The Grand Explorer Kenya and Tanzania safari
Duration :10 Days 9 nights
Itinerary: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai Mara,
Package Introduction
This extraordinary 10-day safari journey weaves together Tanzania’s dramatic northern circuit with Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara, creating a seamless wilderness experience across two of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations.
Beginning in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s safari heartland, the journey explores the lush ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park, the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless golden plains of Serengeti National Park before crossing into Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve and concluding in vibrant Nairobi.
Designed for refined travelers, this itinerary blends exceptional wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, scenic landscapes, and luxurious accommodations in prime safari locations.
Safari Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara
- Cultural encounter with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers near Lake Eyasi
- Big Five safari in Ngorongoro Crater
- Predator-rich plains of Serengeti
- Scenic cross-border safari via Isebania
- Two full days in Maasai Mara
- Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti or Maasai Mara
- Luxury tented camps and lodges throughout
Safari itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your elegant lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha offers a peaceful introduction to Tanzania.
Relax after your journey with a garden stroll, spa treatment, or sundowner overlooking lush landscapes. Your safari briefing ensures every detail is perfectly arranged for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Arusha to Lake Manyara
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet remarkably diverse ecosystem set dramatically beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Your afternoon game drive explores lush groundwater forests where troops of baboons move through ancient fig trees, and open floodplains where elephants, giraffes, and buffalo graze. Lake Manyara is famously known for its rare tree-climbing lions, often spotted resting along acacia branches. Flamingos and pelicans gather along the soda lake’s shimmering shoreline, creating breathtaking photographic scenes.
Return to your lodge for fine dining and overnight.
Day 3 – Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro (via Hadzabe Visit)
This morning, journey toward Lake Eyasi for an authentic cultural experience with the Hadzabe tribe — one of Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherer communities. Accompanied by a local interpreter, learn about their traditional hunting techniques, foraging skills, and ancient way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
After this meaningful encounter, continue toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Ascend through misty forests to your lodge perched along the crater rim, offering sweeping views into the vast caldera below. Enjoy afternoon tea and a relaxed evening in cooler highland air.
Day 4 – Ngorongoro to Serengeti
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular half-day safari. Often described as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater floor hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, large lion prides, elephants with impressive tusks, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.
After lunch, continue your journey toward Serengeti National Park. As the landscape gradually transforms into vast golden plains, wildlife sightings begin even before reaching your luxury camp. Arrive in time for sunset cocktails overlooking the savannah.
Day 5 – Full Day in Serengeti
Today is devoted entirely to exploring the Serengeti’s iconic ecosystem. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to track predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs while observing herds of wildebeest and zebra grazing across endless plains.
Depending on the season, witness the Great Migration as thousands of animals move in synchronized rhythm across the landscape. A private bush picnic enhances your immersion in this untamed wilderness. As dusk falls, return to camp for elegant dining under the African sky.
Day 6 – Serengeti to Maasai Mara (via Isebania Border)
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and travel toward the Isebania border crossing into Kenya. Upon completing immigration formalities, continue into the Maasai Mara.
The Mara’s rolling grasslands and acacia-dotted hills provide a dramatic change in scenery. Arrive at your luxury tented camp in time to unwind before dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Day 7 – Full Day in Maasai Mara
Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara, one of the richest wildlife reserves on earth. Early morning light reveals predators returning from the hunt, while midday brings large herds of elephants and plains game into view.
If traveling during migration season, you may witness dramatic river crossings along the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait. Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari offers breathtaking panoramic views followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Day 8 – Full Day in Maasai Mara
Another full day allows deeper exploration of different regions of the reserve or adjacent conservancies. With fewer vehicles and exclusive access areas, your experience feels intimate and personalized.
Photographers will appreciate extended wildlife viewing opportunities, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy leisurely game drives tailored to their pace. Sundowners overlooking the vast plains provide a fitting finale to your Mara experience.
Day 9 – Maasai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi or travel by road, depending on preference. Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel where you may relax or enjoy optional dining experiences in the city.
Day 10 – Nairobi – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward international flight, bringing your unforgettable cross-border safari adventure to a close.
Destination | Mid-luxury hotel | Luxury hotel | Premium hotels |
Arusha | The African Tulip Gold Crest hotel Mount Meru Hotel | Kibo Palace Arusha Fun Retreat Arusha | Four Point By Sheraton Grand Melia Arusha |
Tarangire | Tarangire Sopa lodge Tarangire Simba lodge Nyikani Tarangire camp | Elephant Spring Angata Tarangire camp Tarangire Tortilis | Treetops Tarangire One Nature Tarangire Mbali Mbali Tarangire |
Serengeti | Serengeti Simba lodge Serengeti Safari lodge Acacia central camp Tortiles Serengeti Semetu Camp
| Serengeti Serena Seronera wildlife lodge Singing grass lodge Angata Serengeti Lobo Wildlife lodge Nyikani Camp | Four season Serengeti Melia Serengeti One Nature Nyaruswiga andBeyond Grumeti Elewana Serengeti |
Ngorongoro | Karatu tented camp Octagon lodge Ngorongoro coffe lodge
| Acacia Farm lodge Serengeti Serena Angata Ngorongoro Ngorongoro Tortilis | Neptune Ngorongoro Four seasons Ngorongoro One Nature Ngorongoro
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Amboseli | AA Lodge Amboseli Sentrim lodge Amboseli, Kilima Luxury camp
| Sopa lodge Amboseli Kibo Safari camp Serena or Ol Tukai lodge | Elewana Tortilis camp Elephant Gorge camp Tawi lodge Amboseli |
Lake Nakuru | Lake Nakuru lodge Nakuru Flamingo resort
| Sopa lodge Nakuru Sarova Lion Hill | The Cliff Nakuru |
Maasai Mara | Sopa lodge, Mara Maisha Camp Mara Fig Tree | Serena Mara Mara Eliata Entim Mara camp | JW Marriot Mara Kempinski Olarre Mahari Mzuri camp |
Nairobi | Best western Nairobi Prideinn Azure Ibis Styles Nairobi | Radisson blu Nairobi Novotel Hotel Nairobi Argile Hotel Nairobi | JW Marriot Nairobi Sankara Hotel Nairobi Kempinski Nairobi |
Price estimate
Description | Price estimate | Inquiry & Booking |
Mid-luxury package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Luxury package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Premium package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Price guide – below are factors that affect our costing
- Safari Style – Prices differ based on whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari, with higher-end options offering private guides, premium lodges, and exclusive experiences.
