10 Days Maasai Mara and Serengeti safari.
This 10-day safari offers the ultimate East African experience, combining Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve with Tanzania’s wonderful Serengeti National Park and then the incredible Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary is well planned to place you the best locations for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, that offers continuous world-class game viewing, luxury accommodation and then perfect logistical transfers between the two countries.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Maasai mara.
Day 2: the Mara River spectacle experience.
Day 3: Wildlife and Maasai village tours.
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti national park.
Day 5: Tracking the migration in Serengeti.
Day 6: Central Serengeti exploration.
Day 7: Full day on the plains of Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater rim.
Day 9: Descent into the ‘’Eighth Wonder’’
Day 10: Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Maasai mara.
On the first day of the safari, your journey begins with arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi Kenya, then your safari guide from African Vacation Safaris will welcome you and then brief you about the safari. After the briefing you will take a connecting short, scenic charter flight directly into Maasai Mara, upon landing, your Kenyan guide will meet you and immediately start you afternoon game drive en-route to your camp or lodge. The mara is known for its high concentrations of lions and you will instantly be immersed in the classic safari setting. After checking in you will enjoy your first dinner under the stars.
Day 2: the Mara River spectacle experience.
On the second day of the safari, this is dedicated to tracking the herds with the focus on the dramatic Mara River crossings (that is between July and October). The sight of thousands of the wildebeests and zebras plunging into the crocodile infested waters is the ultimate migration highlight. You will spend the day on the plains with the picnic lunch, witnessing the natural drama and scouting for the Big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). Later you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Wildlife and Maasai village tours.
On the third day of the safari, you will enjoy a final full day in the Mara, you will wake up and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast there are options for the day either game drive exploring different sectors of the reserve or perhaps a visit to an authentic Maasi village to learn about their ancient culture and traditions. The day can conclude with an exhilarating Hot Air Balloon safari (optional add-on) during very morning, followed by a champagne breakfast provide a spectacular farewell to the Kenyan plains. The day will come to the end at your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti national park.
On the fourth day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will meet your safari guide and then transfer to the airstrip and then fly from Maasai Mara to the local border/airstrip (such as Migori followed by a connection) before flying into the Northern Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Upon your arrival in Serengeti, you will be met by your Tanzanian guide and begin with an en-route game drive to your safari lodge or migration camp.
Day 5: Tracking the migration in Serengeti.
On the fifth day of the safari, depending on the season, your camp will be positioned to follow the herds. If in the North (August to October) you will search for the migration moving between the Mara River and Lobo area, the number of animals here creates an excellent lifetime experience.
Day 6: Central Serengeti exploration.
On the sixth day of the safari, you will wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast then meet your safari guide and you will transition to the central Serengeti (Seronera valley) that is renowned for its massive resident game all year round. The landscape is known for the kopjes (rocky outcrops) that provide the perfect points for the lions and leopards. This area ensures superb predator viewing even when the main migration herds are elsewhere. Later in the evening you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 7: Full day on the plains of Serengeti.
On the seventh day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will have the full day of exploring Serengeti national park with the morning game drive to spot the early risers and many others including the incredible big five mammals. Later you will be transferred to the lodge for lunch. After lunch you will be transferred back to the park for the afternoon game drive to see various animals’ species that you missed during the morning game drive or optional you will go for the walking safari in the walk to explore the park on foot that offers you unique experience. Later in the evening you transfer to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater rim.
On the eighth day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will check out from your lodge and meet your safari guide and then drive up the slopes to the Crater rim, with the en-route game viewing in Serengeti. This transition is a stunning contrast from the flat plains to the misty highlands. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your lodge then check in for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 9: Descent into the ‘’Eight Wonder’’
On the ninth day of the safari, is dedicated to the Ngorongoro Crater Descent. This unique, self-contained ecosystem is a home to one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa. It is arguably the best place in Eat Africa to complete your sighting of the Big five, particularly the rare Black Rhino. You will spend a thrilling morning exploring the crater floor, enjoying a picnic lunch before ascending the crater wall and then heading to your lodge.
Day 10: Departure.
On the last day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast, after a relaxed breakfast, you will be driven back to Arusha and onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure flight, carrying memories of two of the world’s greatest safari destinations.
End of 10 Days Maasai Mara and Serengeti safari
Safari inclusions.
Internal flights (Nairobi to Maasai Mara, and then Maasai Mara to Serengeti).
Accommodation.
Park fees.
Transport.
Safari guide.
All meals during the safari.
Bottles drinking water.
Pickups and drop-offs.
Safari exclusions.
International flights (Nairobi (NBO) and out of Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK).
Visas.
Optional activities (Hot air balloon safari, optional walking safaris).
Personal expenses (travel insurance, laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, internet charges).
Drinks (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks).
Gratuities (tips for your safari guides, and camp staff).