12 Days Kenya & Tanzania Combo: Plains to Coast – Diverse Landscapes

Safari Overview: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

Imagine waking up to the snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, spending your afternoon watching a lion hunt on the endless plains of the Maasai Mara, and ending your journey with your toes in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This 12 Day Kenya & Tanzania Combo: Plains to Coast is the ultimate East African adventure, blending world class wildlife safaris with the pure relaxation of a tropical beach escape. You will traverse two of Africa’s most iconic safari nations, tracking the Big Five across Amboseli, the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you will fly to the spice island of Zanzibar for two full days of sun, sand, and stone town exploration. Africa Exotic Safaris has designed this itinerary to offer maximum diversity: from the dusty red plains of the savannah to the lush highlands and the coral reefs of the coast. Every lodge, every game drive, and every beach resort has been carefully selected to provide comfort, authenticity, and exceptional value. Whether you are a first time safari traveler or a seasoned explorer, this journey will leave you breathless at every turn.

Quick Tour Specifics: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

• Kenya & Tanzania Combo: Plains to Coast
• Number of People: Tailored (private safari)
• Start/End: Nairobi, Kenya / Zanzibar, Tanzania (or Kilimanjaro Airport)
• Availability: All year throughout; best for wildlife from June to October and January to February; beach perfect year round
• Activities: Game drives, Big Five tracking, bird watching, cultural visits, snorkeling, spice tour, Stone Town walking tour, beach relaxation
• Destinations: Amboseli National Park (Kenya), Lake Naivasha (Kenya), Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), Zanzibar Island (Tanzania)
• Price: Request a Quote for this Trip

Safari Highlights: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

• Witness a herd of elephants marching across the dusty plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop in Amboseli National Park.

• Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Naivasha, coming face to face with hippos and fish eagles.

• Spend two full days in the Maasai Mara, searching for the Big Five and, during migration season, river crossings of wildebeest and zebra.

• Cross into Tanzania and explore the endless Serengeti, where lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunt on the open grasslands.

• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with over 25,000 large mammals including the endangered black rhino.

• Fly to Zanzibar, the Spice Island, and unwind on pristine white sand beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean.

• Explore historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its winding alleys, bustling bazaars, and Arabic architecture.

• Snorkel among tropical fish and coral reefs or simply relax with a Swahili massage on the beach.

Detailed Day by Day Safari Activities: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Adventure

Your journey begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. An Africa Exotic Safaris representative will welcome you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants being bottle fed, or the Giraffe Centre to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a renowned Carnivore restaurant or at your hotel. Your safari guide will visit you after dinner for a comprehensive briefing, checking your equipment and answering any questions. Rest well, for tomorrow you wake to the shadow of Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi | Mid Range: Tamarind Tree Hotel | Budget: Eka Hotel Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli – Elephants and Kilimanjaro

After an early breakfast, you will drive southeast towards Amboseli National Park, a journey of approximately four hours. The landscape opens into savannah dotted with acacia trees, and on a clear day, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. After a short rest, embark on your first afternoon game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants, some with tusks so long they sweep the ground. You will also see zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and buffalo. As the sun begins to set, Kilimanjaro’s peak turns gold and pink. Return to the lodge for dinner. Many lodges here offer views of the mountain from your room.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Mid Range: Kibo Safari Camp | Budget: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha – Freshwater Oasis

Wake before dawn for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators returning from a night of hunting and to capture Kilimanjaro at its clearest. After breakfast, you will drive northwest to the Great Rift Valley, descending into the fertile floor where Lake Naivasha lies. This freshwater lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise. You will arrive at your lodge or camp by lunchtime. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Glide past pods of hippos grunting and snorting, watch fish eagles dive for their prey, and see hundreds of pelicans and cormorants. You may also take a short walk on Crescent Island, a private sanctuary where you can walk among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes without predators. Return to your lodge for dinner as the sun sets over the Rift Valley escarpment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa | Mid Range: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Budget: Fisherman’s Camp

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara – Into the Heart of the Mara

After breakfast, you will drive further west to the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes approximately five hours, with stunning views of the Rift Valley along the way. You will arrive at your camp or lodge in time for lunch. The Maasai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem and offers exceptional wildlife viewing year round. In the afternoon, you will set out for your first game drive in the Mara. Within minutes, you may spot lions lounging under bushes, cheetahs scanning the plains, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. If you are visiting between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, with thousands of animals crossing the Mara River. Return to your camp as the sun paints the sky in fiery colors. Enjoy a traditional bush dinner or dine under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahali Mzuri (Virgin Limited Edition) | Mid Range: Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Budget: Ashnil Mara Camp

Day 5: Full Day in Maasai Mara – The Hunt for Predators

Rise early for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Your guide will use radio communication to locate recent kills. Watch a lion pride feasting on a wildebeest or a leopard dragging its prey up a tree. After a bush breakfast in the wild, continue your exploration. You will cover different regions of the reserve, from the riverine forests to the open plains. A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot near a hippo pool. In the afternoon, you may visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditional herding lifestyle, or continue game viewing. As dusk approaches, enjoy sundowner cocktails on a hilltop. Return to camp for a sumptuous dinner. Optional night game drive in the private conservancy (if staying in a conservancy) to spot nocturnal animals like aardvarks and hyenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Maasai Mara to Serengeti (Tanzania) – Crossing Borders by Air

