12 Days Best Of Kenya and Tanzania Safari – Luxury

Travel lovers, get ready for a full-on wildlife adventure through some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a seriously impressive experience. Expect lush lakes, vast savannahs, and a chance to see the legendary Big Five—and all in top-tier, luxurious lodges.

What we love about this safari: it’s carefully curated with high-end accommodations, expert guides, and unique wildlife experiences. Plus, the itinerary covers both Kenya and Tanzania, giving a broader view of Africa’s most fascinating ecosystems. The only potential snag? The tour’s price tag of $2,329 might seem steep for some, but many reviews emphasize the value in the guided service, accommodation, and once-in-a-lifetime sights.

This journey is perfect for travelers eager to combine comfort with adventure, and those who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters with a touch of luxury. If you’re after a well-organized, seamless trip that balances scenic beauty with expert guidance, this safari could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Luxury accommodations inside parks ensure comfort after long days of game drives
• Expert guides and drivers enhance wildlife spotting and provide valuable insights
• The itinerary includes five protected reserves and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering diverse landscapes
• All meals and transfers are pre-arranged, making the trip smooth and hassle-free
• Travelers praise the personalized service, with reviews highlighting guides like Maliwaza and Gideon
• Value for money is recognized by many, given the quality of safaris, lodges, and included activities

An In-Depth Look at the 12-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Your adventure kicks off with a warm welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a professional driver guides you to your Nairobi hotel. Although this first day is mainly about settling in, it’s a good chance to soak in the buzz of the city before heading into the wild.

This initial contact with Africa’s vibrant capital helps set the tone. The flexibility of this tour allows you to discuss preferences with your guide, tailoring your experience from the get-go. Such personalized attention is appreciated in reviews—one traveler mentioned how the team, especially Maliwaza, took care of every detail.

Day 2: Lake Naivasha & Great Rift Valley

The morning begins with an 8 am pickup from your hotel heading to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here, the highlight is a 2-hour boat ride—expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, all amid a peaceful setting. Afterward, a nature walk in Lake Naivasha National Park offers a closer look at the flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, a boat ride to Crescent Island allows for a relaxing walk amid wildlife, often including giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. The day ends with a sunset dinner at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, where many reviews praise the serenity of the surroundings and the quality of the food.

Day 3: Maasai Mara Transfer & First Game Drive

Travel time from Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara is roughly six hours, which might seem long but is part of the adventure. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Rift Valley, with chances to spot wildlife along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the Serena Lodge, located inside the reserve, and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out on your first game drive. Expect to start spotting wildlife—cheetahs, lions, elephants—immediately. Many travelers find the Maasai Mara’s expansive vistas and abundant game truly exhilarating.

Days 4-5: Maasai Mara – The World’s Most Famous Reserve

The following days are packed with game drives, with a focus on the wildebeest migration and river crossings, which are often the highlight of visitors’ trips. With packed lunches, you can spend full days tracking animals, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino).

One guest commented on the “spectacular” lion sightings and the expert guidance that made wildlife identification easier. The full-day drives, often lasting 12 hours, might be tiring but provide ample opportunity for sightings and photography.

In the evenings, guests return to luxurious accommodations, like the Serena Lodge, enjoying good meals and often chatting about the next day’s adventures. The opportunity to see predators hunting or herds crossing the river makes these days unforgettable.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Cross into Tanzania

The journey continues with a border crossing at Isebania/Serare—an efficient process according to reviews, where you’ll say farewell to your Kenyan guide and meet your Tanzanian driver. En route, there’s a game drive to enjoy the scenery and wildlife as you enter Serengeti.

The Serengeti Serena Lodge offers a perfect base for exploring this vast park. Many reviewers praise the lodge’s location and the quality of their meals, making it a comfortable retreat after full days of wildlife viewing.

Days 7-8: Exploring Serengeti

Serengeti is often described as Africa’s wildlife theater, and you’ll get two full days of game drives. Expect to see the “Big Five,” herds of elephants, stalking lions, cheetahs in pursuit, and maybe even the elusive leopard.

