Overview
From the moment you leave Boston, this journey pulls you into the raw rhythm of East Africa — thundering hooves, golden plains, ancient craters, and wildlife encounters that feel unscripted and unforgettable.
This is not a rushed safari, this is 11 full days on the ground, traveling the same route the Great Migration follows — by road, slowly, deeply, and authentically.
Itinerary
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meet & greet, transfer to hotel. Safari briefing and rest.
🛏 Budget hotel – Nairobi
Early departure by 4x4 safari vehicle through the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
🛏 Budget tented camp – Masai Mara National Reserve
Full-day game drive focusing on the Mara River during peak Great Migration season. Expect wildebeest crossings, crocodiles, lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
🛏 Masai Mara
Another full day for migration action and big-cat encounters.
Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by bush breakfast.
Lodging: Masai Mara
Drive to the Isebania border. Immigration assistance and transfer into Tanzania. Afternoon game drive in the Northern Serengeti.
Accomodation:Budget tented camp – Serengeti National Park (North)
Full day tracking the migration along the Mara River (Tanzania side). Fewer vehicles, raw wildlife experience.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari (subject to availability).
Accomodation:Northern Serengeti
Drive south through endless plains with game viewing en route. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera region.
🛏 Budget tented camp – Central Serengeti
Full-day game drives in the predator capital of Africa. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and resident wildlife year-round.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari (most reliable location)
🛏 Central Serengeti
Morning game drive, then scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with crater-rim views.
🛏 Budget lodge / campsite – Ngorongoro area
Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. Afternoon transfer to Lake Manyara.
🛏 Budget lodge – Manyara / Karatu
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and birdlife. Afternoon drive to Tarangire with game viewing.
🛏 Budget lodge / campsite – Tarangire
Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for large elephant herds and baobabs. Transfer to Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport for international departure. Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Available in:
• Masai Mara
• Central Serengeti (most common)
• Northern Serengeti (seasonal)
Includes sunrise flight, champagne/juice toast, and bush breakfast.
Budget Cost (Peak August)
Includes
- All overland transport (4x4 safari vehicle)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Park & conservation fees (Kenya & Tanzania)
- Budget accommodations & meals
- Border crossing logistics
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees (Kenya & Tanzania)
- Tips & personal expenses
- Optional balloon safari
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. This is a BUDGET overland safari designed for travelers who prioritize wildlife, time on safari, and authentic experiences over luxury accommodations. Lodges and camps are clean, safe, and comfortable, but simple. Expect adventure—not five-star hotels.
You will spend 11 full days on the ground in East Africa, excluding international travel days. The journey runs from arrival in Nairobi to departure from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport).
The safari covers two countries:
• Kenya – Masai Mara
• Tanzania – Serengeti (North & Central), Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire
You cross borders overland, following the natural route of the Great Migration.
Starts: Arrival in Nairobi
• Ends: Departure from Arusha (via Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO)
This is why a multi-city flight booking is required.
No. International flights are not included in the safari price. Guests must book their own flights, but we provide exact booking instructions and will review your flight itinerary before purchase if requested.
You must book a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket:
• Boston → Nairobi (Aug 10, arrive Aug 11)
• Arusha / Kilimanjaro (JRO) → Boston (Aug 22, evening flight preferred)
We recommend Star Alliance airlines (Lufthansa / SWISS) for smooth connections.
An evening departure allows:
• A final morning game drive in Tarangire
• A relaxed transfer to Arusha
• No rushing or missed safari activities
Flights after 7:00 PM work best.
The price includes:
• All overland transport in a shared 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide(s)
• Park and conservation fees (Kenya & Tanzania)
• Budget lodges and tented camps (shared or basic en-suite)
• All meals during the safari
• Cross-border logistics and assistance
Not included:
• International flights
• Visa fees (Kenya & Tanzania)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
You’ll stay in budget lodges and tented camps:
• Simple, clean rooms or tents
• Private or shared bathrooms (depending on location)
• No luxury amenities, pools, or spa services
Accommodation is chosen for location and value, not luxury branding.
Groups typically range from 4–6 guests per safari vehicle. This keeps costs down while still offering good wildlife viewing and personal interaction with the guide.
ost travelers need:
• Kenya eVisa
• Tanzania eVisa or visa on arrival
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Guests are responsible for obtaining their own visas.
Flight booking Information
International flights are not included in the safari price. Guests are responsible for booking their own flights; however, we provide clear guidance to ensure your arrival and departure align perfectly with the itinerary.
Multi-City Flight Booking Instructions
This safari requires a MULTI-CITY (open-jaw) flight booking. Guests must not book a round-trip ticket.
How to Book Your Flights
When searching for flights, select “Multi-City” (sometimes called “Open Jaw”) and enter the following segments exactly:
Flight 1 – Outbound
• From: Boston (BOS)
• To: Nairobi (NBO)
• Departure date: August 10
• Recommended airline/alliance: Lufthansa / Star Alliance
• Arrival date: August 11
Flight 2 – Return
• From: Arusha
• Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• To: Boston (BOS)
• Departure date: August 22
• Preferred departure time: Evening flights (after 7:00 PM)
• Recommended airline/alliance: Star Alliance (Lufthansa / SWISS
Why Multi-City Booking Is Required
• The safari starts in Kenya and ends in Tanzania
• This avoids unnecessary backtracking and extra flight costs
• It allows more time on safari and fewer travel days
Important Booking Guidelines
• Do not book flights until your safari is confirmed in writing
• Book flights as two one-way segments in a single multi-city ticket
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
• Ensure adequate layover time for international connections
Need Help Before Booking?
We are happy to:
• Review your multi-city flight selection
• Confirm correct dates, airports, and timing
• Ensure Star Alliance compatibility
Send us your proposed flights before purchase for confirmation.