12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Best Safari Tour

Witness the Big Five and Great Migration in one trip! Cross an item off your bucket list on this Kenya and Tanzania tour, where exploration and natural splendor intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, where the majestic Big Five awaits and the awe-inspiring Great Migration may grace you with its presence. Visit Maasai communities and indulge in full-board feasts. We happily customize this itinerary to your interests, schedule, and special celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, or bucket-list experiences).

• Days:12±
• Best for:first-timer
• Best time:July to October
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$ on request
• Flights:domestic flights included, international on request

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Venture into the savanna's heart to witness the Great Migration, nature's grand spectacle from July to October.

Observe lions, elephants, cheetahs, and other iconic wildlife on the Masai Mara and Serengeti's game drives.

Opt for untamed fly-in safaris and immerse yourself in a captivating wilderness with breathtaking panoramas.

Enjoy exhilarating walk safaris, traversing diverse habitats and encountering a mesmerizing array of wildlife.

Witness the majestic and unfathomable expanse of Ngorongoro Crater, the largest volcanic caldera.

Indulge in a feast for the senses with full-board meals and savor a culinary journey while on thrilling safaris.

Indulge in a bush dinner, where sunsets shimmer and nature's symphony serenades while under the African sky.

Partake in sundowners, relishing refreshing drinks and snacks against a backdrop of breathtaking sunsets.

Step into the Maasai communities, where time-honored traditions intertwine, offering an unparalleled cultural immersion.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 2

Nairobi - Masai Mara | A Fly-in Safari Awaits

full board

• Meet the driver in your hotel and transfer to Nairobi's Wilson Airport for a 1-hour scenic flight to Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your private guide and transferred to your lodge in a 4x4 open-top safari jeep.
• Enjoy a quick game drive on the way to the lodge and indulge in a delicious lunch upon reaching the lodge.
• Experience an exhilarating afternoon guided game drive, venturing into wildlife hot spots to spot elusive animals, such as leopards. Your expert guide will determine the locations to visit, leveraging their intimate understanding of animal behavior and tracking techniques.
• After the game drive, you will be escorted back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a delectable lodge dinner.

Masai Mara Fly-in Safari

Day 3

Masai Mara | Mara Migration Game Drives

full board

• Meet your private driver-guide in your lodge, and enjoy Mara full-day game drives.
• Depart from the lodge with your expert guide for a game drive in the crisp air. Watch out for elephant herds, lion pride, and the abundant wildlife in the Masai Mara along the way.
• Discover the iconic Big Five or explore lesser-known wildlife in the dynamic Masai Mara. Keep an eye out for hyenas, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, vultures, cranes, eagles, falcons, and ostriches.
• Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the expansive African savanna, under the shady branches of a beautiful acacia tree, while taking in the breathtaking views.
• Experience an afternoon game drive, while endless excitement awaits! Discover the rich wildlife diversity of the region, featuring the renowned Big Five.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your Mara Lodge.

Herds of Zebras on the Savanna

Day 4

Lemek Conservancy | Maasai Culture Awaits

full board

• Enjoy a serene pre-dawn breakfast by the fire before a thrilling safari adventure.
• Embark on a captivating 2-hour morning game drive to the Lemek Conservancy, where you'll pass by herds of graceful impala and majestic giraffes grazing on the plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the presence of elusive predators in this wildlife adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting their community and gaining insights into their rich traditions, unique way of life, and the captivating dynamics of their village.
• Relish the classic safari experience by enjoying a sundowner from our custom-built 4x4 safari land cruiser, while witnessing the breathtaking sun setting over the rolling plains.
• Savor a delightful dinner and enjoy an overnight stay at your Lemek lodge.

Daily life of Maasai people

Day 5

Lemek Conservancy | Walk Through the Savanna

full board

• Experience a captivating morning bush walk accompanied by a Maasai warrior. Leave the jeep behind and establish a deep connection with the land, the flora, and the smaller wildlife.
• Indulge in a delightful lunch amidst the heart of Masai Mara, beneath a tree that provides shade and tranquillity.
• Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon game drive, where you can spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and jackals.
• Explore the Rhino Sanctuary, a haven for two majestic rhinoceroses, dedicated to safeguarding these incredible creatures from the brink of extinction.
• Gather around a mesmerizing bonfire and witness an enchanting Maasai dance performed by our Maasai friends in your lodge.

