The great plain Kenya and Tanzania Safari
The great plain Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Duration :9 days 7 nights
Itinerary: Nairobi, Aberdare, Lake Naivasha,
Embark on a truly enriching 9-day Kenya–Tanzania safari that blends lush highland forests, scenic lakes, iconic wildlife parks, and rare cultural experiences. This thoughtfully designed journey takes you from the misty Aberdare Highlands and the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha, to the elephant-filled plains of Amboseli National Park, before crossing into Tanzania to explore Tarangire National Park, the cultural heartland of Lake Eyasi, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Ideal for travelers seeking diversity, authenticity, and immersive safari experiences, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and culture.
Safari Highlights & Key Activities
- Scenic drive through Kenya’s Aberdare Highlands
- Lodge-based wildlife viewing in forested ecosystems
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha with hippos and birdlife
- Guided walking safari on Crescent Island
- Multiple game drives in Amboseli National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Cross-border safari experience via Namanga Border
- Game drive in Tarangire National Park, home to elephants and baobab trees
- Cultural interaction with Hadzabe & Datoga communities at Lake Eyasi
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Expert driver-guides and seamless logistics throughout
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Aberdare Region
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative and driver-guide. After a short briefing, depart Nairobi and drive north toward the lush Aberdare Highlands, passing scenic tea and coffee plantations. Arrive at your lodge nestled in forest surroundings and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the cool mountain air. Wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and forest antelope may be spotted near the lodge. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 2: Aberdare Region – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, descend from the Aberdare highlands and journey south to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake set within the Great Rift Valley. On arrival, enjoy a boat safari across the lake, offering close encounters with hippos and rich birdlife, including fish eagles and pelicans. Later, take a guided nature walk on Crescent Island, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelope in an open and peaceful environment. Dinner and overnight at a lakeside lodge.
Day 3: Lake Naivasha – Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and travel south toward Amboseli National Park, passing open plains and Maasai settlements. Enter the park with an en-route game drive before checking in at your lodge or tented camp and enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive across Amboseli’s vast plains, famous for large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 4: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy a full day in Amboseli National Park, starting with an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak and Kilimanjaro is often visible in clear skies. Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure time before heading out again in the afternoon for further exploration. The park’s swamps and grasslands support lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a wide variety of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 5: Amboseli – Namanga Border – Arusha
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and drive to the Namanga Border for immigration formalities. Once across into Tanzania, meet your Tanzania-based driver-guide and continue to Arusha, located beneath Mount Meru. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel or lodge as you prepare for Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.
Day 6: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, known for its dramatic baobab trees, seasonal river, and large elephant herds. Enjoy a game drive through open savannah and riverine habitats, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight at a lodge or tented camp near Tarangire.
Day 7: Tarangire – Lake Eyasi
Today, travel to the culturally rich Lake Eyasi region, home to the Hadzabe and Datoga communities. Optional cultural activities include a guided visit to the Hadzabe people, learning about their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The afternoon is spent relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this remote area. Dinner and overnight at a lodge near Lake Eyasi.
Day 8: Lake Eyasi – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, depart Lake Eyasi and drive into the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying scenic landscapes and cooler temperatures. Arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in panoramic views of the crater rim or surrounding highlands. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater – Departure
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary wildlife density. The crater floor is home to black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and abundant birdlife. After the game drive, ascend from the crater and transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of a remarkable Kenya–Tanzania safari.
Destination and hotel names
Destination | Mid-luxury hotel | Luxury hotels | Premium hotels |
Aberdare | Tree Tops lodge The Ark lodge | Tree Tops lodge The Ark lodge | Tree Tops lodge The Ark lodge |
Lake Naivasha | Burch resort Naivasha country club | Lake Naivasha resort Sawela lodge | Sopa lodge Naivasha Enashipai resort |
Amboseli | Sentrim Lodge Amboseli AA lodge Amboseli | Sopa lodge Amboseli Kibo Safari camp | Ol Tukai Lodge Serena Amboseli |
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 |
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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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.
Total cost inclusions
- Airport arrival pick-up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
- Airport drop-off at Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All transfers and game drives in customized 4×4 safari vehicles
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides in Kenya & Tanzania
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch & dinner) as per itinerary
- All park entry fees and conservation fees mentioned in the itinerary
- En-route and scheduled game drives in all parks visited
- Cross-border assistance at Namanga Border
- Picnic lunches during full-day game drives
- Bottled drinking water during safari
Exclusion on the total cost
- Flights
- Travel visa to Kenya and Tanzania
- Drinks and tips
- Extras not in the includes
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.
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