Embark on the definitive East African adventure with this 12 day luxury safari, a truly epic journey showcasing the premier wildlife destinations of both Kenya and Tanzania. Meticulously crafted for discerning Canadian travellers seeking the ultimate comprehensive experience, this itinerary traverses a remarkable range of iconic landscapes and ecosystems. From Samburu's unique species and Ol Pejeta's conservation triumphs in Kenya, across the border to the vast plains of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire's elephant filled woodlands in Tanzania, culminating in the legendary Maasai Mara – this tour covers it all. As Kenyan based East Africa specialists, Bubble Tours & Travel leverages extensive regional knowledge and trusted partnerships to manage the complex cross border logistics seamlessly, ensuring a magnificent, albeit actively paced, bespoke safari experience.

Iconic Destinations Included

This grand circuit features exploration within East Africa's most celebrated wildlife areas:

• Samburu National Reserve (Kenya): Unique northern species, Special Five.
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya): Rhino sanctuary, chimpanzee sanctuary, Big Five potential.
• Lake Elementaita (Kenya): Scenic Rift Valley soda lake, abundant birdlife.
• Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): World famous Big Five density, Great Migration crossing point (seasonal).
• Serengeti National Park, Central (Tanzania): Vast plains, heart of the Migration ecosystem, Big Five.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater (Tanzania): Unique caldera ecosystem, incredible wildlife concentration, Big Five including rhino.
• Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania): Diverse habitats, birdlife, potential tree climbing lions.
• Tarangire National Park (Tanzania): Large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, unique landscape.

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

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in all parks
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
Optional activities: Cultural visits to Samburu villages, camel rides, bird watching, hiking, visiting a Maasai village, night game drives, or taking a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (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:

Samburu National Reserve: The "Samburu Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich), elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species including the vulturine guineafowl and the Somali bee-eater.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, oryx, and a variety of bird species including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Lake Elementaita: Thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five, 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)
Serengeti National Park: The Big Five, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and a wide variety of birdlife.
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 semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, the open plains and rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, the shimmering waters of Lake Elementaita and Lake Naivasha; and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire.

Seamless Luxury Across East Africa

Bubble Tours & Travel ensures consistent quality and meticulous planning throughout your grand tour:

• Premium Accommodations: Stay in a 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 and flexible exploration.
• Meticulous Cross Border Logistics: As East Africa specialists, we expertly manage all complex ground arrangements, recommended flight coordination, border crossing procedures between Kenya and Tanzania, park/conservancy fees, and activities, ensuring a smooth, worry free grand tour for Canadian travellers.

Tailoring Your Ultimate East Africa Safari

This 12 day itinerary offers unparalleled coverage. We specialize in bespoke adjustments:

• Pacing: Add extra nights in favourite locations like the Serengeti or Maasai Mara to allow for deeper immersion and a more relaxed pace (extending beyond 12 days).
• Focus: Emphasize specific interests such as primate tracking (adding Rwanda/Uganda), photography, birding, or cultural engagement.
• Accommodation Tiers: Select preferred styles from luxury to ultra luxury properties throughout both countries.
• Extensions: Seamlessly conclude with a Zanzibar beach escape, further Tanzanian exploration, or return via Nairobi.

Best Time for This Grand Safari

Planning for this cross border journey involves considering multiple seasonal factors:

• Migration Timing: The Great Migration herds are typically in the Maasai Mara (Kenya) around July October and in various parts of the Serengeti (Tanzania) at other times (e.g., calving in the south Feb/Mar, Grumeti river crossings May/June). We tailor advice based on your dates to maximize chances.
• Overall Conditions: Dry seasons (June Oct, Jan Feb) generally offer easier travel and wildlife viewing across most regions. The 'Green Seasons' offer lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Our specialists provide detailed recommendations based on your preferred travel window and interests.

Why Choose This Ultimate Journey?

• Unmatched Comprehensive Coverage: Experience the absolute best of both Kenya and Tanzania's premier northern safari circuits in one seamless trip.
• Incredible Wildlife Diversity: Offers the chance to see virtually all of East Africa's iconic species and witness the Great Migration.
• Varied Landscapes & Cultures: Explore savannahs, forests, lakes, craters, highlands, and engage with different local communities.
• The Definitive East Africa Safari: The ideal itinerary for travellers seeking the ultimate, immersive wildlife adventure across two remarkable countries.

Plan Your Ultimate East Africa Adventure

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

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-8:00 AM): Pick up from your Nairobi hotel/residence. Safari briefing.
• Mid-morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Scenic drive north, traversing diverse landscapes.
• Lunch (1:00-2:00 PM): Lunch en route, typically in Nanyuki.
• Afternoon (2:00-6:00 PM): Arrive in Samburu, check-in, and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Look for unique northern species.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Samburu): Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu

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

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Final morning game drive in Samburu, followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Afternoon (12:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at Ol Pejeta, check-in, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive/activity (Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit recommended).
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Ol Pejeta): Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp.

Day 4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Lake Elementaita (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Morning activity in Ol Pejeta (e.g., rhino tracking, if available) and breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to Lake Elementaita.
• Afternoon (12:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at Lake Elementaita, check-in, have lunch, and enjoy birdwatching or a nature walk around the lake. Lake Elementaita is a soda lake known for its beautiful scenery and birdlife, including flamingos (though in smaller numbers than Nakuru).
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Lake Elementaita): Lake Elementaita Serena Camp, Sunbird Lodge.

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

• Morning (8:00 AM): Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Lake Elementaita.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to the Maasai Mara, with a stop for lunch en route.
• Afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM): Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara and begin your first game drive.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 6: 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.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti) (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including border crossing)

• Morning (6:00 AM): Final morning game drive after breakfast en route to Serengeti from the Mara.
• Late Morning (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Drive to the Isebania border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. Complete immigration formalities. Continue to the Central Serengeti. This is a long driving day.
• Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM onwards depending on border crossing): Arrive in the Central Serengeti, check-in, and enjoy a brief evening game drive if time permits.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 8: 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 (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Serengeti Central to Ngorongoro Crater (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including crater tour)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from the Serengeti and drive 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 stay at a lodge near the rim.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara.
• Evening (4:00 PM Onwards): Check into your accommodation near Lake Manyara. Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 11: Lake Manyara to Tarangire National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Enjoy a final short activity or relaxed breakfast at Manyara.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM): Drive to Tarangire National Park.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Arrive in Tarangire, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 12: Tarangire to Arusha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Final morning game drive in Tarangire and breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM): Drive back to Arusha.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM): 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 is the border crossing between Kenya (Maasai Mara) and Tanzania (Serengeti) handled? The crossing, typically at the Isebania border point, is expertly managed by our team. This usually involves meeting your Tanzanian guide and vehicle after completing immigration formalities facilitated by your Kenyan guide. Using coordinated flights between Mara and Serengeti airstrips (often via Kisumu or Migori) is also a common and highly efficient option we can arrange.

2. Does this 12 day itinerary feel rushed with 9 different locations? This is a very active itinerary designed to maximize coverage. While 12 days allows more time than shorter trips, it does involve moving locations frequently. Utilizing the optional light aircraft flights for longer transfers is strongly recommended to maintain comfort and reduce travel fatigue, allowing you to better enjoy the destinations.

3. When is the best time to potentially see the Great Migration on this trip? To potentially see the Migration in both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, travel during the overlap period, roughly July through October, is often recommended. However, the herds' exact location varies. We provide tailored advice based on the specific month of travel. Excellent resident wildlife viewing is available year round in both parks.

4. How does Bubble Tours coordinate a luxury safari across both Kenya and Tanzania? As Kenyan based East Africa specialists, we have deep regional knowledge and established partnerships with top quality guides, lodges, and ground operators in Tanzania. We handle all planning, booking, and logistical coordination, ensuring consistent quality and seamless communication throughout your entire journey across both countries.