Day 1

Kenya · Tanzania

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safari

Two countries in one fly-in circuit: Samburu's northern specials, three full days in the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater.

Duration12 days11 nights

From$13,800per person, estimated

Request this safari Book online

Trip overview

A tailor made safari that opens in Samburu, continues to three nights in the Maasai Mara, crosses into Tanzania for three nights in the Serengeti, and closes with two nights on the Ngorongoro rim, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge along the way.

Between roughly April and May the Serengeti camp used on this route closes for the rains, and an equivalent property is substituted for those dates.

CountriesKenya, TanzaniaKenya · Tanzania

Duration12 days11 nights

ArrangementYour own vehicle

Starts & endsNairobi

Itinerary12 daysDay by day below

Best timeJun – Oct

From$13,800per person, estimated

How this price works. Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote. Payment and cancellation terms

Map route

Route overview

Nairobi Day 1 · 1 night

Samburu Days 2 to 4 · 2 nights

Maasai Mara Days 4 to 7 · 3 nights

Serengeti Days 7 to 10 · 3 nights

Ngorongoro Days 10 to 12 · 2 nights

Nairobi Day 12 · Ends here

Wildlife you are likely to see

Grevy's zebra Elephant Lion Wildebeest Black rhino

Solid tone means often seen on this route. Outline means possible, and worth the patience. Sightings vary with season and luck, and nothing wild is guaranteed.

Best months to travel

Best Quieter Green season

Book this safari Enquire Go to the day by day itinerary

Go to the day by day itinerary

Photos

Photos from this route

Itinerary

Day by day itinerary

Each day lists the route, the meals included and the lodge for that night. Lodges are as proposed for your dates and are confirmed by name in your written confirmation.

Main transfers on this trip

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 4: Samburu to the Maasai Mara: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Serengeti: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro: About 3 to 4 hours by road, with game viewing on the way (estimate)
Day 12: Ngorongoro to Nairobi: Scheduled flight, as set out in the day below

Road times are estimates without game drives or stops. Traffic, weather, road works and border queues can add time, and your guide plans comfort breaks along the way. Flight times depend on the airline schedule for your date.

Nairobi

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

A dedicated transfer meets the flight into Nairobi and continues to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free. It is a gentle start to a journey that will cross two countries and some of the finest wildlife country in Africa.

Dedicated arrival transferEvening at leisure

Accommodation

One night

8 photos Hemingways Nairobi Karen, Nairobi Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel in Karen, the leafy and peaceful suburb on the south-western side of Kenya’s capital, and the flagship of the Hemingways Collection. Its 45 suites are set in manicured gardens, and many look out towards the Ngong Hills. Interiors draw on Kenyan heritage, and the suite styles run from deluxe […]

One night in Nairobi, at a property such as Hemingways Nairobi. The exact hotel is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu

Wilson Airport, the busy little airfield for bush flights, is the morning's starting point, and the flight north lands in Samburu, dry, red and hot, with the green ribbon of the Ewaso Ng'iro River running through it.

Lunch is taken on arrival, and the first game drive follows that afternoon, along the river where elephant come down to drink and bathe.

Scheduled flightAfternoon game drive

Day 21 photo

Grevy's zebra on the reserve floor

Accommodation

Night 1 of 2

8 photos Soroi Larsens Camp Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu National Reserve Tented camp · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Soroi Larsens Camp is a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River inside Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The river is the lifeline of this dry, rugged country, drawing elephants and other wildlife to drink. Accommodation comes in two styles: river tented suites with king-size beds and decks overlooking the […]

Night 1 of 2 in Samburu, at a property such as Larsen's Camp. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Samburu

Day 3: Full Day in Samburu

Samburu is home to species found only in Kenya's dry north: the Grevy's zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the gerenuk, the beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich. A full day across the reserve, with drives in the cool of the morning and late afternoon, sets out to find them.

The river draws the predators too, and Samburu's leopards and lions are often seen resting in the shade along its banks.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 31 photo

Grevy's zebra on the reserve floor

Accommodation

Night 2 of 2

Same lodge as Day 2: Soroi Larsens Camp. See photos and details on Day 2.

A second night at the same property in Samburu.

Day 4: Samburu to the Maasai Mara

A flight south crosses the equator and the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara, the colours below turning from red and ochre to green and gold. The transfer to camp is worked as a game drive, so the Mara makes its first impression on the way in.

