Tanzania & Kenya Safari

Tanzania & Kenya Safari

Tanzania game reserves have some of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the African continent. The wide open plains of the Serengeti are home to over 2 million wildebeest and zebra migrating annually along ancient animal paths, constantly pursued by a host of predators. Throughout this diverse region animals in their countless millions roam freely through the vast expanses of land dedicated to conservation. With names like Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro this is where safaris were born. The fascinating Maasai people have roamed these plains for years living in complete harmony with the wildlife.

Quick Summary



Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arusha

Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha, Tanzania
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your lodge
  • Accommodation: Legendary Lodge
  • Meals: D

Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro you are met and transferred to your lodge.

Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro as well as having its own Arusha National Park.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Road transfer Arusha to Tarangire National Park
  • Accommodation: Lemala Mpingo Ridge
  • Meals: B, L, D

This morning you are collected from your hotel by your private safari guide who will give you a full safari briefing before heading off to Tarangire National Park. The drive to the Park entrance is approximately 2 hours. After your guide takes care of entrance formalities, you enter the Park en route to your camp. At this point timing is flexible as you stop for wildlife you encounter on the way.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire, arguably northern Tanzania's most interesting park, is famous for the large herds of elephants and spectacular baobab trees - a fantastic choice for safari The permanent water of the Tarangire River lures large herds of migrant wildlife from the parched surrounding areas. In the peak of the dry season, Tarangire's resident populations of wildebeest, zebra, eland, elephant and buffalo rival those of the Serengeti. It is a place of dense woodlands, clusters of palm trees and thick stands of baobabs.


Day 3: Tarangire National Park

On safari in Tarangire National Park
On safari in Tarangire National Park
On safari in Tarangire National Park
Daily Summary

On safari in Tarangire National Park

Join your experienced, professional guide as you explore further into Tarangire, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident zebra and wildebeest in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons. Home to more than 550 species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts who can expect to see dozens of species even in the dry season. The swamps are the focus of the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are a common bird sighting in the trees along the Tarangire River.

Day 4: Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater

Manyara National Park
Manyara National Park
Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Road transfer Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater with stop at Manyara en route
  • Accommodation: Gibbs Farm
  • Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, departing with packed lunch. Enjoy a game drive in the Park, famed for its tree climbing lions and flamingoes on the lake! Later drive to your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater.

Manyara National Park

Between the cliff of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, the unusually dense forest vegetation of Manyara National Park is supported by underground water that has traveled down the 1,968 foot rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Babbling freshwater and hot springs provide a unique setting for the 380 species of birds and abundant wildlife that is found here including the famous Manyara tree-climbing lions. Although their behavior remains a mystery, it is quite possible to find an entire pride of lions stretched out in the branches of the acacia trees. Herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra are often found on the grassy plains as are giraffe – some so dark they appear to be black from the distance.

Ngorongoro Crater

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing and visiting a local Maasai village.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater
Daily Summary

On safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast drive into the Crater for a full day safari with a boxed lunch.

The largest unbroken caldera in the world, Ngorongoro Crater was formed nearly 2.5 million years ago. The 100 square mile crater floor contains one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa who are drawn by the large herds of prey animals. Although the crater is dominated by lions and hyenas, the elusive serval cat can also be found prowling the marshes for water birds while cheetah are often seen pursuing small antelope. The crater floor is also one of the last habitats of the endangered black rhino. Bird life is prolific with regular visits by large flocks of migratory birds including flamingos, white storks and yellow wagtails.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti National Park
Northern Serengeti National Park
Northern Serengeti National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer from Ngorongoro to Manyara Airstrip
  • Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Flight Manyara to Serengeti National Park
  • Accommodation: Serian's Serengeti Lamai Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Light Aircraft Flight Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Flight Manyara to Serengeti. Aircraft may make stops en route.

This morning you are transferred to the Manyara Airstrip for your flight to the Serengeti National Park

Northern Serengeti National Park

The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.


Days 7 - 8: Northern Serengeti

On safari in the Serengeti National Park
On safari in the Serengeti National Park
On safari in the Serengeti National Park
Daily Summary

On safari in the Serengeti National Park

You spend your time on safari in the Serengeti.
As large as the state of Connecticut, the Serengeti is most famous for its seasonal migration of wildlife that traverse the length of the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing, closely followed by a host of predators including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena - literally "a moving feast." This mass concentration of wildlife and the ensuing interaction between predator and prey creates a spectacle unrivaled in the natural world.

Day 9: Masai Mara

Masai Mara
Masai Mara
Masai Mara
Daily Summary

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kogatende airstrip in order to take your scheduled flight to Keekorok airstrip. This is a cross border flight with 2 stops for immigration and customs in Tanzania and Kenya. Arrive and transfer to the camp. Enjoy a game drive this afternoon.

Masai Mara

An extension of the vast Serengeti, the Masai Mara has immense concentrations of game including its famous black-maned lions. The ancient and often tragic phenomenon of more than a million wildebeest and zebra crossing the wild Mara River in their flight towards the northern Mara grasslands between July and September is an intensely dramatic sight. Throughout the year, a great variety of resident wildlife makes the Masai Mara Kenya’s prime game viewing area.


