Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya

Your epic Kenya and Tanzania Safari begins on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Our friendly staff will meet you and arrange your transfer to your comfortable city hotel. For those arriving early in the day, there is a host of optional activities and tours available for exploring Kenya’s vibrant capital. At 18:00, meet up with your guide and fellow travellers for a tour briefing. You may wish to enjoy a meal together at the hotel restaurant (own expense).

• Included Activity: Airport Transfer
• Optional Activities: City Tour & other activities
• Meals Included: No Meals Included

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Kenya

After an early breakfast, your Kenya and Tanzania Safari heads north into the diverse rural landscapes of Kenya, winding through the lush highlands where thick forests blanket the hills and tea plantations stretch across the valleys. As you ascend into higher altitudes, you pass through the charming town of Chogoria at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Make a stop at the equator to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. The changing terrain and cool highland air create a striking contrast as you venture further north.

The road descends as the landscape gradually shifts from the verdant highlands to Northern Kenya’s dry, semi-arid plains. Pass through villages inhabited by colourful local tribes, their vibrant clothing standing out against the dusty backdrop. Entering Samburu National Reserve, the terrain becomes rugged, with acacia-dotted savannas, rocky outcrops, and the winding Ewaso Ng’iro River. Take an afternoon game drive for the first introduction to the park’s unique wildlife, including Reticulated Giraffes, Somali Ostriches, and Grevy’s Zebras. The day ends at your bush camp deep in the reserve, where you’ll enjoy dinner under the stars, accompanied by the distant calls of wildlife as you relax around the campfire.

• Included Activity: Afternoon game drive in the overland truck
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Samburu to Aberdare Highlands – Kenya

As dawn breaks over Samburu National Reserve, the bush comes alive with the sounds of wildlife. After an early breakfast, embark on a safari game drive, exploring more of the park’s rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, keeping a lookout for the animals that cross your path. As the day heats up, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the park’s winding waterways and towering acacias.

Your Kenya and Tanzania Safari then heads south towards the lush Aberdare Highlands. Drive up the escarpment, enjoying Kenya’s beautiful landscapes from arid lowlands to green highlands, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Kenya on the horizon. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at a lodge nestled in the serene highlands. Unwind and savour a delicious dinner before retiring for the night, enveloped by the tranquil surroundings of the Aberdare region.

• Included Activity: Morning safari drive in the overland truck
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Aberdare Highlands to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting off through some of Kenya’s most picturesque landscapes in the high-altitude terrain where elite athletes come to train. Your East Africa Safari makes a stop at beautiful Thompson’s Falls, where the cascading waterfall offers a perfect backdrop for photos. Take a brief walk to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty before continuing the journey, stopping for a picnic lunch en route.

The scenery begins to shift from the lush, green Aberdare region to the vast expanse of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Pass iconic landmarks like Mount Longonot, before descending to the expansive plains of the Masai Mara. For the next two nights, you will stay at a beautiful safari camp at the gate of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Enjoy a hearty dinner followed by an evening around the campfire, where you can reflect on the day’s travels and look forward to the wildlife adventures that await in the Masai Mara.

• Included Activity: Thompson Falls view
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve Safari – Kenya

Today your Kenya and Tanzania Safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Masai Mara’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Begin with an early breakfast before setting off on a full-day game drive, exploring the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve and its iconic wildlife. Keep a lookout for the animals that cross your path, from the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard – along with cheetah, Giraffe, and vast herds of zebra and numerous antelope species. The elevated vantage point of the overland truck allows for excellent wildlife viewing, as your guide shares fascinating insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems. Pause for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings before continuing the safari drive.

For those seeking a unique perspective, an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise provides a unique chance to soar over the vast plains, offering panoramic views of the reserve and its animals (own expense).

Return to camp late in the afternoon to refresh and relax before dinner. Gather around the campfire under a sky filled with stars, soaking in the tranquil ambience of the African bush.

• Included Activity: Full Day Masai Mara safari drive in the overland truck
• Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon safari in Masai Mara (pre-booking recommended)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Your Kenya and Tanzania Safari begins with an early breakfast and a final morning game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve. After leaving the reserve, the journey continues toward Lake Naivasha. Make a stop at the vibrant Maasai Market in Ngoswani to experience the rich culture of the Maasai people and browse colourful stalls filled with traditional beadwork, clothing, and handcrafted items.

Continue to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha where your next lodge is located. Explore the serene surroundings, lush lawns extending to the lake’s edge offering stunning views over the water. If time permits and you’re feeling adventurous, you may opt for an optional boat cruise on Lake Naivasha. Observe a variety of bird species, such as pelicans and fish eagles, and possibly spot hippos lounging in the shallows. Enjoy a relaxed dinner, soaking in the peaceful ambience of the lakefront with the occasional grunts of hippos nearby.

