8-Day Big Five Safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Luxury Lodges

8 Days Round trip from Embakasi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park in search of the legendary Big Five
02 Experience sunrise and sunset game drives with perfect golden-hour photography lighting across iconic African landscapes
03 Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and encounter black rhinos, lions, hippos, flamingos, and elephants
04 Relax in exclusive luxury safari lodges and premium tented camps with stunning savannah views and gourmet dining

Discover the magic of East Africa on this unforgettable Kenya and Tanzania Big Five safari. Explore the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater while searching for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Enjoy luxury lodge and tented camp stays close to prime wildlife areas, with exceptional sunrise and sunset photography opportunities across some of Africa's most iconic landscapes.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Safari Welcome

Arrive in Nairobi, where your professional safari guide warmly welcomes you.
Transfer to your luxury hotel for relaxation and a safari briefing.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy optional city photography or cultural experiences.

Day 02

Journey to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, drive or fly to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Enjoy scenic landscapes along the Great Rift Valley before arriving at your luxury safari lodge.
Embark on an evening game drive during golden-hour light for exceptional wildlife photography.

Day 03

Full-Day Big Five Safari in Maasai Mara

Spend the day exploring the vast savannah plains of Maasai Mara.
Search for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes while your photography-focused guide positions the vehicle perfectly for sunrise and sunset shots.
Witness cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife.

Day 04

Cross into Tanzania and Continue to Serengeti

After breakfast, transfer towards the Kenya-Tanzania border and continue into Serengeti National Park.
Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings along the way.
Arrive at your luxury tented camp in time to relax and enjoy sunset photography.

Day 05

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife and Photography Safari

Explore the endless plains of the Serengeti on thrilling game drives.
Capture dramatic predator action, massive wildebeest herds, and stunning African landscapes.
Your guide helps you access the best wildlife-viewing areas for unforgettable photography moments.

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Adventure

Travel to Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular wildlife experience.
Descend to the crater floor to search for black rhinos, lions, hippos, flamingos, and elephants.
The crater offers incredible wildlife density and breathtaking photographic scenery.

Day 07

Optional Chimpanzee Photography or Cultural Experience

Today, choose between a relaxing lodge experience, a cultural visit, or an optional chimpanzee photography adventure in East Africa's tropical forests.
This experience perfectly combines primate encounters with stunning forest photography opportunities.

Day 08

Return to Arusha and Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha for your onward flight or an additional beach extension to Zanzibar.
Depart with unforgettable memories of East Africa's iconic wildlife and landscapes.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Embakasi 4 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off services
All ground transportation in a 4x4 luxury safari vehicle
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
Photography-focused safari guiding and wildlife positioning
All park entrance fees and conservation charges
Full-day and evening game drives in Kenya and Tanzania
Accommodation in luxury safari lodges and tented camps
All meals during the safari as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
Border transfer assistance between Kenya and Tanzania
Sunrise and sunset wildlife photography experiences
Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
Government taxes and safari-related levies
AMREF emergency evacuation cover during the safari
Professional photography equipment support

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Entry visa fees for Kenya and Tanzania
Travel and medical insurance
Optional hot air balloon safari experiences
Optional chimpanzee photography excursions
Alcoholic drinks, premium wines, and cocktails
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Photography equipment and camera rental fees
Optional cultural and community activities not included in the itinerary
Porter services at lodges or airports
COVID-19 testing or vaccination costs, if required
Any activities not specifically listed under safari inclusions
Government tax increases or park fee changes beyond our control

What to bring

Lightweight safari clothing in neutral colours
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evening game drives
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
A light jacket or fleece for chilly mornings
A wide-brim safari hat and sunglasses
Swimwear for lodge pools and relaxation areas
A professional camera or smartphone with good zoom capability
Extra memory cards and spare batteries
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
A camera cleaning kit for dusty safari roads
A lightweight tripod for sunrise and sunset photography
Personal medications and prescription copies
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent for evenings and forest areas
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
A reusable water bottle
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
Kenya and Tanzania visas, if required
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination certificates, where necessary
Drone equipment, where permitted
Power banks and universal travel adapters
A laptop or storage device for backing up photos and videos
A lightweight rain cover for cameras during forest or rainy conditions

Know before you go

The best time for this safari is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to March, when wildlife viewing becomes easier as animals gather around water sources and photographers enjoy clear skies and beautiful golden light.
Although wildlife sightings are excellent in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, nature remains unpredictable, and every safari experience is unique and exciting.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best lighting conditions for photography, and photography-focused guides help position vehicles perfectly for wildlife shots and dramatic landscapes.
Visitors should travel with valid travel insurance and consult their doctor about recommended vaccinations before arrival, and carrying insect repellent and personal medication is highly advised.
Soft duffel bags are strongly recommended, as safari vehicles and domestic flights often have luggage restrictions, so pack lightweight clothing suitable for warm days and cool evenings.
US dollars issued after 2009 are widely accepted in East Africa; however, carrying some local currency for tips and personal purchases is helpful.
Travellers can enhance their safari with optional hot air balloon rides, cultural visits, Zanzibar beach holidays, or chimpanzee photography experiences in East African forests.
Most luxury lodges offer Wi-Fi, charging stations, fine dining, and comfortable safari amenities; however, internet connections may occasionally be slower in remote wildlife areas.
Optional cultural visits and nature experiences may be available during the safari.
Hot air balloon safaris over Maasai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti National Park are available as an optional experience.
Optional chimpanzee photography experiences can be arranged.
Zanzibar beach holiday extensions are available.
Luxury fly-in safari upgrades are available.
Private safari vehicle upgrades are available.
Visa arrangements and travel insurance assistance can be provided.