AFCON 6-Day Safari Trip Overview: The Northern Circuit & Southern Kenya

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Best Time to Go: July–October (Great Migration river crossings) or January–February (Calving season).
Pace: Fast-paced. Expect early mornings and some long drives.
Entry Requirements: Ensure you have e-Visas for both Tanzania and Kenya sorted before arrival. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is often checked at the border.

AFCON 6-Day Safari

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet your guide/driver.
Activity: Transfer to Arusha. If you arrive early, visit the Arusha Coffee Lodge for a quick tour or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Arusha (e.g., Gran Melia, Four Points, or a mid-range lodge like Karama Lodge).
Tip: Use this day to buy last-minute supplies (snacks, water, binoculars) and confirm border paperwork with your operator.

Early Start: Depart Arusha by 6:30 AM.
Route: Drive via Ngorongoro Conservation Area (scenic views) into Serengeti. This is a long drive (~5–6 hours).
Afternoon: Enter Serengeti through Naabi Gate. Begin game drives immediately. Look for lions, elephants, and herds of wildebeest depending on the season.
Overnight: Central Serengeti (e.g., Seronera area). Tented camp or lodge.
Highlight: Sunset game drive on the plains.

Morning: Early morning game drive in Serengeti. Focus on predator activity (lions, leopards, cheetahs).
Late Morning: Drive towards the Namanga Border Post (western Serengeti exit).
Border Crossing: Process immigration out of Tanzania and into Kenya. This can take 1–3 hours depending on queues. Your driver will assist.
Afternoon: Enter Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Short game drive en route to your lodge.
Overnight: Masai Mara (e.g., Mara Serena, Ashnil Mara, or a tented camp like Mara Intrepids).

All Day: Explore the Masai Mara. This park is smaller than Serengeti but has higher density of wildlife.
Focus: The Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino). If visiting July–Oct, look for Mara River crossings.
Optional: Visit a Maasai Village (cultural experience) in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Same lodge in Masai Mara.

Morning: One final early game drive in Masai Mara.
Late Morning: Depart for Nairobi (~5–6 hours drive).
Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi. Check into your hotel.
Evening: Optional visit to the Giraffe Centre (if time permits) or enjoy a farewell dinner at Carnivore Restaurant or Tamasha.
Overnight: Nairobi (e.g., Hemingways, Villa Rosa Kempinski, or Tribe Hotel).

Morning: Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage) – must book months in advance. Alternatively, visit the Karen Blixen Museum.
Afternoon: Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your flight home.
End of Trip.

Budget Option: $1,800 – $2,200 USD
(Camping, shared jeep, basic lodges)
Mid-Range: $2,500 – $3,500 USD
(Tented camps, private safari vehicle, good lodges)
Luxury: $4,500+ USD
(High-end lodges like Singita or Angama, private guides, fly-in options)

Note: Flights between Arusha and Nairobi are not included. This itinerary assumes road transfer.

Border Crossing Reality: The Namanga/Isebania border is the most common for safaris. Delays are common. Carry cash (USD) for potential visa fees if not done online. Keep your passport accessible.
Vehicle Type: Ensure you have a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. Do not accept a minivan for Serengeti/Mara – it’s too rough.
Park Fees: These are expensive and change annually. Confirm if your quote includes:
- Tanzania Concession Fee
- Serengeti Park Fee
- Kenya Mara Reserve Fee
- Vehicle Entry Fees
Health: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for both countries. Drink only bottled water.
Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card in Arusha (Vodacom) and another in Nairobi (Safaricom) for best coverage. Roaming is expensive.
Packing: Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown). No bright white or blue (attracts tsetse flies). Bring layers – mornings are cold!

AFCON 6-Day Safari: The Complete Tanzania and Kenya Experience 2027