• Included Activity: Morning game drive on exit, Maasai Market
• Optional Activity: Boat Cruise on Lake Naivasha
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park – Kenya

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Amboseli National Park, ascending out of the lush Rift Valley into the iconic savannahs of Amboseli. On arrival in Amboseli National Park, your Kenya and Tanzania Safari will enjoy a short game drive en route to the safari camp where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Amboseli Park is famous for its large herds of elephants, including the last remaining “Tuskers” with their vast tusks. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the background as you traverse the park on the lookout for its variety of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, lions, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a hearty dinner at camp in the heart of the park, soaking in the serene ambience of the African bush.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive en route to camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Amboseli National Park Safari – Kenya

Wake early to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a hearty breakfast at camp before embarking on a full day of adventure in Amboseli National Park. Your Kenya and Tanzania Safari heads out in the overland truck to explore the park’s diverse habitats, including swamps, savannahs, and forests, all while keeping an eye out for the incredible animals that call this region home. Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop as you traverse the park’s landscape.

Stop for a picnic lunch at the Noomotio Observation Point, surrounded by breathtaking views of Amboseli and the iconic mountain. Continue your epic safari adventure until the sun begins to set, returning to camp to unwind after an exhilarating day of game viewing.

• Included Activity: Full Day Amboseli Safari Game Drive
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Amboseli to Arusha – Tanzania

Today your East Africa Safari heads into neighbouring Tanzania. Bid farewell to Amboseli and Kenya as you journey into Tanzania through the lesser-used Oloitokitok Border for border formalities. The adventure continues as you skirt the base of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. Make a stop to enjoy a leisurely walk in the foothills, taking in the stunning scenery, capturing fantastic photographs, and stretching your legs while breathing in fresh mountain air.

Continue to Arusha, passing vibrant cultural villages along the way and observing everyday life, from bustling taxi ranks to local street vendors offering their wares. By late afternoon arrive at your comfortable hotel in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned northern safari circuit.

• Included Activity: Mount Kilimanjaro foothills walk
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

After breakfast, your Kenya and Tanzania Safari moves to specialised Land Cruiser vehicles tailored for the rugged terrain of the Serengeti. These vehicles are 4×4, equipped with elevated seating, pop-up roofs, and large windows for the ultimate game-viewing experience.

The scenic drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with its breathtaking views of volcanic highlands and expansive savannahs, before continuing to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy your first safari game drive in the Serengeti as you head toward the central region of the park, known for its rich wildlife and ideal safari conditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route to your tented camp. After settling in, enjoy an afternoon game drive. This area is famed for excellent wildlife sightings, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest, among others. Return to camp for dinner and a relaxing evening around the fire.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Serengeti Safari Game Drive in Land Cruiser vehicles
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

Begin early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a morning safari drive in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. This time of day is perfect for spotting a variety of wildlife, including powerful predators like lions and cheetahs, gentle herbivores such as wildebeests and zebras, and a multitude of vibrant bird species. The vast plains and dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti provide a breathtaking backdrop as you traverse the park’s expansive terrain.

After your morning safari adventure, your Kenya and Tanzania Safari heads out of the Serengeti and back towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy lunch en route while soaking in the stunning surroundings, arriving at your next safari camp in the late afternoon. Take a moment to relax while appreciating the views of the surrounding bush before indulging in a delicious dinner and sharing stories around the warm glow of the campfire.

• Included Activity: Morning Serengeti Safari Game Drive in Land Cruiser vehicles
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater Safari to Karatu – Tanzania

Today, we embark on a morning game drive into the stunning and unique Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater is a collapsed ancient volcano, forming a massive natural amphitheatre that is paradise to a dense array of animals, including the elusive Black Rhino, majestic Lions, and large herds of Elephants, along with an impressive collection of bird species.

The lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs of this truly unique ecosystem create an unforgettable African safari experience. After a morning of exploration, your landcruiser climbs the crater walls once more and your journey continues. Next on your Kenya and Tanzania Safari, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the fascinating local Datoga and Hadzabe tribes, gaining insights into their rich cultures and traditional practices. The Datoga are known for their exceptional metalwork and pastoral lifestyles, while the Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Learn about their unique way of living and connection to the land.

Arrive at a charming lodge in the coffee-growing region near the town of Karatu in the late afternoon.

• Included Activity: Morning Ngorongoro Crater safari in 4×4 vehicles, Daoga & Hadzabe Tribal experiences
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Karatu to Arusha and Nairobi – Kenya

After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at the lodge, begin the journey back to Nairobi with a scenic drive to Arusha with stunning views of the majestic Mount Meru. In Arusha, you’ll make a stop at Arusha Airport to drop off any guests who choose to fly out from there. Here, you’ll also say goodbye to your trusty Land Cruisers and transfer back into the comfortable overland truck for the last leg of your journey.

Complete the necessary border formalities as you re-enter Kenya and drive towards Nairobi, enjoying the sights along the way. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where your epic Kenya and Tanzania Safari tour will conclude at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. For guests staying in Nairobi, pre-booked transfers to hotels can be arranged for your convenience.

• Included Activity: Airport Dropoff (Arusha Airport or Nairobi)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Notes

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Kenya and Tanzania Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Nairobi to allow for delays and changes. Speak to your friendly travel advisor who is happy to make the arrangements.

It is possible to end this tour at Arusha Airport in Tanzania on Day 13, instead of Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. Speak to your friendly travel advisor who is happy to make the arrangements.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Tour Vehicles

This East Africa Safari is conducted in a fully equipped overland safari truck which allows comfortable travelling and elevated game viewing. A 4×4 Land Cruiser is utilised for safari drives while in Tanzania.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Meals

Most meals on this Kenya and Tanzania Safari are prepared on the overland truck, making this tour great value for money.

For more information contact African Budget Safaris.