Things to Know Before Departure
Kenya vs. Tanzania: Which is Right for You?
As top African safari destinations, Kenya and Tanzania both beacon millions of visitors every year. However, frankly, Kenya may be more appropriate for most visitors due to its higher cost-effective hotels, shorter transfer time between national parks, and higher density of wildlife. With complete commercial chains for safaris, Kenya provides better infrastructure, and drivers and guides who are more familiar with English. Furthermore, vehicles are allowed to drive off-road to admire animals closely in Kenya, which is prohibited in Tanzania. While Tanzania offers opportunities to enjoy walking safaris in national parks, which cannot be experienced in Kenya. If you have an adequate budget and want to explore vast savannas in unconventional ways, add Tanzania to your itinerary!
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Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi of Kenya, Airport Pick-up
Meet a Giraffe during the Game Drive Welcome to Africa! Once your flight lands at Nairobi International Airport, our local Safari representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After settling down, our guide will briefly introduce the following Kenya-Tanzania tours. The remainder of the day will be free for you. Information for You:1. Yellow Fever Vaccination: All visitors who book this tour are advised to get vaccinated and obtain the Yellow Fever certification, which is mandatory for those who depart from endemic countries when entering Kenya and Tanzania. 2. Visa: Kenya is visa-free for all travelers, but you need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 3 days in advance, which costs around USD 34. If you have already held a Kenya e-visa, you can continue to travel using it until expiration. When entering Tanzania, American visitors can only cross the border holding a multiple-entry visa (USD 100), while an Ordinary Visa (USD 50) is ok for other visitors. You can apply for an e-visa ahead of time or a visa on arrival at the border crossing where only dollars in cash are acceptable. 3. SIM Card: We recommend you use the Safaricom SIM card in Kenya, which costs USD 7 for 7 GB of data, valid for 30 days. The Airalo SIM card is a better choice in Tanzania, costing USD 1-2 for 1.5 GB of data. 4. Book the Homebound Flight from Kilimanjaro Airport: We will not return to Kenya at the end of the journey, so please book a flight that will take off from Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania. Free Time Suggestion: National Museum of Kenya Offering a narration of the development of Kenya from prehistory to the present day, the museum is regarded as a ‘splendid book’ about Kenya. Entering the museum hall, you will see various specimens of butterflies and birds, and an elephant skeleton. There is also a gallery that details the history of Kenya, where you can learn about the development of Kenya’s different tribes and find tools that ancient people used. In addition, there is a snake park in the museum which gives you a chance to closely admire and interact with reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. It is convenient to book the ticket online or at the museum’s entrance. If you are interested in the snake park, a combined ticket is more cost-effective, costing USD 12 per person. ► Safety Tips: For your safety, it is advised to hail a taxi when going outside, and please keep your eye on the mobile phone no matter on the street or in a taxi in case of mobile thefts.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham (4 stars) or similar
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Day 2: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park, Enjoy an Afternoon Safari
In the morning, we will drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a bird paradise. Along the way, you will glimpse local tea and coffee plantations. Upon arrival, you will first check into the hotel, enjoy lunch, and take a short break around noon to escape the scorching heat. In the late afternoon, you will be escorted to enjoy a game-viewing safari around the lake. Well-known for its various species of birds, such as cormorants, fish eagles, and lesser white flamingos, Lake Nakuru will feast your eyes. Afterward, we'll return to the lodge for dinner and stay there overnight. ★ Our Strengths:1. A 4×4 Pop-up Roof Land Cruiser: With a closed body, our vehicle is safe and comfy, protecting you from rainfall, wind, dust, and sunshine. Its pop-up roof offers you an unobstructed view while admiring animals. Compared with minivans, its spacious seats can alleviate fatigue during the long safari. In addition, the bigger wheels can easily tackle any tough terrain on the savanna. 2. Top-rated Accommodations: The lodges and camps we booked for you are located in the reserves and parks, which can give you a chance to fully immerse yourself in wild nature. The bird calls and the roar of hippos will wake you up in the morning, and the rustle of insects will accompany you to dream at night. 3. A Professional Itinerary: We arrange Masai Mara together with Serengeti, which will give you 4-5 days of game driving on the savanna and provide more chances for you to see the Great Migration of millions of wildebeests crossing the river. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp (4 stars)
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Day 3: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve, Drop by Longonot Volcano
After breakfast, we will depart for the exhilarating Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves. En route, we will stop at Longonot Volcano, whose summit rises 2,617 meters (8,586 ft) above sea level. With lush forests at the bottom, it looks like a “mysterious lost world.” Standing at the edge of the volcano, you can admire the panoramic scenery of the crater and meadows around to take in beautiful views of Lake Naivasha nearby. In addition, you may encounter wildlife such as buffalo, elands, bushbucks, and Grant’s gazelles running on the savanna. When we arrive at Masai Mara, dinner will be ready for you at the lodge.