Three nights on the reserve begin here, with the plains just beyond camp.

Scheduled flightAfternoon game drive

Day 41 photo

Open plains as far as the light goes

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

2 photos Spirit of the Maasai Mara Siana Conservancy, east of the Maasai Mara National Reserve Lodge · 2 photos View lodge & photosClose

Spirit of the Maasai Mara is a small lodge in the tailor made Siana Conservancy, in its own quiet valley overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Staying in a conservancy means fewer vehicles and a more tailor made wildlife experience, while the main reserve remains within reach. The lodge has just ten air-conditioned suites that […]

Night 1 of 3 in the Maasai Mara, at a property such as Spirit of Maasai Mara Lodge. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Maasai Mara

Day 5: Full Day in the Maasai Mara

The first of two full days on the reserve starts at dawn, when the Mara is at its most active: lions returning from a night's hunting, hyenas at a carcass, cheetah on a termite mound, and the herds spread across the grass as far as the eye can see.

After a rest through the heat, the afternoon drive goes back out for the golden light that makes the Mara so photogenic.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 51 photo

Open plains as far as the light goes

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

Same lodge as Day 4: Spirit of the Maasai Mara. See photos and details on Day 4.

A second night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.

Maasai Mara

Day 6: Second Full Day in the Maasai Mara

The second full day follows the herds wherever the morning's reports place them. Between July and October that can mean the great wildebeest crossings on the Mara River; the rest of the year, the resident herds and the big cats that follow them.

The evening is the last in Kenya, and a fine one to spend watching the sun go down over the plains.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 61 photo

Open plains as far as the light goes

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

Same lodge as Day 4: Spirit of the Maasai Mara. See photos and details on Day 4.

A third night at the same property in the Maasai Mara.

Maasai Mara to Serengeti

Day 7: Maasai Mara to the Serengeti

A long travel day, connecting through Nairobi and Kilimanjaro, carries the safari into Tanzania and on to the Serengeti. A picnic lunch is taken along the way.

The last part of the journey doubles as a game drive, so the first sight of the Serengeti comes with animals already on it, before camp is reached in the late afternoon.

Scheduled flight via Nairobi and KilimanjaroPicnic lunch

Day 71 photo

The northern Serengeti

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

5 photos Sanctuary Kusini Remote southern Serengeti, among kopjes Tented camp · 5 photos View lodge & photosClose

Sanctuary Kusini is a permanent tented camp in a remote corner of the southern Serengeti, set in woodland among rocky outcrops known as kopjes, and it is the only permanent camp in this part of the park. Its location really comes into its own between mid December and March, when the wildebeest gather on the […]

8 photos Kirawira Serena Camp Hilltop in the Western Corridor, Serengeti National Park Tented camp · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Kirawira Serena Camp stands on a hilltop in the Western Corridor of Serengeti National Park, looking out across the Kirawira and Ndabaka plains. This western part of the park is closely linked with the great wildebeest migration as the herds move through the corridor, and the nearby Grumeti River is home to large crocodiles and […]

Night 1 of 3 in the Serengeti, at a property such as Kusini Luxury Permanent Camp (or Kirawira Luxury Camp between April and May, when Kusini is closed). The exact camp is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Serengeti

Day 8: Full Day in the Serengeti

The first of two full days on the plains, and a chance to take in the sheer scale of the Serengeti: grass to every horizon, the granite kopjes rising from it, and the acacia marking the courses of the rivers.

Drives run in the morning and afternoon, following lion prides, cheetah on the open ground, and the herds that move through the park with the rain.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 81 photo

The northern Serengeti

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

Same lodge as Day 7: Sanctuary Kusini. See photos and details on Day 7.

Same lodge as Day 7: Kirawira Serena Camp. See photos and details on Day 7.

A second night at the same property in the Serengeti.

Serengeti

Day 9: Second Full Day in the Serengeti

The second full day on the plains closes the Serengeti part of the trip. The kopjes are a good place to look for resting lions and leopard, and the open grass around them for cheetah on the hunt.

The evening is the last in the Serengeti, with the sounds of the plains all around camp.

Morning and afternoon drives

Day 91 photo

The northern Serengeti

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

Same lodge as Day 7: Sanctuary Kusini. See photos and details on Day 7.

Same lodge as Day 7: Kirawira Serena Camp. See photos and details on Day 7.

