13-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Route: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara – Amboseli – Karatu – Serengeti (Central & Western) – Arusha/Kilimanjaro

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Introduction

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! This 13-day Kenya and Tanzania private safari combines incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural experiences. From the calm waters of Lake Naivasha to the golden plains of the Masai Mara, the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the endless horizons of the Serengeti, every moment of this journey will amaze you.

This safari is perfect for travelers who want a complete East African experience filled with thrilling game drives, relaxing lodge stays, and meaningful interactions with nature and local communities. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or with friends, you’ll return home with unforgettable memories and stories to tell for years.

Safari Overview

This 13-day safari takes you through the heart of East Africa’s most beautiful parks and landscapes. You’ll explore Kenya’s Lake Naivasha, the famous Masai Mara, and Amboseli before crossing into Tanzania to visit the iconic Serengeti and the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands.

The journey blends adventure with comfort. You’ll enjoy open-vehicle safaris, boat rides, walking safaris, and cultural experiences while staying in carefully selected lodges that combine luxury with authentic African charm. Each lodge offers delicious meals, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, creating the perfect balance between excitement and relaxation.

Safari Highlights

• Arrival in Nairobi

• Crescent Island walk and boat safari in Lake Naivasha

• Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

• Full day in Masai Mara

• Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park

 • Full day in Amboseli National Park

• Game Drives in Amboseli

• Amboseli to Karatu

• Karatu to Central Serengeti

 • Full day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

• Central Serengeti Game Drive and Night Drive

• Central Serengeti to Western Serengeti

 • Game Drive in Western Serengetiand Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Lake Naivasha

Upon arrival at Nairobi Airport, your friendly safari guide will meet and welcome you. After a short briefing, drive to Lake Naivasha, about 2.5 hours away through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Enjoy views of rolling hills, farms, and small towns along the way.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a horse-riding safari a peaceful way to explore the open plains and spot zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Enjoy dinner and the sunset over the lake.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Crescent Island Walk and Boat Safari

After breakfast, visit Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary. Take a guided walking safari where you can walk among giraffes, impalas, and wildebeests no vehicles, just you and nature. Later, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha to see hippos, pelicans, and fish eagles. Return to your lodge for lunch and relax for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, head to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, about a 5–6-hour drive. Travel through the Great Rift Valley before arriving at your lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Mara, one of Africa’s best wildlife areas. The reserve is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and, during migration season, thousands of wildebeests and zebras. Return to your camp for dinner and relax under the starlit sky.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Masai Mara

Spend the whole day exploring the Masai Mara. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across rolling grasslands full of wildlife. Your guide will help you spot the Big Five- lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
You can also visit a traditional Maasai village (optional) to learn about their daily life, customs, and traditional dances. End your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or similar

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Masai Mara to Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast, enjoy one last game drive in the Masai Mara before departing for Amboseli National Park (6–7 hours). Stop for lunch along the way and arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge in the afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the lodge surroundings with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Spend the day exploring Amboseli, known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with a break in between to relax at your lodge. You’ll also see giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and many bird species. If the sky is clear, you’ll capture incredible photos of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Amboseli Game Drives

Enjoy another full day in Amboseli. Early mornings are the best time for photography and wildlife viewing. Watch elephants crossing the plains and flamingos feeding in seasonal lakes. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge, swim, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer from Amboseli to Karatu (Tanzania)

After breakfast, drive to the Namanga Border, where your Kenyan guide will help with immigration before meeting your Tanzanian guide. Continue through beautiful Maasai villages and hills to reach Karatu, near the Ngorongoro Highlands. Check in at Ngorongoro Farm House, surrounded by gardens and coffee plantations. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner made with fresh local ingredients.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Karatu to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous park. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for your first game drive in the Serengeti. The park is full of lions, leopards, elephants, and large herds of wildebeests. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest under the starry African sky.
Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Full Day Game Drive – Central Serengeti

Spend a full day discovering the Central Serengeti, a great area for year-round wildlife. This region is known for big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue exploring until evening. Return to your camp for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Central Serengeti Game Drives and Night Drive

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by lunch and relaxation at camp. In the evening, head out on a night game drive a wonderful way to see the Serengeti’s nocturnal animals like hyenas, civets, and leopards. Return to camp for dinner.

Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Transfer to Western Serengeti

After breakfast, drive west to the Grumeti region, known for the dramatic Great Migration river crossings (May–July). Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way and arrive at Simbavati Grumeti Camp. Relax and watch the sunset by the river.

Accommodation: Simbavati Grumeti Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Western Serengeti Game Drives – Departure

Spend your final safari day exploring the Western Serengeti. Begin early with a sunrise game drive, then enjoy a bush breakfast or lunch. Watch elephants, lions, crocodiles, and antelopes by the river. In the afternoon, return to your camp for lunch before heading back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.
Your East African safari adventure ends here, filled with memories of wild landscapes, amazing animals, and warm hospitality.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included in the Safari

• All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary

• Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• All park entry and conservation fees

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• All scheduled game drives and activities

• Horse-riding experience at Lake Naivasha

• Bottled drinking water during safaris

• Transfers and border assistance between Kenya & Tanzania

Excluded from the Safari

• International and domestic flights

• Visa fees for Kenya and Tanzania

• Travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff

• Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, extra night drives)

• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)

Your 13-day Kenya and Tanzania safari is more than just a trip, it’s a journey into the heart of Africa. From the majestic elephants of Amboseli and the roaring lions of the Masai Mara to the endless plains of the Serengeti, each day offers something magical. With comfortable lodges, expert guides, and smooth travel across two iconic countries, this safari perfectly balances adventure and relaxation.

Book now and let your East African dream safari begin!