8-day premium safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Setting out on a safari through Kenya and Tanzania is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts, and this 8-day tour promises an in-depth, comfortable experience that covers some of Africa’s most famous parks. Hosted by SHAGAMI KENYA TOURS AND SAFARIS, this journey offers a perfect combination of adventure, luxury, and authentic encounters.

What makes this safari particularly appealing? First, it features top-tier destinations like the Masai Mara and Serengeti, where the chance to witness the Great Migration in person is a genuine highlight. Second, the tour includes key sights such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Nakuru, providing a well-rounded exploration of East Africa’s diverse landscapes. Third, travelers can expect guides with extensive knowledge, making each game drive both educational and engaging.

A potential consideration is the long travel days, especially the up to 8-hour transfer to Serengeti, which might test those less tolerant of lengthy road journeys. Still, the overall experience prioritizes comfort and expert guiding to offset the travel time.

This safari suits those who want a comprehensive, well-structured adventure that balances iconic wildlife viewing with relaxed, full-board accommodations. It’s ideal for first-timers and seasoned safari lovers alike, especially if you’re eager to maximize your chances of seeing the Big Five and other spectacular wildlife.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel in an 8-seater luxury open-top van or 4×4 Land Cruiser, ensuring great views and comfort.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help spot elusive animals and share fascinating insights along the way.
• Full-Board Accommodation: Most nights are spent in well-rated lodges and tents, offering both comfort and immersion in the landscape.
• Diverse Destinations: From Lake Nakuru’s flamingos to the vast Serengeti plains, each location offers a unique wildlife experience.
• Included Parks Fees: Entrance fees to all parks are covered, simplifying logistics and budgeting.
• Optional Extras: Hot air balloon safaris and Maasai village visits are available at extra costs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Detailed Experience

Arrival and Lake Nakuru

Your adventure begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to Lake Nakuru National Park. This stop is a fantastic way to kick off the safari because Nakuru is famous for its millions of flamingos, creating a vibrant pink spectacle. The park is also home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffalo, and reedbucks, with a chance to spot a leopard or two lurking in the bushes. The presence of white and black rhinos, reintroduced into the park, adds extra excitement for wildlife lovers.

Staying at the Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, you’ll be immersed in nature but with full board service, making your experience both authentic and comfortable. The early mornings and evenings here are the best times for game viewing, and guides often emphasize the importance of these periods for spotting active wildlife.

From Nakuru to Masai Mara

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to head toward the Masai Mara, passing by Lake Naivasha — a scenic stop where you might see hippos and birdlife. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours, with some reviews mentioning the landscape’s ever-changing scenery as a highlight.

Once in the Mara, you’ll settle into Mara Simba Lodge or similar, where full-board accommodations provide a restful base for the upcoming game drives. Early afternoon game viewing is typical in this region, offering a chance to hunt for cheetahs and leopards, which, although more elusive, are still commonly spotted.

The Iconic Masai Mara Game Drives

Spending a full day in the Masai Mara means extensive game drives, often with the opportunity to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The guides are praised for their sharp eyes and knowledge, often sharing stories about animal behavior and local Maasai culture.

One of the highlights is the wildebeest migration, which peaks in July and August, transforming the Mara into a scene of thunderous herds crossing rivers. While this is a seasonal event, the Mara’s diverse ecosystems ensure that animal sightings are plentiful year-round. Reviewers mention that cheetahs and leopards are harder to find, but guides are skilled at locating them.

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Transfer to Serengeti

The journey continues with a rough but scenic drive to Serengeti, taking up to 8 hours. This part of the trip requires patience but offers a chance to witness Tanzania’s changing landscapes and perhaps encounter some wildlife en route. Crossing the border at Namanga, you’ll transition from Kenyan to Tanzanian territory, with guides handling the logistics smoothly.

Serengeti National Park, covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, is the world’s most renowned wildlife reserve. Your stay at Katikati Tent Camp provides a cozy, safari-style experience amid the vast plains.

Exploring Serengeti

For the next two days, your game drives in Serengeti will explore its legendary plains, where lions lounge in the grass and herds of zebras and wildebeests graze. The park’s size and diversity mean that each drive feels fresh, with different animals and scenery around every corner. Guides keep a sharp eye out, and their stories about animal behavior add depth to each sighting.

Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

A morning drive out of Serengeti takes you to Olduvai Gorge, a place of significance in human archaeology — think of it as the cradle of mankind. The highlight here is the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden”.

Descending into the crater, you’ll be met with a breathtaking landscape that teems with wildlife—rhinos, elephants, lions, and even the elusive black-maned lions. Many reviews describe Ngorongoro as a “natural wonder of the world”, and guides frequently share insights into the crater’s geology and animal populations. Staying at Marera Valley Lodge offers a comfortable retreat after a day of wildlife viewing.

From Ngorongoro to Amboseli

The journey continues with a border crossing at Namanga into Kenya, heading toward Amboseli National Park. Known for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers a different kind of landscape—more arid, but equally rich in wildlife.

Staying at Lake Amboseli Sopa Lodge, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and closer encounters with elephants and predators in their natural habitat. The early morning game drives here are particularly rewarding for photography lovers.

Final Day and Return to Nairobi

Your last morning involves an early game drive, soaking in the sights of Amboseli’s wildlife before transferring back to Nairobi. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours, giving you time to reflect on an action-packed week of adventure and discovery.

Why this safari delivers genuine value

This tour offers a well-rounded view of East Africa’s most celebrated parks, making it ideal for travelers who want an immersive experience without sacrificing comfort. The inclusion of prestigious destinations like Ngorongoro and Serengeti means you’re seeing some of the best wildlife habitats in Africa, often at a fraction of the cost when compared to private or customized safaris.

The full-board accommodations and park entrance fees included in the price simplify planning and budgeting, so you can focus on the wildlife and the scenery. The use of luxury vehicles and knowledgeable guides with extensive local expertise is a real plus, especially for spotting elusive animals and understanding their behaviors.

At $4,995, the cost is quite reasonable considering the length of the trip, the inclusions, and the quality of experience. While some travelers mention the long drives, the guides’ professionalism and the scenic vistas help make these stretches part of the adventure rather than a chore.

Who is this tour best for?

This safari is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania in one trip, especially if you value expert guiding and comfortable accommodations. It works well for first-time safari visitors who want a rundown, as well as seasoned travelers seeking a reliable, well-organized experience.

Nature lovers and wildlife photographers will appreciate the opportunities to capture iconic scenes, while adventure seekers can thrill at the chance to spot the Big Five and witness the famous migration.

FAQ

What is included in the price of $4,995?
The tour includes transportation in luxury vehicles, accommodation in lodges and tents, all park entrance fees, and professional guide services. Meals are also covered during most days.

Are there options to enhance the experience?
Yes, a Hot Air Balloon Safari is available for an extra USD 540 per person, offering a unique vantage point over the plains. Visitors can also opt to visit a Maasai village for an additional fee of USD 20.

What type of transportation is used?
Transportation is provided in an 8-seater luxury open-top van or a 4×4 Land Cruiser, both designed for optimal wildlife viewing and comfort.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the lodges and tented camps are selected for their full-board service and quality, combining the authenticity of camping with a touch of luxury.

How long are the driving days?
Some days involve long drives, notably the up to 8-hour transfer to Serengeti. These are mainly necessary for reaching key parks and are part of the adventure.

Can the tour be booked with flexible payment options?
Yes, the booking allows you to reserve your spot and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You are likely to see lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, and a variety of birdlife, depending on the season and luck.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?
While generally suitable, the long travel days and outdoor accommodations might be better suited for adventurous travelers in good health and with a sense of adventure.

Final thoughts

This 8-day safari combines some of Africa’s most iconic parks into a single, well-organized trip that promises memorable wildlife encounters. The inclusion of top destinations like the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, coupled with professional guides and full-board stays, offers excellent value for those eager to experience Africa’s wilderness at a comfortable pace.

The journey’s pace, with a mix of game drives and scenic transfers, is designed to maximize sightings without feeling too rushed. The optional extras, such as hot air balloon safaris and Maasai village visits, add a personalized touch for those wanting more out of their adventure.

This safari is a solid choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic experience of East Africa’s wildlife landscapes, with the added assurance of quality guides and accommodations. It’s a trip that captures the essence of Africa’s natural beauty—perfect for first-timers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Note: Always double-check current prices, availability, and travel advisories when booking, as details can change.

You can check availability for your dates here: