If you want the ultimate East African safari, Tanzania and Kenya together deliver the planet's greatest wildlife experience. This 10-day itinerary combines the two countries' finest destinations: the vast Serengeti and the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, and the dramatic Masai Mara in Kenya — the stage for the Great Migration river crossings. Ten days gives you enough time to experience the best of both countries without feeling rushed, with multiple game drives in each park and a mix of classic lodges and exclusive tented camps.
This day-by-day 10-day Tanzania and Kenya safari itinerary for 2026 is designed for first-time East Africa travellers, with detailed timings, accommodation options, border logistics, estimated costs and practical tips.
Tanzania — the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and the heart of the Great Migration.
10-Day Tanzania & Kenya Itinerary at a Glance
Quick Summary
- Day 1: Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
- Days 2-3: Ngorongoro Crater
- Days 4-5: Central Serengeti
- Day 6: Fly to Masai Mara, Kenya
- Days 7-9: Masai Mara & conservancies
- Day 10: Depart via Nairobi
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Arrive: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Most international flights arrive in the evening. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha (about 1 hour drive), a bustling town at the foot of Mount Meru that serves as the safari capital of Tanzania.
Evening: Relax and settle in. Your safari guide will brief you on the coming days. Have dinner at the hotel and get an early night — tomorrow the adventure begins.
Accommodation: Mid-range options include Arusha Coffee Lodge or Planet Lodge. Budget travellers can stay at Outpost Lodge. Luxury options include The Arusha or Legendary Lodge.
Days 2-3: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 2 Morning: After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive approximately 3 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending the forested outer slopes of the crater. Check into your lodge perched on the crater rim — the views are breathtaking.
Day 2 Afternoon: Descend 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary wildlife arenas on earth. This collapsed volcanic caldera spans 260 km² and hosts an astounding density of animals, including all the Big Five. Spend the afternoon exploring the crater floor, tracking lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino (both black and white) and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra. Hippo wallow in the streams, and flamingos tinge the soda lake pink.
The Ngorongoro Crater — the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a wildlife wonder.
Day 3: Enjoy a full day on the crater floor with picnic lunch, maximising your time in this wildlife paradise. The enclosed ecosystem means predator-prey interactions are constant and dramatic. As the sun sets, ascend the crater walls and return to your lodge for a final sundowner overlooking the caldera.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (luxury), Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (mid-range), or Rhino Lodge (budget).
Days 4-5: Central Serengeti
Day 4 Morning: Depart the crater and drive 3-4 hours across the Ngorongoro highlands and down onto the endless plains of the Serengeti — one of the most iconic landscapes on earth. En route, pass Maasai villages and Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Mankind."
Day 4 Afternoon: Arrive in the Central Serengeti (Seronera area), the park's wildlife heartland. Enjoy your first afternoon game drive through acacia woodlands and kopjes (rocky outcrops) — prime leopard territory. The central Serengeti has resident populations of lion, cheetah, elephant and giraffe year-round.
Day 5: Full day of game drives in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration herds (calving season in January-March in the southern plains; July-October they move north toward the Mara). The Serengeti's sheer scale — 14,750 km² — means endless horizons, dramatic predator-prey chases and a sense of true wilderness.
Stop for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, watching vultures circle overhead. Return to camp as the sun sets, painting the plains gold.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (luxury), Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (mid-range), or Seronera Public Campsite (budget camping).
Day 6: Fly to Masai Mara, Kenya
Morning: One last sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, then return to camp for brunch. Check out and transfer to the airstrip for your light-aircraft flight to the Masai Mara in Kenya (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour). The flight itself is spectacular — you'll see the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem from above, with herds dotting the plains below.
Afternoon: Land at one of the Mara's airstrips. Your Kenyan guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge or camp in the Mara reserve or a private conservancy. Settle in, then head out for an afternoon game drive — your first taste of Kenya's wildlife.
Evening: Enjoy sundowners in the bush as the sun sets over the savanna. Return to camp for dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Angama Mara (luxury), Governors' Camp (mid-range), or Mara Springs Safari Camp (budget).
Pro tip: Staying in a private conservancy (like Mara Naboisho, Olare Motorogi or Mara North) gives you exclusive game viewing with far fewer vehicles, plus off-road driving and night drives that are not permitted in the main reserve.
