10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Amboseli

Overview

This 10-day cross-border safari takes you through some of East Africa's most iconic wildlife areas, starting in Kenya's Rift Valley and moving into Tanzania's vast northern circuit before returning to Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro.

The route connects Lake Nakuru's bird-rich soda lake, the open plains of the Masai Mara, the endless Serengeti, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, elephant-heavy Tarangire, and Amboseli's classic elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro views.

It's a well-paced journey that balances game drives, scenic drives, and border crossings, offering a broad taste of East African savannahs, woodlands, and crater ecosystems.

Safari Highlights

• Flamingos, rhinos, and Rothschild's giraffes at Lake Nakuru
• Big Five sightings and potential predator action in the Masai Mara
• Game drives across the vast Serengeti plains, home to the Great Migration herds (seasonal)
• Exploring the floor of Ngorongoro Crater with its high wildlife density
• Large elephant herds and baobab landscapes in Tarangire
• Amboseli's open plains with Kilimanjaro backdrop and elephant families
• Two border crossings (Isebania and Namanga) for a true multi-country experience

Why This Safari Works Well

The itinerary flows logically from Kenya's accessible northern parks into Tanzania's world-famous Serengeti-Ngorongoro-Tarangire circuit, then loops back to Amboseli for a strong finish.

It covers diverse habitats—soda lakes, rolling savannahs, volcanic crater, dry-season river systems—while keeping daily travel manageable.

Accommodations range from comfortable lodges to tented camps, and the pace allows time for meaningful game viewing without excessive rushing.

The combination suits travelers wanting to see both countries' highlights in one trip.

Detailed 10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

Meet your guide in Nairobi (airport or hotel) for a short briefing before heading north along the Great Rift Valley. Stop at the viewpoint for photos of the dramatic escarpment and valley floor.

Enter Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive. The alkaline lake often attracts thousands of lesser flamingos, while the surrounding bush holds Rothschild's giraffes, black and white rhinos, waterbuck, and buffalo. Look for viewpoints like Baboon Cliff and the small Makalia Falls.

• Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (comfortable lodge with views over the park and lake)
• Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at camp. Settle in before heading out on an afternoon game drive across the reserve's open grasslands.

The Mara is known for its concentrations of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, along with cheetahs, hyenas, topis, and hippos in the rivers. Birdlife includes martial eagles, vultures, and ground hornbills.

• Accommodation: Mara Leisure Camp (tented camp along the Talek River, central location)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Early morning game drive when predators are active, followed by a picnic lunch in the bush. Continue exploring in the afternoon, returning to camp at dusk.

The varied terrain—plains, riverine forests, kopjes—supports diverse wildlife. Expect good chances for lion prides, elephant herds, and perhaps a leopard in the trees.

• Accommodation: Mara Leisure Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park (via Isebania border)

Check out after breakfast and drive to the Isebania border for immigration formalities (vehicle switch may occur). Enter Tanzania and head into the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.

The park's vast plains host resident lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest year-round, with dramatic scenery of acacia trees and distant hills.

• Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp (tented camp in the Serengeti)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Full-day game drive with picnic lunch. Traverse open savannahs and wooded areas, watching for hippos in pools, giraffes browsing high branches, and resident predators.

Depending on season, you may encounter large wildebeest and zebra herds moving through the plains.

• Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive before departing with packed lunch toward the Ngorongoro highlands. Descend into the crater for a half-day safari on the floor.

The caldera supports dense populations of buffalo, elephants, black-maned lions, hyenas, and grazers like gazelles and wildebeest. Flamingos often color the soda lake, with eagles and storks overhead.

Ascend in the afternoon to your lodge on the rim.

• Accommodation: The Castle at Ngorongoro (comfortable lodge with highland views)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park

Early breakfast then drive to Tarangire. Game drive through baobab-dotted landscapes, woodlands, and river corridors.

The park hosts Tanzania's highest elephant density, plus giraffes, zebras, and elusive species like gerenuk and tree-climbing pythons. Picnic lunch in the bush.

• Accommodation: Serian Tarangire Camp (tented camp in the park area)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Tarangire to Amboseli National Park (via Namanga border)

Depart Tanzania after breakfast, cross at Namanga (vehicle change), and continue to Amboseli with picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon game drive on the open plains, where large elephant herds roam against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).

• Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (lodge with views toward the mountain and park)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives (option for full-day with picnic). Explore swamps, dry lake bed, and woodlands.

Amboseli is famous for its elephant families, plus buffalo, zebras, and various antelopes. Optional visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditions (not included).

• Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Amboseli to Nairobi (Departure)

Morning game drive before departing mid-morning for Nairobi. Lunch in the city, then transfer to hotel or airport.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation Style & Comfort

Mix of established lodges (Lake Nakuru Sopa, Amboseli Sopa, The Castle at Ngorongoro) and tented camps (Mara Leisure, Enkirari, Serian Tarangire). All provide en-suite facilities, comfortable beds, and meals included. Expect good service, bush settings, and varying levels of luxury—solid mid-range comfort with wildlife immersion.

Wildlife & Activities

Focus on game drives in open 4x4 vehicles. Expect Big Five across the parks, plus large herds, predators, and birdlife. Wildlife sightings vary by season and luck—realistic encounters rather than guarantees. Main activities are morning and afternoon drives; no walking safaris or boat rides included.

Travel Pace & Distances

Moderate pace with some longer transfer days (e.g., Mara to Serengeti, Tarangire to Amboseli). Daily game viewing balances drives. Total distance covered is substantial but broken by wildlife stops. Border formalities add time but are handled by the guide.

Best Time to Travel

June to October (dry season) offers best wildlife viewing, with clear skies and animals concentrated around water. July–September often brings wildebeest migration river crossings in northern Serengeti/Masai Mara.

January–March brings Serengeti calving and good Amboseli elephant viewing. Avoid April–May long rains when roads can be challenging.

What’s Included

• All accommodation per the itinerary
• Transport in 4x4 Landcruiser with pop-up roof
• English-speaking driver/guide throughout
• Airport/hotel transfers
• All park entrance fees
• Meals as listed (full board on safari days)
• Drinking water during game drives
• Driver/guide allowances
• Emergency evacuation cover (AMREF Flying Doctors)

What’s Not Included

• Visas for Kenya and Tanzania
• International and domestic flights
• Personal items and laundry
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Optional activities (balloon safari, Maasai village visit, boat rides)
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance

Practical Notes for Travelers

Bring binoculars, good camera, neutral clothing layers, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes. Passports required for border crossings—ensure validity and check visa requirements in advance (e-visas often available).

The itinerary involves two vehicle changes at borders—your operator coordinates this. Expect dust on drives; pack accordingly. Medical precautions (malaria prophylaxis, vaccinations) recommended—consult your doctor.