This extensive Tanzania & Kenya Safari takes you game viewing in East Africa's best game reserves!
Explore both of Africa's top two game reserves - the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Experience the vast open plains of Serengeti and Masai Mara, home to the Great Migration of Africa and an abundance of predators. Embark on a 4x4 game drive in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, and enjoy superb game viewing in Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks, traveling through the beautiful Great Rift Valley. Spend three days on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, hosting plenty of big cats and other wild animals. Overnight in Nairobi and then visit Amboseli National Park, renowned for its close elephant encounters with Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
Experience real African culture in Tanzania's less-visited Lake Victoria region and take in the magnificent scenery of Tanzania and Kenya on this unforgettable budget lodge safari.
Our Tanzania & Kenya Safari begins with a brief meeting about the African adventure ahead. After the tour briefing in Arusha, we travel southwest to Tarangire National Park.
This little-known park is part of the Northern Safari Circuit game parks. Home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania, as well as a large variety of wildlife, Tarangire Park is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in northern Tanzania. The Tarangire River flows through the park and attracts a diverse animal population as well as many birds. During the rainy season animals migrate to the park from surrounding areas and amongst the many browsers and grazers are the hungry big cats. The park is home to tree-climbing pythons, lions, and leopards.
We spend the afternoon on an extensive game drive in Tarangire Park. Sit back and admire this wild landscape dotted with baobab and acacia thorn trees as we search for wildlife. After our first game drive in Tanzania, we drive to our tented camp near Tarangire National Park for our first overnight stay.
Our first night in Tanzania is spent in luxury, en-suite tents with verandas that look out over Lake Burunge and Tarangire beyond. Facilities at the safari camp include a pool, and main lounge and a dining/bar area raised on a wooden deck so that guests can enjoy the views. Sit back and relax with sundowners as the sun sets over the lake and surrounding bush, or sidle up to the cozy fireplace on chill nights.
This morning after breakfast, we leave Tarangire National Park behind, traveling north into the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley is home to abundant wildlife and offers beautiful scenery, stretching over 6000 kilometers from Syria to Mozambique.
The next stop on our Tanzania & Kenya Safari is Lake Manyara National Park, a third of which is covered by the shallow, soda lake after which it is named. Entering the park we set off on an extensive game drive. Lake Manyara Park is known for its tree-climbing lions and the large flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds that gather here in some rainy seasons. This small park hosts large baboon troops and elephant herds across its diverse habitats, along with numerous other animals. Hippos, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, monkeys, warthogs, and wildebeest are often spotted on game drives here. Lake Manyara Park attracts over 400 species of birds making it a birding delight.
After our game drive, we travel into the Ngorongoro highlands enjoying spectacular views over the plains and Lake Manyara and pausing to take photos. On the second night of our budget lodge safari, we stay at one of the superbly located Tanganyika Wilderness Adventure Lodges. Set close to a coffee estate about 30 minutes from the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, these safari lodges offer lovely views over the lush crater highlands. If there is time after our arrival we can take an optional walk in the coffee plantations.
Today we explore Africa's Garden of Eden, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. It is also located on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, as is our next stop, the Serengeti Park. We are up early for breakfast at dawn on day three of our Tanzania safari adventure. Then, we descend the steep walls of the crater in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the wildlife-rich crater floor.
Ngorongoro, part of the Serengeti ecosystem, is a massive caldera spanning an impressive 18 km in diameter with walls as high as 600m. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the densest mammalian population in Africa, with around 25,000 large animals. The diverse habitats found on the fertile crater floor support a variety of wildlife, including elephant, monkey, hyena, jackal, and herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and other antelope species. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts the Big Five of Africa, boasting one of the highest concentrations of lions in the world. Ngorongoro offers first-class game viewing and is considered one of the best places to capture the endangered black rhino on film.
In the early afternoon, we move on from Ngorongoro Crater to the seemingly endless Serengeti Plains. Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is world-famous for the annual Great Migration. This spectacular sight of vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrating across the plains with hungry predators lurking not far behind is truly amazing.
Tonight we stay at a tented camp in the heart of Serengeti National Park. The traditional tented camp offers comfortable camping accommodation in the renowned central Serengeti area, surrounded by the untamed African bush and wildlife. The camp features safari-style tents with en suite bathrooms, electric lights, and mosquito netting.