Days 7-9: Masai Mara & Conservancies
All Three Days Follow a Similar Rhythm:
5:30am: Wake-up call. Hot coffee, tea and biscuits before heading out.
6:00-9:30am: Morning game drive — the golden hour for predators. The Masai Mara is famous for its high density of lions, cheetahs and leopards. If you're visiting July-October, you'll witness the Great Migration — over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra crossing the crocodile-filled Mara River in chaotic, unforgettable scenes. Stop midway for coffee and snacks in the bush.
The Masai Mara — the stage for the Great Migration river crossings from July to October.
10:00am-12:30pm: Return to camp for a full breakfast. Relax, nap, read or watch wildlife from the camp's viewing deck.
12:30-3:30pm: Lunch and siesta. Some camps offer spa treatments or cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.
4:00-7:00pm: Afternoon game drive — the magic hour for photography and big-cat action. Stop for sundowners (drinks and nibbles) as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the savanna in shades of amber and gold. If you're in a conservancy, night drives may be offered — a thrilling chance to see nocturnal predators like leopard and hyena on the hunt.
7:30pm onwards: Return to camp for dinner. Share stories of the day's sightings around the campfire.
Day 9 Optional: Add a hot air balloon safari over the Mara ($450-550 per person) — one of the most magical safari experiences, drifting silently over the plains at dawn, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Day 10: Depart via Nairobi
Morning: Rise early for one final game drive (6:00-9:00am). There's always a chance for one last spectacular sighting — perhaps a leopard in a tree, or a cheetah on the hunt.
Mid-Morning: Return to camp for brunch and check out. Transfer to the airstrip for your light-aircraft flight to Nairobi (approximately 45 minutes).
Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi. Connect to your international flight home, or extend your trip with a night in Nairobi to visit the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Karen Blixen Museum before departing.
Pro tip: Book international flights departing Nairobi after 6pm to allow time for the final game drive, transfers and domestic connection.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $900-1,800 | $2,700-5,400 | $5,400-13,500 |
| Internal flights (Serengeti-Mara-Nairobi) | $400-600 | $400-600 | $400-600 |
| Park fees (Tanzania & Kenya) | $600-900 | $600-900 | $600-900 |
| Meals & activities | $300-600 | Mostly included | Fully included |
| Visas & tips | $200-300 | $200-300 | $200-300 |
| Total per person | $2,400-4,200 | $3,900-7,200 | $6,600-15,300+ |
Practical Tips
- East African Tourist Visa — costs $100 USD and covers both Tanzania and Kenya for up to 90 days. Apply online before departure.
- Vaccinations — Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis (both countries' safari areas are malaria zones).
- Currency — Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and Kenyan Shilling (KES). US dollars are widely accepted in lodges. Credit cards work in most camps.
- Pack layers — Early morning game drives can be very cold (bring a fleece or down jacket), but afternoons are hot. Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, beige) is best.
- Binoculars and cameras — Essential. Bring a good zoom lens (300mm+ recommended) for wildlife photography.
- Power adapters — Tanzania and Kenya use Type G plugs (three square pins). Bring adapters.
Extensions & Variations
If you have more time or want to customize the itinerary:
- Add Zanzibar (3-4 days) — pristine beaches, Stone Town and spice tours. Fly from Arusha or Nairobi.
- Add Lake Manyara or Tarangire (1-2 days) — en route to the Serengeti, excellent for elephants and tree-climbing lions.
- Add Amboseli (2 days) — Kenya's elephant paradise beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Extend in the Mara conservancies — spend more time in private conservancies for truly exclusive game viewing.
- Add a cultural component — visit a Maasai village or the Olduvai Gorge Museum.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate East African Safari
This 10-day Tanzania and Kenya safari itinerary delivers the ultimate East African wildlife experience — the vast Serengeti, the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater and the dramatic Masai Mara, all in one epic journey. You'll witness the Big Five, track the Great Migration (if timed right), and fall asleep to the sounds of the African night. It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines two of the world's greatest wildlife destinations into a single unforgettable trip.
Plan Your 10-Day Tanzania & Kenya Safari with Beyond Africa Safaris
We design private, tailor-made Tanzania-Kenya itineraries combining the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara, with every detail handled — internal flights, border logistics, handpicked camps, expert guides and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you want mid-range comfort or ultra-luxury conservancy camps, we'll craft your perfect East African adventure.
Contact us to start planning your 10-day safari today.
