OVERVIEW
12 Days Kenya and Tanzania perfect wildlife safari starts in Kenya and ends in Tanzania,
Being the right destinations in African wild nature safaris, offers the best safari destinations on the planet, from endless landscapes to diverse wildlife and so you have the perfect choice to compress by choosing to experience this exceptional trip in each of these countries.
That said, your 12 days Kenya and Tanzania perfect wildlife safari, starts in Kenya’s Amboseli national park, known for its large elephant herds and views of the immense Mount Kilimanjaro , across the border in Tanzania, where after cross the border to Arusha In Tanzania to explore Tarangire national park in Tanzania’s Manyara region, Tarangire originally comes from the name Tarangire River that crosses through the park, which is the primary source of fresh water for the wild animals living in the ecosystem of Tarangire throughout the annual dry season.
Tarangire national park was established in 1970 with an area coverage of about 2,850km2 under the management of Tanzania national parks authority. Located in northern Tanzania, is the perfect destination to view different wild species, huge herds of herbivores, that attract the lions, leopards and wild dogs, and birdlife, the ancient Baobab trees commonly known as the tree f life is distinctive in nature since its succulent in nature, being able to collect its water during rainy season in its gigantic trunk that can hold up to 300 litres of water and hence allowing to produce nutrient-dense fruit during the dry season when everything else is dry and barren.
Ngorongoro conservation area.
The Ngorongoro conservation area (NCAA) is a well-known-established wildlife management that is entirely under the Tanzanian government, dedicated to managing the Ngorongoro conservation area.
The Ngorongoro conservation area is home to vast volcanic Ngorongoro crater and the big 5 game immersion.
The central Serengeti national park.
The long awaited destination, where nature presents a natural wander of annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, seeking new pastures. Located in the northern Tanzania, sits on an area of about 14,763km3, established in 1951 is hence one of Tanzania’s oldest national park followed by Lake Manyara national park.
Your safari excursion will ultimately introduce you to the annual wildebeest migration where the herds move north from their breeding grounds in the grassy southern plains. Many of them cross the marshy western corridor’s crocodile-infested Grumeti River and other veer northeast to Lobo hills, which is a home to black eagles, black rhinos inhabiting the granite outcrops of the Moru Kopjes.
Finally, you will cross to the Masai Mara in Kenya to wind up your 12 days perfect Kenya and Tanzania combo wildlife safari.
Masai Mara national reserve is a vast Savannah wilderness located in southwestern Kenya that is enriched with abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) and it plays a significant role in the annual wildebeest migration.
The area was named after the Maasai people and its spotted land scape hence a premier wildlife safari destination due to its famous high density population of animals, birdlife haven with a recording of about 470 bird species and the wildebeest migration which is seen between July and October of the year.
Best time to visit
When to depending on your travel goal
January to march (Green Season- Southern Serengeti): ideal for wildebeest calving, predator activity, and sightings of new born antelope species, cultivated with fewer crowds, vibrant scenery, and exceptional photography opportunities making this a haven of activities
June to July (Dry season begins- Western Corridor and Central Serengeti):
The excellent time for viewing river crossings with dramatic confrontations between wildebeest and hungry crocodiles. (Wildebeest migration). Large population f wildebeest migration
August to September (Peak Dry Season- Northern Serengeti):
The prime time to witness the millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River near southern Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. A must go activity for safari goers.
October to December (Green Return- Eastern Serengeti and Northern Serengeti Tanzania); Lush green landscapes return, with increasing number of bird species and African wild dogs. This is another perfect time for more relaxation and intimate game viewing experiences
Tour summary:
Day 1-Arrival and Amboseli National Park
Day 2 –Amboseli National Park
Day 3 –Amboseli National Park & Transfer to Arusha
Day 4- Tarangire National Park
Day 5- Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6- Seronera valley (Central Serengeti National park)
Day 7 –Maasai Mara & Half Game Drive
Day 8 –Maasai Mara National Park
Day 9 – Lake Naivasha Boat Cruise and Crescent Island (Option)
Day 10-Explore Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island
Day 11- Transfer to Nairobi and Nairobi city tour
Day 12- Departure Back home
12 Days Kenya and Tanzania perfect wildlife safari itinerary
Day 1- arrival and transfer to Amboseli national park for evening game drive
You will be received by our guide driver at Jomo Kenyatta International airport or be picked from your hotel in Nairobi at 7am and leave for Amboseli national park.
This will be a 4-5 hours’ drive that will include a few stopover at local fruit markets and curio shops, nice viewpoints to take memorable pictures of the lovely landscapes
Arrive at your lodge inside or outside Amboseli national park and check-in for hot lunch as you relax, viewing the gallant rolling Mount Kilimanjaro across in Tanzania
Thereafter, at 3pm drive to the park for first safari game drive in the dusty plains and immediately start enjoying the wonderful sightings of the range of wildlife, including the yellow baboons, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, Thompson gazelles, Grants’ gazelle, elephants, wildebeests and many more, all said, be ushered into the beautiful wilderness of Amboseli national park.
