Perfect 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Can’t decide on whether to go on safari in Kenya or Tanzania? The good news is, you don’t have to choose!

Being right next door to one another, a combined Tanzania and Kenya safari is pretty straightforward to plan and allows you to see the highlights of both East African nations.

Kenya and Tanzania offer some of the best safari destinations on the planet, so I can’t blame you for wanting to visit both! From the endless landscapes to diverse wildlife, I’ve had exceptional experiences in each.

That said, I also know how exhausting it can be, especially if you’re keen to make the most of a 10-day trip and want to fit a lot in. For that reason, I’ve carefully put this itinerary together to avoid long travel times and other mistakes, so you don’t have to repeat the ones I’ve made! After all, I’m sure you’d rather be out on safari than stuck on a long, bumpy drive. (Although sometimes that’s unavoidable!)

This itinerary is also perfect for getting close to each country’s varied wildlife. I’ll certainly never forget watching cheetahs hunting in Kenya’s Amboseli, or seeing three leopards in one day in the Serengeti and not to mention more lions than I could count!

If you haven’t quite decided on how many days you’ll be visiting, you can also view my 2-week Tanzania and Kenya itinerary. If you have the time, I’d personally recommend extending your trip to 2-weeks over 10 days as it allows you to explore at a much more relaxed pace.

I also have separate 10-day itineraries for both Tanzania and Kenya if you feel like exploring either country more in-depth.

In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated 10-day Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary. Within this post, you can find everything you need to know about planning your trip, from the expected costs, when to visit and how to book a tour operator to advice on making the most of your holiday once you arrive. Read on to start planning the trip of a lifetime!

10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary Map

Why Go on Safari in Kenya and Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania are both fantastic countries to go on safari and are considered among the best wildlife destinations in Africa – especially for first-time safari-goers due to the ease of access and well-established safari trail.

Among their top parks include Kenya’s Masai Mara, renowned for its superb viewing of big cats, while Tanzania’s Serengeti is perhaps Africa’s most famous national park – and for good reason. 

Both countries host all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes), alongside an array of other species that likely feature on your list of must-sees, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and numerous others.

Below is a map of Kenya showing the safari highlights.

And a map of neighbouring Tanzania showing safari highlights.

Besides the wildlife, the countries’ landscapes are equally breathtaking. Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, whereas Kenya offers Mount Kenya, the continent’s second-highest peak. The Great Rift Valley, traversing both countries, ensures the presence of many remarkable lakes that burst with aquatic life.

Due to the fact these countries border one another (Kenya in the north with its premier parks being in the south of the country and Tanzania in the south with its flagship parks being in the north of the country), it’s easy to combine the countries into a single trip and see the highlights of each.

Numerous airlines allow you to book multi-city tickets, allowing arrivals in one location and departures from another, without a significant price increase compared to return flights to the same destination.

How to Book your Kenya and Tanzania Safari

There are several ways to book your Tanzania and Kenya safari and the method you choose can have a big impact on the safari costs as well as your experience.

I’ll go through the pros and cons of each method below to help you decide how to book your perfect safari.

Option 1: Self-Drive Safari

Going on a self-drive safari in Kenya and Tanzania seems like a great idea if you want to be in charge of your trip. But when you look into it, you might find that saving money on a self-drive isn’t as easy as it sounds.

First off, the big costs such as park entrance fees are the same regardless of whether you drive yourself or go on a tour. These fees can be pretty high, especially for famous spots like the Masai Mara or the Ngorongoro Crater.

Also, you won’t get a better deal on hotels and lodges if you book them on your own as tour operators can actually get better deals on hotels. I managed to book a safari at a lodge through a tour operator that was significantly cheaper than it would have been had I booked the safari through the lodge directly.