On day four of our Kenya & Tanzania Safari, we are up before dawn. Watch the sunrise over the African bush before we embark on a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Early mornings are the best time of day for game viewing. Enjoy the quintessential African safari scenery and watch various wild animals roaming freely. After our Serengeti game drive, we return to the tented safari camp for a hearty breakfast.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a hot-air balloon trip over the rolling Serengeti Plains this morning. This will give you a whole new perspective and allow you to spot wildlife as you float over the plains. After the optional balloon ride (extra cost) participants are treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Serengeti National Park offers spectacular game viewing year-round, being home to healthy populations of Africa's Big Five - rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant, and leopard as well as huge numbers of various antelope species such as eland, topi, kudu, impala, oribi, waterbuck, and gazelle. Cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, serval cats, crocodiles, hyenas, and a rich array of other wildlife including numerous monkey, mongeese, and rodent species also inhabit the Serengeti, along with over 500 bird species!
There is also the option of taking a guided trip to the visitor's center with a representative of the Frankfurt Zoological Society today. The knowledgeable guide can tell you about the work this organization has been involved in for the last thirty years in Serengeti (please advise when booking). We enjoy another rewarding game drive in the afternoon before returning to our safari lodge for another night in the African wilderness. Spend a second night at the tented camp inside Serengeti National Park, surrounded by the African bush and sounds of nature at night.
Our last full day on safari in Tanzania begins with breakfast at the tented camp in the wilderness before we leave Serengeti Park. On our way out of Serengeti National Park we enjoy a final game drive, looking out for animals we may have missed thus far.
From Serengeti, we drive northwest to Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake and the second-biggest lake in the world. We stop at the shores of Lake Victoria to catch a glimpse of this less-visited, fertile region of Tanzania. The area around the lake is the most densely populated in Tanzania and here we get the unique opportunity of seeing the local way of life and encountering Tanzanian people in this less-touristed spot. Watch the local fishermen as they bring in their catch and visit a rural community school in this off-the-beaten-track corner of Tanzania that most tourists never get to visit.
Tonight you will overnight at a pleasant safari lodge set on a peaceful 100-hectare property on the shores of Lake Victoria. Lodge features include a restaurant, bar, and lounge and our accommodation is in en suite thatched bungalows set apart along the lakeshore for privacy.
First breakfast, then our Tanzania & Kenya Safari takes us on a canoe trip with the local fishermen. We venture out onto the lake in a canoe to see the locals fishing in the old-fashioned style. After our local fishing experience, we leave Lake Victoria behind.
Today we have a long journey ahead, as we cross the border into Kenya and head to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.
Home to the largest lion populations of Africa's game reserves, all of the big cats are to be found in Masai Mara in large numbers throughout the year and not just during the migration. The annual Wildebeest Migration can be witnessed in this spectacular game reserve - an unforgettable wildlife spectacle with over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle stampeding over the scenic plains as they migrate between Tanzania's Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The 1510km² Mara Reserve is home to an impressive variety of wild animals, including numerous antelope species, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, and an incredible array of birds. Along with the big cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
On day six of this Budget African Safari we overnight in luxury tents along a thicket that fringes the escarpment. The safari camp is located on the fringes of Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp offers fantastic views over the reserve and hosts antelopes and zebra, as well as prolific birdlife.
Today we explore the phenomenal Masai Mara National Reserve in open-sided 4x4 vehicles in true African safari style. Accompanied by an experienced safari guide we embark on a full day's game drive in search of the Big 5 and other wildlife roaming the Masai Mara. As well as the Big 5 Masai Mara is home to cheetahs, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, Masai giraffes, gazelles, elands, hartebeests, and roan antelopes.
The Mara Triangle area, in northwestern Masai Mara, is the focus of our Kenya safari today. This area features endless grassy plains dotted with acacia trees, the classical African safari setting.
We also drive to the Mara River, known for dramatic wildlife sightings during the annual wildebeest migration. In the rainy season (from July to October), the great migration takes place here, while the river swells to several times its normal size. Tens of thousands of hoofed beasts plunge into the raging Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait for prey, as the herbivores make the dangerous crossing. The river attracts wildlife and birds year-round, however, with hippos, crocodiles, and other animals gathering here.
After our exhilarating day on safari in Masai Mara, we spend another night at the safari camp on the outskirts of Masai Mara National Reserve. Stay in permanent canvas tents with brick-walled en suite bathrooms on raised wooden platforms, overlooking the African bush.
The next two days on safari in Kenya are spent in Masai Mara National Reserve. We spend full days exploring one of Africa's best game reserves, on 4x4 game drives.
With plenty of time to explore Masai Mara, you can take your time to enjoy this famous wildlife park at your own pace. Stop to take in the details of the African bush and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Your guide takes you in search of the Big 5 and the host of other wild animals found here. Keep your eyes open for Thomson’s and Grant's gazelles, elands, and Coke's hartebeests, amongst other interesting species. Masai Mara is also home to the Masai giraffe, seldom seen outside of Kenya as well as the rare roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox. The game reserve also hosts over 470 bird species including some 60 raptor species.
We spend the next two nights at an unfenced safari lodge inside Masai Mara Game Reserve. This authentic game lodge is tucked away in a forest along the Olarro Orok River where it blends in with the natural environment. Surrounded by the unspoiled bush, a variety of wildlife and birds are spotted at the camp year-round. It is a wildlife photographer's dream and a treat for any nature lover.
Wake up in the heart of Masai Mara this morning and enjoy breakfast at camp. Then, it is time to say goodbye to this world-renowned Kenyan game reserve and drive to Nairobi. As we make our way out of Masai Mara keep your eyes open for wildlife and birds.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in bustling Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and check into our comfortable hotel. Then you are free to rest and relax at the hotel. Take a dip in the pool and recline on a lounger with a cocktail.
This evening we dine together (own expense) at the famous Carnivore restaurant located on the spacious grounds of our hotel.
On day 11 of our Tanzania & Kenya Safari, we leave Nairobi after breakfast at the hotel. Our drive takes us to our final Kenya safari destination, Amboseli National Park. Amboseli is Kenya's second most popular wildlife park after Masai Mara, and for good reason. It is widely considered the best place in Africa to get up close to wild elephants, hosting about 1000 free-roaming elephants. And, with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, Amboseli is known for its iconic images of wild elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the background.
The Amboseli region is also home to the traditional Maasai people of Kenya, so keep an eye out for these brightly-robed herders in the area. Arriving at the national park we enjoy a game drive en route to our overnight safari lodge inside Amboseli National Park. The rest of day 11 and the whole of day 12 are set aside for exploring Amboseli on leisurely game drives. In addition to the large elephant herds the park is famous for, we may see the other Big 5 animals - leopards, lions, rhinos, and buffalos. From Observation Hill, we are likely to see buffalos, hippos, and waterbirds in the marshes, along with other wildlife.
Our lodge in Amboseli looks out onto majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania and the plains of Amboseli where elephants and other animals roam freely. Settle in at the eco-friendly lodge and take a swim in the pool, relax in the comfortable lounge, play some table tennis or unwind at the bar. This family-friendly lodge also has facilities for kids and a spa where you can indulge in pampering treatments.
Wake up to the sounds and sights of the untamed African bush on the last day of your Tanzania & Kenya Safari. After breakfast at the safari lodge in Amboseli, it is time to return to Nairobi.
As we leave the national park we enjoy one more game drive in the Kenyan wilderness. Arriving back in the city, your guide takes you to the airport or your post-safari accommodation where this unforgettable African safari comes to an end.
A window seat is guaranteed for every client on this Tanzania & Kenya Safari.
Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.
Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does not take children.
This itinerary may have some long travelling days, and we would therefore not recommend this group safari for young children.
Families with younger children who are confident and comfortable with travelling long distances, are welcome on a private safari basis only.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for information regarding private tours and quotations.
All Arusha Departures | All Lodge Safari trips
1. Tarangire Road, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
2. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
3. Serengeti, Tanzania
4. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
5. C103, Amboseli National Park, Kenya
6. Kitengela-Noonkopir Road, Athi River, Kenya
7. Ngorongoro, Tanzania
8. Bariadi, Tanzania
9. Sirari - Mbeya Rd, Tanzania
10. Salt Lick Road, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Triangle - Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
This budget Best of Kenya & Tanzania Lodge Safari to top national parks in Kenya and Tanzania includes Serengeti & Masai Mara, Africa's wildebeest migration gems.
More on this 13 Day Budget Lodge Safari
A 13-day East Africa Safari in Kenya and Tanzania to Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater and more, staying at affordable luxury safari camps.
More on this 13 Day Budget Lodge Safari
The budget Tanzania Safari Tour & Zanzibar Holiday Package includes a Serengeti Safari, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara Park & Zanzibar holiday package.
More on this 12 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An affordable Tanzania Lodge Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara. The ideal budget African safari to enjoy the best Tanzania safari highlights.
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An ideal Budget Tanzania Safari in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara. See Africa's Big 5 on a lodge safari to Tanzania's best parks!
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
A Deluxe Tanzania Lodge Safari in Tanzania staying at affordable luxury lodges to explore Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara on a fantastic budget!
More on this 7 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An affordable Tanzania & Kenya Safari to Masai Mara, Serengeti & Best Safari Parks (Ngorongoro Crater, Manyara & Tarangire) staying at top budget safari lodges.
More on this 10 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
