Stuck between Kenya and Tanzania? We understand the dilemma. This 13-day safari brings together the best of both countries, offering a chance to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of Mount Kenya, the Ngorongoro Crater, and abundant wildlife in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy a private driver and stay in exceptional accommodations for a truly comfortable and seamless experience.
A standout experience is the early morning hot air balloon ride over the expansive Serengeti plains, giving you a unique aerial view of this ancient and breathtaking landscape. Whether you’re after remarkable wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, or unforgettable moments, this safari offers the perfect mix of luxury and adventure.
Highlights
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Explore one of Kenya's premier wildlife conservation areas, home to the "Big Five" and a sanctuary for endangered species like the black rhino and the chimpanzee. Enjoy an unforgettable game drive and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Mount Kenya: Experience the beauty of the iconic Mount Kenya region, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. Stay at a lodge with treetop views, offering a unique vantage point of the surrounding wilderness.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Discover the vast flocks of flamingos and diverse wildlife that make Lake Nakuru famous. Spot giraffes, lions, waterbucks, and rhinos while enjoying a scenic game drive around the park's tranquil waters.
Masai Mara National Reserve: Witness the spectacular wildlife in one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, and if you're visiting between July and October, experience the incredible Great Migration.
Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island: Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, known for its stunning birdlife and peaceful ambiance. Visit Crescent Island, a unique wildlife sanctuary where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
Amboseli National Park: Experience the dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you explore Amboseli, home to vast herds of elephants and other African wildlife. Enjoy excellent game viewing with the snow-capped peak in the background.
Serengeti National Park: Cross into Tanzania and explore the world-renowned Serengeti, famous for its vast open plains and incredible wildlife sightings. Experience daily game drives in search of lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest.
Ngorongoro Crater: Discover the incredible biodiversity of Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most famous wildlife habitats. A day inside the crater offers a chance to see a concentration of animals, including the elusive black rhino.
Cultural Encounters: Visit local Maasai villages and learn about the traditions and culture of the indigenous Maasai people, adding a cultural dimension to your safari adventure.
Breathtaking Views & Photography: Throughout your safari, enjoy incredible vistas, from the plains of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, providing perfect photo opportunities.
Private Safari Experience: Travel in a private vehicle with your own expert driver-guide, ensuring personalized attention and the best safari experience tailored to your interests.
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi, where you can unwind in the tranquil atmosphere of Kenya's bustling capital city. Overnight: Nairobi Serena Hotel Meals: On own account
Begin your safari with a drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, situated on the Laikipia Plains near Mount Kenya. After lunch at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, enjoy your first game drive. In the afternoon, visit Sweetwaters’ Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only facility of its kind in Kenya. Relax at your camp with a view of the water hole or by the pool. Overnight: Sweetwaters Tented Camp Meals: B/L/D
Spend the day exploring Ol Pejeta with morning and afternoon game drives. The conservancy is known for its rich wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos. Overnight: Sweetwaters Tented Camp Meals: B/L/D
After a morning game drive, travel north to the Aberdares region, reaching Serena Mountain Lodge, situated 7,000 feet above sea level within Mount Kenya National Park. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge’s unique treetop views, watching wildlife come to the waterhole below. Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge Meals: B/L/D
This morning, head to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flocks of flamingos and diverse wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, home to giraffes, buffalo, waterbucks, lions, and rhinos. Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge Meals: B/L/D
Set off for the Maasai Mara, one of Africa's most famous reserves. Arrive in time for lunch at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, then embark on an afternoon game drive. Enjoy stunning views over the Mara from the lodge, which is perched high on a hilltop. Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meals: B/L/D
Spend the day on game drives in Maasai Mara, teeming with wildlife, including zebra, giraffe, gazelle, and the famous Great Migration (July to October). Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation around the fire pit. Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meals: B/L/D
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride followed by a visit to Crescent Island. The island is a sanctuary for giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. Take a walking safari through the island for a close-up wildlife experience.
Travel to Amboseli National Park, known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you can spot elephants, giraffes, and a variety of other wildlife against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain.
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds and spectacular scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop for your safari adventures.
After breakfast, drive to the border town of Namanga, where you’ll cross into Tanzania. Continue your journey to Arusha, where you’ll check in at your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing before your Serengeti adventure.
After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. Enjoy a game drive en route and arrive at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the Serengeti's vast plains.
After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. Enjoy a game drive en route and arrive at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the Serengeti's vast plains.
Enjoy another day of exploration in Ngorongoro Crater with a full-day game drive. This volcanic caldera is a wildlife haven, and you'll have the chance to spot a variety of animals in the stunning landscape.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and birdlife. After an afternoon game drive, proceed to Arusha and check in at Lake Duluti Serena Hotel for a relaxing afternoon. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Day Room: Lake Duluti Serena Hotel Meals: B/L
Inclusions
Accommodation: 15 nights in mid-range lodges and camps, as detailed in the itinerary
Transportation: All transport in a private safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
Park Fees: All park and reserve entrance fees for the duration of the safari
Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in designated parks and reserves
Meals: Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the lodges and camps
Activities: All listed activities, including game drives, boat rides at Lake Naivasha, and a visit to Crescent Island
Water: Bottled water in the vehicle during the safari
Transfers: Transfers to and from the airport and border crossings as mentioned in the itinerary
Balloon Safari: One hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, weather permitting (as per itinerary)
Exclusions
Accommodation: 15 nights in mid-range lodges and camps, as detailed in the itinerary
Transportation: All transport in a private safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
Park Fees: All park and reserve entrance fees for the duration of the safari
Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in designated parks and reserves
Meals: Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the lodges and camps
Activities: All listed activities, including game drives, boat rides at Lake Naivasha, and a visit to Crescent Island
Water: Bottled water in the vehicle during the safari
Transfers: Transfers to and from the airport and border crossings as mentioned in the itinerary
Balloon Safari: One hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, weather permitting (as per itinerary)
Yes, you can choose your travel dates, but availability may vary based on seasonal demand. It’s recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak travel times like the Great Migration (July–October) in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti.
The safari is designed for two people sharing a room. If you’re traveling in a group, we can adjust the arrangements to suit larger parties, but the safari will be led by your own private driver-guide.
The safari offers opportunities to see a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, rhinos, buffaloes, and many species of birds. The Maasai Mara and Serengeti are home to the famous “Big Five” (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros), especially during the Great Migration season.
Yes, game drives are a key feature of the safari, and you will have daily game drives in the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and other reserves. The number of game drives will vary depending on your location and the schedule.
If you need to cancel or modify your booking, please refer to the terms and conditions of your booking. In most cases, cancellations made within 30 days of departure may incur cancellation fees. Travel insurance may cover these fees, depending on the policy.
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance. Most lodges and camps can accommodate special dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free meals.
Yes, this safari can be customized or extended to include other destinations in East Africa, such as Zanzibar for a beach extension or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking experience. Feel free to discuss your interests with us!
At Gemfinders Safaris, we specialize in crafting unique itineraries that explore East Africa’s most mesmerizing locations. Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or luxurious experiences, our personalized tours are tailored to accommodate every type of traveler.
