Choose route direction first
Starting in Nairobi and finishing near Kilimanjaro airport can reduce backtracking on some northern routes; the reverse can work equally well. Flight price alone should not dictate an inefficient safari loop.
Seven or eight days can combine highlights, but nine to twelve days usually gives more breathing room for the Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro without turning every day into a transfer.
Border and vehicle handoffs
Many road itineraries use a planned change of vehicle or guide because national licensing and operating arrangements differ. Ask where the handoff occurs, who assists, whether luggage is carried through and how delays are handled.
Isebania-Sirari can suit Mara-Serengeti routes; Namanga can suit Amboseli-Arusha routes. The best border depends on the full itinerary, not simply the shortest map line.
Entry documents
Kenya and Tanzania have separate official systems. The East African Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda under its conditions but excludes Tanzania.
A standard Kenya authorization may have entry limitations, so travellers returning to Kenya after Tanzania must check the exact product and current official eligibility flow before booking flights.
Flights and baggage
Cross-border or domestic flights can save time but add carrier-specific baggage, check-in and transfer rules. Ask for the operating carrier, baggage allowance and airport or airstrip name.
Do not assume a small-aircraft allowance from another trip applies. Written carrier rules control, and batteries or specialist camera equipment may need separate planning.