A 21-day self-drive adventure through Kenya and Tanzania offers a rich and diverse experience combining wildlife safaris, breathtaking landscapes, cultural exploration and coastal relaxation in the numerous safari destinations in Kenya.

HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Day 2-4: Amboseli national park

Day 5-7: Tsavo national park

Day 8-10: Tsavo to Taita hills

Day 11-13: visit Diani beach

Day 14-16: Serengeti national park

Day 17-18: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater

Day 19-20: visit lake Manyara national park

Day 21: departure to Arusha

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Nairobi Airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and stay at hotel around for example; Giraffe Manor, Nairobi Tented Camp depending on your desired choice. Take this day to rest and adjust to the time zone or, you can visit nearby attractions like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is an elephant sanctuary or Giraffe Centre to learn about giraffes and feed them.

Pick up your 4×4 self-drive vehicle which is ideal for Kenya’s road conditions especially for safaris.

Day 2-4: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (approx. 4-5 hours drive)

Head south while passing through the scenic landscapes of the Kajiado County and the Chyulu Hills. Stay at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or a tented camp in the park.

For the activities in the park, go for game drives and spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and different bird species. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

elephant at Amboseli national park

Day 5-7: Amboseli to Tsavo National Park (approx. 3-4 hours drive)

Drive east towards to Tsavo National Park crossing the Mombasa- Nairobi highway. Explore both Tsavo East and Tsavo West and these parks are home to large populations of elephants, lions and other wildlife. Visit Mzima Springs in Tsavo West known for its crystal-clear waters and hippos and also experience at night game drive. Tsavo East has options like; Voi Safari Lodge or Satao Camp.

Day 8-10: Tsavo to Taita Hills (approx. 2-3 hours drive)

Head southeast to Taita Hills which is known for its rich birdlife and wildlife. Visit the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for game drives to spot various species of birds and animals.

Enjoy an overnight stay in the Sarova Salt Lick which has incredible views of waterholes that attract game.

Day 11-13: Taita Hills to Diani Beach (approx. 4-5 hours drive)

Drive towards the Kenyan coast to Diani Beach known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Stay at a beachfront resort like; the Sands at Nomad or Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa.

Activities:

Relax on the white-sand beaches of Diani Beach, snorkel or dive at Wasini Island or Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. Explore Shimba Hills National Reserve which is a short drive from Diani for a mix of coastal rainforest and wildlife.

Day 14-16: Diani to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (approx. 6-7 hours drive)

Cross the border into Tanzania via the Isebania border post to ensure all documentation is in order for both countries. Explore Serengeti National Park which is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, which brings you close to the big five if you choose to go for a game drive. If your trip coincides with the Great Migration, you will witness the dramatic river crossings of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles.

Stay at a luxury lodge or tented camp in Serengeti National Park like Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Four Seasons Safari Lodge depending on your budget or desire.

wildebeest at masai mara kenya

Day 17-18: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater (approx. 3-4 hours drive)

Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you can go on a half-day game drive inside the crater which teems with wildlife like; elephants, lions and the rare black rhino. Optionally, you can visit the Olduvai Gorge which is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

You can also visit the Maasai village in Ngorongoro to learn more about the local culture and traditions.

Day 19-20: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 2-3 hours drive)

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park which is a small but beautiful park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is perfect for game drives where you will drive through Lake Manyara which is known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lake. The park also has a mix of habitats like; a soda lake, forested areas and acacia woodlands.

For accommodation, stay at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp if it reaches your budget.

Cheapest Car Hire Rental Tanzania

Day 21: Lake Manyara to Arusha (approx. 2 hours drive)

Drive to Arusha which is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and depending on your flight schedule, you can explore the Arusha National Park or visit local markets and cultural sites. Stay in a comfortable hotel in Arusha like Arusha Coffee Lodge or any other of your choice or budget.

Return the vehicle and catch a flight back from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or from  Arusha Airport.

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