Overview
This 9-day Mountain Kenya hiking and Tanzania wildlife safari tour starts in Nairobi city capital of Kenya where you will be transferred to hike Mount Kenya for 4 days, then visit the famous Masai Mara reserve of Kenya before crossing the border to Serengeti national park in Tanzania for a wildlife safari experience and the tour ends in Arusha where you will board your departure flight.
Detailed Itinerary of 9 days Kenya and Tanzania combo tour
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya (Nanyuki)
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Nyuki, which generally takes 4 hours to reach, arriving in time for lunch before proceeding to Mount Kenya National Park via Sirimon Gate. A picnic lunch will be served. You will trek the Sirimon trail because it is widely regarded as Mountain Kenya’s simplest route to Point Lenana. The trail follows the dry side of the mountain, providing opportunities for treks through old-growth woodland on its lower slopes and huge heather, alpine flowers, and lobelia at higher elevations. The Sirimon path is also regarded as one of the quickest ways to go downwards.
The trek begins at Sirimon Gate and lasts three and a half hours and nine kilometres via a twisting road through rainforest and heathland. You eventually arrive at Old Moses Camp (3300m) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: All meals are included
Day 2: Hiking from Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp, hiking for 6-7 hours
After an early breakfast, go uphill and to the left at Liki North junction, about an hour from Old Moses Camp. This track follows the Ontulili River and contours across the moorland, passing Likii North Valley. An upward climb now leads to the lovely Mackinders Valley. From this location, you can see the primary summits of Point Lenana, Nelion, and Batian rising over the valley. At 4200m, you are going to arrive at Shipton Camp for dinner and the night.
Day 3: Trek from Shipton camp to Point Lenana (4985m) then to Chogoria gate camp
Following an early breakfast, you will begin your summit attempt on this day. It will take you roughly 2 to 3 hours to reach the Lenana summit. You will trek through steep scree to Simba cole and rocky terrain on your approach to Lenana peak, and you will enjoy shooting photos before arriving at the Mintos cabin. After lunch and short rest, continue on to Mount Kenya’s Chogoria gate camp, which is located along the gorges valley and offers excellent views of the gorges temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks, and the Giant Billiards table. Dinner and an overnight stay at Chogoria Gate Camp (2990m)
Day 4: Descend from Chogoria gate camp to Chogoria village and transfer back to Nairobi
After breakfast, descend for two hours to Chogoria Village, at which point you will obtain a forest clearance and meet your driver to return to Nairobi for supper and a restful night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 5: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara national reserve
After breakfast, you’re going to be driven for around 6 hours west to Masai Mara National Reserve, passing magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and Mt Longonot. Masai Mara is a “bucket list” destination for almost every wildlife lover. This reserve, commonly referred to as the Mara, is a component of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, which spans approximately 31080 km2 in the north of Tanzania and southeastern Kenya. You will check in at your lodge for lunch and some rest.
The Masai Mara is a great place to see the yearly Great Migration, which is often regarded as one of the world’s Top 10 Natural Wonders. Every year, over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and numerous antelope species undertake the 500-mile migration northwest to Kenya in pursuit of water and lush grass. The legendary Mara River crossing, where hungry crocodiles lurk, is unlike any other wildlife spectacle that you’re probably going to witness. And this activity normally takes place in the month of May and June.
In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating evening drive over the breathtaking Mara plains. You’ll go out till nightfall, hoping to spot predators like lions, leopards, jackals, and hyenas since they become more active at this time. Return to your lodge for dinner and a night’s stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 6: Full-day game drive at Masai Mara national reserve
After a leisurely breakfast, go on a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara with a picnic lunch. You may decide to skip your morning game drive in favour of a hot-air balloon safari, an optional excursion that will transport you 1,000 feet above the African plains to take in the stunning sunrise views. All of Africa’s Big Five and Big Cats, as well as uncommon animals like bat-eared foxes, caracals, jackals, serval cats, honey badgers, and roan antelope, can be found in the Masai Mara.
Aside from the magnificent mammals, the Masai Mara is home to approximately 450 bird species, including Common Ostriches, Southern Ground Hornbills, Secretary birds, Abdim’s stork, African wood owl, Ayres’ hawk-eagle, Denham’s bustard, Hildebrandt’s starling, Jackson’s widowbird, and Purple grenadier. After a full day game drive you retire at your lodge for dinner and ample rest
Meal Plan: All meals are included
Day 7: Transfer from Masai Mara National Reserve to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
You will check out after an early breakfast at your lodge. After checking out of the resort, you will embark on an end-route game drive towards the Isebania border, where you will cross into Tanzania. When you arrive in Tanzania, you will be met by your guide and subsequently head to your Serengeti national park. You will check into your booked hotel for dinner and night’s rest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 8: Full-day game drive at Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, spend the entire day in the Serengeti on morning and evening game drives. The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s top National Parks for a rewarding wildlife drive. The park contains the Big Five, including 3000 Maasai Lions, about 1000 African leopards, Black Rhinos, Elephants, and Buffaloes, as well as other wild animals such as Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, Eland, and Wildebeest, as well as over 500 bird species. It is a fantastic park that is well worth visiting. In the evening after the game drives return back to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Arusha city for departure
On this last day, you will wake up to a relaxed breakfast, before being driven to Arusha city for your departure flight depending on the time of your scheduled flight, this exciting 9-day hiking and Tanzania wildlife tour comes to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast