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11 Days Big Five & Rare Specials Safari | Kenya & Tanzania Fly-In Experience

From Samburu’s rare species to the Serengeti plains — a complete East Africa safari experience

This 11-day safari is designed for travelers who want more than the classic Big Five experience. It combines Kenya’s unique northern wildlife in Samburu with the iconic parks of Amboseli, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire in Tanzania. The journey includes a fly-in to Samburu to save time and maximize your experience, followed by a natural flow through East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife areas. From rare species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe to the vast plains of the Serengeti, this safari offers diversity, comfort, and unforgettable moments.

DAY BY DAY SUMMARY

Day 1 Nairobi City
Day 2: Fly Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Day 3 - 4: Samburu – Full Day Safari
Day 5: Samburu – Morning Safari & Fly to Nairobi
Day 6: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park
Day 7 Amboseli to Arusha Via Namanga Border
Day 8 Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Day 9 Tarangire – Serengeti National Park
Day 10 Serengeti – Full Day Safari
Day 10: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Day 11: Arusha – Departure

TOUR INFO

$4770 per person

11 Days

Safari

Mid Range Safari

Itinerary Details

DAY-BY-DAY

amani-nation-LTh5pGyvKAM-unsplash
Day 1 Nairobi City

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional company representative, who will be waiting for you with a personalized sign displaying your name for easy identification.

From there, you will enjoy a comfortable and private transfer directly to your accommodation, allowing you time to relax after your journey and prepare for the exciting safari ahead.

During the drive, your representative will gladly share helpful information about Kenya & Tanzania, including its culture, history, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes, ensuring you feel informed, relaxed, and well cared for from the very beginning of your adventure.

1 NIGHT
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
IBIS STALES Westlands
grvey zebra Samburu
Day 2: Fly Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for your flight to Samburu. Upon arrival, your guide meets you and you begin your first game drive. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife, including species not commonly found in other parks. The landscape is dry and open, creating a different safari atmosphere from the southern parks.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
samburu-simba-camp4
best of cheatah
Day 3 - 4: Samburu – Full Day Safari

You'll rise early to the sounds of the African wilderness and set out on a sunrise game drive, the best time to witness wildlife at its most active. With a bit of luck, you may encounter elusive predators like leopards or lions returning from a night hunt. As the golden light spills across the landscape, keep your eyes open for the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk, known for its unique ability to stand upright on its hind legs while feeding on shrubs.

You will follow the Ewaso Nyiro River, a vital water source for the region’s wildlife, where elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of birdlife often gather to cool off and drink. As the day winds down, you'll enjoy a sundowner in the bush, taking in the beauty of the Samburu landscape at sunset.

You'll return to your lodge for dinner and spend your final evening in Samburu under the stars, reflecting on the wild beauty and unforgettable moments of the day.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
samburu-simba-lodge
samburu
Day 5: Samburu – Morning Safari & Fly to Nairobi

After two unforgettable days exploring the wild beauty of Samburu National Reserve, you will be transferred by road to the nearby Samburu Airstrip. The short drive offers a final chance to take in the stunning arid landscapes of northern Kenya before you board back to Nairobi. As you soar above the Kenyan terrain, you'll enjoy scenic aerial views that showcase the country’s diverse ecosystems from rugged hills to sprawling savannahs.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, where you will spend the night.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
ibis style Nairobi
photographing-Amboseli-National-Park
Day 6: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Nairobi, you will embark on a scenic journey to Amboseli National Park, located approximately 4 to 5 hours away. The drive offers a wonderful introduction to Kenya’s southern landscapes, passing through vast open plains, small rural villages, and dramatic vistas that hint at the natural wonders ahead. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of local communities going about their daily routines, providing a glimpse into authentic Kenyan life.

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most iconic parks, internationally celebrated for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Rising sharply from the surrounding plains, the mountain often appears capped with a shimmering blanket of snow, a stunning contrast against the park’s arid savannah. This majestic backdrop sets the scene for your safari adventure and makes Amboseli a photographer’s paradise.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
amboseli sopa lodge
amboseli national park with kilimanjaro view
Day 7 Amboseli to Arusha Via Namanga Border

After a fulfilling breakfast at your lodge in Amboseli, you’ll begin your journey toward Tanzania, driving to the Namanga Border post. The drive takes you through scenic southern Kenya landscapes, with views of rolling hills, farmlands, and local villages, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life of the region.

At Namanga Border, you will complete immigration and customs formalities for both Kenya and Tanzania. The border crossing process typically takes some time, so it’s advisable to have your documents ready and stay relaxed as your guides assist with smooth processing.

