Masai Mara and Serengeti Tour
Duration: 7 Days | Route: Nairobi -> Lake Nakuru -> Masaai Mara -> Serengeti -> Arusha
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Lake Nakuru
- Day 2: Exploring Maasai Mara
- Day 3 and 4: Full Days in Maasai Mara
- Day 5: Transition to Serengeti
- Day 6: Serengeti Wildlife Exploration
- Day 7: Journey to Arusha and Departure
Tour Overview
East Africa offers an unforgettable safari experience across Kenya and Tanzania’s most famous wildlife regions. This journey links the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, two of the richest ecosystems in Africa, where lions, elephants, zebras, and countless other animals move across open plains. Lake Nakuru adds another highlight with its rhinos, birdlife, and unique flamingo-covered shores.
With dramatic landscapes, exciting wildlife sightings, and rich natural beauty, this safari brings you close to Africa’s wild heart. Whether you’re passionate about photography, wildlife, or simply exploring new places, this trip offers a rare and meaningful experience you’ll remember for years.
From Our Safari Experts: Big wildlife moments often happen when the day is cool, so morning and evening drives are key. If you’re planning to see the Great Migration, travel between June and October for the best chances in both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
Highlights
- Experience an incredible range of African wildlife across multiple national parks. From Lake Nakuru to Serengeti, you’ll encounter over 30 different animal species including lions, elephants, giraffes, and unique bird populations.
- Journey through breathtaking landscapes that transition from Kenya’s lush national parks to Tanzania’s expansive plains. Each destination offers unique terrain, showcasing the incredible geographical diversity of East African ecosystems.
- Capture stunning wildlife moments in their most natural and authentic settings. The safari provides exceptional chances to photograph predators, herds, and rare animal interactions against magnificent African backdrops.
- Witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, set against the backdrop of African wilderness. Each evening promises breathtaking views that capture the essence of the continent’s natural beauty.
Masai Mara & Serengeti Tour – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lake Nakuru
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, where your guide will be waiting to welcome you. You will depart for Lake Nakuru national park, which is known for its rich wildlife. After checking in, have a lunch then embark on an afternoon safari to spot wildlife, such as lions, hyenas, antelopes, wildebeests, giraffes, elands, dik-dik, kudu, elephants, buffalos, impalas, gazelles, waterbucks, jackals and more in their natural surroundings. Later, visit Lake Nakuru, where you can see the mesmerizing flamingos, this birds are attracted to the lake by the abundant supply of green algae in soda rich water in the lake. Return to your accommodation for a hearty dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Exploring Maasai Mara
After a satisfying breakfast, check out and we will head to the Maasai Mara national reserve. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way and arrive in time for lunch. After check in enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a safari adventure to explore the Maasai Mara’s wildlife, which includes wildebeests, zebras, elands, buffalos, antelopes, waterbucks, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards and more. Return to your lodge for dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
Days 3 and 4: Full Days in Maasai Mara
After having breakfast at lodge, spend the this two days fully immersed in the Maasai Mara’s natural wonders. Marvel at diverse wildlife species, such as wildebeest, lions, hyenas, warthogs, giraffes, elephants and many more, and observe their active behaviour. Enjoy lunch and take time for birdwatching, and appreciate the area’s avian diversity.
Day 5: Transition to Serengeti
Following breakfast, check out and drive to the Kenya – Tanzania border. Clear customs and continue your journey into Tanzania. Check into your lodge and savor a delicious dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 6: Serengeti Wildlife Exploration
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before your guide takes you into the Serengeti national park. Watch wildlife in their natural habitat, including wildebeests, zebras, elands, buffalos, antelopes, waterbucks, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards and more. Visit the Retina Hippo Pool after the lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for another safari, which will soak you in the mesmerizing wildlife activities of park. Watch the spectacular sunset before dinner and a peaceful night sleep.
Day 7: Journey to Arusha and Departure
Begin your day with breakfast before checking out. While en route to Arusha, keep your eyes opened for wildlife species grazing around the national park such as wildebeests, zebras, elands, buffalos, antelopes, dik dik, kudu, giraffes, elephants, leopards along with various bird species.
Your driver will safely take you to Arusha, where you can be dropped off at your preferred location or the airport, which mark the end of your memorable safari.
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Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
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Customization options
Safari vehicle options (standard 4×4, private upgrades if relevant)
- Standard option includes shared 4×4 safari vehicles, with vehicle changes required at the Kenya–Tanzania border.
- Private 4×4 vehicles can be arranged separately for each country segment.
Lodge options (budget, mid-range, high-end)
- Accommodation can be arranged at budget camps, mid-range lodges, or high-end tented camps in Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Arusha.
- Lodge selection may vary based on park zones and border logistics.
Game drive flexibility (timings if applicable)
- Game drives in Maasai Mara and Serengeti can be arranged as full-day or split morning and afternoon sessions.
- Lake Nakuru game drives are typically conducted during the day.
- Schedules may be adjusted based on border crossing timing on Day 5.
Add-on experiences (based on itinerary)
- Hot air balloon safari is available in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park.
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages can be included.
- Additional short visits can be arranged in Arusha.
Flexibility in number of nights per location
- Additional nights can be added in Maasai Mara or Serengeti to extend wildlife viewing.
- Lake Nakuru stay can be adjusted depending on arrival time.
- Extra nights in Arusha can be included before departure.
Flexible departure options
- Departure is planned from Arusha.
- Return routing can be adjusted, including alternative departure from Kenya if required.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
Best time to visit (based on regions in the itinerary)
- July to October is suitable for wildlife viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Serengeti National Park due to dry conditions and higher wildlife concentration, including migration movement between Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
- January to March also offers good wildlife visibility with generally dry conditions across both Kenya and Tanzania.
- April, May, and November may have rains that can affect road travel and cross-border transfers.
Optional activities (relevant to locations in the outline)
- Hot air balloon safari is available in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park.
- Cultural visits to Maasai communities can be arranged near Maasai Mara.
- Birdwatching opportunities are common in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Short city-based visits can be arranged in Arusha before departure.
Who this tour suits (based on pace, parks, and travel type)
- This tour suits travelers looking to combine Kenya and Tanzania safari regions within one itinerary.
- It is suitable for those interested in migration routes and varied wildlife ecosystems.
- The itinerary includes cross-border travel and multiple transfers, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with long travel days and structured schedules.
