premier safari hotspot, renowned as one of the most iconic wildlife parks globally – Serengeti National Park.

The expedition leads us up the rugged slopes of the ancient volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro, before we plunge down onto the vast, open plains of the Serengeti. This remarkable East African game park is home to vast herds of plains game, a variety of predators, and an abundance of birdlife across its seemingly limitless savannah plains. The vast grasslands, adorned with thorn trees and wandering wildlife, capture the essence of wild Africa, reminiscent of cinematic adventures and safari fantasies.

We will set up camp in the Park and embark on a thrilling two-day safari in Serengeti, a gem of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. We drive from west to east through the scenic bush, and our experienced guides will share their extensive knowledge of the Serengeti, its animals and their behaviors, as we go in search of predators like lions and cheetahs. We will pause for a delightful picnic before resuming our thrilling game spotting adventure.

After our fulfilling days brimming with incredible African wildlife encounters, we will return to camp to gather around the campfire and exchange tales of the day’s escapades while the crew prepares a hearty dinner.

Meals for the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, repeated twice
Accommodation: Outdoor adventure, 2 man dome tent
Journey: 300 km
Included: Serengeti Safari – thrilling game drives

Day 9: Journey from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

This morning, we embark on an exhilarating final game drive in Serengeti Park. Then, our Tanzania & Kenya Safari takes us back up the steep slopes to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

Ngorogoro is the crater that emerged from the dramatic explosion and subsequent collapse of a massive volcano over 2 million years ago. It is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera – 610 metres (2,000 feet) deep with its floor covering 260 square kilometres (100 square miles) teeming with an impressive concentration of wildlife. On our journey, we come across the semi-nomadic Maasai tribe, renowned residents of the East African Rift Valley, adorned in vibrant red robes and tending to their cherished cattle amidst the wild creatures.

Tonight we set up our camp at the edge of the Ngorongoro, at the renowned Simba camp, where breathtaking views of the crater await us.

Morning Meal / Midday Feast / Evening Banquet
Stay options: Camping in a 2-man dome tent or an upgraded accommodation choice
Journey: Approximately 130 km Highlights: Safari experience in Serengeti, encounter with Masai Tribal communities, exploration of Ngorongoro Crater

Day 10: Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater & Immersing in Maasai Village – Tanzania

At dawn this morning we descend the steep walls into the Ngorongoro Crater in a smaller 4×4 safari vehicle better suited to the rugged terrain.

We spend the morning discovering this breathtaking marvel with its towering cliffs, rich ecosystems, and lush landscapes. The crater serves as a captivating sanctuary, boasting an impressive array of wildlife and providing exceptional opportunities for game viewing. One can encounter nearly every type of African animal, including the elusive black rhino, up close and personal.

We head back to Simba camp for lunch before embarking on our descent down the escarpment to our next camp nestled in a vibrant local village. Here we will set up camp for the night among the Maasai people of Tanzania. This afternoon, we embark on an exciting journey through the rural village, accompanied by a Maasai guide who shares captivating insights into the traditional Maasai culture, beliefs, and way of life.

Morning Meal / Midday Meal / Evening Feast
Accommodation: Outdoor camping, two-person dome tent
Journey: 65 km
Experience the thrill of a Ngorongoro 4×4 Safari and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with a Maasai Village Tour.

Day 11: Journey from Maasai Village to Arusha – Tanzania

On day 11 of this Tanzania & Kenya Safari, we rise to the vibrant energy of Maasai village life in Tanzania. After breakfast, we head back to the town of Arusha, located at the foot of the beautiful Mount Meru. Spend the afternoon discovering this lively town and its vibrant markets. This evening, we will dine at a local restaurant (own expense), toasting to the final night of our unforgettable journey through Africa.

Breakfast
Accommodation: Outdoor adventure, 2 man dome tent
Journey: 130 km Highlights: Arusha, vibrant local markets

Day 12: Journey from Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya

After breakfast on the last morning of this thrilling Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari, we journey northward back into Kenya. At times, we hop on the shuttle bus for our journey to Nairobi, or we might opt for the tour vehicle instead. This scenic journey winds through breathtaking rural landscapes and, on a clear day, reveals magnificent views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. On the way to Nairobi city, the transfer pauses at the airport for passengers catching onward flights, before proceeding to the vibrant heart of Nairobi where the tour concludes.

Morning meal Journey: 295 km
Observations:

A welcoming and adaptable mindset will guarantee that you have an unforgettable safari experience. Unexpected road conditions, weather changes, or other surprises may require adjustments to the itinerary, and clients should be ready for this possibility.

For this tour, you’ll need a sleeping bag, towel, and pillow. Visas for both Kenya and Tanzania are necessary for most nationalities, and clients must take the initiative to arrange the visas with the appropriate authorities in advance. It’s wise to take seasonal precautions against malaria. The ideal currency for this journey is the US Dollar, and it’s wise to carry notes in smaller denominations for any additional expenses that may arise. A compact day-pack is recommended.