Compare Kenya & Tanzania in 11 days - From the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti - Charm by Exoticca vs East Africa Private Safari by Globus

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready for a wildlife adventure of a lifetime? Arrive at your US departure airport to check in for a flight to Nairobi *. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Nairobi

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day off in the dynamic capital of Kenya, known as "the Green City in the Sun". We recommend visiting the National Museum or one of the many markets for a taste of the local culture. Overnight stay in Nairobi.

Day 3: Nairobi - Maasai Mara National Reserve

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning towards the famous Maasai Mara Natural Reserve, named after the unique Maasai tribe that inhabits the area and the Mara River that crosses it. Every year, it plays witness to the great migration, considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Driving west, ascend to the edge of the Great Rift Valley and soak up the dramatic views as you take a photo stop at a viewing point. Continue into the valley before arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game viewing drive in the spectacular Maasai Mara Reserve. Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Day 4: Maasai Mara National Reserve

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, choose either a full-day game viewing drive in the Maasai Mara Natural Reserve or a combination to morning and evening game viewing drives to observe the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. In the plains, you can find herds of zebras, giraffes and gazelles and in the savannah, mighty lions dominate the environment, as well as hyenas and cheetahs crouched in the long grass. In the forested areas, you can watch hundreds of varieties of birds and monkeys, whilst the rivers are full of hippos and crocodiles, as well as elephants and buffalo. If you're lucky, you might even spot all members of the famous 'Big 5'! Picnic lunch or lunch at the lodge included. Return to the camp for dinner. Overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Day 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Naivasha

Breakfast at the lodge. Bid farewell to the endless plains of the Maasai Mara as you depart towards the shores of Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch at the resort. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to admire the rich birdlife and groups of hippos. Soak up the breathtaking landscapes of Nakuru County for a relaxing end to your day. Dinner and overnight stay in Lake Naivasha.

Day 6: Lake Naivasha - Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

Breakfast at the resort. Leave the shores of Lake Naivasha behind as you drive to Amboseli National Park, passing through Nairobi along the way. Enjoy the impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you journey through landscapes of typical African savannah, dotted with small communities of Maasai herdsmen. Arrive at the lodge in Amboseli in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on your first game drive in Amboseli National Park, known for its large herds of elephants, rich biodiversity and stunning backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge at sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli.

Day 7: Amboseli National Park - Namanga - Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Early breakfast at the lodge before setting off on a morning game viewing drive in Amboseli National Park. Afterwards, head to the Namanga Border Crossing where you'll clear customs and immigration formalities and cross the border into Tanzania. Arrive in the city of Arusha in time for lunch at a hotel. In the afternoon, the journey continues as you head to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is famed for its large population of African elephants that congregate around the Tarangire River which crosses the park and provides a vital life source for the wildlife that lives here. Get settled at the lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Tarangire.

Day 8: Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park

Early breakfast at the lodge before setting off through the fertile grasslands of Tarangire for a captivating game viewing drive to discover the landscapes of baobab trees and grasslands as you look out for elephants, zebras, lions and giraffes! Afterwards, leave Tarangire and head towards the Serengeti National Park, home of the Great Migration! Picnic lunch before enjoying an afternoon game viewing drive in the Serengeti, known for its herds of blue wildebeest and zebras. Arrive at the camp in the late afternoon and spend a relaxing evening under the star-studded African sky. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti.

Day 9: Serengeti National Park

Breakfast at the camp. Today enjoy sunrise and sunset game drives in the Serengeti National Park, with lunch at the lodge. The Serengeti National Park has the largest concentration of plains animals in Africa, with plentiful mammal and bird species. Savour the opportunity to spot the abundant wildlife, including the famous 'Big 5'. During the rainy season, you can witness the large scale migration of huge herds of wildebeest, zebras and other herd animals, an awe-inspiring sight! Return to the camp. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti.

Day 10: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Breakfast at the camp. In the morning, set off for the Ngorongoro crater, descending to the bottom of the crater for a unique and unparalleled safari experience. This conservation area is famed for its rich concentration of wildlife, including the 'Big 5' as well as plentiful birdlife. The natural isolation of the crater creates a spectacular setting and unique ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch in these amazing surroundings before returning to the top and to your lodge, located in the verdant Karatu Highlands. Dinner and overnight stay near Ngorongoro.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Arusha

Breakfast at the lodge. Leave the wilds of Ngorongoro behind as you enjoy a leisurely drive back to Arusha, soaking up the landscapes of the African savannah one last time. Arrive in Arusha and get settled at the hotel before enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps shopping for last-minute souvenirs or sightseeing. Overnight stay in Arusha.

Day 12: Arusha - Kilimanjaro - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport to catch a flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 13: US

Arrive in the US and end your unforgettable safari trip!

Day 1: ARRIVE IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Welcome to Kenya! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

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Day 2: NAIROBI–MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE AREA

• Fly to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area.
• After lunch, embark on your first game drive this afternoon in search of the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, Elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 3: MAASAI MARA

• The “Mara,” as it is called by the locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives the population grows by almost 2 million. This provides a great food source for lion, leopard, and hyena. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot these predators and many other animals on morning and afternoon game drives with your expert Driver/Guide.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today’s I-Time Tips
Between game drives, relax by the pool or take a safari siesta!

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Day 4: MAASAI MARA AREA–NAIROBI–AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK AREA

• A short flight brings you back to Nairobi for a drive to Amboseli National Park.
• Upon arrival, embark on a game drive and take in the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at some 19,341 feet. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 5: AMBOSELI AREA

• Morning and afternoon game drives offer you a great opportunity to get close to the mighty elephant. You might also spot Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, and more.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today’s I-Time Tips
Between game drives, dive into a good book on your private patio or take a dip in the pool.

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Day 6: AMBOSELI AREA–ARUSHA, TANZANIA–LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK AREA

• This morning, cross the border into Tanzania.
• After lunch in Arusha, proceed to the Lake Manyara National Park area.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 7: LAKE MANYARA AREA–NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

• Lake Manyara National Park is a small, ecologically diverse park with groundwater forests, grassy plains, and alkaline Lake Manyara itself. The park is also home to the world’s largest concentration of baboon. Watch for these mischievous primates, giraffe, hippo, and more on your morning game drive.
• Drive to your lodge on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today’s I-Time Tips
Visit a local primary school to meet the children and learn about the educational system in rural Tanzania.

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Day 8: NGORONGORO AREA

• Today, enjoy a full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is the world’s largest unflooded caldera—at more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. Game viewing here is fantastic, as most of the animals stay in this area year-round. You can see lion, elephant, flamingo, and a variety of other animals. This is also your best chance to see the rare black rhinoceros. A picnic lunch will be served in the crater.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 9: NGORONGORO AREA–SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

• Today, drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most famous park. Home to the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, it attracts visitors from around the world and is great for game viewing year round.
• Enjoy lunch prior to your afternoon game drive.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 10: SERENGETI

• Covering an area of roughly 5,700 square miles, the name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word siringit (endless plains.)
• Join your expert Driver/Guide for morning and afternoon game drives to further explore this vast park. Search for leopard, rhino, and an abundance of other animals, including cheetah, giraffe, gazelle, and eland.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today’s I-Time Tips
Between game drives, relax by the pool or take a safari siesta!

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Day 11: SERENGETI–ARUSHA

• One last game drive this morning.
• Fly back to Arusha, where a day room has been reserved for your use. Schedule departing flights after 5 pm.

(Breakfast)

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