10 Day African Culture and Wildlife Safari in Kenya and Tanzania: See the Serengeti and Maasai Mara
Beautiful Tanzania and Kenya Safaris
Join an all-encompassing safari tour that will take you to some of the most beautiful national parks, lakes, bays, plain fields, and mountains that Kenya and Tanzania have to offer. During this wildlife safari, you will have the chance to see animals in their natural habitat, go on canoe safaris, listen to traditional African stories, and take in a unique rhythm that might change your own life tune upon your return home. All you have to do is to explore the uniqueness of East Africa!
Key information
- Private safari
- Starting point: Nairobi, Kenya
- Ending point: Arusha, Tanzania
- Languages spoken: English
- Park entrance and conservation fees to the game reserve are included
Meet the guides
Read more
Highlights
- Game drive at Lake Nakuru
- Morning canoe safari at Lake Victoria
- Guided nature walk with a native at Maasai Mara
- Safari tour van in Kenya and safari 4 x 4 Jeep in Tanzania
- Game drive at the beautiful Serengeti National Park
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 9 nights accommodation
Styles
Accommodation
During this safari expedition, you will be accommodated in several hotels and lodges in Kenya and Tanzania. All rooms have a private bathroom.
Kenya
- Kenya Comfort Suites Hotel (1 night)
- Lake Nakuru Lodge (1 night)
- Mara Simba Lodge or Mara Sopa Lodge (2 nights)
Tanzania
- Speke Bay Lodge (1 night)
- Seronera Wildlife Lodge (1 night)
- Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge (1 night)
- Impala Hotel - Arusha (2 nights)
Kenya Comfort Suites Hotel
Kenya Comfort Suites is a three-star hotel located at the junction of Jakaya Kikwete and Ralph Bunche Road in the bustling Milimani Suburb of Nairobi. It offers standard rooms, superior rooms, studio apartments equipped with kitchenettes, and spacious one-bedroom, air-conditioned apartments with a separate lounge and kitchen.
The Kenya Comfort Hotel welcomes you warmly to “The City under the Sun.”
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Pool
- Laundry service
- Restaurant
- Bar
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park, boasting unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife.
This property has one of the best-rated locations in Nakuru. It offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, a seating area, and a flat-screen television. There is a private bathroom with a bath and free toiletries in each unit, along with a hair dryer.
The lodge offers accommodation in 95 spacious rooms that have a glass sliding door, all with ensuite bathrooms with permanent showers and great views of the park, garden, or lake, as well as two suites with a private veranda and sitting room. They also have four rooms for special needs guests.
- Accommodation level: Mid-range
Facilities
- Eco-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- Seating area
- TV
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Permanent showers
- Private verandah
- Sitting room
Mara Simba Lodge
Whether you want a boost of rejuvenation or simply escape for the weekend to unwind, check into Mara Simba Lodge to achieve your wellness goals. Indulge in exceptional culinary experiences, entertain yourself at the bar, and revive yourself as you surrender to the pleasures of life at this truly alluring destination.
The luxurious accommodation affords supreme privacy and luxury with three types of accommodations to choose from, that all make the most of the bush environs. Their incredible and personalized game drives will bring you extremely close to the fascinating Big Five. Also enjoy watching the Great Migration across the Mara River between July and September every year.
- Accommodation level: Luxury
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Located high on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, the Maasai Mara Sopa Lodge was one of the first safari lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, a reason why its gardens and trees are so lush and mature.
The lodge has 50 guest cottages divided into two wings on either side of the main public areas. Each of these houses has two spacious guest rooms with queen and king-size beds, mosquito nets, electronic safes, dressing tables, ensuite bathrooms, and sheltered verandas that all have views over the gardens and the game reserve beyond.
- Accommodation level: Mid-range
Facilities
- Bar
- Gift shop
- Lounge
- Outdoor boma dining area
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- TV in the bar
- Wi-Fi in public areas
Speke Bay Lodge
Speke Bay Lodge is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, East Africa. It is 15 kilometres from the Serengeti National Park, and 125 kilometres north of Mwanza.
Speke Bay is part of Speke Gulf, named after the famous explorer John Hanning Speke, who, in 1858, discovered Lake Victoria to be the source of the Nile. Embraced by savannah, the lodge looks like a small village, stretched out along the shores of the lake.