Bush walk in Lemek

Day 6

Lemek - Nairobi - Arusha | The Journey Continues

full board

• Embark on a thrilling morning game drive and keep an eye out for majestic wildlife, including elegant giraffes, powerful elephants, and colourful birds.
• Return to the lodge to freshen up, then head to the Mara airstrip for a short flight to Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
• Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and escorted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a late afternoon flight to Arusha.
• Upon arrival in the vibrant land of Tanzania, you will be greeted by our friendly English-speaking representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport and escorted to the Arusha hotel.

A Mother Leopard Carries Her Cub across a River

Day 7

Arusha - Ngorongoro | Crater Rim Walk Awaits

full board

• Our private driver-guide will greet you at your hotel in the morning and transfer you to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Witness the vibrant colors and unique character of Tanzania, including the sight of Maasai herdsmen tending to their goats along the way.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting a Maasai community and gaining insights into their rich traditions, unique way of life, and the captivating dynamics of their village.
• Experience a 2-hour Crater Rim Walk accompanied by an armed ranger, amidst stunning natural beauty. Spot an array of colorful birds and have close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Learn about traditional uses of plants and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of the Crater.
• Check in your Ngorongoro lodge, and take some time to freshen up before indulging in a delightful dinner at the lodge.

Panorama of Ngorongoro Crater

Day 8

Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Explore the Crater in Depth

full board

• Experience the thrill of full-day game drives in Ngorongoro Crater, surrounded by lush forests teeming with birdlife. Encounter grazing herbivores and their predators, including the iconic Big Five. Marvel at the diverse wildlife including cheetahs, gazelles, flamingos, featuring over 400 bird species.
• Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch during the exhilarating game drives.
• After a day of exploration, you will be escorted back to the lodge to freshen up before savoring a delectable dinner.

One Black Rhino Walking Through Lake Magadi

Day 9

Ngorongoro - Central Serengeti | The First Bite of Serengeti

full board

• Depart from Ngorongoro lodge with your expert guide and head to Serengeti National Park.
• Immerse yourself in breathtaking wildlife encounters as you enter Serengeti National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating game-viewing drive, tracking through the park on your way to the lodge.
• Embark on an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti with your expert guide. Habitat to the African Big Five, black rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, African wild dogs, and a wide range of bird species, this renowned park offers exceptional wildlife encounters.
• Savor a delightful dinner and experience an enchanting overnight stay at your lodge.

Two lions walking in Serengeti

Day 10

Central - Northern Serengeti | It's Time for a Sundowner

full board

• Set out on a thrilling journey to the Northern Serengeti and immerse yourself in an en-route game drive, offering an abundance of opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Elevate your chances of encountering a vast array of animals, compensating for any missed encounters during regular game drives.
• Journey to the Mara River region in hopes of witnessing the Great Migration, a remarkable event that unfolds between July and October, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse vast distances in search of fresh grazing lands.
• Experience the classic charm of a safari with a sundowner. Enjoy a refreshing drink and tasty homemade snacks while watching the sunset over the vast Serengeti plains.
• Return to your lodge to refresh yourself before indulging in a sumptuous dinner.

Enjoy the savanna sunset with wine

Day 11

Northern Serengeti | Serengeti Big Five Safaris

full board

• Enjoy full-day game drives through Serengeti, witnessing an unparalleled spectacle of wildlife. From graceful giraffes and majestic elephants to cunning predators like lions and cheetahs, the Serengeti teems with life.
• Savor a picnic lunch on the game drive, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the African savanna.
• Witness the possible wildebeest migration, a remarkable event that sees millions of these animals, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traversing the plains in search of fresh pastures between July and October.
• Indulge in a bush dinner and immerse yourself in a remarkable dining experience beneath the stars, where relaxation, camaraderie, and a connection with nature await.
• Retreat to your lodge and unwind with a peaceful night's sleep.

Herd of zebra in the Serengeti

Day 12

Arusha Departure | Bon Voyage!

• Experience a morning game drive, immerse yourself in the symphony of nature as the sun paints the sky and spot diverse animals roaming the vast savanna.
• Return to your lodge to freshen up, then you will be escorted to the airstrip for a flight to Arusha.
• Upon your arrival, be greeted by our representative and escorted to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Giraffes Walking on the savanna

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Losokwan Luxury Camp

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Lahia Tented Lodge

Lemala Kuria Hills