12-Day Safari Camping Tour in Kenya & Tanzania — Maasai Mara to Serengeti
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Moderate — must tolerate long vehicle transfers, occasional short walks, and basic camping conditions
Overview
Swap Nairobi’s skyline for star-scattered campfires and the long, low sun of the savanna. This 12-day camping loop stitches together Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Serengeti and Ngorongoro for concentrated game time, cultural exchanges with Maasai communities, and wild, road-worn travel across the Rift Valley.
12-Day Safari Camping Tour in Kenya & Tanzania — Maasai Mara to Serengeti
Select participants and date
Sunrise finds the savanna a moving thing: a low wind strips dust from the grass, and the silhouettes of acacia trees sharpen against a pale gold sky. On day two of this 12-day safari camping loop, the guide lifts the pop-up roof of your van and the Mara opens up — lions already lounging at a termite mound, a dazzle of zebras threading between fig trees. Over the next twelve days you’ll trade the city buzz of Nairobi for nights under canvas, following herds and rivers through Kenya’s Rift Valley and into the classic plains of northern Tanzania.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate and carry electrolytes
Long game drives and high-elevation mornings dehydrate; bring a refillable bottle and electrolyte packets to maintain energy over multi-hour drives.
Bring binoculars with 8–12x magnification
Animals can be distant across plains — binoculars let you identify species and behavior without disturbing wildlife.
Layer for temperature swings
Mornings at Ngorongoro or on dawn drives are cold, midday in the bush can be hot — pack light fleece, sun shirt, and windproof jacket.
Respect local customs and guides
Ask before photographing people, follow guide instructions around wildlife, and bring small local-currency notes for community purchases and tipping.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African elephant
- plains zebra
History
The route crosses parts of the Great Rift Valley and Olduvai Gorge region, sites where paleoanthropologists have traced early human evolution.
Conservation
Many parks rely on entrance fees and community conservancies; travelers can support sustainability by minimizing plastic use, following park rules, and tipping guides for community benefit.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8–12x)
Essential for spotting distant predators and birdlife without disturbing animals.
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short walking safaris, uneven paths, and rocky viewpoints.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen)
Midday sun on open plains is strong; protect skin and eyes during drives and walks.
Light down or fleece jacket
Cool mornings at higher elevations require an insulating layer.