Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary: 10-Day Journey Through the Wild
Dreaming of an unforgettable safari that takes you across two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations? A Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary offers the ultimate blend of game drives, cultural experiences, and bucket-list landscapes like the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the perfect 10-day Kenya-Tanzania safari tour, ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, or photographers looking to witness the Big Five and the Great Migration in action.
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary (Detailed Day-by-Day)
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya – Welcome to East Africa
- You’ll be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) by your safari host.
- Private transfer to your hotel in Nairobi.
- Rest and recover from your flight or opt for a short visit to:
- Giraffe Centre
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Karen Blixen Museum (optional)
Overnight: Hotel or boutique lodge in Nairobi
Meals: Dinner (if early arrival)
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Enter Big Cat Country
- Drive or fly to Masai Mara National Reserve (~5-6 hours by road).
- Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp.
- Afternoon game drive to spot:
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs
- Optional Maasai village visit for cultural experience
Overnight: Luxury or mid-range safari camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara
- Full-day safari with picnic lunch near the Mara River.
- If you’re traveling between July and October, this is prime Great Migration season – thousands of wildebeest cross crocodile-filled rivers.
- Track lion prides, elephant herds, and elusive leopards.
- Golden-hour photography opportunities in the open savannah.
Overnight: Same lodge or camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Scenic Drive Through the Rift Valley
- Early breakfast, then depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (~5 hours).
- Stop for breathtaking views over the Great Rift Valley.
- Afternoon game drive in Nakuru, famous for:
- Flamingos (depending on season), white & black rhinos, and tree-climbing lions.
- Enjoy sunset views over the lake.
Overnight: Safari lodge near Lake Nakuru
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Cross Into Tanzania – Serengeti Awaits
- After breakfast, drive to the Isebania border.
- Border crossing (guides will assist with visa and passport formalities).
- Switch vehicles and meet your Tanzanian guide.
- Game drive en route to Serengeti National Park, central region.
- Begin spotting wildlife as you enter one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Overnight: Tented camp in the central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park
- Early start for a sunrise game drive.
- Full-day exploration of the Seronera Valley, known for:
- Big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards), elephants, and the Great Migration herds.
- Optional hot air balloon safari (advance booking required).
- Evening campfire under the stars.
Overnight: Same tented camp or upgrade to lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
- Breakfast and morning game drive as you exit the Serengeti.
- Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Olduvai Gorge (optional stop at prehistoric archaeological site).
- Arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon.
- Enjoy panoramic sunset views over the crater.
Overnight: Lodge on Ngorongoro Crater rim (for early descent next day)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five in One Place
- Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Crater is home to:
- Black rhino, lions, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and over 500 bird species.
- Picnic lunch near a hippo pool inside the crater.
- Return to lodge by late afternoon.
Overnight: Lodge near Karatu or Lake Manyara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park (Your Choice)
- Choose between:
- Lake Manyara (great for flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and lush forests)
- Tarangire (famous for elephant migration and baobab trees)
- Leisurely game drive and relaxed final safari experience.
- Optional cultural stop in Mto wa Mbu village.
Overnight: Safari lodge in Arusha or near park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure from Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport or Drive back to Kenya Jomo Kenyata airport.
Morning at leisure or optional shopping in Arusha.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for or or Drive back to Kenya Jomo Kenyata airport. departure flight.
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Ready to explore East Africa on this once-in-a-lifetime journey?
View Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari Packages – Customizable tours, expert local guides, luxury or mid-range lodges.
Optional Add-Ons (Pre/Post Safari)
- Zanzibar beach extension (Tanzania)
- Mount Kilimanjaro trek
- Amboseli National Park
- Nairobi city tour
