Experience the most comprehensive East African safari across 12 days, combining Kenya and Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. From the Big Five in Masai Mara and flamingos in Lake Nakuru to walking with giraffes in Naivasha and elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, then crossing into Tanzania for the endless Serengeti plains, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and either Tarangire’s elephant herds or Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions. This journey delivers the ultimate wildlife experience across two countries with a relaxed pace.
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Kenya)
You will be picked up from your Nairobi hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 AM and drive to Masai Mara, stopping at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. You will arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for lions, elephants, and zebras. You will return before sunset for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara
You will wake up for a 6:00 AM game drive to spot predators like lions and leopards, then return for breakfast. You may opt for a hot air balloon safari or Maasai village visit. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive at the Mara River to see hippos and crocodiles. You will return for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through the Great Rift Valley. You will arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon game drive along the lake shore to see thousands of flamingos, both black and white rhinos, and Rothschild's giraffes. You will return for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and fish eagles. You will then visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. You will return for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli
After breakfast, you may optionally visit Hell's Gate National Park for a cycling safari. You will then drive via Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, arriving in the late afternoon for an evening game drive with views of elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
ou will wake up early for a sunrise game drive when Mount Kilimanjaro is most visible, offering stunning views of large elephant herds against the mountain backdrop. You will return for breakfast, rest, then head out for another afternoon game drive. You will return for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Amboseli to Namanga Border to Serengeti (Tanzania)
After breakfast, you will drive to the Namanga border to cross into Tanzania. You will complete border formalities, meet your Tanzanian guide, and continue to Serengeti National Park with a game drive en route. You will arrive in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
You will enjoy a sunrise game drive across the endless Serengeti plains, then return for breakfast. You will head out again with a picnic lunch for a full day of wildlife viewing, spotting lions, elephants, leopards, and wildebeest herds. You will return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Second Full Day in Serengeti National Park
You will enjoy another full day exploring the Serengeti plains, allowing you to cover more ground and increase your chances of spotting predators. You may take a picnic lunch for a full-day game drive in remote areas, including the Seronera Valley or the northern corridor. You will return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge
After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning game drive en route as you exit Serengeti. You will stop at Olduvai Gorge to visit the museum and see early human fossils. You will then continue to Ngorongoro Crater rim for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early morning to explore the crater floor, home to over 30,000 animals including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos. You will enjoy a picnic lunch. After the crater tour, you will return to the crater rim or drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park to Arusha or Nairobi
After breakfast, you will drive to Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. You will enjoy a picnic lunch before driving to Arusha. You may end your safari in Arusha or take a shuttle to Nairobi for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
