13 Day Taita Hills, Tsavo, Amboseli, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

The 13 Day Taita Hills, Tsavo, Amboseli, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the classic safari routes and experience some of East Africa’s most rewarding yet often overlooked wildlife destinations.

While many itineraries focus solely on Maasai Mara and Serengeti, this safari introduces guests to the unique wildlife sanctuary of Taita Hills, the vast wilderness of Tsavo West, the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli, and the legendary ecosystems of Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

The result is a safari that combines iconic wildlife viewing with distinctive landscapes, fewer crowds, and exceptional photographic opportunities.

For travelers seeking a safari that feels different from the standard East Africa circuit, this itinerary delivers remarkable diversity across five extraordinary ecosystems.

WHY THIS SAFARI IS DIFFERENT

This itinerary stands apart because it combines famous wildlife areas with lesser-known conservation landscapes.

Key advantages include:

  • Access to private wildlife sanctuary experiences
  • Elevated lodge wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Vast volcanic landscapes in Tsavo West
  • Mount Kilimanjaro photography in Amboseli
  • World-renowned predator viewing in Serengeti
  • Exceptional Big Five opportunities
  • Lower visitor density compared to traditional safari circuits
  • Diverse scenery across multiple ecosystems

This safari offers a balance between iconic destinations and hidden gems.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Nairobi → Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary → Tsavo West National Park → Amboseli National Park → Namanga Border → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Arusha

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stay within the private Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Wildlife viewing directly from elevated lodge platforms
  • Tsavo West volcanic landscapes and lava flows
  • Mzima Springs hippo and crocodile viewing
  • Mount Kilimanjaro photography opportunities
  • Large elephant herds in Amboseli
  • Predator-rich Serengeti ecosystem
  • Ngorongoro Crater Big Five safari
  • Scenic cross-border safari adventure

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Depending on arrival time, optional excursions may include:

  • Nairobi National Park
  • Giraffe Centre
  • Karen Blixen Museum

A comprehensive safari briefing will be conducted in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: NAIROBI → TAITA HILLS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel southeast toward Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Arrive in time for lunch at the famous Salt Lick Safari Lodge, one of Africa’s most unique safari properties.

The lodge overlooks a busy waterhole where wildlife frequently gathers throughout the day and night.

Afternoon game drive within the sanctuary.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Lions
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Antelope species

Overnight: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

DAY 3: FULL DAY TAITA HILLS SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring the sanctuary.

Unlike larger national parks, Taita Hills offers a more intimate safari experience with excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

Highlights include:

  • Guided game drives
  • Waterhole wildlife viewing
  • Birdwatching opportunities
  • Elevated photography platforms

The sanctuary is known for consistent wildlife activity and fewer vehicles.

Overnight: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

DAY 4: TAITA HILLS → TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, proceed to Tsavo West National Park.

Tsavo West is one of Africa’s most scenic wilderness areas, featuring volcanic hills, lava fields, acacia woodlands, and dramatic escarpments.

Afternoon game drive includes visits to:

  • Mzima Springs
  • Shetani Lava Flow
  • Rhino Sanctuary (subject to accessibility)

Wildlife may include:

  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Buffalo
  • Hippos
  • Crocodiles

Overnight: Tsavo West

DAY 5: FULL DAY TSAVO WEST SAFARI

Enjoy a full day exploring Tsavo West’s varied habitats.

Photographers particularly appreciate the dramatic scenery, changing light conditions, and rugged terrain.

Key experiences include:

  • Early morning game drives
  • Scenic viewpoints
  • Wildlife tracking
  • Landscape photography

The park’s vastness provides an authentic wilderness experience rarely found elsewhere.

Overnight: Tsavo West

DAY 6: TSAVO WEST → AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, continue to Amboseli National Park.

Arrive for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Amboseli is internationally recognized for its large elephant populations and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The combination of wildlife and mountain scenery creates some of East Africa’s most iconic safari images.

Overnight: Amboseli

DAY 7: FULL DAY AMBOSELI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Amboseli.

Morning conditions often provide the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Large elephant herds
  • Lions
  • Hyenas
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras
  • Numerous bird species

The wetlands attract wildlife year-round, ensuring excellent game viewing.

Overnight: Amboseli

DAY 8: AMBOSELI → NAMANGA BORDER → ARUSHA

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and proceed to Namanga for border formalities.

Continue to Arusha for overnight accommodation.

This day allows a comfortable transition into the next phase of the safari while enjoying views of northern Tanzania’s landscapes.

Overnight: Arusha

DAY 9: ARUSHA → SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Depart Arusha after breakfast and travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy wildlife viewing en route as the scenery opens into vast savannah plains.

Afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 10: FULL DAY SERENGETI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Serengeti is renowned for:

  • Lion prides
  • Cheetahs
  • Leopards
  • Hyenas
  • Elephants
  • Seasonal migration herds

The open landscapes provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 11: SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

A second full day allows deeper exploration of different Serengeti regions.

Your guide will track wildlife activity based on recent sightings and seasonal movements.

This additional time greatly improves opportunities for predator encounters.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 12: SERENGETI → NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim.

The elevated position provides spectacular views across one of Africa’s most famous natural wonders.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 13: NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI → ARUSHA

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a final safari experience.

The crater offers one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Africa.

Possible sightings include:

  • Black rhino
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Hippos
  • Hyenas

Following the safari, drive to Arusha where the tour concludes.

Transfer to the airport or onward accommodation.

End of safari.

DESTINATIONS COVERED

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Private conservation area offering intimate wildlife encounters and elevated lodge viewing.

Tsavo West National Park

Famous for volcanic landscapes, lava flows, and Mzima Springs.

Amboseli National Park

Known for large elephant herds and spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro views.

Serengeti National Park

One of the world’s greatest wildlife ecosystems with exceptional predator viewing.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best Big Five safari destinations.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June – October

Best wildlife viewing conditions and clear photography opportunities.

January – March

Excellent weather, fewer crowds, and strong predator activity.

July – September

Peak season for migration activity in Serengeti.

ESTIMATED SAFARI PRICE RANGE

Package TypePrice Per Person
BudgetUSD 5,400 – 7,200
Mid-RangeUSD 7,800 – 13,500
LuxuryUSD 14,000 – 24,500+

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation throughout safari
  • Park and conservation fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • Private safari vehicle
  • All game drives
  • Border assistance
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Airport transfers

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why choose Taita Hills instead of another major park?

Taita Hills offers a more exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles and excellent wildlife viewing around waterholes.

Is Tsavo worth including in a Kenya–Tanzania safari?

Yes. Tsavo provides unique volcanic landscapes and wilderness scenery not found in other parks.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Opportunities exist across Tsavo, Amboseli, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. The combination of Kilimanjaro, Tsavo landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and Serengeti plains creates exceptional photographic diversity.

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