Overview

This nine day mid-range safari offers the perfect blend of wildlife viewing and unique experiences. You will cross from Kenya into Tanzania to explore five iconic destinations – Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The highlight is a walking safari on Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha, where you will walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes with no vehicles between you and the animals. With Vanta Tours and Safaris, you enjoy comfortable accommodations, a 4×4 vehicle, and exceptional value.

  • Low Season (January to June): $1,285 per person

  • High Season (July to December): $1,430 per person

Comfortable East African Wildlife Adventure with Lake Naivasha

Safari Highlights

Search for the Big Five across five iconic parks in Kenya and Tanzania
Enjoy a walking safari on Crescent Island, walking among giraffes, zebras, and waterbuck
Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos up close
Spend two days in the Serengeti for maximum predator sighting opportunities
Spot flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru National Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi to Maasai Mara

Pick up from Nairobi airport or your city hotel by a Vanta Tours and Safaris representative. Drive via the scenic Great Rift Valley viewpoint with a photo stop. Continue through Narok town. Arrive at your mid-range camp in time for lunch (own expense). Afternoon game drive searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Return to camp for dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge or similar.

Day 2

Full Day in Maasai Mara

Early breakfast, then depart with a packed lunch for a full day game drive. Search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Mara River, watching hippos and crocodiles. During migration season (July to October), witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the river. Return to camp for dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge or similar.

Day 3

Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Morning breakfast, then check out and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive around the lake spotting flamingos, pelicans, both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and the famous tree climbing lions. Return for dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 4

Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

Early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru to see rhinos and lions. Return for breakfast, then check out. Drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. See hippos up close and watch fish eagles diving for food. Then visit Crescent Island for a walking safari. You will walk among giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, and antelopes with no vehicle between you and the animals. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Serena Camp.

Day 5

Lake Naivasha to Arusha (Tanzania)

Breakfast at your lodge. Optional morning visit to Hell's Gate National Park for cycling among zebras and giraffes (extra fee). Drive to Nairobi for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense). Afternoon drive to the Namanga border crossing. Complete border formalities and meet your Tanzanian driver guide. Continue to Arusha. Check into your mid-range hotel for dinner and overnight at Arusha Serena Hotel.

Day 6

Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Early breakfast, then depart for Serengeti National Park. Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with stunning views of the crater rim. Arrive at the Serengeti in time for lunch at your camp. Afternoon game drive on the endless plains searching for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeests. Return for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 7

Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Early morning sunrise game drive, then return to camp for breakfast. Depart with a packed lunch for a full day game drive exploring different areas of the Serengeti. Your guide will take you to the Seronera River valley known for leopards or the southeastern plains where cheetahs roam. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 8

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then breakfast. Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spot lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool. In the late afternoon, ascend back to the crater rim. Drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 9

Ngorongoro to Arusha – Departure

Breakfast at your lodge. Optional stop at a local market for souvenirs. Drive to Arusha, arriving in the early afternoon. Drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your Arusha hotel for your onward journey. Lunch and overnight in Arusha are not included.

What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • Eight nights accommodation in mid-range lodges, tented camps, or hotels
  • Round trip transport in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop up roof
  • Services of professional English speaking driver guides in both Kenya and Tanzania
  • All game drives as per the itinerary
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha including Crescent Island walking safari
  • All park entrance fees for Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
  • Ngorongoro Crater vehicle fee
  • Kenya to Tanzania border crossing fees and assistance

Excluded

  • International flights to Nairobi or from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Kenya visa (available on arrival for most nationalities at $50)
  • Tanzania visa (available on arrival for most nationalities at $50)
  • Travel and personal insurance (mandatory for all travelers)
  • Tips and gratuities for driver guides (recommended $10-$15 per person per day)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Lunch on Day One and Day Nine (can be added at $15 per meal)