13-Day Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania Safari Experience

After breakfast, head south toward Lake Nakuru National Park. This famous park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with large flocks of flamingos often covering the shores of the lake. It’s also one of Kenya’s top rhino sanctuaries, where you can spot both black and white rhinos. During your game drive, keep an eye out for leopards lounging in the acacia trees, giraffes grazing on the plains, and herds of buffalo and waterbuck. The park’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from the lake to forested areas—make it a great location for photography and wildlife viewing.

Highlight: Large flamingo flocks and encounters with endangered rhinos.

Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

On this day, you’ll travel to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the most famous safari destinations in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The Mara is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—and offers unparalleled opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions in their natural habitat. Whether you’re spotting lions in the grasslands or tracking cheetahs, the Mara’s wide-open plains will be the perfect backdrop to your safari adventure.

Highlight: First game drive in the Mara, home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Spend a full day exploring the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara. In the early morning, head out for a thrilling game drive to catch predators at dawn, before the sun gets too hot. During the migration season, you may be lucky enough to witness the iconic wildebeest river crossings—a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle where thousands of wildebeests brave crocodile-infested waters. If you’re not visiting during migration, the Mara’s predator sightings will still be some of the best in Africa.

Highlight: Witnessing a wildebeest river crossing (seasonal) or Big Five sightings.

Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

After a morning game drive, cross the border into Tanzania, heading toward Lake Victoria. Arriving at Serenity Lodge in Musoma, relax by the tranquil shores of Africa’s largest lake. This evening, enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk, spot local birdlife, or simply unwind at your lodge with beautiful views of the lake.

Highlight: Scenic drive into Tanzania and lakeside relaxation.

Accommodation: Serenity Lodge, Musoma
Meal Plan: Full Board

Your journey continues as you enter the legendary Serengeti National Park through its western corridor. The Serengeti, known for its vast plains and abundance of wildlife, is a photographer’s dream. Your first game drive here may include sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of big cats in Africa, including cheetahs, leopards, and the mighty lion.

Highlight: First game drive in Serengeti with opportunities to spot predators.

Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

On this day, rise early for a sunrise game drive across the Serengeti’s plains, when wildlife is most active. Afterward, enjoy a bush breakfast before heading out again to explore deeper into the park. Serengeti is known for having the highest concentration of lions, and with a bit of luck, you may witness a cheetah chasing down prey or a lion pride lounging after a successful hunt.

Highlight: Sunrise safari and thrilling predator sightings.

Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Along the way, stop at the Retima Hippo Pool, where you can see hippos cooling off in the water. Optionally, visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is rich in wildlife, and you may spot the rare black rhino, buffalo, elephants, and herds of zebras.

Highlight: Scenic journey to Ngorongoro with wildlife sightings.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing in one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. Home to a dense concentration of wildlife, the crater is perfect for spotting black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and the occasional elephant. In the afternoon, proceed to Tarangire National Park for an evening game drive, which is excellent for spotting large herds of elephants and predators such as lions and hyenas.

Highlight: Full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s natural wonders.

Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire, one of Tanzania’s top wildlife parks. Known for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 500 bird species recorded. The park’s dry-season game viewing is unmatched, with wildlife congregating around the Tarangire River, making it an excellent spot for sightings of elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Highlight: Full day of safari in Tarangire with elephant and baobab tree sightings.

Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

After a morning game drive, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller yet incredibly biodiverse park. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and stunning views over the Great Rift Valley. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s diverse habitats, from its lush forests to its open plains, where elephants and zebras roam.

Highlight: Spotting tree-climbing lions and enjoying diverse wildlife in a compact park.

Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Your final full day of safari takes you to Lake Manyara, where you can enjoy a game drive through varied ecosystems. Afterward, you have the option to take a short hike down the Great Rift Valley escarpment, where you can view beautiful waterfalls. Alternatively, visit a local Maasai village to experience the traditional way of life and interact with the community.

Highlight: Hiking the Rift Valley escarpment or experiencing Maasai culture.

Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board