Meanwhile, a good-quality 4×4 vehicle rental— a necessity for travelling the terrains of Kenya and Tanzania’s national parks—comes with its own set of daily costs, which are often pretty steep. The requirements to enter Tanzania’s parks are quite strict and regular 4×4 vehicles are often turned down, as I saw first-hand when a couple were denied entry to the Serengeti in a regular 4×4 SUV. A Land Cruiser is really a must and renting these is often around $150 – $200 per day.

Another thing to think about is that if you rent a car in Kenya and drive to Tanzania (or the other way around), the police often stop vehicles just because your car has foreign plates which, whilst not the end of the world, is an annoying bit of extra drama on your trip.

But most of all, while not having to pay for a guide might seem like a way to save money, you’ll likely miss out on seeing a lot of wildlife that only local guides can spot. Not to mention all the organisational things you’ll have to spend time doing yourself, such as getting permits.

Although I loved the independence of self-driving when I was in Namibia, even I would find driving around East Africa’s huge parks tough. Without a guide, you are unlikely to see as many animals, and you could get lost, especially in tricky places like the Masai Mara, thanks to a severe lack of road signs (gulp!).

So, all in all,  the hassle is unlikely to be worth it just to make a small saving.

Option 2: Local Tour Operator

Booking with a local tour operator for your safari in Kenya and Tanzania can often be just as affordable as planning a self-drive adventure, especially the group options. 

Choosing a local tour operator over an international travel agency also saves you money. International agencies mark up the price significantly and then hand off the actual trip planning to local firms. So, you end up with a similar experience but at a higher cost.

Local operators handle everything for you – from hotel bookings and park entry fees to providing full board, vehicles, fuel, and an experienced driver-guide. The only extra costs on top of the safari package are your international flights, visa fees, tips, drinks other than water, and any souvenirs you might want to bring home.

When booking safaris, you usually have the choice between private and group tours. If it’s within your budget, I always suggest a private safari for more flexibility and a tailored experience, unless you’re travelling solo and keen to meet new people. Group tours often don’t offer the same level of choice regarding accommodation, park visits, or safari timings. Plus, the best guides are typically assigned to private tours.

The safari experience can vary significantly depending on which local operator you choose. Reading reviews is crucial to finding a reliable operator. Look for feedback on independent sites like Google Reviews (rather than the positive reviews they showcase on their websites). 

My own safari experiences have varied widely from one operator to another. Some have been incredibly accommodating and flexible, while others have been less willing to adjust plans, even for simple requests like starting the safari a bit earlier.

Option 3: Overseas Travel Agents

Choosing an overseas travel agent might seem like the easiest way to book your safari, mainly because they can handle both your international flights and the safari itself. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost, often making it the priciest option.

Despite this, the actual safari experience they offer isn’t better. They typically delegate the safari arrangements to local operators in Kenya and Tanzania, which means you end up with an experience that’s virtually identical to what you’d get by booking directly with local companies.

However, overseas travel agents tend to mark up profits significantly. So, while opting for an overseas travel agent may simplify the booking process by including flights, it also escalates the overall cost considerably.

A benefit for international travel agents is that In the UK you will be covered by Package Travel Regulations which can provide some assistance if they go bust before your trip. If they book international flights as part of your package, you will be covered by the ATOL scheme.

In America there are schemes such as the Airline Passenger Protection Act and the Federal Aviation Administration’s consumer protection rules which apply when booking through a local travel agent in the US.

There are, however, steps you can take to protect against these risks yourself when booking directly with local suppliers.

My tips would be using your credit or debit card to make payment for the deposit as these typically offer purchase protection (In the UK it’s called Section 75). Purchasing good travel insurance with travel interruption protection or similar. Opt for a recommended local safari company as they will usually allow you to make balance payments near to the trip date which further minimises any risk.

Option 4: Hotel-Provided Safaris

Many lodges and tented camps offer their own safari experiences, which can be ideal if you’re planning to stay in one place for a while. However, this might not suit you if you’re looking to explore different areas, as you won’t have a personal vehicle. 

