9-Day Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari

Kenya & Tanzania

Rates From $3,050

About This Tour

East Africa’s most celebrated landscapes are linked in a steady progression across the Great Rift Valley. The journey transitions from the rolling savannas of the Masai Mara into the vast, open plains of the Serengeti. It concludes within the ancient caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

The rhythm of the trip is designed for travelers who value deep wildlife immersion and significant geographical scale. Large herds and diverse predators define the experience across these interconnected ecosystems. The movement between destinations is structured to showcase the changing light and terrain of the cross-border region.

This safari is crafted for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Big Five territories. It balances long game drives with quiet evenings in established lodges and camps. The flow ensures a reliable and grounded introduction to the heart of the East African wilderness.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow prioritizes partnerships with lodges that provide direct employment to local communities in the Mara and Serengeti. These collaborations ensure that tourism revenue supports education and healthcare initiatives in neighboring villages. We work with operators who respect indigenous land rights and traditional practices.

Our Sustainability Promise

We choose camps and lodges that implement solar power, waste reduction, and water conservation systems. Our safari partners adhere to strict off-road driving regulations to protect the fragile savanna ecosystems. We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint by coordinating efficient road transfers and supporting local conservation fees.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary follows a logical cross-border loop that maximizes wildlife viewing time in the most productive reserves. It avoids unnecessary backtracking by moving steadily from Kenya into Tanzania’s northern circuit. The pacing allows for multi-night stays in key areas like the Masai Mara and Serengeti, reducing travel fatigue. This structure works best for first-time safari guests and families who want to see the iconic Big Five in their natural habitats. The blend of comfortable lodges and tented camps provides a varied perspective of the bush while maintaining a consistent standard of service.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Big Five Experience
  • Children Allowed
  • Corporate / Incentive Travel
  • Couple
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Photography Safaris
  • Private Safari
  • Road Transfer
  • Vegan Options Available

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi Arrival
  • Day 2-3: Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Day 4-5: Serengeti National Park
  • Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Day 7-8: Amboseli National Park
  • Day 9: Return to Nairobi and Departure

Destinations

  • Nairobi
  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Amboseli National Park

Where You Stay

  • Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (3 Nights)
  • Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp (2 Nights)
  • Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp (1 Night)
  • Amboseli Sopa Lodge (2 Nights)

Safari Highlights

  • Morning light over the Masai Mara plains
  • Vast horizons of the central Serengeti
  • Ancient atmosphere of the Ngorongoro Crater floor
  • Views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli
  • Traditional tented camp life under the stars
  • Crossing the border between legendary reserves
  • Large elephant herds in the shadow of the mountain
  • Steady rhythm of daily game drives

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Airport meet and assist
  • Transfer to city hotel

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a smooth arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A representative assists with the transition to the waiting vehicle for the drive to the hotel. The evening is spent resting and preparing for the departure into the wilderness the following morning.

  • Meals: Breakfast (Day 2 onwards)

  • Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel (per selection)

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning and afternoon game drives

  • Vast savanna landscapes

Itinerary information

The safari moves into the legendary Masai Mara for three nights of exploration. Days are spent observing the interactions of predators and prey across the open grasslands. The light at dawn and dusk provides a calm backdrop for viewing the diverse wildlife of this iconic reserve.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Cross-border transition

  • Central Serengeti exploration

Itinerary information

The journey crosses into Tanzania to reach the world-renowned Serengeti plains. The landscape opens up into endless horizons where large herds often gather. Evenings are spent in a luxury tented camp, listening to the sounds of the African night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Descent into the caldera

  • High-density wildlife viewing

Itinerary information

The morning features a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a self-contained ecosystem within a volcanic caldera. The concentrated wildlife offers unique opportunities to see black rhino and large prides of lions. The afternoon ends with a climb back to the crater rim for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Kilimanjaro backdrop

  • Elephant herd observation

Itinerary information

The route returns to Kenya to visit Amboseli, famous for its large elephant bulls and views of the continent’s highest peak. The swamps provide a reliable water source for animals, creating a vibrant contrast to the dry plains. The pace remains steady as the safari nears its conclusion.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning drive

  • Return transfer to Nairobi

Itinerary information

The final day includes a quiet drive through the park before returning to the capital. The journey ends with a transfer to the airport for evening flight departures. The transition back to the city marks the completion of the nine-day circuit.

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this cross-border circuit to provide a seamless transition between the Mara and Serengeti, ensuring travelers experience the full scale of the Great Migration ecosystem. ❞

~Our Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guest4 Guest6 Guests
March to June/Nov to 21 Dec 2026USD 4,475USD 3,790 USD 6,675 
April to May 2026USD 3,880 USD 3,260 USD 3,050 
July to October/22 Dec to 2 Jan 2027USD 4,705USD 4,020USD 3,790 

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates are subject to flight fare changes and availability at the time of booking.
  • A professional English-speaking driver-guide is provided for the entire duration.
  • Lodge substitutions of a similar standard may be offered if the listed property is full.
  • Park fees are included for all mentioned national parks and reserves.

What's Included

  • Accommodation and meals as listed
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • All airport and airstrip transfers
  • All national park and conservancy entry fees
  • All government taxes and levies
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water during safari drives

Optional Addons

  • Hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara
  • Maasai village cultural visit
  • Olduvai Gorge stopover
  • Night game drives in select conservancies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Kenya and Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with meals
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
  • Personal expenses and laundry
  • Any services not explicitly mentioned under Safari Inclusions

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The transition between Kenya and Tanzania is a standard part of this itinerary, and your guide assists with all formalities.
A private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is used for all game drives and transfers.
This specific itinerary is road-based, but internal flight options can be arranged upon request.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi