Enjoy a thrilling 10-day classic safari through the iconic wildlife destinations of Kenya and Tanzania, exploring Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. This journey blends adventure with comfort, featuring overland travel for an authentic safari experience, private game drives, and stays in carefully selected lodges and camps that balance charm and immersion in nature.
Witness the Great Migration, track the Big Five, and marvel at East Africa’s diverse landscapes, with no cultural encounters included to keep the focus on wildlife.
For those seeking cultural insights, optional Maasai village visits are available in the Masai Mara or Ngorongoro at an additional cost, while an optional hot-air balloon safari in the Masai Mara or Serengeti offers a spectacular aerial perspective, also at an extra cost. Tarangire National Park also offers a chance to go on a hot air balloon safari, as well as optional night game drives as well as a walking safari guided by an armed ranger. All the optional activities are best arranged in advance.
10 Day Kenya & Tanzania Classic safari Highlights
This 10 Days classic safari includes all the famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania including Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, as well as the two safari cities of Nairobi, and Arusha.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Nestled in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact 188 km² gem renowned for its shimmering soda lake, vibrant flamingo flocks, and diverse wildlife. Surrounded by acacia woodlands, grasslands, and waterfalls, the park offers a picturesque setting for safari adventures.
Famous for its large populations of black and white rhinos, Lake Nakuru is a key sanctuary for these endangered species, alongside healthy numbers of lions, leopards, and buffalo, contributing to the Big Five.
The lake attracts millions of flamingos (seasonal, peaking in dry months), pelicans, and over 450 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Herds of zebras, giraffes, and waterbucks roam the plains, while the park’s proximity to Nairobi (3-4 hour drive) makes it an accessible start to your safari.
Game drives reveal stunning vistas, from the lake’s pink shores to the dramatic Baboon Cliff viewpoint, ensuring a memorable introduction to Kenya’s wilderness.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is a safari icon, celebrated for its expansive savannahs, abundant wildlife, and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Covering 1,510 km², the Mara forms the northern extension of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, with unfenced borders allowing animals to move freely between Kenya and Tanzania.
Its golden grasslands, dotted with acacias and bisected by the Mara River, create a dramatic stage for wildlife spectacles. The reserve is a stronghold for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—with exceptional populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, ensuring thrilling predator sightings.
From July to October, the Great Migration brings over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, their Mara River crossings drawing crocodiles and predators. Year-round, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, and over 450 bird species, like ostriches and lilac-breasted rollers, thrive. Game drives offer intimate encounters, while an optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise reveals the Mara’s vastness (additional cost). Its compact size ensures frequent sightings, making it a safari highlight.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Spanning 14,763 km² in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is the epitome of the African safari, renowned for its endless plains, extraordinary biodiversity, and central role in the Great Migration. Named from the Maasai word “Siringit” (endless plains), the park encompasses grasslands, rocky kopjes, and riverine forests.
As the southern counterpart to the Masai Mara, it hosts millions of wildebeests and zebras year-round, with dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers from May to September. The Serengeti is home to the Big Five, boasting Africa’s largest lion population (over 4,000), 1,000 leopards, 500 cheetahs, and 8,000 elephants, alongside rare black rhinos and hyenas.
Over 500 bird species, including kori bustards and secretary birds, add vibrancy. Its regions—central Seronera for big cats, northern Kogatende for migration viewing, and western Grumeti for riverine wildlife—offer diverse experiences. Game drives unveil the park’s raw beauty, while an optional hot-air balloon safari provides a panoramic view (additional cost).
The Serengeti’s vastness ensures exclusivity and awe-inspiring encounters.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” Measuring 20 km wide and 600 m deep, this 260 km² natural enclosure is a self-sustaining ecosystem, fed by springs and framed by steep, forested walls.
Hosting over 30,000 animals, the crater is one of Earth’s densest wildlife areas, ideal for spotting the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and one of Tanzania’s last black rhino populations. Herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles roam the grasslands, attracting predators like hyenas and cheetahs.
