Embark on the ultimate East African journey with a Kenya and Tanzania safari that combines some of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. From the vast open plains of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, to the dramatic beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, this safari experience offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, rich culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Whether you're a first-time traveler to Africa or returning for another wildlife expedition, a combined Kenya and Tanzania safari offers diversity, depth, and the chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles — the Great Migration. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your dream Kenya-Tanzania safari tour.

Where to Start and End Your Safari

A Kenya and Tanzania safari has multiple starting and ending points. You can choose to begin your safari from Nairobi or Arusha, with border transfers at Isebania or Namanga, and follow a logical path through key national parks on both sides of the border. Thus, depending on your itinerary, you can choose to end your safari at Nairobi, Arusha, or Zanzibar.

For a seamless travel experience, we recommend flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and begin your safari from Nairobi, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel or begin your safari directly. You can choose to end your safari in Nairobi by crossing the Namanga border from Tanzania into Kenya, and departing to your next destination from the same airport. Similarly, you can also choose to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), and begin your safari from Arusha

If you choose to end your safari at Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is well connected to major destinations across the world.

If you wish to add a beach vacation in Zanzibar, you will have to take a connecting flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. After a relaxing beach holiday, you can depart from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), which caters to multiple international destinations.

Below are some of the most popular route options, including the border crossing points, flow of some sample itineraries, and the major parks you’ll pass through along the way.

Route Option 1: Nairobi to Arusha (Recommended)

Start: Nairobi (Kenya)

End: Arusha (Tanzania)

Border Transfer Point: Isebania

Sample Itinerary Flow: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara → Serengeti (via Isebania) → Ngorongoro → Tarangire → Arusha

Route Option 2: Round Trip – Nairobi to Arusha and Back to Nairobi

Start: Nairobi (Kenya)

End: Nairobi (Kenya)

Border Transfer Point: Isebania (into Tanzania), Namanga (back into Kenya)

Sample Itinerary Flow: Nairobi → Masai Mara → Serengeti (via Isebania) → Ngorongoro → Tarangire → Arusha → Amboseli (via Namanga) → Nairobi

Route Option 3: Nairobi to Zanzibar

Start: Nairobi

End: Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Border Transfer Point: Isebania

Sample Itinerary Flow: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara →Serengeti (via Isebania) → Ngorongoro Crater → Tarangire → Arusha → Zanzibar

Best Time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania

When planning a Kenya and Tanzania safari, the weather plays a major role in shaping your experience. Rainfall patterns influence everything from wildlife movements to road accessibility, and knowing how each season behaves will help you choose the perfect time for your journey. While the Great Migration is the headline attraction, it’s the changing climate—dry, wet, and in between—that dictates where the herds are, how easy it is to spot them, and what the landscapes look like.

June to October (Dry Season):

These months experience clear blue skies, sunny days, and low humidity. Daytime temperatures are mild to warm, while early mornings and nights can be chilly—especially in higher-altitude areas like Ngorongoro. Rain is extremely rare, and the landscape is dry and dusty by the end of the season. The dry conditions concentrate animals around rivers and waterholes. From July to October, the Great Migration is in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, and the famous Mara River crossings are in full swing. This period is ideal for those seeking predictable weather, crisp light for photography, and minimal chance of rain disruptions.

November to December (Short Rains):

During these two months, afternoon or evening showers are common, but they’re usually short-lived and followed by sunshine. The rains transform the plains into a lush green carpet, attracting grazers. Temperatures are warm during the day and comfortable at night. The wildebeest herds begin moving south from the Mara into the Serengeti, often seen in the northern and central regions. Birdlife flourishes with the arrival of migratory species. This period offers a quieter, more affordable safari experience with beautiful landscapes and softer light for photography.

