12 Days Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Masai Mara Safari (2025/2026/2027)
What is the 12-day Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Mara safari?
A value-packed 12-day Kenya–Tanzania itinerary linking Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Masai Mara. Includes guided game drives, park fees, budget tents/lodges, and seamless Nairobi → Amboseli → TZ parks → Mara → Nairobi/Arusha transfers—timed for elephants, big cats and, in season, the Great Migration.
Discover East Africa’s greatest hits on a 12-day Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Masai Mara Safari—a crowd-pleasing 12-day Kenya Tanzania safari designed for maximum sightings and value. Begin beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, famous for relaxed elephant herds and epic photography. Cross into Tanzania for Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem of baobabs and dry-season wildlife along the river. Descend to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa’s densest wildlife encounters, then sweep across the legendary Serengeti on a Great Migration safari that focuses on predators and seasonal herds. Finish in Kenya’s Masai Mara, where resident big cats and, between July and October, river-crossing drama deliver classic safari moments.
This cross-border budget safari includes park fees, daily game drives in a shared 4×4 (or upgrade to private), and comfortable budget tented camps/lodges on full board. Seamless logistics link Nairobi to Arusha and back, while expert driver-guides track wildlife and position you for golden-hour shots. If you’re seeking an affordable route that blends elephants, big cats, crater vistas and migration action in 2025/2026/2027, this itinerary delivers—without overspending.
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Why This Tour Wins
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Five headline parks in one itinerary
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Seasonal Great Migration opportunities (Jul–Oct; calving Dec–Mar)
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Crater floor game drive included
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Amboseli elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrops
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Shared 4×4 to keep costs low; easy private upgrade
Quick Overview
Route: Nairobi → Amboseli (2) → Tarangire (1) → Ngorongoro (1) → Serengeti (4) → Masai Mara (3) → Nairobi/Arusha
Style: Budget tented camps/lodges, shared or private 4×4, daily game drives
Best for: First-timers, couples, friends, families on a budget
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Amboseli — Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
Afternoon game drive; sunset portraits of elephants against Kili. Meals: L, D
Day 2: Amboseli — Full-Day Safari
Swamps, big tuskers, and birdlife; optional Observation Hill. Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Amboseli → Arusha (TZ)
Cross Namanga; briefing and easy evening. Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Arusha → Tarangire — Baobabs & Herds
Game drives along the Tarangire River; classic elephant scenes. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Tarangire → Ngorongoro — Rim Overnight
Highlands drive; chilly starry night on the rim. Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour → Serengeti
Early crater floor descent; continue via Naabi Hill to Serengeti. Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Serengeti — Predator Country
Full day in Seronera or seasonally in the north (Jul–Oct). Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Serengeti — Endless Plains & Big Cats
Dawn patrol, hippo pools, cheetah flats. Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Serengeti — Optional Balloon
Pre-book balloon + bush breakfast; pm game drive. Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Serengeti → Masai Mara (via Isebania/Sirari)
Border assistance; game-drive into the Mara. Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Masai Mara — Full-Day Game Drives
Jul–Oct: watch Mara River for crossings; optional Maasai village visit. Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Masai Mara → Nairobi/Arusha (End)
Morning drive (time permitting) and transfer to the city/airport. Meals: B
Tour Highlights
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Amboseli: elephants + Kilimanjaro
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Tarangire: baobabs & dry-season herds
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Ngorongoro: ultra-dense wildlife in a volcanic caldera
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Serengeti & Mara: big cats + migration routes
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Optional hot-air balloon (Mara/Serengeti, surcharge)
What’s Included
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Park/conservation fees (all listed parks)
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11 nights budget tents/lodges on full board
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Transport in shared 4×4 (upgrade to private)
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Professional English-speaking driver-guides
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Bottled water during game drives
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Cross-border logistics (Namanga & Isebania/Sirari), Nairobi pickup & Nairobi/Arusha drop-off
Not Included
Visas (KE/TZ), balloon & Maasai village visit, drinks at lodges (unless stated), tips, personal items, flights, travel insurance, single-room supplement.
