Begin in Tanzania with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, then continue into Kenya for Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara. Experience Big Five wildlife, Rift Valley scenery and two legendary safari countries on one private 14-day journey.
PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS
CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS
FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED
TATO CERTIFIED
PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION
462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010
What makes this 14-day Tanzania and Kenya safari different is its Tanzania-first route. The journey begins beside Lake Manyara, descends into Ngorongoro Crater, visits Olduvai Gorge and opens onto the Serengeti before continuing into Kenya for Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and a grand Maasai Mara finale.
Each stage introduces a different side of East Africa. Tanzania brings forest-fringed lakes, an ancient volcanic crater, human-history sites and the endless Serengeti plains. Kenya adds elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, rhino country around Lake Nakuru and predator-rich grasslands in the Maasai Mara—with seasonal Great Migration viewing possible in either the Serengeti or Mara.
“The route builds naturally from Tanzania’s craterlands and Serengeti plains towards Kenya’s elephants, rhinos and big cats—ending in the Maasai Mara at the height of the safari experience.”
Every stay offers exceptional wildlife. Your accommodation simply defines the comfort, style and exclusivity of your safari.
Comfortable lodges offering authentic safari experiences, warm hospitality and excellent value
Boutique lodges and camps combining exceptional comfort, prime locations and personalised service.
Elegant luxury lodges offering exceptional service, spectacular locations and unforgettable safari stays.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your SafariHQ guide will welcome you to Tanzania and transfer you to Arusha. Settle into your accommodation, relax after your journey and enjoy your first evening beneath the slopes of Mount Meru before your safari adventure begins.
Activities
Leave Arusha after breakfast and travel towards Karatu through rolling hills, Maasai villages and fertile coffee and banana farms. Arrive in the cool Ngorongoro Highlands during the afternoon and settle into your lodge, with time to relax before tomorrow’s descent into Ngorongoro Crater.
Activities
Descend 600 metres into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive across its grasslands, woodland and wetlands. Look for lions, elephants, buffalo and the endangered black rhino, alongside zebras, wildebeest, hippos and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before returning to Karatu in the late afternoon.
Activities
Journey toward the Serengeti with a fascinating stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Explore the museum, excavation area and Camp Leakey before continuing onto the endless plains for your first Serengeti game drive.
Activities
Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti’s open plains, river valleys and rocky kopjes on flexible private game drives. Follow wildlife movements in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and vast herds of zebra and wildebeest—with opportunities to witness the Great Migration depending on the season. Your guide adapts each day around recent sightings and your preferred safari pace.
Activities
Leave the Serengeti and journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Lake Manyara. Explore its forests, open plains and lakeshore on an afternoon game drive, watching for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, abundant birdlife and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Activities
On Day 8, leave Lake Manyara early and travel through the Namanga border into Kenya, continuing to Amboseli for a relaxed evening or a short game drive if time allows. Day 9 is dedicated to exploring Amboseli’s open plains, woodlands and seasonal wetlands in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes and abundant birdlife—with Mount Kilimanjaro providing an unforgettable backdrop.
Activities
Leave Amboseli after breakfast and travel through Kenya’s highlands and the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru. After checking in at Ziwa Bush Camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive through acacia woodland and lakeshore habitats, looking for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, lions and abundant birdlife. Flamingos may gather along the shoreline depending on water and feeding conditions.
Activities
Your three-night Masai Mara safari begins with a scenic drive from Lake Nakuru through the Great Rift Valley and Narok. Enter the reserve for an introductory game drive as you continue towards camp, searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and resident big cats.
The following day is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara’s open savannah and riverine habitats. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffaloes. During the migration season, large wildebeest and zebra herds may also be seen moving through the wider Mara ecosystem.
Activities
After breakfast, say farewell to the Maasai Mara and begin your scenic drive to Nairobi through Kenya’s rolling countryside and rural towns. Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your 14-day Tanzania and Kenya safari to a close—with unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes to carry home.
Activities
For every destination, three accommodation levels — from authentic and comfortable to world-class. Your choice shapes the entire atmosphere of your safari.
Nestled beneath Mount Meru, this peaceful farmhouse retreat combines comfortable rooms, lush gardens and genuine Tanzanian hospitality—an ideal start or finish to your safari
Located in the heart of Arusha, Four Points by Sheraton blends historic charm with contemporary comfort, exceptional service and the perfect gateway to your Tanzania safari.
Set between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Marera Valley Lodge offers spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat with beautiful valley views.
Nestled on a working coffee farm , Ngorongoro Farm House blends colonial charm with spacious cottages, lush gardens and warm Tanzanian hospitality after memorable safari days.
Perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Meliá combines refined luxury, breathtaking caldera views and personalised service for an unforgettable safari stay
Set in the heart of the Serengeti, Tukaone Hembe Camp offers authentic tented accommodation, personalised hospitality and exceptional wildlife viewing close to the park’s famous rich plains
Blending understated elegance with the spirit of the Serengeti, Singing Grass offers beautifully designed tents, personalised service and an intimate safari experience surrounded by nature.
Perfectly positioned in Central Serengeti, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge combines contemporary luxury, panoramic savannah views and exceptional comfort for an unforgettable safari experience.
Set near Lake Manyara National Park, Heart and Soul Lodge offers spacious cottages, peaceful gardens and genuine Tanzanian hospitality—an inviting retreat before or after your safari
Perched on the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Mawe Mawe offers private villas, plunge pools and panoramic views across Lake Manyara’s remarkable landscape.
Perched between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, Kilimamoja Lodge combines elegant suites, exceptional service and breathtaking views for a luxurious Northern Tanzania safari experience.
Set on 200 acres at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Sopa Lodge offers spacious rooms, lush gardens and a swimming pool near Amboseli National Park.
Set within the private ALOCA Conservancy, Praro Amboseli Safari Camp offers spacious tents, Kilimanjaro views and a waterhole regularly visited by local wildlife
Set along the Ewaso Nyiro River inside Amboseli National Park, Soroi Amboseli offers spacious luxury tents, private decks and a peaceful off-grid safari setting.
Set among indigenous trees and lush gardens near Nakuru, Ziwa Bush Lodge offers stand-alone cabins, a peaceful atmosphere and a swimming pool. It provides a comfortable, good-value base for guests visiting Lake Nakuru National Park.
Set inside Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge offers comfortable en-suite rooms and sweeping views across the grasslands towards the lake. Its in-park setting provides convenient access to game drives, with a swimming pool for relaxing between wildlife outings.
Set on Lion Hill inside Lake Nakuru National Park, Sarova Lion Hill offers chalet-style rooms with private terraces overlooking the park and lake. Refined dining, a swimming pool and spa treatments create a polished safari stay close to Lake Nakuru’s wildlife.
Set 3 km from Sekenani Gate, Sentrim Mara Camp offers comfortable tented rooms, sweeping plains views and easy access to Maasai Mara game drives in a relaxed setting.
Set below Oldonyo Oloip Ridge, Zebra Plains Mara Camp offers spacious tented rooms, private verandas and sweeping views across the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara plains
Set beside the Mara River inside the Maasai Mara Reserve, Entim Mara offers intimate luxury tents, private verandas and exceptional access to migration crossings
A Kenya and Tanzania safari normally requires separate entry approval for each country. Most international travellers must obtain an approved Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), while Tanzania visa requirements depend on nationality and may require an eVisa.
Apply through the official government portals, preferably at least four weeks before departure. Your passport should remain valid for at least six months from each entry date and have at least one blank visa page for each country.
SafariHQ Note
Once your safari is confirmed, we’ll provide personalised visa guidance based on your passport, country of residence and direction of travel. Entry requirements can change, and final approval remains with the relevant immigration authorities.
Vaccinations for a Kenya and Tanzania safari depend on your medical history, travel route and countries recently visited. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and consult your doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required when entering either country from a yellow-fever-risk destination. This is particularly relevant when travelling from Kenya into Tanzania or after spending more than 12 hours in transit through a risk country. Malaria prevention is also recommended for many safari regions.
Bring sufficient personal medication, insect repellent, sunscreen and a copy of any important prescriptions.
SafariHQ Note
Every SafariHQ safari includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover within East Africa. This provides emergency evacuation support but does not replace comprehensive travel or medical insurance.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for a Kenya and Tanzania safari. Your policy should cover both countries and include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, lost baggage and personal belongings.
Make sure your policy covers the full journey, including international flights, safari activities and any optional experiences. If your credit card includes travel insurance, confirm the level of cover and exclusions before relying on it.
SafariHQ Note
Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover is included with your SafariHQ safari. However, medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation and personal belongings must be covered by your own travel insurance policy.
Pack lightweight, breathable and neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, olive, sand and brown. Temperatures can vary considerably between Kenya and Tanzania, with warm afternoons, chilly early-morning game drives and cooler conditions in highland areas such as the Aberdares and Ngorongoro.
Recommended items: long-sleeved shirts, comfortable trousers, a fleece or light jacket, a light waterproof layer, safari hat, comfortable closed shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, personal medication, binoculars and a camera.
Soft-sided luggage is recommended and may be required when your Kenya and Tanzania safari includes light-aircraft flights.
