luxury kenya and tanzania safari

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Spirit of Kenya

10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari

4.9 /5 – 483 Reviews

$5,290 to $7,380 pp (USD)

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This tour spends five days in Kenya (Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara) and five days in Tanzania (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, and Manyara). You will transfer from Masai Mara to the Serengeti through the Isebania Border. At the end of the tour you may opt to to transfer to Amboseli for one or two nights and then finish the tour in Nairobi (as opposed to ending the tour in Arusha). This tour can also be done in the opposite order (starting in Arusha).

Tour Features

Luxury tour.

This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Suitable for all ages

This tour is suitable for children of all ages.

Activities & Transportation

Accommodation & meals.

• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Day Accommodation Meals

• 10 End of tour (No accommodation) – Breakfast & Lunch Included Breakfast & Lunch Included

Interested in This Tour?

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• Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
• If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Best price guarantee

• This tour is offered by Spirit of Kenya , not SafariBookings.
• This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
• If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
• The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
• If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
• What is included in this tour

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• More About This Operator

Customer Reviews

Perfect from start to finish

From the moment we emailed our interest to Vanessa to the moment we landed back home, our entire experience was wonderful! Vanessa was quick and so helpful in organising everything for us and answering any questions we had. Once we landed...

Full Review

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East African Splendour

Destination, classic safari supersights.

At 12 days, the East African Splendour is a shorter version of our 17-day African Splendour Classic Safari . But the marvels we encounter—the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater—are matchless in their classic African and planetary magnificence. Quintessentially African in their wealth of wildlife and their uniquely stunning landscapes, planetary because their likes are found precisely nowhere else on Earth.  

We begin in Hemingways, a serene and leafy hotel in Nairobi’s suburbs, before heading to Sir Richard Branson’s innovative yet tradition-honouring Mahali Mzuri, an ideal outpost for our forays into the river forests and golden plains of the Maasai Mara. Then, based from the soothingly luxe Four Seasons, we delve into the ocean of life that is the Serengeti. Our last stop before heading back to a pleasant pre-flight rest in Nairobi is the Ngorongoro Crater, whose steep walls encase a 100-square mile caldera populated by the full cast of Africa’s glorious animals (and, while ensconced in The Manor at Ngorongoro, we’ll visit nearby Lake Manyara, which many consider Africa’s most comely lake, and whose lyric flight of flamingos you may remember from Out of Africa).

The creation was an act of mercy. William Blake

•   The Serengeti: “The light is dazzling, the air delectable; the magic of the American prairie here blends with the other magic of the animals as they existed before man,” wrote the great British litterateur Cyril Connolly.
• The Maasai Mara, the northern, more exuberantly foliated reaches of the vast Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, the world’s greatest assemblage of free-roaming animals, a place where, Isak Dinesen wrote, “you felt the night-air soft and deep and pregnant with benediction.”  
• Once a towering volcano, a rival of lordly Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural masterpiece that brings to mind Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World.  
• And last and of course, the constant, touchdown to takeoff presence of a Micato Safari Director. backed up by our 24-hour Concierge Service and our in-country and international staff.  

En route to Kenya and its capital city, Nairobi.

We arrive in Nairobi and Hemingways , a quietly ravishing haven for lovers of old-style panache mixed with modern amenities and great cuisine, wonderfully set in the lush suburb of Karen.

We fly west from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, the northern, more verdant section of the single most salubrious wildlife habitat on this or any known planet, the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. Game drives in the Mara are especially fruitful….Our Mara headquarters is Sir Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri , whose innovatively designed, yet very African tents “resemble the tents of our youth like a Gulfstream G650 resembles a Piper Cub,” as we said a while back. Mzuri is auspiciously set next to one of the Mara’s prime migration pathways.

Now— these are thrilling safari words!— into the Serengeti, amazing in its enormity, its almost infinite skies and long, golden reaches, its million-year quiet. We’ll make far-ranging game drives on the great plain and in its riverine forests, based from the stunningly deluxe Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti , set on rocky bluffs, giving us vast, endlessly stimulating views.

A typically spectacular flight and pleasant drive deliver us to The Manor at Ngorongoro , a marvelous 10-cottage, 20-suite retreat set within a 1500- acre Arabica coffee estate adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . Those of us who have travelled in South Africa will recognize the Manor’s elegant Cape Dutch style; those who haven’t will simply be charmed. Our three nights at the Manor are a rare idyll.

We’ll enjoy a restful afternoon (or a very active one; the Manor offers horsebacking, mountain biking, swimming in the Manor’s pool, and estate walks, among other enjoyments), before a classic high tea and dinner in the private dining room or wine cellar.

And the next day we visit one of the earth’s natural masterpieces. We’ve got a lot of affection for Ngorongoro. Here’s the essence of the crater’s tremendous charisma: 25,000 or so large and very viewable mammals— from apex predators to galumphing hippos— inhabit the crater’s 100-square-mile floor, and zigzagging up the old volcano’s forested wall to its rim, and gazing for the first or fifth time at the lush lands and their inhabitants in the crater below, is a great moment in any traveller’s life.

We’ll descend to the crater and excitedly roam from morning to afternoon, stopping at mid-day for a charmingly luxurious bush lunch, before heading back to a serene evening at the Manor.

Now we encounter Lake Manyara . Africa is blessed with epic lakes (Tanganyika is the world’s second deepest; all the Rift Lakes are gigantic stunners), but many, including Ernest Hemingway, consider the smaller gem of Lake Manyara— with its diamond-white alkali rim, its million or so coral-coloured flamingos, and the deep sapphire waters at its centre— the loveliest of all. After a relaxed (or active) morning at the Manor, we’ll embark on a fine afternoon of game viewing around the lake (many tree-climbing lions frequent Manyara’s Africa-embodying scrublands, mahogany forests, and bird-thronged marshlands). And after cocktails and canapés in the bush, we head back to the Manor for a final night before regretfully getting ready to head home.

After flying back to Nairobi, we’ll relax in full service, meals-included day rooms at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel or the Four Points by Sheraton at the Nairobi Airport, have a quiet dinner, and head out to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for our late evening flights home, where we arrive, tired but exalted, on Day 12 of this mightily splendid safari.

• Camps & Lodges

Hemingways Nairobi

Mahali mzuri, four seasons safari lodge serengeti, the manor at ngorongoro crater, fairmont the norfolk.

• What's Included
• Luxury accommodations and all meals.
• Highly-credentialed Micato Safari Directors and Driver-Guides throughout your journey.
• 24/7 Concierge Team poised to meet last minute, unexpected, and unusual requests.
• A variety of activities, individualized for you by your Safari Director at every safari location.
• Every last gratuity, even substantial ones to Safari Directors, Driver-Guides, waiters, porters… and everyone else, from beginning to end of your safari.
• Regional wine and beer at mealtimes, vehicles stocked with soft drinks and bottled water.
• Daily valet laundry service. You can pack less and even return home with a bag of clean clothes… now that’s luxury!
• Complimentary in-vehicle Wi-Fi as well as free Wi-Fi wherever else it exists on safari, including camps and lodges.
• All airport transfers, game park, national park, and conservancy fees.
• Extensive safety protocols perfected by 60 years of on-the-ground expertise.
• Sublime safari swag! Bush hats, specially designed Micato Safaris duffels, luggage tags, document wallets, flashlights, and more.
• For every guest on safari, Micato sends an African child to school.
• Dates & Rates

Price Per Person

Land Arrangements, Per Person (2024).

Please contact us for 2025 rates. Bring the Kids! Please contact us for child pricing. Ask us about a private vehicle for your Classic Safari.

Private Classic Safaris

Turn any Classic Safari into a fully Private Classic Safari

Private Custom Safaris

We customize your safari for your private group

Request Free Micato Brochures

Our extraordinarily readable, bountifully beautiful books of African and India tours are readily available to you by mail, online viewing, or PDF download.

• Video Inspiration

Enjoy this taste of a Micato Safari. While this video doesn’t literally represent this safari, it absolutely captures the spirit.

• Options & Extensions

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Hot air balloon safaris over africa.

For questions or booking inquiries, call 1-800-642-2861 or contact us.

More Safari Inspiration

The micato grand safari.

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Kenya & Tanzania Highlights Luxury Safari

17  days, 2  countries, transport included, meals included as specified, lodge activities included as specified.

Visiting: East Africa > Kenya > Chyulu Hills (Amboseli) > Masai Mara > Tanzania > Tarangire National Park > Ngorongoro Crater > Serengeti National Park

International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities

Ready to plan a tailor-made safari in East Africa

Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.

Is This Trip for Me?

This journey is the ultimate luxury combination safari including Kenya & Tanzania. The 17-day journey includes Nairobi, Amboseli, Masai Mara, Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

You will not be rushed from place to place as we have included some 3 nights stays to balance the experience and allow you time to not only enjoy the superb camps, but also to relax and reconnect with nature.

There is no better feeling than having time to read a book on your private terrace in the middle of the wilderness, breathe in the fresh air while you watch the star-filled sky, snooze by the pool while the elephants are moving in the horizon … this journey is a treat for all the senses.

Best Time to Go on this Trip

Peak, low and mixed are an indication of season and price, learn how pricing works.

What you'll Experience on this Tour

Your itinerary.

You arrive at Jomo Kenyatta airport, go through the passport controls and collect your luggage. Meet our representative and transfer...

Staying at Hemingways Nairobi

You arrive at Jomo Kenyatta airport, go through the passport controls and collect your luggage. Meet our representative and transfer to the luxury hotel, located in the suburb of Karen. Time at leisure, dinner and breakfast are included. Depending on your time of arrival, we can include optional excursions, such a visit to Scheldrick's Elephant Orphanage, or The Giraffe Centre, or a local market. Or simply enjoy the property's garden and pool to relax after the international flight and prepare for your safari.

Includes & Excludes

Meals: Breakfast included

Transport: Included

After breakfast you will travel from the Tarangire Area to the Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for...

Staying at Angama Amboseli

After breakfast you will travel from the Tarangire Area to the Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for its over 400 bird species, primate-filled forests and grassy plains. A large area of the park is covered by the alkaline Lake Manyara, the seasonal breeding grounds for large colonies of flamingos and many more waterfowls. The park is also home to giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, impalas and groups of noisy monkeys and baboons. After an extensive game drive, you will travel to Karatu in the Ngorongoro highlands. After your arrival, there might be time for an optional walk in the coffee plantations to learn more about coffee production. You will spend the night at one of the three beautifully located Tanganyika Wilderness Adventure Lodges

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Drinks: Local brands Included

Activities: Included

Masai Mara National Reserve

Fly to the Masai Mara and spend 2 nights at the luxury Rekero Camp, located next to the Talek River....

Staying at Rekero

Fly to the Masai Mara and spend 2 nights at the luxury Rekero Camp, located next to the Talek River. If you travel during the Great Migration season (between late July to September), you might be lucky to witness the herds crossing the area. This is an ecosystem of vast grasslands prowled by cheetah, peppered with acacia thickets in which leopards lurk, and divided by the Mara, Sand and Talek rivers.

The Masai Mara is a big cat territory, with healthy populations of lion, leopard and cheetah. There are elephant, buffalo and rhino, completing the Big 5, plus nearly 500 recorded bird species to spot. You will enjoy some amazing wildlife viewing, and delicious meals.

Mara Naibosho Conservancy

You will be transferred by road, through the bush and local villages to the nearby Naboisho Conservancy. Arrive for lunch...

Staying at Naboisho

You will be transferred by road, through the bush and local villages to the nearby Naboisho Conservancy. Arrive for lunch at the luxury Naboisho Camp and relax before the afternoon game drive. The stay at Naboisho is extended to allow you to appreciate this wonderful conservancy and take some time to disconnect from busy game viewing schedule. We have included 1x walking safari and you can also take part in the scheduled night drives.

A stay at Naboisho goes beyond the usual game drives. Explore the Mara on foot, keep your eyes peeled on a night drive or spend an unforgettable night camping in the bush for a real safari adventure. With 266 species of birds to spot, there are also ample birdwatching opportunities.

Spot wildlife from the lounge and dining area or whilst you relax in the swimming pool, and dine with the sights and sounds of the bush as your entertainment,  be it the whoops of hyenas at night or the fluttering of weaver birds in the morning.

Last morning in the Mara before the transfer to the airstrip and your flight to Wilson, connecting to Kilimanjaro. Arrive...

Staying at Katambuga House

Last morning in the Mara before the transfer to the airstrip and your flight to Wilson, connecting to Kilimanjaro. Arrive at the airport, meet our representative for the road transfer to the luxury guest house, located in a quiet residing suburb. There is a lovely garden and swimming pool, and we have included dinner at the property.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, transfer to nearby Arusha airport for the short flight hop to Tarangire National Park. You will be met...

Staying at Oliver’s Camp

After breakfast, transfer to nearby Arusha airport for the short flight hop to Tarangire National Park. You will be met by the camp's safari guide and enjoy a meandering game drive on the way to the camp, that is located in the South of the Park, away from the busier area.

In addition of the game drives, we have included 1 night drive and 1 walking safari during your stay. Throughout the year, Tarangire is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo and a high concentration of big cats. There are also animals such as wild dogs, kudu, oryx and gerenuks that won’t be found in the north of Tanzania. And for birders, there are more than 550 species, many of which are attracted to the park’s swamps.

Back at camp, your private deck is the perfect place to sit with a cold drink and enjoy the stillness and serenity of the African bush.

After breakfast, game drive back to the airstrip and the short flight to Lake Manyara airstrip. You will be met...

Staying at Gibb’s Farm

After breakfast, game drive back to the airstrip and the short flight to Lake Manyara airstrip. You will be met and transferred to Gibb's Farm. Your stay includes your meals, the selected in-house activities at Gibb's and we have included a full day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater boasts approximately 25 000 large animals and has one of the densest populations of lions anywhere in Tanzania. You will be collected from the farm early in the morning in closed safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for 360° views.

Back at Gibb's where you will be encouraged to immerse in the rhythms of the farm and enjoy a sense of tranquility and well-being. Awaken to the sound of bird call and while-away the days sipping on freshly roasted coffee grown on the farm.

Healthy, farm cuisine prepared fresh daily by attentive, gracious hands is the essence of the food philosophy at Gibb's. Organic farm-to-table dining inspires the senses and ignites the soul to restore and replenish your well-being. All the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs are picked from the organic gardens and meat is sourced from local, sustainably-raised farms

Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for the flight to the North of the Serengeti. This area has amazing wildlife...

Staying at Sayari

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for the flight to the North of the Serengeti. This area has amazing wildlife all year long, and typically receives the migrating herds from end of June to September, depending on the weather pattern.

Once the migrating herds have travelled back to the southern Serengeti in December, you can experience much more privacy with fewer tourists and vehicles around the national park. This is the period of time when safari veterans like to visit and enjoy having these vast plains to themselves. There is still have plenty of wildlife around, including lions and cheetahs. You might see elephants and rhinos and even leopards lurking in the riverine forests.

Back at camp, Sayari’s rim-flow pool is set between natural rock formations for guests to cool off in while watching elephants or zebras ambling past camp. After a dip, treat yourself to a beer at the Serengeti’s first solar-powered microbrewery before an afternoon game drive and sundowners around the campfire.

End of Itinerary

Last day in the bush, breakfast at camp before the transfer to the airstrip and the flight to Arusha airport....

Last day in the bush, breakfast at camp before the transfer to the airstrip and the flight to Arusha airport. You are met and transferred through a meandering drive to Rivertrees, where we have a day room for you until it is time to check in for your international flight and we will transfer you to JRO Kilimanjaro airport.

