Duration
6 NIGHTSBest For
Content creators and photographers chasing light, behavior, and composition.Group Size
2-6 guestsAccommodation
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Serengeti Migration CampSafari Overview
6 Days Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary
6 Days Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary
This six-day specialist birding route crosses from Kenya into Tanzania, targeting endemic and migratory species across diverse habitats from Rift Valley lakes to highland forests and savannah plains.
Discover the beauty of East Africa on this unforgettable 6-day Kenya & Tanzania safari. Spend 2 nights at the scenic Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy a relaxing boat safari among hippos and diverse birdlife, plus a guided walking safari on Crescent Island alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park for a night of exceptional wildlife viewing, famous for endangered black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions.
Cross into Tanzania for 2 thrilling nights in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, home to the Big Five, vast savannahs, abundant predators, and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal).
This safari combines breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic African safari experiences, making it the perfect adventure for couples, families, photographers, and first-time visitors to Kenya and Tanzania.
Your guide is a trained ornithologist who knows where to find regional specialities like grey-crowned cranes, lilac-breasted rollers, and Fischer's lovebirds.
With over 1,000 bird species possible across this route, this is a must for serious birders and wildlife photographers.
Transfers: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with specialist birding guide, cross-border transfer
Safari Snapshot
Track endemic and migratory species with specialist guides through wetlands, plains and highland forests.
Safari Style
Photography Safari
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
3-6 Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Kenya & Tanzania
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Nairobi to Naivasha
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley, stopping at a viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views, before continuing to Lake Naivasha. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional boat safari on Lake Naivasha, where you'll encounter hippos and a variety of bird species. You may also visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes. Accommodation at your lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Rift Valley escarpment birding
- Lake Naivasha boat safari
Day 2 · Lake Naivasha
Full Day Birding at Lake Naivasha
Morning birding walk on Crescent Island among waterfowl and grassland species. Afternoon birding in the acacia woodland surrounding the lake, targeting weavers, barbets, and sunbirds. Over 400 species have been recorded in the area. Visit Hell's Gate National Park, one of Kenya's most unique parks, where you can explore on foot or by bicycle. Spot zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles, and dramatic cliffs and gorges that inspired scenes from The Lion King. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying another optional activity around the lake. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying another optional activity around the lake. Accommodation at your lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.
- 400+ species area
- Crescent Island birding walk
Day 3 · Naivasha to Nakuru
Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a full-day birding session. Target lesser and greater flamingos, African spoonbills, grey-headed gulls, and raptors, including martial eagles and Verreaux's eagles. Also spot rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes. Accommodation at your Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Flamingo colonies
- Raptor spotting
Day 4 · Nakuru to Serengeti
Cross-Border to Serengeti
Drive south through the Rift Valley and cross into Tanzania at the Isebania border post. Enter the Serengeti from the west, with afternoon birding for plains species like Fischer's lovebird, grey-crowned crane, and Kori bustard. Meet your Tanzanian safari guide and continue into Serengeti National Park with an en-route game drive. Arrive at your camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay beneath the African skies. Accommodation at your lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.
- Cross-border birding transition
- Serengeti plains species
Day 5 · Serengeti National Park
Serengeti Birding Day
Full-day birding across the Seronera riverine area and open plains. Target lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, vultures, and migratory raptors (Nov-Apr). Also enjoy big cat and herd sightings between birding stops. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Accommodation at your hotel in Serengeti. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Riverine and plains birding
- Migratory raptor season
Day 6 · Serengeti to Arusha
Serengeti to Arusha and Departure
Final morning birding session before departing the Serengeti and driving to Arusha for your onward flight. Compile your trip species list with your guide during the drive.
- Final birding session
- Trip species list review
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Nairobi
Arrival and birding route briefing with species checklist.
- 2
Day 1-2
Lake Naivasha
Freshwater lake birding with boat safari for waterfowl and raptors.
- 3
Day 3
Lake Nakuru
Flamingo colonies, raptors, and woodland species in a compact park.
- 4
Day 4-6
Serengeti National Park
Plains and riverine birding with migration-season raptor bonanza.
What's Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with specialist birding guide
- Cross-border transfer assistance and park fees for both countries
- Full-board accommodation during safari nights
- Lake Naivasha boat safari and Crescent Island walking birding
- Species checklist and birding reference materials
- Bottled water and on-ground support throughout
Exclusions
- International flights, visas for both Kenya and Tanzania, and travel insurance
- Binoculars and photography equipment
- Tips, gratuities, and personal purchases
- Optional activities not listed in inclusions
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Nov - AprJul - Oct
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Masai Mara Lion Prides: Territories, Coalitions, and Conservation
From Marsh and Rekero to Black Rock, Sand River, Topi, Sopa, Salas, Survey, and Rongai, this in-depth guide breaks down where each pride operates, who controls them, and how coalition turnover, habitat shifts, and migration timing influence lion life across the Mara ecosystem.
Read Guide
Wildlife in the Masai Mara: Beyond the Big Five
The Mara is famous for predators, but the full ecosystem covers Coke's hartebeest and common eland, Kirk's dik-dik and klipspringer, dwarf and slender mongoose, honey badger, pangolin, jackals, hyenas, baboons, and more than 450 bird species — a depth that rewards travellers who slow down beyond the Big Five.
Read Guide
Where to Stay in the Masai Mara: Camps, Lodges, and Conservancy Picks
With more than 100 properties across the reserve and surrounding conservancies, choosing where to stay defines your safari pace, vehicle density, and the depth of your wildlife encounters. This guide walks through how we shortlist camps by zone, season, and traveller profile.
Read GuidePlan Your Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Share your dates, pace and preferred accommodation style. We will tailor this trip to fit your exact vision.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
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