13-Day Private Wildlife Safari Tour of Kenya and Tanzania

Traveling through Kenya and Tanzania on a 13-day wildlife safari is a dream for many nature lovers. This tour, offered by Asili Adventure Safaris, promises a carefully curated journey through some of Africa’s most iconic game parks, with opportunities for close-up wildlife viewing and soaking in breathtaking landscapes.

While we haven’t traveled this exact itinerary ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions give us a pretty good picture of what to expect. We love the way this trip combines diverse habitats—from the wilderness of Samburu to the vast plains of the Serengeti—and the emphasis on unlimited game drives.

That means no rushing through your wildlife encounters, giving you ample time to witness lions stalking prey, elephants bathing in rivers, and cheetahs cruising the grasslands.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a premium-priced tour at over $8,000 per person. It offers excellent value if you’re craving a comprehensive, all-inclusive experience with expert guides and quality accommodations. Still, travelers should consider whether they’re comfortable with the long drives and the early mornings typical of African safaris.

This tour suits adventure-minded travelers who want a deep dive into Africa’s wildlife, and those with a reasonable budget for a high-end, private experience. It’s perfect for anyone eager to see the “Big Five,” enjoy authentic African landscapes, and make the most of their time in Kenya and Tanzania.

Key Points

• Expert guides and private tour structure ensure personalized attention and tailored wildlife viewing.
• Multiple iconic parks like Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro offer diverse ecosystems and incredible animal sightings.
• Unrestricted game drives mean plenty of time to enjoy and photograph wildlife at your pace.
• Authentic accommodations, including lodges and tented camps, provide comfort with immersive safari atmosphere.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers both Kenya and Tanzania, giving a broad view of East Africa’s natural wonders.
• Value for the price includes extensive game viewing, expert guiding, and entry to top parks.

Starting in Nairobi and the Samburu Experience

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, where you’ll meet your guide and receive a briefing about your upcoming journey. From there, the safari kicks off with a drive northward toward Samburu National Reserve, a less-visited but equally spectacular park. Here, you’ll find a landscape of open savannahs punctuated by the Ewaso Nyiro River and lush forests, offering a different vibe from the more famous parks.

Samburu’s highlights include reticulated giraffes, herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and various crocodiles in the river. Over 365 bird species also make this area a bird-watcher’s paradise. The review from travelers notes “the spectacular scenic beauty, rivers, and forests,” and many mention the “wealth of wildlife,” making Samburu a great start that offers a quieter, more intimate introduction to African wildlife.

Staying at the Samburu Sopa Lodge, you’ll enjoy meals and restful nights with game drives in the morning and late afternoon, giving you ample opportunities to spot predators and prey.

Lake Nakuru: Pink Flamingos and Rhinos

Next, you’ll head to Lake Nakuru—a park famous for its flamingos, but also home to rhinos, waterbucks, and buffalo. The park’s size (180 sq km) makes it manageable, but there’s plenty to see. The reviews highlight the park’s role as an ornithologist’s dream with over 400 bird species, and the chance to see both white and black rhinos.

A key value here is the chance to spot rhinos in the wild—an unforgettable experience. Expect afternoon game drives around the lake, with the chance to see hippos and crocodiles. It’s a birdwatcher’s haven, and you’ll love the views of thousands of flamingos (though their numbers can vary).

The Maasai Mara: Big Cats and the Great Migration

From Lake Nakuru, the journey takes you to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the continent’s most renowned game reserve. It’s the place where big cats, especially lions, cheetahs, and leopards, are famously easier to find. As one reviewer put it, the Mara is “Predator Central,” where you can witness the excitement of lions stalking prey or cheetahs sprinting across the plains.

Spending three full days here allows for both morning and afternoon game drives, with the option to have meals out on the savannah or return to camp for a break. The annual wildebeest migration is a spectacular event, with over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras crossing the plains—an awe-inspiring spectacle that many travelers dream of witnessing firsthand.

What makes this part of the trip stand out is the abundance of large mammals and birdlife, combined with the chance to see hunters and prey in action. Travelers consistently mention the “wonderful guides” and “stunning views,” which elevate the experience beyond just ticking off animals on a checklist.

Crossing into Tanzania: Lake Victoria and Serengeti

Leaving Kenya, you cross into Tanzania via Isebania Border, heading towards Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world. Speke Bay Lodge on the lake’s southeastern shore offers a peaceful stop, and travelers appreciate the boat ride experience, which adds a different dimension to the safari.

