Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari – Two Birds with One Stone
A safari travel plan that combines the wonders of BOTH Tanzania and Kenya. This full-packed adventure ensures you see the best East Africa has to offer. Carefully designed, this trip takes you to the must-see game reserves, from Lake Nakuru via Lake Naivasha, to the stunning Maasai Mara, known for its grassy plains and rolling hills. Move to the one and only Serengeti National Park, a world heritage site. Continue your journey exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, which is rich in wildlife. This trip ends in Lake Manyara National Park, a last gem for exploring dense woodlands and steep mountainsides, a park known for its tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy our specially designed 9-day travel plan to both Tanzania and Kenya. This journey ensures you experience the best each country has to offer – the classic must-see parks. Start your trip in Kenya, and drive to Lake Nakuru, which lies on the floor of the great rift valley, surrounded by bushy grasslands via Lake Naivasha, a picturesque stopover spot for you to enjoy a serene boat ride. Then continue to the one and only Maasai Mara game reserve, Kenya’s gem, an area dedicated to preserving wildlife in the savanna. You will then move into Tanzania, where you will visit the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s very own gem, waiting for you to enjoy the vast plains filled with a rich variety of wildlife. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater and finish your Lake Manyara National Park trip. In 9 days, you experience two countries and seven key locations characterized by their unique landscapes and wildlife.
Please check our Highlights of Kenya safari, Kenyan savanna, and beach combo, and our best-selling Big Five Luxury safari in Tanzania.
Day 1 |
ARRIVE IN NAIROBI | TAMARIND TREE HOTELPick up from the airport upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for the night based on bed and breakfast. Overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel (Dinner) or Similar. |
Day 2 |
NAIROBI | LAKE NAIVASHA | LAKE NAKURU | LAKE NAKURU LODGEPick up from the hotel at 7 am and proceed to Lake Nakuru via Lake Naivasha for an hour boat ride for bird watching and hippo viewing. Continue your journey to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru houses Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary and a large population of white rhinoceros, one of the world’s largest concentrations of black rhinoceros. The park features the picturesque Makalia Waterfalls. Also of interest is an area of 188 km around the lake fenced off as a sanctuary to protect Rothschild giraffes. Among predators are lions, leopards, and large pythons hiding in the dense woodlands, which may occasionally be seen crossing roads or dangling from trees. Other game include Thomson’s and Grant gazelle, the long-eared leaf-nosed bat, colobus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, and waterbuck; Impala, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck, and golden cat. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge (dinner) or Flamingo Hill Luxury Tented Camp (dinner) or Similar |
Day 3 |
LAKE NAKURU | MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE | SENTRIM MARA CAMP or JAMBO MARA SAFARI LODGEEarly departure today! The drive to the Maasai Mara is a long one, about 5-6 hours to the entrance of the Reserve. However, once you are there, you will see that the drive was well worth it. Covering some 700 square kilometers, the Maasai Mara is the jewel in the crown of wildlife reserves. The concentration of game within the Reserve and the neighboring Group Ranches almost guarantees that you will see 4 of the big five on your first game drive! The Masai Mara, also known as Maasai Mara or The Mara, is named in honor of the Maasai people – the ancestral inhabitants of this area. The Mara is a part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which includes several group ranches. Depending on which camp you choose, we might plan a lunch en route or arrive on time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Sentrim Mara Camp (Full board) or Jambo Mara Safari Lodge (Full board) or Similar. |
Day 4 |
MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | SENTRIM MARA CAMP or JAMBO MARA SAFARI LODGESpend two full days in the Masai Mara with early morning and afternoon game drives and lunch at the camp/lodge – alternatively, spend most of the day on a game drive with a packed lunch! During July/August, the annual Migration of Wildebeest takes place. This is the right time to spend two full days in the Mara. Overnight at Sentrim Mara Camp (Full board) or Jambo Mara Safari Lodge (Full board) or Similar. |
Day 5 |
MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | ISEBANIA BORDER | IKOMA | IKOMA WILD CAMPBreakfast at 6 am and then depart for the Serengeti Ikoma through the Isebania border. Arrive at the border during lunchtime. There will be a 30-minute process of organizing a visa for your entry to Tanzania. Meet your Tanzanian driver and start the game drive en route to Ikoma Wild Camp, located between Grumeti and Ikorongo game reserve northwest of Serengeti national park, Tanzania. The camp is close to fort Ikoma gate and Grumeti river, offering the breathtaking sights of the Serengeti savannah and all the wildlife it has to offer since the camp is located in the great migration corridor. Enjoy a night game drive in the Ikoma area. Overnight at Ikoma Wild Camp (Full board) or Similar. |
Day 6 – 7 |
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK | SERENGETI WILD CAMPSpend two full days in Serengeti National Park, mostly exploring the wildlife. During these days, you will have picnic lunches in the park. Serengeti National Park’s resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area, with prides of lions up to 30 strong. However, the area turns into a wildlife paradise from July to October. The key feature is the Mara River. It is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Finding a crossing is very difficult and sometimes a matter of luck. Overnight at Serengeti Wild Camp (Full Board) or Similar. |
Day 8 |
SERENGETI | NGORONGORO CRATER | NGORONGORO WILD CAMPAfter breakfast, have a game drive en route to Ngorongoro crater with a packed lunch. On the way, have an optional visit to a Maasai Village. You will then drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a once-in-a-lifetime safari tour. The jewel in Ngorongoro’s crown, this thick volcanic crater is the most significant unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. Upon descending to the crater floor, you will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner. This is one of the crater’s leading features. Overnight at Ngorongoro Wild Camp (Full Board) or Similar. |
Day 9 |
NGORONGORO CRATER | LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK | AIRPORT OR HOTEL DROP-OFFEarly breakfast at the camp and depart for a half-day game viewing in Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch. Later, check out of the park and drive to Arusha for your drop-off at the hotel or airport. |
Ikoma Wild Camp
Serengeti Wild Camp
Ngorongoro Wild Camp
Visit Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, and spend two days in the only Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s pearl. The move to the Tanzanian side starts with Ikoma, which lies on the outskirts of the Serengeti National Park. Grumeti Ikoma is a well-kept secret because this area is calmer and rich in wildlife. A lot of the park’s animals roam here. You also visit the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This shallow, alkaline lake is located in the northern part of Tanzania, in the Manyara Region. It is situated at the foot of the Great Rift Valley and is known for its diverse birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and breathtaking scenery.
