13 Day Kenya Tanzania Safari: Amboseli, Serengeti & Maasai Mara

Experience a 13-day Kenya Tanzania safari through Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Maasai Mara, designed for wildlife and landscape photography.

 

Safari Overview

This 13-day Kenya Tanzania safari combines five of East Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, creating a journey designed around wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes and photography. From the elephants of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the background to the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire, the vast Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and wildlife-rich Maasai Mara, each destination brings a distinctly different safari experience.

The itinerary crosses between Kenya and Tanzania, allowing travelers to experience both sides of the wider Mara–Serengeti ecosystem while also visiting Amboseli and Tarangire. It is particularly well suited to wildlife photographers, landscape photographers, first-time East Africa visitors and travelers who want a comprehensive Kenya Tanzania safari rather than a single-country itinerary.

The journey combines time for photography with extended game drives, giving you opportunities to photograph elephants, big cats, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and other wildlife in very different environments.

Safari Highlights

  • Photograph elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
  • Explore Tarangire’s baobab landscapes and elephant herds
  • Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater
  • Track lions, cheetahs and leopards across the Serengeti
  • Experience the open plains of Maasai Mara
  • Explore wildlife habitats across two East African countries
  • Enjoy sunrise and golden-hour photography opportunities
  • Experience the wider Mara–Serengeti ecosystem
  • Private safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
  • Flexible itinerary designed around wildlife and photography interests

Safari Route

Nairobi → Amboseli → Namanga Border → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Isebania Border → Maasai Mara → Nairobi

13-Day Kenya Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by a representative from Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris.You will be transferred to your Nairobi hotel and given a briefing about the safari, including the route, border crossings and photography considerations.If you arrive early enough, optional Nairobi experiences can be arranged. These may include Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre or other city attractions.The evening is free to rest before the safari begins.Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south toward Amboseli National Park.Arrive around lunchtime before heading out for an afternoon game drive.Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant population and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises across the border in Tanzania.The open plains provide opportunities for wide-angle landscape photography as well as close wildlife portraits.Possible sightings include:Elephants Lions Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest Buffalo Hyenas AntelopesLate afternoon light can be particularly attractive for photographing elephants and the surrounding Amboseli landscape.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 3: Full-Day Amboseli Photography Safari

Spend the entire day exploring Amboseli National Park.An early morning game drive offers the best opportunity to photograph wildlife in soft light and, when weather conditions are favorable, Mount Kilimanjaro before clouds build around the summit.Amboseli's wetlands attract elephants and other wildlife, while the surrounding open plains create excellent opportunities for environmental wildlife portraits.Photography subjects may include:Elephant herds Kilimanjaro landscapes Giraffes Lions Zebras Birds around the wetlands Wildlife silhouettes and dust scenesA picnic lunch can be arranged where permitted, allowing you to spend more time in the park.Overnight: Amboseli

Day 4: Amboseli to Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel toward the Namanga border crossing.Complete the necessary immigration procedures before continuing into Tanzania.The journey continues toward Arusha and then Tarangire National Park.Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.Tarangire has a very different appearance from Amboseli, with woodland, grassland and iconic baobab trees creating distinctive photographic compositions.The park is particularly well known for elephants, especially during periods when wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources.Overnight: Tarangire

Day 5: Full-Day Tarangire Photography Safari

Enjoy a full day exploring Tarangire National Park.Early morning provides favorable light for photographing elephants moving through the woodland and wildlife gathering near water.The park's baobab trees provide strong natural backgrounds for both wide-angle landscapes and wildlife portraits.Depending on the season, you may encounter:Elephants Lions Leopards Giraffes Zebras Wildebeest Buffalo Elands Impalas Large numbers of bird speciesYour guide can adjust the day's route according to recent wildlife sightings and your photography interests.Overnight: Tarangire

Day 6: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, leave Tarangire and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.The route passes through changing landscapes and rural communities before reaching the highlands surrounding the crater.Arrive at your accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy views across the surrounding volcanic landscape.If weather conditions are favorable, sunset from the crater rim can provide an excellent landscape photography session.Overnight: Ngorongoro

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Safari

Start early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.The crater is a dramatic volcanic caldera containing grasslands, wetlands, woodland and a lake. Its enclosed environment supports a high concentration of wildlife.Possible sightings include:Black rhinos Lions Elephants Buffalo Hippos Hyenas Zebras Wildebeest Flamingos and other birdlifeThe crater is particularly rewarding for photographers because wildlife can often be observed against the crater's distinctive walls and open grasslands.A picnic lunch is served during the day's exploration before continuing with the game drive.Later in the afternoon, ascend from the crater and return to your lodge.Overnight: Ngorongoro