Indicative Price Comparison (Per Person, USD)
Replace with live rates when quoting. Prices vary by season, group size, and camp choices.
| Season (Guide) | Shared Group (Join-in) | Private 4 Pax | Private 2 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Apr–Jun) | from $3,190 | from $3,590 | from $4,190 |
| Shoulder (Nov–Dec 15, Mar) | from $3,350 | from $3,790 | from $4,450 |
| Peak (Jul–Oct, Dec 16–Jan 10) | from $3,690 | from $4,190 | from $4,990 |
Includes parks, 11 nights FB, cross-border road transfer. Balloon, flights, upgrades & single supplement extra.
Key Aspects of This Tour Package
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Five iconic parks in 12 days for unmatched variety
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Budget-friendly without sacrificing prime wildlife time
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Seamless cross-border handovers & pro guiding teams
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Flexible upgrades: private vehicle, mid-range/luxury nights, Zanzibar add-on
FAQ — 12 Days Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Masai Mara Safari
1) What’s included in this 12-day safari?
Park/conservation fees for Amboseli, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Masai Mara; 11 nights in budget lodges/tented camps on full board; shared 4×4 transport (upgradeable to private); professional English-speaking driver-guides; bottled water during game drives; Nairobi pickup; cross-border assistance via Namanga & Isebania/Sirari; and Nairobi/Arusha drop-off.
2) What’s not included?
Visas (Kenya/Tanzania), optional hot-air balloon and Maasai village visit, drinks at lodges unless stated, tips, personal items, international/regional flights, travel insurance and single-room supplements.
3) When is the best time for the Great Migration on this route?
July–October offers the highest chance of river crossings in the Mara/Northern Serengeti. December–March is excellent for calving in Southern Serengeti/Ngorongoro plains. Wildlife viewing is strong year-round.
4) How do the Kenya–Tanzania border crossings work?
You’ll cross Namanga (Kenya↔Tanzania) and Isebania/Sirari (Kenya↔Tanzania) with guide assistance. Carry a passport valid 6+ months, required visas and any recommended vaccination documents.
5) Is the Ngorongoro Crater descent included?
Yes. A morning crater floor game drive is included, subject to park regulations and timed entry windows.
6) Is this a shared or private safari?
Standard departures are shared to keep costs low. You can upgrade to a private 4×4 for couples, families or small groups.
7) What type of accommodation is used?
Clean, value-for-money budget lodges and tented camps with private ensuite bathrooms and hot showers. You can upgrade select nights to mid-range or luxury on request.
8) Can I add a hot-air balloon ride?
Yes, in Masai Mara or Serengeti. Balloon rides must be pre-booked and include a dawn launch and bush breakfast (surcharge applies).
9) Are dietary needs (vegetarian/vegan/halal/gluten-free) supported?
Yes. Most camps can cater with advance notice. Please share requirements during booking.
10) Is this itinerary family-friendly and what’s the minimum age?
Families are welcome. We recommend age 5+ due to some long driving days. Private safaris can be tailored with extra comfort stops for younger kids.
11) What should I pack and how much baggage can I bring?
Use a soft duffel 15–20 kg plus a daypack. Pack neutral clothing layers, a warm fleece, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera/binoculars, personal medication and travel documents.
12) Is Wi-Fi and power available?
Many camps offer limited Wi-Fi in common areas. Power is available for charging; some remote camps use generators or inverters with set hours—carry a power bank.
13) How do payments, deposits and cancellations work?
A deposit confirms services; the balance is due before arrival. Bank transfer and major cards are accepted (processing surcharge may apply). Changes/refunds follow supplier policies outlined in your pro forma invoice.
14) Can I extend to include Zanzibar or extra nights?
Absolutely. Add a Zanzibar beach extension, extra Serengeti night, or an additional Crater day. Fly-in/out segments can reduce drive time.
Start Your East African Adventure Today!
Experience 12 unforgettable days exploring Africa’s most iconic parks — from the towering elephants of Amboseli to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the thrilling wildlife drama of the Masai Mara. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the culture along the way, this is the ultimate cross-border safari experience.
Limited Spaces for 2025 & 2026 – Secure Your Spot Early!
✅ Flexible departure dates
✅ Private & shared safari options
✅ Guaranteed window seat in 4×4 safari vehicles
✅ Upgradeable lodges/tented camps for more comfort
Book Now & Receive a FREE Safari Packing Guide!
Click Request a Quote or WhatsApp us at +254 728 567 308 to start planning your dream safari.
“⭐ 4.8/5 from 431 guests · From $3,190 pp (low season)”
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