Travel with Confidence

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FAQs about Kenya & Tanzania Highlights Luxury Safari

• The currency that you will be using on a Kenya Safari is the Kenyan shilling.
• Pack neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the bush during Game drives
• Long-sleeved shirts help to provide sun and mosquito protection
• T-shirts and shorts are also great for warmer days
• Evenings and cooler days call for jeans or longer pants 
• A rain-proof jacket is always a good idea to pack along
• White Rhino
• Cape Buffalo
• Masai ostrich
• African Leopard
• The Nile Crocodile
• African Elephants
• The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects.
• English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher education institutions.
• You will find that the majority of the people that you come in contact with are fluent in English and have a surprisingly good command of the language.
• Kenya has a world of variety when it comes to tented accommodation camps, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another realm in the bush as your every desire comes try.

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Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safaris

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Embark on our Kenya & Tanzania Safaris, where we combine the most renowned safari destinations in East Africa, including Amboseli, Masai Mara , Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Tsavo National Park, alongside other top game reserves and cultural highlights. Our safaris offer a unique blend of wildlife encounters and cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa.

Witness the iconic wildlife of East Africa, from the majestic elephants of Amboseli to the roaring lions of the Serengeti. Experience the thrill of spotting the Big Five in their natural habitats, as well as a myriad of other fascinating species, from cheetahs and giraffes to hippos and crocodiles. With expert guides leading your safari expeditions, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close while learning about their behaviors and habitats.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the picturesque shores of Lake Nakuru. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and explore the rugged terrain of the Ngorongoro Crater . Whether you’re traversing the savannahs in search of wildlife or soaking in the serene beauty of the Rift Valley, each moment on safari is sure to leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

In addition to wildlife safaris, our Kenya & Tanzania Safaris offer opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction with local communities. Visit Maasai villages to learn about traditional customs and rituals, or explore bustling markets to sample local cuisine and crafts. Engage with indigenous tribes and gain insight into their way of life, forging connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

Our safaris cater to a variety of preferences and budgets, with options ranging from luxury lodge retreats to rustic camping adventures. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a solo adventure, we can customize your safari experience to suit your needs and interests. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guidance throughout your journey, you can focus on soaking in the beauty and wonder of East Africa in Luxury.

Join us on a Kenya & Tanzania Safari and embark on the journey of a lifetime through some of the most spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first safari adventure, our team is dedicated to ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, discovery, and lasting memories. Start planning your safari today and prepare for an adventure that will leave you longing to return to the wilds of Africa again and again.

Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safaris; Combine Kenya and Tanzania for the ultimate East African safari. The two countries are primarily big game destinations and home to many of Africa’s legendary parks. These luxury safaris are magnificent journeys through Kenya and Tanzania, sampling the best game parks, and encompassing the magnificent scenery, wildlife, and adventure for which East Africa is famous.

Visitors to Kenya and Tanzania can easily combine both countries in one trip with travel by road, by air, or a combination of both. Explore incredible national parks and stay at beautifully outfitted safari lodges and camps. Experience the East African Savannah with all five senses as you search for the “big five.”

Our fly-in Kenya and Tanzania luxury safaris make use of light aircraft to transfer you between locations within Kenya and Tanzania safari destinations, saving you time moving between attractions so that you can see and do more on your vacation. These flights are operated in smaller aircraft such as Cessna’s and Dash 7 and are generally low-flying, offering some incredible game viewing.

Fly from the East Africa region’s air hubs, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Dar-es-salaam International Airport into the bush or a beach destination.

Once at your destination enjoy a number of rewarding activities, including open vehicle game drive led by professional guides, night drives, guided bush walks, early morning hot air balloon rides, horseback safaris, spa treatments, motorized boating safaris, Skydiving, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sunset cruises, Traditional Maasai warrior dancing displays, Maasai Village visits and stargazing.

Some of the Parks visited include: Masai Mara, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Selous etc. A combination safari invites easy add-ons, such as gorilla and chimp trekking and the idyllic tropical islands off Africa’s eastern seaboard, like Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Mombasa, where you can soak up the sun at family-friendly resorts, dive with whale sharks and stroll along private, palm-fringed beaches.

Explore our East African Safari packages or we can tailor them to your individual preferences. Ready to plan your safari? Tell us your wish and we’ll help you plan the journey of a lifetime.

7 Days 6 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Bush & Beach Safari exclusively with andBeyond Camps and Lodges (Masai Mara & Zanzibar)

Spend 7-days exploring the stunning Masai Mara National Reserve and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar on this classic Kenya and Tanzania bush & beach safari. Begin your safari adventure with a light aircraft flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Spend 3 nights at the luxury andBeyond Bateleur Camp on morning and afternoon 4x4 day game drives as you explore the reserve’s beautiful open savannahs, spotting the Big 5 along with a host of other wildlife. Go on spot-lit night drives, bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments. Take a flight back to Nairobi and stop for lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, arguably one of Kenya’s greatest eating experiences, before a flight to Zanzibar. This stunning island boasts wonderful beaches and warm turquoise waters. With three nights on the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions on offer. Explore the atmospheric capital Stone Town on a half day tour or take to the waters in a traditional dhow keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins. Alternatively, simply spend your days relaxing beside the white sand beaches.

8 Day Kenya & Tanzania Fly-in luxury Safari with andBeyond Camps and Lodges (Masai Mara – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater)

One of our best Kenya & Tanzania combined tours, this 8-day safari kicks off in Kenya's Masai Mara before heading south into Tanzania for the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Stay at luxurious andBeyond tented camps and lodges and enjoy quality service and a Big 5 safari experience. Start your journey in the Masai Mara at andBeyond Bateleur Camp, well placed for the Wildebeest Migration. Bateleur Camp also offers bird watching, balloon safaris, guided bush walks, spot-lit night drives, cultural visits & year-round game viewing. Next at the Serengeti National Park, we stay at the Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp located in prime game-viewing location and perfectly positioned to catch the annual migration in June and July. Here we enjoy bird watching, game drives, hot air ballooning and day trips to Lake Victoria. Finish the safari at the exclusive and luxurious andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge set on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing year-round with 25 000 large mammals, including black rhino, zebra and eland, and Africa’s densest population of lion.

9 Day Kenya & Tanzania Fly-in luxury Safari with andBeyond Camps and Lodges (Masai Mara – Serengeti – Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro)

Explore the best of East Africa in this 9-day safari of a lifetime, taking in the top game parks of Kenya & Tanzania. The itinerary includes most popular game park/reserve including Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Starting in Nairobi and ending in Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, the tour includes everything from airport pickups, internal flights, accommodation at 4 extraordinary andBeyond lodges and camps, park fees, three tasty meals per day, a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a naturalist & an expert driver-guide. Beginning from Nairobi, fly to Masai Mara where you are met and transferred to AndBeyond Bateleur Camp for 2 nights. On Day 3, fly to the Serengeti in Tanzania and stay at the AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp for 2 nights. Then continue by air to andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge for 2 nights. Spend the last 2 days on safari at AndBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. On your final day, you fly back to Kilimanjaro International Airport and depart.

9 Days 8 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Fly-in Safari with Sanctuary Retreats Camps and Lodges (Arusha – Tarangire – Serengeti – Masai Mara)

Spend 9 fantastic and memorable days exploring Kenya & Tanzania 3 iconic safari destinations - Tarangire, Serengeti and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Begin your adventure with a night at Arusha Coffee Lodge set on the outskirts of Arusha. The focus then moves to Tarangire National Park spending 3 nights at Sanctuary Swala Camp on activities such as day and night game drives, bush walks, bush meals and sundowners. Next, we fly to Serengeti National Park and stay at Sanctuary Kusini Camp for 2 nights searching for the Big 5 on game drives, walking safaris, culture tours and balloon safaris. Finish the safari with a 3-night stay at Sanctuary Olonana Camp. The Great Wildebeest Migration, excellent year-round game viewing and hot-air balloon safaris make the Masai Mara the perfect place for an African safari.

11 Days 10 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Fly-in Luxury Safari Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

This 11-day Kenya & Tanzania Fly-in luxury safari combines Kenya's Masai Mara with Tanzania's Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater to make the perfect safari for up-close Big 5 sightings & wildebeest migration. The tour includes outstanding accommodation and begins with a night at the Ololo Safari Lodge situated on the edge of Nairobi National Park, offering classic game drives and guided nature walks. Next you fly to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Here you stay for 3 nights at the Porini Lion Camp enjoying day & night game drives, sundowners and guided walks. Then fly across the border into Tanzania's Serengeti and stay for 3 nights at the Kimondo Camp. Kimondo is a migration camp that moves with the seasons, following the wildebeest herds around the Serengeti. You will go on game drives, hot-air balloon safaris and cultural visits. Your last 3 nights are spent at the Gibb's Farm, a peaceful and friendly retreat on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here you will enjoy garden walks, coffee plantation walks, medicinal walks, elephant caves or forest and waterfall walks, game drives to the Crater and village tours in Karatu.

13 Days 12 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Fly-in Luxury Safari Masai Mara (Naboisho Conservancy), Serengeti National Park, Ruaha National Park & Zanzibar Island

This 13-day luxury fly-in safari combines the best of Kenya and Tanzania before continuing to Zanzibar – the Spice Island – for its beautiful white sand beaches and interesting history and culture. First visit the Mara Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains. Spend 3 nights at the luxury Encounter Mara Camp on activities such as day and night game drives, bird watching, cultural excursions, guided walking safaris and hot air ballooning. Next fly across the border to the Serengeti and spend 3 nights at Ubuntu Migration Camp a good value mobile camp that follows the famous wildebeest migration from the southern plains of Serengeti National Park, where the herds calve annually, west to the Grumeti River and north to the Mara River, where the wildebeest and zebra herds cross crocodile-filled waters. Fly south to the lesser known Ruaha National Park and stay for 3 nights at Kwihala Camp which offers game drives, walking safaris, bush breakfasts and sundowners. Finally unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, relaxing in a hammock or swimming in the Indian Ocean and enjoy adventure water sports.

12 Days 11 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Luxury 4x4 Road & Air Safari Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Masai Mara

A 12-day luxury safari that combines 4x4 road and air visiting some of East Africa’s most renowned safari destinations. After a night at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, depart by road to the game-rich Amboseli National Park well known as the "elephants park" on the border between Kenya and Tanzania, in the lee of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Crossing over to Tanzania you travel to Lake Manyara National park and enjoy this intimate park that is celebrated because of its beautiful lake and famous tree-climbing lions. Then proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater and spend a day on the crater floor which offers excellent game viewing year-round with 25 000 large mammals, including black rhino, zebra and eland, and Africa’s densest population of lion. Continue to the Serengeti National Park and enjoy a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of year you visit. The grand finale - Masai Mara National Reserve, home to abundance of animals like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Luxury safari accommodation in Kenya include Amboseli Serena & and Mara Intrepids camp while in Tanzania you stay at the exclusive luxury Serena Hotels and lodges.

12 Days 11 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Bush & Beach Fly-in Luxury Safari Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar

This is a 12-day luxury Safari and beach holiday that combines three of East Africa's most unforgettable wildlife destinations - Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with Zanzibar, the perfect place for your tropical island beach getaway in Tanzania. Starting in Nairobi – and after a night at the unique One Forty-Eight Hotel – we fly to the Maasai Mara and stay for 3 nights at the andBeyond Bateleur Camp, then fly across the border into Tanzania to Serengeti for a 2-night stay at the andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. Fly to the Ngorongoro and stay on the rim at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for 2 nights (including a tour of the fascinating Ngorongoro Crater) then continue by air to the award-winning Breezes Beach Club & Spa in Zanzibar for 3 nights. The tour includes all-inclusive meals and alcoholic drinks, daily morning and afternoon game drives in exclusive custom-built safari vehicles, spot the iconic 'Big Five' with expert local guides, take part in a thrilling night safari or a hot air balloon ride, enjoy guided nature walks, meet the Maasai community on a cultural village visit and so much more.

11 Days 10 Nights Kenya & Tanzania Bush & Beach Fly-in Luxury Safari Masai Mara & Zanzibar

Our 11 Day Kenya & Tanzania bush & beach holiday combines a fly-in safari to Kenya's best game reserve – the Masai Mara with a relaxing beach stay on the exotic Island of Zanzibar. Begin your safari adventure with a light aircraft flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Ol Kinyei Conservancy – a private wilderness area bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the adjacent Naboisho Conservancy. Stay for three nights at the award-winning Porini Mara Camp and enjoy activities such as morning and afternoon game drives as you spot the Big 5 along with a host of other wildlife. Alternatively book a hot air balloon safari, go for a night drive, sundowners in the bush or take a guided walking safari with the Masai. Fly back to Nairobi and stop for lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, arguably one of Kenya’s greatest eating experiences, before a flight to Zanzibar. With seven nights on the island, you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions such as Stone Town tours, snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, deep sea fishing etc. Alternatively, simply spend your days relaxing beside the white sand beaches.

Booking & Reservations Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safaris Contact

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711 WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711 Reservations: +254 718-179-967 Email: [email protected] Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com

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• East Africa Safari
• Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Safari Holiday

10 Day Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Safari Holiday

Luxury Safari Holiday Highlights

• Migration viewing, all year round
• Stay in Tented camps, with a more luxurious look and feel
• Visit the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
• Enjoy cultural activities in Maasai Villages
• View a large assortment of wild game including, rhino, buffalo, warthog, elephant, lion, leopard and hyena

Your Safari Experience

This 10 Day Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safari Holiday allows you to enjoy the quintessential African safari experience, encompassing the most iconic safari hotspots on the continent from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Stay in luxurious accommodation and enjoy excellent service. Flying between the camps means that your time spent game viewing is maximised rather than spending hours on the road.

This luxury Kenya safari package is your opportunity to see one of nature's great natural wonders where the Great Migration takes place. The Great Migration is the annual movement of millions of herbivores in search of fresh grazing. Explore the rolling plains of the savannah on foot, approaching Gazelles and Giraffe or even skirting a lazing pride of Lion.

Meet the iconic Maasai people and learn about the culture of these pastoralists during your luxury African safari in Kenya. Travel into the depths of one of the World's largest crater creating a microcosm of the safari experience. The crater has a lake, ringed with masses of pink flamingos, reflecting the vast African sky and upside down animals as they take a drink.

Day 1: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In the morning of your luxury Africa safari, board a scheduled flight to the Masai Mara from Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Marvel at the changing vistas as you travel west. Safari planes fly at a lower altitude, allowing you to take in the scenic landscape below.

As you land, your guide will be there to meet you and transfer you to your luxury camp, which is nestled along a riverbank. Your safari has truly begun.

Enjoy the drive to the camp, spotting many wild animals on the way. After a delicious lunch and orientation to the camp, you will go on an afternoon game drive searching for the renowned big cats that inhabit this area.

Day 2: Breakfast in the Bush

Wake up early to the sounds of the African bush rejoicing to the start of another day, and take an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari above the open plains, gazing down on the elephants, wildebeest and gazelles below.

Alternatively, take an early morning game drive and enjoy a bush breakfast in a picturesque spot out in the wilds of the Masai Mara. Watch the huge herds all across the acacia-studded savannah.

In the afternoon, take a game drive exploring the riparian forest and woodland in search of the increasingly threatened black rhino. Take your bird list with and tick off the more than 300 bird species found here.

