12-Day Mara, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

12-Day Mara, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari is a Recon Travels private, tailor-made itinerary built around proven East African route patterns while remaining fully customizable to your dates, budget, group size and preferred pace. This 12-day East Africa package keeps the focus on four major wildlife regions: the Masai Mara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It suits travellers who want a substantial Kenya–Tanzania safari in under two weeks.

Request a tailored safari quote with your travel dates, group size, preferred accommodation level and budget range.

Why this safari route works

This 12-day East Africa package keeps the focus on four major wildlife regions: the Masai Mara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It suits travellers who want a substantial Kenya–Tanzania safari in under two weeks. The route is not sold as a rigid one-size-fits-all departure: transfer method, exact properties and activity timing are finalized only after availability and current operating conditions are checked. Wildlife sightings, migration movements and weather can never be guaranteed.

Safari route at a glance

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Nairobi

Meet, transfer and overnight.

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Travel to the Mara and begin game viewing if arrival time permits.

Day 3: Masai Mara

Full game-drive day.

Day 4: Masai Mara

Second day for a broader exploration of the reserve/conservancy area selected.

Day 5: Masai Mara to Tarangire

Cross into Tanzania and connect toward Tarangire using the confirmed route.

Day 6: Tarangire

Game drives in Tarangire National Park.

Day 7: Tarangire to Serengeti

Drive toward the Serengeti with scenic stops as timing allows.

Day 8: Serengeti

Full safari day.

Day 9: Serengeti

Second full day.

Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Move to the crater highlands.

Day 11: Ngorongoro

Crater game drive, then continue toward Arusha or overnight nearby depending on flights.

Day 12: Departure

Airport transfer or extension.

Safari highlights

• Masai Mara big-game country
• Tarangire’s varied landscapes
• Serengeti game drives
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Compact cross-border design

Who this trip is designed for

First-time East Africa travellers, couples, small private groups and wildlife enthusiasts. If you prefer a slower itinerary, fewer parks, more beach time, a lower daily driving load or a specific photography focus, Recon can reshape the route before any booking is confirmed.

Best time to travel

Good across much of the year, with the best camp locations and driving patterns adjusted for season. For a migration-focused trip, ask us to match the route and camp area to the expected seasonal pattern for your exact dates rather than relying on a fixed calendar promise.

Accommodation approach

Carefully selected lodge and tented-camp categories; final names depend on availability and budget. Recon confirms accommodation only after checking real-time availability. If a named property is unavailable, we propose a comparable alternative before you pay a deposit.

What can be included

• Private safari vehicle and professional driver-guide for the confirmed road sectors.
• Accommodation and meal plan specified in your final written quote.
• Airport and inter-hotel transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.
• Park, reserve or conservancy fees that are explicitly included in the quote.
• Scheduled regional flights only where they appear in the final itinerary.
• Game drives and activities specifically stated in the confirmed package.

What is normally excluded unless quoted

• International flights.
• Travel insurance and personal medical expenses.
• Entry visas/ETA fees and health-document costs.
• Premium drinks, personal purchases and optional activities not listed as included.
• Balloon safaris, private bush meals, spa services and room upgrades unless specifically added.
• Gratuities unless the final written quote explicitly states otherwise.

Optional upgrades

Depending on the route and season, Recon can quote options such as domestic or regional flights, a private vehicle throughout, balloon safari, extra conservancy nights, family-room configurations, honeymoon touches, photography-focused guiding, or a beach extension. Every optional item is subject to supplier availability and current rules.

Booking, payment and cancellation

Submitting a quote request is free. A safari is only confirmed after Recon checks the proposed services and issues written confirmation. Read the current Payment Policy and Refund Policy before paying. You can also review our Kenya safari costs and booking guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. Recon’s model is tailor-made. Dates, pace, accommodation category, flight sectors and optional activities can be adjusted before confirmation.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is free-ranging. Guides use current conditions, tracks, local reports and experience to improve viewing opportunities, but no specific sighting or migration crossing can be promised.

When should I book?

For popular dry-season or migration-period travel, planning several months ahead is sensible, especially when you want a specific camp or room type. Last-minute requests are still possible when suppliers have space.

Can families take this itinerary?

Usually yes, but age rules differ by lodge and activity. Share children’s ages so Recon can check family rooms, vehicle comfort and activity restrictions.

How do I get an accurate price?

Use the Request Quote form with dates, party size, rooming, budget range and preferred comfort level. Recon will then check current supplier and park costs rather than publishing an outdated generic figure.

Plan this safari with Recon Travels

Tell us your dates, group size, rooming, comfort level, budget range and the experiences that matter most. We will turn this route into a practical written itinerary with current availability and inclusions.

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