Lake Magadi, a soda lake, draws flamingos and over 500 bird species. Game drives on the crater floor offer reliable, close-up sightings, with the enclosed ecosystem ensuring year-round encounters.
The crater’s stunning scenery creates a mesmerizing backdrop. An optional Maasai village visit in the Ngorongoro area is available for cultural enrichment (additional cost), though the itinerary focuses solely on wildlife.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park spans 2,850 km² and is celebrated for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, sustains a rich ecosystem of swamps, grasslands, and acacia woodlands, attracting animals year-round, especially during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife concentrates around water sources.
Tarangire boasts one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, alongside giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Over 550 bird species, including the endemic ashy starling, make it a birding hotspot. Game drives offer panoramic views of rolling hills and baobab-studded plains, with frequent sightings of elephant families and big cats lounging in riverbeds.
Tarangire’s quieter atmosphere compared to the Serengeti provides a serene finale to your safari, with its proximity to Arusha (2-3 hour drive) ensuring a smooth conclusion.
Where to Stay in the 10-Day Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari
This 10-day classic safari features a selection of authentic and comfortable accommodations, each chosen for their strategic locations, warm hospitality, and deep connection to the surrounding wilderness.
From Nairobi’s urban comfort to the remote savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, these lodges and camps offer a genuine safari experience, balancing rustic charm with modern amenities to ensure a memorable journey.
Trademark Hotel, Nairobi
In Nairobi, your safari begins at Trademark Hotel, a modern retreat in the lively Westlands district, known for its vibrant dining and nightlife. This stylish hotel features comfortable rooms with contemporary decor, high-speed Wi-Fi, and plush bedding, complemented by a rooftop pool and diverse dining options, from international cuisine to local specialties. The hotel’s central location and welcoming ambiance make it an ideal base for your first night, offering a restful start before heading into the wilderness.
Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park
In Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge provides a charming eco-friendly stay overlooking the lake’s shimmering shores. This cozy lodge offers spacious rooms and cottages with private verandas, blending rustic elegance with modern comforts like en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi. The dining area serves hearty meals with views of the park, while the pool and lounge provide relaxation after game drives. Its prime location ensures easy access to the park’s flamingo-lined lake and rhino sanctuaries, enhancing your safari experience.
Enkakenya Mara Camp, Masai Mara
In the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Enkakenya Mara Camp delivers an authentic tented safari experience, blending rustic charm with comfort. This intimate camp features spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas overlooking the savannah. The central mess tent offers hearty meals and campfire gatherings, fostering a true safari atmosphere. Strategically located for prime wildlife sightings, Enkakenya’s eco-conscious design and proximity to migration routes make it a perfect base for exploring the Mara.
Baobab Serengeti Camp, Serengeti
In Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Baobab Serengeti Camp offers a rustic yet comfortable tented experience in the wildlife-rich Seronera region. The camp’s large tents feature en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas with views of the endless plains, blending simplicity with functionality. The open-air dining area serves delicious meals, while the campfire provides a cozy spot for stargazing. Its central location ensures thrilling game drives, and the camp’s authentic vibe deepens your connection to the Serengeti’s wilderness.
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, Ngorongoro
Near the Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is a cozy retreat nestled in a lush coffee plantation, offering a warm and inviting stay. The lodge features comfortable rooms with rustic decor, en-suite bathrooms, and verandas overlooking the greenery. The dining area serves farm-fresh meals, and the lounge’s fireplace creates a homely ambiance. Its proximity to the crater’s rim ensures easy access for game drives, making it an ideal base for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire
In Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Safari Lodge provides a classic safari experience with stunning views over the Tarangire River. The lodge offers spacious tented rooms and bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and rustic charm, complemented by a pool and open-air dining area serving hearty cuisine. Its prime location amidst baobab trees and elephant-rich plains ensures immersive game drives, while the lodge’s authentic atmosphere creates a serene finale to your safari.
