11 Days Best Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti Safari Journey

Introduction

Planning a safari that combines the best of Kenya and Tanzania can seem daunting, but this 11-day journey by GRACEPATT SAFARIS is designed to deliver a seamless, immersive experience. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but from detailed reviews and itineraries, it’s clear this trip offers authentic wildlife viewing, comfortable lodgings, and expert guiding — all within a manageable schedule and price point.

What we love about this experience is its focus on iconic parks like Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, offering a true taste of Africa’s wildlife. The inclusion of varied landscapes ensures you’ll encounter everything from flamingos to elephants. Plus, the opportunity to see the Big Five and the famous tree-climbing lions in Amboseli makes it appealing to nature enthusiasts.

One potential consideration is the pace — with early mornings, full days of game drives, and border crossings, you’ll need stamina and flexibility. But for those looking for a comprehensive, well-organized safari that covers multiple countries and top parks, this tour ticks many boxes.

This experience suits travelers eager for an in-depth wildlife adventure, with a balance of guided drives and cultural exposure. Perfect for first-timers to Africa or seasoned safari-goers wanting a broad, curated journey.

Key Points

• Iconic Parks: Visit top wildlife parks in Kenya and Tanzania, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Amboseli.
• Big Five & Beyond: Expect to see lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffalo, and rhinos, plus other fascinating animals.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights about wildlife and local cultures.
• Comfort & Convenience: Accommodation is included at reputable lodges and camps, with transportation covered for smooth travel.
• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Multiple game drives allow ample time for viewing and photography.
• Flexible Booking: The “reserve & pay later” option offers flexibility, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Your adventure kicks off with a transfer from the airport to the Best Western Meridian Hotel. This is a good chance to settle in, get some rest, and absorb the buzz of Kenya’s capital. The hotel’s location offers easy access to the city’s amenities, and the breakfast included makes it simple to start your journey well-fed.

Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
The drive from Nairobi along the Great Rift Valley offers stunning views of the plains and lakes. Lake Nakuru is famed for its massive flocks of flamingos, which create a startling pink canvas along the shoreline. The game drive here is a great way to start spotting wildlife, with the added bonus of seeing rhinos and possibly leopards. The lodge provides a comfortable base to relax after your first day of safari excitement.

Day 3 & 4: Nakuru to Masai Mara
Traveling from Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara involves crossing open plains teeming with wildlife. Arriving at Sopa Lodge, you’ll be immersed in the wilderness with vistas that make game viewing feel almost like a backyard activity. The Mara is renowned for its population of lions, cheetahs, and elephants — and during your full day of game drives, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to encounter these majestic animals.

Guides here are typically very knowledgeable, often sharing fascinating facts about animal behavior and park ecology, which elevates the experience from a simple drive to an educational journey.

Day 5 & 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti
Crossing into Tanzania at the Isebania border, you’ll transition into Serengeti National Park, often dubbed the “world’s largest wildlife sanctuary.” The drive itself offers a scenic preview of the vast landscapes ahead. During your full day in Serengeti, expect to see a diversity of animals in their natural habitat — from massive herds of wildebeest to elusive predators lurking in the tall grass.

Many reviews mention how the guides’ expertise really shines here, helping guests spot animals they might have missed and providing context about the ecosystem. The Osinon Camp, a tented lodge, provides an authentic camping experience while maintaining good comfort.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Early morning game drives in Serengeti give another chance to see impressive wildlife. Afterwards, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for its crater — a natural amphitheater packed with animals and lush landscape. The highlight is the chance to descend into the crater for a game drive, where sightings are often concentrated due to the dense animal population.

Day 8: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara and Arusha
After breakfast, visit Lake Manyara National Park, where the lake’s waters attract flamingos and other birdlife. The park’s varied terrain offers a different experience, with opportunities to see tree-climbing lions — a rare sight that many travelers find memorable. Late afternoon, you return to Arusha, ending your Tanzanian safari segment.

Day 9 & 10: Border Crossing to Amboseli
Crossing into Kenya at Namanga, you’ll head to Amboseli National Park, famous for its massive herds of elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s relatively small size means wildlife is easier to spot, and guides often highlight the elephants’ behavior and the park’s unique ecosystem. Spending two days here allows for multiple game drives, maximizing your chances of seeing the elusive big cats and other animals.

Day 11: Departure from Amboseli to Nairobi
Your safari concludes with a transfer back to Nairobi. This final day gives you a chance to reflect on your adventures while making your way home or onward.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides & Wildlife Focus
Guests frequently praise the guides, describing them as knowledgeable and friendly. Their ability to spot animals and share insightful stories transforms a standard game drive into an educational experience. From detailed animal behavior explanations to local cultural insights, guides add significant value.

Authentic Safari Experience with Comfort
The accommodations are well-chosen, balancing authenticity with comfort. Staying in lodges like Sopa or tented camps such as Osinon Camp offers both convenience and a true wilderness vibe — ideal for those wanting an immersive safari without sacrificing basic amenities.

Balanced Itinerary
Covering both Kenya and Tanzania gives a broader perspective on African wildlife and landscapes. The itinerary allows for ample game viewing time in prime parks, plus the chance to see species unique to each location, such as flamingos in Nakuru and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara.

Value at $7,995
This price, while not cheap, reflects the extensive itinerary, quality accommodations, park fees, and guided game drives. For travelers seeking a comprehensive safari that captures the essence of East Africa’s wildlife, it offers good value.

Logistics & Practicalities
The tour is well-organized, with transportation included for smooth transitions between parks and border crossings. The schedule involves early mornings and full days, which is standard for safaris but worth noting. The flexible booking options and cancellation policy also add peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

This 11-day safari combines the top parks of Kenya and Tanzania into a well-rounded wildlife adventure. Its combination of expert-guided game drives, authentic lodges, and carefully planned routes makes it ideal for travelers eager to see iconic animals and landscapes without the hassle of planning each step.

If you’re after a safari that covers the big-name parks, offers ample wildlife viewing, and is led by knowledgeable guides, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s equally suited for first-time safari travelers wanting a broad overview or seasoned wildlife enthusiasts looking to tick off key destinations.

While the pace is busy and requires some early mornings, the immersive, authentic experience makes it well worth it. With the right mindset, this journey promises unforgettable moments, spectacular animal sightings, and stories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to be accessible for those new to safaris. The experienced guides and comfortable lodges help make the experience enjoyable and informative.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll have chances to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and many more species across the parks.

How is transportation arranged during the tour?
Transportation is included as specified, with guided game drives and transfers between parks. The journey involves overland drives, often in comfortable safari vehicles.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, the tour includes stays at lodges and tented camps such as Best Western Meridian Hotel, Sopa Lodge, Osinon Camp, and Marera Valley Lodge, providing a good mix of comfort and authenticity.

What should I bring on the safari?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and suitable clothing for both warm days and cooler mornings/evenings.

Is there a chance to customize the itinerary?
The booking allows you to reserve and pay later, offering some flexibility. However, the itinerary outlined is fixed, so check with the provider for any personalized options.

How do border crossings work on this tour?
The tour includes crossing from Kenya to Tanzania at the Namanga border. Valid travel documents and visas are necessary, and guides typically assist with the process.

This 11-day safari offers a well-structured, immersive experience with expert guidance, authentic accommodations, and prime wildlife viewing. Perfect for anyone wanting a comprehensive East African adventure packed with memorable animal sightings and breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: