Kenya & Tanzania
19-Day Kenya & Tanzania Forests, Lakes & Savannah Expedition
Route at a glance
Best suited to private, birding, photography travelers comfortable with a moderate itinerary over 19 days. Final timings, accommodation and activities are confirmed for the travel dates.
Overview
This expedition is not simply a longer version of the standard cross-border safari. It is organized by habitat: arid northern Kenya, Aberdare forest, Rift Valley lakes, the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro highlands and Tarangire's baobab country.
Nineteen days make room for recovery and observation. The border transition is planned using the current operating route and transfer arrangements, and migration emphasis moves with the travel month rather than staying fixed on one map label.
The journey best suits repeat visitors, birders and photographers who prefer two- and three-night stays to daily packing. Accommodation level, private vehicle arrangements in each country and any regional flight are itemised before booking.
Highlights
- ✦Samburu and Aberdare contrast
- ✦Rift Valley lake and rhino habitat
- ✦Three nights in the Mara
- ✦Cross-border Serengeti sequence
- ✦Ngorongoro and Tarangire finish
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Nairobi arrival
Nairobi
Arrive, rest and review the cross-border logistics.
Meals: L, D · Stay: Nairobi hotel
- 2
North to Samburu
Nairobi → Samburu
Travel into northern Kenya and take a first drive if daylight allows.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Samburu lodge
- 3
Samburu wildlife day
Samburu
Explore riverine and arid habitats on morning and afternoon drives.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Samburu lodge
- 4
Second northern day
Samburu ecosystem
Use a different circuit for northern-adapted species and elephant habitat.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Samburu lodge
- 5
Into the Aberdare
Samburu → Aberdare
Climb into highland forest and settle at the forest edge.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Aberdare lodge
- 6
Aberdare forest
Aberdare
Explore the confirmed forest circuit and lodge observation areas.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Aberdare lodge
- 7
Rift Valley lake
Aberdare → Lake Nakuru
Descend to the Rift Valley for an afternoon park drive.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Lake Nakuru lodge
- 8
Nakuru to the Mara
Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara
Use the morning for the lake sector before continuing to the Mara.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Maasai Mara camp
- 9
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara
Full game-viewing day with route chosen from current wildlife movement.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Maasai Mara camp
- 10
Second Mara day
Maasai Mara
Protect a second full day for a different reserve or conservancy sector.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Maasai Mara camp
- 11
Cross-border transition
Maasai Mara → Serengeti region
Use the practical border and transfer arrangement confirmed for the dates.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Serengeti area camp
- 12
Serengeti wildlife day
Serengeti
Explore the seasonally appropriate Serengeti sector.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Serengeti camp
- 13
Second Serengeti day
Serengeti
Use a full day for an extended circuit with a picnic or split drives.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Serengeti camp
- 14
Serengeti habitat shift
Serengeti
Move between sectors only when the season supports it; otherwise deepen the current area.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Serengeti camp
- 15
To Ngorongoro
Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Game drive out of the plains and continue to the highlands.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Ngorongoro highlands lodge
- 16
Crater day
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend for the permitted crater visit, following current timing and access rules.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Ngorongoro highlands lodge
- 17
Tarangire
Ngorongoro → Tarangire
Continue to Tarangire for baobab woodland and a first drive.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Tarangire lodge
- 18
Full Tarangire day
Tarangire
Explore river, woodland and seasonal wetland sectors across a full day.
Meals: B, L, D · Stay: Tarangire lodge
- 19
Arusha departure
Tarangire → Arusha
Return to Arusha for the confirmed onward connection or an added hotel night.
Meals: B, L · Stay: Departure or Arusha hotel when quoted
Included
- ✓ Private 4x4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
- ✓ Accommodation and meals listed in the confirmed quotation
- ✓ Park and conservation-area charges for the confirmed route
- ✓ Game drives and specifically listed guided activities
- ✓ Airport transfers and bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
- ✓ Applicable local taxes
Not included
- ✕ International flights, visas and travel insurance
- ✕ Optional activities not listed as included
- ✕ Drinks, gratuities, laundry and personal purchases
- ✕ Any government or supplier increase after the quotation expires
What to bring
- • Neutral lightweight clothing and a warm layer
- • Broken-in walking shoes, sun hat and waterproof jacket
- • Binoculars, camera protection and a reusable water bottle
- • Personal medication, insect repellent and travel documents
Frequently asked questions
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