Explore two of East Africa’s leading safari countries on this 9-day Kenya-Tanzania group-joining safari from Nairobi.
First, travel to the Masai Mara for an afternoon game drive and a full day of wildlife viewing. Next, return through Nairobi and cross into Tanzania for an overnight stay in Arusha. Afterward, explore Tarangire National Park before traveling through Karatu to the Serengeti. Spend two nights in the Serengeti region. Therefore, you will have more time to search for predators, elephants, and plains wildlife.
Finally, visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater before returning to Arusha. The package operates as a group-joining safari. As a result, travelers share transport, driver-guide services, and the scheduled program. Budget camps, lodges, and hotels help keep the trip affordable. However, accommodation upgrades and private safari options are available on request.
This cross-border safari suits solo travelers, couples, friends, and small groups seeking an affordable Kenya and Tanzania wildlife experience.
Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi → Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Arusha
Actual journey times may vary because of traffic, road conditions, weather, border procedures, accommodation location, and scheduled stops.
This itinerary combines Kenya’s Masai Mara with Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
First, the safari focuses on the Masai Mara’s open savannahs and wildlife. Next, the program returns to Nairobi and uses a coordinated transfer to Arusha. From Arusha, the route continues through Tarangire, Karatu, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—finally, the safari returns to Arusha for departure.
The route allows travelers to join established group safari programs in both countries.
As a result, it offers a more affordable alternative to operating a private cross-border vehicle throughout the journey. However, Day 3 includes a long road transfer from the Masai Mara through Nairobi to Arusha. Guests should prepare for an early start and possible border delays.
Travelers who prefer a slower pace may request an additional night in Nairobi or Arusha.
This package operates as a shared group safari.
You may join different travelers during the Kenya and Tanzania sections. The safari vehicle, driver-guide, and group composition may change when you transfer between the two countries.
As a result, the group size, seating arrangement, and vehicle type may differ between destinations. Group departures follow a scheduled program. Therefore, pickup times, meal stops, game drives, and daily departure times may offer less flexibility than a private safari. Travelers should arrive at every confirmed meeting point on time.
In addition, carry compact luggage because shared safari vehicles have limited storage space. The operators may collect or drop off guests at different accommodations. Consequently, minor delays may occur. A private safari can be arranged if you prefer exclusive use of the vehicle and greater control over the itinerary.
The Kenya and Tanzania portions may use different safari teams.
Your Kenya driver-guide will manage the Masai Mara section and the return transfer to Nairobi. Next, a scheduled transfer will connect you to Arusha from Nairobi. After arrival, the Tanzania safari team will manage the Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro sections.
Tunza Tours will provide the meeting points, driver contacts, and transfer instructions before departure. Keep these details accessible throughout the journey.
Furthermore, notify our team immediately if traffic, border delays, or any other issue affects the connection.
The standard package uses selected budget camps, lodges, and hotels.
Final properties depend on your travel dates, group arrangements, room requirements, and availability.
Accommodation may consist of a permanent budget tented camp, a simple safari camp, or a lodge in the Masai Mara area.
Accommodation may consist of a budget hotel, guesthouse, or lodge within the Arusha area.
The hotel location may affect airport or safari pickup times.
Accommodation may consist of a budget lodge, camp, or hotel near the Ngorongoro highlands.
Accommodation may consist of a public campsite, tented camp, budget safari camp, or lodge in or near the Serengeti.
The exact arrangement depends on the selected package.
The final night before the crater visit may be near the conservation area or in Karatu.
Properties closer to Ngorongoro may shorten the morning transfer. However, accommodation in Karatu may be more affordable.
Tunza Tours will identify the selected accommodation in your quotation or booking confirmation.
If a property becomes unavailable, we may suggest a comparable alternative in a similar category.
However, we will inform you before confirming a major accommodation change.
The advertised amount is an indicative low-season rate for a budget group-joining safari using shared transport.
However, your final price will depend on:
The starting price assumes that travelers share accommodation.
Therefore, a single-room supplement may apply to solo travelers who require private rooms.
For example, upgraded camps, private transport, or luxury lodges will increase the final price.
Some accommodation providers may offer reduced child rates according to age and room arrangements.
Every Tunza Tours quotation will clearly list the services included, excluded, and payable separately.
This package includes travel between Kenya and Tanzania.
Each traveler must obtain and carry the correct documents for both countries.
These may include:
Entry and health requirements vary by nationality. They may also change before departure.
Therefore, check the latest requirements with the relevant official authorities, embassy, or consulate.
Tunza Tours can provide general travel guidance. However, each traveler remains responsible for meeting all immigration, entry, and health requirements.
Border officials may refuse entry when documents are incomplete or invalid.
