Embark on an epic 13-day Tanzanian and Kenyan safari, exploring seven of East Africa's most iconic and diverse wildlife destinations. Begin in Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife. Then, venture into the heart of the Serengeti, witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encountering the Big Five. Continue to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Next, cross the border to Kenya's Amboseli National Park, where majestic elephants roam against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Immerse yourself in the lush Aberdare National Park, a haven for the elusive bongo antelope. Experience the unique blend of Big Five encounters and conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Finally, witness the thrill of the Maasai Mara, with further opportunities to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration and encounter the Big Five. This extended tour offers the ultimate 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: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti Central
Day 4: Serengeti Central to Ngorongoro
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Tarangire
Day 6: Tarangire to Amboseli National Park
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli
Day 8: Amboseli to Aberdare National Park
Day 9: Aberdare to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 10: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 11: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 12: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 13: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in all parks
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* 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 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:

Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, flamingos, and a variety of bird species.
Serengeti National Park: 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)
Tarangire National Park: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a variety of 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.
Aberdare National Park: Bongo antelopes, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Sykes' monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the Jackson's francolin.
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 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.
Scenic Landscapes: The vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti; the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley; the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire; the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru; the volcanic Mount Longonot; and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Pick up from your hotel in Arusha. Brief safari briefing.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park and begin your game drive. Look for tree-climbing lions (though sightings are not guaranteed), elephants, baboons, giraffes, and diverse birdlife, including flamingos (seasonal).
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic lunch within the park or at a nearby lodge.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Continue game viewing in Lake Manyara.
• Evening (5:00 PM Onwards): Drive to your accommodation near Ngorongoro. Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Near Ngorongoro): Ngorongoro Farm House, Plantation Lodge, or similar.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti) (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including transit game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart from your accommodation near Ngorongoro and drive towards the Serengeti.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Enjoy a transit game drive en route to the Central Serengeti. This offers opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrive in the Central Serengeti and continue with an afternoon game drive.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Check in to your chosen accommodation in the Central Serengeti. Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 3: 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. Focus on exploring different areas of the park and searching for the "Big Five" and other wildlife.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and overnight stay in the Central Serengeti.

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

• Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from your Serengeti accommodation and drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. This unique caldera offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM Onwards): Ascend from the crater and drive to your accommodation near Ngorongoro. Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Near Ngorongoro): Same as Day 1.

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart from Ngorongoro and drive to Tarangire National Park.
• Late Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Arrive in Tarangire and enjoy an afternoon game drive, focusing on elephant herds and baobab trees.
• Evening (4:00 PM Onwards): Check in to your accommodation in or near Tarangire. Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Tarangire): Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Oliver's Camp, Tarangire Treetops.

Day 6: Tarangire to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire and then have breakfast.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): This is a long driving day as you cross the border into Kenya and proceed to Amboseli. Lunch will be en route. Bordercrossing procedures will be handled by your guide.
• Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM Onwards): Arrive in Amboseli, check in to your accommodation, and enjoy a brief evening game drive if time permits. Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-day game drives in Amboseli, focusing on elephant viewing with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting).
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards): Dinner and overnight stay in Amboseli.

Day 8: Amboseli to Aberdare National Park (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): After a final morning game drive and breakfast in Amboseli, depart for Aberdare National Park.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch en route.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Arrive at the Aberdare Country Club (often the base for transfers into the park).
• Evening: Transfer into Aberdare National Park and check in to your chosen tree hotel (The Ark or Treetops). Enjoy night wildlife viewing from the lodge.

Accommodation Suggestions (Aberdare): The Ark, Treetops.

Day 9: Aberdare to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Enjoy final viewing from the lodge followed by breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM): Descend from the Aberdares and drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM): Arrive at Ol Pejeta, check-in, have lunch, and enjoy an afternoon game drive or activity.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Day 10: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Enjoy a morning activity at Ol Pejeta and breakfast.
• Late Morning (10:00 AM): Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Arrive at Lake Nakuru, check in, have lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions (Lake Nakuru): Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Day 11: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

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

Accommodation Suggestions (Maasai Mara): Same as Day 7.

Day 12: 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: Farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Final early morning game drive in the Mara and breakfast.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM): Drive back to Nairobi, with a stop for lunch en route.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel/residence or JKIA for your departure.

Important Notes:

• This is a very ambitious itinerary covering significant distances. Be prepared for long driving days, especially on days involving border crossings or transfers between distant parks.
• Border crossing procedures between Tanzania and Kenya will be handled by your guide. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents.
• Book well in advance, especially during peak season.