This itinerary promises a thrilling and immersive journey through Tanzania iconic national parks, offering a blend of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and moments of natural beauty.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Benson Safaris Kenya driver. You will receive a briefing about your safari, marking the official start of your adventure. We are just as excited as you are to get going and look forward to introducing you to your guide and beginning your safari experience. Your exploration of Hell’s Gate National Park offers a unique opportunity. Unlike other Kenyan parks, there are no predators here, allowing you to step out of your vehicle and fully immerse yourself in the landscape. You may spot zebra, giraffe, impala, buffalo, and rock hyrax, but the main highlight is the breathtaking scenery red cliffs, dramatic rocky outcrops, and a narrow gorge perfect for climbing and exploring. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Masai Mara, where you will enjoy a guided game drive before heading to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Masai Mara.
Today, you will wake up early for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari, drifting over the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara as the sun rises. After this magical experience, you will continue your adventure with a full day game drive, exploring the heart of the world famous Masai Mara, spotting incredible wildlife and experiencing the beauty of the African savannah up close.
Overnight at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Masai Mara.
Your first visit will be the iconic Giraffe Centre, located in the leafy Karen suburb. Here, you will have the opportunity to get up close with the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, feed them from a raised platform, and learn about conservation efforts by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
After lunch, you will then continue to Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary located just outside the city skyline. This park is known for its open savannah landscapes set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s modern skyline, offering a rare safari experience so close to an urban centre.
During your game drive, you may encounter lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species. The park is especially well known for its black and white rhino population, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these endangered species.
After your activities, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight at Nairobi Serena Hotel, Nairobi
Today you have to prepare for a long but rewarding full-day journey involving game drives, a border crossing, and incredible scenery through Maasai land and across the Kenya–Tanzania frontier. Begin your day early around 6:00 AM with a drive from your lodge in Masai Mara toward the Isebania border post, located approximately 4.5 to 6 hours away, depending on road conditions. This leg of the journey takes you through Narok and onward to Migori, where you'll exit Kenya.
After completing immigration and customs at Isebania, your Tanzanian guide will meet you on the other side. From Isebania, you'll continue the journey into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The drive from Isebania to Northern Serengeti takes another 4 to 6 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions, effectively turning the day into a 10 – 12-hour overland safari adventure. While it’s a long transfer, it’s scenic and offers game viewing opportunities especially as you approach the Serengeti. You'll arrive at your camp in the Northern Serengeti by late afternoon or early evening, just in time to relax and prepare for the next day of safari.
Overnight at Sero Tented Camp, Northern Serengeti
Today you will venture deeper into the world-famous Serengeti on a full day game drive.
Overnight at Sero Tented Camp, Northern Serengeti
Today you will enjoy another full day game drive as you travel between the Northern and Central Serengeti. Today you have the flexibility to create your own itinerary spend another full day in the Northern Serengeti before driving to the Central Serengeti or enjoy a half day game drive in the North and a half day game drive in the Central the choice is yours.
Overnight at Kumbukumbu Luxury Tented Camp, Central Serengeti
Today you will be rewarded with a visit to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of the only places on earth where mankind and wild animals co-exist, is harmony.
The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for Africa’s best game viewing as there is an ever-present abundance of wildlife due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. Upon arrival at the Crater’s rim, you will descend 610 meters into the Crater where your safari truly begins. Spot the endangered black rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and of course, giant tusked elephants. The Crater also has the largest known population of lions and you will also find leopards, cheetahs as well as scavengers such as spotted hyenas, jackals and rare wild dogs. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These include white pelican and flamingos.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to Karatu for your evening.
Overnight at Country Lodge, Karatu
After breakfast you will drive to the Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive. Tarangire is one of Africa’s little-known gems and should be on the itinerary of all lovers of wilderness and solitude. Its name originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park and is the only source of water during the dry season.
Tarangire’s landscape is incredibly diverse with a mix that is not found anywhere else on the northern safari circuit. It is dotted with ancient baobab trees, which the Maasai people believe are the first tree in creation, and large termite mounds. The dry season sees the harsh sun suck the moisture from the landscape, baking the earth a dusty red while the wet season brings dense bush and luscious high grasses.
Famous for its large elephant population, it is also home to zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, waterbuck, baboons, dwarf mongoose, impala, buffalo, antelope and fringe-eared oryx. Predators include lion, cheetah and leopard. The swamps are shared by flocks of birds; green wood hoopoes, lovebirds, tallish herons, white bellied go-away birds and giant kingfishers. On drier ground you will find the kori bustard and the heaviest of the flying birds; the ostrich.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to Arusha for your evening.
Overnight at Olerai Lodge, Arusha
After breakfast in Arusha, you will be picked up from your lodge and transferred to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, where you will begin your day hike along the scenic Marangu Route. Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate, you will complete park formalities before starting your guided walkthrough lush rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna, including blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The hike typically leads to Mandara Hut, offering beautiful views and a chance to explore the nearby Maundi Crater. After enjoying your picnic lunch and taking in the surroundings, you will descend back to the gate and transfer back to Arusha for your overnight stay.
Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Arusha and begin your journey toward Kenya via the Namanga Border Post. After completing immigration and customs formalities at the border, you will continue to the beautiful Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Upon entering the park, you will enjoy an afternoon guided game drive giving you the opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and a variety of bird species across the open plains. You will then arrive at your lodge or camp for check in, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Amboseli.
Overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli
Today, you will enjoy an early morning game drive, taking in the beauty of the wildlife at its most active time. Afterward, you will be transferred from Amboseli to Nairobi for your onward city tour. Following your exploration of the city, you will meet our guide at the agreed time for your transfer to Nairobi Airport, where you will catch your onward flight.