Late January to March (Dry Season):

These months are warm and sunny with occasional showers that keep the grass short and green—perfect grazing conditions for wildebeest. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but usually pass quickly. Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in a few weeks in the Ndutu area, drawing large numbers of predators. The green plains make for striking backdrops in photographs. Thus, this period is great for witnessing predator-prey drama and for those who enjoy lush, open landscapes without too much rain.

April to May (Long Rains):

This period is the wettest time of year. Heavy rains can last for hours, and overcast skies are common. Roads in some parks may become muddy or impassable, and humidity levels are higher. Temperatures remain warm, and the air feels fresh after the rains. The herds disperse across the Serengeti, with plenty of resident wildlife still around. Birdwatching is excellent. These months are best for travelers seeking lesser tourists, lower rates, and dramatic stormy skies—just be prepared for flexible itineraries.

Zanzibar:

For Zanzibar, the best time to visit is also during the dry season from June to October, when the weather is sunny and warm with minimal rainfall, which is ideal for beach relaxation, swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Another good window is December to February, which remains dry and pleasant. The long rainy season from March to May is less ideal, as heavy rains can disrupt beach conditions and lead to some hotel closures.

Looking for a beach vacation combined with a thrilling safari in Tanzania? Head over here to explore our well-curated 10 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itineraries!

Our Recommended Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itineraries

We offer several well-curated cross-border safari itineraries depending on your interests, budget, and travel window. You can head over to our Kenya and Tanzania tour page and choose the tour best suited to your preferences by applying filters. Below are some of our recommended and most popular tours:

10 days Classic Kenya + Tanzania Itineraries (Recommended Year-Round)

These itineraries are ideal throughout the year and are perfect for safari-goers who want to experience the diversity and rich wildlife of both Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic parks.

Tour 1: 10 Days - Classic Kenya (4N) and Tanzania (5N) Safari ending at Arusha

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 5 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 6 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 7 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 8 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 9 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Tarangire

Day 10 - Tarangire full day game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha

Tour 2: 10 Days - Classic Kenya (4N) and Tanzania (5N) Safari ending at Nairobi

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Amboseli

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 5 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 6 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire

Day 8 - Tarangire full day game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha

Day 9 - Arusha to Namanga. Pick up from Namanga and transfer to Amboseli for afternoon game drives in Amboseli

Day 10 - Morning game drives in Amboseli and transfer to Nairobi

12 days Classic Kenya + Tanzania Itineraries (Recommended Year-Round)

These itineraries are ideal throughout the year and are perfect for safari-goers who want to experience the diversity and rich wildlife of both Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic parks with a relaxed schedule.

Tour 3: 12 Days - Classic Kenya (4N) and Tanzania (7N) Safari ending at Arusha

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 5 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 6 - Central Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 7 - Central Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 8 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 9 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Lake Manyara

Day 10 - Game drives in Lake Manyara and transfer to Tarangire

Day 11 - Tarangire - full day game drives

Day 12 - Tarangire game drives and transfer to Arusha

Tour 4: 12 Days - Classic Kenya (5N) and Tanzania (6N) Safari ending at Nairobi

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Amboseli

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 5 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 6 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 7 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 8 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire

Day 9 - Tarangire full day game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha

Day 10 - Arusha to Namanga. Pick up from Namanga and transfer to Amboseli for afternoon game drives in Amboseli

Day 11 - Full day game drives in Amboseli

Day 12 - Morning game drives in Amboseli and transfer to Nairobi

14 days Classic Kenya + Tanzania Itineraries (Recommended Year-Round)

These itineraries are ideal throughout the year and are perfect for safari-goers who want a comprehensive experience of both Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic parks.

Tour 5 - 14 Days - Classic Kenya (6N) and Tanzania (7N) Safari ending at Arusha

Covers Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Amboseli. Afternoon Game drives in Amboseli

Day 2 - Full day game drives in Amboseli

Day 3 - Early transfer from Amboseli (No game drives) to Lake Nakuru for afternoon game drives

Day 4 - Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives

Day 5 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 6 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 7 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 8 - Central Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 9 - Central Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 10 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 11 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Lake Manyara

Day 12 - Game drives in Lake Manyara and transfer to Tarangire

Day 13 - Tarangire - full day game drives

Day 14 - Tarangire game drives and transfer to Arusha

Tour 6 - 14 Days - Classic Kenya and Tanzania Safari ending at Nairobi

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Amboseli

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 5 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 6 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 7 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 8 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 9 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 10 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire

Day 11 - Tarangire full day game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha

Day 12 - Arusha to Namanga. Pick up from Namanga and transfer to Amboseli for afternoon game drives in Amboseli

Day 13 - Full day game drives in Amboseli

Day 14 - Morning game drives in Amboseli and transfer to Nairobi

Migration Safaris From July to October (Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti)

If you are interested in watching the Great Migration or experiencing some of the best possible wildlife safari tours in Africa, a migration safari between July to October is one of the most exciting tours you can consider. During this period, you’ll have the chance to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings from Northern Serengeti to Masai Mara and back — one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles — along with game drives in other iconic Tanzanian parks that offer rich and varied wildlife sightings.

Tour 7 - 10 Days Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & North Serengeti

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 5 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to North Serengeti

Day 6 - North Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 7 - Morning game drives in North Serengeti and transfer to Central Serengeti

Day 8 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 9 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 10 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha

Shorter and Longer Duration Options:

Tour 8: 9 Days Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Tour 9: 11 Days Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Tour 10: 12 Days Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti Migration Safari

Migration Safaris From Late December to March (Ndutu)

This season offers a unique Great Migration experience in the Ndutu region, where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth on the lush plains. It’s a great time to witness intense predator action and dramatic wildlife moments. These safaris, combined with Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic national parks including Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, serve a diverse and well-rounded safari experience.

Tour 11 - 10 Days Kenya + Tanzania Ndutu Migration Safari

Covers Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Ndutu

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru

Day 2 - Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

Day 5 - Transfer to Isebania Border to start the Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti

Day 6 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 7 - Morning game drive in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ndutu for evening game drives

Day 8 - Ndutu full day game drives

Day 9 - Morning game drives in Ndutu and and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 10 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha

Shorter And Longer Duration Options:

Tour 12 - 9 Days Kenya + Tanzania Ndutu Migration Safari

Tour 13 - 11 Days Kenya + Tanzania Ndutu Migration Safari

Tour 14 - 12 Days Kenya + Tanzania Ndutu Migration Safari

What Wildlife Can You Expect?

A combined Kenya and Tanzania safari offers one of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife experiences on the African continent. These two countries share the ecosystem that supports the Great Migration, but their varied landscapes also ensure a rich variety of habitats—ranging from open savannahs and alkaline lakes to volcanic craters and acacia woodlands.

In Kenya, the Masai Mara is the crown jewel, famous for its resident big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—and large populations of elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and buffalo. During the dry months (July to October), it also becomes the dramatic stage for thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River, often stalked by crocodiles and predators on the banks.

Crossing into Tanzania, the Serengeti continues the migration story with vast herds on the move almost year-round. Central Serengeti is known for lions and leopards, while southern Serengeti and Ndutu are prime calving areas in early-year months. The Ngorongoro Crater adds unique species to the mix, including the endangered black rhino and dense concentrations of game in a compact area.

Add to this the giant tuskers of Amboseli, the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, and the baobab-studded elephant country of Tarangire, and you have a safari circuit that delivers exceptional wildlife viewing in nearly every region you visit. Whether it’s the Big Five, rare birds, or the sheer scale of the migration, Kenya and Tanzania together offer an unmatched safari experience.

Click here to know more about wildlife sightings and probabilities in Tanzania curated by our expert guides

Entry Requirements & Visas

When combining Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll need to manage visas for both countries, but the process is straightforward for most travelers.