In the evening after dinner, you could do some stargazing and learn about African mythology surrounding the stars during your luxury African safari.

Day 3: Take a Drive on the Wild Side

Spend the full day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve.The Mara is where the Great Migration reaches its climax during which over 2 million herbivores move restlessly in search of fresh grazing. A veritable walking feast for the ever-present predators.

Or, gain an insight into the vibrant, very traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people. You can do a cultural visit to a Maasai village where you can learn about the importance of cattle, plants and the various stages of life that young girls and boys go through to reach the pinnacle of respected elder within the tribe.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Enjoy a sunrise game drive where your guide will help decode the dramas that have played out in the night before savouring breakfast.

Then you will be driven to the airstrip where you will board a scheduled flight to the Kenyan Tanzanian border. From here, you will do a short scenic drive crossing the border into Tanzania to board an onward flight into the Serengeti.

Your guide from the mobile camp will be there to meet you and to transfer you to the camp. The camp’s location is determined according to the migration’s movement, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the action.

Day 5: Migration Spectacle

Wake up with the sun and follow the ebb and flow of the great migration. Here morning and afternoon game drives are focused on the migration and other species and predators that come along with this incredible spectacle.

Or, you can take a scrumptious bush lunch with you and spend the whole day out in the bush.

Day 6: Sun Downers on the Open Plains

Spend this day of your luxury African safari exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti, the famed site of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Choose to do a game drive in the morning or an optional hot air balloon safari can be done. The Serengeti is considered to be a paradise by the Maasai, who used to graze their cattle on the endless plains.

During your afternoon game drive, you will time to stop at a viewpoint and survey the great plains of the Serengeti. Watch the magnificent sunsets of Africa whilst sipping on a refreshing drink as you celebrate the end of the day, surrounded by thousands of wildebeest and zebras.

Finally head back into camp and after a delicious freshly prepared meal, sit around the campfire reliving the fabulous sights witnessed so far during your luxury African safari.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Start the day with an early breakfast and then a game drive to the airstrip. Here you will board your flight ready for the next portion of your luxury Kenyan safari.

Today you will travel to another iconic East African safari destination - the Ngorongoro Crater. This extinct volcano has the largest unbroken caldera in the World, which forms a unique ecosystem, home to over 30 000 large animals.

From the airstrip, your guide will meet you and transport you on a stunning drive to your camp. Travel up serpentine roads, driving amongst the clouds and in between Maasai herders with their cows.

Watch the shifting changes of the light as it plays with the various shades of green, giving you an eerie sense of timelessness as you pass through the primordial forests, in complete contrast to the Serengeti.

Arrive in time for a buffet lunch with some time to relax before heading out for a late afternoon game drive.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Set out on a full day excursion down into the Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to many Wildebeest, Gazelle and has one of the densest Lion populations on the planet.

The crater lake is beguiling with its ever-changing pink rim, made from all the flamingos. Then there are the comical hippos, popping up with twitching ears to see what is going on around them, as they bathe to stay out of the African sun.

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in the crater before continuing the adventure.

Day 9: Maasai Village

Today you can visit a local Maasai village and learn how the tribe lives, or take a game drive around the crater rim. You also have an additional option to visit Lake Manyara made famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Here you can walk across a treetop walkway, giving a sky-high adventure through the forest of Lake Manyara. An African safari allows you to be as adventurous or relaxed as you wish to be.

Day 10: Kilimanjaro

On your final morning of your Kenya and Tanzania luxury African safari, you will take a scenic drive down from the rim of the crater to Manyara airstrip. From here, you will board a short flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.

• Flights from Wilson Airport to Masai Mara, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Shared road transfers to and from airports
• Entrance and conservation fees for all reserves as per itinerary
• 3 nights' accommodation at Sanctuary Olonana Camp
• 3 nights' accommodation at Sanctuary Serengeti Mobile Camp
• 3 nights' accommodation at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
• All meals including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks and dinner as per itinerary
• Local drinks including teas/coffees, soft drinks, local brand beers, local spirits and house wines
• Daily game drives in a shared safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide
• Nature walk, Maasai village visit and bush meals
• Laundry services
• Emergency medical evacuation
• All meet and greet services

Not Included

• Premium brand drinks and champagne
• Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary

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Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Safari and Beach Honeymoon

This dream safari and beach vacation takes in East Africa's natural wonders, the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater and combines that safari experience with a relaxing island retreat in the Indian Ocean. You will stay in andBeyond properties which offer intimate game viewing, luxurious, romantic accommodation, and high-quality service throughout.

The safari starts at the elegant Bateleur Camp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Here, amidst the reserve's astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, you can have an unsurpassed wildlife experience. You can almost exclusively explore this area on a game drive or on foot, enjoying access to pristine outdoor dining locations. From here fly directly into the western corridor of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park for a stay at the far-flung Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge. Twice-daily game drives from the lodge often encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena and big herds of resident plains game. Then to the rim of Ngorongoro's ancient caldera and to the sumptuous and utterly unique Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Aside from the thrilling game drives into the crater, expect dramatic interiors, views that will blow you away and banquets on the crater floor. Following your safari, you will head to the incredible Mnemba Island, truly one of, if not the most impressive, beach property in Africa. Discover sheer, unpretentious paradise on this exclusive island staying in a rustically chic beachside banda.

Day by Day summary

• Starts - Catch your overnight flight from Seattle International to Nairobi International
• 3 nights - Bateleur Camp, Maasai Mara, Kenya
• 2 nights - Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Serengeti & Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania
• 2 nights - Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• 4 nights - Mnemba Island, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
• Ends - Transfer to Zanzibar for your international flight home

At a glance

Tailormade itineraries.

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

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• Tick 3 natural wonders off your travel bucket list
• Crater floor banquets, dine in one of the most unique settings in Africa
• Hot air balloon safaris and champagne breakfasts out in the savannah
• Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration (in season)
• Mnemba Island, an exclusive barefoot island paradise

Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

• Accommodation as specified
• Meals as specified
• Drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Light aircraft transfers as detailed in the itinerary
• All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
• Road transfers as detailed in the itinerary
• National Parks and conservation entry fees
• Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
• Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
• Community projects contribution with Uthando
• Personal travel insurance
• Any additional activities not offered as scheduled by the camps or lodges
• Visas and visa fees where relevant
• Additional activities not included as scheduled at hotels, lodges or camps

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick off the Big Five or encounter specific safari species and sea creatures on your safari and coastal stay, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

• Bespoke itineraries
• Flights and transfers included
• Best rates guaranteed

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Our travel experts are ready to start creating your tailormade trip.

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The Great Migration: Kenya & Tanzania Ultra-Lux Safari Tour with Exclusive Eco-Lodge Stays & 'Big Five' Game Drives

Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park... +2 more

Witness Kenya’s and Tanzania’s spectacular wildlife, setting out on game drives through the region’s most abundant parks and private reserves and staying in the best boutique camp and luxury lodge accommodations.

Journey Highlights

• Experience six nights in the heart of Great Migration country, three each in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara
• Behold Africa’s astoundingly diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, from custom-made vehicles with an unobstructed view from every seat
• Explore alongside handpicked safari guides whose in-depth tracking expertise leads to amazing wildlife encounters
• Discover both the modern and traditional aspects of daily local life, with visits to a Maasai village as well as a typical town, for a unique, culturally immersive experience
• Expend less time travelling and more time spotting game thanks to convenient flights between game regions
• Finish with a three-night stay at enchanting Sanctuary Olonana, the ultimate luxury safari lodge, set on the Mara River

Your journey takes you to: Nairobi, Kenya – Amboseli National Park – Arusha, Tanzania – Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park – Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya – Nairobi.

Upon your arrival in Nairobi, you'll be seamlessly transferred to your opulent accommodation. Experience the essence of luxury as you settle into your five-star stay, coveted as the best boutique hotel in Nairobi.

Today, drive to Amboseli National Park at the base of soaring, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which, at 5,895 metres, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Set out in search of the region’s spectacular wildlife. Amboseli’s huge draw is the elephants. Watch as big herds roam the dusty plains, including “tuskers,” large, older bulls who have grown impressive tusks. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a welcome dinner.

Explore wildlife-rich Amboseli National Park. In addition to watching elephants up close from a safari vehicle that seats just six, view other game such as giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, hyena and, occasionally, lions. After savouring a morning on safari, break for lunch. This afternoon, head out again for another game drive that reveals even more of East Africa’s natural wonders.

After crossing the border into Tanzania, stop for lunch in Arusha. Then, board a flight to Tarangire National Park and settle into your luxurious accommodation, Sanctuary Swala, a boho-chic glamping stay. Set in a secluded area of the park for a more exclusive safari experience, eco-friendly Sanctuary Swala’s large tents are built on raised decks under umbrella acacia trees overlooking a popular watering hole. The layout is open, with resident impala often grazing in camp. Wide panoramas of wooded savanna stretch in every direction, which is nurtured by the permanent Tarangire River and populated by abundant big game. Its dusty red landscape also hosts a large bird population. Tonight, dine at camp.

Embark on morning and afternoon game drives to explore Tarangire National Park and its stunning collection of animals — herds of elephant, impala and zebra. Look, too, for python and the twitching tail of a leopard hiding in high branches. Activities available at an additional cost include a walking safari and exploring Lake Gursi by canoe. Once back at Swala, partake in a Chef’s Table experience, including a cooking demonstration of local dishes such as ugali, makande and kachumbari.

Learn how Tanzanians live today, exploring a local village, as you Ride Like a Local by tuk-tuk, a major form of transport here. See rice fields and a banana plantation. In the village, walk the local market to see the colourful produce on display. Afterwards, head to your restful luxury lodge, set near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Walk with a Maasai healer , discovering the uses of over 20 different indigenous plants in the Ngorongoro forest.
• Bicycle village streets and back roads , getting a feel for life as the locals live it.
• Enjoy a traditional high tea on the veranda overlooking the gardens at Gibb’s Farm; meet the artist-in-residence.

Settle in for a tranquil evening and overnight stay.

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. With its crater walls nearly 600 metres high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy lunch al fresco in this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to your lodge. Tonight, gather for dinner with your fellow guests.

Fly to Serengeti National Park, a vast Tanzanian landscape that during part of the year hosts one of earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the annual Great Migration, when millions of herbivores trek across the Serengeti plains in search of water and fresh grass. Experience it all in complete tranquillity in your world-class accommodation.

Today’s adventure continues in the park, your adventures may reveal giraffe, wildebeest, elephant and far more on morning and afternoon game drives.

Immerse yourself once more in this incredible setting, with camera at the ready for flash encounters as you track cheetah, buffalo or lion on the vast, golden grasslands of the Serengeti.

Today you will fly to the Masai Mara, the northern extension of the Serengeti. After settling into your accommodation on a private stretch of the Mara River, immerse yourself in the wild during an afternoon game drive. Follow the Mara River to see crocodiles basking in the sun, hippos as they wallow in muddy water and monkeys busy sparking mischief overhead. Here, too, you may see any of more than 400 species of birds. During your time in the Mara, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying at Sanctuary Olonana, one of the finest safari lodges in all of Africa. Tonight, join fellow guests for scenic sundowner drinks, followed by an elegant dinner.

Rise early if you wish for an optional hot air balloon ride, at an additional cost, floating peacefully above the game-dotted plains of the Mara. Explore the open savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of the Masai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives, where patience is rewarded with unique sightings such as a leopard retrieving a kill from an acacia or an elephant protecting its young from a lion. Amid the stunning scenery, watch as Maasai tribesmen traverse the plains or herd goat and cattle.

Continue roaming the Mara, keeping your eyes trained for elephant, zebra and lion as well as a variety of gazelle species. Connect with residents when you visit a village and primary school supported by your tour operator's philanthropy. Learn firsthand how A&K Philanthropy’s LifeStraw partnership is changing lives by providing locals access to safe, clean drinking water, on an inspiring A&K-exclusive experience. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a farewell dinner and share the amazing experiences you had on safari.

Fly back to Nairobi and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in a comfortable dayroom. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.

Dive into one of Africa's most incredible safari lodges at Sanctuary Olonana, along a private stretch of the Mara River. Awaken to the symphony of nature in your riverfront suite and embark on guided game drives led by expert Maasai guides, whose ancestral knowledge brings you face-to-face with Africa's iconic wildlife. Savour exceptional dining experiences, whether a romantic candlelit dinner by the river or a sumptuous feast under the star-studded African night, each meal makes the most of the ethereal landscape. Unwind at the rejuvenating spa and let skilled hands melt away your cares with holistic treatments inspired by ancient African wisdom.

Sanctuary Olonana goes beyond expectations with its commitment to the environment and local communities. Immerse yourself in meaningful activities that bridge the gap between travel and positive impact. From visiting local villages to participating in conservation initiatives, every moment here contributes to a brighter future for this breathtaking region.

Have the best seat in the house while riding on bespoke safari vehicles, with every seat boasting unobstructed views of the sprawling savannahs. Set out on game drives through the heart of the animal's natural habitats, where every moment holds the promise of encountering these iconic creatures up close. Feel the earth tremble as a herd of elephants grace the landscape, their sheer size and gentle demeanour leaving an indelible impression. Witness the regal lion, catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard, a master of camouflage, marvel at the stately rhinoceros, and catch sight of the buffalo forging through the wilderness in formidable herds.

Led by expert guides who understand the nuances of the land and the behaviour of these magnificent creatures, your journey to witness the 'Big Five' is in great hands.

• 13 nights of luxury accommodation, including a three-night stay at Sanctuary Olonana, the ultimate luxury safari lodge
• All-inclusive meals with breakfast in bed on select days
• Behold Africa’s iconic Big Five animals, from custom-made vehicles
• Explore alongside handpicked safari guides
• Convenient flights between game regions
• Travelling Bell Boy luggage handling
• Internet access
• 24/7 A&K on-call support
• Guaranteed departures with just two guests
• English-speaking resident tour director and local guides
• Traveller's valet laundry service and bell boy luggage handling
• Airport meet and greet with private transfers
• Entrance fees, taxes and all gratuities except resident tour director

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected], who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 10 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
• Children are the same price as adults.

7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:

• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund if cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date.
• All booking Deposits are non-refundable.
• After final payment is received, bookings are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in our refund policy.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, a service fee of A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Any changes or cancellations made within the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, where applicable, will not incur any fees unless otherwise restricted to the product Fine Print. Booking changes may include, but are not limited to, name changes or name corrections.
• For date changes made after the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, the cost of your new tour must be of equal or greater value than your current tour.
• If the request is a change from a tour of higher value to a tour of lesser value, any difference in the tour prices will not be refunded.
• Changes are not permitted once the final payment has been collected.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be related to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs, or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] for further information.

• Return international flights
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and gratuities
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Baggage Restrictions

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 15kg on tour, and with dimensions not exceeding 58 cm x 33 cm x 25 cm. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout East Africa.
• As a convenience, Abercrombie & Kent provides each safari guest with a complimentary, custom-designed A&K Duffel. This bag is specifically crafted to meet airline standards.
• Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.

Please Note:

• Design Your Day: These unique touring activities are included within the cost of your tour and run concurrently. Each guest may participate in only one activity from the provided options. Activities require no minimum number of participants.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email  [email protected] .

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact [email protected] so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
• Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
• Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
• Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You'll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.

Partially Guided Tour: You'll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.

Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and ends at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), with roundtrip airport transfers.

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) after 3.30pm on day 14.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

Important:  Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller's responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct , to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here  to visit the website.

Need flights?  Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact [email protected] .

