Kenya–Tanzania Grand Circle Safari

14 Days 13 Nights
Starting from $9,720 /pp

Overview

This cross-border safari adventure begins in Nairobi and concludes at Kilimanjaro International Airport, covering the top wildlife destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. Highlights include chimpanzee encounters at Ol Pejeta, unique wildlife and culture in Samburu, a balloon safari and cultural visits in the Masai Mara, and a seamless transition into Tanzania for game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The journey wraps up with a farewell safari in Tarangire National Park before transferring to Arusha overnight’s stay before departure.

Highlights

  • Tour Ol Pejeta Ranch
  • At “Out of Africa” film scene
  • The Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Masai Mara Balloon Safari
  • Ol Pajeta Chimpanzees experience
  • Samburu/Masai Cultural visits
  • Sundowner in the Mara
  • Explore North/Central Serengeti
  • Ngorongoro Crater Experience
  • Stunning Scenery and birding
  • Tour Olduvai Gorge/Museum
  • Tarangire Safari experience

Journey time: Less 40 Minutes

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by your dedicated safari guide, receive a trip briefing, and then be transferred to your Nairobi hotel for rest—no scheduled activities.

Overnight: Midrange: Sarova Stanley Hotel – or similar
Luxury:
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence – or similar

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Approx. 7 Hours to Samburu

Pickup Time: 06:00AM. Early breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Depart on a scenic drive toward Samburu N. Reserve via Ol Pejeta Conservancy. En route, stop over at Ol Pejeta – East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and the only place in Kenya to find the chimps.

Planned Activity: Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and proceed to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary for your scheduled visit from 11:45AM to 12:45PM (strict timing). This one-hour experience offers a rare opportunity to observe rescued chimpanzees in a naturalistic environment. Gain insight into their behavior, rehabilitation stories, and daily care routines provided by the sanctuary team. Please ensure timely arrival, as the sanctuary maintains strict visitation hours to protect the well-being of the chimps and ensure a peaceful, uninterrupted experience.

After the chimpanzee visit, enjoy lunch at Morani’s Restaurant and proceed to Samburu. Arrive at the lodge, check in, relax, and have dinner.

Overnight: Midrange: Samburu Sopa Lodge – or similar
Luxury:
Samburu Intrepids – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Spend two days exploring Samburu with game drives, a walking safari, and a visit to the Samburu Bomas. Timings and meals will be arranged with your guide.

Day 3: Begin your day with a scenic bush breakfast, followed by a long game drive through Samburu—renowned for its unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes. This reserve is where George and Joy Adamson raised the famous “Elsa the Lioness,” inspiring Born Free. It's also the land of “Kamunyak,” the lioness known for adopting a baby Oryx. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness as you continue your exploration.

Day 4: Explore more highlights of Samburu National Reserve: Take a guided walking safari at sunrise to explore Samburu’s unique flora and fauna. And in the afternoon, visit the Samburu Cultural Bomas to experience the traditions and lifestyle of the Samburu people. Dinner is arranged at the lodge.

Overnight: Midrange: Samburu Sopa Lodge – or similar
Luxury:
Samburu Intrepids – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Journey Time: Approx. 6 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out. As scheduled, depart Samburu for Masai Mara National Reserve. To break up the long journey, a stopover at Lake Naivasha has been arranged to serve as your journey break. Upon arrival in Naivasha, check in to your lodge and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have a late lunch and dinner at the lodge – no additional activities are scheduled.

Overnight: Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa – or similar
Midrange:
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. After an early breakfast, depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, stopping at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for a photo opportunity. Continue to Masai Mara and check in at your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Masai Cultural Bomas to experience their traditional lifestyle and authentic arts and crafts. Conclude the day with an African sundowner in the wilderness.

Overnight: Luxury: Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp – or similar
Midrange:
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Pickup Time: 04:00AM. Begin with an early refreshment before being transferred to the balloon launch site, arriving by 06:00AM for briefing.

Today’s top experiences: Masai Mara Balloon Safari with a Bush Breakfast and Full-Day Game Drive to the Mara River. Begin your day with an unforgettable one-hour hot air balloon safari over the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara at sunrise, followed by a traditional bush breakfast served in the wilderness. Afterwards, embark on a full-day, unhurried game drive through the reserve, extending to the iconic Mara River. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park as you explore diverse landscapes and observe abundant wildlife.

Return to the lodge in the evening for refreshment, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Luxury: Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Tented Camp – or similar
Midrange:
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. After an early breakfast, depart Masai Mara and proceed to the Isebania Border Point for immigration formalities prior to entering Tanzania. Your guide will assist you with the tourist visa application process to ensure a smooth transition. Once all formalities are completed, you will bid farewell to your Kenyan safari guide and be handed over to your Tanzanian safari guide. The journey to the Northern Serengeti will then commence, with a lunch stop at a restaurant en route. Enjoy a relaxed welcome safari through Northern Serengeti en route to your lodge. Upon arrival, check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure – dinner is at the lodge.

