Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary for 7 Days

Deciding between a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari can be a delightful challenge, as both countries offer premier wildlife encounters. The great news is, you don't have to choose. A Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari allows you to experience the crown jewels of East African wildlife in one seamless adventure.

Our safari experts have meticulously crafted this itinerary to maximize your game viewing opportunities, minimize unnecessary travel fatigue, and immerse you in the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife cultures of these two remarkable nations.

Prepare for a journey that will take you from the renowned plains of the Masai Mara to the vast Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater – an experience of a lifetime.

At Kenya Peaks, we specialize in making such dream trips a reality. If you'd like to adjust this plan, our custom trip planner is ready to help you craft your perfect East Africa safari package Kenya Tanzania.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Gateway to Your Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Your East African odyssey begins as you touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. The airport transfer to your hotel typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. This first day focuses on your arrival, acclimatization, a comprehensive safari briefing, and offers a chance to explore some of Nairobi's unique experiences if time permits. The energy of Kenya's capital, a city that uniquely blends urban sophistication with accessible wild heartlands, is immediately palpable.

A friendly Kenya Peaks representative will greet you, ready to assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your comfortable hotel, perhaps a well-regarded city hotel like the After 40 Hotel or similar, depending on your preferences.

Once settled, your afternoon is open to possibilities, largely dependent on your arrival time.

Optional Excursions in Nairobi

• Giraffe Centre: Here, you can get delightfully up close with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. Feeding these gentle giants from a raised platform is a charming experience and provides fantastic photo opportunities. The entry fee is approximately $20, which contributes directly to their conservation.
• Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage: Witness the heartwarming sight of baby elephants, rescued and now thriving, enjoying their feeding and playtime. It’s an inspiring insight into dedicated conservation efforts. Public viewing is usually scheduled for one hour daily, so planning is essential.

Evening Briefing for Your Safari

Your dedicated safari guide will meet you at your hotel for a comprehensive pre-safari briefing. This is an invaluable opportunity to review the day-by-day plan, ask any questions you may have, and receive practical tips to enhance your adventure ahead.

Afterwards, you might choose to enjoy dinner at your hotel or venture out to sample Nairobi's burgeoning culinary scene. You will find a variety of options, from authentic Kenyan nyama choma (barbecued meat) at local eateries to diverse international cuisine in upscale restaurants.

About Nairobi City

Nairobi, often called the "Green City in the Sun," holds the unique distinction of having Nairobi National Park right on its doorstep. Here, wildlife roams freely against an extraordinary backdrop of city skyscrapers. It's a city of fascinating contrasts, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Where to Stay in Nairobi

Nairobi offers a wide spectrum of accommodation to suit various tastes and budgets.

• Karen and Langata: These leafy, established suburbs are closer to attractions like the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, offering a more tranquil atmosphere away from the city bustle.
• Westlands: A dynamic commercial and entertainment hub, about a 10-minute drive from the city center, Westlands hosts numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops, providing a lively urban experience.

Your Kenya Peaks consultant can recommend various options, from charming boutique guesthouses to well-appointed international hotels, ensuring your stay aligns perfectly with your preferences.

Tips for Your Time in Nairobi

• Carry some Kenyan Shillings (KES) for small purchases at local markets or for tips; however, credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments like hotels and restaurants.
• English and Swahili are the official languages, and you will find that English is widely spoken, making communication generally easy.
• As in any major city worldwide, it's prudent to be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

Meals on Day 1: Typically, breakfast is included if your booking includes an overnight stay before the safari officially commences. Dinner on the arrival day is often at your own expense, allowing you flexibility based on your arrival time and preferences.

Day 2: Journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve

The true safari adventure begins today! You will depart Nairobi after an early breakfast for the Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. This day is about the scenic drive, settling into the safari environment, and your first exhilarating game drive in one of Africa's most iconic wildlife areas. The urban landscape will gradually give way to the expansive panoramas of the Great Rift Valley.

A scheduled stop at a designated viewpoint offers a breathtaking vista of this geological marvel – a perfect moment for photographs. The anticipation builds as you descend into the valley floor and head towards Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve: the Masai Mara.