Tips for Game Drive:
1. Our vehicle is dustproof, but it may still be dusty on the way if you want to admire animals through the opened windows or the pop-up roof, so we suggest you wear a mask.
2. Though we booked upmarket accommodations for you, some of them don’t offer slippers, so it is advised to take a pair with you. You can also wear it on safari, which is convenient for you to stand on car seats to admire animals through the pop-up roof.
3. It is better not to wear bright or dark clothes, which may attract insects. Colors that can help you hide in nature, such as khaki and dark green, are better choices. In addition, remember to bring long sleeves to keep warm at dusk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp (4 stars)
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Day 4: Full-day Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
The whole day will be devoted to a game-viewing safari in Masai Mara National Reserve. As Africa's most diverse and spectacular wildlife reserve, it offers far more than you could imagine. Home to various wildlife, it is the best place to encounter Africa's famous Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. ★ See Wildebeests Crossing Mara River - Witness Magic of Life and DeathBesides various wildlife, Masai Mara boasts a stunning view of the wildebeest migration, which is on show from July to September. During this period, Masai Mara is covered with lush vegetation due to abundant rainfall. Zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests migrate from the drought Serengeti to find new grassland. On the way, they not only have to escape from predators such as lions and leopards on the savanna but also need to survive from the mouths of crocodiles while crossing the Mara River. When the wildebeests jump into the river, “Mara killers” lurking under the water will launch an attack. You will then see the struggling migrators and the bloody river. ► Note: Not all travelers can see the Mara crossing of wildebeests since it depends a lot on the migration route, pace, and time of animals. But the guides of Masai Mara will share their information if there is a crossing, and our guide will drive you to the spot at once and occupy the best position, which will increase your chance of seeing the thrilling scenes. As for lunch, we will have picnic lunch boxes most of the time if we are scheduled to go on safari for the whole day. After a full-day exciting game drive, we will return to the lodge for dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp (4 stars)
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Day 5: Head to Serengeti National Park of Tanzania through the Border at Isebania
Today, you will be transferred to Isebania, the border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. After the border formality, our guide will drive you to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. On this 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) savanna, there are numerous animals, such as antelopes, gazelles, and zebras. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to check into the hotel and have a short rest. In the late afternoon, we will have a game drive and admire the stunning sunset view of the vast savanna.
► Tip: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months if you need to apply for a visa on arrival when crossing the border.