- Accommodation – Safari stays range from standard lodges to luxury and ultra-luxury camps, with location, comfort, and exclusivity influencing the price.
- Season & Travel Dates – Rates are higher during peak seasons such as July–October and December, while low seasons offer better value and fewer crowds.
- Group Size & Privacy – Safari prices are influenced by the number of travelers—the larger the group, the lower the cost per person, while smaller or private safaris cost more due to personalized service and exclusive use of the vehicle and guide.
- Booking Period & Availability – Early bookings often secure better rates and availability, while last-minute bookings may attract higher prices, especially in peak season
- Meal & Beverage Plans – Standard meal plans are usually included, while premium drinks, private dining, or special dietary arrangements may affect pricing.
- Internal Flights & Transfers – Domestic flights between parks or luxury airstrip transfers can increase the overall safari cost but save time and enhance comfort.
- Special Experiences – Activities such as hot air balloon safaris, private bush dinners, cultural visits, or walking safaris are optional add-ons and priced separately.
Total cost inclusions
- Airport transfers in Arusha and Nairobi
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Full board during safari
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide
- All park entrance and conservation fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- Hadzabe cultural visit
- Bottled water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Destination | Mid-Luxury hotel | Luxury hotel | Premium hotel |
Arusha | The African Tulip Gold Crest hotel Mount Meru Hotel | Kibo Palace Arusha Fun Retreat Arusha | Four Point By Sheraton Grand Melia Arusha |
Lake Manyara | Manyara safari lodge Twiga lodge | Lake Manyara Wildlife Serena Lake Manayara | Kilimamoja Lake Manyara Manyara Secret |
Ngorongoro | Karatu tented camp Octagon lodge Ngorongoro coffe lodge
| Acacia Farm lodge Serengeti Serena Angata Ngorongoro Ngorongoro Tortilis | Neptune Ngorongoro Four seasons Ngorongoro One Nature Ngorongoro
|
Serengeti | Serengeti Simba lodge Serengeti Safari lodge Acacia central camp Tortiles Serengeti Semetu Camp
| Serengeti Serena Seronera wildlife lodge Singing grass lodge Angata Serengeti Lobo Wildlife lodge Nyikani Camp | Four season Serengeti Melia Serengeti One Nature Nyaruswiga andBeyond Grumeti Elewana Serengeti |
Maasai Mara | Sopa lodge, Mara Maisha Camp Mara Fig Tree | Serena Mara Mara Eliata Entim Mara camp | JW Marriot Mara Kempinski Olarre Mahari Mzuri camp |
Nairobi | La Maison Westlands Prideinn Azure Ibis Styles Nairobi | Sarova Panafric Novotel Hotel Nairobi Argile Hotel Nairobi | JW Marriot Nairobi Sankara Hotel Nairobi Kempinski Nairobi |
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Price estimate
Description | Price estimate | Inquiry & Booking |
Mid-luxury package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Luxury package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Premium package | Price on request | Click to Get quote |
Price guide – below are factors that affect our costing
- Safari Style – Prices differ based on whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari, with higher-end options offering private guides, premium lodges, and exclusive experiences.
- Accommodation: Safari stays range from standard lodges to luxury and ultra-luxury camps. Prices vary based on location, comfort, exclusivity, and even among hotels within the same category.
- Season & Travel Dates – Rates are higher during peak seasons such as July–October and December, while low seasons offer better value and fewer crowds.
- Group Size & Privacy – Safari prices are influenced by the number of travelers—the larger the group, the lower the cost per person, while smaller or private safaris cost more due to personalized service and exclusive use of the vehicle and guide.
- Booking Period & Availability – Early bookings often secure better rates and availability, while last-minute bookings may attract higher prices, especially in peak season
- Meal & Beverage Plans – Standard meal plans are usually included, while premium drinks, private dining, or special dietary arrangements may affect pricing.
- Internal Flights & Transfers – Domestic flights between parks or luxury airstrip transfers can increase the overall safari cost but save time and enhance comfort.
- Special Experiences – Activities such as hot air balloon safaris, private bush dinners, cultural visits, or walking safaris are optional add-ons and priced separately.