12 Days East Africa Luxury Safari: Big Cats, Elephant Herds & the Great Migration
Step Into the Wild…
Picture this: dawn breaks over the Serengeti. A lion’s roar carries across golden plains. A leopard drags its kill high into an acacia tree. Nearby, a herd of elephants rumbles past—calves trumpeting as matriarchs lead the way.
Now imagine crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration unfolds in a thunder of hooves. At Lewa, you track rhinos on foot. In Samburu, you meet desert-adapted elephants and warriors who have shared this land for centuries.
This 12-day luxury safari through Tanzania & Kenya is more than a holiday—it’s your front-row seat to nature’s greatest theater. This exclusive journey, featuring premier lodge partners, starts from $18,500 per person.
Is This Cross-Border Kenya & Tanzania Safari Right For You?
This meticulously curated itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who wants to experience the absolute best of East Africa in a single, seamless trip. It’s perfect if you:
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Want the “Greatest Hits”: You desire a comprehensive experience that includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai Mara, and Kenya’s premier conservancies.
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Value Luxury & Logistics: You prefer internal flights to long drives and expect five-star service, exquisite lodging, and gourmet dining in the middle of the wilderness.
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Seek Depth & Variety: Your ideal safari blends incredible wildlife viewing with meaningful cultural interactions and conservation experiences.
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Have a Budget for Excellence: You understand that an expedition of this scope and caliber is a significant investment in a world-class experience.
Why This East Africa Safari Is Different
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Predators & Giants Together: A rare balance of thrilling big cat encounters and unforgettable elephant herds in both countries.
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Seamless Cross-Border Adventure: We handle all logistics for a smooth transition between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, and throughout Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau.
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Luxury in the Wild: From eco-camps under the stars to gourmet bush dinners and hot-air balloon rides, every detail is crafted for comfort and wonder.
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Conservation in Action: Your stay supports world-renowned conservancies like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, directly contributing to the protection of rhinos and other endangered species.
Your 12-Day East Africa Journey: A Day-by-Day Guide
We’ve optimized all internal flights and transfers to maximize your time on the ground, ensuring a seamless flow between destinations without the fatigue.
Tanzania: The Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire (Days 1–6)
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Days 1-3: Serengeti National Park – Kingdom of Lions
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Stay: &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas or similar luxury mobile camp.
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Experience: Afternoon game drives, full-day migration safari witnessing river crossings, and a walking safari with expert guides.
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Days 4-5: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Great Arena
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Stay: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or similar.
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Experience: Descend into the crater for unmatched game viewing and a authentic visit to a Maasai village.
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Day 6: Tarangire National Park – Elephant Paradise
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Stay: Tarangire Treetops or similar.
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Experience: Game drives along the river watching hundreds of elephants gather beneath ancient baobabs.
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Kenya: The Maasai Mara & Northern Conservancies (Days 7–12)
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Days 7-8: Maasai Mara National Reserve – Stage of the Great Migration
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Stay: Angama Mara or Sanctuary Olonana.
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Experience: Full-day safaris for wildebeest crossings, cheetah chases, and an optional hot-air balloon safari.
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Day 9: Laikipia Plateau – Rugged Wilderness
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Stay: Loisaba Tented Camp or similar.
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Experience: Safari drives, camel treks, and meetings with Samburu herders.
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Day 10: Lewa Conservancy – Home of the Rhino
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Stay: Lewa Safari Camp or similar.
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Experience: Guided rhino tracking on foot and sighting rare species like Grevy’s zebra.
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Days 11-12: Samburu – Land of Elephants & Warriors
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Stay: Saruni Samburu or similar.
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Experience: Explore for the “Samburu Five,” enjoy a final bush breakfast, and transfer to Nairobi.
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Safari Highlights
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Lion Kingdoms: Hunt scenes, playful cubs, and roaring males in Serengeti & Mara.
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Elephant Nations: Massive herds in Tarangire & Samburu.
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Rhino Tracking: Walk with rangers at Lewa—one of Africa’s greatest conservation stories.
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Cheetah Sprints: See the world’s fastest predator chase across open plains.
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Cultural Encounters: Maasai dances, Samburu traditions, and coffee farm visits.
What’s Included
✔️ Luxury lodges & eco-camps (as specified in itinerary)
✔️ All-inclusive meals, bush breakfasts & sundowners
✔️ All internal flights & transfers, 4×4 safari vehicles
✔️ Expert guides, Maasai & Samburu trackers
✔️ All game drives, walking safaris, and cultural tours
✔️ Park and conservancy fees
A Word from Our Travelers
“We thought we understood luxury travel, but this safari redefined it. The transition from Tanzania to Kenya was flawless. Our guide in the Mara had a sixth sense for finding cats, and tracking rhinos in Lewa was a profound experience. Altivago didn’t just plan a trip; they crafted the adventure of a lifetime.”
— The Reynolds Family, New York
When to Travel
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June–October: Peak migration crossings in the Mara & Serengeti, prime elephant gatherings.
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January–March: Calving season in the Serengeti, excellent predator action, and ideal conditions for rhino tracking in Lewa.
FAQs
Is this safari family-friendly?
Yes—private guides, dedicated family suites, and engaging cultural visits make it perfect for children aged 8 and above.
Do I need visas for both Tanzania and Kenya?
Yes—and our concierge team will provide you with step-by-step guidance and documentation to make the online application process quick and easy.
What’s the best camera gear for this trip?
A 200–400mm lens is ideal for wildlife. The golden hours (sunrise & sunset) offer the best light. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Can I add a beach extension?
Absolutely—many guests finish with Zanzibar, Diani, or the private island of Mnemba for the perfect bush-to-beach combo.
Ready to Claim Your Seat in Africa’s Wildest Theater?
This 12-day East Africa luxury safari is your invitation to witness lions on the hunt, elephants on the march, and cultures that have lived with wildlife for centuries.
At Altivago, we design eco-conscious journeys that balance luxury, conservation, and soul-stirring adventure.
Spaces are limited during migration season. Enquire today to receive a fully detailed prospectus and secure your chance to walk with giants.
Altivago – Where Luxury Meets the Wild Soul of Africa
