Kenya & Tanzania · Group joining · Budget safari
Two weeks under canvas, nearly
A thirteen-day camping journey: the Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, then Tarangire, Lake Manyara, two nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
Camping is the most affordable way to travel at length across East Africa. This route takes in seven parks across both countries.
In Tanzania you spend a day each in Tarangire and Lake Manyara and two nights in the Serengeti before finishing at the Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha.
Seven parks across two countries
Two nights in the Serengeti
Tarangire and Lake Manyara
Camping on a budget
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Amboseli
Arusha
Tarangire
Lake Manyara
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Amboseli → Arusha → Tarangire → 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 → Amboseli
A morning game drive at Lake Nakuru, then the long drive south to Amboseli.
Day 5 / Amboseli National Park
A full day in Amboseli.
Day 6 / Amboseli → Namanga → Arusha
Cross the border at Namanga to Arusha.
Day 7 / Arusha → Tarangire National Park
A game drive in Tarangire National Park.
Day 8 / Lake Manyara National Park
A game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
Day 9 / Lake Manyara area → Serengeti
Cross the highlands to the Serengeti.
Day 10 / Serengeti National Park
A full day in the Serengeti.
Day 11 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
A morning in the Serengeti, then on to the crater rim.
Day 12 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
A game drive on the crater floor, then the drive to Arusha.
Day 13 / Arusha
Transfer for 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
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 · 2 nights
The budget base used for selected Tarangire and Lake Manyara stops.
About Fanaka Campsite
Serengeti · 2 nights
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 + Nyati Safari Camp + Charity Hotel + Fanaka Campsite + Seronera Camp + Simba Campsite.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know 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.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
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.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
13 days · Kenya & Tanzania
Price on request