Itinerary and Activities for Day 2 in Masai Mara

• Morning Drive: The journey southwest is an experience in itself, offering glimpses into rural Kenyan life and landscapes. Be prepared for variable road conditions; some sections can be quite bumpy, which is an authentic element of the East African safari adventure.
• Lunch and Check-in: You will arrive at your chosen lodge or tented camp, such as the renowned Basecamp Masai Mara or perhaps Mara Elatia Camp, strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing, in time for a delicious lunch. Take some time to settle in, relax, and soak up the unique sounds and scents of the African bush.
• Afternoon Game Drive: As the afternoon sun begins to mellow, you will embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. The air itself seems to thrum with anticipation. This is your initial foray into a realm where the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) roam, and vast herds of plains game decorate the landscape. Your experienced guide, an expert in animal tracking and behavior, will navigate the network of tracks, seeking out the Mara's famed inhabitants.

About Masai Mara National Reserve

Covering some 1,510 square kilometers (583 square miles), the Masai Mara is more than just a park; it's a vital part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It is globally renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and for its crucial role as the northern theater of the Great Wildebeest Migration, which typically occurs between July and October. You can learn more about this incredible natural spectacle in our guide to witnessing the Great Migration in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Where to Stay in Masai Mara

Accommodation options in and around the Masai Mara are diverse. You might choose classic tented camps offering an authentic under-canvas experience. Many of these, particularly those within conservancies or more remote areas, are unfenced, meaning wildlife can and does roam through the camp grounds, requiring guests to be escorted by staff after dark – a thrillingly wild experience. Alternatively, there are more structured luxury lodges with extensive amenities.

• Inside the Reserve: Staying within the main reserve offers immediate access to game drives and central wildlife areas.
• Conservancies Bordering the Reserve: These private conservancies often provide more exclusive safari experiences, with activities like night drives and guided walking safaris sometimes permitted, and your stay directly supports local Maasai communities.
• Near Main Gates (e.g., Talek, Sekenani): These areas offer good access to the reserve and host a variety of lodging options.

Tips for Your First Day in Masai Mara

• Have your camera ready from the moment you enter the reserve; wildlife sightings can occur at any time.
• Dressing in layers is advisable. Mornings can be quite cool, warming up significantly as the day progresses.
• Always listen to your guide's instructions carefully, especially concerning safety protocols when encountering wildlife.

Meals on Day 2: All meals are included today (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 3: Full Day Immersion in the Wilds of the Masai Mara

Today is entirely dedicated to unraveling the wonders of the Masai Mara, with minimal driving time other than for game viewing. With a full day at your disposal, you have the flexibility to delve deep into this incredible ecosystem, focusing on extensive game drives and experiencing the Mara's diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. The Mara's open grasslands, riverine forests, and rolling hills offer a constantly changing backdrop for captivating wildlife encounters.

Itinerary and Activities for Your Full Day in Masai Mara

You typically have two main options for structuring your day, which you can discuss with your guide:

1. Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: Head out at dawn. This is one of the best times to observe predators on the move, as the cool air invigorates them. The soft morning light is also magical for photography. Return to your lodge or camp for a late breakfast and some relaxation – perhaps by the pool if your accommodation offers one – during the hotter part of the day. You will then embark on another extensive game drive in the late afternoon as temperatures cool and animals become active once more.
2. Full-Day Game Drive: After an early breakfast, arrange for a packed picnic lunch and spend the entire day exploring further afield. This allows you to reach more remote areas of the reserve and maximize your time observing wildlife without needing to return to your accommodation mid-day. You might visit the Mara River, looking for resident hippos and crocodiles, and the famous crossing points used during the Great Migration.

• Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara plains (this is an extra cost and should be booked in advance). Drifting silently above the awakening savannah as the sun rises, followed by a champagne bush breakfast upon landing, is a memory you will cherish forever.

Wildlife Focus in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is a haven for big cats. Lion prides are frequently sighted, cheetahs might be spotted scanning the plains from a termite mound, and the elusive leopard could be concealed in the branches of a sausage tree. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, topi, and buffalo are abundant throughout the reserve. The birdlife is also prolific and diverse.

