13-Day Great Herds Kenya & Tanzania 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 13-day itinerary concentrates on the wildlife-rich Mara–Serengeti ecosystem and northern Tanzania. It is designed around broad game-viewing opportunity rather than any guaranteed migration crossing, because herd movements depend on rainfall and changing conditions.
| Duration | 13 |
|---|---|
| Travel style | Private safari with seasonal camp selection and optional regional flights. |
| Best for | Wildlife-focused travellers, migration-season visitors, photographers and couples. |
| Accommodation | Mid-range to luxury tented camps and lodges selected to fit season, route and budget. |
| Price | Request a tailored quote. Recon does not publish a fixed price before checking current accommodation, park, transport and supplier availability. |
| Start / end | Planned around Nairobi or the most practical confirmed arrival/departure hub. |
Request a tailored safari quote with your travel dates, group size, preferred accommodation level and budget range.
Why this safari route works
This 13-day itinerary concentrates on the wildlife-rich Mara–Serengeti ecosystem and northern Tanzania. It is designed around broad game-viewing opportunity rather than any guaranteed migration crossing, because herd movements depend on rainfall and changing conditions. 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
| Stop | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi |
| 2 | Masai Mara |
| 3 | Serengeti |
| 4 | Ngorongoro |
| 5 | Lake Manyara |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Nairobi
Meet-and-greet and overnight.
Day 2: Nairobi and safari briefing
Rest and prepare for the bush.
Day 3: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Transfer to the Mara and take an introductory game drive.
Day 4: Masai Mara
Full safari day.
Day 5: Masai Mara
Second full day, giving flexibility for wildlife movement and photography.
Day 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti
Cross-border connection using the confirmed route.
Day 7: Serengeti
Game drives in the most suitable sector for the season.
Day 8: Serengeti
Second day in the ecosystem.
Day 9: Serengeti
Third day, allowing a less rushed safari rhythm.
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Drive toward the crater region.
Day 11: Ngorongoro
Crater game-viewing day.
Day 12: Lake Manyara / Arusha area
Visit the Lake Manyara region or use the day as a relaxed northern Tanzania transition, depending on the final route.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport or connect to an approved extension.
Safari highlights
- Multiple nights in the Mara–Serengeti ecosystem
- Season-aware routing
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Manyara / northern Tanzania
- Optional balloon safari when operating
Who this trip is designed for
Wildlife-focused travellers, migration-season visitors, photographers and couples. 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
Especially popular during key dry-season and migration-planning periods, but exact herd locations vary. Booking well ahead is sensible when specific camps are important. 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
Mid-range to luxury tented camps and lodges selected to fit season, route 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.
Request your safari quote | Contact Recon Travels | Compare safari styles
