Discover Kenya and Tanzania on this 12-day camping tour, from the vibrant capital of Nairobi to the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara, the flamingo haven of Lake Nakuru, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the Big Five on thrilling game drives, marvel at the Great Rift Valley’s dramatic scenery, and explore local Masai culture. In Tanzania, traverse the wildlife havens of Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, experience the annual wildebeest migration, and encounter tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara, before returning to Arusha.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to our accommodation for check-in. You will then have the rest of the day at leisure, you can spend your time shopping, exploring, or simply relaxing.
Overnight: Nairobi
Nairobi to Masai Mara & Big Five Game Drive
Nairobi - Masai Mara. After breakfast, you will be picked up at 8:30 AM, and we will travel south along the Great Rift Valley floor towards the Masai Mara National Reserve, often called the 7th Wonder of the World. We will make a stop at the town of Narok for lunch before continuing to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Arriving in the Masai Mara National Reserve, we set out on an afternoon game drive to spot the ‘Big Five’, diverse birdlife, and stunning savannah landscapes. This vast, peaceful land of rolling plains and thick scrub is home to the renowned Masai tribesmen, and in every direction, we might encounter large herds of game animals.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full-Day Game Drive & Masai Village Visit
This morning, we embark on a full-day game drive to experience the breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife of the Mara. Our adventure reveals vast herds of animals and their predators, including Kenya’s largest lion population. We’ll also encounter buffalo, black rhino, hippos, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hartebeests, wildebeests, oribis, warthogs, and gazelles. We then enjoy a picnic lunch at the Mara River, watching crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat. After lunch, we continue our game drive, searching for more wildlife.
Later, around 5pm, we’re dropped off at the Masai Village, where we witness singing, dancing, and join a nature walk led by a naturalist guide to learn about local medicinal herbs. We return to a campfire, where local tribespeople share stories, traditions, and demonstrate herbal preparations. We glimpse their homes and social structure before dinner, followed by coffee and tea. You will have the chance to opt to sleep in an authentic Masai-style home with beds, located at the campsite (subject to availability)
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru. Today, we will depart by road to Lake Nakuru National Park, which hosts a remarkable variety of flamingos and diverse water birdlife. We will then arrive around 12:30 PM and begin a game drive on our way to the hotel for check-in and lunch.
Later, at 4 PM, we set out again for another game drive and a lakeshore nature walk before returning to the hotel before sunset. Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake, is famous for its flamingo population, earning it the nickname 'Birds Paradise' among enthusiasts. Although elephants are absent, the park is home to the rest of the Big Five, including the rare Rothschild Giraffe, tree-climbing lions, endangered white and black rhinos, and a variety of other wildlife such as buffalo, waterbucks, gazelles, leopards, and primates.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant & Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru - Nairobi. This morning, we will set out for a morning game and bird drive along the lake shores, before heading back to our accommodation. We will then make our way back to Nairobi, where we will stop along the way at the Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant. Celebrated as “Africa’s greatest eating experience”, the Carnivore Restaurant serves a hearty meat feast cooked on Maasai spears over a charcoal pit, featuring familiar meats and occasionally ostrich and crocodile, paired with the local “dawa” cocktail and spicy sauces.
After lunch, we will continue towards Nairobi, stopping at the Rift Valley viewpoint for some stunning photos and a chance to admire its incredible 6,000-kilometre stretch from the Red Sea to Mozambique, reaching up to 100 kilometres wide in places. We then head to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.
Overnight: Nairobi | Breakfast, Lunch
Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania
Nairobi (Kenya) - Arusha (Tanzania). After breakfast, we will be met at our accommodation for our onward bus transfer to Arusha, Tanzania. We will then enjoy lunch at our accommodation in Arusha. After, you will have the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight: Arusha | Breakfast, Lunch
Tarangire National Park Exploration
Arusha - Tarangire National Park. Today, we will depart for Tarangire National Park, where we will then discover the abundant wildlife in this stunning national park, with up to 300 elephants searching for hidden water sources in dry riverbeds, alongside migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and countless other fascinating creatures. Even the most reluctant observer will be captivated by the magnificent birdlife here.
Overnight: Tarangire National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring the Serengeti National Park
Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park. This morning, we head towards the vast, open plains and dramatic skies of Serengeti National Park—famous for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll take time to explore this wildlife-rich region before heading to our camp in the heart of the Serengeti for dinner.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Game drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater. After breakfast, we will embark on a game drive through the wilderness of the Serengeti, discovering why this legendary park embodies the spirit of “Old Africa”. We will see large prides of lions resting in the tall grasses, families of elephants feeding on acacia bark and communicating across the plains, and giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland, and a full range of African wildlife appearing in remarkable abundance. If you’re there during the breathtaking wildebeest migration, you’ll be amazed!
Afterwards, we will make our way to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to spend the night, and where we will enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater Adventure
This morning, we’ll head down the 600-metre-high walls of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s seven natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique place is renowned for its incredible beauty and abundant wildlife. We’ll have the chance to experience a remarkable array of animals and, with some luck, encounter the endangered rhino!
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park & Transfer back to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha. This morning, we drive to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled within the Great Rift Valley. Its spectacular setting is known for tree-climbing lions and its soda-ash lake, attracting flamingos and over 400 bird species. This park offers a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s vibrant birdlife. In the afternoon, we will make our return back to Arusha.
Overnight: Arusha | Breakfast, Lunch
Departure from Arusha
After your final breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation or meeting point for a shuttle transfer to Arusha airport for your onward flight.This will mark the end of our services. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent/room. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent/room with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Mara Chui Resort, Masai Mara
Situated 19 km from Keekorok Airport, the resort offers convenient access to local attractionsand This tented bush camp is located inside Masai Mara Game Reserve.. Guests can enjoy activities like badminton, while breakfast options cater to a range of tastes, including continental, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and Asian. A child-friendly buffet is available, and evening entertainment includes karaoke. The resort features a lounge, outdoor fireplace, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, outdoor seating area, and barbecue facilities. Guests can relax in the beautiful garden, on the terrace, or at the bar. Complimentary WiFi ensures connectivity throughout the stay.
Hotel Citymax, Nakuru, Lake Nakuru
This budget-friendly hotel in Nakuru offers essential comforts, including free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, making it a practical choice for those seeking affordable accommodation. Conveniently located near the town centre, it provides easy access to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its flamingos and rhino sanctuary, as well as local shops and markets, allowing guests to experience the region’s vibrant culture.