Travelers dreaming of spotting the Big Five and witnessing Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat often turn to guided safaris. This 11-day tour offered by Drones Africa Safaris promises just that—an immersive journey through some of Africa’s most famous national parks. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviewing the details and testimonials gives us a clear picture of what to expect from this adventure.
We love the careful itinerary that balances abundant game viewing with cultural insights, plus the professional guides who are described as knowledgeable and friendly. That said, one aspect to consider is that some travelers found the hotel reservations and driver behavior less than ideal, which is worth noting.
Still, if you’re eager for a classic African safari experience coupled with expert guidance, this tour hits many of the right notes.
This trip is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive safari experience with a moderate budget—around $2,400 per person—covering several key parks in Kenya and Tanzania. If you’re looking for a well-organized group adventure with a focus on wildlife viewing, this safari could be a good fit. However, those seeking ultra-luxury accommodations or a fully personalized experience might find the experience a bit more basic.
Key Points
- Diverse Parks and Landscapes: You’ll visit the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti—a broad cross-section of East Africa’s wildlife hotspots.
- Expert Guides: The guides are a standout feature, helping you identify animals and sharing insights about their behavior, making every game drive informative.
- Value for Money: At $2,400, the tour covers park entrance fees, transportation, and most meals, making it a cost-effective way to explore multiple parks.
- Transport and Comfort: In Kenya, you’ll ride in a safari van with a hatch roof; in Tanzania, a 4×4 Land Cruiser ensures good visibility and comfort.
- Group Size and Pace: Limited to 8 travelers, which balances intimacy with the benefits of a guided group, though some reviews suggest varying driver quality.
- Mixed Reviews: While most reviews praise the wildlife experiences and guides, there are concerns about hotel reservations and driver safety.
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Detailed Breakdown of the Safari Experience
Starting in Nairobi and the Maasai Mara
Your adventure kicks off early with a pickup from your hotel, typically around 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Expect a scenic drive alongside the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at a viewpoint that offers sweeping views of this geological marvel. Arriving in the Maasai Mara, you’ll encounter vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees—an iconic setting for game viewing.
The first game drive in the Maasai Mara is both exciting and reassuring, as this park boasts one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. The extensive road network allows close encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. You’ll stay overnight at a camp with basic but comfortable beds, and the first taste of authentic African wilderness.
Full Days in the Maasai Mara
Day two is all about maximizing your chances to see wildlife, with a full day of game viewing. The landscape is a rolling mix of plains and hills, perfect for spotting predators and prey. The picnic lunch at Hippo Pool is a highlight, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles in their aquatic habitats. One traveler noted the reserve’s superior road network makes photography easier, which is a real plus for wildlife enthusiasts.
Optional cultural visit: Many tours offer a visit to a Maasai village at an extra cost—a chance to learn about the local people whose centuries-old traditions persist amid the wilderness.
Journey to Lake Nakuru
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart the Maasai Mara for Lake Nakuru, passing scenic views of Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and rhinos, and it’s a bird-watcher’s paradise. The park’s shoreline teems with waterbucks, buffalos, and a sanctuary for white rhinos, making it a rewarding stop.
Exploring Amboseli National Park
Next, the tour heads south to Amboseli, where the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro often looms in the background—weather permitting. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds bathing in swampy grounds, and the landscape provides stunning vistas of the mountain. The day involves game drives, and travelers often remark on the abundance of elephants and plains game.
Transition to Tanzania: Arusha and Lake Manyara
Crossing into Tanzania at the Namanga border, you’ll transfer to Arusha, where the views of Mount Kilimanjaro are sometimes visible. From there, the journey continues to Lake Manyara—a park famous for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos. The varied terrain promises different wildlife sightings, and some reviews highlight the guide’s local knowledge as helpful for spotting elusive species.
The Crater and the Serengeti
The Ngorongoro Crater is the highlight of the Tanzanian leg. Descending into the crater floor, you’ll be in a natural wildlife sanctuary with a high density of lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. It’s a true wildlife concentration point and offers fantastic photo opportunities. A picnic lunch at Ngoitoktok Springs adds to the experience.