At sunset, you will drive back and retire at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Suggested accommodations: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge , Kilimanjaro Loitoktok Resort, Kibo slopes Cottages, Green field Loitokitok Homestay, abseil gateway hotel, Ang’ama Amboseli, Paran resort,
Day 2–Full day game drive in Amboseli National Park
Wake early for your morning breakfast by 6:30am, have packed lunch box with you and depart for the full day game drive.
With the various trails in the Amboseli national park, you will have better opportunity to explore sightings of the wildlife such as cats, Hyenas, Leopards and Lions. This park is actually known for the high chances of spotting lions and Hyenas, though with leopards on a lucky game drive.
In the afternoon, you drive to the base of the observation hill to take a short hike to the top of the observation point on the hill. This is where you will unpack your lunch box to eat and relax while enjoying beautiful sceneries of the magnificent Amboseli wilderness enriched with dusty plains littered with lush greenery of marshlands where lots of animals are seen going to quench themselves, the rugged hills backed up by the Kilimanjaro views in the far distance.
Finally, you will drive back to your lodge, while reflecting on the various animals, birdlife and wonderful shots of the dusty plains and epic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Suggested accommodations: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kilimanjaro Loitoktok Resort, Kibo slopes Cottages, Green field Loitokitok Homestay, abseil gateway hotel, Angama Amboseli, Paran resort
Suggested optional activity:
Hot air Balloon Safari in Amboseli National Park
This is another spicy activity in Amboseli National Park that can enrich your safari from a birds eye of view.
The balloon safari will ultimately give you wonderful views of the magical sunset of the beautiful wilderness of the park and the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Taking a balloon safari will enhance your game drive experience as you may spot hidden wildlife where the car cannot reach during your game drive especially during wet season, where the wetland usually experiences overflow making many areas of the national park unreachable and impassable.
This balloon safari usually start early in the morning at 6:00am and the flight takes about one hour long. Thereafter this experience, you can continue with the game drive experience.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 –Short game drive Amboseli National Park and Transfer to Arusha
Today after your morning breakfast, you have an option to go back for another short game drive safari in the Amboseli national park before departing for transfer to Arusha, Tanzania via the Namanga Kenya Tanzania land border. Travel distance: about 178km
Suggested accommodation:
Tarangire Safari Lodge, Whistling Thorn Tented Camp, Tarangire Simba Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Public Campsite, Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4- Game drive in Tarangire National Park and transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up early morning for breakfast, after have your packed lunch box and drive to Tarangire national park to enjoy a full day exploring and game drives, famous for its large elephant herds and giant baobab trees.
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is renowned for its large elephant populations and scenic landscapes dominated by baobab trees and acacia woodlands, making it an important destination within Tanzania’s northern safari trip. Named after the Tarangire River, which is a vibrant water source for wildlife, especially during the dry season, the park is particularly famous for its massive concentrations of animals during this period.
Among the wildlife to encounter will be elephants, large herds of buffaloes, Zebra, wildebeest, Giraffe, water-buck, impala, dik-dik, Gant’s Gazelle, Eland, Banded Mongoose, Leopard, Lion, Caracal, Cheetah, African wild dog and Honey Badger, enriched with over 550 bird species that thrive in the park.
Retreat from the day activity and embark on transfer to Ngorongoro Crater and arrive evening and check in your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Budget/Basic: Karatu Simba Lodge
Mid-range/Standard: Rhotiavalley Tented Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Suggested accommodation https://tarangire.org/budget-accommodations-at-tarangire-national-park/Budget/Basic:
Day 5- Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Serengeti
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, after your morning breakfast, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. Game drive in the crater floor followed by overnight in Ndutu – Serengeti
Ngorongoro offers a diverse variety of activities, including game drives for wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding areas, guided nature walks on the crater edge and in Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, cultural tours to visit Maasai villages, and visits to historical sites like Olduvai Gorge.
Over 2,500 large animals are known to be thriving in the conservation area including the highest concentration of Maasai Lions, the Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, wildebeest, Elands, and Zebras among others.
Other popular options include bird watching, hot air ballooning, and exploring Lake Ndutu.
Budget/Basic:, Nyikani Migration camps-Ndutu, Ndutu Kati Kati Tented Camp, Gnu Ndutu Camp, Ang’ata Migration Camp, Africa Safari Masai Boma, Lobo wildlife Lodge
Mid-range/Standard: Africa Safari South Serengeti Camping, Lake Masek tented camp
Luxury: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge, Malaika Ndutu Luxury Camp
Day 6- Seronera valley (Central Serengeti National park)
Full-day game drives heading to Central Serengeti and Northern Serengeti following the herds of wildebeests and zebras migrating from Masai Mara to Serengeti national park and predators. This is a prime migration area during this period.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a yearly, recurring movement of over two million wildebeest, along with zebras, gazelles, and other grazers, across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya driven by the search for fresh grazing land and water sources. This natural marvel is a continuous twist, with herds moving in response to seasonal rains and the availability of food and water
Day 7 –Transfer to Maasai Mara and Half day afternoon Game Drive
This morning after your breakfast, bid farewell to Serengeti-Tanzania and embark on a transfer to Kenya’s Maasai Mara by flight or overland across the Tanzania Kenya Isebania Border.