One reviewer shared how waking up in Serengeti was “something really special,” describing the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa as unforgettable. Packed breakfasts and picnics allow for maximum time spent spotting animals, and many guests mention the “ever-changing light” adding drama to the scenery.

The sunset drives with sundowners are cherished moments, with many travelers noting how the guides’ local knowledge and keen eyes made all the difference.

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife on a Caldera

Heading to Ngorongoro Crater is often the highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. The tour involves a game drive on the crater’s floor, where the concentration of animals is staggering—lions, elephants, hippos, and the famous flamingos.

Many guests note how the crater’s ecological richness makes it feel like a wildlife sanctuary within a caldera. The lodge on the rim offers spectacular views, and the included lunch on the crater floor is a memorable experience.

Days 10-11: Amboseli National Park & Kenya Safari

Crossing back into Kenya, you’ll visit Amboseli National Park, famed for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The game drives here are often described as fantastic, with many reviews highlighting the guides’ ability to find elephants and other big game.

The luxurious Amboseli Serena Lodge provides a comfortable base to relax after days filled with wildlife sightings. Expect to see large herds, sometimes with hundreds of elephants, and enjoy sunset views over Kilimanjaro, weather permitting.

Day 12: Farewell & Return to Nairobi

Your safari concludes with a morning game drive, followed by breakfast and a transfer back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore the city or simply relax before heading home.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

While the price of $2,329 might seem high, many reviews point to the quality of guides, accommodations, and inclusive activities that make it worth every penny. Guests repeatedly highlight how knowledgeable guides like Maliwaza, Gideon, and Said elevated their experience, providing insights into animal behaviors and local culture.

The luxury lodges inside national parks mean you can unwind in comfort after a day of wildlife tracking. The included meals and transfers ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience, with many reviewers noting how well-organized the logistics are.

On top of that, the tour covers five protected reserves—from the Maasai Mara to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Amboseli—giving you an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. This variety, combined with high chances of wildlife sightings, especially the Big Five, makes it a comprehensive safari.

Travelers also mention the personalized service—reviews rave about how guides like Maliwaza took care of every detail, making sure everyone’s preferences and needs were met. This bespoke approach is rare at this price point and adds immense value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for adventure seekers who want comfort, wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the Big Five, and those who value guided expert insight. It suits travelers who appreciate luxury lodges and seamless logistics, minimizing stress and maximizing wildlife encounters.

It’s also good for small groups or families looking for a private experience in some of Africa’s most iconic parks. If you’re after an authentic, well-organized safari that balances adventure with comfort, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
All fees, taxes, activities (unless optional), professional guides, roundtrip airport transfers, meals as specified, and all park fees are included.

Are meals provided throughout the tour?
Yes, most days include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodges. Some meals, like packed lunches for game drives, are also included.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last 12 hours on full days, with opportunities to see wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon, including sunset safaris.

What kind of accommodations are provided?
Guests stay in luxury lodges located inside key parks, such as Serengeti Serena Lodge and Amboseli Serena Lodge, known for their comfort and prime locations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the brochure notes children must be accompanied by adults, the tour’s physical demands and long drives suggest it’s better suited for older children and teenagers.

How are border crossings handled?
The tour includes border stops at Isebania/Serare, with visa registration and vehicle changes. According to reviews, this process is smooth and well-managed.

Final Thoughts

This 12-day luxury safari offers a fantastic blend of wildlife, scenery, and comfort that’s hard to beat. The detailed itinerary, combined with highly praised guides and stunning lodges, makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an immersive African adventure with ease.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic wildlife experience that balances adventure with luxury, this tour checks all the boxes. From the Maasai Mara’s wide-open plains to Ngorongoro’s dense wildlife, it promises memories that will last a lifetime—no matter how many safaris you’ve been on before.

Ideal for travelers who prioritize high-quality guides, beautiful scenery, and seamless logistics, this safari is a top choice for a bucket-list journey to Africa.