15-Day Kenya & Tanzania Overland Safari
Destinations: Kenya (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara) & Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival Nairobi
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrival Jomo Kenyatta Airport, transfer to starting hotel.
- Evening: Group meeting, safety briefing, meet fellow travelers.
- Meals: None (dinner own expense)
- Accommodation: Nairobi budget hotel/backpackers
Day 2-3: Amboseli National Park
- Day 2 Morning: Depart Nairobi in overland truck (4 hours).
- Day 2 Afternoon: Arrive Amboseli, set up camp, afternoon game drive.
- Day 3: Full day in Amboseli:
- Morning game drive with Kilimanjaro views
- Afternoon game drive
- Optional Maasai village visit ($20)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (camp cooking, group participation)
- Accommodation: Amboseli campsite
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park
- Early Morning: Breakfast, break camp.
- Morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru (5 hours).
- Afternoon: Set up camp, afternoon game drive:
- Rhinos, flamingos, Rothschild’s giraffes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Nakuru campsite
Day 5-7: Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Day 5 Morning: Drive to Maasai Mara (5 hours).
- Day 5 Afternoon: Set up camp, afternoon game drive.
- Day 6: Full day in Maasai Mara:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Search for Big Cats
- Optional balloon safari ($450)
- Day 7: Morning game drive, afternoon at leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Maasai Mara campsite
Day 8: Travel to Tanzania (Isebania Border)
- Early Morning: Breakfast, break camp.
- Morning: Drive to Isebania border (4 hours).
- Afternoon: Border formalities (Kenya exit, Tanzania entry).
- Late Afternoon: Continue to Serengeti area campsite (3 hours).
- Evening: Set up camp, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Serengeti area campsite
Day 9-10: Serengeti National Park
- Day 9 Morning: Game drive into Serengeti.
- Day 9-10: Two full days game viewing:
- Follow migration based on season
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Camp may move with migration
- Optional: Balloon safari ($500)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Serengeti campsites
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater
- Early Morning: Breakfast, break camp.
- Morning: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3 hours).
- Afternoon: Descent into Crater for half-day game drive.
- Late Afternoon: Ascend, drive to campsite near Karatu.
- Evening: Set up camp, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Karatu area campsite
Day 12-13: Tarangire National Park
- Day 12 Morning: Drive to Tarangire NP (2 hours).
- Day 12 Afternoon: Game drive in Tarangire.
- Day 13: Full day in Tarangire:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Large elephant herds
- Baobab landscapes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Tarangire campsite
Day 14: Arusha
- Morning: Breakfast, break camp.
- Late Morning: Drive to Arusha (3 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive Arusha, check into hotel, showers, relaxation.
- Evening: Farewell dinner with group.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Arusha budget hotel
Day 15: Departure
- Morning: Breakfast, transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers (Day 1 and Day 15) | International airfare |
| Overland truck transport | Visas: Kenya ($50) + Tanzania ($50) |
| Services of driver-guide and cook | Travel insurance |
| Accommodation (camping/budget hotels) | Personal expenses |
| Park entry fees (all parks) | Alcoholic drinks |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Soft drinks |
| Camping equipment (tents, mattresses) | Sleeping bag (bring your own) |
| Meals as specified | Tips for guides, cook ($10-15/day total) |
| Optional activities |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | July – October | Best wildlife, dry, comfortable for camping |
| Good | January – March | Calving season, hot days |
| Fair | November – December | Green, short rains possible |
| Avoid | April – May | Long rains, camping difficult |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Camping Gear | Sleeping bag (3-season), pillow, flashlight/headlamp, towel, toiletries |
| Clothing | Neutral colors, long pants (4), long-sleeved shirts (4), shorts (3), t-shirts (4), fleece/warm jacket, waterproof jacket, wide-brimmed hat, swimwear |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes, sandals |
| Health | DEET repellent, sunscreen, personal medications, anti-malarial, wet wipes, hand sanitizer |
| Documents | Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, cash (USD) |
RECOMMENDED CAMPSITES & BUDGET LODGES
| Destination | Campsites/Budget Lodges |
|---|---|
| Nairobi | Nairobi Backpackers, Milimani Backpackers |
| Amboseli | Amboseli Public Campsite, AA Lodge Amboseli (budget rooms) |
| Lake Nakuru | Nakuru Backpackers, Lake Nakuru Lodge (budget rooms) |
| Maasai Mara | Mara Discovery Camp, Lenchada Tourist Camp |
| Serengeti | Seronera Public Campsite, Simba Public Campsite |
| Karatu | Kudu Campsite, Eileen’s Trees Inn |
| Tarangire | Tarangire Public Campsite, Tarangire Safari Lodge (bandas) |
| Arusha | Arusha Backpackers, The African Tulip (budget rooms) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I need camping experience?
A: No—guides set up tents and lead activities; participants help with camp chores (washing dishes, etc.). It’s part of the experience.
Q: What’s the age group?
A: Typically 18-35, but all ages welcome. Overland safaris attract adventurous travelers.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes—experienced guides, established campsites, and group travel. Follow guide instructions.
Q: What are bathroom facilities like?
A: Public campsites have shared pit toilets and cold showers (sometimes hot water for a fee). Basic but functional.
Q: Can I charge electronics?
A: Limited—bring power bank. Truck has charging when driving. Some campsites have charging points.