This 12 day Kenya and Tanzania safari travels by road from Nairobi through the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru.
Overview
This 12 day Kenya and Tanzania safari is a private road safari from Nairobi through seven parks. You spend 2 nights in the Masai Mara, 2 in the Serengeti, 1 near Ngorongoro Crater, 2 in Amboseli and 1 at Lake Nakuru, with a Tarangire game drive and a Lake Naivasha boat ride. The page lists January to June as the best season, and the price is on request.
It suits first-time visitors to East Africa who want the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in one trip, travelling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver guide, on full board in the parks, in 3-star rated lodges and camps.
Why choose a 12 day Kenya and Tanzania safari?
A Kenya and Tanzania safari links the two halves of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, so you see the Masai Mara and the Serengeti on one trip, crossing overland at Isebania and returning at Namanga. Adding Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Amboseli gives you rhinos, big elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as big cats.
The route needs no internal flights, because every transfer is by road. Check entry rules for both countries in our Tanzania visa guide before you travel.
- First-time visitors: the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in one itinerary.
- Elephant lovers: Tarangire’s baobab country and a full day in Amboseli.
- Culture: a Maasai village visit in the Masai Mara is included.
What to expect on the 12 day Kenya and Tanzania safari
Day 1 is your arrival and transfer to Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi. On day 2 you drive about 2 hours to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride and nature walk, then about 1 hour to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive, staying at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Day 3 is a drive of about 5 hours to the Masai Mara and an evening Maasai village visit, and day 4 is a full day in the reserve, staying at PrideInn Mara Camp.
On day 5 you drive about 4 hours to the Isebania border, cross into Tanzania and drive about 4 more hours to central Serengeti, staying 2 nights at Tamba Tented Camp with a full day of game drives on day 6. Day 7 is a drive of about 4 hours to Ngorongoro with a crater game drive, and a night at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge in Karatu.
Day 8 is a game drive in Tarangire National Park with packed lunches, then Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. On day 9 you cross back into Kenya at Namanga for 2 nights at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, with a full day in Amboseli and Observation Hill on day 10. Day 11 is a drive of about 4 hours to Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi, and day 12 is your airport transfer.
When is the best time for a Kenya and Tanzania safari?
The trip page lists January to June as the best season for this Kenya and Tanzania safari. Mara River crossings usually happen between July and October, so if the crossings are your main goal, ask us about those months. See where the herds usually are in our Great Migration month by month guide.
What is included in this Kenya and Tanzania safari?
The safari includes a meet-and-greet and safari briefing, all airport transfers, all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 11 nights of accommodation (2 in Nairobi on bed and breakfast), all park entry and conservation fees, full board meals as per the itinerary, an English or bilingual driver guide, drinking water and game drives as per the itinerary. The Maasai village visit, Lake Naivasha boat ride and nature walk are included free.
Not included are the optional hot air balloon safaris (USD 500 over the Masai Mara and USD 600 over the Serengeti per person), travel insurance, visas, international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested), drinks and personal items. Learn what the Tanzanian parks charge in our Tanzania park fees guide.
How much does the 12 day Kenya and Tanzania safari cost?
Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.
WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.
Safari Highlights
- 2 nights in the Masai Mara and 2 nights in central Serengeti
- Game drive on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire's elephants and baobab trees
- Full day in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Lake Naivasha boat ride and Lake Nakuru game drive
- Overland border crossings at Isebania and Namanga























