9-Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Your Kenya Safari Trip begins with a 7:30 am departure from Nairobi, heading south through the Great Rift Valley. The first stop is at the Rift Valley viewpoint, where the escarpments stretch endlessly, offering one of the most dramatic views in Africa. A short drive further brings you to the historic “Little Italian Church,” built during the road construction by Italian prisoners of war, a reminder of Kenya’s layered history.

By late morning, you arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, a true gem of the Rift Valley. Lunch is served at a hotel or lodge nearby, and then you set out on your first thrilling game drive. Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its birdlife, especially the lesser and greater flamingos that once turned the entire lake pink. Even as their numbers fluctuate, the bird diversity remains staggering, with pelicans, fish eagles, and herons filling the skies.

Yet, Nakuru is more than a bird sanctuary. It is the only park in Kenya where you are almost guaranteed to see both black and white rhinos, grazing peacefully against the scenic backdrop of the lake. Lions and leopards also call this park home, and herds of buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks move gracefully across its grasslands. The diverse ecosystems — from open plains to acacia forests and rocky escarpments — make the park a photographer’s dream.

As evening approaches, you return to Eagle Palace Hotel in Nakuru for dinner and overnight, reflecting on a day that has already set the tone for an unforgettable Africa Safari Tour.

Accommodation: Eagle Palace Hotel

After breakfast, you leave Nakuru behind and travel to Lake Naivasha, one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Along the way, the drive passes through fertile farmlands and vibrant villages, showcasing the agricultural heartbeat of the country. By late morning, you arrive at Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the most unique parks in Africa.

Unlike most reserves, Hell’s Gate allows visitors to walk or cycle among wildlife. Towering cliffs, geothermal springs, steam vents, and the striking Hell’s Gate Gorge create a dramatic landscape that has inspired films and fascinated geologists alike. Here, you may spot zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and an impressive variety of bird species, including the rare lammergeyer vulture. For those who love adventure, rock climbing and hiking in the gorge provide an exciting twist to your Kenya Safari Package.

Afterward, you check in at Leisure Apex Resort for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, an optional Lake Naivasha boat ride can be arranged, giving you the chance to glide across the calm waters while spotting hippos, kingfishers, and fish eagles. Crescent Island, accessible via boat, offers a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, adding another layer of intimacy to your Africa Safari Tour.

Dinner and overnight at the resort complete your day in Naivasha, where the peaceful setting contrasts beautifully with the excitement of the wild.

Accommodation: Leisure Apex Resort

Today marks the beginning of one of the most exciting chapters of your Africa Safari Tour as you journey to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve — a destination synonymous with dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-renowned safari experiences.

After an early breakfast in Nairobi, you depart by road, heading southwest through the scenic Great Rift Valley. The drive offers a chance to take in some of Kenya’s most striking natural vistas — from rolling hills and patchwork farms to escarpments that stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you pass through Narok Town, a bustling trading hub and the unofficial gateway to the Mara, where the culture of the Maasai people begins to unfold.

From Narok, the road leads you deeper into the savannah, and as the urban landscape fades, the open grasslands of the Masai Mara come into view — a powerful visual cue that your real safari adventure has begun.

By midday, you arrive at Enchoro Wildlife Camp, your base for exploring this incredible region. After checking in, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, followed by a short rest to recharge before heading out on your first game drive in the Mara.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is often referred to as “The Theatre of the Wild,” and it’s easy to see why. This vast expanse of open plains and gently rolling hills is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, making it a highlight of any Africa Safari Package.

This afternoon’s game drive introduces you to the wonders of the Mara. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros — all of which can be spotted within the reserve. The Mara is particularly well-known for its large lion prides and elusive leopards, often seen lounging in the trees or stalking prey through the tall grass.

But the spectacle doesn’t end there. The reserve hosts an astonishing diversity of species, including wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, crocodiles, and a wide variety of antelopes, such as impalas, elands, and topis. The Mara River, which snakes through the reserve, is home to pods of hippos and massive Nile crocodiles.

Bird enthusiasts will also be in paradise — the Mara boasts over 450 bird species, ranging from regal martial eagles and colorful lilac-breasted rollers to large ostriches and water birds like herons and kingfishers.

As the afternoon light deepens into golden hour, the landscape transforms — acacia trees cast long shadows, and the wildlife becomes more active, creating ideal conditions for photography and observation. With every turn of the track, the Mara offers moments that feel lifted straight from a National Geographic documentary.

As the sun sets across the plains in a blaze of oranges and reds, you return to Enchoro Wildlife Camp, where the warmth of a campfire, the sounds of the wild, and a hearty dinner await. The day ends beneath the vast African sky, with the promise of more unforgettable encounters still to come.

Accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Today is devoted entirely to the Masai Mara, one of the most legendary wildlife destinations on the continent and a highlight of your Africa Safari Tour. After an early breakfast at your camp, you’ll set out with packed picnic lunches to ensure you have uninterrupted time to explore the vast wilderness of this world-renowned reserve.

Your full-day game drive takes you deep into the heart of the Mara ecosystem, traversing wide open plains, acacia-dotted woodlands, and riverine habitats. The morning light spills across the savannah, awakening the landscape and offering ideal conditions for spotting predators and other wildlife as they begin their day.

