A 10-day combined safari in Kenya and Tanzania typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 per person. This price range varies based on accommodation type (budget, mid-range, or luxury), transportation options, and guided services. The itinerary includes visits to iconic locations such as the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. Budget options may feature camping and group safaris, while luxury experiences often include upscale lodges and private guides. This itinerary balances adventure with comfort, ensuring you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife of both countries. Prepare for a remarkable journey through some of Africa's most captivating natural environments.
Cost of a 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari
Accommodation: $1,000 - $3,000
The cost of accommodation varies greatly depending on the type of lodging chosen. Budget options like campsites or basic lodges may cost around $100 per night, while mid-range lodges can range from $150 to $300 per night. Luxury lodges and tented camps can exceed $500 per night, providing upscale amenities and services. For a 10-night stay, the total accommodation cost can range from $1,000 for budget travelers to $3,000 for those seeking luxury.
Transportation: $800 - $1,500
Transportation costs include vehicle rentals, fuel, and park entrance fees. A private safari vehicle with a driver-guide typically costs between $150 and $300 per day. For a 10-day safari, this can add up to around $1,500. Group tours often reduce individual costs, making transportation more affordable. Additionally, domestic flights between parks can further increase costs, averaging $200 to $400 per flight.
Park Fees: $600 - $1,000
National park fees vary by location and are a significant part of the safari budget. For example, entry fees to the Maasai Mara and Serengeti can range from $70 to $100 per day. For a 10-day safari, park fees can total around $600 to $1,000 per person. These fees contribute to park maintenance and wildlife protection efforts, ensuring the preservation of these natural habitats.
Meals: $300 - $600
Meal costs can vary based on accommodation types. Many lodges and camps provide full-board options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which can cost around $30 to $60 per day. For a 10-day safari, meal expenses can total between $300 and $600, depending on whether you choose to dine at local restaurants or enjoy meals prepared by your accommodation.
Guided Services: $500 - $1,000
Hiring a professional guide can enhance the safari experience by providing in-depth knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems. The cost for a private guide typically ranges from $100 to $200 per day. For a 10-day safari, guided services can add up to approximately $500 to $1,000. Group tours may reduce individual costs, making this an economical choice while still benefiting from expert guidance.
Optional Activities: $200 - $600
Optional activities such as hot air balloon rides, cultural visits, or walking safaris can enrich the safari experience. Prices for these activities vary widely, with hot air balloon rides costing around $400 per person. For a 10-day safari, budgeting an additional $200 to $600 for optional activities allows for flexibility and enhances the overall adventure without breaking the bank.
10 days Kenya and Tanzania combined safari
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and recover from your travels. If time allows, visit local attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Kenyan dishes. This evening, review your itinerary and prepare for the adventure ahead. A good night's rest will set the stage for the journey into the wilds of Kenya and Tanzania.
Day 2: Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, a drive of about five hours. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, begin your first game drive in the reserve, where you can spot lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The Maasai Mara is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to the Great Migration during certain months. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner and share stories about the day's sightings.
Day 3: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day in the Maasai Mara, exploring its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife. After breakfast, set off for a morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler hours to see more active animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, looking for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. As the day winds down, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and relaxation. Consider an optional evening cultural visit to a nearby Maasai village to learn about their traditions.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, cross the border into Tanzania and travel to Serengeti National Park, a journey of about four to five hours. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, begin your first game drive in the Serengeti, known for its expansive savannahs and incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for cheetahs and wildebeests. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner. Reflect on the day's observations and prepare for another day of wildlife viewing.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day of exploration in Serengeti National Park. Start early with a morning game drive, taking advantage of the active wildlife. Spotting animals during the early hours can lead to great sightings, including predators hunting. Return to your lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon drive. The Serengeti is home to diverse ecosystems, so each drive offers something new. As night falls, enjoy dinner at your lodge, sharing highlights from the day with fellow travelers.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Travel to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after breakfast. The drive takes around two to three hours. Upon arrival, descend into the crater for a game drive. This area is rich in wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and countless birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater while taking in the stunning scenery. Spend the afternoon exploring as you look for more wildlife. As the day ends, head back to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 7: Tarangire National Park
Depart Ngorongoro after breakfast and head to Tarangire National Park, about a two-hour drive away. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a different landscape compared to other parks. After checking in at your lodge, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, lions, and diverse birdlife. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and reflect on the wildlife seen throughout the day.
Day 8: Tarangire to Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire. Take in the sights and sounds of the park before returning to your lodge for lunch. Later, begin your journey back to Nairobi, which takes around five to six hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. If time allows, explore more of Nairobi or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. This evening, prepare for your departure or onward travels.
Day 9: Nairobi to Zanzibar (Optional)
For those continuing their adventure, take an early morning flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax on the beach. Spend the day exploring the island, visiting Stone Town, or enjoying water activities such as snorkeling or diving. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant, sampling fresh seafood and local dishes. This optional extension provides a chance to unwind after your safari.
Day 10: Departure
On your final day, enjoy breakfast and take time for any last-minute activities or relaxation. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore more of Zanzibar or head back to Nairobi. Transfer to the airport for your departure, reflecting on the incredible wildlife and landscapes seen during your safari. Whether heading home or continuing your travels, the memories of this adventure will last a lifetime.
Best Time for Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari
The ideal time for a combined safari in Kenya and Tanzania is during the dry season, from late June to October. This period coincides with the Great Migration in the Serengeti, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Additionally, the weather is generally pleasant, making it easier to navigate parks and enjoy outdoor activities.
Booking Kenya and Tanzania Combined Safari with DAV Safaris
Booking your combined safari with DAV Safaris ensures a well-organized and memorable experience. Their knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into wildlife and local cultures. DAV Safaris offers customizable itineraries, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your preferences. With a focus on customer satisfaction and safety, you can explore the best of Kenya and Tanzania with confidence.