Embark on an unforgettable 11-day East African safari, exploring six of Kenya and Tanzania's most iconic and diverse wildlife destinations. Begin in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encountering the Big Five. Then, journey to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, home to hippos, vibrant birdlife, and the unique Crescent Island sanctuary. Next, experience the majestic elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park. Cross the border to Tanzania and discover the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder teeming with wildlife. Finally, witness the vast herds of wildlife and iconic baobab trees in Tarangire National Park before concluding your adventure in Arusha. This tour offers a comprehensive East African safari experience, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, with ample time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and thrilling encounters.

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Day 5: Amboseli to Arusha
Day 6: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 7: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
Day 9: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti Central
Day 10: Serengeti Central to Tarangire National Park
Day 11: Tarangire to Arusha

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.

---

Itinerary

---

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.