Once across into Tanzania, the journey continues with a short drive to the vibrant town of Arusha, known as the safari capital of East Africa.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
summit lodge Arusha
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Day 8 Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast in Arusha, you will depart for Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival in the morning, you will immediately embark on an exciting game drive along the Tarangire River circuit. This early game drive takes you through a diverse landscape of savannah, acacia woodlands, and the famous baobab trees, where you’ll have excellent opportunities to spot large herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and many other fascinating species.

After the morning game drive, you’ll pause for a delicious lunch at a designated picnic site or lodge within the park, where you can relax and take in the serene surroundings.

Later, you will leave Tarangire and drive to Karatu, a charming town near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a restful overnight stay, preparing for the next day’s adventures.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
Africa-Safari-Karatu
safari experience
Day 9 Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will set off for the Central Serengeti, traveling through the scenic Highlands and stopping briefly at the Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint. From this vantage point, you’ll witness the breathtaking expanse of the crater’s vast caldera—a dramatic reminder of nature’s raw power and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense wildlife population.

Upon arriving in the Central Serengeti, you will explore areas around Moru Kopjes, where dramatic rock formations rise from the plains. These kopjes are excellent spots for spotting lions resting in the shade or leopards lurking among the rocks. Nearby, the Hippo Pool offers a unique sight—hippopotamuses wallowing in the water, often accompanied by Nile crocodiles and a variety of birds.

As the sun sets over the endless plains, you’ll head to your lodge or camp in the Central Serengeti for an overnight stay, resting comfortably while surrounded by the sounds and spirit of the African bush.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
moyo tented Camp
sitiing leopsrd
Day 10 Serengeti – Full Day Safari

Today you spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, starting with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. The open plains make it easier to spot animals, and your guide will focus on areas with the best chances to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. As you move through the park, you may also encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and elephants.

Around midday, you enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, allowing you to stay out and continue the experience without returning to camp. In the afternoon, the safari continues at a relaxed pace, exploring different landscapes and following wildlife movement. As the day ends, the light over the plains creates a beautiful atmosphere before you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
moyo tented
IMG_8398
Day 10: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Today you will work up early in Serengeti and have all your stuff with you, ready to drive to Ngorongoro.

As you arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater, you descend into this natural wildlife sanctuary for your game drive. The crater is one of the most unique ecosystems in Africa, where animals remain within its walls, creating a high concentration of wildlife. During your time inside, you may encounter lions resting in the grass, large herds of buffalo, elephants moving through the area, and, with some luck, the rare black rhino. The presence of a permanent water source also attracts hippos and a variety of birdlife.

You enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by the landscape and wildlife, before continuing your exploration. The experience here feels different from the Serengeti, more compact but very rich in sightings. After the game drive, you ascend back to the crater rim and continue to your lodge for the evening.

1 NIGHT
Meals: All meals included
summit lodge Arusha
Created with RNI Films app. Preset 'Fuji Superia 400 v.2'
Day 11: Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, you enjoy a relaxed morning in Arusha, giving you time to unwind after the safari. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure. The short transfer makes this day easy and stress-free, allowing you to travel comfortably without long drives.

Even though the safari has come to an end, the journey stays with you — from the rare wildlife in Samburu to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the unique experience of Ngorongoro Crater. Your guide ensures everything runs smoothly until your final drop-off.

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INCLUSIONS

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including all transfers.

INCLUDES

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Safari Frequently Asked Questions

This safari combines the classic Big Five experience with rare species found only in northern Kenya. Samburu offers unique wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe, which are not commonly seen in other parks. This makes the itinerary more diverse and rewarding compared to standard safari routes.

The flight helps reduce long driving hours and allows you to spend more time enjoying the safari. Samburu is located in northern Kenya, and flying makes the journey more comfortable and efficient. It also adds a premium touch to the overall experience.

Samburu offers a very different safari experience compared to the southern parks. The landscape is drier and less crowded, and the wildlife includes unique species known as the “Samburu Special Five.” Including Samburu makes this safari more exclusive and adds value beyond the typical safari route.

The border crossing is well organized and guided by your safari team. Your guide will assist with the process to ensure everything runs smoothly and without confusion. The transition is planned carefully so it feels like a natural part of the journey rather than a disruption.

The itinerary balances driving and flying to reduce long travel hours. The fly-in to Samburu helps avoid a long road journey, while other drives are combined with game viewing along the way. This makes the experience enjoyable rather than tiring.

It is recommended to pack light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Early mornings and evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is useful. A camera or phone with good storage is also important, as there will be many photo opportunities.

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