After breakfast, you will take a short light aircraft flight from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti’s Seronera or Kogatende airstrip in Tanzania. This seamless air transfer saves you an entire day of driving. You will clear customs at the airstrip. Upon landing, a new Tanzania based Africa Exotic Safaris guide will welcome you and drive you to your luxury camp in the Serengeti. After lunch at camp, you will set out for an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is older, wilder, and vaster than the Mara. The endless plains stretch to the horizon, dotted with granite kopjes. You may see cheetahs sprinting after Thomson’s gazelles, elephants moving in family herds, and perhaps a rhino in the remote areas. Return to camp for dinner. The night sky here is a blanket of stars, untouched by city lights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Mid Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 7: Full Day in Central Serengeti – The Endless Plains

Spend a full day exploring the Seronera region, the heart of the Serengeti. This area has year round wildlife due to the perennial rivers. You will start with a sunrise game drive, following the morning light. After a bush breakfast, continue your search for the Big Five. Central Serengeti is particularly good for leopards, often found resting in acacia trees along the Seronera River. You will also see large lion prides, sometimes with cubs. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site. In the afternoon, visit a hippo pool where dozens of hippos wallow and grunt. As the day cools, predators become active again. Your guide will find a perfect spot for sundowner drinks. Return to camp for a gourmet dinner. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged for an additional cost, offering a breathtaking sunrise view of the Serengeti.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 6

Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Into the Crater Rim

After breakfast, you will drive south through the Serengeti, enjoying a game drive en route. The landscape gradually changes from flat plains to rolling hills as you approach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will stop at Olduvai Gorge, the famous archaeological site where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early hominid fossils. Visit the small museum and learn about human evolution. Continue to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your lodge is perched on the rim, offering breathtaking views of the crater floor 600 meters below. In the afternoon, you can relax on the viewing deck, watching the clouds drift over the crater. As the sun sets, the crater walls glow deep orange and purple. Enjoy a gourmet dinner with a view. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow’s early descent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (andBeyond) | Mid Range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge | Budget: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive to Arusha, Then Fly to Zanzibar

Wake before dawn for a quick breakfast and then descend the steep road into the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Because the crater is a closed ecosystem, wildlife is incredibly dense. You will likely see the Big Five before lunch. Lions are plentiful, sometimes resting on the road. You will see large herds of Cape buffalo and elephants with impressive tusks. Leopards are more elusive but can be found in the Lerai Forest. The crater is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino, often grazing in the open grasslands. After a morning of game driving, you will stop at a picnic site near a hippo pool for lunch. Around 1:00 PM, you will ascend back to the rim and drive to Arusha. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for a late afternoon flight to Zanzibar. A representative will meet you at Zanzibar Airport and transfer you to your beach resort. Check in and enjoy a welcome dinner by the ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar | Mid Range: TUI Blue Bahari Zanzibar | Budget: Kiwengwa Beach Resort

Day 10: Zanzibar – Spice Tour and Stone Town Exploration

After a leisurely breakfast at your resort, you will embark on a guided spice tour. Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island for its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and black pepper. You will visit a working spice farm, smell and taste fresh spices, and learn how they are grown and used in Swahili cooking. After a traditional spice lunch, you will drive to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will lead you through the narrow, winding alleys, past ornately carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, and historic buildings. You will visit the former slave market, the Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders, and the palace of the Sultans of Zanzibar. In the late afternoon, you can browse the curio shops for souvenirs. Return to your resort for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 9

Day 11: Zanzibar – Beach Relaxation and Snorkeling

Today is yours to enjoy the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Zanzibar. After breakfast, you may choose to take a traditional dhow boat trip to Mnemba Atoll, a marine reserve famous for its coral reefs and colorful fish. Snorkeling gear will be provided. Swim among angelfish, parrotfish, and perhaps dolphins. Alternatively, simply relax on the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or indulge in a spa treatment. Your resort offers water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing at an extra cost. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood grilled right on the beach. In the afternoon, you can take a cooking class to learn how to make Swahili dishes like pilau and biryani. As the sun sets, take a romantic walk along the shore. Dinner is served at your resort’s beachfront restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 9

Day 12: Zanzibar – Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last swim or a walk along the beach. Mid morning, you will check out and be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar for your departure flight. As you board your plane, you will carry with you the roar of a lion, the trumpeting of an elephant, the scent of cloves, and the gentle lapping of ocean waves. This 12 Day Kenya & Tanzania Combo: Plains to Coast has delivered the full spectrum of East African beauty. Africa Exotic Safaris thanks you for choosing us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

• All airport transfers in Nairobi, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.

• Light aircraft flight from Maasai Mara to Serengeti (including luggage allowance).

• Flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Zanzibar (economy class, 20 kg luggage).

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop up roof, AC, and refrigerator for all game drives in Kenya and Tanzania.

• Professional English speaking safari guide in Kenya and a separate guide in Tanzania.

• Accommodation for 11 nights as per the itinerary in your chosen category.

• All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• All park entry fees, conservation levies, and crater descent fees.

• Game drives as described, including unlimited mileage in the Mara and Serengeti.

• Boat ride on Lake Naivasha including Crescent Island walking fee.

• Spice tour and Stone Town guided tour in Zanzibar.

• Snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll (or alternative beach activity) on Day 11.

• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.

• Flying doctor emergency evacuation cover (limited to first aid and evacuation).

• All government taxes and service charges.

Exclusions: Kenya Tanzania Plains Coast

• International flights to Nairobi and from Zanzibar (or Kilimanjaro).

• Visa fees for Kenya and Tanzania (available online or on arrival for most nationalities).

• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for all travelers).

• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, camp staff, and boat crew.

• Alcoholic and soft drinks except for water.

• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, and spa treatments.

• Optional hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti.

• Any item not explicitly listed in the inclusions.