Embark on the definitive East African journey with this 11 day luxury safari, showcasing the premier wildlife destinations of both Kenya and Tanzania. Crafted for discerning Canadian travellers seeking an extensive and high impact adventure, this itinerary covers an incredible range of iconic parks and reserves. From Kenya's Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli under Kilimanjaro, you'll cross into Tanzania to explore Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, the vast Serengeti, and elephant rich Tarangire. As Kenyan based East Africa specialists, Bubble Tours & Travel expertly manages the complex cross border logistics for this fast paced highlights tour, ensuring seamless travel and premium comfort throughout your bespoke safari.

Premier Destinations Included

This ultimate itinerary features exploration within East Africa's most celebrated wildlife areas:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
• Lake Naivasha (Kenya)
• Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
• Arusha (Tanzania - gateway/transit)
• Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater (Tanzania)
• Serengeti National Park, Central (Tanzania)
• Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)

(Note: The detailed day by day itinerary follows below)

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in all parks
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
* Nature walk on Crescent Island
Optional activities: Cultural visits, camel rides, bird watching, hiking, visiting a Maasai village, night game drives, or taking a hot air balloon safari (additional cost).

Optional Travel Upgrade:

Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.

Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:

Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Amboseli National Park: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and secretary birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro: The majestic backdrop of Africa's highest peak, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, flamingos, and a variety of bird species.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Big Five, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, hyenas, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Tarangire National Park: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a variety of bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: The vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti; the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley; acacia forests; the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha and Lake Manyara; the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater; the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire; and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

Seamless Luxury Across East Africa

Bubble Tours & Travel ensures consistent quality throughout this extensive journey:

• Premium Accommodations: Stay in a carefully curated selection of high quality lodges and camps across both Kenya and Tanzania, chosen for their service, location, comfort, unique character, and ethical standards.
• Expert Kenyan & Tanzanian Guides: Benefit from professional, knowledgeable local guides in each country, coordinated by us, using comfortable private 4x4 safari vehicles for insightful exploration.
• Meticulous Cross Border Logistics: As East Africa specialists, we expertly manage all complex ground arrangements, recommended flight coordination, border crossing procedures, park fees, and activities, ensuring a smooth, worry free grand tour for Canadian travellers.

Tailoring Your Ultimate East Africa Safari

This 11 day itinerary provides exceptional coverage. We specialize in bespoke adjustments:

• Pacing: Add extra nights in preferred locations like the Maasai Mara or Serengeti to slow the pace and allow for deeper exploration (extending beyond 11 days).
• Focus: Emphasize specific interests such as primate tracking (by adding Rwanda/Uganda), dedicated photographic time, or cultural immersion.
• Accommodation Tiers: Select preferred styles from luxury to ultra luxury options throughout both countries.
• Extensions: Conclude with a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday or other East African destinations.

Best Time for This Grand Safari

Coordinating optimal timing across both Kenya and Tanzania requires careful planning:

• Great Migration: Can potentially be viewed in the Mara (July Oct) or Serengeti (location varies greatly by month - consult us). Visiting both increases chances across a wider window.
• Overall Conditions: Dry seasons (June Oct, Jan Feb) typically offer easier travel and concentrated wildlife viewing. Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli are often best then.
• Travel Methods: Utilizing optional flights makes year round travel more comfortable and less impacted by seasonal rains.

Our specialists provide detailed advice based on your preferred travel window.

Why Choose This Ultimate Journey?

• Premier Parks of Both Countries: Covers the absolute highlights of Kenya's southern circuit and Tanzania's northern circuit.
• Incredible Wildlife Diversity: Maximizes opportunities to see the Big Five, the Great Migration, unique birdlife, and more across varied ecosystems.
• Comprehensive Experience: Offers a deep dive into East Africa's wildlife and landscapes for those seeking an extensive adventure.
• Expertly Managed: A complex cross border trip made seamless by experienced East Africa specialists.

Plan Your Ultimate East Africa Adventure

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations for this comprehensive cross border journey, follows below. If this ultimate exploration of Kenya and Tanzania captures your imagination, contact our East Africa specialists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-8:00 AM): Pick up from your Nairobi hotel/residence. Safari briefing.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (12:00-1:00 PM): Lunch en-route.
• Afternoon (1:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara and begin your first game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Accommodation Suggestions (Maasai Mara): Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara (Luxury); Ashnil Mara Camp, Keekorok Lodge (Mid-range).

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. Focus on exploring different areas of the reserve and spotting the "Big Five" and other wildlife.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning game drive and breakfast in the Mara.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Lake Naivasha.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Arrive at Lake Naivasha, check-in, and enjoy a boat ride for birdwatching and hippo viewing.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha.

Accommodation Suggestions (Lake Naivasha): Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Relaxed breakfast or optional activity like a walk on Crescent Island.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Amboseli National Park. This is a long driving day.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Arrive in Amboseli, check-in, and enjoy a short evening game drive if time permits.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli.

Accommodation Suggestions (Amboseli): Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli.

Day 5: Amboseli (Kenya) to Arusha (Tanzania) (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including border crossing)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning game drive and breakfast in Amboseli.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Drive to the Namanga border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. This is a crucial step requiring careful handling of immigration and customs procedures. Your tour operator will assist with this. Continue to Arusha.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM Onwards): Arrive in Arusha, check in to your hotel, and relax.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

Accommodation Suggestions (Arusha): Mount Meru Hotel, Gran Melia Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge.

Day 6: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart from Arusha after breakfast.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park and begin your game drive.
• Lunch (1:00-2:00 PM): Picnic lunch or lunch at a lodge near the park.
• Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM): Continue game viewing in Lake Manyara.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Manyara.

Accommodation Suggestions (Near Lake Manyara): Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge.

Day 7: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater (Approx. 2-3 hours drive including crater tour)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Drive from Lake Manyara to the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM Onwards): Ascend from the crater and drive to your accommodation near Ngorongoro.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay near Ngorongoro.

Accommodation Suggestions (Near Ngorongoro): Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti) (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart from Ngorongoro and drive to the Serengeti.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM-4:00 PM): Transit game drive en route to Central Serengeti.
• Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM): Arrive in Central Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Central Serengeti.

Accommodation Suggestions (Central Serengeti): Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Melia Serengeti Lodge.

Day 9: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti Central

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-day game drives in the Central Serengeti with packed lunches.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Central Serengeti.

Day 10: Serengeti Central to Tarangire National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final game drive and breakfast in Serengeti.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Tarangire National Park.
• Afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM): Arrive in Tarangire and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Tarangire.

Accommodation Suggestions (Tarangire): Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp.

Day 11: Tarangire to Arusha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning game drive in Tarangire and breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive back to Arusha.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM Onwards): Arrive in Arusha and transfer to your hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.

Important Notes:

• This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
• Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions.
• It is highly recommended that you book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How active or rushed does this 11 day itinerary feel? This is a comprehensive highlights tour covering significant ground across two countries. It is an active itinerary with frequent travel days required to visit all included parks within 11 days. While rewarding, expect less leisure time at lodges compared to longer or more focused itineraries. Utilizing optional flights significantly improves comfort.

2. How is the Kenya Tanzania border crossing managed? We handle the logistics smoothly. Typically, the crossing occurs between Amboseli (Kenya) and Arusha (Tanzania) via the Namanga border post. Your Kenyan guide assists with exit formalities, and you are met by your Tanzanian guide and vehicle after completing entry procedures. Coordinated flights between airstrips near these locations are also an efficient option.

3. Is it possible to see the Great Migration in both countries on one trip? Yes, depending on the time of year. The migration is generally in the Maasai Mara (Kenya) from roughly July to October and in different parts of the Serengeti (Tanzania) for the rest of the year. Travelling during the transition months or focusing on specific areas visited by this itinerary can offer chances in both, which we advise on during planning.

4. Why use a Kenya based company for a Tanzania safari? As established East Africa specialists based in Kenya, we possess extensive regional knowledge and strong partnerships with top tier guides, lodges, and operators throughout Tanzania. We offer seamless planning and coordination across both countries, providing Canadian travellers with expert advice and reliable execution for complex cross border itineraries.