Your confirmed quotation will clearly show the applicable park fees, conservation charges, and government taxes.
Therefore, the displayed starting price should not be treated as a fixed rate for every departure date or accommodation arrangement.
Possible additional charges may include:
If government taxes, park fees or mandatory levies change after confirmation, Tunza Tours will explain any required adjustment before travel.
This group safari combines shared transport, cross-border travel and scheduled wildlife experiences.
You can expect:
Group safaris require patience and cooperation.
For example, travelers may have different interests, photography needs, and preferred rest stops.
Wildlife moves freely in natural environments. Therefore, we cannot guarantee sightings of the Big Five, predators, migration herds, river crossings, or other specific animals.
In addition, traffic, weather, road conditions, and border procedures may affect transfer times.
The standard package follows a group-joining program.
However, you can request a private or upgraded version.
Available options may include:
Share your preferred dates, number of travelers, nationalities, children’s ages, room requirements and preferred comfort level.
After receiving these details, the Tunza Tours team will prepare a suitable itinerary and quotation.
You can take this safari year-round.
However, wildlife conditions, rainfall, prices, and visitor numbers vary by season.
These months are popular for dry-season wildlife viewing.
Migration herds may move through parts of the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems.
However, herd locations depend on rainfall, grazing conditions, and seasonal movements.
Demand is usually high. Therefore, book accommodation and group space early.
These months are generally warm and relatively dry in many safari areas.
As a result, wildlife viewing can be rewarding.
Clearer conditions may also provide good photography opportunities.
The long-rain season brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
In addition, selected accommodations may offer seasonal rates.
However, rain may affect road conditions, transfer times, and campsite accessibility.
The short rains refresh the landscape while still allowing rewarding safari experiences.
Conditions vary each year. Therefore, the program may require minor adjustments.
The Great Migration moves continuously through the wider Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem.
Consequently, no operator can guarantee the location of the herds or a river crossing on a specific date.
Your experience with Tunza Tours begins before departure.
Before the journey, our team will explain the route, meeting points, group arrangements, and cross-border transfer.
We can also arrange Nairobi accommodation, Arusha accommodation, airport transfers, and optional activities.
Furthermore, we will clarify the payment schedule, luggage guidance, and services included in your quotation.
During the Kenya section, your Kenya driver-guide will manage the Masai Mara program and return journey to Nairobi.
Next, the transfer team will coordinate the Nairobi-to-Arusha connection.
During the Tanzania section, your Tanzania driver-guide will manage the Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro program.
Meanwhile, the Tunza Tours operations team will remain available whenever you require assistance.
After the journey, we remain available to arrange airport transfers, additional Arusha accommodation, and safari or beach extensions.
We also welcome your feedback.
Our goal is to make your cross-border safari organized, affordable, and memorable from the first inquiry to the final departure.
Tunza Tours believes that safari travel should respect wildlife, landscapes, and communities in both countries.
We aim to:
Responsible travel helps protect East Africa’s ecosystems for wildlife, communities and future generations.
We recommend packing:
Use compact, soft-sided luggage because storage space in shared safari vehicles may be limited.
Keep essential travel documents, medication, valuables, and a change of clothing in your day bag during the cross-border transfer.
To request a booking or personalized quotation, provide:
Once we receive the required deposit, Tunza Tours will issue written confirmation of your booking.
In addition, your invoice will show the deposit amount, balance due date, and accepted payment methods.
Group departures, accommodation, and optional activities are subject to availability.
Therefore, wait for written safari confirmation before booking non-refundable international or regional flights.
Changes to travel dates, guest numbers, rooms, accommodation, transfers or activities may affect the final price.
Cancellation charges depend on:
We will provide the applicable cancellation terms before payment.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Suitable insurance may protect you against cancellation, medical emergencies, missed connections, border delays, lost luggage, and other unexpected events.
This is primarily a group-joining safari.
You will share safari transport and scheduled activities with other confirmed travelers.
Not necessarily.
The Kenya and Tanzania programs may use different vehicles, driver-guides, and group arrangements.
Your confirmed itinerary will explain the transfer and meeting details.
The safari starts in Nairobi, Kenya.
It ends in Arusha, Tanzania.
The standard itinerary ends in Arusha.
However, Tunza Tours can arrange a shuttle, flight, or additional transfer to Nairobi at an extra cost.
The scheduled transfer is included if it is listed in your confirmed quotation.
The itinerary and travel voucher will show the pickup point and departure time.
Day 3 is a long transfer day.
The combined Masai Mara-to-Nairobi and Nairobi-to-Arusha journey may take approximately 10–12 hours, excluding extended border delays.
Requirements depend on your nationality and travel circumstances.
You are responsible for obtaining the correct passport, visa, entry authorization, and health documents for Kenya and Tanzania.