Important Destination Information:

Time zone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)

Telephone: Kenya +255

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSH)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. ATMs displaying Cirrus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard are recommended. Please note: some ATMs may only accept four-digit pins.

Language: Swahili

Climate: The long rainy season lasts from March to May, while the short rainy season lasts from October to November. The sunniest time of year is December to March, while June to September is cooler and often more overcast.

Dress code: Conservative. It is advised to wear moderate clothing that is not revealing or explicit.

Telephone: +254

Currency: Tanzania Shilling (TZS)

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Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Safaris

Searching for a top-class Safari touring experience? Look no further, as our Luxury safari holidays in Kenya and Tanzania will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Maasai Mara National Reserve and Nairobi. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities.

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88 luxury safari tour packages in kenya and tanzania with 825 reviews.

Premium Kenya & Tanzania (11 destinations)

Premium East Africa in Depth

Grand East African Safari (Gorilla & Migration)

11 Day Best of East Africa Safari

Make sure you have enough space on your phone! Take a many photos as possible!

• Christmas & New Year

Safari in Kenya & Tanzania National Geographic Journeys

Kenya Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari + Beach

Don't even think twice about it

16 Days Best Of Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Safari

Our 14-day Kenya and Tanzania Migration Lodge Safari was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived in Nairobi to the final farewell, every day was filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences. Our adventure began with a warm welcome in Nairobi,Transfer to hotel Ole Sereni where our knowledgeable guide briefed us on the journey ahead. The luxurious accommodations provided a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the African wilderness.African Brekafast was great!!! Amboseli National Park in Kenya was our first stop, and the sight of majestic elephants roaming against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro took our breath away. We witnessed thrilling wildlife encounters during our game drives, including close encounters with lions and cheetahs.Sopa lodges so magnificient. Crossing into Tanzania,border abit slow but was well organized with changing guides from Zack the genius to John M. Lake Manyara National Park enchanted us with its diverse landscapes and abundant birdlife. Spotting tree-climbing lions was a highlight, and the boat safari on Lake Manyara offered a serene perspective of the park's beauty. The Serengeti National Park was the epitome of safari magic. Witnessing the Great Migration firsthand was a dream come true as we watched thousands of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains. Our lodge perched on the edge of the Serengeti provided uninterrupted views of the vast savannah and unforgettable sunsets.Serena lodges are super ! Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater felt like entering a lost world teeming with wildlife. We marveled at the sheer abundance of animals in this natural amphitheater, from graceful gazelles to mighty rhinos. The grand finale awaited us in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River crossings were the highlight of our safari, as we held our breath watching the dramatic spectacle unfold before our eyes. Our expert guide John , ensured we had front-row seats to nature's greatest show. Each evening, we gathered around the campfire under the starlit sky, sharing stories of the day's adventures and listening to the sounds of the African night. The hospitality of the lodge staff made us feel like family, and the delicious cuisine was a delightful surprise. As we bid farewell to Kenya and Tanzania, we carried with us memories that will last a lifetime. This safari exceeded all expectations, thanks to the impeccable planning and personalized service. It truly was the journey of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to return to Africa's wild embrace.Masai Mara crowned all the taste of an Africa Photo Safari - Sopa Lodges tastifully located at great views of sunset thank you Zack again for picking us from the other border point for this gtreat encounter with wildlife . I would recommend thsi tour to many who really want to see the great diverse landscape and lakes plus plains in Africa - Serenegeti and Mara plains.

Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari

We did the Kenya Tanzania safari in June with G adventures.Amazing is all we can say.Our drivers inKenya wereJoe and Morris and in Tanzania wereFilbert and Norbert,They were the best.We will never forget our amazing experience.I recommend safaris with G adventures and I hope you get the guides we had.

12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Lodge Safari

Overral, Best safari, accomodations on point. Would 100% recommend these.

13 DAY KENYA - TANAZANIA SAFARI TOUR

My sister and I booked this tour for her 45th birthday. We really struggled choosing which tour / company but so glad we went with Kiriwe Travel and Trekking Safari. Our experience was incredible and couldn’t have been any better. Our guides were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. The accommodation was beautiful, along with the delicious food. I highly recommend anyone to go with these guys for your East Africa tour.

Kenya & Tanzania: The Safari Experience with Nairobi & Zanzibar

14 Days Best of Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife & Cultural Tour Adventure

12 Days Kenya & Tanzania Combo Big Five Safari

Our experience was great. We went to 8 parks over the 12 days. We saw hundreds of elephants, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeests. Lots of times from 10 feet away in our pop-up Land Cruiser. We saw 2 Rhinos from distances of 400 feet, the Rhino is a rare creature. We saw 5 leopards and watched one hunt. Watch another with his dinner in a tree. We saw 3 cheetahs. We saw lots of giraffes. We saw 20 lions, lionesses or cubs. We saw 1 lioness complete a hunt. We had 3 guides as we traveled from Kenya to Tanzania and back to Kenya. The guides can only work in one country. We made a huge circle from park to park, starting and ending in Nairobi. Our first guide was Daniel, extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Had an eagle eye for spotting animals. Our second guide was Harun, he was even more knowledgeable not only about the animals, but culture, the county, and history. We were extremely impressed by Harun. Because we went to so many places, we stayed in a lot of lodges and tented camps. We booked last minute which made it a little challenging for the operator to get the best locations as they fill up quickly. My family loved the tented camps in the park, they were definitely "glamping"....Sound of Nature camp was our #1 stop with 24x7 solar power and hot water. Most lodges ran on diesel generators, so power was limited to 2 hours in the morning and 3 hours at night. You spend most of your time on game drives...so limited power isn't an issue. The food at the last place was amazing, homemade pizza and Naan bread. They even celebrated our wedding anniversary with us. The one negative is the roads. Most of the roads we traveled on were gravel, with a heavy rainy season, there are HUGE holes, be prepared to jostle a lot. Make sure to bring your yellow fever card, there seems to be a scam at the border crossing that is $50/pp for them to give you a card. When you cross the immigration officials said the card isn't needed. .

8 Days Kenya and Tanzania mid range Road Safari

Just returned from our first safari experience planned and coordinated by John at CKC. From our first email to walking us up to the airport line with our luggage for our return home, John was nothing but prompt, professional, organized and truly invested in our family having a great experience in Kenya. He helped us customize our tour to exactly what we wanted. He was always available to us and it felt very reassuring to have him as a contact/resource throughout our planning and of course during our time in Kenya. I would not hesitate to recommend CKC!

Elewana Sky Safari - Kenya

Luxury safari tours in kenya and tanzania reviews.

Safari plus beach is quite an experience. Thank you Nancy for organising and making our dream come true. Please pass our love to Kaka and Peter, such amazing souls.

Our 14-day Kenya and Tanzania Migration Lodge Safari was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived in Nairobi to the final farewell, every day was filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences. Our adventure began with a warm welcome in Nairobi,Transfer to hotel Ole Sereni where our knowledgeable guide briefed us on the journey ahead. The luxurious accommodations provided a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the African wilderness.African Brekafast was great!!! Amboseli National Park in Kenya was our first stop, and the sight of majestic elephants roaming against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro took our breath away. We witnessed thrilling wildlife encounters during our game drives, including close encounters with lions and cheetahs.Sopa lodges so magnificient. Crossing into Tanzania,border abit slow but was well organized with changing guides from Zack the genius to John M. Lake Manyara National Park enchanted us with its diverse landscapes and abundant birdlife. Spotting tree-climbing lions was a highlight, and the boat safari on Lake Manyara offered a serene perspective of the park's beauty. The Serengeti National Park was the epitome of safari magic. Witnessing the Great Migration firsthand was a dream come true as we watched thousands of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains. Our lodge perched on the edge of the Serengeti provided uninterrupted views of the vast savannah and unforgettable sunsets.Serena lodges are super ! Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater felt like entering a lost world teeming with wildlife. We marveled at the sheer abundance of animals in this natural amphitheater, from graceful gazelles to mighty rhinos. The grand finale awaited us in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River crossings were the highlight of our safari, as we held our breath watching the dramatic spectacle unfold before our eyes. Our expert guide John , ensured we had front-row seats to nature's greatest show. Each evening, we gathered around the campfire under the starlit sky, sharing stories of the day's adventures and listening to the sounds of the African night. The hospitality of the lodge staff made us feel like family, and the delicious cuisine was a delightful surprise. As we bid farewell to Kenya and Tanzania, we carried with us memories that will last a lifetime. This safari exceeded all expectations, thanks to the impeccable planning and personalized service. It truly was the journey of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to return to Africa's wild embrace.Masai Mara crowned all the taste of an Africa Photo Safari - Sopa Lodges tastifully located at great views of sunset thank you Zack again for picking us from the other border point for this gtreat encounter with wildlife . I would recommend thsi tour to many who really want to see the great diverse landscape and lakes plus plains in Africa - Serenegeti and Mara plains.

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Safari Guide to Kenya and Tanzania: The Heart of Africa’s Wildlife

Introduction to the wonders of kenya and tanzania safaris.

In our “Safari Guide to Kenya and Tanzania,” we delve into the heart of Africa, a land of vast landscapes and untamed wilderness, holding the secrets of nature that many travelers yearn to uncover. Kenya and Tanzania, two countries at the core of this exploration, together offer an unparalleled safari experience. But what makes these nations stand out amid a continent renowned for its wildlife adventures?

Beyond the majestic wildlife and breathtaking vistas, Kenya and Tanzania boast a rich tapestry of culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding on the serene beaches of Zanzibar or seeking a vacation that melds adventure with relaxation, these destinations offer memories that linger for a lifetime. Dive deep into the rhythm of Africa and discover why Kenya and Tanzania are jewels in the crown of global travel destinations.

Why Venture on a Safari in Kenya and Tanzania?

Venturing on a Kenya and Tanzania safari isn’t just about witnessing wildlife; it’s an immersion into a unique abundance of nature and culture . With a trustworthy safari guide at your side, you’ll uncover hidden gems that go beyond the iconic Big Five .

Kenya safari offers vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees, while Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater serves as nature’s amphitheater, teeming with diverse wildlife. Opt for a Kenya-Tanzania safari tour, and you’ll bridge the beauty of both lands, gaining insights into their distinct environments and traditions.

Whether it’s the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or meeting the Maasai Mara tribes, the Kenya and Tanzania tours promise more than just sights – they offer transformative experiences. So, if you’re debating Tanzania or Kenya safari, why not choose both and double the wonder!

Picking the Perfect Season: Best Time to Embark on a Kenya Tanzania Safari

The Ideal Time For Your Visit

Kenya and Tanzania, two gemstones of East Africa, offer varying climates throughout the year. As a safari guide might advice, the season you choose can drastically influence your experience. Dry seasons, from late June to October and January to February , offer optimum wildlife viewing with less vegetation obscuring your sight.

The Great Migration Timing

The grand spectacle, The Great Migration , is a scene like no other. From July to September , a mesmerizing display of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya. If a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour is on your bucket list, timing it with this natural wonder is a must.

Yet, every season has its charm; a Kenya safari might allure with calving in February, while a Tanzania safari entices with predator action during migration. Regardless of when you plan your Kenya and Tanzania tour, nature’s raw beauty promises to captivate.

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Highlights and Attractions: From the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Dive deep into Kenya’s pristine wilderness at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Often highlighted by any seasoned safari guide, this reserve stands as a crowning jewel of Kenya safaris. Less commonly known, the Mara offers unique nocturnal safaris, unveiling a secretive world where nature’s nocturnes come alive.

The Serengeti National Park

Across the border, Tanzania offers the vast expanse of The Serengeti National Park. While many associate this park with the Great Migration, fewer realize that it houses one of the largest lion populations globally. A Kenya and Tanzania safari tour bridges the experience of both these iconic locations, showcasing diverse ecosystems.

Embarking on a Kenya Tanzania safari, travelers not only witness wildlife but also immerse in the age-old dance between predator and prey. Whether your heart is set on a Kenya or Tanzania safari, each destination offers unparalleled moments. Choose your adventure, and let the wonders of East Africa captivate your spirit.

Experiencing the Delightful Kenya and Tanzania Cuisine

Kenya’s Signature Dish: Ugali

A trip to Kenya isn’t complete without tasting Ugali, a staple maize porridge. Paired often with sukuma wiki (collard greens) or Nyama Choma (grilled meat), it captures the essence of Kenyan comfort food. Each bite not only offers a taste of home-cooked goodness but also provides insights into Kenya’s culinary heritage. It’s a must-try during any Kenya safari, adding a flavor-packed experience.

Tanzania’s Culinary Gem: Zanzibar Pizza

Tanzania surprises with its Zanzibar Pizza, a delightful street food unique to the islands. Unlike any traditional pizza, this treat is a blend of meat, veggies, and egg wrapped in thin dough, fried to perfection. It’s a testament to Tanzania’s blend of cultures and flavors. Dive into this dish during a Tanzania or Kenya and Tanzania tour, and savor a piece of Zanzibar’s heart.

The heart and soul of Kenya and Tanzania aren’t just in their vast landscapes and wildlife, but also in their rich, flavorful dishes. As you journey through these lands, let your taste buds explore as fervently as your eyes do. Delight in the traditional flavors, and leave with a gastronomic memory as vivid as the safaris themselves.

Seeking Accommodations Amidst Wilderness: A Mix of Luxury and Budget Options in Kenya and Tanzania

Indulge in opulent lodges offering unparalleled experiences, with panoramic views and top-tier amenities. Alternatively, discover budget-friendly gems that provide a cozy touch, ensuring comfort and authenticity on every step of your African adventure.

Luxury Accommodations

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

For those on a Kenya and Tanzania safari, Kenya opens its arms with premium accommodations like the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Nestled amidst the Amboseli National Park, this lodge offers a vantage point to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro while ensuring luxury and comfort. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an experience that a safari guide often touts as unmatched.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

On the flip side, in Tanzania, travelers are welcomed with distinct elegance, especially at places like the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Strategically situated at the edge of the renowned Ngorongoro crater, this haven offers breathtaking vistas and an intimate proximity to native wildlife. It’s not merely a place to rest, but a destination in itself for those on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour. Experience Tanzania’s splendor wrapped in luxury.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Kibo Safari Camp

Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli strikes a balance between budget and experience. With traditional tented accommodations set against a backdrop of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, guests can immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing essential comforts. The camp’s ambiance is perfect for those wanting an authentic yet pocket-friendly Kenyan retreat.

Panorama Campsite

Panorama Campsite, located near Ngorongoro, promises visitors an intimate Tanzanian experience. Its rustic charm, with basic tents and campfires, allows travelers to connect deeply with the wild. The serene surroundings, coupled with starry nights and echoing wildlife calls, make it an affordable yet enriching choice for many.

Kenya and Tanzania have something for every traveler, with both luxury spots and budget-friendly places to stay. No matter where you choose to rest, the magic of the safari stays the same. Every place, whether pricey or affordable, adds to the adventure. Go on a journey that fits your budget, and make memories that last forever.

Estimating Your Adventure: Average Costs in Kenya and Tanzania Safaris

Embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour promises unforgettable encounters with Africa’s diverse wildlife. But, how do you estimate the expenses?

Key Considerations in Navigating Your Safari Budget

Typical Safari Pricing Breakdown

Safari costs in Kenya and Tanzania aren’t just about spotting majestic lions. You’re also investing in a holistic experience: from knowledgeable safari guides offering lesser-known wildlife insights to access to untouched natural parks. Additionally, prices incorporate park entrance fees, camping or lodge accommodations, and sometimes even meals. It’s essential to understand the full spectrum of costs to ensure a seamless, hassle-free safari experience.