Best Time to Take the 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Classic Safari
The optimal time for this safari depends on your wildlife goals, but the dry season (June to October) is ideal for prime game viewing and weather. During this period, the Great Migration peaks, with wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River in the Masai Mara (July to October) and moving through the Serengeti (June to September), offering dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Tarangire’s wildlife concentrates around the river, and Lake Nakuru’s flamingo flocks are at their peak. Sparse vegetation and water sources enhance animal sightings across all parks, with daytime temperatures of 20-28°C ensuring comfortable drives.
The Ngorongoro Crater offers reliable sightings year-round, but the dry season improves visibility. The short rainy season (November to December) is a good alternative, with fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and active wildlife, though brief showers may occur.
The long rainy season (March to May) is less ideal due to heavy rains and muddy roads, though the Serengeti’s calving season (January to February) offers unique predator activity. For the best migration viewing and clear weather, July to September is the prime window.
Logistics of the 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Classic Safari
This classic safari is designed for an authentic overland experience, using private 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing. The journey begins with your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, followed by a private transfer to your hotel.
On Day 2, a 3-4 hour drive takes you to Lake Nakuru, followed by a 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara on Day 3.
On Day 5, a 4-5 hour drive to the Isebania/Sirari border facilitates the crossing into Tanzania, with border formalities assisted by your guide, before continuing to the Serengeti.
Day 8 involves a 3-4 hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, followed by a 2 hour drive to Tarangire on Day 9.
On Day 10, a 2-3 hour drive to Arusha precedes a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure.
All transfers and game drives are led by expert guides, with vehicles equipped for comfort and photography.
Luggage should be packed in soft bags (no strict weight limit for overland travel), and travel documents (passports, visas for Kenya and Tanzania, and yellow fever vaccination certificates) are required.
Bottled water, all meals (except premium drinks), and park fees are included, ensuring a seamless and immersive safari.
Why Choose This Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari?
This 10-day classic safari offers an authentic journey through East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, from Lake Nakuru’s flamingo-lined shores to Tarangire’s elephant-filled plains.
Stay in charming accommodations—Trademark Hotel, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Enkakenya Mara Camp, Baobab Serengeti Camp, Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, and Tarangire Safari Lodge—where rustic elegance meets the wilderness.
Overland travel immerses you in the landscapes, while private game drives with expert guides ensure personalized experiences.
Optional hot-air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara or Serengeti and optional Maasai village visits in the Masai Mara or Ngorongoro add flexibility (additional cost).
From the Great Migration to the Big Five, this safari captures East Africa’s essence.
10-day Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Arrival Nairobi – Transfer to your hotel
Your 10-day classic safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, where the promise of East Africa’s wilderness awaits. Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a private transfer escorts you to Trademark Hotel, a stylish urban retreat in the vibrant Westlands district. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and diverse dining options, blending contemporary design with warm hospitality. Unwind with a delicious dinner, soaking in the anticipation of the adventures ahead.
The Trademark Hotel’s central location and welcoming ambiance provide a restful start, ensuring you’re ready for the journey into Kenya’s wild heart.
Accommodation: Trademark Hotel, Nairobi. Booked on bed and breakfast.
Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park.
After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi for a 3-4 hour scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled in the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge, a charming eco-friendly lodge overlooking the lake’s shimmering shores, and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Set out on an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands to the flamingo-lined lake (seasonal). Spot black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, and grazing herds of zebras and waterbucks, with the Baboon Cliff viewpoint offering stunning panoramas.
Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner, surrounded by the park’s serene beauty, as the sounds of the wild lull you into the safari experience.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors not included).
Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve.
After breakfast, embark on a 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier safari destination. Check into Enkakenya Mara Camp, a cozy tented camp blending rustic charm with modern comforts, set in the heart of the Mara’s savannahs. After lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive to capture the Mara’s wildlife spectacle.
Track cheetahs and other animals across the grasslands, spot leopards in riverine thickets, or observe lion prides lounging under acacias. The Great Migration (July to October) may bring wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River, facing crocodiles and predators.
Return to the camp for a campfire dinner under the stars, with the intimate setting and sounds of the savannah enhancing the wilderness experience. An optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise offers a breathtaking aerial view, while an optional Maasai village visit provides cultural insights (both at additional cost).
