6 Days Maasai Mara and Serengeti safari.
This Combined safari tour itinerary is the ultimate adventure, combining the two most famous wildlife reserves in the world; Maasai mara in Kenya and Serengeti national park in Tanzania. This is known as Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, these vast plains are home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the ‘’Big five’’ and then the overwhelming abundance of the wildlife. This safari is designed for maximum game viewing, the wonderful bucket list experience across the two countries.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasa Mara National Reserve.
Day 2: Full day exploring Maasai Mara national reserve.
Day 3: Cross the border and transfer to Serengeti national park.
Day 4: Full day game drive in central Serengeti.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater rim.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Descent and Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasa Mara National Reserve.
On the first day of the safari, your safari begins with a pickup in Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by your safari guide from African Vacation Safaris and he will welcome you and then brief you about the safari. After the safari you will start your scenic drive or short flight to Maasai Mara National Reserve.
This reserve is celebrated for its incredible predator sightings and its starring role in the annual Great Migration. Upon your arrival at your tented camp or lodge and then check in for lunch. After lunch, you will go for the first exhilarating game drive.
This is perfect time to spot lions, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs, as it gets to evening you will have the chance for wonderful photo opportunities. After you will transfer back to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full day exploring Maasai Mara national reserve.
On the second of the safari, this is the full day of exploration in the rolling grasslands of the Mara. You will either go on an early morning drive and another in the afternoon, or take a full day excursion with a packed Picnic Lunch by the Mara River.
The Mara River is the critical stage for the dramatic Wildebeest River Crossings (seasonal July to October) where millions of animal’s plunges into the crocodile filled waters. Een outside the migration season, the Mara provides world class game viewing, that is famous for its high density of the big cates. You may also have the option to visit a traditional Maasai Village to learn about the local culture and traditions of this wonderful tribe. Later return to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Cross border and transfer to Serengeti national park.
On the third day of the safari, this is the long but then exciting day of transition. After an early breakfast and a final morning game drive as you exist the Mara, you will be driven to the Kenya-Tanzania border (most commonly the Isebania crossing).
At the border, your Kenyan driver will hand you over to your new Tanzania driver-guide from African Vacation Safaris and then you will complete the necessary Immigration Formalities (visa required for both countries). You will then continue into Serengeti National Park, entering the vast, endless plains. You will enjoy the En-route Game Drive as you travel towards your central Serengeti camp, arriving in time for dinner. Then later relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 4: Full day game drive in central Serengeti.
On the fourth day of the safari, the heart of your Tanzanian experience takes place today in the central Serengeti, particularly around Seronera Valley. Serengeti meaning ‘’endless plains,’’ lives up to its name, offering a different more isolated feeling than the Mara.
Your guide will focus on tracking animals in this rich area, where the resident wildlife, including lions, leopards and elephants are found year-round. This is the best location to experience a classic safari and then capture the amazing image of the acacia tree against the huge African sky. For the ultimate morning spectacle, you can arrange for an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari to float silently over the plains at sunrise.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater rim.
On the fifth day of the final morning game drive in the Serengeti, you will drive south-east making your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you leave the plains the landscape changes, taking you into the cool, green highlands.
You may stop for an optional visit at the Olduvai Gorge an important archaeological site known as the ‘’Cradle of Mankind.’’ The journey concludes with your arrival at a lodge situated right on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. The view from here looking down into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, is a breathtaking and then the perfect preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Descent and Departure.
On the final day of the safari, you will start you start your early descent down the 600-meter walls into the Ngorongoro Crater. This natural enclosure acts as a perfect haven for over 25,000 animals, offering one of the highest concentrations of the wildlife in Africa.
It is arguably the best place in East Africa to spot the endangered Black Rhino, completing your search for the Big five before ascending and driving back towards Arusha for your connecting flight home or onward travel.
Safari inclusions.
Accommodation.
Professional safari guide.
Park entrance fees.
Meals.
Safari vehicle.
Safari exclusions.
International flights.
Visas.
Optional activities (Hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, night game drives).
Personal expenses (travel insurance, laundry, souvenirs, phone calls).
Soft drinks.
Gratuities