From there, the tour moves to the Serengeti, known worldwide for its vast plains and annual migrations. A visit to Olduvai Gorge en route offers a fascinating glimpse into human prehistory, with the chance to see where early hominid remains were discovered.
Final Game Drives and Return to Nairobi
Before heading back to Arusha, a final game drive in Serengeti allows you to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. The last day involves returning to Arusha for an overnight stay, then traveling back to Nairobi the following day, completing the safari experience.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Nairobi
What We Love About This Safari
The itinerary’s breadth is impressive—covering the key parks that define East Africa’s safari landscape. The inclusion of both Kenya and Tanzania means you get a broader perspective on wildlife and landscapes.
We also appreciate the focus on guided game drives with experienced guides. Their ability to spot animals, read animal behavior, and tell stories about the landscape enhances every moment. Several reviews emphasize how much the guides’ knowledge adds to the experience, even if there are occasional concerns about driver safety.
The value included—park entrance fees, transfers, most meals—means you don’t have to worry about additional costs eating into your budget, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want a comprehensive safari.
Considerations and Caveats
One reviewer pointed out issues with hotel reservations and driver behavior, noting unsafe driving practices like tailgating and texting. While most guides are professional, it’s worth being aware and voicing concerns if you encounter anything unsafe.
Accommodation quality varies; the camps and budget hotels are functional but not luxurious. If you’re expecting high-end lodges, this tour might be more on the basic side, but the trade-off is a more authentic, less commercialized experience.
Timing and group size (maximum of 8 travelers) generally mean more personalized attention, but it also requires flexibility. The extensive driving days—sometimes up to 10 hours—may be tiring but are typical for such a broad itinerary.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This safari suits adventurous travelers eager to see a wide variety of landscapes and wildlife without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who value guides with local expertise, appreciate group travel, and are comfortable with long days on the road.
If your priority is wildlife photography, the open-top vehicles and scenic vistas will serve you well, though you might want to bring extra batteries and zoom lenses. For cultural experiences like Maasai village visits, check if those are included or available at an extra cost.
The Sum Up
This 11-day guided safari in Kenya and Tanzania offers an authentic, well-organized way to see Africa’s most iconic wildlife parks. The itinerary covers everything from the Maasai Mara’s grasslands to the Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife concentration and the vast plains of Serengeti, delivering a comprehensive experience for wildlife lovers.
The value is strong, considering park fees and most meals are included, and the group size keeps things intimate yet lively. The guides are the backbone of this trip—knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share their expertise—making every game drive informative and fun. However, travelers should be aware of potential issues like driver safety and hotel reservations, and be prepared for basic accommodations.
Overall, if you’re seeking a balanced safari experience that combines wildlife viewing with cultural insights at a reasonable price, this tour is a solid choice. It suits those who are flexible and eager to explore the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania with a small group and professional guides.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nairobi
11 Days Guided Group Safari in Kenya And Tanzania
FAQ
What parks are included in the tour?
You will visit Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti, covering some of Africa’s most famous wildlife habitats.
How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last around 7 to 10 hours each day, with some longer days depending on the location and wildlife activity.
Does the tour include park entrance fees?
Yes, all park entrance fees are included in the price of $2,400 per person.
What type of transportation is used?
In Kenya, the tour uses a safari van with a hatch roof; in Tanzania, a 4×4 Land Cruiser ensures good visibility and comfort.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, most nights are spent at camps or budget hotels, though accommodations are basic and geared towards functionality rather than luxury.
Can I visit a Maasai village?
Optional visits to a Maasai village are available at an extra cost, providing cultural insight outside the wildlife-focused activities.
How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 148 days in advance, indicating that early planning helps secure your spot.
Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but expect long days and some rough road conditions. It’s best suited for those comfortable with group travel and open to basic accommodations.
This safari offers a fantastic way to experience Africa’s wildlife and landscapes in a structured, guided format. With knowledgeable guides, a solid itinerary, and the chance to witness some of the world’s most famous parks, it’s an adventure worth considering—just keep those driver safety concerns in mind.
