Ultimate Kenya-Tanzania Grand Safari Tour - 13 Nights / 14 Days

2N Nairobi 2N Samburu National Reserve 2N Lake Nakuru Area 2N Masai Mara 1N Arusha (Tanzania) 1N Mto Wa Mbu 2N Serengeti National Park 1N Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This extraordinary 14-day Kenya-Tanzania safari is designed for travellers seeking a deep, immersive African wildlife experience across two of the continent’s most celebrated safari destinations. Blending classic game drives with meaningful cultural interactions and scenic overland journeys, the itinerary delivers both adventure and authenticity.

The journey begins in Nairobi before heading north to Samburu National Reserve, a rugged and remote wilderness known for rare wildlife species found only north of the equator. Cultural visits to Samburu communities add depth to the safari experience. From here, the route descends into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife and protected rhino populations.

The adventure intensifies in the Masai Mara, where vast savannahs host some of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife encounters. Multiple game drives maximise chances to see the Big Five and seasonal migration herds. Optional hot-air balloon safaris offer breathtaking aerial views of the Mara plains.

Crossing into Tanzania, the journey continues through Lake Manyara’s lush forests and bird-rich wetlands before entering the legendary Serengeti National Park. With expansive grasslands and fewer crowds, the Serengeti provides exceptional predator sightings and iconic safari landscapes. A full-day exploration allows guests to truly absorb the scale and rhythm of wild Africa.

The safari culminates at the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where an astonishing concentration of wildlife thrives within a collapsed volcanic caldera. Cultural visits to Maasai communities and sustainability-focused projects further enrich the experience.

Perfectly paced and richly layered, this Kenya-Tanzania expedition offers an unparalleled combination of wildlife, culture, conservation, and scenery, making it one of the most comprehensive safari journeys in East Africa.

Itinerary

This itinerary covers the best of Kenya and Tanzania. Arrive in Nairobi and cover Samburu village and safaris, Lake Nakuru wildlife drive, Masai Mara Big Five safaris, balloon safari option, Kenya-Tanzania border crossing, Lake Manyara, Serengeti safaris, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 1: Arrival In Nairobi−

Arrive in Nairobi at any time and transfer independently to your hotel. There are no scheduled activities during the day, allowing time to relax after travel or explore nearby areas. In the evening, join a welcome meeting to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.

You may opt to enjoy a local dinner together and receive a detailed briefing on the exciting safari journey ahead.

Day 2: Nairobi - Samburu National Reserve+

Depart Nairobi and drive north through fertile Kikuyu farmlands with views of Mount Kenya along the way. En route, visit a traditional Samburu village to learn about tribal customs, daily life, and vibrant cultural attire.

Continue to Samburu National Reserve and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, lions, and unique northern species in this rugged landscape.

Day 3: Full-Day Safari In Samburu National Reserve+

Spend the entire day on safari in Samburu, searching for the region’s “Special Five” including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.

Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to observe predators, elephants, and birdlife along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Day 4: Samburu - Lake Nakuru National Park+

Travel south through dramatic landscapes into the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy scenic escarpment views before reaching Lake Nakuru National Park.

Depending on time and weather, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea plantation. Settle into camp near the park, surrounded by Kenya’s iconic Rift Valley scenery.

Day 5: Full-Day Safari In Lake Nakuru National Park+

Embark on a full-day game drive inside Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its thriving rhino sanctuary and diverse birdlife. Spot buffalo, impala, hyenas, lions, and elusive leopards.

The lake’s shores attract pelicans, cormorants, and other waterbirds, making it a paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve+

Proceed to the world-famous Masai Mara, Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, settle into your tented camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

Explore vast open plains dotted with acacia trees while searching for big cats, elephants, giraffes, and grazing herds.

Day 7: Full-Day Safari In Masai Mara+

Enjoy a full day of game drives across Masai Mara’s savannahs. Early morning and afternoon safaris maximise wildlife sightings, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herbivore herds.

Guests may opt for a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise for a unique aerial perspective of the Mara ecosystem.

Day 8: Masai Mara - Nairobi+

Begin with a morning game drive, capturing the golden light over the savannah. Later, drive back to Nairobi. En route, enjoy lunch at a community-supported initiative, gaining insight into local social development projects before arriving at your hotel.

Day 9: Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania)+

Travel across the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga and continue to Arusha. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore local markets or relax. This marks the beginning of the Tanzanian safari leg of your journey.

Day 10: Arusha - Mto Wa Mbu - Lake Manyara National Park+

Travel to Mto wa Mbu for a guided cultural walk through this diverse community. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family.

In the afternoon, enter Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive through lush forests and lakeside habitats known for tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife.

Day 11: Mto Wa Mbu - Serengeti National Park+

Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife viewing during the journey before arriving in the central Serengeti.

Later, set out on a game drive across endless plains, spotting predators, grazing herds, and iconic African landscapes.

Day 12: Full-Day Safari In Serengeti National Park+

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti’s vast ecosystems. Morning and afternoon game drives provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Optional hot-air balloon safaris are available for guests seeking a once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience followed by a champagne breakfast.

Day 13: Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater+

Begin with a morning game drive in Serengeti before travelling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater for an afternoon safari, encountering dense wildlife populations including rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos. Later, ascend to the crater rim for panoramic views.

Day 14: Ngorongoro - Arusha & Departure+

Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about sustainable initiatives such as clean cookstove projects. Continue to Arusha where the tour concludes.

Onward flights can be booked from the evening, or guests may extend their stay in Tanzania.

FAQs on Ultimate Kenya-Tanzania Grand Safari Tour Package

Is this safari suitable for first-time Africa travellers?

Yes, this itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors as it covers iconic parks across two countries with excellent pacing and professional safari guidance.

What makes Samburu National Reserve unique?

Samburu is home to rare wildlife species found only in northern Kenya, offering a more rugged and less crowded safari experience compared to southern parks.

Will I see the Big Five on this tour?

Yes, Big Five sightings are highly likely, particularly in Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater, which are among Africa’s best locations for wildlife density.

How adventurous is this overland safari?

This is a classic adventure-style safari involving long scenic drives, camping-style accommodations, and immersive wildlife experiences, suitable for active travellers.

Are hot-air balloon safaris worth adding?

Absolutely. Balloon safaris in Masai Mara and Serengeti offer unparalleled aerial views and unique photographic opportunities not possible from the ground.

What is the best season for this itinerary?

June to October offers dry conditions and excellent wildlife viewing, while July to September is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania.