Embark on the definitive East African adventure with this 13 day luxury safari, an epic journey showcasing the absolute best of both Kenya and Tanzania. Meticulously crafted for discerning Canadian travellers seeking the ultimate comprehensive wildlife experience, this itinerary traverses nearly a dozen iconic national parks and conservancies. From the Serengeti's migration plains and Ngorongoro's caldera to Samburu's unique species, Amboseli's elephants under Kilimanjaro, and the legendary Maasai Mara, this tour covers unparalleled ground. As Kenyan based East Africa specialists, Bubble Tours & Travel leverages deep regional knowledge and trusted partnerships in both countries to manage the complex logistics seamlessly, ensuring a magnificent, albeit active paced, bespoke safari experience.

Iconic Destinations Covered

This grand circuit includes focused exploration within:

• Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
• Serengeti National Park, Central (Tanzania)
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater (Tanzania)
• Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
• Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
• Aberdare National Park (Kenya)
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)
• Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

(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
* 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.

Seamless Luxury Across East Africa

Bubble Tours & Travel ensures consistent quality and care throughout this complex journey:

• Premium Accommodations: Stay in a curated selection of high quality lodges and camps across both Kenya and Tanzania, chosen for their service, location, comfort, 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 (Tarangire to Amboseli leg), park/conservancy fees, and activities, ensuring a smooth, worry free grand tour for Canadian travellers.

Tailoring Your Ultimate East Africa Safari

This 13 day itinerary offers unparalleled coverage. Bespoke adjustments can include:

• Pacing: Add extra nights in key locations like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, or perhaps Ol Pejeta/Ol Jogi for a slightly more relaxed journey (extending beyond 13 days).
• Focus: Deepen the emphasis on specific interests like photography, conservation, birding, or cultural immersion.
• Accommodation Tiers: Select preferred styles from luxury to ultra luxury options throughout both countries.
• Extensions: Seamlessly add a Zanzibar beach escape, Ugandan or Rwandan gorilla trekking, or further exploration within Kenya or Tanzania.

Best Time for This Grand Safari

Planning for optimal conditions across such diverse regions requires expertise:

• Migration: The Great Migration is typically in Tanzania's Serengeti for much of the year (consult for specific timing, e.g., calving Feb/Mar, river crossings further north later) and in Kenya's Maasai Mara roughly July October. This itinerary potentially catches parts in both depending on exact dates.
• Dry Seasons (June Oct, Jan Feb): Generally offer easier travel, less dense vegetation for viewing, and clearer skies (e.g., for Kilimanjaro from Amboseli). Tarangire elephant viewing peaks in the dry season.
• Flights Advantage: Utilizing optional flights makes year round travel more comfortable, mitigating potential road impacts during rainy seasons (Mar May, Nov Dec).

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

Why Choose This Ultimate Journey?

• Unmatched Comprehensive Coverage: Experience the absolute best of both Kenya and Tanzania's premier safari destinations in a single epic trip.
• Incredible Wildlife Diversity: From Samburu's unique species to the Serengeti/Mara migration, Ngorongoro's density, Tarangire's elephants, and rhino/chimp sanctuaries.
• Varied Landscapes: Explore savannahs, forests, lakes, craters, and highlands across East Africa.
• The Definitive Safari: The ideal itinerary for travellers seeking the ultimate, immersive East African wildlife adventure with sufficient time allocated.

Plan Your Ultimate East Africa Adventure

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations for this grand tour, 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: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How fast paced is this 13 day itinerary covering so many locations? While 13 days allows for a comprehensive tour, visiting ten distinct park areas means this itinerary is quite active with frequent travel days (moving location roughly every 1 to 1.5 days on average). It focuses on breadth of experience across East Africa. Using optional light aircraft flights for key long distance transfers is highly recommended to enhance comfort and reduce travel fatigue.

2. How are the logistics like border crossings handled? As experienced East Africa specialists, we handle all cross border logistics seamlessly. Typically, the Tanzania to Kenya crossing between Tarangire and Amboseli involves coordinated road transfers with guide changes at the border point (like Namanga), ensuring all immigration and customs procedures are handled efficiently for you.

3. Is it better to fly between some locations on this long trip? Yes, for a luxury standard and to maximize your enjoyment over 13 days covering such vast distances, incorporating flights is highly recommended. Key sectors where flights save significant time and enhance comfort include potentially Samburu southwards, connecting the Rift Valley/Mara to Amboseli/Tsavo regions, or flying between Serengeti and other points in Tanzania or back to Arusha/Kilimanjaro.

4. Is this itinerary suitable for a first time safari to East Africa? It can be an amazing first trip for those who want to see absolutely everything and have the time and budget. However, the active pace might be overwhelming for some first timers who might prefer focusing longer in fewer key areas like the Serengeti and Mara initially. We can discuss the best fit for you.