Day 1
Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Depart Nairobi after breakfast and drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5 hours, or take a scenic flight). Afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara — one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. The Mara is home to large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. During migration season (July-October), millions of wildebeest cross from the Serengeti into the Mara. Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the Mara plains.
Day 2
Full Day Maasai Mara
Full day game drive in the Maasai Mara. The reserve offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa — the concentration of animals is extraordinary. Morning game drive in the Mara River area where crocodiles wait for the migration herds. Visit a Maasai village to learn about the traditional Maasai way of life. Afternoon game drive in a different section of the reserve. The Maasai Mara is famous for its predator-prey interactions — lions hunting zebras, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and hyenas scavenging.
Day 3
Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park
Depart the Maasai Mara after breakfast and cross from Kenya into Tanzania via the Isebania border post. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti National Park. Game drives en route as you enter the Serengeti — the endless plains stretch to the horizon in every direction. On arrival, check into your lodge and head out for a late afternoon game drive in the Seronera area. The Serengeti is home to large populations of resident lions, leopards, and cheetahs year-round.
Day 4
Full Day Serengeti
Full day game drive following the migration herds across the Serengeti. The central Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. Morning game drive in the Seronera valley — look for leopards resting in sausage trees and lions on the kopjes. Afternoon game drive in a different section of the park, following the migration herds. The Serengeti is home to over 3 million animals, including 2 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 500,000 gazelles.
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the crater rim for your first views of this natural wonder — the world largest intact volcanic caldera. Afternoon game drive in the conservation area, visiting the Maasai villages and exploring the forests on the crater rim. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Maasai people who live alongside the wildlife.
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — 600 meters down to the crater floor. The crater is a natural enclosure home to approximately 30,000 animals including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. The concentration of wildlife is extraordinary — herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephants, and hippos in the soda lake. Picnic lunch on the crater floor with stunning views. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Day 7
Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara National Park
Morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, then transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive in this compact but diverse park. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos along the alkaline lake. The groundwater forest is home to blue monkeys, baboons, and giant forest hornbills.
Day 8
Lake Manyara to Tarangire National Park
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara, then transfer to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive among ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant populations and iconic baobab trees. During the dry season, up to 300 elephants congregate along the Tarangire River.
Day 9
Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands
Morning game drive in Tarangire for one last chance to see the elephants. After lunch, transfer to the Ngorongoro Highlands via the Karatu area. The drive takes you through the highlands with stunning views of the crater rim and surrounding landscapes. Afternoon at leisure — relax at your lodge or take a nature walk in the highlands.
Day 10
Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Southern)
Depart after breakfast and transfer to the southern Serengeti. Game drive through the short-grass plains — the herds are constantly on the move, following the rains and fresh grazing. The southern Serengeti is less visited than the central area, offering a more intimate safari experience.
Day 11
Full Day Serengeti
Full day game drive in the Serengeti — your last full day on safari. Morning game drive in the Seronera area, afternoon in a different section of the park. Take advantage of the final opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. The Serengeti never disappoints.
Day 12
Serengeti to Arusha to Nairobi
Early morning game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Connect with your onward flight to Nairobi or stay overnight in Arusha/Moshi. Safari ends.
