12 Day Tanzania and Kenya Safari
Arusha | Lake Manyara | Serengeti | Ngorongoro | Nairobi | Lake Nakuru | Masai Mara
Journey Through East Africa's Iconic Wilderness
Embark on an epic 12-day East Africa expedition. Discover Lake Manyara's unique tree-climbing lions, roam the vast golden Serengeti, and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Cross into Kenya to view endangered rhinos at Lake Nakuru before witnessing unforgettable Big Five drama across the legendary Masai Mara.
Day 1 . Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the welcoming gateway to northern Tanzania. Receive a warm meet-and-greet from our dedicated safari representative before transferring smoothly to your tranquil lodge in Arusha to unwind and prepare for your safari adventure.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, personalized meet-and-assist through arrivals, followed by a comfortable private transfer to your Arusha lodge.
Day 2 . Lake Manyara
Journey from Arusha into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, reaching the lush groundwater forests and shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara National Park. Renowned for its legendary tree-climbing lions, expansive baboon troops, and vibrant birdlife, Manyara delivers an exhilarating introduction to the East African bush.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 2: Morning departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, followed by an extensive afternoon game drive tracking tree-climbing lions, elephants, and pink flamingos along the lake shore.
Day 3–4 . Serengeti National Park
Traverse the golden savannas of the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to one of the most prolific concentrations of wildlife on earth. Spend two full immersive days exploring untamed plains, tracing predator territories, and watching vast herds under endless African horizons.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 3: Scenic overland drive to the Serengeti with game viewing en route, arriving at your safari lodge in time for an afternoon game drive across the sweeping savanna.
- Day 4: Full day of rewarding game drives exploring central Serengeti plains in pursuit of lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, and roaming plains game.
Day 5–6 . Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Climb to the misty green highlands overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, the planet's largest intact volcanic caldera. Experience sweeping panoramic vistas from the crater rim and embark on an unforgettable descent 2,000 feet down into an extraordinary wildlife haven.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 5: Drive from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro highlands, taking in magnificent views of the caldera rim and enjoying an afternoon of relaxation at the lodge.
- Day 6: One full crater tour descending 2,000 feet to the crater floor for intensive wildlife viewing, including a scenic picnic lunch and searches for the endangered black rhino and the Big Five.
Day 7 . Arusha to Nairobi
Descend from the cool Ngorongoro highlands back toward Arusha for a seamless regional flight connecting Tanzania to Kenya's dynamic capital. Arrive in Nairobi, where you are met and guided to your premier hotel for an evening of comfort before embarking on the Kenyan chapter of your safari.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 7: Morning drive from Ngorongoro to Arusha, board your flight to Nairobi, meet-and-assist upon arrival, and private transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 8 . Giraffe Centre and Lake Nakuru
Begin the morning with an inspiring visit to Nairobi's famed Giraffe Centre to interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes from elevated platforms. Continue through the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected sanctuary famed for rhinos, leopards, and thriving bird populations.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 8: Morning visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi to hand-feed Rothschild giraffes, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru for an afternoon lakeshore game drive.
Day 9–11 . Masai Mara National Reserve
Continue your safari in Kenya's crown jewel, the Masai Mara National Reserve. Renowned worldwide for breathtaking savanna vistas, meandering rivers, and remarkable predator action, three full days here deliver intimate, front-row encounters with big cats, vast herds, and the untamed rhythms of the wild.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 9: Morning game drive at Lake Nakuru spotting rhinos and waterfowl, followed by a scenic overland journey into the Masai Mara and arrival at camp.
- Day 10: Full day of morning and afternoon game drives traversing prime Mara habitats in pursuit of lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, and resident wildlife.
- Day 11: Second full day of intensive game tracking across open savanna plains, riverbanks, and acacia groves with picnic lunch opportunities in the bush.
Day 12 . Masai Mara to Nairobi
Savor a final early morning game drive in the Masai Mara as dawn breaks across the golden grasslands. Board a panoramic scheduled bush flight back to Nairobi, where a day room awaits for unwinding and repacking before your evening international departure.
Highlights & Schedule
- Day 12: Early morning final game drive in the Mara, scenic scheduled flight to Nairobi, transfer to day room facilities at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport to rest and repack, followed by evening departure transfer for your flight home.
Custom Itineraries & Private Departures
Looking to tailor this route or extend your stay with Zanzibar beach relaxation?