12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Budget Safari from Nairobi | Big Five & Great Migration
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good baseline fitness for multi-hour game drives and occasional short walks; be prepared for long days in vehicles.
Overview
Twelve days across Kenya and Tanzania—Mara to Serengeti, Ngorongoro to Tarangire—deliver close-up Big Five encounters and a front-row seat to the Great Migration. This budget private safari pairs camping with optional lodge upgrades, long game drives, and cultural stops for a practical, wildlife-first journey.
12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Budget Safari from Nairobi | Big Five & Great Migration
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The sun lifts off the Mara like a slow, gold tide. Early light finds the pop-roof of your safari jeep already raised and the guide scanning the horizon—lions loaf in the dust, warthogs skitter like punctuation, and a distant river hisses with the movement of crossing wildebeest. This is a travel day that asks little of you but promises a lot: long road miles traded for close encounters, nights under canvas, and the raw geography that has shaped East Africa for millennia.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for game activity
Predawn departures maximize predator and river-crossing sightings—pack a warm layer and keep binoculars ready.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Several long drives on uneven roads mean anti-nausea tablets or acupressure bands can make days more comfortable.
Protect gear from dust
Use zip-locks or camera rain covers and a microfiber cloth—dust is the main enemy of lenses and electronics.
Budget for optional upgrades and tips
The basic price covers camping and many meals but upgrading to comfort lodges or tipping guides will enhance the trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African elephant
- Tree-climbing lions
History
The Maasai people have grazed these plains for centuries; their pastoral knowledge and seasonal movement historically intersect with the migration routes that sustain park ecosystems.
Conservation
Many parks rely on entrance fees for local conservation; choose lodges and operators that support community projects and minimize single-use plastics to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Telephoto lens (200–400mm)
Needed for tight wildlife shots from the vehicle without disturbing animals.
Lightweight, warm jacket
Dawn and evening game drives are cold even after hot days; layers are essential.
Dust-proof camera or gear cover
Protects optics and electronics from fine road and camp dust common across the itinerary.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Bottled water is provided, but a filtered bottle reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated between stops.