A third night at the same property in the Serengeti.

Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro, via Olduvai Gorge

The morning game drive is a last chance to see the Serengeti in its best light, before lunch and the road east. On the way out, a stop at Olduvai Gorge, where Louis and Mary Leakey made some of the most significant discoveries in the story of human origins, sets the plains in a very long perspective.

The road then climbs into the cool, green Ngorongoro highlands, for the first of two nights.

Morning game driveOlduvai Gorge

Day 101 photo

The crater floor from the rim

Accommodation

Night 1 of 2

8 photos The Manor at Ngorongoro Coffee estate near Karatu, outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Lodge · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

The Manor at Ngorongoro is an elegant Elewana property set on a 1,500 acre Arabica coffee estate near Karatu, in the green farming highlands just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its Cape Dutch architecture gives it the feel of a grand country house, and accommodation is spread across the Manor House and a series of […]

Night 1 of 2 on the Ngorongoro rim, at a property such as The Manor at Ngorongoro. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Ngorongoro

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater

A descent of two thousand feet onto the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater gives a full day in one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on earth. With a picnic lunch on board, the whole day can be spent below the rim, working through the forest, the soda lake and the open grassland.

Black rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo and great herds of zebra and wildebeest all share the caldera, and the crater walls frame every view.

Full day crater descent

Day 111 photo

The crater floor from the rim

Accommodation

Night 2 of 2

Same lodge as Day 10: The Manor at Ngorongoro. See photos and details on Day 10.

A second night at the same property on the Ngorongoro rim.

Ngorongoro to Nairobi

Day 12: Departure

The road runs back to Arusha for lunch, and a short flight connects to Nairobi. A day room at a hotel such as Ole Sereni allows a shower and some rest before the transfer to the airport for the evening departure.

Drive to ArushaFlight to NairobiDay roomDeparture

Accommodation

No overnight

8 photos Emara Ole Sereni Mombasa Road, Nairobi, bordering Nairobi National Park Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Emara Ole Sereni is a contemporary hotel just off Mombasa Road in Nairobi, set between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport and right on the edge of Nairobi National Park. Opened in 2019 as the newer wing of the Ole Sereni complex, it offers 148 stylish, air-conditioned rooms and suites, some on the upper […]

No overnight. Day room at a property such as Ole Sereni Hotel before the departure flight.

Price

Price and what is included

Written plainly so there are no surprises at the airport. Anything optional can be added to the quote before you pay.

Included

Already in the price you see.

Domestic flights and transfers
Accommodation as specified
All meals as mentioned
Game drives and park fees
Archaeological site visit at Olduvai Gorge

Not included

Budget for these separately.

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, including tips
Drinks and meals not mentioned

Reviews

What our guests say

      
   Volcan Tours & Travel
   8 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Eleftheria Kapoula 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Volcan Tours and Travel during our trip to Africa. Traveling with two young children (a 2 year old and a 6 year old) can sometimes be challenging, but thanks to their excellent organization and attention to detail everything went smoothly from beginning to end.
The entire trip was perfectly planned from the beautiful accommodations to the unforgettable safari experiences. Seeing the wildlife up close was truly magical and everything was arranged in a way that made it comfortable and enjoyable for our whole family.
A special mention to the amazing guides and drivers who were professional, friendly and wonderful with our children. They made us feel safe and welcome at all times and helped create memories that our family will cherish forever.
We are so grateful to the Volcan Tours and Travel team for organizing such a unique and unforgettable journey. We highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Africa, especially families traveling with young children!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matias Agnolin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an unforgettable safari visiting Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, and everything was simply perfect from start to finish. The organization, the lodges, the guides — every detail was beyond expectations.

A very special thank you to Marion, who was incredibly kind, helpful, and always available. She took care of every detail, answered all my questions, and made sure everything went smoothly throughout the trip. Her dedication and warm attitude truly made the experience even better.

