This epic East African safari weaves together six of the region’s most captivating wildlife destinations, offering an unforgettable journey through diverse ecosystems, iconic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. From the sprawling savannahs of the Masai Mara to the volcanic wonder of Ngorongoro Crater, this adventure highlights the best of Kenya and Tanzania in a single immersive experience.

Begin in Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The Mara is famous for its sweeping plains, abundant wildlife, and the Big Five. It is home to massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, and plays a key role in the legendary Great Migration. Predators roam freely, creating thrilling wildlife encounters throughout the year.

Next, Lake Naivasha offers a refreshing contrast with its serene freshwater environment and lush shoreline, nestled in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The lake supports hippos, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris and walking excursions along Crescent Island, experiencing wildlife in a peaceful, scenic setting.

Continue to Amboseli National Park, set at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of elephants, as well as lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and diverse birdlife across open plains, marshes, and acacia woodlands. The park’s seasonal wetlands attract wildlife year-round, while Kilimanjaro provides a breathtaking backdrop to every game drive.

In northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park captivates with its ecological diversity. Groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and alkaline lake flats support elephants, flamingos, warthogs, and over 400 bird species. Its claim to fame, tree-climbing lions, offers a unique wildlife spectacle.

The journey continues into the legendary Serengeti National Park, synonymous with vast plains and incredible wildlife density. Here, herds of wildebeest and zebras roam alongside lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants, making every game drive a thrilling discovery. The Serengeti’s varied habitats—from grasslands to riverine forests—support one of Africa’s richest concentrations of mammals and offer prime opportunities to witness the Great Migration.

Finally, the safari culminates at the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Its fertile floor sustains thousands of animals, including the Big Five and endangered black rhinos, all supported by permanent water sources. The crater’s unique ecosystem, with grasslands, forests, and a central salt lake, provides some of the most reliable and scenic game-viewing opportunities in Africa, along with panoramic vistas from the rim.

This safari provides a comprehensive East African wildlife experience, blending classic game encounters, breathtaking scenery, and cultural significance. It is ideal for travelers seeking rich biodiversity, iconic landscapes, and immersive wildlife adventures, from transcontinental migration routes and freshwater havens to towering peaks and volcanic craters.

A safari 4x4 navigating the muddy forest tracks of Lake Manyara National Park during the green season in Tanzania.

A cheetah perched on a termite mound as a safari vehicle approaches in the Masai Mara, a prime spot for predator photography.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, based on your chosen package.
AMREF Flying Doctors services in East Africa for emergencies.
All meals specified in the itinerary, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a mix of local and western dishes.
Transportation in a standard game-viewing safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for photography and wildlife viewing.
Guaranteed window seat for every passenger.
Experienced driver/guide fluent in English with in-depth knowledge of local flora, fauna, landscapes, and cultures.
Safari vehicles equipped with two-way long-range radios, first-aid kits, ice chests, fire extinguishers, and other safari accessories.
Bottled mineral water during game drives.
Park entrance fees and game drives as noted in the itinerary.
All government taxes, levies, and fees.
Pick-up and drop-off transfers.

Cost Excludes

International flights and departure taxes.
Personal communication costs (telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc.).
Tips and gratuities for your driver/guide.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of bottled water provided during game drives.
Laundry services.
Snacks, attractions, and activities not listed in the itinerary.
Personal items, rain jackets, hand gloves, and other personal needs.
Optional activities such as balloon safari in Masai Mara (USD $475 per ride) and Maasai village visits (USD $15–20).
Optional night game drives ($150 per person).

Accomodation
Options based on package chosen – Budget, Midrange, Luxury.
Departure City
Nairobi, Kenya.
Best Season
June to October (dry season) for wildlife viewing and migration.
Guide
Experienced English-speaking safari guide with knowledge of East African wildlife, flora, and culture.
Language
English.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included as per itinerary, with local and international options.
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Pesapal, Direct Wire Transfer, American Express, Discover, Maestro, V Pay, M-PESA.
Tour Availability
Year-round.
Transportation
4x4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Embark on a thrilling East African safari from Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the Big Five, wildebeest migration, tree-climbing lions, elephants, and rich birdlife across iconic landscapes. Enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and breathtaking scenery for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure.

Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve: Iconic savannahs, Big Five, wildebeest migration, abundant wildlife.
Lake Naivasha: Serene freshwater lake, hippos, giraffes, zebras, rich birdlife, boat safaris.
Amboseli National Park: Stunning Mount Kilimanjaro views, elephants, lions, buffaloes, diverse birdlife.
Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos, dense forests, birdwatching opportunities.
Serengeti National Park: Endless plains, Great Migration, predators, elephants, cheetahs, zebras.
Ngorongoro Crater: Largest intact volcanic caldera, dense wildlife, Big Five, panoramic crater views.
Scenic Drives: Traverse Great Rift Valley highlands, rolling plains, and iconic East African landscapes.
Cultural Experiences: Interact with local Maasai communities and visit traditional villages.
Adventure Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, and optional boat excursions.