- Travel route selected so that you see the highlights of both Kenya and Tanzania.
- Great Value for money! You can visit two countries in one travel plan, maximizing your trip.
- Accommodation is comfortable and of a good standard.
- The safari guides are knowledgeable, English-speaking and simply they love what they do!
These locations are home to some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular wildlife. From the iconic wildebeest migration to the big cats, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species, these locations offer an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. The landscapes in these areas are stunning, from the rolling savannahs to the picturesque lakes and the iconic acacia trees. The scenery alone is worth the trip. The Maasai people are known for their unique culture and way of life. Visiting these locations will give you an opportunity to learn more about their customs and traditions. Whether it’s hot air balloon safaris, game drives, or walking safaris, these locations offer a range of exciting activities for adventure seekers. Remember that visiting these locations can also help support conservation efforts in the area. Many of the parks and reserves are managed by organizations that work to protect the environment and wildlife. Your visit can help support these efforts.
Do we need visas for both Tanzania and Kenya?
Yes, visas are required for each country, depending on your country of origin.
What safari vehicles are used during the safari in Kenya & Tanzania?
We use a custom-built 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser for our safaris. The vehicles take up to 6 clients in 3 rows of seating (guaranteed window seat for all) with a pop-up roof, which can be raised for excellent wildlife viewing. The pop-up roof offer excellent photography opportunities and also provides shade while enjoying your safari. Our vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before and after every safari to ensure optimal comfort during your journey.
Do I use the same safari guide in Kenya and Tanzania?
No, we get you the best guides for each country. You will change vehicles and guides at the borders, either the Isebania border from Masai Mara or the Namanga border from Amboseli National Park. The driver change will occur after the immigration process.
What currency can I use for both countries?
Tanzania and Kenya each have their local currencies, Tanzanian and Kenyan shillings. You can use USD dollars which is acceptable in both countries too.
When is the best time to do a safari in both Tanzania and Kenya?
The best time to go on safari in Kenya and Tanzania is during the dry season, typically from June to October. This is the peak season for safari tourism as the weather is mild, the vegetation is less dense, and wildlife is more easily spotted around the water sources. The months of July to September are particularly popular as the wildebeest migration occurs in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. However, the dry season is also the busiest time of year, and prices for accommodation and tours tend to be higher. Suppose you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable safari experience. In that case, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from January to March or November to early December. During these months, the weather is still relatively dry, and there are fewer tourists. The rainy season, which typically runs from April to May and November to December, can be challenging for safari. The roads can become impassable, and the vegetation is denser, making wildlife harder to spot. However, some lodges and parks offer discounted rates during this time, and the landscape can be lush and beautiful.
Does the wildebeest migration take place at the same time in both countries? And what is the best time to witness it?
Yes, the wildebeest migration takes place in both Kenya and Tanzania, as the herds move between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The timing of the migration can vary slightly depending on weather patterns and other factors, but generally, it follows a similar pattern in both countries. The best time to witness the wildebeest migration is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the herds congregate around the Mara River, which forms a natural boundary between Tanzania and Kenya. The crossing of the Mara River is one of the most spectacular and dramatic events of the migration, as the wildebeest face off against crocodiles and other predators in their quest for greener pastures. However, the exact timing of the migration can be unpredictable, and it’s worth noting that the herds can arrive earlier or later than expected. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the peak season for safari tourism is during the migration, and popular viewing spots can become crowded.
Is it safe for me to take my children with me on Safari?
Yes, traveling to Kenya & Tanzania can be a wonderful experience for families with children. We provide excellent child-friendly guides and try to limit the amount of time spent in a vehicle. We also offer regular stops along the way when doing a family safari. Please get in touch with us at sales@worldadventuretours.com for more information. You should also ensure that your children understand the importance of respecting the wildlife and following safety guidelines, such as staying inside the vehicle during game drives and listening to your guide’s instructions. It’s also important to take precautions to prevent illnesses such as malaria, which is prevalent in many safari destinations in Africa. Ensure your children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and bring appropriate insect repellent and clothing to protect against mosquito bites.
Included in the price:
- Meet and greet services with assistance at the airport or hotel
- All transport and game drives on road safaris will be in a 4×4 Landcruiser
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide on a private
basis - All transfers in Nairobi/Arusha
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- All park fees and government taxes
- 2 bottles of 1⁄2 liter mineral water per person per day on game drives
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation fees
Excluded from the price:
- Visas, international flights, and airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
- Balloon Safari
- Maasai village tour
- Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance
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