Accommodation, Travel, and Guided Tours

When budgeting, consider three pivotal aspects: where you’ll rest after a day’s adventure, your travel logistics within and between Kenya and Tanzania, and the expertise of your chosen kenya tanzania safari guide. Opting for package Kenya and Tanzania tours can sometimes provide better value, merging accommodation, travel, and guided explorations into one cohesive, memorable experience.

Daily Costs and Budgeting Tips

Daily Expenses: Food, Travel, and More

When exploring Kenya and Tanzania, daily expenses are more than just accommodation. Savory local dishes, intra-region travel, and unexpected souvenirs can quickly add up. Sample traditional meals like “ugali” or “nyama choma” in Kenya, and perhaps “chapati” or “ndizi kaanga” in Tanzania. Additionally, consider the costs of short flights, local taxis, or buses connecting popular safari destinations.

Making the Most of Your Budget

Maximizing your safari budget means prioritizing experiences that matter most. Perhaps splurge on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara but economize with budget-friendly lodges. Engage with local communities for authentic, cost-effective experiences. Remember, with careful planning and a keen eye for value, every penny can stretch further, enhancing your African adventure.

Estimating safari costs in Kenya and Tanzania goes beyond simple numbers—it’s about a rich, holistic experience. With Allied Travel , there’s no need for guesswork. We guide you every step of the way, ensuring your safari is not just an adventure, but a lifetime memory. Let’s journey together!

Tips and Tricks for an Unforgettable Kenya and Tanzania Tour

An exhilarating Kenya and Tanzania safari tour offers some of the most captivating sights in Africa. Yet, as with any journey, there are ways to elevate the experience. Dive into these insider insights for a more memorable encounter.

Maximizing Your Safari Experience

The magic of a Kenya and Tanzania safari lies beyond the well-trodden paths. Opt for dawn or dusk excursions; this is when wildlife is most active. Additionally, patience is key. Spend more time at fewer spots, allowing nature to unfold before you. Interestingly, many overlook the wonders of the smaller fauna and flora, so keep an open eye!

The Right Safari Guide and Company

Your safari guide is your gateway to the majestic landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania. Prioritize hiring experienced guides from reputable companies, such as Allied Travel , as they possess invaluable local knowledge. Did you know that the best guides have an uncanny ability to spot hidden creatures miles away, enriching your Tanzania or Kenya safari manifold?

The essence of an unforgettable Kenya and Tanzania tour is in the details. Savor each moment, trust expert guides, and let the unparalleled beauty of Kenya and Tanzania sweep you away.

Preserving the Environment: Sustainable Safari Practices

In the heart of Kenya and Tanzania, safaris allow travelers to witness the raw beauty of nature. However, it’s crucial that our passion for adventure aligns with practices that conserve these awe-inspiring habitats. Dive deep to learn how we can merge adventure with responsibility.

The Importance of Eco-friendly Travel

Safaris have become synonymous with the Kenya and Tanzania tour experience. With the surge in popularity, the commitment to eco-friendly travel is paramount. It’s less of a commonly known fact that sustainable lodges and camps in these regions use solar energy and rainwater harvesting. Opting for such accommodations can significantly reduce your carbon footprint on your next Kenya or Tanzania safari.

Leave No Trace Principles in Safaris

While the role of a safari guide is to enhance your experience, their teachings on Leave No Trace principles are golden. These guidelines, although simple—like not feeding animals or littering—ensure the pristine nature of the wild remains undisturbed for future Kenya and Tanzania tours.

When embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour, your choices matter. Through sustainable practices, every traveler can play a part in safeguarding the treasured ecosystems of Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel Considerations: Health, Safety, and Visas

Embarking on a Kenya and Tanzania safari tour is the stuff of dreams. Yet, beneath the majestic wildlife encounters, meticulous planning ensures your journey is magical and worry-free. Dive into the essentials that shape the perfect Kenyan or Tanzanian experience.

Ensuring a Smooth Trip

Navigating the diverse regions of Kenya and Tanzania may require specific permits and visas. While many are aware of tourist visas, fewer realize the special permissions some regions demand. But with Allied Travel by your side, you’re covered. We’ll undertake all the research, ensuring all necessary permits and visas are secured in advance for a seamless Kenya and Tanzania tour.

Vaccinations, Insurance, and Local Norms

Before jetting off on your Kenya and Tanzania safari, certain vaccinations, like yellow fever, are essential. A lesser-known tip: comprehensive travel insurance can cover unforeseen safari disruptions. Furthermore, respecting local customs and etiquettes not only safeguards your experience but also deepens your connection with the destination.

Thorough preparation is the cornerstone of adventure. Let Allied Travel be your compass, guiding your Kenya or Tanzania safari to be an unforgettable, hassle-free journey.

Diving Deeper: Optional Safari Add-ons and Extensions

The quintessential Kenya and Tanzania safari tour offers an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. But what if you could amplify the experience, delving beyond the traditional? Let’s journey into unique, lesser-known safari extensions that elevate your adventure.

Beyond the Traditional Safari

Your expert safari guide might let you in on a secret: there’s more to a safari than the usual game drives. Some less-traveled paths in Kenya and Tanzania offer immersive experiences, providing intimate connections with nature and local communities.

Balloon Safaris, Beach Extensions, and More

Imagine floating over the Serengeti in a balloon, witnessing the Great Migration from a bird’s eye view. Or after your Kenya safari, unwinding on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. These extensions are not just add-ons, but curated experiences that enrich the soul.

There’s a universe beyond the classic safari. With the right choices, your Kenya and Tanzania tour can become a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

Crafting Memories in the African Plains

As we conclude this guide, we’ve delved into preparing for your safari adventure: from ensuring health and safety to embracing sustainable practices. Now, we shine a light on the transformative experiences you stand to gain and the beckoning allure of the African wilderness. Before you immerse yourself in the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania, let’s anticipate the moments that will etch themselves into your memory. Poised for the journey of a lifetime? Let’s seal our preparations.

The Ultimate Safari Reflection

With every step led by a seasoned safari guide, the landscape unveils its secrets. From the rhythmic dance of the Maasai Mara’s wildebeests to the quiet majesty of Kilimanjaro silhouetting the Amboseli, this journey is more than sightseeing – it’s soul-touching.

The Call of the Wild

In the hushed whispers of the Serengeti night or the lion’s roar echoing through the savannah, the call beckons. Not just to observe, but to connect, embrace, and remember. It’s a symphony of nature, from the cascading waterfalls of Tsavo to the vast plains of the Ngorongoro Crater, all harmonizing in perfect rhythm.

A Kenya and Tanzania tour transcends itineraries; it crafts eternal memories in the heartbeats of the wild. Ready to create your own tales? Allied Travel is your trusted partner for this journey, ensuring each moment becomes an unforgettable memory.

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Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari – 11 Days

Tanzania and kenya luxury safari.

Trip duration

11 days/ 10 nights

The Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari can be combined with our Lake Turkana – Safari to the Jade Sea .

DAY 1: ARRIVAL – NAIROBI, THE AFRICAN SAFARI CAPITAL

Our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari will start in Kenya’s tourism capital, Nairobi. We shall arrive via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our Tour Leader will be ready to receive us and kick start our journey. We shall then head to our hotel in Nairobi, where we shall check in.

On this day, if we have an early arrival, we may explore local attractions around Nairobi . The city has a national park at its edge, making it one of the special conservation cities globally. Indeed Nairobi is the best place to start your African safari. Otherwise, we can relax and enjoy the nice Nairobi weather from our hotel.

Night in Nairobi.

DAY 2 AND 3: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – MT. KILIMANJARO

We shall then head to Amboseli National Park, where the Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari adventure will continue. This amazing place is regarded as one of Kenya’s Premium Parks, and is located at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The park is graced by mighty Savannah Elephants, and hosts the longest and most famous elephant research program in the entire World.

The mammals here are great indeed (including Lions, Blue Wildebeest and Maasai Giraffe); and we shall take time to enjoy them. The local birds are great and we shall be hoping to enjoy many species.

Nights in Amboseli.

DAY 4: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA – MT. MERU

We shall exit Amboseli National Park with a safari drive; as we enjoy more animals. On the way out we often find Kirk’s Dikdiks, Maasai Giraffe, Savannah Elephant and Gerenuk.

We shall then proceed to the Tanzania border where we shall cross over and change vehicles. We shall proceed to Arusha town, at the foothills of Mt. Meru; where our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari continues.

Night in Arusha.

DAY 5 AND 6: LAKE MANYARA AND NGORONGORO CRATER – THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY

Leaving early, we shall enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. We shall be looking out for the local tree-climbing lions and primates. We hope to also enjoy flamingos and other birds along the lake shores.

We shall enjoy the next day at the beautiful Ngorongoro crater, which is a major highlight on our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari. The mighty Ngorongoro is indeed an amazing place. It is known as one of the wonders of Africa. Descending down the crater floor takes you through great scenery and you get to experience the local Euphorbia tree varieties.

Herds of wild animals are plenty inside the crater as well as wonderful views of the crater walls. Look out for the local Lions, Black Rhinos, Common Zebras, Cheetah, assorted Gazelles, Nile Hippos and Wildebeests.

Nights in Ngorongoro.

DAY 7 AND 8: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK; VIA OL DUVAI GORGE MUSEUM

We shall then make our way to a phenomenal pre-historic site, the Ol Duvai or Ol Dupai gorge. This site has led to multiple archaeological and paleontological discoveries; and is often a highlight on all our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safaris. Home to the great work by Louis and Mary Leakey, this is a phenomenal destination. Some famous discoveries here include Zinjanthropus, Homo habilis and Homo erectus . You will get to learn all about the work going on at the site in a very interactive way.

We shall then proceed to Serengeti National Park; where our next leg of the Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari takes place. We shall enjoy game drives in this wonderful park as we enjoy the scenery of these vast plains. We shall spend time looking around some of the famous rock outcrops, often referred as Kopjes . Look out for animals such as Leopard, Cheetah, Cape Buffalo, assorted Gazelles, Maasai Giraffe, Wildebeest, Common Zebras, Savannah Elephant and African Lions.

Here you shall also get an opportunity to learn all about the famous Serengeti migration and get to follow in the steps of the Wildebeests in a lovely Kopje rock , modelled to imitate the migration cycle.

Nights in Serengeti.

DAY 9 AND 10: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

We shall take a short domestic flight to Tarime and then drive through the Kenyan border to Migori. Here we shall catch another short flight to Masai Mara; to continue our next leg of the Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari.

Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari. Considered the ultimate wildlife haven in Kenya and arguably the best safari destination in Africa, Masai Mara has a lot to offer.

From all members of the Big 5 (African Lion, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Savannah Elephant) to the numerous herbivores grazing the landscape in huge herds, this place is indeed amazing. We shall spend the next days learning about this magical destination with our safari guide. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5, the Big Cats- Lion, Cheetah and Leopard and much more.

There will be an optional Maasai Village visit on one day- this is one of Africa’s best preserved cultures and you will have a chance to learn about their way of life. Here you can also take part in an optional balloon ride across the beautiful Masai Mara plains. This is followed by a scrumptious breakfast and cocktail party; all set up in the bush, with great views of the Masai Mara.

Nights in Mara.

DAY 11: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE TO NAIROBI

On this day, we shall enjoy an early morning game drive in Masai Mara. We shall then take a domestic flight to Nairobi; cruising across the Great Rift Valley.

Later, we head to the airport; marking the end to our Tanzania and Kenya Luxury Safari.

Highlight mammals and others

Leopard, African Lion, Cheetah, Black Rhino, Savannah Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Nile Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Maasai Giraffe

Highlight birds

Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Great White Pelican, Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle

Habitats covered

Savannah, Highland Forest, Wetlands

Photographic opportunities

Special moments

Masai Mara, the Great Rift Valley, optional visit to the Maasai Village, Serengeti , Ngorongoro Crater, optional Balloon Ride

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Top 10 safari animals in Africa & where to find them

Sweeping savannas, grassy wetlands, and wind-sculpted dunes play host to hundreds of creatures across Africa, from tiny reptiles to the largest mammals on the planet. Which ones capture the public’s attention the most? We’ve delved into UK Google search data to find out.

Below, we reveal the top ten African safari animals and why they’ve earned a spot on our list. We’ve also gathered expert insights from our Africa specialists to let you know where you can see each species in its natural habitat, unveiling the best safari experiences across the continent.

Despite their apex-predator status in the animal kingdom, lions have captured people’s hearts since childhood, with beloved films and whole documentaries dedicated to their hunting prowess. That’s why it’s no surprise to see them on our list of top ten African safari animals. The good news is that you can see lions across Africa with relative ease, though each destination offers a different experience.

If it’s your first safari and you’d like to see all of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos), you can’t go amiss with a trip to South Africa’s Greater Kruger Region . Or, to witness the drama of the Great Migration, when herds of migrating wildebeest attract opportunistic prides, head to the Serengeti in northern Tanzania .

For a luxury lion-spotting experience, we recommend a trip to Botswana’s Okavango Delta . Alongside safari drives and boat rides, you can head out on foot with a guide who’ll point out the paw prints of resident cats as you walk, before you retreat to your luxury lodge.

After chimpanzees and bonobos, gorillas are humans’ closest living relatives and share up to 98% of our DNA. It’s perhaps this odd familiarity that makes gorillas one of the top safari animals in Africa. Not only that, but you can only encounter mountain gorillas in the wild — they don’t survive in captivity.

Two of the only places you can get up close with these elusive (and often shy) creatures is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Encountering a troop often involves hours of hiking and bushwhacking through primeval forest with an expert guide, but this makes it all the more special when you finally set eyes on them.

To recuperate, you could add on time at the beaches of Zanzibar , doing as much or as little as you want on the sugar-soft sands. Alternatively, expand your safari beyond gorillas and take a primate tracking trip through Rwanda  to spot chimpanzees and golden monkeys as well.

3. Elephant

Towering high above the undergrowth, elephants are the largest land animals currently on the planet, but they’re also gentle giants capable of displaying deep emotions. On safari, you can watch elephant herds frolic in waterholes, walk in convoy trunk-to-tail across the plains, and graze lazily under the sun, all the while learning about their intricate social structures and communication methods.

You’ll spot elephants across Southern and Eastern Africa. However, the highest concentration on the continent is in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, which we suggest pairing with a trip to the Okavango Delta . As you look out for herds among the region’s grassy floodplains, your guide might also point out leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo.

Or, for an entirely different elephant experience, you could opt for Namibia instead . Here, the local population has adapted to the desert climate and you can see herds wander against a stark backdrop of sun-scorched peaks.

Leaving a trail of dust in their wake, buffalo move in huge herds, often fighting off lions as they go. During drier months, you’ll find them hanging around waterholes and floodplains, congregating in their hundreds for protection. When water is more abundant, they don’t linger as long, moving about constantly in search of food.

You can see buffalo herds in many parks and reserves across East and Southern Africa, but you’re most likely to encounter them wherever there’s a good water source (buffalo need to drink every day). Botswana is one of our top destinations for buffalo sightings, with herds moving between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park regularly. You can combine the two regions in a single trip , taking boat and mokoro (canoe) rides to spot the resident buffalo from a different perspective.

5. Flamingo

In whimsical shades of coral, pastel, and fuchsia, flamingos appear like something out of a fairytale. When flocked together, they paint the landscape in a pearly pink hue and, during breeding season, the males ‘dance’ in unison, heads bobbing and wings flapping as one.

