Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya

Your East African Safari adventure begins on your arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You will be greeted with a warm “JAMBO!” (meaning hello in Swahili) and transferred to the 245 Ole Sereni Hotel hotel (or similar). The rest of the day is at your leisure, relax by the pool or explore bustling Nairobi with a range of attractions, luxury shops and Masai open-air markets. You may wish to kick off your Kenya and Tanzania Safari with a visit to the adjacent Nairobi National Park. Dine at the hotel or head out to explore the restaurants and nightlife of Nairobi City, the capital of Kenya.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer
• Meals: None

About 245 Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi

The 245 Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi is a luxurious 5-star establishment uniquely located adjacent to Nairobi National Park, offering stunning views of the park’s wildlife.

The hotel boasts well-appointed rooms featuring modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibars, and tea/coffee-making facilities, with some rooms offering park views. Dining options include multiple restaurants and bars that serve a variety of international and local cuisines, catering to diverse culinary tastes. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace.

Day 2 & 3: Amboseli National Park – Kenya

Day 2 of your Kenya and Tanzania Safari starts with a delicious breakfast before climbing into your 4×4 safari vehicle and heading out of Nairobi. As you leave the urban sprawl behind, you’ll pass through small towns and villages, offering glimpses of local life and culture, until the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with expansive views of open grasslands and distant volcanic hills. On clear days, the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, dominates the horizon, providing a stunning backdrop to Amboseli National Park.

Arrive in time for check-in and lunch at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (or similar) nestled in an acacia grove beside a gentle mountain spring. Relax in the garden or the palm-shaded swimming pool and sun deck before embarking on your first late afternoon game-viewing drive in Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli National Park is renowned for its diverse and striking terrain of expansive open plains, acacia woodlands, and swamps and marshes fed by underground springs from Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen traversing the open plains or cooling off in the swamps. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators are commonly sighted, stalking the park’s plentiful prey species, including zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope species. Over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and numerous raptors, are recorded here.

Day 3 is spent on a full-day Amboseli National Park Safari. Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game-viewing safari drives, then retreat to the lodge for hearty meals and relaxation in the serenity of the lodge grounds.

• Included Activities: Amboseli Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, located in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, offers guests an immersive experience in one of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The lodge features traditionally styled rooms with modern comforts, en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro or the surrounding savannah. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, from the open-air restaurant serving local and international cuisine to bush dinners under the stars. Amenities include a swimming pool, a sundeck, a gift shop, and a bar.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Tanzania

After breakfast, your Kenya and Tanzania Safari departs Amboseli and heads for Namanga, the Eastern Kenya/Tanzania border. After the cross-border procedures are complete, continue driving to the bustling town of Arusha for a quick lunch stop. Then continue the drive through stunning African Rift Valley scenery, to Tloma Lodge (or similar) in the foothills of the Ngorongoro highlands with beautiful views over a coffee plantation and the walls of Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an 8,000 square kilometres (over 3,000 square miles) protected area of diverse landscapes with the Ngorongoro Crater at its centre.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

About Tloma Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands

Tloma Lodge, situated in the verdant hills of the Ngorongoro Highlands in Tanzania, offers a serene and intimate retreat with stunning views of the surrounding gardens and farmlands. The lodge features spacious cottages equipped with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas, providing a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Guests can savour delicious meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at the lodge’s restaurant, which offers indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a spa, a bar, and a gift shop.

Day 5 & 6: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

After a leisurely breakfast, your East African Safari descends into Ngorongoro Crater, often hailed as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’. It is the caldera of an extinct ancient volcano that collapsed to form a vast amphitheatre. The crater now hosts the densest wildlife population in Africa, making for world-class wildlife safaris.

Your game drive takes you down into a unique biosphere on the crater floor, virtually unchanged since time immemorial. Spend your day crisscrossing the sprawling grasslands, forests, hidden swamps, shimmering salt pans, and a freshwater lake teeming with birds. Ngorongoro Crater is home to all the prestigious Big 5 species – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. The crater also boasts one of Africa’s densest predator populations in Africa, alongside every type of herbivore imaginable.

