Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar in 13 to 18 Days: Long Combination Itinerary
Two weeks or more lets you do the whole circuit properly, with two Kenyan parks, four Tanzanian parks and a long, unhurried stay on Zanzibar.
A long itinerary is not about fitting in more; it is about arriving at each place with time to settle. With sixteen days, almost every stop receives two or three nights, and the journey has room for a rest day, a balloon flight or a Maasai cultural visit.
The outline below suits couples, families and photographers. It is a framework from which our team adapts for season and interests. For the big picture see the Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar combination guide.
This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Length: 13 to 18 days
- Kenya: Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli
- Tanzania: Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti
- Zanzibar: 4 to 5 nights
- Pace: Relaxed, two to three nights per stop
Sample 16-Day Outline
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Nairobi, hotel rest and briefing. |
| Days 2 to 4 | Masai Mara, three nights with full days on game drives and an optional dawn balloon flight. |
| Day 5 | Return toward Nairobi, with a scenic overnight near the Rift Valley or Nairobi. |
| Days 6 to 7 | Amboseli National Park, two nights for elephants and Kilimanjaro views. |
| Day 8 | Cross to Tanzania at Namanga and continue to Arusha, a full travel day. |
| Day 9 | Tarangire National Park for elephants and baobabs. |
| Day 10 | Lake Manyara, then up to the Ngorongoro highlands. |
| Day 11 | Ngorongoro Crater descent in the early morning, then drive toward the Serengeti. |
| Days 12 to 13 | Serengeti, two nights, with a balloon or walking option where permitted. |
| Day 14 | Fly from the Serengeti to Arusha and on to Zanzibar. |
| Days 15 to 16 | Stone Town, spice tour, beach days and departure. |
Pacing the Kenyan Half
Kenya's two parks are very different, which is why both are worth including. The Masai Mara is predator-rich, while Amboseli is about elephants, swamps and big skies. Adding a night at Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate or Lake Nakuru is a gentle way to break the Mara return journey and add a different landscape.
Pacing the Tanzanian Half
Tanzania rewards longer stays because roads between parks are long. Moving from Tarangire to Manyara and the crater in consecutive days works because distances are modest. The Serengeti, however, deserves at least two nights and ideally three to follow herds in the right region; see the Serengeti migration calendar. Consider a balloon safari or a walking safari on a private concession.
The Long Island Stay
With four or five nights on Zanzibar you can plan Stone Town on arrival, the Jozani Forest one day, a snorkelling trip to Mnemba Island another and still have beach days to spare. Zanzibar rewards slow travel, and an extended stay is a better way to recover from a week of dawn starts than rushing back.
Optional Extensions
Some travellers add Kenya's coast near Diani, described in the Diani Beach guide, in place of or before Zanzibar. Others add Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron or a Kilimanjaro day walk. These extras work best when the main route already has slack built in.
Who This Version Suits
This is the best choice for honeymooners, photographers, repeat visitors and anyone who dislikes feeling hurried. It also suits older travellers who prefer short daily drives, since the main road legs can be broken into stages, and fly-in options reduce the long overland days.
Season and Practicalities
Check the best time page before fixing dates, and use the practical guide for paperwork, health and luggage. Border arrangements appear in the route and border guide.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Amboseli National Park: Elephants, Kilimanjaro Views and How to Visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Great Migration, Wildlife and Best Time to Visit
- Serengeti National Park: Location, Wildlife, Migration and Best Time
- Zanzibar Beaches by Region: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe
- East Africa Safari Itineraries: 7, 10 and 14-Day Ideas
- Kenya to Tanzania and Zanzibar: Route, Border Crossing and Transfer Guide
- Best Time for a Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Combination: Month by Month
- Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Practical Guide: Visas, Health, Money and Luggage
- East Africa Combination Safaris: Multi-Country Trip Planning Guides
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