Flying is often the easiest way to get from one hotel to another, especially when they’re in different parks. Many parks have their own airstrips, and hotels near or inside the national parks usually can arrange to pick you up and drop you off, though they might charge extra for this service. But, be prepared: these flights aren’t cheap, costing over $100 per person, and sometimes as much as $500 per person for certain routes.

If your journey includes going from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti, or any two parks across the border, you’ll likely need to take two flights. The first flight will bring you to an international airport where you can go through immigration, and the second will take you to your final destination. You might even need to travel by road between two airports to catch your connecting flight.

Another point to bear in mind is that safaris organised by lodges often aren’t private and you’ll be sharing the vehicle with other lodge guests. This takes away flexibility in terms of what time you go out, how long you stay at each sighting and also which sightings to prioritise.

Whilst not the most budget-friendly option, hotel-provided safaris can be great if you’re looking to explore one area for a prolonged period and take things slow.

So, what is the best way to book a safari?

I recommend booking your Kenya and Tanzania safari with a local tour company. I believe it offers the most value for money, provides the next overall experience and at the same time helps to support local businesses in East Africa.

This option is also cheaper than booking via a travel agency, as these basically just act as a middleman, which hikes up the prices without offering additional perks. It’s just as simple to book directly, but make sure you read reviews to work out which company sounds best for you. 

Planning a trip to East Africa can seem really tough, especially if it’s your first time. But a big plus of using a local safari company is that they take care of almost everything for you: where you’ll stay, entrance fees for parks, your meals, the car you’ll travel in, a skilled driver-guide, drinks in the car, and more.

How Much Does a Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost?

Although costs vary, prices for a private Kenya and Tanzania safari using a local tour operator typically begin from around $280 per person per day. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, group safaris cut costs to around  $190 per person per day. These tours usually include basic accommodation including camping. 

The below chart shows typical safari costs based on your budget and preferred comfort level, but please note these are based on booking through a local operator and will cost significantly more if you book through an overseas travel agent.  

Comfort Level	Price Per Person Per Day	7 Days	10 Days
Shared Budget	From $140 PP	From $970	From $1,400 PP
Private Budget	From $300 PP	From $2100 PP	From $3,000 PP
Private Midrange	From $400 PP	From $2,800 PP	From $4,000 PP
Private Luxury	From $650 PP	From $4,550 PP	From $6,500 PP
Private Luxury +	From $1,000 PP	From $7,000 PP	From $10,000 PP

Please note that the starting from costs above are for booking through a local company. Prices will be higher if you book through an overseas company or travel agent.

Below are typical prices for Kenya and Tanzania.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost Breakdown

Kenya safari costs and Tanzania safari costs are very similar. Whilst Kenya was once regarded as a cheaper safari destination, recent increases in park fees have now made both countries pretty much identical when it comes to safari costs.

The most expensive part of an East African safari is the park fees. For example, it costs $200 + 18% tax per person to enter the Masai Mara in peak season for a 12 hour period. Slightly cheaper parks like Amboseli are still $100 +18% tax per person per day.

Park fees are similar in Tanzania with it costing $70 +18% tax per person per day to enter the Serengeti plus an additional $60 + 18% tax concession fee to spend the night in the park (staying outside the park isn’t an option with the Serengeti). Total cost per person to stay in Serengeti for a 24 hour period is $153.40 and that’s just in park fees.

The next biggest cost on your safari will be your lodges and tented camps. Even budget camps in Serengeti cost around $150 per person per night (this price excludes the nightly concession fee). Prices for camps bordering the Masai Mara in Kenya are similar. However, lodges and camps are typically full board so this price does include all your meals and soft drinks.

Below I’ve included a chart which breaks down where the money goes for a safari of two people.

Factors Affecting Kenya and Tanzania Safari Cost

There are many factors that dedicate your overall safari cost.

Perhaps the biggest factor is your accommodation comfort level. Whilst a budget tented camp can cost between $50 – $150 per person depending on location, mid-range camps can cost $200 – $400 per person per night and luxury lodges can cost anywhere from $400 per person all the way up to $3,000 per person per night.