Stop to enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery. As the afternoon unfolds, it is time to ascend the walls to the rim of the crater once more and head to the legendary Serengeti National Park nearby. Enjoy your first Serengeti safari drive as you head to Acacia Central Camp (or similar) in the heart of the park to settle in for the next two nights. Enjoy a hearty safari dinner under the stars.

Day 6 of our Kenya and Tanzania Safari is devoted to an unforgettable full-day Serengeti Safari. The 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 square miles) of Serengeti National Park awaits, teeming with wildlife. Keep a lookout for the Big 5 animals, lions either lazing in the sun or on the hunt and everything from graceful cheetahs to giraffes, zebras and an abundance of other plains game. The Serengeti also offers excellent bird watching with abundant ostriches and kori bustards, as well as a variety of larks, finches, raptors, and exquisite purple-breasted rollers. Your safari guide will share the secrets of this fascinating place. Often referred to as the stage for “the greatest wildlife show on Earth,” the Serengeti Park hosts one-half of the annual Great Migration where herds of millions traverse these plains en route to the Masai Mara, then back again. See our notes below on the Great Migration.

As the day winds down, return to camp to freshen up and reminisce about the day’s sightings over a hearty dinner and evening around the campfire.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari, Full-Day Serengeti Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Acacia Central Camp in Serengeti National Park

Acacia Central Camp, nestled in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, provides an authentic East African safari experience with the comfort of modern amenities. The camp offers well-appointed tented accommodations, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas with breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including buffet-style meals and à la carte dishes, served in the dining tent or under the stars. Amenities at the camp include a lounge area, a bar, and a campfire area for evening relaxation.

Day 7 & 8: Serengeti to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

After breakfast, enjoy a last game drive in Serengeti National Park as you leave. From Serengeti we travel to the Isebania border point, stopping for a picnic lunch and then crossing back into Kenya. Here you will be met by your Kenyan safari guide who will drive you into Masai Mara National Park. Lying alongside the Serengeti Park on the Kenyan side of the border, Masai Mara forms part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem. Enjoy an evening game drive as you proceed into the park to the Loyk Luxury Camp (or similar) which will be home for the next two nights.

Keep your eyes open for a dazzling array of wildlife – from majestic lions and playful cheetahs to graceful giraffes or lumbering elephants. Your safari guide will scan the surroundings looking for tracks and signs, imparting their expert knowledge of the animals and birds crossing your path. At the tented camp, enjoy campfire cocktails, a delicious dinner, and an evening under the star-studded African sky.

Day 8 of your Kenya and Tanzania Safari is dedicated to exploring the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River serves as a haven for pods of hippos basking in the sun and Nile crocodiles lurking beneath the water’s surface. On land, you’ll encounter more giraffes, graceful gazelles, zebras, buffaloes and plenty more. Keen birdwatchers have over 550 recorded species to keep them busy. This is the other end of the Great Migration that sees millions of wildebeest and zebra arriving from the neighbouring Serengeti in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing between July and October each year. However, sightings depend on weather patterns and the timing of your East African safari.

You may also take an optional hot air balloon safari (at additional cost) for an incredible aerial view of this magical African landscape and the animals found here. Drift gently above the Kenyan plains at sunrise with the vastness of Masai Mara unfolding before you as you silently observe the wildlife from above.

There is also an option to learn more about the traditional Maasai people and their rich African culture. Visit a traditional Maasai village (at additional cost) to learn about their fascinating way of life, customs, and traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for this unique community and how they survive.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Loyk Mara Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve

Loyk Mara Camp is a family-friendly luxury tented camp in a picturesque setting on the bank of river Ntiakitiak inside Masai Mara National Reserve. The safari camp offers 16 en-suite tents with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, bathrooms with hot showers & flushing toilets, and verandas for viewing the savannah.