Overnight: Luxury: Ole Seroi Luxury Camp Kogatende – or similar
Midrange:
Mara Mara Tented Camp – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Your day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge. We offer complete flexibility to tailor the day according to your preferences. Your guide will discuss the best timing for game drives with you—you may choose a morning safari followed by lunch at the camp and an afternoon safari, or opt for a full-day safari with a picnic lunch.

Enjoy your full-day guided safari, spotting iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, olive baboons, warthogs, hyenas, and a diverse array of bird species. If you’re visiting during the migration season in the Northern Serengeti, you may witness millions of wildebeests and zebras moving together, closely followed by predators—a truly thrilling spectacle. To enhance your experience, consider an optional balloon safari with a sumptuous bush breakfast for $600 per person. This unforgettable adventure starts early, with pickup at 04:00Hrs.

Return to the camp in the evening to freshen up before dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Luxury: Ole Seroi Luxury Camp Kogatende – or similar
Midrange:
Mara Mara Tented Camp – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Begin the day with an early breakfast at the lodge, followed by departure for a full-day safari experience in the Central Serengeti. A picnic lunch will be provided for you to enjoy during the safari. Travel from the Northern to the Central Serengeti, exploring the diverse terrain and uncovering the captivating beauty of the iconic Serengeti Plains. Along the way, take in dramatic landscapes, exceptional wildlife sightings, and the expansive wilderness that defines this renowned region. Wildlife encounters may include lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, and a rich variety of bird species. Conclude the day with a memorable sundowner experience before checking in at your lodge for the evening.

Arrive at your lodge in the late evening, check in, and take time to refresh before enjoying dinner – No further activities are scheduled for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: Luxury: Melia Serengeti Lodge – or similar
Midrange:
Ole Seroi Luxury Camp Turner Springs – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 4 Hours

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Depart the Serengeti on a safari journey southward toward the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. En-route, enjoy excellent opportunities to observe diverse wildlife against the backdrop of rolling savannahs, acacia woodlands, and expansive plains. Upon arrival at your lodge, a hot lunch will be served – The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the crater rim.

Overnight: Luxury: The Retreat at Ngorongoro – or similar
Midrange:
The Castle at Ngorongoro – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before departing for a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater. This immersive safari experience is dedicated to discovering the crater’s remarkable biodiversity and stunning scenery. A picnic lunch will be served within the crater, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and absorb the beauty of this unique natural wonder.

Top Experiences at Ngorongoro: Embark on a guided game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that supports over 20,000 large mammals, including endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, and an array of bird species—all set against the dramatic backdrop of the crater’s steep walls. Following the safari, visit Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where you will explore the site of significant early human fossil discoveries and gain insight into the pioneering work of the Leakey family at the on-site museum. Conclude the day with a scenic sundowner, taking in panoramic views of the crater at sunset.

Overnight: Luxury: The Retreat at Ngorongoro – or similar
Midrange:
The Castle at Ngorongoro – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 02 Hours

Pickup Time: 06:00Hrs. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Then depart to Tarangire National Park for a guided safari, with a bush picnic inside the park.

Planned Activity: Tarangire Guided Game Drive and bush picnic – Begin your morning game drive at sunrise, when wildlife activity is at its peak and golden light illuminates the landscape. Tarangire National Park is especially known for its dense elephant population, offering frequent and close-up sightings of these majestic animals. The terrain—characterized by ancient baobab trees, grassy plains, and seasonal wetlands—supports a diverse range of species. Likely wildlife encounters include lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, impalas, warthogs, and numerous bird species. Accompanied by your expert guide, you will gain deeper insight into animal behavior and the unique ecological features of this less-crowded yet rewarding safari destination.

Thereafter, transfer to Arusha City and check-in at your hotel – no additional activities.

Overnight: Luxury: Gran Melia Arusha Hotel – or similar
Midrange:
Acacia Retreat – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 1 Hour

Pickup Time: Flexible. Please note that hotel check-out is required by 10:00AM; otherwise, day-use rates may apply. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only

Includes
  • Services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide
  • Transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
  • Return airport transfers (Pickup at NBO and Drop-off at JRO)
  • 13 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary | Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • All national park entry, concession fees and scheduled activities
  • Cultural visit to a Masai Boma and a scenic sundowner experience
  • Balloon safari experience in the Masai Mara (fees included)
  • 2 litres of bottled mineral water per person per day during the safari
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover
Excludes
  • All optional activities, and extra services not mentioned above.

Journey times stated in the itinerary are estimates and may vary due to traffic and road conditions. Accommodation options listed are subject to availability at the time of booking; if unavailable, comparable alternatives will be offered. Rates are subject to change without prior notice due to factors beyond our control. Any adjustments will be communicated and reflected in your final invoice.

Trip Pricing
Book Your Slot Early
No. of Pax Midrange – USD Luxury – USD
02 9,720 pp. 13,100 pp.
Kenya–Tanzania Grand Circle Safari

Related Trips