SafariHQ Note
Some domestic flights have strict baggage limits. Your SafariHQ Travel Specialist will confirm the allowance for your itinerary before departure so you can pack appropriately.
Dry Season: June–October
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent across Kenya and Tanzania as animals gather near rivers, wetlands and permanent water sources. The Great Migration may be seen in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, with river crossings most commonly occurring between July and October.
Conditions: Mostly dry days, clear skies and cool mornings. This is the most popular safari period, so lodges and camps should be booked early.
Best For: First-time visitors, Big Five safaris, Great Migration river crossings, families and wildlife photography.
Green Season: November–March
Wildlife Viewing: Lush scenery, excellent birdwatching and rewarding year-round game viewing. January to March usually brings the wildebeest calving season to Ndutu and the southern Serengeti.
Conditions: Warmer temperatures with occasional short rains. Visitor numbers may be lower outside the festive season and popular calving areas.
Best For: Calving-season safaris, birdwatching, green landscapes, photography and honeymoon travel.
Long-Rain Season: April–May
Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife remains rewarding, although heavy rainfall can affect some roads and a few seasonal camps may close temporarily.
Conditions: Green landscapes, quieter parks and fewer safari vehicles, with occasional changes to daily activities depending on road and weather conditions.
Best For: Experienced travellers, peaceful safaris, landscape photography and selected lower-season accommodation offers.
SafariHQ Note
Kenya and Tanzania offer rewarding wildlife viewing throughout the year. Migration and river-crossing timings are controlled by rainfall and wildlife movement and cannot be guaranteed. We’ll recommend the best travel period based on your preferred parks, wildlife interests and budget.
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your Kenya and Tanzania safari, with the remaining balance due 45 days before departure. For bookings made within 45 days of travel, full payment is required at confirmation.
The final safari price depends on your travel dates, rooming arrangements, children’s ages, accommodation category and any included regional or domestic flights. It also reflects national park fees, conservancy or concession fees and cross-border arrangements in both countries.
SafariHQ Note
Once your deposit is received, we’ll begin securing accommodation, transfers, flights and other services across Kenya and Tanzania. Your quotation will clearly explain what is included, excluded and subject to availability.
International Gateways
Most combined Kenya and Tanzania safaris begin or end at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha. Your correct arrival and departure airports will depend on the direction of your itinerary.
Airport Meet & Greet
Included at your confirmed starting airport or hotel. Your SafariHQ representative or driver-guide will meet you on arrival.
Cross-Border Arrangements
SafariHQ coordinates the immigration stops, road transfers and any necessary guide or vehicle changes between Kenya and Tanzania. The border used will depend on your safari route.
Currencies
Kenyan Shilling (KES) in Kenya and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) in Tanzania. US dollars are widely accepted within the tourism industry, although local currency is useful for smaller purchases.
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +3 throughout Kenya and Tanzania.
Languages
English and Swahili are widely spoken in both countries.
Electricity
Type G—UK-style three-pin sockets. Electricity is generally 230–240V.
SafariHQ Note
Please confirm your international flight schedule with SafariHQ before purchasing tickets. We’ll ensure that your arrival airport, departure airport and flight times connect comfortably with your safari itinerary. Pre- and post-safari accommodation can also be arranged.
Yes. Fourteen days is an excellent length for a first Tanzania and Kenya safari. It provides enough time to experience the major wildlife areas in both countries without restricting the journey to only the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
This Tanzania-first itinerary combines Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge and two days in the Serengeti before continuing into Kenya for two nights in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and a Maasai Mara finale. Guests experience crater wildlife, open savannahs, Kilimanjaro scenery, rhino country and some of East Africa’s strongest big-cat regions.
It remains an active overland safari with some longer travel days, particularly when crossing into Kenya and travelling between Amboseli and Lake Nakuru.
SAFARIHQ TIP
Choose this itinerary if you want a comprehensive first journey through Tanzania and Kenya. If you prefer fewer lodge changes and a slower pace, we can add one or two nights.
This itinerary begins with Tanzania’s Northern Circuit and finishes in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It is designed for guests who want to experience Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti first, followed by Amboseli’s elephants, Lake Nakuru’s rhinos and a final big-cat safari in the Maasai Mara.
The Kenya-first itinerary begins in Samburu and includes northern Kenya, the Aberdare region and the Rift Valley before continuing through Amboseli into Tanzania. It is better suited to guests who want Samburu’s rare northern wildlife before finishing around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Neither direction is automatically better—the right journey depends on which wildlife regions you want to prioritise and where you would prefer your safari to finish.
SAFARIHQ TIP
Choose this Tanzania-to-Kenya route if the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are your preferred starting highlights and you want the Maasai Mara as your safari finale.
