14 Days Of Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari

Safari  overview

14 Days of Kenya & Tanzania camping safari. Led by a certified safari guide, this 14-day tour will bring you to the famous wildlife habitats of both Kenya and Tanzania. Descend into the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Crater for stunning wilderness and let your spirit soar as you race across the plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti tracking Africa’s elusive “big five.” Our safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of getting the perfect shot — and full-service camping will bring you even closer to the region’s wildlife.

Day	Activity
Day 1:	Arrive In Nairobi
Day 2:	From Nairobi To Samburu National Reserve
Day 3:	Full Day In Samburu National Reserve
Day 4:	Then Transfer To Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5:	From Lake Nakuru National Park To Masai Mara
Day 6:	Then Transfer To Masai Mara
Day 7:	A Whole Day In Masai Mara
Day 8:	From Masai Mara And Drive Back To Nairobi
Day 9:	To Arusha
Day 10:	From Arusha To Mto wa Mbu
Day 11:	Transfer To Serengeti National Park
Day 12:	Full Day In Serengeti National Park
Day 13:	Drive To Ngorongoro
Day 14:	From Ngorongoro To Arusha

Detailed  itinerary

Day 1: Arrive In Nairobi

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

This busy metropolis and capital city has an intoxicating mix of African and Indian culture, which are both well-represented in the local cuisine. Enjoy artsy cafes with a cup of famous Kenyan coffee, and bring your dancing shoes — Nairobi has a fantastic nightlife. For a taste of history and archaeology, visit the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the famous Leakey family.

• Accommodation: The Landmark Suites Westlands
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: From Nairobi To Samburu National Reserve

Travel to Samburu National Reserve in time for an afternoon wildlife safari drive. Visit a Samburu village en route.

Just outside the national reserve, visit a local Samburu village. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior group. Watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The walk within the village is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community.

Continue to Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife haven to many species rarely found elsewhere. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of large elephant and big cat populations living within this wild part of Kenya.

Meet the locals in a traditional village in the Samburu area and learn more about their way of life. The Samburu people are related to but distinct from the Masai. They too are semi-nomadic who herd cattle, goat and occasionally camels. The men have more than one wife; each lives in her own hut within a family compound. Be sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty and colour of the layers of bead necklaces and bracelets, the red clay braids of the warriors, and the contrast of their bright cloth wraps against the African savanna.

Head out into the wilds of Samburu National Reserve in search of elephants, lions, as well as some of the more unique animals found only in this northern region of Kenya.

• Accommodation: Samburu Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Full Day In Samburu National Reserve

A full day wildlife safari drive to spot a group of animals only seen north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, the majestic reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk, a graceful antelope that stands upright on its hind legs to feed on tall bushes.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Samburu Campsite

Day 4: Then Transfer To Lake Nakuru National Park

Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Maasai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets.

Camp outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction. Time and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea farm and see how the tea is grown, picked and produced.

• Accommodation: Nderit Campsite
• Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park

Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.

• Accommodation: Nderit Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: From Lake Nakuru National Park To Masai Mara

Travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the “big five” on an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve.

Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara.

Head into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

You are in one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you’ll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley. Named for the Masai group and the Mara River, it is known for its Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle; one of the most impressive natural events worldwide. There are plenty of other animals to be seen, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, ostriches, and many others.

• Accommodation: Kenia Safari Camp Canvas Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Then Transfer To Masai Mara

Travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the “big five” on an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve.

Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara.

You are in one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you’ll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley. Named for the Masai group and the Mara River, it is known for its Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle; one of the most impressive natural events worldwide. There are plenty of other animals to be seen, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, ostriches, and many others.

• Accommodation: Kenia Safari Camp Canvas Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Day 7: A Whole Day In Masai Mara

Enjoy a day on safari. Opt to take to the skies on a balloon safari.

Rise early for a wildlife safari drive during the best time to spot animals and criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. With a full day to explore the area, we can cover a lot of ground. If time allows, visit the Mara River area.

Opt to go for a balloon safari for a new perspective over the beautiful landscape.

If you have pre-booked a Masai Mara Balloon Safari, your flight will be in the morning. You will miss the morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have spectacular views from above.

You are in one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you’ll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley. Named for the Masai group and the Mara River, it is known for its Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle; one of the most impressive natural events worldwide. There are plenty of other animals to be seen, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, ostriches, and many others.

• Accommodation: Kenia Safari Camp Canvas Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: From Masai Mara And Drive Back To Nairobi

Breathe in the fresh morning air, stretch and enjoy the African sun as it rises over the savannah of the “Mara”. Search for wildlife outside of the reserve while leaving the area. Then, visit the G for Good supported Amani Ya Juu for lunch, before heading back to Nairobi, where the tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon.

Enjoy one last opportunity to search for wildlife outside of the reserve while leaving the area.

As you leave the area to travel to Nairobi, you will have a final chance to search for wildlife in the savannah. You will not be in the reserve, but the area surrounding it.

• Accommodation: The Landmark Suites Westlands
• Meals: Dinner

Day 9: To Arusha

Journey across the border into Tanzania, arriving in the picturesque town of Arusha in the afternoon. Spend some time exploring the town and its bustling markets, and have another night in the comfort of a hotel. Upon arrival into Arusha, you may be joined by other G Adventures travellers starting the Tanzania portion of the trip.

• Accommodation: The Outpost Lodge
• Meals: Dinner

Day 10: From Arusha To Mto wa Mbu

Experience the Mto wa Mbu community with a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family. Take a wildlife safari drive in Lake Manyara NP.

Travel to Mto wa Mbu and take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in the area. Meet the women who run the rural town’s tours and enjoy a delicious home made traditional lunch.

Spend the afternoon viewing wildlife along the main road that winds through a lush cool forests of Lake Manyara National Park, overgrown with ficus trees and covered with bromeliads.

This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment provides a gorgeous backdrop. Search for the phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.

Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different groups. During the two-hour tour, visit the community’s local market, go right to the farmer’s fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops.

Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.

This western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly stunning. It provides a backdrop for your search for the park’s phenomenal bird life (including raptors), tree-climbing lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, baboons, and buffalos. Look up and see some of the more than 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and storks.

Beyond wildlife, Lake Manyara NP is home to giant fig trees, acacia woodlands, mahogany trees, and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply breathtaking; the open plains, huge escarpment, central alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and distant volcanic peaks coming together in an area best described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa.”

• Accommodation: Twiga Lodge and Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Day 11: Transfer To Serengeti National Park

Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on to Serengeti National Park. En route marvel at the sheer vastness of this territory, and spot the multitude of animal and birdlife while cruising through this acacia-accented savanna.

This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

• Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
• Meals: Dinner

Day 12: Full Day In Serengeti National Park

Rise early for a full-day wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue the search for the “big five” while taking in the vastness of the Serengeti plains.

If you have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari, your flight will be in the morning. You will miss the morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have spectacular views from above. If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

• Accommodation: Seronera Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13: Drive To Ngorongoro

Take a morning wildlife safari drive as you depart the Serengeti, then continue wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, before getting a spectacular view of the crater from your campsite on its rim.

The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a resident population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals.

Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Head down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebras, gazelles, buffaloes and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor.

• Accommodation: Simba Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14: From Ngorongoro To Arusha

Visit an authentic Maasai village and the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project, then return to Arusha where the tour ends on arrival. Onward flights can be booked from 6pm, or extend your stay in Arusha by a night, or two.

• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch