13 Day Ultimate Kenya–Tanzania Big Five Safari

The 13 Day Ultimate Kenya–Tanzania Big Five Safari is one of the most comprehensive wildlife itineraries available in East Africa. Designed specifically for travelers whose primary goal is to maximize wildlife diversity and Big Five sightings, this journey combines leading conservation areas, premier safari reserves, and some of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems.

From tracking rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy to exploring the predator-rich plains of Maasai Mara and Serengeti, every destination on this itinerary has been carefully selected to increase the likelihood of encountering Africa’s most sought-after wildlife species.

The addition of Lake Nakuru National Park provides exceptional rhino viewing opportunities and seasonal flamingo spectacles, while Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest wildlife densities anywhere on the continent.

For first-time safari travelers, wildlife photographers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts, this itinerary represents one of the most rewarding safari experiences in East Africa.

WHY THIS SAFARI IS CONSIDERED THE ULTIMATE BIG FIVE CIRCUIT

Many safari itineraries offer opportunities to see the Big Five. This safari is specifically designed to maximize those opportunities by combining destinations known for exceptional wildlife concentrations.

Key advantages include:

  • Excellent opportunities to see all Big Five species
  • Multiple rhino-viewing locations
  • Predator-rich ecosystems
  • Leading conservation destinations
  • Diverse wildlife habitats
  • Great Migration ecosystem access
  • Birdwatching opportunities
  • Exceptional photography conditions

This itinerary focuses on wildlife quality rather than simply covering distance.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy → Lake Nakuru National Park → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Arusha

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Big Five wildlife opportunities throughout the safari
  • Ol Pejeta rhino conservation experiences
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
  • Lake Nakuru rhino sanctuary
  • Seasonal flamingo viewing
  • Maasai Mara predator encounters
  • Serengeti wildlife plains
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari
  • Great Migration ecosystem access
  • Conservation-focused wildlife experiences

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 free for relaxation.

Depending on arrival time, optional activities may include:

  • Nairobi National Park
  • Giraffe Centre
  • Karen Blixen Museum

A detailed safari briefing will be provided.

Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: NAIROBI → OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north through the central highlands toward Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Located on the equator with Mount Kenya forming a dramatic backdrop, Ol Pejeta is East Africa’s leading rhino conservation area.

Arrive for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Black rhinos
  • White rhinos
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes

Overnight: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

DAY 3: FULL DAY OL PEJETA CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE

Spend a full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Activities may include:

Rhino Conservation Safari

Ol Pejeta protects one of Africa’s largest black rhino populations and offers some of the best rhino viewing opportunities on the continent.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in the region where rescued chimpanzees can be observed.

Big Five Game Drives

Continue searching for additional wildlife species across the conservancy.

Overnight: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

DAY 4: OL PEJETA → LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, travel south toward Lake Nakuru National Park.

The park is internationally recognized for rhino conservation and birdlife diversity.

Following lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • White rhinos
  • Black rhinos
  • Rothschild’s giraffes
  • Buffalo
  • Zebras
  • Waterbucks

Depending on seasonal conditions, flamingos may be present along the shoreline.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru

DAY 5: LAKE NAKURU → MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast, proceed through the Great Rift Valley toward Maasai Mara.

Arrive in time for lunch before an afternoon game drive.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and supports exceptional predator populations.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 6: FULL DAY MAASAI MARA BIG FIVE SAFARI

Spend the day exploring the reserve.

Wildlife may include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Rhinos
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas

A picnic lunch allows extended game viewing throughout the day.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 7: MAASAI MARA WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Continue exploring different regions of the reserve.

Depending on the season, migration herds may be present.

Optional activity:

  • Sunrise hot air balloon safari

This additional day significantly improves wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 8: MAASAI MARA → ISEBANIA BORDER → SERENGETI

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and travel toward the Isebania border crossing.

Following immigration formalities, continue into Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy wildlife viewing en route to your lodge.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 9: FULL DAY SERENGETI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

The Serengeti supports:

  • Large lion populations
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Wildebeest

This is one of the best locations in Africa for predator photography.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 10: SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

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

Your guide will adjust the route based on recent wildlife activity.

This flexibility often results in exceptional wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 11: SERENGETI → NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

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

The route offers spectacular scenery and continued wildlife viewing opportunities.

Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 12: NGORONGORO CRATER BIG FIVE SAFARI

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

Possible sightings include:

  • Black rhinos
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Hippos
  • Hyenas
  • Jackals

The crater’s enclosed ecosystem supports remarkable wildlife concentrations.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 13: NGORONGORO → ARUSHA

After breakfast, travel to Arusha where the safari concludes.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your onward accommodation.

End of safari.

DESTINATIONS COVERED

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

East Africa’s leading rhino conservation destination and home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Famous for rhino conservation, birdlife, and seasonal flamingo populations.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves with excellent Big Five opportunities.

Serengeti National Park

World-renowned ecosystem supporting exceptional predator populations and migration wildlife.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

A natural wildlife sanctuary with one of the highest concentrations of animals in Africa.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June – October

Excellent wildlife viewing and dry-season conditions.

July – October

Peak migration season within the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

January – March

Excellent predator sightings and fewer crowds.

Year-Round

Rhino viewing remains exceptional throughout the year.

ESTIMATED SAFARI PRICE RANGE

Package TypePrice Per Person
BudgetUSD 5,500 – 7,500
Mid-RangeUSD 8,000 – 14,500
LuxuryUSD 15,000 – 28,000+

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation throughout safari
  • Park and conservation fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • Private safari vehicle
  • All game drives
  • Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
  • Border crossing 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

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five?

This itinerary is specifically designed to maximize Big Five sightings across multiple ecosystems and conservation areas.

Where is the best place to see rhinos?

Both Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lake Nakuru National Park are among the best rhino-viewing destinations in East Africa.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It combines East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one comprehensive itinerary.

Does the safari include migration viewing?

Depending on the season, migration wildlife can be seen in both Maasai Mara and Serengeti.

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