Land on the airstrip or arrive to your lodge/camp, get greeted by washing your hands with warm towels, take fresh cold juice and check in your accommodation.
After riverside barbecue lunch of Kenyan nyama choma, or hot lunch break, embark on an afternoon game drive along the Mara Riverbanks. Find out the pods of hippos wallowing in murky water, crocodiles basking on muddy river banks, and towers of Giraffes browsing on acacia tree leaves.
At sunsets, return back to your lodge for relaxation and dinner with blending of Swahili spices curated with international flair, sleep as you listen to calls of distant hyenas in the wilderness.
Suggested accommodation:
Budget/basic: Enkereri Camp Maasai Mara, Iretet Mara Lodge, Osero Camp, AA Lodge Masai Mara
Midrange/ Standard: Serenity Mara Legends Camp, Mara Siria Tented Bush Camp & Cottages, Mara River camp, Mara Explorer nature lodge Mara Kimana Luxury Tented Camp
Luxury: Mara Elatia Camp, Enchipai Mra Camp, Kilima Camp Masai Mara
Day 8- Full day Game drive Masai Mara National Reserve
Have your morning breakfast at the Camp/Lodge and proceed for a full day game drive with packed lunch or enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve with lunch break in between the game drives.
This day you have an option to visit a Masai village or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride that starts early in the morning and ends with a Champagne breakfast on the plains.
Optional activity: Hot air Balloon safari
Suggested accommodation:
Budget/basic: Enkereri Camp Maasai Mara, Iretet Mara Lodge, Osero Camp, AA Lodge Masai Mara
Midrange/ Standard: Serenity Mara Legends Camp, Mara Siria Tented Bush Camp & Cottages, Mara River camp, Mara Explorer nature lodge Mara Kimana Luxury Tented Camp
Luxury: Mara Elatia Camp, Enchipai Mra Camp, Kilima Camp Masai Mara
Day 9 – Transfer to Lake Naivasha Boat Cruise and Crescent Island (Option)
On your last morning in the Masai Mara National Reserve, embark on a transfer with a short drive to maximize wildlife sightings as you exit the Masai Mara on your way to Naivasha.
After park exit, proceed to Lake Naivasha, where the drive lasts about 5 hours.
Upon arrival, check in your lodge and relax.
In the afternoon, prepare and take a boat ride on the lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos basking in the water and a variety of bird species including the pelicans, king fishers.
Later, return to your lodge to relax and dinner.
Suggested accommodation:
Budget/basic: Lemaiyan Suites, Lahai cottages, Eseriani The Hotel, Comfy and Serene, wonderland destinations Resort
Midrange/ Standard: Lake Naivasha Resort, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Luxury: Naivasha Sopa Resort
Options: Crescent island exploration
Day 10- Explore Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island and Afternoon Relaxation
Today, explore the beauty of Lake Naivasha and its surrounding areas. Start with a boat trip to Crescent Island, a unique wildlife sanctuary where you can walk among animals such as giraffes, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
The island is also an excellent spot for bird watching, with over 400 bird species recorded. After your visit, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, relax by the lake, enjoy the scenery, or take a nature walk. This peaceful setting provides a perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of Kenya.
Later, retire to your lodge to enjoy an afternoon relaxation and overnight stay
Suggested accommodation:
Budget/basic: Lemaiyan Suites, Lahai cottages, Eseriani The Hotel, Comfy and Serene, wonderland destinations Resort
Midrange/ Standard: Lake Naivasha Resort, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Luxury: Naivasha Sopa Resort
Day 11- Transfer to Nairobi and Nairobi city tour
On this day, enjoy breakfast at your lodge before checking out. Depart for Nairobi, where you will have the option to visit local markets or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, known for its elephant orphanage. Engage with conservation efforts and learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
Afterward, enjoy lunch in Nairobi, Reflect on the incredible experiences and wildlife encounters from your Tanzania, Masai Mara safari and Lake Naivasha tour as you conclude your memorable journey in Kenya.
Options
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi City Tour, afternoon relaxation, departure flight
Day 12- Departure Back home
Wake and have breakfast and join your guide driver for transfer to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport.
This day marks the end of your memorable12 days Kenya and Tanzania prefect wildlife safari.
Bird watching
Cultural walks to Masai Mara community
Picnics
Hot air balloon safari
Guided nature walks
Camping
Filming
Game drive
photography
Game viewing
Traditional dance
Honey moon