Where to Spend the Night on Day 3

You'll continue your stay at the same lodge or camp, allowing you to fully settle in and appreciate your surroundings. Many authentic safari camps are unfenced, meaning wildlife can pass through the grounds. Hearing lions roar from the safety of your tent at night, or needing a security escort by a Maasai askari to walk to the dining area after dark, is a uniquely thrilling part of the genuine safari experience.

Tips for Today's Exploration in the Mara

• Binoculars are essential for spotting distant animals and for appreciating the details of birdlife.
• Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you are out on a full-day game drive.
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are crucial for protection against the African sun.

Meals on Day 3: All meals are included today.

Day 4: Crossing Borders on Your Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari to the Serengeti

A significant travel day awaits as you transition from the Kenyan plains to the vastness of Tanzania's Serengeti. The journey from the Masai Mara to the Central Serengeti, including the border crossing, takes approximately 8-10 hours by road. This overland journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the changing landscapes that connect these two wildlife titans. The focus is on the border crossing, your entry into Tanzania, and your first taste of the Serengeti as part of your Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari.

Itinerary and Activities for Day 4 Border Crossing

• Morning Departure: After an early breakfast, you'll depart the Masai Mara, heading towards the Isebania border. The drive through rural Kenya towards the border can encounter some rough road sections, which is an inherent part of the adventure!
• Border Crossing at Isebania: Your Kenyan guide will assist you with Kenyan exit formalities. You'll then proceed a short distance to the Tanzanian immigration office, where your new Tanzanian guide and vehicle will be waiting to help you with your entry into Tanzania. This process typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, though it can vary depending on how busy the border is. For more detailed insights into this process, our Kenya Tanzania border crossing safari logistics guide is a useful resource.
• Into the Serengeti: Once formalities are complete, the journey continues into Tanzania and towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. You'll notice the character of the landscape begin to change. The drive from the border to the central Serengeti (Seronera area) can take several hours and often turns into an impromptu game drive as you enter the park's western or northern reaches. While factors like controlled burning (a park management practice) can sometimes mean fewer animals in specific small areas, the Serengeti is immense, and wildlife is always on the move.
• Arrival & Check-in: You will likely reach your Serengeti lodge or camp, perhaps a well-situated option like Baobab Serengeti Camp or Serengeti Simba Lodge, in the late afternoon or early evening, tired but exhilarated. Settle in and perhaps enjoy a sundowner drink as you watch the sun set over the plains.
• Fly-In Option: To save considerable travel time, reducing the journey to approximately 3-4 hours (including transfers and flight time), an optional flight from a Masai Mara airstrip to a Serengeti airstrip (e.g., Seronera) can be arranged. This usually involves a short road transfer to the Isebania border for immigration formalities, then a flight from Tarime airstrip in Tanzania. This is a more costly but highly efficient option, maximizing your time on safari.

About Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti, a name derived from the Maasai word "Siringet" meaning "endless plains," truly lives up to its name. The park spans over 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), making it Tanzania's flagship national park. It is famed for hosting the Great Migration's calving season (which occurs in the Southern Serengeti from January to March) and for its incredible density of predators year-round.

Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti offers a vast array of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

• Central Serengeti (Seronera): This area offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing and is home to numerous lodges and camps. Due to its popularity, it can be busier than other regions.
• Mobile Camps: These specialized camps are designed to move with the Great Migration, offering prime locations for witnessing this spectacle, though often at a higher price point.
• Regional Camps (North, South, West): These camps offer more exclusivity and their prime viewing varies depending on the season and the movements of the migratory herds.
  As in the Mara, many Serengeti camps are unfenced, offering intimate and authentic wildlife encounters. Hearing the roar of a lion from your tent or watching an antelope graze peacefully nearby is a testament to being truly immersed in the wild.

Tips for Day 4’s Journey to Serengeti

• Keep your passport, visa documents, and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate easily accessible for the border crossing.
• It's a good idea to pack some snacks and ensure you have drinking water for the long drive.
• Be prepared for some bumpy road sections; a neck pillow can provide extra comfort.
• Tsetse flies can be present in certain woodland areas of the Serengeti. They are attracted to dark colors (especially blue and black), so wearing light-colored clothing is advisable, along with using insect repellent.

Meals on Day 4: All meals are included today.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Wildlife Experience

Today is dedicated to exploring the heart of the Serengeti – the Seronera Valley and its surrounding plains, with minimal travel time beyond game drives. This region is often dubbed "big cat country," and for good reason. Its rich grasslands and permanent water sources, such as the Seronera River, attract a high concentration of wildlife throughout the year, making for exceptional game viewing.

Itinerary and Activities for Day 5 in Serengeti

• Sunrise Game Drive: Consider waking before dawn. An early start rewards you with the magical African sunrise painting the plains in hues of orange and gold, and it's prime time to see predators when they are most active. The quality of light for photography is also exceptional at this hour.
• Full Day Exploration: After breakfast (or with a packed breakfast to maximize time in the bush), spend the day on extensive game drives. Your expert guide will use their skills to track animals, interpreting signs and sounds from the bush. You might explore the famous kopjes (granite rocky outcrops) where lions love to rest and survey their domain, or scan the acacia woodlands for a glimpse of an elusive leopard. You may well encounter prides of lions, perhaps even with cubs, or witness cheetahs on the hunt.
• Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, perhaps near a hippo pool where you can observe these massive animals wallowing and grunting.
• Afternoon Game Drive: Continue your explorations in the afternoon, seeking out different species and simply enjoying the sheer scale and beauty of the Serengeti. You may encounter herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and a multitude of other plains game.
• Return to Camp: As dusk approaches, you will head back to your camp. After a long and exhilarating day of game viewing, returning to a comfortable camp, perhaps one with special touches like an outdoor bathtub overlooking the Serengeti, can be a wonderful way to unwind.

Wildlife Focus in Central Serengeti

You can expect excellent sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards in the Seronera region. Elephants, giraffes, Cape buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, topi, impala, and Thomson’s gazelles are also abundant. The birdlife is spectacular, with species like superb starlings, various hornbills, and numerous raptors commonly seen.

Where to Spend the Night in Serengeti

Continuing your stay in your Central Serengeti accommodation allows for deeper exploration of this rich area without the need to pack and move. The experience of staying within the unfenced park, with the sounds of the wild as your nightly soundtrack, is a core part of an authentic safari adventure.

Tips for Your Serengeti Exploration Today

• The type of safari vehicle (e.g., open-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser versus a larger overland truck) and prevailing road conditions (which can be corrugated or bumpy) can impact comfort and noise levels. If you have specific preferences or concerns about vehicle types, this is a good point to discuss with your custom trip planner.
• Patience is a virtue on safari. There will be times you drive for a while without major sightings, and then, suddenly, you may encounter something truly amazing. Trust your guide's expertise.
• Ensure your camera batteries are fully charged each night and that you have ample memory card space for all the photos you'll be taking!

Meals on Day 5: All meals are included. Often, the quality of food at Serengeti lodges and camps is a highlight for many travelers, with fresh ingredients and delicious preparations.

Day 6: From Serengeti's Plains to the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands

After a final taste of the Serengeti's magic, you'll journey southeast towards one of Africa's most remarkable geological features and wildlife havens – the Ngorongoro Crater. The drive from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater rim or the nearby town of Karatu typically takes approximately 3-4 hours, excluding your morning game drive. This day includes a final Serengeti game drive, the scenic journey to Ngorongoro, and concludes with stunning crater views from your overnight stop.

Itinerary and Activities for Day 6 Transition

• Morning Game Drive in Serengeti: Enjoy one last game drive as you exit Serengeti National Park. This provides another opportunity to spot any animals you might have missed or to enjoy further sightings of your favorites. It's not uncommon to have memorable encounters, perhaps even a lion walking close to your vehicle, as you make your way out.
• Journey to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The drive takes you through diverse landscapes, often past Maasai villages where you can observe traditional pastoral life, and across open grazing lands. As you approach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll notice the air becoming cooler and the scenery more dramatic as you ascend towards the crater highlands.
• Crater Viewpoint: Before reaching your lodge, you will typically stop at a breathtaking viewpoint on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The panoramic sight of this vast, intact caldera stretching out below is truly awe-inspiring and offers a fantastic photo opportunity. The scale of the crater is immense, and from this vantage point, you can appreciate its unique formation.
• Afternoon Arrival & Relaxation: You will check into your lodge, which might be located directly on the crater rim, like the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or similar, or in the nearby agricultural town of Karatu, where options like Farm of Dreams Lodge or Marera Valley Lodge offer comfortable stays amidst coffee plantations. The afternoon can be spent relaxing, enjoying the views, or perhaps undertaking a short guided walk if offered by your lodge.

