8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour Trip

The 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour by Deks Safaris & Tours Africa is an extraordinary expedition designed for travelers who dream of exploring two of East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations in one unforgettable journey. This remarkable itinerary weaves together the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania, uniting the legendary Masai Mara, the picturesque Amboseli, the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater into one seamless safari adventure.

This immersive experience is crafted to deliver the ultimate Big Five safari lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros while unveiling the beauty of Africa’s untouched wilderness. Each day reveals a new canvas of nature’s artistry, from the open savannahs echoing with lion roars to the tranquil lakeshores alive with bird calls.

How is a Sunrise Over Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya Like?

As the sun rises over Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya and sets across the boundless plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti, travelers experience a journey that transcends wildlife viewing it becomes a personal connection to Africa’s heart. With expertly guided Tanzania game drives, peaceful boat rides, and immersive cultural visits, this safari is both thrilling and deeply enriching.

The 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, honeymooners, and families seeking authentic adventure. The itinerary offers flexibility in start and end locations, accommodation types, and activity preferences, allowing every traveler to enjoy a custom-crafted African safari experience that mirrors their travel dreams.

This safari is best experienced during the dry season (June to October), when visibility is at its peak, and wildlife congregates around waterholes, making game drives even more rewarding. With Deks Safaris & Tours, guests can expect a seamless experience expert local guide, comfortable 4×4 vehicles, handpicked lodges, and an unwavering commitment to responsible, eco-friendly travel across East Africa.

Detailed 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro

Your 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour begins in Nairobi, the bustling gateway to East Africa’s wilderness. Upon arrival, your Deks Safaris & Tours representative greets you warmly before departing for Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most scenic and wildlife-rich sanctuaries.

Amboseli – The Land of Giants and Great Views

As you journey south toward the Tanzanian border, the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, standing majestically above Amboseli’s sweeping plains. This park is world-famous for its large elephant herds, often seen marching gracefully across the grasslands with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit as a backdrop a scene symbolic of African safaris.

Your afternoon Kenya game drive introduces you to Amboseli’s diverse wildlife. Lions rest in the shade, cheetahs survey the plains, buffaloes graze near the swamps, and birdlife thrives in abundance. With every turn, your guide shares insights into the delicate balance of life within this unique ecosystem.

As dusk settles, arrive at your safari lodge overlooking the savannah. The evening unfolds around a campfire, where stories of Africa come alive under a sky filled with brilliant stars.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 2: Lake Naivasha – A Haven of Birds and Hippos

After breakfast, the 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari adventure continues north to the Great Rift Valley, where Lake Naivasha awaits a serene freshwater lake teeming with life. The drive offers sweeping views of valleys and escarpments, giving a glimpse into Kenya’s geological wonders.

Exploring Lake Naivasha’s Tranquil Beauty

Lake Naivasha is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic boat ride, gliding quietly across calm waters where hippos wallow lazily and fish eagles swoop dramatically to snatch their prey. Pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers line the shores, creating a vivid symphony of sound and color.

The surrounding acacia forests host giraffes, zebras, and playful vervet monkeys. You may also visit Crescent Island, where walking safaris allow you to stroll safely among herbivores a rare opportunity to feel truly immersed in the wild.

This day captures the tranquil side of your Kenya safari, balancing the thrill of wildlife with the peaceful rhythm of nature. As the sun sets over the lake, golden light reflects off the water, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Dinner is served at your lakeside lodge, where the gentle sounds of crickets and distant hippo calls lull you into the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Days 3–4: Masai Mara National Reserve – The Kingdom of Predators and Migration

The next two days of your 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour are devoted to exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations and home to the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration.

Masai Mara – Where the Wild Heart Beats Strongest

Depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast and journey toward the rolling golden plains of the Masai Mara. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque Maasai villages, where traditional life unfolds in harmony with nature. Upon entering the reserve, the spectacle of wildlife begins instantly zebras grazing in vast herds, elephants moving gracefully, and antelopes standing alert under the watch of prowling predators.

During your morning and evening Kenya game drives, witness the Big Five lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino in their natural splendor. Lions roam confidently across the open plains, leopards lounge in tree branches, and elephants wander gracefully in family groups.

If visiting between July and October, you’ll experience the world-famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving crocodile-infested waters. This extraordinary phenomenon is nature’s greatest show of survival and instinct.