From there, the adventure continues into the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas. Entering through Ndabaka Gate, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive across the plains, with a picnic lunch. Serengeti’s vastness—over 14,736 sq km—means you’ll encounter endless views of animals grazing and predators lurking.

Serengeti’s highlights include the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, with predators like lions and hyenas in hot pursuit. Many reviews praise the “wilderbeest population of about 2 million,” and the chance to see big cats in action. The park’s diversity makes it a wildlife lover’s dream, and its size means plenty of space for wildlife to thrive.

Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Crater Floor

After Serengeti, your route takes you south to Olduvai Gorge, a site of archaeological significance, where fossils dating back over 1.75 million years have been found. The reviews mention the “fossil footprints over three million years old,” adding a historical dimension to your wildlife-focused trip.

Next, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa’s Eden. The crater is a natural amphitheater filled with water, grasslands, and wildlife. Your full-day tour includes a picnic lunch, and the chance to see the Big Five in one concentrated area. Travelers highlight the amazing density of animals and the opportunity to see lions lounging, elephants bathing, and rhinos grazing—all within a relatively small area.

The Final Stop: Tarangire National Park

Your journey concludes with a drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. The park offers a different landscape—dry savannah with seasonal lagoons—perfect for spotting wildlife gathering around water sources.

Herds of elephants, wildebeest, zebra, and predators make Tarangire a lively final safari stop. The reviews emphasize the great concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti, including the rare long-necked gerenuk and the stately fringe-eared oryx.

Ending in Arusha

The trip wraps up with a drive back to Arusha, arriving by midday. The convenience of a private tour means you won’t have to worry about logistics late in the day, and you can reflect on your unforgettable experiences.

Many reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides and stunning views as key to the trip’s success. One reviewer mentions, “Our guides/drivers, Hashim Mkya in Tanzania and others, were extremely professional and responsive,” which highlights the importance of good guiding for wildlife spotting and safety.

The quality of accommodations—ranging from lodges to tented camps—receives praise for balancing comfort with the authentic safari experience. Travelers appreciate the personalized attention from the tour operator, helping tailor the experience to their wishes.

Those who have experienced similar trips say that unlimited game drives are a major plus, allowing them to relax and really enjoy the wildlife rather than rush through scheduled sessions.

If you’re eager for a comprehensive, immersive safari covering Kenya and Tanzania with expert guides, this trip provides excellent value. The focus on close wildlife encounters and authentic landscapes makes it ideal for adventure enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, the tour does require some stamina—early mornings and long drives are typical. The price point reflects a high-end experience, so budget-conscious travelers might find other options less suitable.

This tour is best suited for those who want a full, expertly guided safari with a good mix of parks and landscapes, and who value quality accommodations and personalized service.

This 13-day Kenya and Tanzania safari offers a well-rounded, deeply engaging experience for anyone passionate about wildlife and authentic African scenery. The combination of top parks, expert guides, and unrestricted game drives makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a thorough exploration of East Africa’s natural beauty.

The itinerary balances famous sites like the Maasai Mara and Serengeti with lesser-known gems such as Samburu and Tarangire, ensuring a diverse and memorable adventure. The reviews underscore the professionalism of the guides and the stunning wildlife sightings—key ingredients for a trip that might just become a lifelong memory.

While it’s an investment, the value is clear: plenty of time on game drives, expert guiding, and access to iconic landscapes and animals. This safari is best for adventurous travelers who want to see the Big Five, enjoy quality accommodations, and experience Africa’s wild side with a private, personalized touch.

Is this tour suitable for all age groups?
While most travelers can participate, the tour involves long drives and early mornings, so it’s best suited for those in good physical condition.

Are meals included during the trip?
The itinerary mentions accommodations and game drives, but doesn’t specify meal details. Usually, meals are provided at lodges and camps.

What is the accommodation like?
Expect a mix of lodges and tented camps, offering comfort while maintaining an authentic safari atmosphere.

How do I get to the starting point?
The tour begins in Nairobi, with pickup offered from your hotel.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is exclusive to your group, allowing for a personalized experience.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour is suitable year-round; check with the provider for optimal wildlife viewing seasons.

How much should I budget for tips or extras?
The tour price covers most costs, but you may want to budget extra for tips, souvenirs, or additional activities.

In all, this safari offers an in-depth, authentic taste of Kenya and Tanzania’s wild heart, making it a memorable and rewarding journey for those ready to explore Africa’s legendary landscapes and wildlife.