Another huge factor is the time of year that you choose to visit. For example, park fees for peak season in the Masai Mara (July to December) are $200 + 18% tax per person. This is double the fees in low season (January to June) which are $100 + 18% tax per person. Lodges and tented camps are also more expensive in peak season and can reduce their prices by up to 30% in less busy times of year.

Your mode of transportation for game drives will also have an impact on your safari cost. In Kenya you have several options, the cheapest being a minivan. Land Cruisers typically cost $50 more per day than minivans and you can pay even more to have a photographic Land Cruiser with dropped sides. Minivans aren’t on offer in Tanzania with Land Cruisers being the only option.

The final key factor that can affect your cost is how you choose to journey between parks. The cheapest and most popular way to travel is by road in the same vehicle that you’ll be using for your game drives. This doesn’t cost you any extra on top of your safari as you’re already paying per day for your vehicle. However, you may wish to fly between parks which saves you a lot of time. These flights typically cost around $300 per person per flight although some can be as much as $500 per person per flight.

Best time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania

Although Kenya and Tanzania can be visited at any time of the year, the weather can influence your trip and what animals you might see.

I’ve created the visual guide below to give you a quick reference to what to expect in each month. This guide is for Tanzania, however, Kenya being next door is very similar.

There are two main dry seasons in East Africa. The longer dry season, from June to mid-October, is often seen as the best time for a visit. The weather is comfortably warm, there’s hardly any rain, and less greenery means it’s easier to spot wildlife because they tend to gather around waterholes.

Then there’s a shorter dry season from mid-December to late February. This period is the warmest, though it can still get a bit of rain. This season is special because the landscape is green and full, perfect for photography. While lush vegetation sometimes makes animals harder to spot, the area’s rich wildlife means there’s always plenty to see, including lots of newborn animals, which is a real treat.

The rainy season from March to May is often less popular for visits since it can get very wet. However, rain patterns have been changing, and sometimes the expected rains don’t come at all.

A brief rainy season occurs from mid-October to mid-December when you might see some evening showers, but generally, it stays dry and sunny. Recently however, rain patterns during this period have become less predictable, with heavy rains causing flooding in some years.

Timing your visit to catch the highlights of great wildebeest migration is highly recommended if you can, as this is considered one of the best wildlife experiences on the planet. The most popular time to see the great migration is from mid-July to mid-September. This is when you can witness the dramatic crossings over the Mara River, a real-life survival drama as wildebeest tackle the swift currents and crocodiles.

Another fantastic time to visit is mid -January and late February in southern Serengeti when thousands of wildebeest calves are born each day. It’s amazing to watch the newborns take their first steps, and this period also attracts a lot of predators, making it an exciting time for wildlife viewing as you may well witness a kill.

How Long to Spend in Kenya and Tanzania

Ideally, I’d recommend spending at least around 5 days in Kenya and another 5 days in Tanzania if time allows. This gives you enough time to visit the key safari destinations in each country and a really good chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. 

For those with a few more days to play with, a 14 day itinerary will give you a chance to visit the dreamy beaches of Zanzibar at the end of your trip. 

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Logistics

When booking your safari with a local tour operator, many of the points here will already be covered, but it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the below sections so you are up to date with what might be needed on your part.

Border Crossings

There’s not much you need to sort out yourself for crossing borders between Kenya and Tanzania, besides getting your visa and making sure your paperwork is in order. But, it’s good to know how these crossings work to help everything run smoothly.

You can cross between the countries either through land borders or at airports. Usually, crossing at airports is quicker because there are fewer people. Still, I’ve found crossing land borders between Kenya and Tanzania to be very straightforward and positive.

If you’re flying, say, from the Masai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania, you’ll need to take two flights and a 45-minute car ride between them to cross at a land border, as there’s no direct international airport connection in this region.