The standard package uses selected budget camps, lodges, and hotels.
Your confirmed quotation will identify the accommodation provided each night.
Not always.
The package may use permanent tented camps, public campsites, simple lodges, or hotels.
Review the named accommodation and facilities in your quotation before booking.
We include the applicable park and conservation fees listed in your confirmed quotation.
Optional cultural, conservancy and specialist activity fees remain payable separately unless listed as included.
We include government taxes applicable to the confirmed services unless your quotation states otherwise.
Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary.
However, meals during transfers or hotel stays may differ from the safari meal plan.
Yes.
Group-joining safaris suit solo travelers because participants share transport and guide costs.
However, a single-room supplement may apply.
Yes, depending on the child’s age and ability to manage long road transfers.
Share the children’s ages before booking so we can confirm suitable accommodation, seating and meal arrangements.
Yes.
We can arrange a private safari in Kenya and Tanzania with exclusive transport.
However, private pricing will differ from the group-joining rate.
The itinerary offers opportunities to see the Big Five.
However, wildlife moves freely. Therefore, we cannot guarantee specific sightings.
The migration moves through the wider Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem throughout the year.
Exact herd locations depend on rainfall, grazing, and seasonal conditions.
River crossings are unpredictable.
Therefore, no guide or tour operator can guarantee a crossing on a specific date.
Yes.
We can arrange a sunrise balloon safari at an additional cost, subject to availability and weather.
Yes.
A Serengeti hot-air balloon safari can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability and weather.
Yes.
An Olduvai Gorge visit may be added to the Tanzania program when timing and group arrangements allow.
Yes.
We can arrange flights, transfers, and beach accommodation in Zanzibar after the safari.
Yes.
We can arrange transfers to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The transfer is only included when listed in your quotation.
Bring one compact soft-sided bag and a small day bag.
Large hard-shell suitcases may not fit comfortably in shared safari vehicles.
Your 9-day Kenya-Tanzania group safari can be upgraded or personalized to match your travel dates, room requirements, and preferred comfort level.
Explore the Masai Mara in Kenya before continuing to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, nationalities, children’s ages and room requirements.
After receiving your details, our team will confirm group availability and prepare a personalized quotation.
Approximate distance: 270–290 km
Estimated driving time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget camp, tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area
Your 9-day Kenya and Tanzania group-joining safari begins with pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or designated meeting point.
Meet your Kenya safari driver-guide and receive a short journey briefing. Afterward, depart Nairobi in a shared safari vehicle.
Travel through the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, pass farmland, rural communities and scenic escarpment landscapes.
Your guide may stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint before continuing through Narok towards the Masai Mara.
Depending on traffic, road conditions and camp location, arrive around lunchtime. Check in, enjoy lunch and take time to relax.
Later, depart for your first afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara’s open grasslands support lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas and many antelope species.
Afterward, return to your camp or lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Budget camp, tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Full-day scheduled game drive
Accommodation: Budget camp, tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area
After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The reserve combines open plains, rolling grasslands and riverine habitats.
Your driver-guide will plan the route according to recent sightings, wildlife movements, weather and the group programme.
Look for lions resting in the grass, elephants moving across the plains and giraffes feeding near acacia trees.
In addition, you may encounter cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests and several antelope species.
Depending on the selected route, you may visit the Mara River. Hippos and crocodiles are often present in and around the water.
During migration season, wildebeest and zebra herds may enter the wider Masai Mara ecosystem.
However, rainfall, grazing conditions and herd movements determine their location. Therefore, migration sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an approved location. Afterward, continue exploring until late afternoon.
The following activities may be arranged at an additional cost:
Book optional activities in advance.
All experiences remain subject to availability, weather and local operating conditions.
Later, return to your accommodation for dinner.
Overnight: Budget camp, tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area.
Approximate distance to Nairobi: 270–290 km
Approximate distance from Nairobi to Arusha: 270–290 km
Estimated combined road time: 10–12 hours, excluding extended border delays
Meals: Breakfast; other meals according to the confirmed programme
Accommodation: Budget hotel or lodge in Arusha
After an early breakfast, check out and begin the journey back to Nairobi.
Depending on the departure time and accommodation location, the group may enjoy wildlife sightings while leaving the Masai Mara area.
Travel through Narok and continue across the Great Rift Valley towards Nairobi.
On arrival, connect with the scheduled transfer to Arusha.
The Nairobi-to-Arusha journey passes through southern Kenya before reaching the Kenya–Tanzania border.
At the border, complete the required immigration, customs and entry procedures.
Travellers must carry the correct passport, visa, entry and health documents for both countries. Requirements may differ by nationality and may change before departure.
After completing border formalities, continue to Arusha.
