14-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
A 14-day in Kenya and Tanzania Safari offers an unforgettable adventure through some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This itinerary provides a mix of game drives, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring you experience the best of East Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
- Activities: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest or explore Nairobi, including optional visits to:
- Giraffe Centre.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage).
- Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar.
- Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time).
Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
- Activities:
- Depart Nairobi early and drive or fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Enjoy your first game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
- Wildlife: Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest.
- Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3–4: Masai Mara National Reserve
- Activities:
- Full-day game drives in the Masai Mara.
- Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Visit a local Maasai village to learn about their culture.
- Wildlife: Witness wildlife along the Mara River, especially during the wildebeest migration (July–October).
- Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park
- Activities:
- Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife and rhino population.
- Afternoon game drive around the lake and nearby forests.
- Wildlife: Flamingos, pelicans, white and black rhinos, giraffes, and lions.
- Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park
- Activities:
- Drive or fly to Amboseli National Park, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Enjoy an afternoon game drive with stunning views of the mountain.
- Wildlife: Large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and diverse birdlife.
- Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Amboseli National Park
- Activities:
- Full-day game drives in Amboseli, with breaks to relax at the lodge.
- Witness elephants in front of the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro.
- Wildlife: Elephants, hippos, zebras, and hyenas.
- Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8: Amboseli – Arusha, Tanzania
- Activities:
- Cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga.
- Transfer to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
- Leisure day or explore local attractions in Arusha (optional).
- Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
- Activities:
- Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.
- Afternoon game drive.
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of birds.
- Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 10: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park
- Activities:
- Drive to Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most famous parks.
- Afternoon game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
- Wildlife: Predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards; herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
- Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 11–12: Serengeti National Park
- Activities:
- Full days exploring the Serengeti, focusing on the central Seronera area or other regions based on wildlife movements.
- Optional hot air balloon safari.
- Wildlife: Experience the Great Migration (seasonal) and encounter predators on the hunt.
- Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 13: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Activities:
- Morning game drive in Serengeti, followed by a transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Descend into the crater for an afternoon game drive in this incredible natural caldera.
- Wildlife: Rhinos, lions, flamingos, and a variety of herbivores.
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 14: Ngorongoro – Arusha – Departure
- Activities:
- Return to Arusha for lunch.
- Depending on your departure schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Tour Highlights
- Masai Mara and Serengeti: Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) and the Big Five.
- Amboseli: Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A wildlife haven in a unique caldera.
- Lake Nakuru and Tarangire: Diverse ecosystems with flamingos, baobabs, and large elephant populations.
Cost Estimate
The cost of a 14-day Kenya-Tanzania safari varies based on the level of accommodation, mode of transport (road vs. flights), and inclusions. Approximate costs:
- Luxury Safari: $6,000–$8,000 per person.
- Mid-Range Safari: $4,000–$6,000 per person.
- Budget Safari: $3,000–$4,000 per person.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation, meals as per itinerary.
- Park entry fees.
- Professional guides and game drives.
- Transfers between destinations.
- Bottled water during safaris.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Visas for Kenya and Tanzania.
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon).
- Personal expenses and tips.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration and dry-season wildlife viewing.
- Packing Essentials: Include binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing.
- Visa Requirements: Obtain visas for both Kenya and Tanzania; consider an East Africa Tourist Visa for seamless travel.
- Health: Ensure yellow fever vaccination and take malaria prophylaxis.
This 14-day Kenya-Tanzania safari offers a perfect balance of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences, leaving you with memories to treasure forever. Let me know if you need help refining the itinerary or finding tour operators!