About the Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. It was formed when a giant volcano, once possibly taller than Kilimanjaro, exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago. Its floor covers about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles) and is a natural sanctuary for an estimated 25,000 large animals.

Where to Stay for Ngorongoro Exploration

• Crater Rim Lodges: These lodges offer unparalleled, direct views into the crater. They are typically in the mid-range to luxury category and provide an unforgettable experience due to their unique location.
• Lodges in Karatu: Karatu is a charming highland town situated about a 30-45 minute drive from the crater descent road. It offers a wider range of accommodations, often more budget-friendly, set amidst lush coffee plantations and gardens. Staying here also provides a chance to experience the local agricultural life. Some itineraries might also use lodges near Lake Manyara, which is also in this general highland region, such as Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge.

Tips for the Ngorongoro Highland Area

• It can be significantly cooler on the crater rim and in the highlands, especially in the evenings and early mornings. Be sure to pack warm layers, including a fleece or jacket.
• The altitude is higher here (around 2,300 meters / 7,500 feet on the rim), so take it easy upon arrival if you are sensitive to altitude changes.

Meals on Day 6: All meals are included today.

Day 7: Descent into Ngorongoro Crater's Wildlife Paradise and Departure

Your final full day of this Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari is dedicated to exploring what is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Ngorongoro Crater offers arguably the most reliable Big Five sightings in East Africa, all contained within its magnificent natural amphitheater. The focus is the crater game drive, marveling at the incredible wildlife density, followed by the journey to Arusha for your departure. The game drive within the crater is typically around 5-6 hours, and the drive to Arusha/JRO airport from the crater area takes 3-4 hours.

Itinerary and Activities for Day 7 in Ngorongoro

• Early Morning Descent: After an early breakfast, you'll descend the steep, winding tracks into the crater. The journey down the crater walls is an adventure in itself, offering spectacular views. The diverse habitats on the crater floor – including open grasslands, swamps (like the Ngoitokitok Springs, a popular hippo area), the soda Lake Magadi (often tinged pink with thousands of flamingos), and acacia woodlands – support a remarkable density and variety of wildlife.
• Crater Game Drive: You will spend several hours exploring the crater floor. You are highly likely to see large herds of wildebeest and zebra (which are resident here, unlike the migratory Serengeti populations), Cape buffalo, Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, and a high concentration of predators including lions, hyenas, and jackals. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the critically endangered black rhinoceros; guides are adept at spotting them, though sometimes they may be distant. You might see huge tusked elephants, particularly older bulls.
• Picnic Lunch in the Crater: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated scenic spot within the crater, often near a hippo pool, providing a unique dining backdrop as you watch wildlife. While picnic lunches can be simple, they are part of the authentic safari experience.
• Afternoon Ascent and Departure: After maximizing your time in this natural marvel, you'll ascend the crater walls. From there, you will begin your journey to Arusha. The drive takes you through the beautiful Tanzanian highlands, past fertile agricultural lands, coffee estates, and vibrant local communities.
• Transfer to Airport: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward flight home, your heart and camera full of incredible memories from your Tanzania and Kenya safari tour.

Wildlife Highlights in Ngorongoro Crater

There are high chances of seeing black rhino, large lion prides, elephants (often impressive old bulls), hyenas, jackals, wildebeest, zebra, hippos, and numerous bird species, including flamingos and crowned cranes. The density of game is truly astonishing.

Tips for Your Ngorongoro Crater Visit

• The crater floor can get busy with safari vehicles, especially around prime sightings, due to its popularity and confined space.
• Park regulations typically limit game drives within the crater to a maximum of six hours. This is to minimize environmental impact and manage visitor numbers.
• The weather on the crater floor can change quickly. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the morning, which can warm up during the day, and potential wind.

Meals on Day 7: Breakfast and a picnic lunch are included today.