For land crossings, keep a few things in mind:

• Safari operators from Kenya can’t operate in Tanzania, and the same goes the other way. This rule helps local businesses thrive. So, when you reach the border, you’ll switch to a new vehicle and driver from the other country.
• At the border, you’ll need your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready for the officials. You might also be asked to have your luggage scanned, but it’s best to wait for your guide’s advice on this.
• My experience with crossing land borders into Tanzania and back into Kenya was incredibly smooth—no queues and the process took about 10 minutes. However, I travelled during the quieter short rainy season. During the busier period from June to September, you might encounter longer waits.

Your safari will be handled by separate companies in Kenya and Tanzania, but don’t worry—these companies usually work closely with partners across the border. So, although you book with one company, they’ll coordinate with their partner for the part of your trip in the other country.

Visas

For tourism in Tanzania, visitors from many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many European nations, are required to obtain a visa.

Most travellers will need a single-entry visa, costing $50 per person. However, American citizens must opt for a multiple-entry visa, which is priced at $100 per person.

Tanzania allows you to apply for visas upon arrival, as well as the option to secure them ahead of time through their e-visa system.

I always recommend sorting your visa before you travel, to avoid any delays or problems when you land.

You can apply for your Tanzanian e-visa online.

It’s wise to apply for your e-visa around 1 to 2 months before your trip since processing can take a few weeks.

On the other hand, from 2024, Kenya has introduced visa-free entry, meaning you no longer need a visa to visit. However, you will need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before your trip. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and you can find a comprehensive list of them.

Vaccinations

Kenya is listed as a country where Yellow Fever can occur, so you’ll need to be vaccinated against it. In contrast, Tanzania is considered to have a lower risk of Yellow Fever. If you’re moving between Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll need to show your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you won’t be allowed entry.

While other vaccinations aren’t compulsory, they are strongly advised, including for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid, among others. You can view a complete list of suggested vaccinations.

Medications

Alongside antimalarial medication, it’s always a good idea to put together a travel health kit. This should include any prescription medicines you’re on, as well as over-the-counter remedies for common travel issues such as diarrhoea, pain, and allergies. 

Make sure your prescription containers are clearly marked, and if you can, bring along a note from your doctor explaining what each medication is for and why you’re taking it. And of course, don’t forget to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and – knowing how easily I find myself in scrapes – a basic first aid kit too.

Kenya and Tanzania Safari Overview

Having enjoyed many trips in both Kenya and Tanzania, I have a lot of experience in both countries and have also soaked up lots of local advice along the way.

With all this in mind, I’ve carefully crafted this 10-day Kenya and Tanzania itinerary, to ensure you can truly make the most of each day here. 

This safari route makes sure you’ll see the best safari parks in each country, while also considering logistical elements (such as travel time!) to ensure you spend more time viewing animals than you do on the road – although admittedly it’s impossible to cut out travel time completely, no matter how you travel!

This trip begins in bustling Nairobi. In the following days, you’ll go on a safari adventure through the Masai Mara and Serengeti, see huge groups of animals travel across the savannah, You’ll picnic overlooking the Tarangire River, meet traditional tribes, awe at the Ngorongoro Crater, and end your trip in Arusha under the shadow of Mount Meru.

Day by Day Breakdown of the Ultimate 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Here’s what you can expect to experience on what I can truly call my ultimate 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania safari itinerary.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to having a fantastic African safari, you really can’t do better than Kenya and Tanzania. Both countries are right next to each other and similar in cost, while still each having something unique to offer. Combining the two countries into one epic safari itinerary just makes sense. 

This 10-day itinerary is all about getting straight into each country’s highlights. Starting with Masai Mara and the Serengeti, you’ll dive straight into two of the most world-renowned safari parks on the planet. Visiting just one of these epic destinations deserves a place on any bucket list – seeing both is the trip of a lifetime!

And by adding Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park into the mix, you’ll be able to see another side of East Africa in a short time, with a wonderful focus on the region’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. 

I hope this guide has helped you plan your dream safari trip and can’t wait for you to experience it all for yourself!