11 DAYS BEST OF KENYA AND TANZANIA SAFARI: MASAI MARA / LAKE NAKURU / AMBOSELI / ARUSHA / LAKE MANYARA / SERENGETI & NGORONGORO CRATER

Overview: Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru / Amboseli / Arusha / Lake Manyara / Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

This classic East African safari circuit offers an unparalleled exploration of iconic wildlife destinations and stunning landscapes across Kenya and Tanzania. You’ll journey through the legendary plains of the Masai Mara, witness the vibrant birdlife and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, marvel at elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, experience the bustling safari hub of Arusha, encounter tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara, traverse the vast wilderness of the Serengeti with its potential for witnessing the Great Migration, and descend into the breathtaking natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Kenya Highlights:

• Masai Mara National Reserve: Renowned for its exceptional year-round game viewing and the dramatic annual Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July-October). Expect abundant populations of the “Big Five” and other iconic African wildlife across its sprawling savannahs. Cultural encounters with the Maasai people add another layer of richness to the experience.
• Lake Nakuru National Park: A picturesque soda lake in the Great Rift Valley, famous for its large (though fluctuating) flocks of pink flamingos. It’s also a crucial sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes, offering excellent sightings. The park supports diverse birdlife and other wildlife within its acacia woodlands and grasslands.
• Amboseli National Park: Located at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, offering iconic photographic opportunities of large elephant herds against the snow-capped peak. The park’s diverse habitats of open plains, acacia woodlands, and swamps support a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and numerous bird species.

Tanzania Highlights:

• Arusha: This vibrant town in northern Tanzania serves as the gateway to the Tanzanian safari circuit. It’s a bustling hub with markets, cultural attractions, and is often the starting point for organizing safaris to the nearby national parks.
• Lake Manyara National Park: A relatively small but incredibly diverse park nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. It’s famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, large elephant populations, diverse birdlife (including thousands of flamingos), and picturesque scenery with groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline lake itself.
• Serengeti National Park: The vast, seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti are world-renowned for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle involving millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The park boasts incredible year-round game viewing opportunities with high concentrations of predators and herbivores across its diverse ecosystems.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder – a massive, intact volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. Descending into the crater offers a unique and concentrated game viewing experience, often with high chances of seeing the “Big Five,” including the rare black rhino. The surrounding conservation area also boasts diverse landscapes and Maasai cultural interactions.