13 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania BudgetSafari

Planning a safari across Kenya and Tanzania can seem like an expensive adventure—unless you find an option that balances affordability with authentic wildlife encounters. This 13-day tour from Exciting Africa Holidays promises to deliver a comprehensive experience, covering iconic parks like Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, at a budget-friendly price of $3,895 per person.

We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and itinerary to help you decide if this trip is right for you. What we love: the focus on seeing the Big 5, the chance to camp in the Serengeti, and the small group size that promises personalized attention. A potential consideration: the tour’s fixed schedule means you’ll need to be flexible and ready for some long days of game drives.

This safari is best suited for travelers eager to experience Africa’s wildlife without breaking the bank, those comfortable with camping, and anyone who appreciates a well-organized group adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable Value: At $3,895, this safari offers access to top parks with guided game drives and accommodations, making it a strong value for those wanting a comprehensive experience.
• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Expect multiple game drives in prime locations like Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, with a high chance of spotting the Big 5.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 7 travelers, you’ll likely benefit from more personal attention and a lively, intimate atmosphere.
• Balanced Itinerary: The tour includes scenic drives, cultural experiences, and opportunities to see a wide variety of animals and birds.
• Camping & Budget Hotels: Accommodations include tented camps with basic amenities and comfortable hotels, offering a closer-to-nature feel.
• Guides & Logistics: Knowledgeable guides, private transportation, and included park fees help streamline the experience, though some reviews hint at occasional logistical hiccups.

Starting Your Adventure in Nairobi and Crossing Borders

The tour begins early from Nairobi, with a pickup at your hotel, and heads straight into the heart of Kenya’s wildlife. The first stop is the Masai Mara, a legendary park famous for its concentration of wildlife and the Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Traveling through the Great Rift Valley with views of Naivasha and Longonot, you immediately get a sense of Africa’s vastness and diversity.

What makes this segment stand out? The chance to see lions lazing on the kopjes, elephants crossing the plains, and perhaps even a cheetah sprinting after prey. As one reviewer noted, “Watching lions laze on kopjes and cheetahs sprint across the plains was life-changing.” The game drives are scheduled for long days—about 8 hours each—giving you ample time to spot animals and take photographs.

The Maasai Mara is renowned for its well-developed road network, allowing closer views and better photo opportunities. The included picnic lunch by the hippo pool is a highlight, combining wildlife viewing with a scenic meal. Camping here offers a more immersive experience, with tents equipped with mosquito nets and basic amenities.

From Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

On Day 3, the tour moves south to Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos and birdlife. Early morning game drives here give you a second chance to spot rhinos, waterbucks, and other plains game. The drive offers scenic views of Mt. Longonot and Lake Naivasha from afar—a nice backdrop to the day’s wildlife adventures.

A reviewer shared, “We loved the way Nakuru’s birdlife and the chance to see rhinos in their sanctuary added a different dimension to the safari.” The accommodation is a budget hotel, which balances affordability with comfort—a practical choice after several days of camping.

Amboseli: The Mount Kilimanjaro Viewpoint

Next, you head toward Amboseli National Park, known for its elephants bathing in swamp grounds with Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the background—weather permitting. Two days are dedicated here, offering morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s habitat includes swamps, grasslands, and acacia woodland, offering diverse wildlife sightings.

An interesting note from past travelers: “Elephants in the mist in Amboseli are a photographer’s dream,” capturing the park’s appeal even in less-than-perfect weather. The camp accommodations have a communal feel, but guides are praised for their flexibility and knowledge, ensuring you still see plenty of wildlife despite weather challenges.

Crossing into Tanzania: Arusha and the Great Lakes

After Kenya, the tour moves into Tanzania, starting with a village experience in Arusha. The journey includes a border crossing at Namanga, where you’ll handle visas and continue the journey to Arusha, staying at a local inn. This provides a brief cultural break amid the wildlife.

Day 7 introduces Lake Manyara, a park renowned for tree-climbing lions and bird diversity. An afternoon game drive here offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for spotting flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. This segment balances wildlife with cultural insights, giving travelers a broader understanding of the region.

The Serengeti: Iconic Plains and Big Cats

Two days are dedicated to Serengeti National Park, planning full-day game drives to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife in the vast open plains. Passing through Olduvai Gorge, you get a taste of human history—fossil discoveries dating back millions of years.

The Serengeti’s endless plains are a favorite for many travelers, and as one reviewer put it, “Watching lions laze on kopjes and cheetahs sprint across the plains was life-changing.” Staying in campsites, you’ll experience sleeping under the stars and listening to the sounds of the wilderness.