Days 10 - 11: Masai Mara

Time on Safari in the Masai Mara
Time on Safari in the Masai Mara
Time on Safari in the Masai Mara
Daily Summary

Time on Safari in the Masai Mara

Masai Mara is situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible and most spectacular eco-systems and possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system. Your time is spent on safari in this magical Reserve. Activities will be scheduled by your lodge during your stay.

Day 12: Depart

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer camp to airstrip
  • Domestic Flights: Flight Masai Mara to Nairobi
  • Transfer: Transfer from Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
  • Meals: B
Flight Masai Mara to Nairobi
Scheduled flight Masai Mara to Nairobi.

Time permitting you will enjoy a morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast before being transferred to the airstrip in time for your flight.

On arrival at Wilson Airport, you are met and transferred to the international airport in time for your flight home.

Accommodation

Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge
Legendary Lodge

Legendary Lodge

Located on a working coffee plantation set in the foothills of Mount Meru, on the outskirts of the vibrant town of Arusha, Legendary Lodge is your gateway to the celebrated Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. The tranquil lodge grounds have 10 private cottages and two generously spaced family cottages. Retreat to the seclusion of your own cottage, with oversized beds and romantic billowing mosquito nets, and enjoy all the comforts you would come to expect from Arusha’s finest lodge. The lodge is the ideal start and end point of a safari expedition, allowing you to truly relax among lush vegetation, indulge in restorative wellness treatments, visit the neighboring coffee estate and sample delicious menus. Recommended one to two nights’ stay, providing a seamless transition in and out of Tanzania.

Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Lemala Mpingo Ridge

Lemala Mpingo Ridge

Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge is perfectly perched on top of an escarpment with sweeping views over the Tarangire River. Between about June and October, this perennial waterway attracts the huge numbers of buffalo, giraffe and elephant that thrive in Tarangire National Park. Most visitors to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit are usually on their way to the popular Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, thus very few discover the rewarding safari experience that Tarangire has to offer. The park is best known for its big herds of elephant, tree-climbing lions, and the unusual long-necked gerenuk (also known as the giraffe gazelle). With about 550 bird species, it is a superb bird-watching destination and the best place in northern Tanzania to see majestic baobabs – Africa’s unique 'upside down tree'. Guests at Mpingo Ridge Lodge are privy to guided morning walks in Tarangire’s soul-stirring wilderness, as well as thrilling night game drives. The area is densely vegetated and mostly covered in open woodland with thick forest along the Tarangire River, the ideal environment for leopard.

Gibbs Farm
Gibbs Farm
Gibbs Farm
Gibbs Farm

Gibbs Farm

Gibb's Farm lies at the heart of Africa's Great Rift Valley in a tranquil spot in the Ngorongoro Highlands, just 5km from the village of Karatu in Tanzania. It’s the perfect place to explore beautiful scenery, go on guided walks to nearby waterfalls or take part in a bird-watching trip, or take a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which hosts one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Each of the 20 cottages at Gibb’s Farm features rich wooden floors and classic interiors adorned with artwork, a wraparound fireplace which warms the bathroom and living area, and wraparound windows combine to create cozy accomodations with panoramic views of the gardens and Ngorongoro Forest Reserve. Enjoy watching a daily coffee bean roasting session which takes place on the patio; along with buffet-style breakfasts and lunch, and set 4-course meal dinners.

Serian
Serian
Serian
Serian

Serian's Serengeti Lamai Camp

The open plains of the Lamai Wedge are incredibly beautiful and abundant in game. The landscape is reminiscent of scenes from Out of Africa, and there is plenty of freedom to roam and explore. The camp is situated opposite Crossing Point 4, midway among all crossing points along the river – and is perfectly positioned to spectate the wildebeest river crossings. Away from the river, this area of rolling savannah, boulder-strewn hillsides and fig-tree groves, is littered with inconceivably enormous herds of wildebeest, topi and zebra – as well as all the predators that gorge on this movable feast. Needless to say, the game-viewing we have access to is world-class. Cheetah, lion and elephant especially make for fantastic sighting, but it’s not unheard of to see the Big Five in a day.

Cottar
Cottar
Cottar

Cottar's 1920s Camp

he award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has its own 7608-acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers and professional guides whose qualifications are the highest in Africa. Offering an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding in a luxurious and authentic camping environment.

Details

Details

Price Includes

• Meals, park fees, transfers, accommodation, activities indicated in the attached quote.
• Private game drives during the safari in 1x 7-seater safari vehicle.
• Private game drives during the safari in 1x 7-seater safari vehicle at Serian Camp.
• Shared game drives during the safari in 1x 7-seater safari vehicle at Cottars Camp.
• Activities mentioned as included.
• Scheduled flights.
• Fly in doctor.

Price Excludes

• International flights.
• Optional activities.
• Visas, vaccinations, certificates, insurance, Covid test fee, etc.
• Any other service that has not been mentioned in the attached quote.

Why Maxim Tours?

Why Maxim Tours?

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Tours’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides 

Maxim Tours' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting,  a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.  

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Tours actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.