A herd of elephants walking across the golden savanna at sunset

13 Days Best of Tanzania and Kenya

Arusha | Ngorongoro | Serengeti | Nairobi | Lake Nakuru | Masai Mara

Expedition Overview

Journey Through East Africa's Iconic Wilderness

This unique safari offers you the chance to experience the great wonders of East Africa - the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as "Africa's Garden of Eden," the grasslands of the Serengeti Plains, the Great Rift Valley and the famous Masai Mara. Enjoy viewing a variety of animals during game drives that bring you an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Safari Details

Day 1 . Arusha

Arrive at the threshold of the Great Rift Valley, greeted by the serene foothills of Mount Meru and the cool highland air. Ease into the expedition with seamless airport reception and an evening of relaxed luxury before venturing deep into the wild.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 1: Jambo welcome at Kilimanjaro Airport, immigration and customs assistance, followed by a comfortable private transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Sheraton Four Points Arusha
Sheraton Four Points Arusha

Day 2–3 . Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Stand in awe before the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, a self-contained Eden sheltering thousands of roaming animals. From rim-side panoramas at sunrise to thrilling descents into the crater floor, this sanctuary offers unmatched encounters with East Africa's iconic wildlife.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 2: Early morning journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arrival in time for lunch at the lodge, followed by an enriching Maasai village visit.
  • Day 3: Sunrise views over the crater rim, descent 2,000 feet into the caldera for a full-day game drive with a scenic picnic lunch in search of the Big Five.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Safari Landcruiser on a game drive in the crater

Day 4–6 . Serengeti National Park

Venture across the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, where ancient predator-prey dramas unfold beneath expansive African skies. Immerse yourself in classic bush luxury, spending three unforgettable days tracking lion prides, cheetahs, and vast grazing herds.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 4: Journey through the savannah to central Serengeti, lunch at Kubu Kubu, and an afternoon game viewing drive across the expansive plains.
  • Day 5: Full day of wilderness exploration with morning and afternoon game drives tracking lion prides, cheetahs, wild dogs, and migrating wildebeest.
  • Day 6: Another dedicated full day of game drives across remote savannah sectors in pursuit of big cats, rare predators, and sweeping herds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, Serengeti

Day 7 . Nairobi

Transition between Tanzania and Kenya with a scenic scheduled bush flight to the bustling capital of Nairobi. Relax in stylish modern comfort, reflect upon your southern circuit adventures, and prepare for the second chapter across Kenya's storied parks.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 7: Morning scheduled flight to Nairobi via Arusha, private airport meet-and-greet on arrival, transfer to your hotel, and evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Sheraton Four Points Nairobi Airport Hotel
Safari vehicle on the road to Nairobi

Day 8–9. Lake Nakuru National Park

Discover the shimmering alkaline shores of Lake Nakuru, framed by yellow-barked acacia groves and dramatic euphorbia forests. A world-renowned haven for black and white rhinos and millions of flamingos, Nakuru blends captivating birdlife with intimate predator tracking.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 8: Visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, drive to Lake Nakuru for afternoon lakeshore game drives spotting flamingos, rhinos, lions, and leopards.
  • Day 9: Full day of morning and afternoon game drives around the lake basin, exploring prime habitat for endangered rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and diverse birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lion Hill Lodge
Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru

Day 10–12 . Masai Mara National Reserve

Enter the quintessential African wildlife theater, celebrated for its emerald rolling hills, meandering rivers, and unmatched density of big predators. Enjoy three full days of exhilarating game drives through the heart of the Mara, immersed in untamed bush elegance.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 10: Scenic overland drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, taking in the rolling hills and sweeping savannah upon arrival at luxury camp.
  • Day 11: Full-day intensive game drives exploring open plains and river crossings teeming with big cats, plains game, and resident wildlife.
  • Day 12: Another rewarding full day of morning and late-afternoon tracking across diverse Mara habitats, witnessing the legendary rhythms of the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Soroi Mara Bush Camp
Lioness on the savannah

Day 13 . Masai Mara to Nairobi

Greet the dawn with a final game drive as golden light bathes the acacia woodlands and wandering herds. Conclude this extraordinary cross-border safari with a panoramic flight back to Nairobi for seamless international departures.

Highlights & Schedule

  • Day 13: Final morning game drive in the Masai Mara, scenic afternoon flight to Nairobi, and transfer to connect with your evening flight home.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight home
Elephants walking through golden savannah grass at sunset

Custom Itineraries & Private Departures

Looking to tailor this route or extend your stay with Zanzibar beach relaxation?

Reserve this Safari