This is the longest travel day of the itinerary. Therefore, prepare for an early departure, several hours on the road and possible waiting time at the border.
On arrival in Arusha, check in at your accommodation and relax.
Dinner arrangements will depend on the confirmed hotel and meal plan.
Overnight: Budget hotel or lodge in Arusha.
Approximate distance to Tarangire: 110–130 km
Estimated driving time: 2–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget lodge, camp or hotel in Karatu
After breakfast, meet your Tanzania safari driver-guide and the other travellers joining the Tanzania section.
Receive a short safari briefing before departing Arusha.
Travel towards Tarangire National Park through northern Tanzania’s rural landscapes.
On arrival, begin a scheduled game drive.
Tarangire offers open grasslands, woodland, river habitats and distinctive baobab scenery.
Search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other wildlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an approved location or follow the meal arrangement listed in your confirmed itinerary.
Afterward, continue exploring the park during the afternoon.
Later, leave Tarangire and travel to Karatu, a highland town near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Check in at your accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Budget lodge, camp or hotel in Karatu.
Approximate distance: 160–190 km
Estimated driving time: 4–5 hours, excluding game-viewing stops
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget camp or lodge in the Serengeti region
After breakfast, check out and begin the journey towards Serengeti National Park.
Travel through the Ngorongoro highlands and continue towards the vast plains of the Serengeti ecosystem.
The route offers changing scenery, from cultivated highlands to open grasslands.
After entering the Serengeti, begin a game drive while travelling towards your accommodation.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas and other wildlife.
Your guide will select the route according to wildlife activity, road conditions and the location of the camp or lodge.
Enjoy lunch according to the confirmed programme.
Afterward, continue the afternoon game drive before checking in at your accommodation.
Overnight: Budget camp or lodge in the Serengeti region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Full-day scheduled game drive
Accommodation: Budget camp or lodge in the Serengeti region
After breakfast, depart for a full day of wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park.
The park’s grasslands, rocky outcrops, river areas and woodland support diverse wildlife.
Your driver-guide will follow the scheduled group programme while considering recent sightings and wildlife movements.
Look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and several antelope species.
The Serengeti also supports hyenas, jackals, warthogs and many bird species.
During migration periods, large herds may move through different parts of the wider ecosystem.
However, rainfall and grazing conditions influence the location of the herds. Therefore, specific migration sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or another meal arrangement listed in the confirmed itinerary.
Afterward, continue exploring during the afternoon.
Optional activities may include:
Optional activities require advance booking and an additional payment.
They also remain subject to weather, availability and local operating conditions.
Later, return to your camp or lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Budget camp or lodge in the Serengeti region.
Approximate distance: 140–180 km
Estimated driving time: 3–5 hours, excluding game-viewing stops
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget camp, lodge or hotel near Ngorongoro or Karatu
After breakfast, check out and enjoy a final game drive while leaving the Serengeti region.
The route may provide further opportunities to see predators, plains wildlife and birdlife.
Later, continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Depending on the confirmed programme, an optional Olduvai Gorge visit may be available at an additional cost.
The Olduvai stop depends on time, road conditions and group arrangements.
Continue through the conservation area towards your accommodation.
Arrive near Ngorongoro or Karatu during the afternoon or early evening.
Check in, enjoy dinner and prepare for the following morning’s crater experience.
Overnight: Budget camp, lodge or hotel near Ngorongoro or Karatu.
Approximate distance to Arusha: 180–210 km
Estimated driving time: 4–5 hours after the crater visit
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Budget hotel or lodge in Arusha
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend to the crater floor for a scheduled game drive.
The crater’s grassland, woodland, wetland and lake habitats support a high concentration of wildlife.
Search for buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, elephants, lions, hyenas and other species.
Rhinos may also be present. However, sightings depend on wildlife movements, visibility and conditions during the visit.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an approved location.
Afterward, ascend from the crater and begin the journey back to Arusha.
Arrive during the late afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and the crater departure time.
Check in at your accommodation and relax.
Dinner will follow the meal plan listed in your confirmed itinerary.
Overnight: Budget hotel or lodge in Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast or according to the confirmed hotel meal plan
Enjoy breakfast at your Arusha accommodation.
The standard safari programme ends after breakfast and hotel checkout.
Depending on your onward arrangements, Tunza Tours can arrange a transfer to:
Airport and onward transfers are only included when listed in your confirmed quotation.
Guests should provide accurate flight or transfer details before the safari begins.
Allow enough time for traffic, airport check-in and security procedures.
You may also extend the journey with additional nights in Arusha, a Zanzibar beach holiday or another Tanzania safari experience.
Your 9-day Kenya and Tanzania group-joining safari ends with memorable wildlife experiences across two East African countries.
TRA License No: 90956
Under Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)