13-Day Kenya & Tanzania- Big Five & Samburu Special Safari Pac

Depart from Nairobi and travel north through Kenya’s scenic highlands toward the rugged Samburu National Reserve. Enjoy beautiful views of rolling hills, fertile farmland, rural villages, and changing landscapes as you journey into northern Kenya. After arrival and lunch, head out for an exciting afternoon game drive across Samburu’s dry savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverine areas. Keep watch for the unique Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk—alongside elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife. Highlights: Scenic highlands, Samburu countryside, afternoon game drive, Samburu Special Five, and diverse wildlife.

Accommodation

Umoja Campsite Tented Camp Budget

Outside Park Samburu National Reserve

+7 +6

Spend a full day exploring the rugged wilderness of Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives across its dramatic landscapes of dry savannah, rocky hills, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats. Search for the famous Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk—while also watching for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Enjoy the reserve’s unique scenery and peaceful atmosphere as you experience the rich biodiversity of northern Kenya. Highlights: Full-day game drives, Samburu Special Five, elephants, lions, leopards, and spectacular northern Kenya landscapes.

Accommodation

Umoja Campsite Tented Camp Budget

Outside Park Samburu National Reserve

+7 +6

Depart Samburu after breakfast and drive toward Lake Nakuru National Park, enjoying scenic views of Kenya’s changing landscapes and the dramatic Great Rift Valley along the way. After arrival and lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, including open grasslands, woodlands, and lakeshore areas. Keep an eye out for the park’s impressive populations of black and white rhinos, elegant Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and other wildlife. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may also see flamingos gathering around the lake, while lucky visitors can spot lions resting in the trees. Highlights: Great Rift Valley scenery, afternoon game drive, black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, seasonal flamingos, and tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation

La Maison Royale Hotel Mid-range

+4 +3

Depart Lake Nakuru and journey toward Kenya’s premier wildlife destination, the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel through the spectacular Great Rift Valley, taking in sweeping views of dramatic escarpments, rolling hills, open plains, and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival in the Mara, enjoy lunch before heading out on an exciting afternoon game drive across the reserve’s expansive savannahs. Watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and other iconic wildlife as you begin your Mara adventure. Highlights: Great Rift Valley scenery, scenic countryside, Masai Mara landscapes, afternoon game drive, and Big Five encounters.

Accommodation

Enkorok Mara Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Outside Park Maasai Mara National Reserve

+3 +2

Spend a full day exploring the vast golden plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives. Discover the reserve’s rich wildlife, with excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—alongside cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species. For a memorable aerial experience, enjoy an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari offering breathtaking views over the Mara. You may also visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about local culture, traditions, and daily life. Highlights: Full-day game drives, Big Five encounters, abundant wildlife, optional hot air balloon safari, and Maasai cultural experience.

Accommodation

Enkorok Mara Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Outside Park Maasai Mara National Reserve

+3 +2

Enjoy another thrilling day of safari in the Masai Mara, exploring its vast grasslands, rolling hills, riverine forests, and wildlife-rich plains. Set out on morning and afternoon game drives to search for Africa’s iconic predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, while watching herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes move across the landscape. During the Great Wildebeest Migration season from July to October, witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras gathering and moving through the Mara in search of fresh grazing. Highlights: Predator encounters, Great Wildebeest Migration, abundant wildlife, scenic game drives, and spectacular African landscapes.

Accommodation

Enkorok Mara Camp Tented Camp Mid-range

Outside Park Maasai Mara National Reserve

+3 +2

Depart the Masai Mara and travel toward the Isebania border for your crossing into Tanzania. Continue through the scenic countryside, passing rural villages, farmland, and local communities as you make your way toward the shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing lakeside atmosphere while taking in views of Africa’s largest lake. Depending on time, visit nearby fishing communities to experience local traditions and observe the daily activities of fishermen along the lakeshore. Highlights: Kenya–Tanzania border crossing, scenic countryside, Lake Victoria views, lakeside relaxation, and authentic fishing community experience.

Accommodation

Matvilla Beach Lodge & Campsite Villa Mid-range

+7 +6

Depart Lake Victoria and journey into the world-famous Serengeti National Park, renowned for its endless savannah plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife. As you enter the park, enjoy breathtaking views of the open grasslands dotted with acacia trees and keep watch for wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and other resident wildlife. After arrival and lunch, set out on an exciting afternoon game drive, exploring the Serengeti’s wildlife-rich plains and searching for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Highlights: Serengeti landscapes, endless plains, abundant wildlife, afternoon game drive, and predator encounters.

Accommodation

Ndabaka Public Campsite Tented Camp Mid-range

Outside Park Serengeti National Park

+7 +6

Spend a full day exploring the vast Serengeti plains on morning and afternoon game drives, following wildlife trails through one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. Search for the Big Five, with excellent opportunities to encounter powerful lions, elusive leopards, massive elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Keep watch for cheetahs racing across the open grasslands and, during the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, witness enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra moving across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. Highlights: Full-day game drives, Big Five encounters, lions, cheetahs, elephants, seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, and spectacular Serengeti landscapes.

Accommodation

Ndabaka Public Campsite Tented Camp Mid-range

Outside Park Serengeti National Park

+7 +6

Begin your day with an early morning game drive through the Serengeti, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is often most active. Enjoy the opportunity to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other animals as the morning light transforms the vast savannah into a breathtaking landscape. After the game drive, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through scenic highlands and rolling countryside. Arrive at the crater rim and settle into your accommodation, where you can relax while enjoying spectacular panoramic views over the ancient caldera. Highlights: Morning game drive, abundant wildlife, scenic Serengeti landscapes, Ngorongoro highlands, and overnight on the crater rim.

Accommodation

Simba Public Campsite - Ngorongoro Tented Camp Mid-range

Inside Park Ngorongoro Crater

+7 +6

Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari through one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife areas. Explore the crater floor’s grasslands, wetlands, and lakes while searching for an impressive concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and wildebeest. Keep a close lookout for the endangered black rhino, one of the crater’s most prized sightings. Throughout the game drive, enjoy breathtaking views of the crater walls and diverse landscapes that make Ngorongoro a truly unforgettable safari destination. Highlights: Ngorongoro Crater game drive, Big Five, black rhino, hippos, abundant wildlife, and spectacular crater scenery.

Accommodation

Simba Camp Campsite Mid-range

Inside Park Kilimanjaro National Park

+6 +5

Depart the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and travel toward Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient baobab trees, and exceptional wildlife. After arrival and lunch, embark on an exciting afternoon game drive through the park’s open grasslands, woodland areas, and seasonal river valleys. Keep watch for large herds of elephants gathering around water sources, as well as lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy sightings of Tarangire’s rich variety of resident and migratory bird species. Highlights: Giant baobab trees, massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, diverse birdlife, and afternoon game drive.

Accommodation

Africa Safari Manyara Migombani Tented Camp Mid-range

+1

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed transfer from Tarangire to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, passing through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania. Take in views of rural villages, farmland, and the beautiful countryside as you reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and experiences of your Kenya and Tanzania Big Five safari. If time allows, you may stop for optional souvenir shopping to pick up local crafts, artwork, or memorable gifts before your onward journey. Highlights: Scenic northern Tanzania drive, optional souvenir shopping, final views of the countryside, and a memorable conclusion to your East African safari.