Our specialists recommend taking a trip through northern Tanzania  to spot flamingos, hippos, and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara before heading into the wilds of the Serengeti. If you’re an avid flamingo fan, you could also venture further north to Lake Natron, where around 75% of the world’s lesser flamingo population is born.

Alternatively, spot these fancy-feathered creatures at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, just a couple of hours’ drive from Nairobi, which you can tie in with a wider safari and beach trip . Here, we recommend staying at a lava-stone cottage at Mbweha Camp , heading out on wildlife drives with your guide to watch the birds blanket the lake in a cloud of pink.

Coat patterns as unique as our fingerprints. Legs that appear to run in slow motion. Winding tongues that grapple with tree branches high above the savanna floor. Giraffes are curious creatures and unlike any other living animal on the planet. For this reason, it’s easy to see why they rank in third place on our list of top ten African safari animals.

On a trip to Nyerere National Park in Tanzania , you can watch as herds of over 50 giraffes congregate at the lakes, sliding into a splits-like position to crane their long necks down to water level. Or, for a rare opportunity to soar above these gangly creatures, take a hot-air balloon ride over the Masai Mara on a luxury safari in Kenya .

Another of our top destinations for giraffe-spotting is Botswana, at Thamo Telele lodge. Located just outside of Maun, the lodge boasts its own herd of 20 giraffes, which graze at the nearby waterhole. During your stay, its team of naturalists can teach you how to identify each individual by their distinct spot patterns. And, a portion of the money from your stay will go toward the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which supports the species throughout Africa.

7. Scorpion

Dozens of scorpion species scuttle around Africa’s deserts, grasslands, savannas, and forests, but they’re not often the star of the show on a safari. Nevertheless, their reputation for being dangerous (not all actually are) is perhaps what reels in more adrenaline-oriented wildlife enthusiasts.

Scorpions tend to emerge at night and often steer clear of people, so you don’t have to worry too much about coming across one unwittingly. However, your guides and lodge staff will give you safety advice should you spot one (our specialists also recommend shaking out your shoes before putting them on, just to be safe).

That said, if you do want to proactively glimpse one of these pincered critters, a trip to Namibia’s dunes  should be top of your list. Just south of Swakopmund, you can head out with a guide who’ll sift through the sand to unearth Namibia’s smaller creatures, including — if you’re lucky — scorpions. You might also spot dancing lizards and cartwheeling spiders.

The fastest land animal in the world, the cheetah makes for a thrilling sight on safari. Even if you don’t catch them darting after prey, you can take the time to appreciate their solid black spots, rounded ears, and fuzzy stomachs as they lounge. Unlike leopards, they come out during the day, but they are typically harder to spot.

Though cheetahs are present in many of Africa’s wildlife reserves, including the Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Kruger National Park, our specialists particularly recommend a visit to Etosha National Park on a wildlife-focused trip to Namibia . It has large swathes of grassy plains, ideal for spotting cheetahs (and an array of other big cats), and is far less visited than Africa’s popular parks, meaning you won’t come across many other vehicles on your drives.

9. Chameleon

With striking color-shifting abilities, it’s no wonder chameleons make it onto the list. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t actually change color to blend with their surroundings, but instead to convey mood, communicate with mates, or to adapt to the temperature. Despite that, chameleons still tend to be hard to spot, so exploring with an eagle-eyed guide is a must.

Namibia’s dunes are the ideal place to spot chameleons — specifically, the Namaqua chameleon. These speedy little creatures change color to thermoregulate in the ever-changing desert climate, turning black in the morning to absorb the heat and a lighter shade in the daytime to cool off.

However, if you want to admire a more diverse array of chameleons, head to the rainforests of Madagascar . The island provides shelter for around half of the world’s species, including the tiny Amber Mountain leaf chameleon, just the size of your fingernail.

10. Crocodile

With their prehistoric appearance and powerful jaws, crocodiles are always high on people’s safari wish lists and feature in sixth place in our own list of top ten African safari animals. You can watch them basking lazily in the sun, gliding ominously through the water, or grappling with prey as they reveal an impressive collection of serrated teeth.

Perhaps the most exhilarating way to see crocodiles on safari is from the banks of the Mara River during the Great Migration. Here, they lurk and leap out of the water hoping to catch wildebeest and zebras as they dash to the other side. You can witness the drama on a trip to Tanzania  or Kenya  between July and October.

Further reading

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Unforgettable Safari Adventure
• Photographic safaris
• Safaris for less: 3 great-value safari ideas
• Safari on a budget
• Walking safaris

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Sierra Safaris allows you to get close to the souls of African wilderness and experience nature at its best. We have Specialized ourselves with Kenya and Tanzania wildlife safaris, Luxury Safaris, camping safaris, Beach Holidays, Hotels and lodges bookings and safaris, Uganda and Rwanda gorilla Trekking, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya Climbing, Nairobi Excursions, Beach holidays and Airport Transfers

We are currently covering the two best safaris destinations (Kenya and Tanzania). Come with us and conquer the rhythms and colors that echo through this enchanting land. We take special interest in offering tailored safari packages for stumpy budget, mid -range and Luxury safaris for both private and family safari.

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6 Days, 5 Nights Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari

4 Days, 3 Nights Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari

7 Days Kenya Wildlife & Beach Holiday Aboard SGR

8 Days Samburu, Sweetwaters, Nakuru & Masai Mara Honeymoon Package

7 Days Aberdares, Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara | Lodge Adventure

3 Days Masai Mara Budget Joining Camping Safari at US$ 340

4 Days, 3 Nights Wildebeest Migration Safari Package

3 Days, 2 Nights Masai Mara Lodge Safari Package

Kilimanjaro conquest, balloon safaris.

Which is the better pick for a safari: Kenya and Tanzania?

W hether you choose Kenya, Tanzania, or even a mix of the two, you are bound to go through unforgettable adventures in the heart of East Africa.

When it comes to epic African adventures, you’ll find two names that always come up: Kenya and Tanzania . These two iconic East African destinations offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and a vast cultural background, making them prime destinations for travellers eager for unique experiences. But which is the best option for an unforgettable safari ?

Kenya vs Tanzania: where should you go on safari?

National parks and nature reserves:.

Kenya is renowned for its vast national parks such as the famous Maasai Mara, which offers some of the best viewing opportunities for the annual wildebeest and zebra migration. Amboseli National Park is another star attraction, with its majestic elephants standing out against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania, on the other hand, is home to the Serengeti National Park, one of the continent's oldest and most diverse ecosystems, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater, an immense caldera home to an incredible concentration of wildlife .

The verdict : Both countries offer breathtaking national parks and reserves, but Tanzania stands out with iconic sites such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Watching the Great Migration:

The Great Migration is one of nature's most fascinating phenomena, with millions of herbivores crossing the plains in search of fresh pasture. The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are hotspots for this mass migration, offering incredible opportunities to observe animals on the move.

The verdict : Although both countries are able to make you experience animal migrations from a vantage point, Tanzania's Serengeti is often considered to be the main stage for this natural spectacle, making it a must for safari enthusiasts.

Accommodation and facilities:

Both destinations can offer a diverse range of accommodation, from luxurious lodges to more rustic tented camps, to suit all budgets and preferences. Kenya has a long tradition of tourism and a well-developed infrastructure able to accommodate any traveller, while Tanzania has also invested in its tourism sector, offering modern facilities in its main safari regions.

The verdict : Both countries offer a wide range of accommodation options , but Kenya may be your best bet when it comes to accessibility and variety.

Discover the culture and meet the locals:

Beyond the safaris, Kenya and Tanzania also have a unique cultural background to show off. In Kenya, you can visit Maasai villages and learn about their traditional way of life, while in Tanzania there are the bustling markets of Stone Town in Zanzibar to explore, and you can also take part in safaris on foot, walking alongside local tribes.

The verdict : Both destinations can offer rich cultural experiences, but Kenya can provide you with a deeper immersion into the lives of tribes such as the Maasai .

‘This Will Finish Us’

How Gulf princes, the safari industry, and conservation groups are displacing the Maasai from the last of their Serengeti homeland

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I t was high safari season in Tanzania, the long rains over, the grasses yellowing and dry. Land Cruisers were speeding toward the Serengeti Plain. Billionaires were flying into private hunting concessions. And at a crowded and dusty livestock market far away from all that, a man named Songoyo had decided not to hang himself, not today, and was instead pinching the skin of a sheep.

“Please!” he was saying to a potential buyer with thousands of animals to choose from on this morning. “You can see, he is so fat!”

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The buyer moved on. Songoyo rubbed his eyes. He was tired. He’d spent the whole night walking, herding another man’s sheep across miles of grass and scrub and pitted roads to reach this market by opening time. He hadn’t slept. He hadn’t eaten. He’d somehow fended off an elephant with a stick. What he needed to do was sell the sheep so their owner would pay him, so he could try to start a new life now that the old one was finished.

The old life: He’d had all the things that made a person such as him rich and respected. Three wives, 14 children, a large compound with 75 cows and enough land to graze them—“such sweet land,” he would say when he could bear to think of it—and that was how things had been going until recently.

The new life: no cows, because the Tanzanian government had seized every single one of them . No compound, because the government had bulldozed it, along with hundreds of others. No land, because more and more of the finest, lushest land in northern Tanzania was being set aside for conservation, which turned out to mean for trophy hunters, and tourists on “bespoke expeditions,” and cappuccino trucks in proximity to buffalo viewing—anything and anyone except the people who had lived there since the 17th century, the pastoralists known as the Maasai.

They were the ones tourists saw through their windshields selling beaded key chains at the gates of Serengeti National Park, or performing dances after dinner at safari lodges. They were famous for their red shawls and recycled-tire sandals. They grazed their cattle with zebras and giraffes, and built mud-and-dung houses encircled by stick fences barely distinguishable from the wild landscape. They were among the lightest-living people on the planet, and yet it was the Maasai who were being told that the biggest threat to conservation and national progress was them. Their whole way of life had to go.

From the April 2020 issue: Ed Yong on the last giraffes on Earth

And so Songoyo, after considering his alternatives, had devised a last-ditch plan for his own survival, one that had brought him to a town in Kenya called Aitong, where a cool wind was slapping sand and dung into his face as he scanned the market for buyers. He was far from home, roughly 65 miles north of the village in Tanzania where he had been tear-gassed and shot at for the first time in his life. He had seen elderly men beaten and guns fired at old women, and now it was down to this: He was a herder for hire, working for a distant relative, trying to make enough money to buy one single cow.

“Come!” he called to the buyers who kept passing his herd and weaving through the bleating mass. “You will not find any better!”

This was his plan: one cow, because that was the starting point of what it meant to be a Maasai man, which was what he still wanted to be.

The forces arrayed against Songoyo, whom I met in the course of two long trips to Tanzania late last year, include some of the world’s most powerful people and interests. (I have not used Songoyo’s last name out of concern for his safety.) What these people and interests want is what the Maasai are trying to keep: the land they live on.

Global leaders are seeking what they consider to be undeveloped land to meet a stated goal of conserving 30 percent of the planet’s surface by 2030 . Corporations want undisturbed forests in order to offset pollution. Western conservation groups, which refer to the Maasai as “stakeholders” on their own land, exert great influence, as does a booming safari industry that sells an old and destructive myth—casting the Serengeti as some primordial wilderness, with the Maasai as cultural relics obstructing a perfect view.

The reality is that the Maasai have been stewards, integral to creating that very ecosystem. The same can be said of Indigenous groups around the world, to whom conservation often feels like a land grab. In the past two decades, more than a quarter million Indigenous people have been evicted to make way for ecotourism, carbon-offset schemes, and other activities that fall under the banner of conservation. That figure is expected to soar.

For all its accomplishments, the cause of saving the planet has become a trillion-dollar business, a global scramble in which wealthy nations are looking to the developing world not just for natural resources, but for nature itself. The wealthy players include not only Europeans and Americans but Arabs and Chinese and others. On the African continent, political leaders are enthusiastic about what so-called green foreign investment might mean for their own economies (and, maybe, their bank accounts).

Such are the pressures being brought to bear on northern Tanzania, where the Maasai migrated with their cattle 400 years ago, settling in an area encompassing hundreds of thousands of square miles of grassy plains, acacia woodlands, rivers, lakes, snowcapped mountains, salt flats, forests, and some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet. They called it Siringet, which in the Maa language means “the place where the land runs on forever.” The Maasai see their recent history as a struggle to save that land from those who claimed it needed saving.

First came the British colonial authorities, who established the 5,700-square-mile Serengeti National Park, pushing the Maasai to an adjacent zone called the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with its famous crater, where they were promised they could live. Then came UNESCO. It declared both Serengeti and Ngorongoro to be World Heritage Sites, which came with new restrictions. Western tourists began arriving, seeking an experience of Africa that a thousand movies promised—one of pristine beauty and big game, not people grazing cattle. Tanzanian authorities began leasing blocks of land to foreign hunting and safari companies, many of which promoted themselves as conservationists—a word the Maasai have come to associate with their own doom. Spread among the villages that dot the northern tourist zone, the Maasai have meanwhile been growing in number—their population has doubled in recent decades, to about 200,000. Inevitably, the clash of interests has led to bitter and occasionally violent conflict.

Still, the threat unfolding now is of greater magnitude. It emerged soon after President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office, in 2021. “Tourism in Ngorongoro is disappearing,” she declared during one of her first major speeches. “We agreed that people and wildlife could cohabitate, but now people are overtaking the wildlife.” The Maasai listened with alarm, realizing that the people she was referring to were them.

Not long after Hassan’s speech, officials announced plans to resettle the roughly 100,000 Maasai who were living in and around Ngorongoro to “modern houses” in another part of the country. Meanwhile, in a region north of Ngorongoro, bordering Serengeti National Park, government security forces began rolling into Maasai villages. They were carrying out another part of the plan: annexing 580 square miles of prime grazing land to create an exclusive game reserve for the Dubai royal family, which had long hunted in the area. The government characterized the move as necessary for conservation. Traditional Maasai compounds, known as bomas , were burned. Park rangers began seizing cattle by the tens of thousands.

And more was coming: a $7.5 billion package with the United Arab Emirates , of which Dubai is a part, that included new plans for tourism and conservation. A $9.5 million deal with the Chinese for a geological park that overlapped with additional Maasai villages. An offer from Tanzania to make Donald Trump Jr.—an avid trophy hunter—an official “tourism ambassador.” New maps and proposals from the government indicated that further tracts could soon be placed off-limits, including a sacred site that the Maasai call the Mountain of God.

Read: What trophy hunting does to the elephants it leaves behind

“This is 80 percent of our land,” a Maasai elder told me one evening during a meeting with other leaders in northern Tanzania. “This will finish us.” They had tried protesting. They had filed lawsuits. They had appealed to the United Nations , the European Union , the East African Court of Justice, and Vice President Kamala Harris when she visited Tanzania in 2023. They’d unearthed old maps and village titles to prove that the land was theirs by law, not just by custom. They’d written a letter to John and Patrick McEnroe after hearing that the tennis stars were hosting a $25,000-a-person safari-and-tennis expedition in the Serengeti. People made supportive statements, but no one was coming to help.

This is what Songoyo understood as he paced the market in Aitong. It was closing soon. Buyers were filtering out through the wire fence, and he still had 12 sheep left to sell, one of which was lame. A man tapped it with a stick.