The journey crosses from Tanzania into Kenya at the Namanga border on Day 8. After an early departure from Lake Manyara, allow approximately seven to eight hours for the 340-kilometre journey, including immigration, rest stops and the onward drive to Amboseli.
Each guest must present a valid passport and the Kenya entry approval required for their nationality. SafariHQ coordinates the journey timings, transfer logistics and any vehicle or guide handover required at the border, while travellers complete the immigration checks personally.
Because border-processing times vary, the arrival-day game drive is subject to timing. The itinerary includes two nights in Amboseli, ensuring that Day 9 remains available for a complete game-drive experience.
SAFARIHQ TIP
Keep your passport and entry documents in your hand luggage—not inside a suitcase. We will advise you of the applicable entry requirements before travel.
This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Nakuru provide some of the strongest chances of seeing rhinos, Amboseli is celebrated for its elephants, while the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are outstanding big-cat destinations.
The itinerary also visits both sides of the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem. However, the Great Migration moves throughout the year according to rainfall, grazing and water availability. Whether the herds are in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara during your safari will depend on your travel dates.
River crossings are seasonal and unpredictable. They should be treated as a possible wildlife encounter rather than a guaranteed scheduled event.
SAFARIHQ TIP
Tell us your preferred travel month when enquiring. We will explain where the migration is normally expected and whether this route suits the wildlife experience you hope to see.
Yes. Most private SafariHQ itineraries can be tailored around your travel dates, interests, preferred pace, accommodation style and budget.
We can add or remove destinations, extend particular wildlife areas, include regional flights, arrange family-friendly stays or add experiences such as cultural visits, walking safaris, balloon safaris and beach extensions.
Scheduled small-group safaris follow fixed departure dates and routes, although pre- and post-safari extensions can usually be arranged.
SafariHQ Tip
Tell us what matters most to you—wildlife, photography, family time, comfort, culture or relaxation—and we will shape the journey accordingly.
SafariHQ offers mid-range, mid-luxury and luxury accommodation options, depending on the itinerary. These may include permanent lodges, tented lodges, seasonal safari camps and intimate luxury camps.
The properties shown on the itinerary represent the expected style, comfort and location for each option. Final availability is confirmed when you book, and any necessary alternative will be selected at a comparable standard.
Where an itinerary includes consecutive nights in the same area, we normally retain the same lodge or camp. This reduces unnecessary packing and transfers while creating a more consistent stay.
SafariHQ Tip
Choose accommodation based on the experience you value most—not only the category. Location, room style, atmosphere and access to game-viewing areas can be equally important.
Yes. Kenya, Tanzania and combined-country safaris can all be extended with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
Depending on where your safari finishes, we can arrange a regional flight from Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar, together with airport transfers and your preferred beach accommodation.
Most travellers add four to six nights, with the option of spending time in historic Stone Town before relaxing at the beach.
SafariHQ Tip
A Zanzibar extension is particularly rewarding after a longer safari, giving you time to rest before your international journey home.
For July to October, Christmas and New Year, family travel or highly sought-after migration camps, booking 12–18 months ahead provides the strongest choice of accommodation and room arrangements.
Travel may still be arranged within four to six months when dates and accommodation preferences are flexible, particularly during the green or shoulder seasons.
SafariHQ Tip
Allow SafariHQ to confirm your safari arrangements before purchasing non-refundable international flights.
Private tailor-made safaris include a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide for your travelling party. This gives you greater flexibility over game-drive timings, photographic stops and the pace of the day.
On combined Kenya and Tanzania journeys, a planned guide and vehicle change may take place at the border. SafariHQ coordinates the handover, immigration stop and onward transfer as part of the itinerary.
Scheduled small-group safaris use a shared vehicle and guide. This will always be clearly stated before booking.
SafariHQ Tip
Let your SafariHQ specialist know about children, mobility requirements, photography equipment or any special seating considerations when planning your vehicle.
Every safari begins with a conversation. We listen first, then design your journey around your interests, travel style, accommodation preferences and pace. No fixed templates — only yours.
From Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda, our specialists draw on first-hand local knowledge to recommend the right destinations, experiences and seasons for a safari designed around how you want to travel.
Every lodge and tented camp we recommend is chosen for its location, hospitality and guest experience — ensuring each stay complements your safari rather than simply accommodating it.
Since 2010, SafariHQ has helped travellers explore East Africa with clear planning, honest advice and dedicated specialist support before, during and after every safari.
Tell us what you’re dreaming of and one of our East Africa safari specialists will respond within 24 hours with a personalised starting point for your journey — with no obligation.
No commitment required · Response within 24 hours
Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.