In the evenings, enjoy cultural interactions with the Maasai people, whose traditions and deep knowledge of wildlife enrich the safari experience. Back at your lodge, unwind beside a crackling fire as the sounds of the African night surround you.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Days 5–6: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania’s Endless Plains of Wonder

On the fifth morning, your adventure crosses the border into Tanzania through the Isebania or Sirari entry point. Welcome to Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Tanzania safaris and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that epitomizes Africa’s wilderness.

Serengeti – Where Life, Death, and Survival Intertwine

Stretching endlessly toward the horizon, the Serengeti is a living tapestry of predators and prey, migration herds, and ancient rhythms of life. Over the next two days, you’ll embark on Tanzania game drives across different regions of the park, each offering a unique ecosystem from the open plains to the rocky kopjes and riverine woodlands.

Witness prides of lions basking in the sun, cheetahs sprinting in pursuit of gazelles, and massive herds of wildebeest grazing peacefully. Your guide, a seasoned Deks Safaris & Tours expert, interprets each moment with insight, turning every sighting into a story of nature’s delicate balance.

For those seeking extra adventure, an optional hot air balloon safari offers a breath-taking sunrise view of the Serengeti a perspective few ever experience. Floating silently above the plains, you’ll see elephants, giraffes, and zebras moving gracefully below as the first rays of light kiss the savannah.

Evenings in Serengeti are magical. The horizon glows orange and red, the air fills with the scent of acacia, and the symphony of the wild echoes through the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Garden of Eden

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, another UNESCO World Heritage treasure. En route, you may stop at a Maasai village to learn about their pastoral traditions and unique harmony with the land.

Ngorongoro – Where Nature’s Perfection Unfolds

Descending 600 meters into the vast Ngorongoro Crater, you enter a natural amphitheater teeming with life. The crater floor is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and the elusive black rhinoceros. Few places on Earth offer such a complete chance to witness the Big Five in one location.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and vibrant birdlife. Your 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari through Ngorongoro offers unparalleled photography opportunities and profound appreciation for Africa’s ecological harmony.

As you ascend back to the crater rim in the evening, the view from above sunset mist drifting across the caldera creates a perfect ending to your day. Dinner and overnight stay await at your lodge overlooking this natural masterpiece.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 8: Departure – Farewell to Africa’s Majesty

On the final morning of your 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the incredible memories created across two remarkable nations. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

As you say goodbye to Africa, you carry with you the unforgettable images of lions at dawn, elephants by the river, and sunsets that turned the plains to gold. With Deks Safaris & Tours, this journey is more than a vacation it’s a personal connection to the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Cultural & Community Experiences

Throughout your Kenya and Tanzania Big Five safari, there are opportunities to engage in authentic cultural experiences that enrich your journey and support local communities:

  • Visit a Maasai Village: Learn about the customs, dances, and traditional lifestyles of the Maasai people.
  • Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour (Tanzania): Discover banana plantations, craft markets, and taste local delicacies.
  • Hadza & Datoga people (optional extension): For cultural enthusiasts, extend your trip to Lake Eyasi for a rare encounter with Tanzania’s ancient hunter-gatherer people.

These experiences add human warmth to your wildlife encounters, reflecting Deks Safaris & Tours’ commitment to responsible, community-based tourism.

 

8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in Your Safari Package

  • All airport transfers in a private vehicle
  • Transport and game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Park entrance and conservation fees in both Kenya and Tanzania
  • Full-board accommodation during the safari
  • Drinking water during game drives
  • Cross-border support from Kenya to Tanzania
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) as per local regulations

 

Not Included in the Safari Package

  • International flights
  • Visas for Kenya and Tanzania (USD 50 per visa; USD 100 for Americans/Irish)
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
  • Optional balloon safari in Serengeti (USD 599 per person)
  • Personal items (laundry, souvenirs, phone bills, etc.)
  • Optional private tours in Zanzibar or other extensions

 

Two Countries, One Extraordinary Journey

The 8-Days Kenya and Tanzania Big Five Safari Combo Tour by Deks Safaris & Tours Africa is a celebration of East Africa’s raw beauty, culture, and spirit. From the elephant herds of Amboseli to the roaring lions of the Serengeti and the serene crater lakes of Ngorongoro, every moment is crafted to ignite wonder and admiration.

This adventure embodies more than sightseeing it’s a spiritual encounter with nature. It unites Kenya’s vibrancy with Tanzania’s tranquility, allowing you to feel the pulse of the continent through every sunrise, every roar, and every smile.

Whether you extend your journey into a Tanzania Uganda safari for gorilla trekking or continue your exploration on a Tanzania Kenya safari route, these itinerary lays the foundation for a lifetime of discovery.

With Deks Safaris & Tours, the call of Africa isn’t just heard it’s lived.