Day 01 :

Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Pick up from your hotel in Nairobi City and enjoy a brief safari orientation before departing to Masai Mara National Reserve, driving through the fertile highlands along the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Stop at a scenic viewpoint at 2,200 meters above sea level, where Mount Longonot rises dramatically above the Rift Valley floor and the distant Rift Valley lakes glisten in the sun. Descend the escarpment toward Narok Town and continue to Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Check in at your camp or lodge, enjoy a meal, and take a short break to refresh. Later, head out for your evening game drive, exploring the reserve’s abundant wildlife until dusk. Return for dinner and overnight at your camp or lodge.

Day 02 :

Masai Mara National Reserve Full Day

This day is full of game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve. Start with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari, drifting above the vast savannahs for breathtaking aerial views of migrating wildebeest, zebras, and elephants, followed by a celebratory bush breakfast upon landing. Afterward, enjoy your regular breakfast at the camp or lodge, and a fresh picnic lunch will be prepared by your cook as you continue exploring one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife sanctuary, hosts over 450 recorded species, including the migratory wildebeest and zebra, alongside resident wildlife throughout the year. The Mara’s fertile plains, framed by the Great Rift Valley escarpments, cover approximately 1,672 square kilometers and offer some of the richest wildlife densities in Africa. Herds of majestic African elephants roam among lions, Cape buffalo, Thompson’s gazelles, zebras, and topi, while lucky visitors may spot the elusive black rhinoceros. Along the Mara River, where you will enjoy your picnic lunch, hippos wallow and bask on the banks, and the annual migration of millions of wildebeest moves north following seasonal rains. Return to your camp or lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 03 :

Masai Mara National Reserve – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast at your camp or lodge, depart Masai Mara National Reserve and drive to Lake Naivasha, passing through Narok Town. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to the lake, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival at Lake Naivasha, you have the option to explore Hell’s Gate National Park, enjoying cycling through the dramatic gorges or a guided game drive, or visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a walking safari via boat. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 04 :

Lake Naivasha – Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast at Lake Naivasha Camp or Lodge, depart for Amboseli National Park, driving via Nairobi City. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for spectacular photos and panoramic views of the escarpment. Continue your journey with a lunch stop en route. On arrival at Amboseli National Park, embark on an evening game drive at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Explore the park’s diverse habitats in search of African leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, Cape buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, crocodiles, mongooses, hyraxes, dik-dik, lesser kudu, and the elusive nocturnal porcupine. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 05 :

Full Day at Amboseli National Park

Wake up early to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the Roof of Africa, the highest mountain on the continent. After breakfast at your lodge or camp, embark on a full-day safari adventure within Amboseli National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and iconic landscapes. A picnic lunch will be served in the park, giving you more time to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes across the open plains and wetlands. For a cultural experience, you may visit a traditional Maasai village, where Maasai warriors will welcome you with dancing, singing, and a tour of their homesteads, offering excellent photography opportunities. Alternatively, you can choose a combination of morning and evening game drives instead of the full-day safari. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 06 :

Amboseli National Park – Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast at your lodge or camp in Amboseli National Park, enjoy an early morning game drive before departing for Arusha City via the Namanga Border, crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. Complete immigration and customs formalities before continuing to Arusha for lunch. After lunch, transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats and spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 07 :

Lake Manyara National Park – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast at your lodge or camp in Lake Manyara National Park, enjoy a morning game drive before transferring to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s iconic wildlife sanctuary, often compared to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Covering approximately 14,763 square kilometers, the Serengeti is renowned for its vast open plains, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. A picnic lunch will be served en route, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you travel. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, spotting lions, elephants, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes while taking in the breathtaking, almost treeless plains. Continue your wildlife exploration until late evening before checking into your campsite or lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 08 :

Full Day at Serengeti National Park

After breakfast at your lodge or campsite in Serengeti National Park, embark on a full day of game drives—morning, midday, and afternoon—exploring one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Tanzania and East Africa. The park spans approximately 30,000 square kilometers, with 80% located in Tanzania, and is renowned for its endless savannah plains, forested areas, and rich biodiversity. Witness the spectacular Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the plains, followed by thousands of predators moving south due to seasonal drought. After the rains in mid-April, the herds return via the western corridor. The Serengeti’s expansive grasslands, covering more than one-third of the park, support year-round populations of lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species, ensuring wildlife sightings at any time. Return to your lodge or campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 09 :

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast at your lodge or campsite in Serengeti National Park, embark on a game drive en route as you depart for Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, famed for 3.5 million-year-old fossil discoveries. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area features a massive volcanic crater approximately 20 kilometers wide with 600-meter-high walls, offering breathtaking views from the rim. The crater floor provides a permanent water supply, supporting an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—as well as zebras, hippos, and flamingos near the soda lakes. Enjoy lunch overlooking the crater, followed by a leisurely afternoon to take in the scenery. Later, transfer to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 :

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Arusha/Nairobi

After breakfast at your lodge or camp in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transfer back to Arusha City for your onward flight. Enjoy scenic views along the journey as you reflect on your wildlife adventure through Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic parks. The tour concludes in Arusha or Nairobi in the afternoon.