This East African safari offers a spectacular blend of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural richness across Kenya and Tanzania. Each destination highlights unique ecosystems, iconic species, and unforgettable scenery, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, is a semi-arid sanctuary renowned for its Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. Its arid plains, riverine woodlands, and rugged hills create habitats for elephants, lions, leopards, and over 350 bird species. Samburu’s distinctive northern landscapes provide a striking contrast to Kenya’s southern savannahs and offer rare wildlife encounters not found elsewhere.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya’s Laikipia County is a premier conservation-focused destination. It protects one of the largest populations of black rhinoceroses and hosts the last two northern white rhinoceroses on the planet. Visitors can also explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The conservancy’s expansive plains, acacia woodlands, and water sources support elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making Ol Pejeta a hub for rare wildlife viewing and conservation awareness.

Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, offers serene waterscapes framed by Mount Longonot. The lake and surrounding wetlands attract over 400 bird species, including flamingos and fish eagles, alongside hippos, giraffes, and antelopes. Activities like boat safaris and walking excursions on Crescent Island provide immersive wildlife experiences in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most iconic game sanctuary. Known for the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, the Mara also hosts the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Its open grasslands, riverine forests, and rolling plains create one of the richest wildlife habitats in Africa, offering year-round sightings of predators and herbivores alike.

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania spans vast plains and woodlands, supporting massive herds of migrating herbivores and a high density of predators. The park’s iconic landscapes of endless savannahs provide unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography, with elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and gazelles thriving across its 14,763 square kilometers.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area features the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, with steep walls and a fertile floor that sustains abundant wildlife. Visitors can observe rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos in one concentrated area, offering one of the most spectacular wildlife-viewing experiences on the continent.

Lake Manyara National Park, at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, elephants, baboons, and diverse birdlife. Its mix of alkaline lake, dense forests, and woodlands creates a rich and photogenic habitat.

Finally, Amboseli National Park, set against Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, is famous for close-up elephant encounters and sweeping views of the mountain. Amboseli’s mix of swamps, woodlands, and open plains provides a perfect setting for observing wildlife, particularly large elephant herds, in a dramatic and iconic landscape.

This journey spans diverse ecosystems, rare species, and breathtaking scenery, highlighting the best of Kenya and Tanzania. From northern arid plains to lush rift valley lakes, iconic migration routes, volcanic craters, and highland vistas, this safari offers an unparalleled wildlife experience that captures the essence of East Africa.

An African elephant bull with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background at Amboseli National Park, one of Africa's most iconic photographic scenes.

Safari vehicles observing lions on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, showcasing the density of wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
AMREF Flying Doctors travel insurance services in East Africa (emergency coverage).
All meals mentioned in the itinerary, generally including breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets with both Western and local dishes.
Transportation in a standard game-viewing safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Guaranteed window seat for every passenger.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide with in-depth knowledge of East African flora, fauna, landscapes, and culture.
Safari vehicle equipped with two-way, long-range high-frequency radios and safari accessories, including first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and ice-chest.
Bottled mineral water provided during game drives.
Park entrance fees and all game drives as noted in the itinerary.
All applicable government taxes, levies, and fees.
Pick-up and drop-off transfers.

Cost Excludes

International airfares and departure taxes.
Personal communication costs (phone calls, faxes, email, etc.).
Tips and gratuities for driver/guide.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except bottled water during game drives).
Laundry services.
Snacks, additional parks, attractions, or events not listed in the itinerary.
Rain jackets, hand gloves, and personal items.
Optional experiences: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara (USD $475 per ride), Masai village visit (USD $15–20), and night game drives ($150 per person).

Accomodation
Options based on package chosen: Budget, Midrange, Luxury.
Best Season
June to October (dry season, optimal wildlife viewing).
Departure City
Nairobi ,Kenya
Guide
Professional English-speaking safari guide with wildlife and cultural expertise.
Language
English
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included as per itinerary.
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Pesapal, Direct Wire Transfer, American Express, Discover, Maestro, V Pay, M-PESA.
Tour Availability
Year-round, with peak season from June to October.
Transportation
4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Embark on the ultimate East African safari across Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Amboseli. Witness the Big Five, rare wildlife, flamingos, and iconic landscapes, from volcanic craters to savannah plains. This journey offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights

Explore Samburu National Reserve, home to the Samburu Special Five and rare northern species.
Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including black and northern white rhinos and the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Enjoy Lake Naivasha, with hippos, giraffes, and birdwatching opportunities.
Witness the Great Migration and Big Five in Masai Mara.
Discover Serengeti National Park, known for endless plains and predator-rich habitats.
Experience the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Spot tree-climbing lions and flamingos in Lake Manyara National Park.
Marvel at Amboseli National Park, with close-up elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Immerse in diverse East African ecosystems, from arid northern plains to lush rift valley lakes.
Capture unforgettable wildlife photography and enjoy cultural encounters with local communities.