From July to October, the Mara becomes the epicenter of one of nature’s greatest spectacles — the Great Migration. During these months, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, make the perilous journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration occurs at the Mara River, where the herds must brave strong currents and lurking Nile crocodiles. Witnessing a river crossing — filled with tension, danger, and sheer will to survive — is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one of the defining moments of an Africa Safari Package.

Outside of migration season, the Masai Mara still offers exceptional wildlife encounters. The reserve is home to an extraordinary concentration of big cats — lions, leopards, and cheetahs — along with large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and countless species of antelope. You may come across a pride of lions lounging beneath an acacia tree, a cheetah on the hunt, or a leopard slipping silently through the bush. Hyenas, jackals, and vultures are never far behind, playing their part in the delicate balance of life on the savannah.

By midday, you’ll break for a picnic lunch near the Mara River — one of the lifelines of the reserve. Here, you can relax while observing hippos submerged in the water and crocodiles basking on the banks, all to the soundtrack of African fish eagles calling overhead. It’s a moment to pause, appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape, and feel truly immersed in the untamed rhythms of nature.

The Masai Mara’s landscapes are as captivating as its wildlife. Rolling hills, sweeping grasslands, and lone flat-topped trees form the classic backdrop of the African wilderness, the kind seen in countless documentaries and films. It’s not only a photographer’s dream but also a deeply emotional experience for those who have dreamed of Africa.

As the golden light of afternoon bathes the land, you’ll continue your game drive, perhaps catching a glimpse of animals you hadn’t seen earlier or witnessing the stirring behaviors of wildlife as they prepare for nightfall.

By evening, you’ll return to your accommodation — Enchoro Wildlife Camp — with a heart full of memories and a camera filled with incredible images. Gather for dinner under the stars, sharing stories of the day’s adventures and listening to the distant calls of the wild that echo through the night.

Accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Your journey continues today as you bid farewell to the iconic Masai Mara after an early breakfast. The adventure resumes as you head southward towards the Isebania border, the crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania, and a key connector on your Africa Safari Tour. Along the way, the scenery shifts from the Mara’s rolling savannahs to more rural and agricultural landscapes, offering glimpses into the everyday lives of East African communities.

At Isebania, you’ll complete immigration and customs formalities — a unique part of overland travel in Africa. While the process may take some time, it offers a chance to stretch your legs and absorb the anticipation of entering another legendary safari destination: Tanzania.

After crossing the border, you continue into the northern corridor of Serengeti National Park, one of the crown jewels of any Africa Safari Package. En route, you’ll enjoy a packed or picnic lunch prepared by your tour team, often enjoyed in a scenic spot that hints at the wilderness to come.

The word “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai phrase “Siringet,” meaning “endless plains” — and as you enter the park, it’s easy to see why. Vast stretches of golden grasslands, occasionally interrupted by kopjes (ancient granite outcrops), seem to roll on forever beneath the African sky. These dramatic landscapes form the backdrop to one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Upon arrival, you embark on your first afternoon game drive in the Serengeti, a perfect introduction to the park’s remarkable biodiversity. Your Africa Safari Tour guide will expertly navigate the terrain, taking you in search of some of the Serengeti’s most iconic wildlife.

The park is famed for its dense predator population — it’s not uncommon to spot lions lounging atop the kopjes, cheetahs scanning the plains for prey, or a leopard draped over a tree limb, its kill hidden in the branches. Large herds of elephants and giraffes move gracefully through the woodlands, while zebras, buffalo, and antelopes dot the horizon.

If you’re visiting during the Great Migration season — typically between June and October or again between December and March depending on rainfall — you’ll witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth. Millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing land. The air is alive with dust, movement, and the tension of predator-prey encounters — a sight that defines the heart of any Kenya and Tanzania Safari Package.

As the day draws to a close and the sun dips below the horizon, the sky erupts in a canvas of reds and golds, casting long shadows over the savannah. You’ll make your way to your camp for the night — the Serengeti Seronera Campsite, located in the central region of the park, a prime location for wildlife viewing.

After settling in, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner at camp. As night falls, the Serengeti reveals another side of its magic: the sounds of the African bush come alive — lions roaring in the distance, hyenas calling, and the gentle rustle of animals moving nearby. With minimal light pollution, the stars above shine brilliantly, offering a breathtaking view of the Milky Way stretching across the African sky.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Seronera Campsite, where your evening is spent truly immersed in the wild — a fitting start to your Serengeti experience and a defining moment of your Africa Safari Tour.

Accommodation: Serengeti Seronera Campsite

Today is dedicated to a full day of immersive exploration in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park — a true jewel of your Africa Safari Package. After a hearty breakfast at your campsite, you head out for a morning game drive, making the most of the early hours when predators are often most active.

The vast, open plains of the Serengeti offer a dramatic stage for Africa’s wildlife. This region is especially famous for its predator population, and with some luck, you’ll witness unforgettable moments: a pride of lions on the hunt, a cheetah sprinting across the savannah in pursuit of gazelle, or perhaps a leopard lounging in the branches of an acacia tree. These experiences are what define the essence of a Kenya and Tanzania Safari Package, where the drama of the wild plays out in real time, just meters from your safari vehicle.

