12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Budget Safari — Masai Mara to Serengeti Big Five Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of average fitness; days include long drives and multiple game drives requiring in‑and‑out of vehicles and short walks.
Overview
Cross the Great Rift Valley, descend into Ngorongoro’s volcanic bowl and watch the Mara wake at dawn on this 12‑day budget safari. Eleven nights of game drives, tented camps and local culture maximize wildlife viewing while guides handle logistics so you can focus on the sighting.
12-Day Kenya and Tanzania Budget Safari — Masai Mara to Serengeti Big Five Adventure
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The sun lifts like a slow curtain over the Mara on day five, and the Land Cruiser’s pop-top becomes a rooftop theater: a line of giraffes strolls across the horizon while distant thunder from a cloudburst rolls over the plains. On a trip that threads together seven of East Africa’s most storied reserves — Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Nakuru, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire — each morning hands you a new card from the wildlife deck.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dawn and Dusk Are Prime
Plan to be out on game drives at first light and late afternoon—that’s when predators and large herbivores are most active and the light is best for photos.
Hydrate and Salt Smart
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person in the vehicle and use electrolyte tablets on hotter days to prevent fatigue.
Border Documents Ready
Have printed and digital copies of your passport, visas and vaccination card when crossing Isebania into Tanzania to speed processing at the border.
Respect Maasai Communities
If you visit a Maasai village, ask before photographing people, remove shoes when invited into homes, and buy local crafts directly from makers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African lion
- Black rhino
History
The Great Rift Valley is a tectonic scar formed by continental plate divergence; human societies like the Maasai adapted to its fertile highlands and grasslands over centuries.
Conservation
Many parks on this route balance tourism revenue with anti-poaching efforts and community projects; choose operators that contribute to local conservation and respect park rules.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Binoculars bring distant sightings into sharp focus during game drives and boat trips at Lake Naivasha.
Sturdy walking shoes
Durable, closed shoes handle dusty tracks, rocky crater rims and brief guided walks in parks.
Wide-to-telephoto camera lens (70–300mm)
A versatile lens captures both landscapes and distant wildlife—consider renting if you don’t own one.
Lightweight layering jacket
Temperatures dip at high-elevation sites like Ngorongoro, especially early mornings and evenings.