20 Days Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you’ll be received by our safari representative who will assist with immigration formalities and transfer you to your hotel in the city. This day is meant to help you recover from your international flight and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore nearby sites such as the Karen Blixen Museum or the Giraffe Centre. Nairobi is the capital and commercial hub of Kenya and offers a blend of modernity and wildlife-rich surroundings.

Overnight: Eka Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive north to Samburu National Reserve. The journey takes you past scenic views of Mt. Kenya and rural Kenyan countryside. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by your first game drive in the afternoon. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife not commonly found in other parks, including the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through the park, attracting large herds of elephants and predators like lions and leopards.

Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp / Samburu Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Game Viewing in Samburu

Today is spent exploring Samburu National Reserve with both morning and afternoon game drives. You will have a chance to see the “Samburu Special Five”, species endemic to the north, as well as lion prides, cheetahs, and herds of elephants. The birdlife is also impressive, with over 450 species recorded. Between game drives, enjoy relaxation time at your lodge overlooking the river or savannah.

Overnight: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Depart Samburu after breakfast and travel south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region. This private conservancy is a leader in conservation and home to the last remaining northern white rhinos. It also hosts a chimpanzee sanctuary operated by the Jane Goodall Institute, which you can visit during your stay. Afternoon game drives will expose you to the Big Five and other species like African wild dogs and Grevy’s zebras.

Overnight: Serena Sweetwaters Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, continue your safari journey to Lake Nakuru National Park located in the Great Rift Valley. This park is known for its rhino sanctuary, large populations of flamingos, and Rothschild giraffes. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy a game drive in the afternoon. Lake Nakuru is a haven for birdwatchers and also provides opportunities to spot leopards and waterbucks.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the rich wildlife of the park, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and numerous antelope species. The Masai Mara is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and is most famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration that occurs from July to October.

Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Full Day in Masai Mara

Spend the entire day in the Masai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives. Track big cats on the hunt, observe large elephant herds, and if you’re lucky, witness a predator-prey interaction. During the migration season, you may also experience the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. Optional activities include hot air balloon safaris or visits to a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.

Overnight: Same as Day 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Masai Mara to Lake Victoria (Isebania Border)

Today you will leave Kenya and cross into Tanzania via the Isebania border. Your Kenyan guide will hand you over to your Tanzanian guide. After border formalities, proceed to Lake Victoria for an overnight stay. This area offers a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to interact with local fishing communities.

Overnight: Serenity on the Lake / Speke Bay Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Lake Victoria to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, head into Serengeti National Park through the Ndabaka Gate. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge located in either the central or northern region of the park. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and is home to large populations of predators, herbivores, and the annual wildebeest migration.

Overnight: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Serengeti Serena Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend the day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives will increase your chances of seeing the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras. Your guide will tailor the game drives to maximize wildlife sightings based on the time of year and current animal movements.

Overnight: Same as Day 9
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast and a final morning game drive, begin your journey to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you may choose to visit Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim and enjoy stunning views of the caldera.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Rhino Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural enclosure for a dense concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino, large elephant bulls, lions, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a waterhole before ascending to the crater rim and driving to Karatu.

Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge / Marera Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Lake Manyara National Park

Today you’ll visit Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park also hosts elephants, giraffes, baboons, and numerous bird species. After a rewarding game drive, head back to your lodge in Karatu for the night.

Overnight: Same as Day 12
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Karatu to Arusha

Drive to Arusha after breakfast, with optional stops at local markets or art galleries along the way. Arrive in Arusha for lunch and check in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the town. Prepare for your flight to Zanzibar the next day.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge / Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Fly to Zanzibar – Transfer to Beach Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport and board your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your beachfront resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the Indian Ocean.

Overnight: Zanzibar Queen Hotel / Kiwengwa Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16–18: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Spend three full days enjoying the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Optional activities include snorkeling, diving, spice tours, visiting Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkey, or taking a guided tour of Stone Town. Or simply relax at your resort and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

Overnight: Same as Day 15
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Stone Town Tour and Cultural Experience

Transfer to Stone Town and explore the historical and cultural landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the old slave market, the House of Wonders, and Forodhani Gardens. Later, check in to your boutique hotel in Stone Town and enjoy your final night in Zanzibar.

Overnight: Tembo House Hotel / Jafferji House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20: Departure from Zanzibar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 20-day Kenya and Tanzania safari and beach adventure.

Meals: Breakfast