This 7-Day Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari itinerary offers an unforgettable safari experience across Kenya and Tanzania. It combines two of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas, Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park, with a visit to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This safari gives you a strong chance of seeing the Great Wildlife Migration as well as excellent year round game viewing.
Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Day 2: Full day game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
- Day 4: Full day exploration of Serengeti National Park
- Day 5: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Day 7: Transfer to Arusha
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your safari begins with a morning departure from Nairobi. You will drive south through the Kenyan countryside, passing small towns and farmlands. Along the way, you will stop to view the Great Rift Valley, one of Africa’s major geographical features.
Continue the journey to Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving at your lodge or camp in time for lunch. After some rest, you will head out for your first afternoon game drive. This is your introduction to East African wildlife. You may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, antelopes, and many bird species. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve
This day is dedicated to wildlife viewing in the open plains of Maasai Mara. After an early breakfast, you will leave with a packed lunch for a full day game drive. Morning hours are good for spotting predators as animals are active at this time.
You will explore different parts of the reserve, including areas near the Mara River. If you are visiting between June and October, you may witness the Great Migration, where large numbers of wildebeests and zebras cross the river. Nile crocodiles and hippos are often seen here.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch in a safe area inside the reserve, then continue with game viewing until late afternoon. An optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged early in the morning at an extra cost. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive in Maasai Mara as you exit the reserve. You will then drive south to the Isebania Border to cross into Tanzania. Immigration formalities will be handled here.
After crossing the border, continue driving to Serengeti National Park. Lunch will be taken along the way. Arrive in Serengeti in the late afternoon, check in at your camp or lodge, and relax. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti plains.
Day 4: Full Day Exploration of Serengeti National Park
Spend the whole day exploring Serengeti National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to look for predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You may also see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and many birds.
After breakfast or a picnic meal, continue with game drives across different parts of the park. During the migration season, you may see large herds moving across the plains. Afternoon and evening drives are good for spotting animals near water sources and resting areas.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, leave Serengeti with an en route game drive. Travel toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, you will stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Here, you will learn about early human history.
Continue to Ngorongoro, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a game drive around the crater rim and nearby areas such as Lake Ndutu. Check in at your lodge, have lunch, and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Wake up early for breakfast, then drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend about 600 meters into the crater floor for a game drive. The crater is home to many animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, waterbucks, hyenas, and the rare black rhino.
You will also see many birds, especially around the crater lake and springs. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Ngoitoktok Springs while watching hippos nearby. After lunch, ascend the crater and visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about local culture. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Transfer to Arusha
After breakfast, check out from your lodge and drive to Arusha. You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel depending on your travel plans. An optional Arusha city tour can be arranged if time allows.
This marks the end of your 7-Day Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari, a journey filled with wildlife, landscapes, and memorable safari moments across Kenya and Tanzania.
