On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania with Nairobi
On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania with Nairobi
On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania with Nairobi
12 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Serengeti, Tanzania
Visiting: Arrive In Nairobi, Kenya, Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park Area, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park Area, Lake Manyara Area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Area, Serengeti National Park, Serengeti
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3553-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore magnificent national parks and reserves on this exciting Kenya and Tanzania safari. Your expedition begins in Nairobi where you’ll enjoy a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park followed by a visit to the Giraffe Center and meet elephant calves orphaned by poachers at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage.
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area. Here embark on morning and afternoon game drives in the “Mara”—home to lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, wildebeest, and zebra. Next, explore Amboseli National Park—known for its spectacular views of 19,341-ft Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of elephants, Cape buffalo, and more.
Cross the border into Tanzania and journey to Lake Manyara National Park. Explore this ecologically diverse park on a morning game drive. Your escorted African safari continues to the amazing Ngorongoro area—the astonishing crater measures 2,000 feet deep and spans 102 square miles. Revel in the fantastic game-viewing vantage point to spot lion, hippo, elephant, and flamingo. Next, you’ll enter Serengeti National Park—site of the seasonal great migration of wildebeest, and a great game-viewing area year-round. Covering 5,700 square miles, the Serengeti will thrill you with both morning and afternoon game drives with the chance to see Nile crocodiles, big cats, giraffes, and gazelles. This escorted Africa safari through Kenya and Tanzania is a dream-come-true for the adventurous of spirit.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Nairobi,Kenya
Location: Arrive In Nairobi, Kenya
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for your safari adventure!
Day 2: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your private sightseeing with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. Later, visit the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Here, you will learn about elephant conservation and meet elephant calves, orphaned by poachers, before they are re-introduced to the wild. Next, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to the author of Out of Africa. Lastly, stop at the Giraffe Center, a nonprofit organization focused on saving the Rothschild’s giraffe. Take the opportunity to feed these amazing animals with an up-close interaction with the world’s tallest land mammal.
Day 3: Nairobi,Maasai Mara National Reserve
Location: Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous game area. After lunch at your lodge, set out on your first game drive in search of the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo.
Day 4: Maasai Mara
Location: Maasai Mara
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the “Mara,” as it is called by locals. Part of the Serengeti ecosystem, the reserve boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives, the population enlarges by almost 2 million. This provides a significant food source for resident predators including lions, cheetah, leopard, and hyena.
Day 5: Maasai Mara,Nairobi,Amboseli National Park Area
Location: Maasai Mara, Nairobi, Amboseli National Park Area
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, board a plane for the quick flight to Nairobi. Drive to Amboseli National Park, best known for spectacular views of 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Embark on an afternoon game drive before settling in at your lodge.
Day 6: Amboseli
Location: Amboseli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives offer you a terrific opportunity to get close to the mighty elephant. You might also spot Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, and more. During the heat of the day, relax and enjoy the amenities at your lodge.
Day 7: Amboseli,Arusha,Lake Manyara National Park Area
Location: Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park Area
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enter Tanzania at the Namanga border. After lunch in Arusha, proceed to your camp overlooking Lake Manyara. Get lost in the woods on an optional guided hike through the magical forest in the Great Rift Valley. Did we mention the monkeys? Or... go bananas for beer made from the fruit, along with other farm specialties on an optional guided visit to Mto Wa Mbu village.
Day 8: Lake Manyara Area,Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location: Lake Manyara Area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park is a small, ecologically diverse park with groundwater forests, grassy plains, and the alkaline namesake Lake Manyara. The park is also home to the world’s largest concentration of baboon. Watch for these mischievous primates, giraffe, hippo, and more on your morning game drive. Then, journey to your lodge and enjoy time at leisure this afternoon.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Area
Location: Ngorongoro Area
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unflooded caldera, more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. Game viewing here is fantastic, as most of the animals stay in this area year-round. Witness lion, Cape buffalo, hippo, elephant, and flamingo in a unique habitat. This is also your best chance to see the rare black rhinoceros! A picnic lunch will be served in the crater.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Area,Serengeti National Park
Location: Ngorongoro Area, Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most famous park. Home to the seasonal Great Migration of vast numbers of the Serengeti's wildebeest, accompanied by zebra, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland, and impala. The Serengeti remains an extraordinary ecosystem for game viewing year round. Enjoy lunch at your lodge before an afternoon game drive.