Entry Options: - Kenya eVisa: Apply online or get visa on arrival (for most nationalities)

• Tanzania eVisa: Apply online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz

• East Africa Tourist Visa: Covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda only (not Tanzania)

• Isebania and Namanga borders offer smooth overland crossings between the countries

Always check your passport validity (at least 6 months) and whether your nationality requires a referral visa for Tanzania.

Click here to learn more information on Visas for East Africa

Click here to learn more information on Visas for Tanzania

Accommodation Options on Safari

Accommodations and their locations vary for different parks, and each park has various accommodation types ranging from budget-friendly basic camping to mid-tier and luxury hotels and lodges. We offer the choice between 6-7 accommodation types for each safari tour, and you can choose the type of accommodation you wish to stay at based on your preferences.You can head over here to know the 5 Types of Accommodations available on your safari.

Mid-Tier Lodge in Masai Mara

High-end Luxury Tent in Masai Mara

Mid-tier Camp in Serengeti

High-end Luxury camp in Serengeti

How Much Does a Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost?

The cost of a Kenya and Tanzania safari depends on: - Your itinerary (number of nights, parks visited)

• Type of accommodation

• Season of travel

• Group size (larger groups receive lower per-person rates)

• Add-ons

Prices are inclusive of:

• Park Fees (for Non-Residents).

• Daily game drives while on Safari.

• Meals as per itinerary.

• Concession/ Camping Fees.

• A professional English speaking driver/ guide.

• All Taxes and VAT.

• 4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.

• Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).

For all the tours mentioned above, you can visit each tour page to input your travel dates and group size, and instantly view the applicable prices across different accommodation tiers—from economy to high-end luxury. As a general idea, if you're traveling as a couple in June, a 10-day Kenya + Tanzania safari ending at Nairobi would cost approximately USD 4,700 per person with economy-tier lodges, and could go up to USD 13,000 per person for luxury-tier stays. Read more about safari costs and the factors that determine it here.

You can get an accurate quote by sharing your travel dates, preferred comfort level, and group size with our team.

Plan Your Dream Kenya and Tanzania Safari with Monkey Adventures

A combined Kenya and Tanzania safari gives you the best of both worlds: thrilling game drives in iconic national parks and the ability to follow the Great Migration across two countries. Add in luxury or comfort-level lodges, seamless logistics, and optional beach extensions, and you have a truly unforgettable journey. Whether you want to witness wildlife in action, relax in Zanzibar, or customize the perfect family or honeymoon trip, our safari experts are here to help.

Get in touch with us today to start planning your Kenya and Tanzania safari — or browse our curated itineraries to get inspired.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari FAQs

1. Do I need a visa for both Kenya and Tanzania?

Yes, travelers visiting both Kenya and Tanzania must obtain separate visas for each country. These can often be applied for online (eVisa) or on arrival, depending on your nationality.

1. How do I travel between Kenya and Tanzania during the safari?

The standard method of transportation for a Kenya and Tanzania safari is by road. You can opt for a Safari Van or a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser. Apart from this, you also have the option of adding flight transfers between parks at an additional cost. This will significantly reduce your travel time between parks, ensuring you have the maximum time possible for game drives.

1. Can I see the Great Migration in both countries?

Yes, you can see the Great Migration in both countries. The migration is a year-round cycle. From July to October, it’s mostly in North Serengeti/Masai Mara; from November to June, it moves across various parts of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

1. Are safaris in Kenya and Tanzania safe?

Yes, safaris in both countries are safe. Your guides are trained in wildlife safety and your accommodations are secure.

1. How long should a combined Kenya and Tanzania safari be?

A well-paced safari usually takes 9 to 12 days, allowing you to explore key parks in both countries without feeling rushed. This time frame will allow you to visit the most iconic parks in both countries with a relaxed schedule, prioritizing game viewing and comfort.

1. Will I need any vaccinations or health precautions?

Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is often required, especially if crossing borders. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Always consult your doctor before traveling.