THE ULTIMATE AFRICAN SAFARI CIRCUIT

For wildlife lovers, Africa’s safari circuit offers the planet’s most spectacular encounters—from the Great Migration’s thunderous herds to silent mokoro rides past drinking elephants. This 3-week itinerary combines Kenya’s drama, Tanzania’s diversity, and Botswana’s exclusivity for the ultimate safari experience.
WHY THIS TRI-COUNTRY SAFARI WORKS?
✔ Peak Wildlife Viewing – Covers the Serengeti migration, Okavango floods & Chobe’s elephant herds
✔ Logistical Ease – Good flight connections between hubs (Nairobi/Arusha/Maun)
✔ Contrasting Landscapes – Savannahs (Masai Mara), wetlands (Delta) & woodlands (Moremi)
✔ Balanced Budget – Mixes affordable Kenya/Tanzania with premium Botswana
THE PERFECT 21-DAY ITINERARY
Days 1-7: Kenya – The Great Migration Theatre
Highlights:
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Masai Mara – Witness river crossings (Jul-Oct) & big cats hunting
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Amboseli – Postcard-perfect elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrops
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Lake Nakuru – Flamingo carpets & rare rhino sightings
Unique Experience:
Hot air balloon safari over the Mara (450−550pp) followed by bush breakfast
Where to Stay:
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Luxury: &Beyond Bateleur Camp (private Mara concession)
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Mid-range: Mara Intrepids Camp (family-friendly)
Pro Tip: Add Samburu for unique “Special Five” (reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra).
Days 8-14: Tanzania – The Safari Grand Slam
Fly: Nairobi to Kilimanjaro (1.5 hrs)
Highlights:
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Serengeti – Follow wildebeest herds (Dec-Jul in south, Jul-Oct in north)
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Ngorongoro Crater – Highest predator density on earth
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Tarangire – Giant baobabs & 500-elephant mega herds
Unique Experience:
Walking safari with Maasai guides near Lake Manyara
Where to Stay:
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Luxury: Singita Faru Faru Lodge (Serengeti riverfront)
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Budget: Kati Kati Tented Camp (mobile migration camp)
Pro Tip: Time Serengeti visits with calving season (Feb) for predator action.
Days 15-21: Botswana – Wet Wilderness Luxury
Fly: Serengeti to Maun via Dar es Salaam/Johannesburg
Highlights:
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Okavango Delta – Mokoro (dugout canoe) among lily pads & hippo pools
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Moremi Game Reserve – Leopard capital of Africa
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Chobe Riverfront – Sunset cruises past 500+ elephant gatherings
Unique Experience:
Sleep-out platform at Tree Top Camp (star beds over watering holes)
Where to Stay:
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Luxury: Mombo Camp (Okavango’s best game viewing)
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Value: Chobe Bush Lodge (affordable riverfront access)
Pro Tip: Visit Apr-Jun for peak Delta floods & fewer mosquitoes.
ESSENTIAL SAFARI PLANNING TIPS
When to Go
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Best Overall: Jun-Oct (dry season = concentrated wildlife)
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Secret Season: Nov-Dec (“Emerald Season” – lush landscapes, lower rates)
Health & Safety
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Vaccinations: Yellow fever required, malaria prophylaxis recommended
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Safety: Avoid self-drives in Botswana’s Delta (deep water/elephant risks)
Budget Guide (Per Person)
Experience Level | Kenya/Tanzania | Botswana | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Budget | 250−350/day | 400−600/day | ~$7,500 |
Luxury | 700−1,200/day | 1,500−2,000/day | ~$25,000 |
Includes mid-range lodging, game drives, domestic flights, and park fees.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
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Short on Time? Focus on Kenya & Tanzania (12-14 days)
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Luxury Focus: Swap Botswana for South Africa (Sabi Sands + Cape Town)
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Adventure Add-On: Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) after Chobe
WHY THIS CIRCUIT BEATS SINGLE-COUNTRY SAFARIS?
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Maximizes Wildlife Diversity – See all “Big Five” plus rare species like wild dogs
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Avoids Overcrowding – Botswana’s low-density tourism model
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Cultural Variety – Maasai, San Bushmen & Batswana tribal encounters
Pro Booking Tip: Use a specialist operator like &Beyond or Wilderness Safaris for seamless cross-border logistics.