Day 11: Serengeti
Location: Serengeti
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The biologically diverse Serengeti covers an area of roughly 5,700 square miles and is home to a variety of animals. The name comes from the Maasai word siringit, meaning “endless plains,” and Maasai tribes co-exist with wildlife living in the Serengeti. Continue your exploration during morning and afternoon game drives. You have the chance to see the big cats—lion, leopard, and cheetah—as well as an abundance of other animals, including the Nile crocodile, giraffe, gazelle, and eland.
Day 12: Serengeti,Arusha
Location: Serengeti, Arusha
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly back to Arusha, where a day room is reserved for your convenience. Schedule departing flights after 5 pm.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Stay at the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, the Mara Sopa Lodge with its ethnic design, Amboseli Sopa Lodge nestled in Maasai land, Manyara Lakeview Oasis with private balconies, Marera Valley Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge with traditional domed 'rondavels'.
-
Meals
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners are included.
-
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives in various national parks and reserves including Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
-
Sightseeing
Visits to the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Giraffe Center in Nairobi.
-
Internal Flights
Internal flights from Maasai Mara to Nairobi and from Serengeti to Arusha.
-
Small Group Discovery
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on all Africa safari tours, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
-
UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.
What's Not Included
-
Liability Waiver
All game viewing is done at your own risk.
A signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. -
Health Considerations
This vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems due to rough driving on/off road in/between game parks.
Meals
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
Notes
The Great Migration is a natural event with herds typically in the Maasai Mara from August to early November. Movements and river crossings of migrating herds can be challenging to predict year to year. When possible, we’ll modify game viewing when advised of reported sightings. Since this safari includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, you’re guaranteed to see the herds no matter when you visit. All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues.
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on all Africa safari tours. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Ngorongoro Conservation Area|Serengeti National Park
Accommodation
Nairobi:Tamarind Tree HotelMaasai Mara:Mara Sopa LodgeAmboseli National Park Area:Amboseli Sopa LodgeLake Manyara National Park Area:Manyara Lakeview OasisNgorongoro Conservation Area:Marera Valley LodgeSerengeti National Park:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, flamingos, and the rare black rhinoceros, among others.
-
What activities are included in the Nairobi portion of the tour?
In Nairobi, you will start with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, visit the elephant orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, explore the Karen Blixen Museum, and stop at the Giraffe Center where you can feed Rothschild’s giraffes.
-
What is the significance of the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous game area and part of the Serengeti ecosystem. It boasts a strong permanent population of game and is a key location for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, which attracts numerous predators.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Amboseli National Park?
In Amboseli National Park, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and have opportunities for morning and afternoon game drives where you can get close to elephants, Cape buffalo, zebras, and possibly wild dogs.
-
What unique experiences are offered in the Lake Manyara National Park area?
In the Lake Manyara National Park area, you can go on an optional guided hike through the forest in the Great Rift Valley or visit Mto Wa Mbu village to try beer made from bananas and other farm specialties.
-
What makes the Ngorongoro Crater special?
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unflooded caldera, more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. It offers fantastic game viewing year-round, including lions, Cape buffalo, hippos, elephants, flamingos, and the rare black rhinoceros.
-
What wildlife can I see in Serengeti National Park?
In Serengeti National Park, you can see a variety of animals including the big cats—lion, leopard, and cheetah—as well as Nile crocodiles, giraffes, gazelles, elands, and the seasonal Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras.
-
What accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations include the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, Mara Sopa Lodge in Maasai Mara, Amboseli Sopa Lodge in Amboseli, Manyara Lakeview Oasis near Lake Manyara, Marera Valley Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge in Serengeti.
-
Are there any health or safety considerations I should be aware of?
All game viewing is done at your own risk, and a signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. The tour is not recommended for guests with serious back problems due to rough driving on/off road in/between game parks.
-
What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Friday - Tuesday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 21, 2026Friday - Tuesday
May 08, 2026 - May 19, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.