Day 8: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park.The landscape gradually changes as you leave the Ngorongoro highlands and enter the vast Serengeti plains.The drive itself can provide wildlife-viewing opportunities, particularly as you approach the central Serengeti.Enjoy an afternoon game drive after arrival.The Serengeti is one of Africa's best-known wildlife destinations and is particularly famous for its large predator populations and expansive grassland scenery.Overnight: Serengeti

Day 9: Full-Day Serengeti Photography Safari

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti.The early morning hours offer excellent conditions for wildlife photography, with softer light and increased animal activity.The Serengeti's open plains are particularly suitable for photographing predators and large herbivores in their natural surroundings.Depending on location and season, you may encounter:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Wildebeest Zebras Giraffes Buffalo HyenasYour guide will follow recent sightings and animal movements rather than simply following a fixed route.Overnight: Serengeti

Day 10: Second Full Day in Serengeti

Continue exploring the Serengeti with another full day of game drives.A second full day provides additional time to search for predators, follow interesting wildlife behavior and explore different habitats.The day may include visits to areas around kopjes, grasslands and seasonal water sources.For photographers, additional time in the Serengeti is particularly valuable because wildlife encounters are unpredictable. Staying longer gives you more opportunities to wait for behavior rather than moving immediately after a sighting.Possible photographic subjects include:Lion prides Cheetahs Leopards Elephants Wildebeest Zebras Giraffes Birds of preyOvernight: Serengeti

Day 11: Serengeti to Maasai Mara via Isebania Border

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and travel toward the Isebania border crossing between Tanzania and Kenya.Complete immigration procedures before continuing into Kenya.Proceed toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving later in the day depending on border and road conditions.If time allows, enjoy an evening game drive as the light begins to soften across the Mara plains.The Maasai Mara is renowned for its large populations of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and other plains wildlife.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 12: Full-Day Maasai Mara Photography Safari

Spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara.Early morning is ideal for photographing predators and other wildlife while temperatures are cooler and the light is softer.The Mara's open grasslands allow excellent visibility and provide opportunities for both close wildlife portraits and environmental compositions.Depending on the season, the reserve may also host large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras associated with the Great Migration.Possible sightings include:Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Wildebeest Zebras Giraffes Hippos HyenasA picnic lunch can be arranged to maximize time in the reserve.Optional: Hot-air balloon safari at sunrise, subject to availability and additional cost.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 13: Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Departure

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and travel back to Nairobi.Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time for lunch or a short stop in Nairobi before continuing to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.For travelers with late evening flights, the return journey can be planned around the departure time.Your Kenya Tanzania safari ends in Nairobi.

What’s Included

  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional safari driver-guide
  • Kenya and Tanzania park entry fees
  • Daily game drives
  • Border crossing assistance
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Airport transfers

What’s Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya visa or entry requirements
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic flights unless included in your quotation
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
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Destinations on This Kenya Tanzania Safari

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most recognizable safari destinations. Its large elephant herds and views toward Mount Kilimanjaro make it particularly attractive to photographers.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire is known for its baobab trees, elephants, seasonal wildlife concentrations and diverse birdlife.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounds the famous crater, a volcanic caldera with an exceptional concentration of wildlife.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is famous for its vast plains, predators and its role in the wider Great Migration ecosystem.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations, offering strong opportunities for Big Five viewing and seasonal migration experiences.

Best Time for a Kenya Tanzania Photography Safari

The best time depends on the type of photography and wildlife experience you want.

June to October

The dry season generally provides good visibility, easier wildlife spotting and favorable conditions for photography.

July to September

This is a popular period for travelers interested in the Great Migration, particularly in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara. River crossings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.

January to March

The green season can offer lush landscapes, dramatic skies, young animals in some regions and excellent photographic conditions.

For photographers, there is no single perfect month. The best dates depend on whether your priority is migration, predators, elephants, landscapes, birdlife or fewer visitors.

Plan Your Kenya Tanzania Safari

A 13-day Kenya Tanzania safari gives you enough time to experience several of East Africa’s major wildlife areas without limiting the trip to one ecosystem.

If your priority is wildlife photography, the Great Migration, Big Five viewing, elephants, landscapes or a combination of all four, the itinerary can be adjusted around your interests.

Send us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation level and photography or wildlife interests and we will prepare a personalized safari itinerary and quotation.

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