Overview
Explore the best of Kenya and Tanzania on this 13-day Magical Safari — from the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to the endless horizons of the Serengeti and the dramatic caldera of Ngorongoro. Enjoy game drives, rich birdlife, cultural touches and the chance to witness the Great Migration when timing allows.
This itinerary blends iconic wildlife viewing with comfortable lodges and carefully paced travel. It’s ideal for travellers who want a seamless cross-border safari, exceptional Big Five opportunities, and varied landscapes — Rift Valley lakes, montane forests and sweeping savannahs.
Highlights
- Two-country classic: Maasai Mara (Kenya) → Serengeti & Ngorongoro (Tanzania).
- Lake Nakuru and Amboseli en route — flamingos, rhinos and Kilimanjaro vistas.
- Chance to witness the Great Migration (seasonal) across Mara and Serengeti.
- Visits to Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater for archaeology and high-density wildlife.
- Top lodges: Sarova Panafric, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge (as listed).
- Expert driver-guides, multiple daily game drives, and comfortable transfers.
Itinerary
Arrival in Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel for rest and recovery after international travel. Overnight and breakfast at Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar.
Drive/transfer to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Afternoon game drive in the Mara’s iconic plains where sightings of Big Five and migration herds (seasonal) are common. Dinner and overnight at lodge or camp.
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara. Search for predators, grazing herds and seasonal migration activity. Dinner and overnight at lodge or camp.
Depart the Mara for Lake Nakuru. Lunch and an afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru to view flamingo-lined shores, pelicans, rhinos and abundant birdlife. Dinner and overnight at lodge or camp.
Travel to the Aberdares for montane forest and waterhole viewing. Afternoon game viewing from the lodge (watering hole spotting). Dinner and overnight at The Ark or similar.
Travel back to Nairobi for lunch then continue to Amboseli National Park. Arrive in the shadow of Kilimanjaro for dinner and overnight at lodge or camp.
Two game drives in Amboseli — famed for large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. Evening dinner and overnight at lodge or camp.
Cross into Tanzania and continue to Lake Manyara. Afternoon arrival for game drive and birdlife viewing; spot flamingos, hippos and tree-climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge.
Transfer to the Serengeti for your first Tanzanian game drive. Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti with excellent large-mammal and birding opportunities. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
Full day of game drives across the Serengeti’s “endless plains” — Big Five, cheetah, wild dogs, large herds and rich birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
Depart Serengeti for Ngorongoro, visiting Olduvai Gorge en route to explore its archaeological significance. Afternoon arrival at the Ngorongoro area and leisure at lodge. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive in one of Africa’s densest wildlife habitats — fantastic Big Five and birding opportunities. Picnic lunch on the crater floor. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
After breakfast transfer to Arusha for lunch, then return to Nairobi. Finish with a farewell steak dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant (as in your itinerary) or transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for international departure. Overnight in Nairobi or continue to the airport as preferred. End of services.
Cost
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as listed (12 nights) or similar.
- Meals as specified.
- All game drives and entry fees where stated.
- Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and services of English-speaking driver-guides.
- Transfers between Nairobi/Arusha as per itinerary and local assistance for border formalities.
- Bottled water during drives.
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Kenya/Tanzania, visas and travel/medical insurance.
- Optional balloon safaris, gratuities, conservation donations, personal expenses and any items not listed in “Cost Includes.”
- Possible additional cross-border fees or visa charges — client to confirm entry requirements.
- Any domestic flights unless requested and added to the itinerary.
FAQs
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Some travellers require visas for both countries — check embassy guidance and allow time for any visa-on-arrival or e-visa processing. We’ll assist with cross-border logistics during booking.
Yes — the trip is vehicle-based with comfortable lodges and experienced guides. We can adapt driving times, activity levels and accommodation to suit families or older travellers.
The itinerary covers both the Masai Mara and Serengeti — prime migration areas. Migration timing varies yearly (typically June–October for Mara crossings). We’ll advise the best travel windows when you enquire.
Park fees are included only if explicitly stated in the “Cost Includes” section. We confirm all fees and any Tanzania entry permits at booking and itemise them in the quote.
Multiple morning and afternoon game drives are included across the parks — exact number depends on transfers and lodge timings. Full-day crater or Serengeti drives with picnic lunches can be arranged.
Cross-border logistics are routine on this route but do require passport checks and sometimes visas. We handle the arrangements and advise you on required documents well before travel.
Neutral, layered clothing; comfortable walking shoes; sun protection; binoculars; camera with extra batteries; travel documents and any necessary medications. Include a light fleece for early mornings and evenings.
