11-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari — Masai Mara to Serengeti via Ngorongoro
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility; expect long vehicle days, short walks and getting in/out of 4x4 vehicles.
Overview
An 11-day loop through Kenya and Tanzania that pairs classic Big Five sightings with crater rims, soda lakes and open Serengeti plains. Travel in a private 4x4 with an experienced guide, rustic tented nights and included park fees for a focused wildlife immersion.
11-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari — Masai Mara to Serengeti via Ngorongoro
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The morning air in the Maasai Mara tastes of dust and shampoo — sharp, dry, promising. A low-angled sun rims the acacia flatlands in gold as a 4x4 jeep eases off a red earth track and the world rearranges itself into silhouettes: a giraffe at a far termite mound, a pride of lions already blinking awake. This is the rhythm of an 11-day Kenya and Tanzania safari, where each sunrise is a new shortlist of wildlife moments and the land feels able to alter a traveler's expectations overnight.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars and a long lens
A 10x42 binocular and a 200–400mm lens make distant predator and bird sightings usable for photos and identification.
Prepare for dust and temperature swings
Pack a lightweight dust shell and layers — mornings are cold on open vehicles, afternoons can be hot and dusty.
Carry Kenyan and Tanzanian cash
Small park-side purchases, tips and village souvenirs are often cash-only; carry both KES and TZS or withdraw at major towns.
Respect local rules and guide instructions
Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise and ask permission before photographing people; safety and conservation depend on it.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black rhino
- Tree-climbing lions
History
The parks lie along the Great Rift Valley; Maasai pastoralists have grazed these lands for generations, shaping cultural landscapes alongside geological change.
Conservation
Efforts focus on rhino protection and community conservancies that channel tourism revenue into local wildlife stewardship; stick to park rules to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (10x42)
Essential for spotting distant wildlife before vehicles get close.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)
Captures detailed wildlife shots from the safety of your jeep.
Lightweight layers and dust shell
Morning chill and daytime dust demand layering and a windproof outer layer.
Comfortable walking shoes
For short walks, camp areas and uneven lodge grounds.