The lodge we booked for you is located at the center of Serengeti, whose detached rooms resemble the huts of the Masai people. You can admire the stunning view of the grassland from its balcony and see antelopes or zebras grazing nearby. At night, there will be an African dancing performance in the dining hall, which will add more interest and leave you with an unforgettable memory of this trip. Please avoid hanging out in the evening, as there may be animals around the lodge. If you need to go outside, please ask the hotel staff for accompaniment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 stars)
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Day 6: Full-day Safari in Serengeti National Park
Today will be devoted to Serengeti National Park. You will take a morning and an afternoon safaris separately as many wild animals are most active during the two periods. At noon, when most animals are napping due to the hot weather, we will also return to the lodge for lunch and rest. ★ Marvel at the Majestic Great MigrationCompared to Masai Mara, Serengeti is 8-10 times larger, better protected, and more primitive. As another crucial place of the wildebeest migration from June to October, Serengeti National Park will never stop amazing you. With a spectacular ecosystem, you can see various herbivores, such as zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests, marching on the endless grassland. Their army can stretch for more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long. When driving through the vast grassland, you may also encounter the skeletons of elephants and witness the thrilling scene of cheetahs hunting if lucky. ► Best Time to Visit: The Great Migration proceeds all year in Serengeti, but the army of herbivores is the largest from June to October which is the best time to see the spectacular scenes. January to March is the calving season when wildebeests and other wildlife give birth to little babies in the southern part of Serengeti, making it a good time to witness the birth of new life. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 stars) Buffaloes in Serengeti Game Drive in Serengeti
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Day 7: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, Enjoy an Afternoon Game Drive
Today, we will drive for around 4.5 hours to Ngorongoro Crater National Park. As a dead crater in the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's most beautiful volcanic vents. Upon arrival, you will check into the lodge we booked for you. Built with rocks and covered by vines, the lodge hides in nature and is hard to see with the naked eye. Located at the edge of the crater, it offers a panoramic view of the park and is also a good place to admire flamingos in Lake Magadi nearby.
In the late afternoon, we will take a safari to explore this paradise for wild animals and appreciate the amazing sunset. The temperature is low at the crater because of the high altitude, so we recommend you take a thick coat to prevent cold. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and have a good rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (4 stars)
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Day 8: Full-day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Today is scheduled for a full-day game viewing safari in Ngorongoro Crater National Park. When mentioning volcanoes, what comes to your mind? The erupting magma or cumulated rocks? Ngorongoro will change your impression of volcanoes. Situated in northern Tanzania, it has existed for about 2.5 million years and stopped erupting at least a quarter of a million years ago. With a diameter of about 18 km (11.1 mi) and a depth of more than 600 m (1,969 ft), it is the world's largest and most complete crater. Thus, Ngorongoro is known as Africa’s "Eighth Wonder of the Natural World" and nicknamed the "Eden of Africa." Its bottom is flat, and you would be surprised to know that about 25,000 to 30,000 wild animals, such as zebras, leopards, wildebeests, black rhinos, and elands, live here. During the wet season (November to May), abundant rainfall turns the crater into a lush oasis full of birdlife and plants. But the concentration of wildlife is not as high as that in the dry season (June to October), because the water is available throughout the crater. Don’t feel upset. Spotting remarkable animals, such as lions, zebras, and leopards, is still possible, and it is the best time to admire the vibrant landscape. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (4 stars)
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Day 9: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, Afternoon Safari around the Lake
After breakfast, we will drive for around 1 hour to Lake Manyara. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and take a good rest.
In the late afternoon, we will take a safari around Lake Manyara, where an American novelist, Hemingway (1899-1961), once lived and wrote Green Hills of Africa, recording his hunting life in the lake area. Near the lake is an acacia forest where you can discover herds of elephants and big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Among these, lions are the most famous because of their tree-climbing skills. Make sure to look upwards while game viewing, you will see these ‘jungle kings’ lounging high on acacia trees. Lake Manyara is also a perfect place for bird-watching, boasting a variety of birds, such as grey hornbills, hawk-eagles, jacanas, and spoonbills. You will be surprised that the whole lake is tinged pink by the reflection of flamingos, and they look like elegant dancers standing at the center of the lake. Certainly, you might see other large mammalian herbivores in this beautiful park, such as wildebeest, buffalo, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. We will return to the lodge for a good dinner at sunset and then stay here overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (4 stars)
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Day 10: See-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport of Tanzania
After breakfast, we will head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where your Kenya-Tanzania trips will be rounded out. Wish you a pleasant homeward flight! If you want to explore Tanzania deeply, for example, trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro to admire the equatorial snow-capped mountain, please feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Meal: Breakfast
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