I couldn’t have asked for a better safari — the wildlife, landscapes, and people were amazing. I highly recommend this agency and would definitely book with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lydia Collett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a brilliant time doing the day tour of Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe centre with Anthony who was super friendly and informative about all the animals! It was a busy and tiring day but totally worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   samuel davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for making our first trip to Africa such an awesome experience, alway on time, knowledgeable and friendly, and for going the extra mile so we saw all of the "big five" animals on our safari.
Thanks Marion and Ben our guide and Driver.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carleen Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guides were absolutely wonderful.  I can't say enough about the experience.  We definitely will be using their services when we do return to The Motherland. Blessings.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Márcio Santos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a very good walking tour around Nairobi with Marion. She is kind, helpful and well-informed about the city.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bonface Ngui 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Without doubt one of the favourite game park in Kenya(Amboseli Game Park)

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by Volcan Tour Guide Marion, our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible and for that she deserves a special thanks. We had two great days there, which obviously also added up to the experience.

Marion is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide not forgetting -recommendable!. We truly enjoyed walking the six of us through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relieve to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. The beautiful animals at the park carried our adventure.

The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for Marion who did a great job there; a true sample of excellent tour guide!

Many thanks again and I recommend Volcan Tour Guide Marion to everyone! Welcome to the great nation of Kenya: HAKUNA MATATA!

See all reviews on Google

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

What travellers ask us most about a safari like this one. Anything else, ask below and a specialist in Nairobi replies during office hours, Monday to Saturday.

Will we have the vehicle and guide to ourselves?

Yes. This safari is just for your group: your own vehicle and guide for the whole trip, and we never merge your party with another to cut costs.

How do we book, and how much is the deposit?

Press Book this safari. You can hold your dates for three days without paying while a specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks, or pay a deposit of 30, 40 or 50 percent, or the full amount, by credit or debit card through Pesapal. You can also pay by bank transfer, or in person at our Nairobi office by card. The standard schedule is a 30 percent deposit to confirm and the balance 60 days before arrival; bookings made within 60 days of departure, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits, are paid in full at booking. Card details go to Pesapal, never to Volcan.

Will we see the Great Migration and a river crossing?

The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times in that period. For the rest of the year they are in the Serengeti in Tanzania. The timing is set by the rains, so no operator can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports every morning and position you as well as experience allows.

Is there a luggage limit on the flights?

Light aircraft on safari routes usually allow about 15 kg per person, hand luggage included, in a soft-sided bag without wheels or a frame. We confirm the exact allowance for your flights, and anything you do not need on safari can usually be stored until you return.

Do we need a visa?

Kenya: most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel at etakenya.go.ke, together with the mandatory Kenyan inbound travel health insurance (bought during the eTA application or on the eCitizen portal). Tanzania: visas are issued online through the official immigration portal, visa.immigration.go.tz, and on arrival at some entry points. Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check them before you book flights, and always apply through the official government portal, never a third-party agent. We tell you what applies to your route when we confirm your trip.

Which vaccinations and health precautions do we need?

See a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go. Malaria is present in most safari areas of East Africa, so ask about antimalarials, insect repellent and cover-up clothing for the evenings. A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on your route and where you arrive from. Tanzania can ask for one from travellers arriving from Kenya, which matters on a route that crosses between the two.

Can children come on this safari?

Yes, and having your own vehicle makes it easy to set the pace around them. Child rates depend on the lodges, and some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us the ages of everyone travelling and we confirm what applies before you pay anything.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Tell us in writing as early as possible. The cancellation charges for your trip are set out in your written booking confirmation. Gorilla permits, internal flights and non-refundable lodge deposits already paid on your behalf cannot be recovered, so they are charged in full. Refunds go back to the card or account the payment came from. The detail is in our Booking & Payment Terms.

Enquire

Plan this safari with us

Send your dates and who is travelling. A specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks and replies during Nairobi office hours, Monday to Saturday, with an itemised price.

Free, and no obligation
Ask about changing the dates, lodges or pace
Answered by the team in Nairobi who plan the trip

Request this safari

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safari

Name

Your dates

Travel dates or month

Adults

Children under 18 (optional)

Where would you like to go? (optional)

Country you live in (optional)

Approximate budget per person, US dollars (optional)

Anything we should know? (optional)

How did you hear about us? (optional)

Prefer email? Write to info@volcantours.com

Availability

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safari

Dates are held for 72 hours without payment while you check flights. Nothing is charged until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.

From $13,800 Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Book this safari Enquire first

Prices are for guidance and are confirmed against current lodge and park rates before any payment.

Enquire first for questions and a written quote, with no commitment. Book this safari asks us to hold your dates for 72 hours without payment. Your booking is confirmed only when we confirm it in writing and your deposit is received under our booking terms.

More ideas