The main buildings and luxury accommodations are round in form, built to perfection, painted white, and thatched with a grass roof in the traditional style of the local tribe, the Sukuma. Since the lodge is outside but close to the Serengeti National Park, it is the ideal place to start or end your safari, or relax in during your travels.
Excursions in boats and on mountain bikes are offered, so you can truly experience Africa. You can go to the beach, enjoy the peacefulness, or wander around on the lodge's 100 hectares of savannah, looking for birds.
- Accommodation level: Luxury
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
The Seronera Wildlife Lodge is located at one of the most crucial spots in the Serengeti National Park, where you can witness an actual kill in the flesh in the Seronera area. The lodge is in the central area of the national park and it is at this spot that most of the game drives and balloon safaris should ideally start.
The lodge is also located on one of the routes for the migratory activity and you can truly witness the extraordinary natural phenomenon firsthand.
The lodge boasts about 75 rooms, all with extremely stunning views to the Serengeti plains and great wildlife. The rooms are fully furnished and have an authentic African touch but with a five-star modernity. There are king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, central heating, and a host of luxury amenities.
Of the 75 rooms, there are twin rooms with two beds, double rooms with one king-size bed, a presidential suite, and one junior suite.
The restaurant at this lodge is packed with a great safari mood and it was built with rocks and wood. It has both a touch of international hospitality and great African service. The chefs there are good at both local and international cuisines.
There is a bar in this same facility as well. There, you will be treated to both local and international brew. You will have a chance to share experiences with lots of other travelers and play lots of games to cool off the hustles of the day. There are two bars, the indoor and the outdoor bar.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is strategically perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, affording unbelievable views plunging down over the crater floor, 7,500 feet above sea level.
The lodge was elegantly built mainly from natural stone and local wood, harmoniously merging with its natural surroundings, and it is provided with panoramic windows that encompass superb views of the crater’s great bowl.
From its privileged position, all the lodge’s 80 rooms afford breathtaking uninterrupted views, and the open-air terrace of the Rhino Lounge Bar offers superb panoramic views of the whole crater.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge invites you to an unforgettable safari experience from its privileged location, both for game viewing and scenery.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge has 80 spacious guestrooms, all of them affording fabulous views over the crater. Exquisitely decorated, offering a serene atmosphere of elegance, the modern rooms are all ensuite, with central heating systems and mosquito netting over the air vents. Wake-up calls can be made on request.
The 80 rooms include twin rooms, double rooms (with one double bed), one presidential suite, and three junior suites. There are also interconnecting rooms, specially designed for families.
The presidential suite has been host to world-renowned personalities who have enjoyed the magical experience of wildlife from the top location that Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge offers, being the first lodge built on the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Accommodation level: Mid-range
Facilities
- Boutique
- Currency exchange service
- Housekeeping services, such as laundry and babysitting (on request)
- Library
- Major credit cards are accepted
- Medical assistance
- Rhino Lounge Bar
- Telephone and radio
- TV lounge
Impala Hotel - Arusha
Facing a roundabout, this upscale hotel on lush grounds is one kilometer from Arusha Clock Tower in the city center and nine kilometers from Arusha Airport.
The understated, warmly decorated rooms provide complementary Wi-Fi, televisions and minibars, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. Suites add sitting areas. Room service is available 24/7. Loaner bikes are provided.
There are four restaurants, including Italian and Chinese options. Other amenities consist of bars, an outdoor pool, and conference facilities. Valet parking is also offered.
Program
Day 1: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Nairobi hotel (Kenya)
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you will be met and greeted by a customer service representative. Afterwards, you will be assisted to board your vehicle for your transfer to Kenya Comfort Suite hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru (Kenya)
Drive to the exclusive white and black rhino Lake Nakuru National Park. Explore the beautiful nature of the reaction of the Great Rift Valley formed more than two million years ago.
Your arrival will be in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge. There, after a game drive until evening, see the spectacular enormous concentration of flamingos, just to mention one of the many features of the park. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara (Kenya)
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the park. Then, after breakfast, you will depart and head to the great jewel of Africa, the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Stop at the native Maasai town of Narok for a picnic lunch. There, after a two to three-hour drive, you will enter the Maasai Mara and will go for a game drive en route to Mara Simba Lodge or Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 4: Maasai Mara (Kenya)
Enjoy an early morning game drive. You will have a chance to make eye contact with the big cats hunting, as morning is the time when they are active and probably hungry for the day's meal. At around 08:00, you will get back to the lodge for breakfast.
