OVERVIEW

10 DAYS COMBINED KENYA AND TANZANIA: 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 significant sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes, making for excellent and relatively easy wildlife sightings. The surrounding acacia woodlands and grasslands support diverse birdlife and other mammals.
  • 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 beautiful scenery ranging from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake.
  • 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 massive, intact volcanic caldera teeming with a remarkable concentration of wildlife. Descending into the crater offers a unique and unforgettable game viewing experience, often with high chances of spotting the “Big Five,” including the endangered black rhino. The surrounding conservation area also holds significant ecological and cultural importance, with Maasai communities coexisting with wildlife.

Overall, this itinerary provides a comprehensive and unforgettable East African safari adventure, showcasing the diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of Kenya and Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. You’ll experience the thrill of big game encounters in the Mara and Serengeti, the unique adaptations of wildlife in Lake Manyara and Amboseli, the geological wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the vibrant atmosphere of Arusha. Be prepared for varied terrains, potential travel days between locations, and the incredible spectacle of African wildlife in its natural habitat.

ITINERARY

Okay, here is a possible itinerary for a comprehensive safari covering Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. This is a packed itinerary and can be adjusted based on your interests and time constraints. It assumes you’ll be flying between some locations to save time.

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara

  • Morning: Pick up from your accommodation in Nairobi and drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve (approx. 5-6 hours). Enjoy scenic views along the way, including the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation (lodge or camp) in the Masai Mara.
  • Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara, renowned for its incredible wildlife sightings.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Masai Mara.

Day 2: Masai Mara Full Day

  • Morning & Afternoon: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Masai Mara, exploring different areas of the reserve. You’ll have excellent chances of spotting the “Big Five” and other iconic African animals.
  • Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari over the Mara, visit to a traditional Maasai village.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Masai Mara.

Day 3: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru

  • Morning: Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Masai Mara.
  • Late Morning: After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 5-6 hours drive).
  • Afternoon: Arrive at your accommodation near Lake Nakuru.
  • Late Afternoon: Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large flocks of flamingos and rhino sanctuary.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight near Lake Nakuru.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli

  • Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, focusing on birdwatching and rhino spotting.
  • Late Morning: Depart for Amboseli National Park (approx. 6-7 hours drive), with a stop for lunch en route.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at your accommodation in Amboseli, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Late Afternoon: Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in Amboseli, with elephants often being a highlight against the backdrop of the majestic mountain (weather permitting).
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in Amboseli.

Day 5: Amboseli – Arusha (Tanzania)

  • Morning: Enjoy an early morning game drive in Amboseli for more chances to see wildlife with Kilimanjaro views.
  • Late Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Namanga border (Kenya/Tanzania border – approx. 2-3 hours).
  • Afternoon: After clearing immigration, you’ll be transferred to Arusha (approx. 2-3 hours). Check in to your accommodation in Arusha.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and explore Arusha town.

Day 6: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

  • Morning: After breakfast in Arusha, drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 2-3 hours).
  • Late Morning: Arrive at Lake Manyara and begin a game drive in this scenic park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and diverse birdlife, including flamingos.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight at a lodge or camp near Lake Manyara.

Day 7: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

  • Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
  • Late Morning: Depart for the Serengeti National Park (approx. 5-6 hours drive), potentially passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (without a crater descent on this day). Enjoy en-route game viewing as you enter the Serengeti.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at your accommodation in the Serengeti.
  • Late Afternoon: Enjoy your first game drive in the vast plains of the Serengeti.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.

Day 8: Serengeti Full Day

  • Morning & Afternoon: Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti on game drives. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the Great Migration. Your guide will focus on finding the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.

Day 9: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

  • Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti.
  • Late Morning: Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 3-4 hours).
  • Afternoon: Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive within the crater floor. This unique ecosystem is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater.
  • Evening: Ascend from the crater and drive to your accommodation on the crater rim or nearby. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Ngorongoro Area – Arusha – Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast with views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a short cultural visit or another scenic viewpoint.
  • Late Morning: Drive back to Arusha (approx. 3-4 hours).
  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.

Cost of Safari

The cost of this safari will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, transport mode and number of people on the safari.

Please contact us on email sales@goeastafricasafaris.com or phone
+254 768 761 321 and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Included in the Safari Cost

  • Transport on a customized comfortable safari van suitable for game viewing.
  • Entrance fees to the game parks as per the itinerary
  • Shared budget twin tent with hot water shower.
  • Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per the Itinerary
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • 1 liter of bottled drinking water each day.
  • Government taxes

Excluded in the Safari Cost

  • Extras – tips, drinks, etc.
  • Items of personal use i.e. Towels, ointments, repellants, etc.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra activities such as the balloon safari and the boat ride

Ready to go? We got you!