Your Africa Safari Package ensures that you’re guided by expert driver-guides who know where to find the best sightings while respecting the animals and their natural behavior. Between game drives, you return to Serengeti Seronera Camp for a freshly prepared lunch and some leisure time. You might choose to relax under the shade, review your wildlife photos, or simply take in the quiet beauty of the African bush.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off again on another thrilling game drive. The Serengeti changes with the light — golden hues bathe the landscape as elephants cross the plains in single file, giraffes browse treetops, and wildebeests gather in massive herds, especially during the migration seasons. The diversity of life here is astonishing, with everything from graceful gazelles and topis to warthogs, hippos, jackals, and countless other species.

For bird enthusiasts, the Serengeti doesn’t disappoint. The skies and waterholes are alive with over 500 bird species, including martial eagles, vultures, secretary birds, flamingos, and various species of ducks and geese. Each bird call adds to the rich soundscape of the African wild.

As the sun sets behind the distant horizon and the sky turns fiery red, you’ll return to camp, full of awe and stories to share around the dinner table.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Seronera Camp, where you can enjoy a rustic, close-to-nature experience under the starlit African sky — a perfect way to end a day of adventure.

Accommodation: Serengeti Seronera Camp

After an early breakfast at your lodge or tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, you’ll set out on a final morning game drive — a last chance to soak in the magic of this iconic park. The early hours often offer some of the best wildlife sightings, with predators like lions and leopards still active from the night’s hunt, and herbivores grazing in the cool morning air. As part of your Africa Safari Package, this game drive is designed to maximize your time in the Serengeti before transitioning to your next adventure.

Late in the morning, you’ll begin your journey southeast towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, traveling through vast savannahs and picturesque highland scenery. Along the way, there may be opportunities to stop at Maasai villages or scenic viewpoints, offering cultural and photographic highlights that enhance your Africa Safari experience.

By early afternoon, you arrive at the rim of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most dramatic and unique wildlife destinations in Africa. After a short break, you begin your descent — over 2,000 feet — to the crater floor via a winding road that offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Once inside the crater, prepare for an unforgettable afternoon game drive. Often referred to as “Africa’s Eden”, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning about 260 square kilometers. It forms a natural amphitheater that supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife year-round — a true highlight of your Africa Safari Package.

Here, you have excellent chances to spot all members of the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino — all within the same area. The crater is also home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and many other plains animals, while hippos wallow in the freshwater pools and marshes. The birdlife is equally impressive, from majestic crowned cranes and kori bustards to vibrant flamingos around the crater’s lakes.

Midway through your exploration, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the scenic Ngoitoktok Springs, a tranquil spot near a hippo pool where you can relax and enjoy your meal surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.

As the sun begins to dip and golden light spreads across the crater floor, you ascend back to the rim and proceed to your accommodation for the night.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Campsite, nestled on the crater’s edge or nearby highlands, offering a rustic but immersive wilderness experience — a perfect way to wind down after a thrilling day on safari.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Campsit

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Ngorongoro, you’ll begin your scenic drive southeast towards Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately 2–3 hours through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. As you descend from the highlands, the terrain transitions from the cool, misty escarpments of Ngorongoro to the warm, lush environment surrounding Lake Manyara.

Upon arrival at the park, you’ll check in at Lake Manyara Jambo Camp, where a hearty lunch awaits. After a brief rest, you’ll set out on an afternoon game drive to explore this compact yet richly diverse national park — one of Tanzania’s ecological gems.

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its breathtaking variety of habitats, ranging from dense groundwater forests teeming with monkeys and birds, to open savannas dotted with acacia trees, and the vast alkaline lake that stretches along the park’s eastern edge. The lake itself is often fringed with thousands of pink flamingos, especially during the wet season, creating a striking contrast against the blue water and surrounding greenery.

Keep your eyes open for the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions, an unusual behavior rarely observed elsewhere in Africa. Large troops of olive baboons are a common sight, often seen foraging or grooming one another near the forest edges. You’ll also have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants meandering through the forest, giraffes browsing treetops, buffalo cooling off in the wetlands, and hippos wallowing near the lake shore.

Bird enthusiasts will be especially delighted — with over 400 species of birds recorded in the park, ranging from vibrant bee-eaters and kingfishers to pelicans, storks, and birds of prey.

This peaceful and picturesque park offers a more intimate safari experience — a wonderful contrast to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic crater landscapes of Ngorongoro. As the sun begins to set, casting golden light over the lake and surrounding hills, you’ll return to your camp for a relaxing evening.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Jambo Camp, where you can unwind under the stars and reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes that have marked the end of your incredible Africa Safari Tour.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Jambo Camp

Your final day begins with breakfast at camp before departing for Arusha. The drive offers time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed — from Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes to the mighty Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the tranquil Lake Manyara.

Arriving in Arusha by midday, your safari concludes with memories that will last a lifetime. You are dropped off at your hotel or transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Kenya and Tanzania Safari Package.