Day 01 :

Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

Begin your safari with a hotel pick-up and a brief safari orientation. Travel north through Kenya’s scenic landscapes to Samburu National Reserve, known for its semi-arid plains and the iconic Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge or camp, relax, and later enjoy an evening game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, spotting elephants, lions, and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 02 :

Samburu National Reserve

Spend a full day enjoying morning and evening game drives in Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid wilderness renowned for its unique wildlife adapted to dry conditions. Spot the Samburu Special Five: Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx. The rugged landscape features rocky kopjes, springs, and hilly terrain that support abundant animals. This reserve is also historically significant as one of the areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, made famous in Born Free, and is home to Kamunyak, the lioness known for adopting Oryx calves. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 03 :

Samburu National Reserve – Sweetwaters Conservancy (Ol Pejeta)

After breakfast, check out and enjoy an en-route game drive as you journey to Sweetwaters Conservancy (Ol Pejeta), arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore this private ranch, home to large populations of elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. Visit the rhino sanctuary and the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, observing rescued primates up close, then continue with an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 04 :

Sweetwaters Conservancy – Lake Naivasha

Begin the day with an early morning game and scenic drive at Sweetwaters Conservancy, capturing wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, depart for Lake Naivasha, a tranquil freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, arriving in the late evening. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 05 :

Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve

Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Crescent Island for a boat ride, where you can observe hippos up close and feed abundant birdlife, including pelicans, cormorants, and fish eagles. Take a guided walk on the island, spotting wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, gazelle, and giraffes, often spanning multiple generations. Watch the occasional python, and note the nocturnal visits of hyenas and roaming buffalo herds. After this wildlife experience, depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, stopping for lunch in Narok Town. Upon arrival at your camp/lodge, enjoy a late afternoon game drive, viewing elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, monkeys, and a variety of bird species in this iconic safari destination. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 06 :

Masai Mara National Reserve

Spend a full day on thrilling game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, enjoying a picnic lunch along the Mara River with views of hippo pools and expansive savannahs. Witness the dramatic wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles lie in wait—a true display of nature’s survival instincts. The reserve hosts over 95 animal species, including the Big Five: elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino, as well as giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and diverse antelopes. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 480 species, making this a paradise for wildlife photography. Optional hot air balloon rides are available at USD 450 for a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara. Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 07 :

Masai Mara National Reserve – Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Masai Mara National Reserve and drive toward Serengeti National Park via the Isebania Kenya/Tanzania border. After completing immigration and customs formalities, meet your Tanzanian vehicle and driver-guide for the onward journey. Upon arrival, embark on an evening game drive across the iconic Serengeti plains, spotting abundant wildlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 08 :

Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring the vast Serengeti National Park, with early morning, mid-day, and afternoon game drives. Covering 30,000 km² across northern Tanzania and Kenya, the Serengeti is famed for the Great Migration, where around 1.5 million herbivores and thousands of predators traverse the plains in search of water and grazing. Its endless savannah and forest landscapes support diverse wildlife year-round, with grasslands covering over a third of the park, providing excellent opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.

Day 09 :

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, experiencing the diverse wildlife and vast savannah landscapes. Afterward, depart for Ngorongoro Crater Rim, enjoying en-route game viewing along the way. Arrive at your lodge/camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara National Park

Begin the day with an early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic crater, measuring 20 kilometers in diameter with 600-meter-high walls. Home to an estimated 30,000 large mammals, the crater features a central salt lake and a unique ecosystem where wildlife coexists with the Maasai and Hadza communities. After absorbing the breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse birdlife, for your onward safari adventure.

Day 11 :

Lake Manyara National Park – Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, explore Lake Manyara National Park, a stunning soda lake nestled in the Rift Valley. Enjoy sightings of flamingos, monkeys, elephants, lions, and other wildlife amidst iconic Baobab trees. Later, depart for Amboseli National Park via the Namanga border, completing immigration formalities en route. Arrive in the evening and, time permitting, enjoy an evening game drive before returning to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12 :

Amboseli National Park – Nairobi

After breakfast, embark on a final game drive in Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Spot a variety of wildlife including leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and smaller species like mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, and nocturnal porcupines. Later, depart for Nairobi, arriving in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport, concluding your unforgettable safari adventure.