Accommodation: Enkakenya Mara Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Explore Masai Mara
Accommodation: Enkakenya Mara Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Cross Isebania/Sirari border - Transfer to Serengeti
After a final morning game drive and breakfast in the Masai Mara, depart for a 4-5 hour drive to the Isebania/Sirari border crossing into Tanzania.
Complete border formalities with assistance from your guide, then continue to Serengeti National Park, arriving at Baobab Serengeti Camp, a rustic yet comfortable tented camp nestled in the park’s central Seronera region.
Enjoy lunch en route or at the camp, followed by an afternoon game drive to explore the Serengeti’s endless plains. Spot prides of lions, swift cheetahs, or elephant families, with the park’s vastness unfolding around you.
Dine under the stars at the camp, where the sounds of the wild create an immersive atmosphere, marking the start of your Tanzanian adventure. An optional hot-air balloon safari is available for a panoramic view of the Serengeti’s plains (additional cost).
Accommodation: Baobab Serengeti Central Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Full day safari in Serengeti National Park
Dedicate two full days to the Serengeti’s unparalleled wilderness, with morning and afternoon game drives across its diverse landscapes.
Begin each day at sunrise, capturing the park’s magic as cheetahs chase prey, leopards lounge in acacia groves, or vast herds of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains, especially during the Great Migration’s river crossings (May to September). On one day, opt for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch to venture into remote areas like the Grumeti River’s crocodile havens or northern Kogatende’s migration routes, where fewer vehicles enhance exclusivity.
Return to Baobab Serengeti Camp for hearty meals, relaxing in your spacious tent with en-suite facilities and private verandas overlooking the savannah. Afternoon drives explore Seronera’s lion-rich territories or western Grumeti’s riverine wildlife, with chances to spot rare black rhinos or hyenas. The camp’s authentic safari vibe, with campfire gatherings and eco-conscious design, deepens your connection to the Serengeti. The optional hot-air balloon safari remains a highlight to elevate your experience (additional cost).
Accommodation: Baobab Serengeti Central Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After breakfast and a final Serengeti game drive, embark on a 3-4 hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at around mid-morning and descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full-day game drive.
Explore the crater’s lush floor, where over 30,000 animals thrive within its 260 km² expanse. Spot prides of lions, endangered black rhinos, and elephants in acacia groves, with Lake Magadi attracting flamingos and waterbirds. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch near a hippo-filled pool, framed by the caldera’s dramatic walls.
Continue the drive to seek leopards or herds of wildebeests and zebras, with the crater’s enclosed ecosystem ensuring reliable sightings. Return to the lodge for a warm dinner, reflecting on the day’s extraordinary encounters in the lodge’s inviting ambiance. An optional Maasai village visit is available (additional cost).
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Transfer Tarangire National Park
After breakfast in the morning, drive 3-4 hours to Tarangire National Park, checking into Tarangire Safari Lodge, a classic safari lodge with stunning views over the Tarangire River.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s baobab-studded plains and elephant-rich landscapes. Spot massive elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, and predators like lions and leopards lounging in riverbeds, with the dry season (June to October) concentrating wildlife around the river.
Over 550 bird species, including the ashy starling, add vibrancy to the scenery. Return to the lodge for a sunset dinner, savoring the tranquility of Tarangire’s quieter wilderness. The lodge’s tented rooms and open-air dining enhance the authentic safari experience.
Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included.
Tarangire - Arusha- Departure
Depart for a 2-3 hour drive to Arusha, visiting the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, a vibrant hub showcasing Tanzanian art, gemstones, and artifacts, perfect for browsing unique souvenirs. Enjoy a light lunch at a local café, savoring your final moments in Tanzania.
A private transfer escorts you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight, leaving you with cherished memories of East Africa’s wild heart. For late flights, a day-use room in Arusha can be arranged (additional cost).
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Book now for an unforgettable adventure, or extend with a Zanzibar beach escape for the perfect blend of East African safari and relaxation.
10-Day Kenya Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary
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