Kenya & Tanzania · Private or group · Budget safari
Two countries in under a week
Two nights in the Maasai Mara and a night in Nakuru, then the shuttle to Arusha for Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater.
From USD 1,520 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
A compact two-country safari. The Kenyan half covers the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru; the Tanzanian half covers Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater.
You travel between Nairobi and Arusha by afternoon shuttle, so the route works well if you want to see both countries without long cross-border game drives.
Full day in the Maasai Mara
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Nairobi
Arusha
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Nairobi → Arusha → Lake Manyara → 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 with packed lunches, looking for elephants, buffalo, big cats and the antelope of the plains.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru
An early game drive, then breakfast and the drive to Lake Nakuru, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru → Nairobi → Arusha
A morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, then drive to Nairobi for the afternoon shuttle to Arusha, crossing at Namanga.
Day 5 / Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park
Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide and spend about six hours in Lake Manyara National Park, looking for elephants, buffalo, giraffes and birdlife, before settling in for the night near the park.
Day 6 / Lake Manyara area → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
About six hours of game viewing on the crater floor, then the drive back to Arusha.
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
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 CampsiteAccommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Buraha Zenoni + Charity Hotel + Fanaka 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
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
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.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
6 days · Kenya & Tanzania
From USD 1,520 pp