At 10:00, you will have a guided nature walk to be led by a native Maasai Moran, who will share with you the best knowledge of how wild herbs and trees can be of great help to support human livelihood. After lunch, go on an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Mara Simba Lodge or Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Speke Bay (Tanzania)
After breakfast, you will have a picnic lunch en route, driving through the dusty African roads. Proceed to Isebania for the border crossing into Tanzania, then drive to the famous Speke Bay Lodge at Lake Victoria. Embraced by the savanna, the lodge looks like a small village, stretched out along the shores of the lake.
The main buildings and luxury accommodations are round in form, built to perfection, painted white, and thatched with a grass roof in the traditional style of the local tribe, the Sukuma. Dinner and overnight stay will be there.
Day 6: Safari at Speke Bay and Serengeti (Tanzania)
After breakfast, you will venture into the day's trip, as you will explore part of the great Lake Victoria that connects Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. You will be picked up in a colorful canoe at the lodge's beach by fishermen and be brought to Mwaburugu, their village.
You may explore the village on foot and sing their rhythmic melodies while they row before they bring you back. Your guide will tell you the story of the way of life in the village and the birds that you will see on the way. This trip is only scheduled for the morning when the lake is calm.
Each canoe can carry four persons. You will be back at around 12:00. Afterwards, you will proceed towards Ndabaka Gate and enter Serengeti through the Western Corridor. You will pass through green savannah, with elephants and giraffes roaming around through a stretch of land that is rarely visited by travelers, to reach Central Serengeti.
The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word “Siringet,” referring to an endless plain, which you will experience on your way to your lodge. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Seronera Wildlife Lodge or similar.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro (Tanzania)
After breakfast and with a picnic lunch, you will take a brief game drive in the famous Serengeti, then you will go to Ngorongoro in the afternoon via Olduvai George, believed to be the home of the first human being.
The skull of Homo sapiens was discovered there by Dr. Leakey. This is a great story, one that you would like to remember. You will then drive to your hotel in the crater rim. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge or similar.
Day 8: Ngorongoro to Arusha (Tanzania)
After breakfast, you will go on a game drive en route to Arusha and a picnic lunch with amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Impala Arusha Hotel or similar.
Day 9: Arusha to Kilimanjaro excursion (Tanzania)
After breakfast, drive for a full day excursion to see Mount Kilimanjaro with packed lunches. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) (Tanzania)
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your scheduled flight back home.
Included excursions
During this tour, you will go on a full day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Guides
Edward Thiongo
Edward is a specialist in East Africa safaris.
Location
This safari tour will take place in Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Speke Gulf, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro, to name but a few locations that you will visit in Kenya and Tanzania.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara is the land of African legends, where lions are abundant throughout the park, as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of gazelle species. Cheetahs and leopards are also regularly seen while rhinos are less commonly seen. Furthermore, the annual wildebeest migration occurs there from July to September.
During this time, big animals and their prey will be present in abundance. Additionally, several species of bee-eater, the flying rainbow bird which is at the top of the Maasai Mara bird list, will also be present in the reserve.
Speke Bay
Speke Bay is part of Speke Gulf, named after the famous explorer John Hanning Speke, who, in 1858, discovered Lake Victoria to be the source of the Nile.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing.
Yet, even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala, and Grant’s gazelle.
Food
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as per itinerary. Budget Africa Safari believes that food is the key to a great safari. For this reason, you will be served a large buffet-style with a variety of meals for both vegetarian and meat eaters. If you have any particular food specialty, Budget Africa Safari will gladly organize the food to make your stay even more comfortable.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
On the seventh day, you will go on an optional Maasai Boma visit.
What's included
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
- Safari in 4 x 4 Jeep in Tanzania
- Safari tour van in Kenya with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing
- Park entrance and conservation fees to the game reserve
- Transfers from airport to hotel and return to airport
- 9 nights accommodation with private bathrooms
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
What's not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
- All items of a personal nature such as tobacco, laundry, phone calls
- Drinks or beverages
- Any other items not specified above
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
14 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Budget Africa Safari will pick you up from the airport.
On departure day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Please send Budget Africa Safari an inquiry for more information about airport transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.