Kenya & Tanzania · Group joining · Budget safari
Mara, lakes, Amboseli and the northern circuit
Twelve days: the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate, Amboseli, then Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
From USD 2,230 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
The fullest Kenyan section in our collection: the Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha with Hell's Gate, and Amboseli. You then cross into Tanzania for Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the crater.
The journey ends in Arusha with a departure transfer on the final day.
Seven destinations across two countries
Hell's Gate by bicycle or vehicle
Full days in the Mara and Amboseli
Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
Amboseli
Arusha
Lake Manyara
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Arusha → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Leave Nairobi in the morning via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok, reaching the Maasai Mara for an afternoon game drive.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
A full day in the reserve.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
An early game drive, then the drive to Nakuru.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
A morning game drive at Lake Nakuru, then the drive to Lake Naivasha.
Day 5 / Hell's Gate → Amboseli
Cycle or drive through Hell's Gate, then travel to Amboseli.
Day 6 / Amboseli National Park
A full day in Amboseli.
Day 7 / Amboseli → Namanga → Arusha
Cross the border at Namanga to Arusha.
Day 8 / Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park
A game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
Day 9 / Lake Manyara → Serengeti
Cross the highlands to the Serengeti.
Day 10 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
A morning in the Serengeti, then on to the crater rim.
Day 11 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
A game drive on the crater floor, then the drive to Arusha.
Day 12 / Arusha
Transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport, or begin your onward journey.
Where you stay
This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.
Maasai Mara · 2 nights
The budget tented camp used for Absolute's Maasai Mara budget safaris, close to the reserve.
About Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Nakuru · 1 night
The Nakuru hotel used for overnight stays before or after a Lake Nakuru National Park game drive.
About Buraha Zenoni
Lake Naivasha · 1 night
The Naivasha base for budget safaris that include Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate.
About Leisure Apex
Amboseli · 2 nights
The budget camp used for Amboseli nights, with views towards Kilimanjaro on clear days.
About Nyati Safari Camp
Arusha · 1 night
The Arusha hotel used before or after selected budget safaris on Tanzania's northern circuit.
About Charity Hotel
Lake Manyara area · 1 night
The budget base used for selected Tarangire and Lake Manyara stops.
About Fanaka Campsite
Serengeti · 1 night
The budget tented base used for selected nights in the central Serengeti.
About Seronera Camp
Ngorongoro crater rim · 1 night
The public campsite used for selected budget itineraries around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
About Simba CampsiteArusha · 1 night
The Arusha hotel used before or after selected budget safaris on Tanzania's northern circuit.
About Charity HotelAccommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Buraha Zenoni + Leisure Apex + Nyati Safari Camp + Charity Hotel + Fanaka Campsite + Seronera Camp + Simba Campsite.
Prices are in US dollars per person. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Kenya–Tanzania safaris cross at Namanga or Isebania/Sirari. Allow time for immigration on both sides and carry your passport, visas or eTA and any vaccination certificates required for your nationality and route. Check current entry requirements before you travel.
Your vehicle and guide arrangements for each country are confirmed in writing with your booking, including where any change takes place.
Pack in a soft bag where possible; space is shared and you may move between vehicles at the border.
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Group-joining safaris follow the published route so everyone travels together. If you want changes, ask us about running the route privately.
Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
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12 days · Kenya & Tanzania
From USD 2,230 pp