“A cow stepped on his leg; that’s why he walks like that,” Songoyo said, bracing the animal with his knees.

The man walked away. Another came and tapped his stick on the lame sheep, and then on the rest of them. They agreed on a price, and the buyer pulled out a roll of bills.

“Please, can you add 500?” Songoyo said, asking for the equivalent of an extra $3.60 in Kenyan shillings. “I need 500. Please.”

The man added 200, and Songoyo brought the day’s earnings to the relative who had hired him. They sat under a tree, and he counted out Songoyo’s share for a week of work, roughly $10. One cow would cost about $200.

“See you next week,” the man said.

“May God give you favor,” Songoyo replied, putting the money in the pocket of his blue track pants. His cellphone rang, a battered plastic burner.

“I am coming,” he told one of his wives, who was waiting for him at their home in Tanzania.

He’d had options other than this. There had always been Maasai who’d given up traditional ways to reinvent themselves, shedding their red shawls for all kinds of lives. Now many more of them, having lost their cattle, were moving to cities, where the Maasai reputation for bravery and rectitude meant there was always work as a security guard—I saw them everywhere in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, in front of shops and banks. Others had taken a government offer to resettle in a town called Msomera, far to the south, only to return home with stories of loneliness and conflict with locals. Still others were falling apart. Songoyo had seen them, drunk men hobbling along the road or passed out on their red shawls under trees in the daytime. That would not be him.

“Never,” he said, and began the long walk back to his village in Tanzania, a tall man wrapped in a pink-and-purple plaid shawl passing cinder-block taverns where he would not drink, and motorbikes he would not hire, because the point was to save money for the cow. No cows, no life , he told himself, picking up the pace along an orange dirt road stretching into the late afternoon.

His earliest memories were of cows; he had never been without them. They were the huge, warm, brown beasts kept in the center of the boma. Their dung formed the walls of his home. Their milk and blood were what he drank as a child, when his father told him what Maasai children were traditionally told: that when the earth split from the sky and God left the world, he entrusted the Maasai with all the cattle, and by extension the land and the other animals that shared it. Songoyo learned how to herd with rocks, pushing them around in the dirt. He got his first calf when he was a small boy, herding it with a stick near the boma. When he was big enough, he followed his older brothers out into the wider grazing areas, including one the Maasai called Osero , a word that refers to lush grasslands—in this case, the 580 square miles of land adjacent to Serengeti National Park where Maasai had lived and kept cattle for generations.

It was in Osero that he learned about different kinds of grasses and trees: which ones had good branches for bows or good bark for tea that could ease a backache. He learned where to find natural salt and the coolest streams, and he learned certain rules: Never cut down a tree. Keep cattle away from wildebeests during calving season, because they carry a disease deadly to cows.

He listened to older boys tell stories, including one whose lesson he still lived by, about a group of Maasai heading out on a cattle raid when one of the warriors broke his sandal. The warrior turned to the man behind him and asked if he would stay and help, but the man refused. He asked another, who also refused, and so on until the very last one agreed to stay, while the rest continued on to cattle-raiding glory. The stern moral was: Be prepared. Don’t fall behind. Stay with the group. Struggle.

Songoyo had struggled. He held himself together after his father died, when he was still a boy, a moment when he might have turned delinquent but didn’t. He endured his adolescent coming-of-age ceremonies with dignity, by all accounts managing not to cry or shake during his circumcision, when people scrutinize and taunt boys for any sign of weakness, and he was rewarded with cows. He learned how to shoot arrows and use a machete, and became a moran —entering a stage of life when young Maasai men bear responsibility for protecting their village—and was given more cows, each with a name, each with a certain character he came to know. In this way, the life he wanted became possible.

He married his first wife, then a second and a third, and eventually built a boma in the village where his children went to school, and a larger compound on the edge of Osero, where the cattle were kept, and where he’d had one of the happiest moments of his life. This was just before everything began to unravel, an otherwise ordinary day when the rains were full and the cows were fat and he’d walked out into the middle of them, their bells jangling, realizing how far he’d come and thinking, “Yes, I am a real Maasai.”

Not that life was an idyll. In village after village that I visited, people described years of tensions with safari companies and conservation authorities. People who lived within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a vast zone that was almost like its own country—had complained about schools falling apart and poisoned salt licks and the indignity of their identity being checked as they came and went through the tourist gate. In other areas, people had accused certain safari companies of illegally acquiring leases and paying local police to beat herders off concessions. One company was notorious for using a helicopter to spray scalding water on cows.

In Osero, the problems went back to 1992, when an Emirati company called Otterlo Business Corporation (OBC) was first granted a hunting license for the Dubai royal family. They had their own private camp and a private airstrip and, for the emir himself, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a compound on a hill, guarded by a special unit of the Tanzanian military police. When the rains ended each year, cargo planes full of four-wheelers and tents and pallets of food would buzz low over villages before landing, followed by private jets delivering the royal family and their guests. A few weeks later, they’d buzz out with carcasses of zebras and antelope and other trophies. For a while, OBC had its own cellphone tower, and Maasai villagers noticed that when they were near it, a message would pop up on their phone screens: “Welcome to the U.A.E.” The arrangement had been that the Maasai were supposed to keep away when the royals were in residence, but just about everyone had caught a glimpse. Songoyo had seen them speeding around, shooting animals from trucks with semiautomatic rifles. “Once, they pulled up in the middle of my cows and I saw them shooting so many antelope,” he told me. “They just kill, kill, kill!”

There had been attempts at diplomacy. Sometimes the Arabs, as the Maasai called them, would give out bags of rice. They had hired Maasai men to work as guides and drivers and had flown some of their favorite employees to Dubai, buying them clothing and cars. One driver recalled being at the camp on a day when the emir arrived. The driver lined up with other staff, and the emir greeted each one of them while an assistant followed behind with a large bag of cash, inviting each worker to reach in. The driver said he pulled out $1,060.

But a bitterness was always there. Maasai leaders had long claimed that Osero belonged to 14 adjacent villages, and that they had never consented to the OBC deal. Tanzanian officials asserted authority over not only Osero but a far larger expanse—Loliondo—citing its colonial-era designation as a game-controlled area; they often resorted to violence to enforce this view. Maasai villagers described to me how government security forces had collaborated with OBC at least twice in recent years to conduct a large-scale torching of bomas in the vicinity of the camp. Young men grazing cows had been beaten and shot at. One man described to me being shot in the face, then handcuffed to a hospital bed as he was bleeding through his ears and nose and eyes, slipping in and out of consciousness. He remembered a police officer shouting at a doctor to let him die, and the doctor refusing the order and saving his life. He lost his left eye, the socket now scarred over with skin, and had kept a thin blue hospital receipt all these years in the hope of receiving restitution that never came. Most villages have people who can tell such stories.

Read: The war on rhino poaching has human casualties

In 2017, amid rising complaints and lawsuits filed by Maasai leaders, Tanzanian authorities suspended OBC’s license and accused the company’s director of offering some $2 million in bribes to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, which led to a court case that ended in a plea deal. Requests to interview OBC executives, representatives of the Dubai royal family, and officials of the U.A.E. government about their involvement in Tanzania went unanswered.

By the time Hassan became president, in 2021, the director was back on the job and the OBC flights had resumed.

Samia Suluhu Hassan was widely embraced by West and East. Her predecessor, John Magufuli, who died in office, had been a populist with an authoritarian streak and became infamous for downplaying the dangers of COVID. He suspended media outlets, banned opposition rallies, and alienated foreign investors, even as many Maasai saw him as a hero for brushing back OBC.

Hassan eased his more repressive policies and embarked on an ambitious plan to bring foreign investment into the country, especially through tourism. She branded herself a forward-looking environmentalist.

And she found willing collaborators. The World Bank had been encouraging more tourism , arguing that it could help Tanzania achieve what official metrics define as middle-income status. One of the country’s main conservation partners, UNESCO, had been pressing Tanzanian authorities for years to implement what it called “stringent policies to control population growth” in Ngorongoro, although UNESCO also says it has never supported the displacement of people. A German conservation group called the Frankfurt Zoological Society, a major partner in managing Serengeti National Park, has expressed concern that traditional Maasai practices are becoming less tenable because of population growth. “There is a risk of overuse and overgrazing that should be addressed,” Dennis Rentsch, the deputy director of the society’s Africa department, told me. “I don’t want to vilify the Maasai. They are not enemies of conservation. But the challenge is when you reach a tipping point.”

In response to these pressures, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism produced a report that blamed rising Maasai and livestock populations for “extensive habitat destruction” in conservation zones. It recommended resettling all of Ngorongoro’s Maasai. It also recommended designating the 580-square-mile Osero tract, farther away, as a more restrictive game reserve, describing the land as an important wildlife corridor and water-catchment area for the Serengeti ecosystem. The designation left the Dubai royal family with an exclusive hunting playground. But none of the Maasai who lived in the area would be allowed to graze their cattle or continue living there.

Maasai leaders countered with two reports of their own—more than 300 pages covering colonial history, constitutional law, land-use law, and international conventions, and providing copies of village titles, registration certificates, and old maps—to prove their legal right to the land as citizens. They blamed habitat destruction on sprawling lodges, roads bisecting rangeland, trucks off-roading across savannas, and “huge tourist traffic.” Overgrazing was a result of being squeezed into ever smaller domains, which kept the Maasai from rotating grazing zones as they normally would. Citing their own surveys, they said the government had inflated livestock numbers, a claim supported by Pablo Manzano, a Spanish ecologist with the Basque Centre for Climate Change, who had conducted research in the region and found that the government was perpetuating a tragic misunderstanding.

Manzano and others pointed to a growing body of scholarly research demonstrating what the Maasai had long known: that their management of the land did not degrade the Serengeti ecosystem but had actually helped sustain and even create it—the grasslands the Maasai had cultivated for hundreds of years were the same grasslands that many wild animals needed to thrive. In that sense, the land had already been conserved before the Germans, the British, and various international groups decided that they needed to save it.

In their reports, Maasai leaders concluded that the government was engaged in “a calculated process to wipe out animals” and to “devastate their livelihood and culture.” They took a bus to the capital and delivered the two reports in person to government officials.

But there would be no debate, no discussion of complexities. Hassan moved forward with her agenda. She was finalizing the $7.5 billion package with the United Arab Emirates, the fourth-largest (after China, the EU, and the U.S.) investor in Africa. One deal turned over management of roughly two-thirds of Dar es Salaam’s port to DP World, a company owned by the U.A.E. government. Another deal turned over management of some 20 million acres of forest —roughly 8 percent of the nation’s entire territory—to a company called Blue Carbon, which is run by a member of the royal family, Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, and uses conserved land to generate carbon credits that it sells to other companies. The package also included money for tourism.

Hassan invited travel agents to the country for a “tourism reboot.” She spoke of wanting more five-star hotels. She filmed a promotional documentary called The Royal Tour , which at one point involved helicoptering with a travel reporter over some Maasai villages near the Serengeti.

“All those round things down there are the Maasai bomas,” Hassan says in the film, as several villagers look up into the sky. The reporter then comments in a way that Maasai leaders found ominous: “Over the years, the Tanzanian government has tried to persuade the Maasai to become traditional farmers or ranchers, but they’ve persisted in clinging to their ancient ways. And yet, they may not have a choice now.”

Some 400 miles to the south, in the hotter, flatter farming area of Msomera, bulldozers broke ground on a new development. The military was building 5,000 cinder-block houses intended for Maasai families. Officials had been dispatched to villages in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to present the government’s offer: a free house on 2.5 acres. Electricity. Piped water. New schools. A cash bonus of roughly $4,000 for early takers. At one such presentation, a crowd pelted the officials with rocks.

I requested an interview with Hassan to better understand her decisions. In response, a government spokesperson arranged interviews with several other officials, one of whom was Albert Msando, a district commissioner, who told me, “Whatever I am answering is whatever the president would have answered.” We met in the town of Handeni, near Msomera. Msando’s office was inside a former British-colonial building, where a portrait of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father, hung on one wall and a portrait of Hassan hung on another.

“For the public interest,” Msando said of the Maasai, “we have to relocate them.” A lawyer by training and demeanor, Msando emphasized that any relocation is voluntary, at least for now. He also made it clear that if persuasion fails, the government maintains the legal right to remove the Maasai from conservation areas, by force if necessary. “That’s why there are guys here with their shoulders decorated,” Msando said, pointing around the room to police and military officers.

He told me that anyone in Tanzania would be lucky to get what the Maasai were getting. “We are giving them nice houses, I believe, according to modern standards.” He said that the Maasai currently live in “filthy conditions” and should be helped to “live a better life.”

He and other officials I spoke with said that they disliked even using the term Maasai . They invoked the spirit of Nyerere, saying that Tanzania was supposed to have a national identity, not tribal ones. Msando said he could understand the Maasai’s concern about losing their culture, even if he had little sympathy for it. “Culture is a fluid thing,” he said. “I am Chaga—the Chaga were on the verge of having their own nation. Today look at me. People do not even know I’m Chaga. My kids don’t even speak Chaga.” He was unapologetic: “The Maasai are not exempted from acculturation or cultural acclimatization, or cultural extinction.”

The government’s plans moved forward. In June 2022, a convoy of trucks carrying hundreds of security personnel rolled into the 14 villages bordering Osero, a show of force that the Maasai had never seen before. Soldiers, police, and park rangers set up camps on the outskirts of each village, announcing their intention to demarcate the boundary of the new game reserve. What happened next unfolded sporadically over several days. It has been documented in reports by human-rights groups and was described to me by dozens of witnesses and victims.

First, village leaders summoned to what was billed as a routine ruling-party meeting were arrested after they refused to go along with the demarcation—27 of them in all. The security forces then began planting a long line of three-foot-high rectangular cement markers called beacons along the perimeter of Osero. Villagers came behind them, kicking the markers down before the concrete foundations had set; women hacked at them with machetes. “I felt like I was fighting for myself,” one woman told me later. “I knew if this land goes away, there is nowhere for my children to be, and that forced me to lose my fear.” But the security forces kept beating the villagers back. Elders called more than 1,000 moran to take up positions with bows and arrows in forested areas along a main road where government trucks were patrolling.

“How many are ready to die?” a leader said to the group, and at some point, one of them shot an arrow at a police officer, killing him.

After that, the security forces opened fire. They shot at the legs of elderly women waving grass as a sign of peace. They shot an elderly man, who fell and then was heaped onto a truck “like a sack of maize,” his son told me. He has not been found. The security forces shot at men and women trying to destroy the beacons, wounding them in their arms and legs and backs. They shot tear gas into bomas and burst into one where a traditional ceremony was being held, firing into the crowd. The moran waited for orders to retaliate, but the elders, seeing what the government was willing to do, called them off. “It’s only because we didn’t have guns,” a Maasai elder told me. “If someone helped us with guns, they cannot even fight with us, because they are very cowardly.” Another elder said, “You cannot fight a gun with arrows.”

Dozens of people with bullet and machete wounds, blocked by police from local clinics, limped their way across the border into Kenya for treatment. Several thousand more fled there for safety. Others hid in the forest. Then the burning and bulldozing began. For several days, security forces plowed through circles of stick fences. They crushed houses and corrals and lit the debris on fire, burning more than 300 bomas, including Songoyo’s, and finishing the work before the start of high safari season. In a statement issued a few days after the violence , the Tanzanian government said the new game reserve had “no settlements as it is alleged and therefore there is no eviction” taking place. It described what had happened as “normal practice for all wildlife and forest protected areas in Tanzania”—a necessary step to keep the Serengeti ecosystem from being “disrupted and eventually erased from the face of the Earth.”