Guests can enjoy meals at the Olpul Restaurant, drinks at the Olaro Bar, or a private dinner by the pool. The elevated dining room and lounge are bright and airy, offering breathtaking views across the plains. The al-fresco patio provides spectacular views of the parade of giraffes, hyenas, wildebeests, gazelles, and elephants as you savour delicious cuisine and wine. The camp also features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, kids’ playground and indoor games & archery to keep you amused. There is room service and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Kenya

Make an early start for your last dawn game drive before returning to the tented camp for breakfast. Then your Kenya and Tanzania Safari takes a final drive through the Masai Mara before returning to Nairobi. Make a brief stop in the town of Narok for lunch en route to Nairobi. Back in Nairobi enjoy a farewell dinner at the legendary Carnivore restaurant before being transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch your flight. Here your epic East African Safari comes to a close.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer
• Meals: Breakfast

Typical Day on Kenya and Tanzania Safaris:

• Before dawn: Wake up and enjoy a hot coffee or tea in the cool morning hours.
• Sunrise to around 9 am: Morning game drives. Bundle up and hop into the open vehicle with your camera ready. Your expert safari guide will navigate the bush, seeking out lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals as the sun rises and paints the landscape. Every turn promises a discovery, perhaps a pride of lions with cubs, a majestic herd of elephants, or a cheetah on the hunt. The game drive lasts about two hours but can vary depending on the wildlife sightings.
• Around 9 am: Breakfast at camp. Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast to refuel after your exciting wildlife adventure.
• Mid-morning: Take some time to relax after the early start. You can unwind by the pool, catch up on sleep, or participate in optional activities offered by the lodge, such as nature walks, cultural visits to nearby villages, or bike rides.
• Around 1 pm: Lunch is usually served at the lodge or camp. Except on full-day game drives, when you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness.
• Late afternoon: Afternoon game drives. As the day heats up, head out again on another game drive, searching for animals you might have missed earlier. Your guide will help you spot a variety of wildlife.
• Early evening: Sunset and return to camp. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset as we return to the camp for a refreshing shower and refreshments.
• Evening: Dinner and relaxation. Indulge in a delicious dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a crackling campfire, sharing stories of your African safari adventures. Retire early, well-rested and filled with anticipation for the next day’s exploration.

Your knowledgeable driver-guide will be your companion and resource throughout your East African safari. They’ll share their expertise on the local wildlife, traditions, and history, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

Flexibility: While the schedule offers a general structure, your guides will consider your preferences and adjust the timings whenever possible. The priority remains adhering to park regulations and ensuring safe travel within the time constraints. Your guides will provide expert recommendations but are always open to hearing your interests.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Notes

All Kenya and Tanzania Safari tours are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.

The accommodation listed in this itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

The cost of any optional activities will be confirmed on request.

Customise your Kenya and Tanzania Safari Tour

Zanzibar Island Add-on

This Kenya and Tanzania Safari combines well with our 4-Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package. Zanzibar Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich cultural heritage, and historic Stone Town, making it a paradise for relaxation and exploration.

For this Zanzibar tour, you decide how much or how little you wish to do. The Zanzibar beach resort caters to all tastes with watersports, land-based activities, spa treatments, three beautiful restaurants, many bars, and facilities. The resort is set along a white-sand beach and features one of Zanzibar’s largest swimming pools, complete with a pool bar. To learn more about Zanzibar Island, arrange excursions at the beach resort, which include spice tours and a visit to Stone Town, speak to a travel expert who can add this Zanzibar beach tour to your East African safari package.

East African Flights

Note that flight costs are not included in the Kenya and Tanzania Safari packages and must be booked separately. Our friendly travel advisors will be able to advise on your options and make bookings on your behalf through our flight partners.

Pre and Post-Kenya & Tanzania Safari Accommodation

Talk to one of our friendly travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation before and/or after your guided Kenya and Tanzania Safari.

Wildebeest Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration of Kenya’s Masai Mara & Tanzania’s Serengeti is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, it must be understood that seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your East African safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.