10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Embark on a soul-stirring adventure through Kenya and Tanzania, two of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. This 10-day wildlife safari takes you deep into the wilderness, where the rhythm of nature dictates the pace of life and every sunrise brings a new story from the savannah. From the golden plains of the Masai Mara to the endless grasslands of the Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, this journey will awaken your senses, ignite your spirit of adventure, and leave you forever changed.
This safari is more than just a holiday. It is a chance to reconnect with nature, witness the raw beauty of African wildlife in its natural habitat, and experience the warmth and culture of the local communities. Whether you are standing in awe of a pride of lions in the Mara or watching elephants bathe beneath Kilimanjaro’s towering shadow, every moment is a reminder of nature’s majesty and resilience.
Trip Highlights
- Guided game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks
- Cross-border safari experience into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- Chances to witness the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino
- Visit to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos
- Cultural encounters with the Maasai and other local communities
- Stunning landscapes, from acacia-dotted plains to volcanic craters
- Seamless airport pick-up and drop-off for stress-free travel
- Comfortable accommodation in well-selected lodges and tented camps
Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Kenya
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A professional guide will meet you at the terminal, ready to whisk you away to your hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy a peaceful evening, settle in, and prepare for the wild journey ahead. This first day allows you to recover from your international flight and acclimatize to the East African time zone while staying in comfortable accommodations in Kenya’s vibrant capital city.
Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Masai Mara. The drive takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley with stops for photography, offering your first glimpse of Kenya’s dramatic landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. As the sun sets, the plains come alive with predators and grazers alike. Keep your camera ready – you may spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest during this first taste of African wilderness. The evening provides time to relax at your lodge while listening to the sounds of the African night.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Spend the entire day exploring the vast expanse of the Mara. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances of wildlife encounters, when animals are most active during the cooler hours. Depending on the season, you might even witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacular show of survival and instinct that draws visitors from around the world. Visit the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos dwell, and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. This full day allows you to fully immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves.
Day 4: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, you’ll journey to Lake Nakuru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its flamingo-covered shores and endangered black and white rhinos. The drive offers changing scenery as you travel through different ecosystems. Check in at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive through acacia woodlands and along the lake’s shores, where lions and leopards are often seen resting in the trees. The park’s compact size makes it perfect for spotting a variety of wildlife in a short time, including the rare opportunity to see both black and white rhinos in their natural habitat.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you approach, the snow-capped peak rises in the distance – a majestic backdrop to the elephants that roam this region in large herds. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, from the lakes region to the shadow of Africa’s highest mountain. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive before relaxing at your lodge with views of Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and the stunning photographic opportunities created by wildlife silhouetted against the mountain.
Day 6: Amboseli – Namanga Border – Arusha (Tanzania)
After a morning game drive and breakfast, continue to the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga. After clearing immigration formalities, meet your Tanzanian guide and transfer to Arusha. This peaceful town, located at the base of Mount Meru, serves as a gateway to Tanzania’s northern circuit. The border crossing marks an exciting transition in your safari adventure, as you prepare to explore Tanzania’s renowned wildlife areas. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge, perhaps reflecting on your Kenyan experiences while anticipating the Tanzanian adventures ahead.
Day 7: Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands en route to the world-famous Serengeti. The name Serengeti means “endless plains,” and that is exactly what awaits you. The journey itself is spectacular, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its highland scenery and Maasai communities. Arrive for a game drive en route to your camp, soaking in the vastness and spotting giraffes, zebras, and perhaps a prowling lion. Overnight in a tented camp surrounded by the sounds of the wild, truly immersing yourself in the heart of the African wilderness.
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Wake up early for a full day of exploring the Serengeti. The park is teeming with wildlife, from elusive leopards to massive elephant herds and the iconic cheetahs. The migration, if in season, will offer dramatic scenes of predator-prey interaction that showcase nature’s raw power and beauty. Your guide will lead you to the best spots depending on animal movements, using their expertise to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities. The Serengeti’s vast ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of species, making each game drive a unique experience.
Day 9: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. This ancient caldera hosts an incredibly dense population of animals, including rare black rhinos, lions, zebras, and even flamingos in the crater lake. The crater floor creates a natural amphitheater where wildlife viewing is exceptional due to the contained ecosystem. Later, drive up to your lodge on the rim for breathtaking crater views and spectacular sunsets over this geological wonder.
Day 10: Ngorongoro – Lake Manyara – Arusha – Departure
On your final day, explore Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, hippos, and an abundance of birdlife. This compact park offers excellent wildlife viewing and serves as a perfect finale to your safari adventure. After a final safari experience, return to Arusha for lunch and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, bringing with you unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the wild wonders of East Africa. The journey concludes where many African adventures begin, leaving you with stories to last a lifetime.
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides
- Full-board accommodation in lodges and tented camps
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Daily game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees for Kenya and Tanzania
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