Ngorongoro Crater and Unique Landscapes

On Day 10, the tour takes you down into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day exploration. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often called the “Garden of Eden” for its stunning dense wildlife population. Expect to see elephants, lions, and possibly black rhinos, all within a natural amphitheater.

A picnic lunch at the crater is included, allowing you to keep spotting animals while enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. The ascent back to the campsite offers breathtaking views of the landscape.

Final Tanzanian Parks and Return

On Days 11 and 12, the journey continues to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. The game drives here are especially good for birdwatching, with over 550 species recorded—making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The guides’ expertise is often highlighted as a major plus, helping travelers identify and understand the diverse birdlife.

The last game drive in Tarangire offers one final chance to see Africa’s wildlife before heading back to Arusha, where the tour concludes with a return journey to Nairobi.

Practical Aspects and What You Can Expect

This safari covers a lot of ground, with daily drives lasting around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the day’s schedule. The tour keeps group sizes small—capped at 7 travelers—meaning you’ll get more personalized attention from guides and the flexibility to enjoy the scenery and animals at a comfortable pace.

The accommodations include tent camps with mosquito nets, showers, and basic facilities, as well as budget hotels in towns like Nakuru and Arusha. This mix of camping and hotel stays offers a genuine safari feel without the high costs of luxury lodges.

All park fees, guided game drives, and transportation are included, simplifying the logistics so you can focus on the wildlife. However, extras like Masai village visits cost around $10, and tips are not included—so budget accordingly.

The price point is attractive, especially considering the extensive itinerary and the inclusion of meals, park fees, and transportation. Some travelers, like one reviewer, found it “surprisingly affordable,” especially given the quality of guides and accommodations that were “clean and comfy.”

Authentic Experiences and Common Feedback

Based on reviews, many travelers praise the guides—calling them knowledgeable and flexible. One shared, “The guides at Exciting Africa Holidays, Sammy and Zack, were flexible and still got us amazing sightings,” highlighting the value of good local expertise.

Others appreciated the variety—seeing lions, elephants, cheetahs, and birdlife, often under unpredictable weather conditions. The balance of camping and hotel stays gives a true sense of adventure, though some noted the occasional logistical hiccup, like vehicle repairs or waiting times, which is typical of such expansive tours.

While most feedback is positive, a few travelers expressed concerns about safety or disorganization, emphasizing the importance of being prepared, flexible, and trusting the guides’ judgment.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari Right for You?

If you’re after a well-rounded, affordable safari that hits all the major highlights of Kenya and Tanzania, this tour offers a lot of value. The small group size makes it ideal for travelers who want a more intimate experience, and the focus on key parks ensures you won’t miss out on the Big 5 or iconic landscapes.

It’s especially suited for those comfortable with camping and open to a mix of budget accommodations. Travelers who value knowledgeable guides and a structured itinerary will find this tour well-organized, though it’s important to be prepared for some long days and variable weather.

This safari provides a genuine taste of Africa’s wilderness, balanced with cultural insights and stunning scenery—all without requiring a premium price. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find plenty to love about this adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers have joined and appreciated the small group size, which makes for a friendly, secure environment.

What are the accommodations like?
The tour includes tented camps with mosquito nets and basic amenities, along with budget hotels. The focus is on authentic, budget-friendly experiences.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast is provided every day, along with lunch and dinner during most days, especially in parks. Extra meals outside the planned schedule are not included.

What are the main parks visited?
The tour visits Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire—each offering unique wildlife and landscapes.

How long are the game drives?
Most game drives are about 8 hours, giving ample time to spot animals and photograph the scenery.

Are park fees included?
Yes, all entry fees are included in the price, simplifying logistics and budgeting.

What is the best time to take this safari?
While not specified, safaris in this region typically work well during the dry seasons when animals gather around water sources.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a fixed itinerary, customization options are limited, but guides are flexible within the schedule.

What should I bring?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and sturdy walking shoes. Prepare for varying weather conditions.

Final Verdict

This 13-day safari strikes a commendable balance between affordability and adventure. It’s a perfect choice for travelers eager to see the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania with knowledgeable guides and a small group setting. While some long days and camping experiences are involved, the genuine wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes make it worth the effort.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, well-organized, and authentic safari that covers all the major parks, this tour deserves serious consideration. It’s especially ideal for those who value a mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural insights, all woven into one unforgettable journey through Africa’s most iconic landscapes.