3-Week Kenya and Tanzania Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Kenya And Tanzania tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineKenya and Tanzania travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary, incl. Nairobi and Serengeti

  A grand 21-day tour across Kenya and Tanzania spans 20 locations including Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Kilimanjaro. Wildlife encounters in seven national parks, summit Africa's highest peak, and unwind at Diani Beach. Accommodations include distinctive stays at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge and Amboseli Kibo Camp.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kenya Safari Circuit

    Start in Nairobi and head to Hell's Gate National Park (2.5 hours away) for a cycling safari. The terrain can be rocky so bring sturdy shoes. You'll do a 7km ride and gorge walk before continuing to Lake Naivasha to spot hippos. Spend the next two days in the Masai Mara. The best predator sightings happen during early morning game drives starting at 6:30 AM. You might want to book a hot air balloon safari ($450) to see the savannah from above. Pack warm clothes for those chilly morning drives.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Tanzania's Northern Circuit

    Plan for 1-2 hours when crossing the Isebania border into Tanzania. The Serengeti is huge so plan carefully. Your best bet for big cats is the central Seronera Valley. Visit Ngorongoro Crater early since afternoon fog can limit visibility. It gets crowded on the crater floor so try to enter right when the gates open at 6 AM.

    
  • Days 8-13

    Kilimanjaro Trek (Machame Route)

    The 6-day Machame route takes you from rainforest through several climate zones. Most people get altitude sickness above 3,000m. Drink plenty of water (4L daily) and walk "pole pole" (slowly). Summit day starts around midnight in freezing temperatures so bring good thermal gear. The walk down is rough on your knees. Bring trekking poles.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Kenya Southern Parks

    Back in Kenya visit Amboseli to see elephant herds with Mt. Kilimanjaro as their backdrop. Take photos at dawn before clouds cover the peak. Then explore the Tsavo parks. West Tsavo has volcanic landscapes while East Tsavo shows off red earth. Stop at Mzima Springs to watch hippos from the underwater viewing chamber.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Diani Beach Finale

    Spend your last three days relaxing at Diani Beach. The drive from Tsavo takes 10 hours but you can fly from Ukunda instead. Check tide tables since they affect when you can swim at this beautiful beach.

    

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• 20 Day East Africa Itinerary, incl. Nairobi and Zanzibar

  Kenya and Tanzania unfold over 20 days across 11 destinations including Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Zanzibar. Wildlife drives, cultural visits, and beach relaxation combine while staying in camps and hotels. A perfect balance of nature and culture awaits.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Kenya's Lake Region

    Begin in Nairobi before moving to Lake Nakuru National Park. This area is home to large flocks of flamingos and rhinos in their natural environment. "We loved viewing these animals in their natural habitat - it was one of the most exhilarating experiences" according to a recent visitor. Plan for early morning game drives when wildlife is most active. At Lake Naivasha you can bike around the acacia-lined shores or take a boat trip to watch hippos. Book Hell's Gate National Park activities ahead of time if visiting during peak season from July to August.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Masai Mara Safari

    Visit Tepesua Village in Loita Hills to experience authentic Maasai culture and support local women's programs. Spend the next two days exploring the Masai Mara by 4WD. You might want to try a hot air balloon ride but book early since these fill up fast. Wildlife viewing is best during the Great Migration between July and October. You'll sleep in camps right in the park with just canvas separating you from the wilderness. Bring warm clothes since nights can get cold.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Tanzania Transit

    Head back to Nairobi before entering Tanzania. The border crossing usually takes 2-3 hours so pack some water and snacks. Visit Mto wa Mbu village for a look at local life. One traveler noted: "Getting off the tourist track and experiencing real African village life was a highlight."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Serengeti & Ngorongoro

    Take time to explore Ngorongoro Crater where about 30,000 animals live. Continue to the Serengeti for several game drives in vehicles with pop-up roofs for better viewing. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife photos. Your best chance to see predators is during early morning drives.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Mountains to Coast

    Walk the Usambara Mountains and stay at one of Africa's oldest hotels in Lushoto. The Irente viewpoint hike takes about 2 hours and needs moderate fitness but offers amazing views. The drive to Dar es Salaam takes 8 hours so bring entertainment and motion sickness medication if needed.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Zanzibar Island

    Take the 2-hour ferry ride to Zanzibar. Sit on the upper deck for fresh air. Walk through Stone Town's narrow streets with a guide before heading to the Northern Beaches. One visitor suggests: "Get up early to walk the beach - you'll have it almost to yourself and the sunrise is incredible." Learn about the island's trading history at a spice plantation. Your journey ends in Stone Town.

    

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• Kenya & Tanzania

  The wildlife spectacle of Kenya and Tanzania unfolds over 20 days, from Nairobi to Zanzibar. Watch Lake Nakuru's flamingos, track lions in Masai Mara, witness Serengeti's Great Migration, and delve into Ngorongoro Crater. Kilimanjaro day hikes and balloon safaris available as extras.

  

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  • Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya

    35 mi

  • Lake Naivasha Kenya

    6 mi

  • Hells Gate National Park Kenya

    88 mi

  • Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya

    106 mi

  • Nairobi Kenya

    146 mi

  • Arusha Tanzania

    129 mi

  • Serengeti National Park Tanzania

    34 mi
  • Show 3 more

  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania

    94 mi

  • Arusha Tanzania

    54 mi

  • Marangu Tanzania

    18 mi

  • Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania

    249 mi

  • Zanzibar Tanzania

    1 mi

  • Stonetown Tanzania

    15 mi

  • Jozani Forest Tanzania

    40 mi

  • Dar es Salaam Tanzania

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