Songoyo’s boma had been by a hot spring. His father’s and grandfather’s graves were nearby. In the aftermath of the violence, he moved his family and cattle from Osero to a smaller boma nearer to his village, where he and others returned from hiding to find homes ransacked and skeletons of cows that had been eaten by wild animals.

Security forces roamed up and down the roads. Officials called people into immigration offices and accused them of being Kenyans, requiring them to show up in court for weeks on end, until judges threw out their cases for lack of evidence. Rangers patrolled Osero more heavily than ever, shooting at and beating herders who went anywhere near the new reserve, punishments that now came with a kind of psychological torture—forcing people to consent to the legitimacy of their own dispossession. One young man told me that rangers dragged him to their truck and beat him on his back with a stick for hours, calling him “rubbish” and yelling, “You don’t agree this land was taken? We will punish you until you agree!” They would feed him cornmeal, he said, and beat him some more. But he never did agree. Now he can barely walk.

The Maasai had other problems. One was grass: There was not enough. Everywhere I went, I saw bony cows picking at short clumps of weeds in dry patches of dirt. Out of desperation, some people were taking their cows to graze in Kenya, while others were sneaking into Osero at night. To avoid alerting rangers, cows went in without bells, making them harder to keep track of in the dark. Herders used cheap flashlights for safety, shining them fleetingly in the bush to detect the eyes of lions and other predators. They struggled to keep themselves awake, wearing small radios around their necks, playing tinny music at a low volume only they could hear.

Another problem was worse: Rangers were seizing cattle. Not just a few here and there, but huge herds of them, by the hundreds and then by the thousands. One day, Songoyo got a call from his brother, who had been grazing Songoyo’s 75 cows near Osero with other herders.

He said rangers had chased them down and seized more than 700 cattle, including all of Songoyo’s. He said the rangers had then crossed with the cattle into Serengeti National Park, and were holding them in a pen. Songoyo imagined them staying like that, not eating, not drinking. He imagined his favorite, Kiripa, a brown heifer he could always count on to lead the other cattle to distant grasses and home again, slowly dying, and rushed with the other owners to the park gate.

“I tried to reason with the rangers, but I totally failed—it was like they were ready to shoot us,” he recalled, and so the group contacted a Maasai lawyer, Melau Alais, whose practice had been overwhelmed by such emergency calls in the past year.

After several days, Songoyo learned that the rangers were alleging that the cattle had been illegally grazing inside Serengeti National Park, and that they would all be auctioned off unless the owners prevailed in court. The court was in a town called Mugumu, clear on the other side of the park, a two-hour drive away. The hearing was in a few days. So Songoyo and the other owners scrambled together the park fees and set off in the lawyer’s car past lush green grass and fat, grazing zebras and Land Cruisers full of tourists enjoying the scenery. When they reached the courthouse, the owner whom they had elected to represent all of the owners in the case, a man named Soloi Toroge, was formally charged with illegal grazing and jailed until the hearing.

The next day, Songoyo and the others sat in the gallery as Toroge took the stand. Both Songoyo and Alais recalled for me the day in the courtroom.

“So what happened?” Alais asked Toroge, and as the defendant began telling the story of how the rangers had beaten the herders and taken the cattle, Songoyo said he felt his anger rising.

Alais asked Toroge how he knew the cows were his, and as he described their particular colors and markings, Songoyo thought about his own cows, and became more desperate.

At another point, Alais asked Toroge how many children he had, and as Songoyo thought about his own, he began to feel physically ill.

“So what other business do you do?” Alais continued.

Toroge said he depended only on livestock.

“This livestock, or others?” Alais asked him.

This livestock, he answered. There was no other.

“So if the court decides to auction the cattle, what will happen?” Alais asked.

“All of us will die of hunger,” Toroge answered.

As he continued, Songoyo remembered thinking that this was it. That he really was about to lose everything he’d worked his whole life to achieve—not because of drought or his own foolishness, but because of his government, and the Arabs, and something called conservation. He said he began making noises, and felt himself becoming so disoriented, so altered, that he thought he could kill someone, or that someone might kill him, and soon people were surrounding him, court officers threatening to arrest him. Songoyo was saying, “Then let us die. There is no special death.”

He did not return for the other days of testimony. He was back in his village when Alais called to tell him that the judge had ruled that the cows would be auctioned off unless the owners paid a fine, and that his share—calculated per head of cattle, per day, for more than 30 days and counting—would be roughly $5,000.

He briefly considered what others had done, which was borrow money from a Somali loan shark who was doing a brisk business, but decided that was no solution.

“Let them sell them all,” he told Alais.

He did not leave his boma for days.

Normally, relatives and neighbors would give someone in his position one of their cows to help him rebuild, but nothing was normal any longer. More than 50,000 head of cattle had been taken by rangers, according to a local tally. Between the seized cattle and the fines, a huge transfer of wealth was under way from the Maasai community to the government.

People came by Songoyo’s boma to say they were sorry. They tried to encourage him. He considered what to do. He could be a security guard. He imagined standing still for hours in front of some building in Arusha. Then he began thinking that death would be preferable. Traditional Maasai cosmology includes no afterlife, no reward or punishment in the hereafter, so that would be that. Hanging or poison were the usual methods; hanging was more certain. Then he thought about his children. “And I said no,” he recalled. He told himself what others had told him since his father had died. He was a hard worker. He knew how to struggle. He thought, “Maybe something good is ahead of me.” He thought that if he just kept going, “God will bless me for that.”

He tore down a large corral where he had kept his cattle and built a smaller one for the seven goats he still had, and for the one cow he hoped to buy. He remembered a distant relative, a businessman in Kenya; they got in touch, and the plan was set: Pick up the livestock at a market near his village. Herd them across the border to a market in Kenya, and if he didn’t sell them there, go on to Aitong, a roughly 130-mile circuit every week. He had been doing this for months.

When he got home from Aitong, he would give half the money he’d earned to his wives for food. He would rest, and then start out again. He noticed himself becoming skinnier.

Songoyo headed north with his next herd of sheep, through a clearing with a seasonal stream and smooth rocks. He skirted Serengeti National Park, where he was not allowed to be, then crossed over a low mountain range that marked the Tanzania-Kenya border, his sandals splitting at the soles. At the gates of the park, some of the half a million people who visit every year were lining up in Land Cruisers, the bumpers displaying flag decals representing the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the United States. And as the sun rose one morning, in they went, tourists with bucket lists, anniversaries, dreams, and romanticized images in mind.

They roamed the dirt roads through grassy plains that really did seem to stretch on forever—a rolling sea of greens and yellows and flat-topped trees. They slowed for herds of gazelles and elephants. They sped to a leopard sighting in trucks bearing the wishful names of various outfitters—Sense of Africa, Lion King Adventures, Peacemakers Expeditions—and soon they began gathering along one side of the Mara River.

On the other side, great black herds of wildebeests were massing, waiting for the right moment to dive off a small cliff and swim across. What the animals saw waiting for them was a long line of trucks, a metal fortification.

“I want a picture!” said a woman hoisting her camera.

“My God, I want them to come down!” said her companion.

An hour passed. Another hour. The wildebeests were not migrating. A Maasai driver grumbled that obviously there were too many trucks. A man pressed binoculars to his face.

“See, it looks fine to us, but to them, something’s not right,” he said.

He wondered if it was crocodiles. They waited. A woman took a nap. Then some wildebeests began moving downriver, opposite some gaps in the otherwise solid wall of trucks. And then one hurled itself over the cliff in heroic fashion, and soon they were all diving.

“They’re flying!” someone said.

The animals were flailing, tumbling, and splashing down into the river, swimming for their lives, and now engines were cranking as trucks roared toward the crossing point, wedging into every open gap.

“We got ’em!” yelled a woman holding up a camera, and as far as anyone could see, the view was wildebeests, river, trees, and the grassy savanna beyond—no cows, no goats, no Maasai herders, no people at all, except the ones beholding the spectacle they’d been promised.

What they could not see was a tall man in blue track pants and a pink-and-purple plaid shawl herding sheep across a rocky path, trying not to think about how his knees hurt, his ankles hurt; trying to forget about all that had come before now.

Songoyo reached the first market, where he did not sell the sheep but picked up some more animals for another client and kept going, heading for Aitong.

It was late afternoon when he began crossing the Maasai Mara—the Kenyan national park—with only a stick for protection because bows and arrows are not allowed in the park. He hustled the sheep through the bush, past thorns, under branches, over sharp rocks and soft grass. He saw zebras. He saw giraffes . At one point, he saw a lion, which began following him, then another, coming closer and closer, and as he began to think that this would be how his life ended, a tourist truck came speeding along the road and scared the lion away, and he took off running with the sheep until he came upon elephants—“So, so many elephants,” he said—and managed to dodge those, too.

He kept walking, trying to stay alert. The night was moonless and very dark. After some hours, he reached the edge of the park and saw a boma—a cultural boma, as it turned out, the kind set up for tourists, where Maasai act out versions of the life now being extinguished—and asked if he could sleep there, but the people at the park said that was against the rules, even though welcoming him would have been the true Maasai way. So he waited outside a while and then entered anyway, lying down in a corner. It was cold, and he felt himself becoming sick.

He reached Aitong the next morning but still didn’t sell the sheep, and this meant he would have to press on another 50 miles to a town called Kilgoris. By now he was so exhausted that he decided to sleep, and this was when, as he put it, “evil came during the night,” in the form of a hyena that killed five of his sheep, two of which belonged to the new client. When Songoyo called to tell him, the man told Songoyo that he would have to repay him for the animals. Songoyo told him he didn’t have any money. The man said in that case, he would have to work without pay. Songoyo set off for Kilgoris, now in debt.

He walked along a dirt road as trucks blasted him with fumes. He walked across one farm after another. He felt so hungry. At times he knelt on the ground and said, “God, can you see this?,” then got up and kept going. Another farm. A man who gave him water. A man who yelled at him to get off his land. A tree where he took a nap. His dreams lately were of cows grazing in lush grass, and of dying. More hours crossing an area that belonged to a rival pastoralist tribe, sneaking along the edges and behind stands of trees, feeling like a thief, he said, feeling like he had no place to be in this world. He kept going like that, across more land that was not his.

The land Songoyo considered his was now part of the new Pololeti Game Reserve . That was what Osero had become. The government had constructed a gate bearing the name along the main road into the area, not far from where Songoyo’s boma had been, and when the Dubai royal family was not around, tourists could pay a fee and go inside.

“As far as you can see, all this is now Pololeti,” said a Maasai driver who had grown up on the land and been away from it for a year, ever since the violence. “I feel like crying.” The only reason he was able to go inside now was that I had hired him as a guide.

What he saw was miles and miles of a particular grass that was good for cattle, at the moment so tall and golden. “If your cows are weak and they eat this, in two days they will stand,” he said, driving ahead.

He saw the yellowing tops of grasses that zebras favored, and thick, wetter grasses that wildebeests favored. He saw some impalas in the distance and said, “I wish to see my goats there,” because they would usually graze together.

He saw wiry red oat grasses, and thick swirls of cattail grasses, and here was the kind of acacia with bark that helped with nausea and there was the tree with large, rough leaves useful for sanding down a staff. He saw lavender morning glories used for tissues, and a sacred stream whose water was used for ceremonies. He smelled the familiar scent of bush mint in the cool afternoon, and heard such a strange quiet without the bells of cows.

“In this area, in the evening, you’d see so many cows,” the driver said, and soon he reached a clearing where it was possible to see grass pressed into faint circles.

“Over here used to be houses,” he said.

“Over here, there used to be more than 20 bomas,” he said, continuing on.

“Here used to be a boma, because you can tell the difference between this grass and the other grass,” he said. “We always have soft-soft.”

He navigated by trees he remembered and small hills he knew by heart.

“Here was a very large boma—you can see the fence,” he said, pointing to some scattered branches with thorns. He continued on.

“Over here was the Pyando family,” he said, passing a certain spot in the grass.

“The Kairungs were here,” he said, but it was hard to tell.

“Here were the Saing’eus,” he said, pointing to black weeds that grew where cow dung had been.

Here lived the Purengeis and the Ngiyos. The Kutishos, the Oltinayos, the Kikanais, the Mungas. A whole world that would soon be gone with no trace.

The driver turned and headed back toward the gate, noting a road that led up to a compound on the mountain, where the emir could look down and enjoy one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, with no cows or bomas or red shawls obstructing the view.

“Just imagine,” the driver said, and soon he was passing a line of white beacons.

“Oh, our land,” he said, exiting through the gate, wondering what would become of all the life that had been here.

One answer was taking shape 5,000 miles to the north, in the United Arab Emirates, at a place called Sharjah Safari park. It had been open a year, a project sponsored by an Emirati royal who wished to re-create the experience of a real African safari. It was an hour’s drive from the Dubai airport, out along a smooth, straight highway lined with green palms and bright-yellow marigolds, past mirrored skyscrapers, many mosques, discount strip malls, a crematorium, camels, and miles of desert.

At the entrance was a concrete elephant. The $75 gold package entitled visitors to tour 12 distinct African landscapes with animals procured from Africa itself, and on a 70-degree December day, tourists climbed into a modified Land Cruiser that whisked them through a series of metal gates.

“Savanna,” the tour guide said as the first gate slid open to reveal some fake termite mounds, some half-dead acacia trees, and a living waterbuck. “Ngorongoro,” she said as another gate slid open, revealing a few gazelles and four white rhinos. “Serengeti,” she said, and on it went.

Soon the tour arrived at the last exhibit: “Boma.” At the end of a curved path lined with grass was a collection of round structures made of cement, not mud and dung, with wooden doors and thatched roofs. There was a corral with goats and donkeys. And here and there were signs with cartoons explaining life in this place. One of them included a drawing of a man. He was wearing a blue-plaid shawl. His features were simply drawn, and he stared blank-faced from the confines of a rectangular wood frame.

When he saw the low mountain range, Songoyo felt a burst of energy, knowing he was near home, such as it was, the place where he was trying to start over. He crossed the clearing with the smooth rocks, and soon he arrived at a grassy slope, and there were the remnants of the larger corral he’d torn down, and there was the smaller one he’d built for the goats and the cow he still could not buy, a circle of sticks with jackets and plaid shawls drying on top. There was a mud-walled house, and a child running out of it.

His wife made him some tea. He gave her money for the market. He’d made roughly $20 on this trip, but of course he was now in debt for the sheep the hyena had killed. They discussed which neighbors were still around. So many had left. Then Songoyo went outside to check on his seven goats.

He looked inside the corral. Four, he counted. Another two were running around outside, so that made six. He kept looking. He walked to where the old corral used to be, then back to the new corral. No goat. He began walking faster, looking around the house. Still no goat. He walked farther out into the grass, seeing nothing, becoming more alarmed.

“Where’s the other one?” he said. “There is one missing!”

His wife came outside and began looking too. He ran out beyond a thorn fence and into the taller grass, now frantic, scanning the landscape for all that he had left of a vanishing life he loved and still wanted.

He kept looking, and finally he spotted the goat. It was sitting in the grass. As he came nearer, he saw that it was injured. A back leg was bloody, and seemed to have gotten stuck in some thorns. Songoyo knelt down to examine the wound more closely. He was a Maasai man without a cow, in debt, getting skinnier, and now he was shaking his head.

“Who did this?” he shouted, expecting no answer.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “The Great Serengeti Land Grab.” Stephanie McCrummen can be reached at [email protected] .