Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
A 12-day Kenya and Tanzania safari that begins with Nairobi conservation, continues through the Rift Valley lakes, and delivers standout wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
"The flow from Kenya into Tanzania was seamless, and every safari day felt different." - Verified Review
12 Days
Nairobi / Kilimanjaro International Airport
Safari / Custom
Easy to Moderate
June - October, January - March
Overview
This cross-border safari opens in Nairobi with a conservation-focused morning at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, then heads into Kenya's Rift Valley for lakeside scenery and classic wildlife viewing. From Lake Naivasha, continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the best places in Kenya to look for rhinos.
The Masai Mara is your Kenya centerpiece, with multiple game drives and the option to add a sunrise hot air balloon flight. During peak migration months (typically July through October), the Mara can offer remarkable herd activity, with daily routing guided by where wildlife is most active.
From Kenya, fly into Tanzania for a seamless transition to the Serengeti, followed by the green highlands near Ngorongoro. Your finale is a full-day safari on the Ngorongoro Crater floor before a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Kenya and Tanzania safari we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, camp category, internal flights, and seasonal demand.
We'll walk you through options transparently and recommend what fits your priorities, comfort level, and travel dates.
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and meet your local representative for a private transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, the rest of the day is open for settling in and preparing for safari.
Highlights
- Airport meet and greet
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Time to relax and reset
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Lake Naivasha
Start the morning at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage to learn about rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Then travel into the Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari for hippos and birdlife, followed by a guided walk on Crescent Island among free-roaming wildlife.
Highlights
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit
- Scenic drive into the Rift Valley
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru National Park Safari
Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day of game drives. The park is known for both black and white rhinos, as well as excellent birdlife along the lakeshore. Return to your lodge near Lake Naivasha in the evening.
Highlights
- Full-day Lake Nakuru game drives
- Rhino tracking opportunities
- Birdlife and lakeshore scenery
Transfer to the Masai Mara
After breakfast, travel overland to the Masai Mara, watching the landscape shift into open savannah. Arrive at camp, settle in, and head out for an afternoon game drive in the best light of the day.
Highlights
- Overland transfer to the Masai Mara
- Camp check-in
- Afternoon game drive
Masai Mara Game Drives & Optional Balloon Flight
Spend two full days on safari in the Masai Mara with expert guides who adjust each outing to current wildlife movement. Choose morning and afternoon drives, or opt for a full-day outing with a picnic lunch in the reserve. Optional additions include a sunrise hot air balloon flight and a cultural visit to a Maasai community.
Highlights
- Multiple game drives across key wildlife areas
- Full-day safari option with picnic lunch
- Optional hot air balloon flight at dawn
Fly to the Serengeti
Transfer to the airstrip for a light aircraft flight into Tanzania, landing in the Serengeti. After arrival, continue to camp and head out for an afternoon game drive. The shift in landscape and wildlife zones is one of the highlights of combining Kenya and Tanzania in a single journey.
Highlights
- Scenic bush flight into Tanzania
- Camp arrival in the Serengeti
- Afternoon game drive
Serengeti Game Drives
Two full days exploring the Serengeti with flexible game drive options based on season and recent sightings. Depart early for prime activity, stay out all day with a picnic lunch, or split the day with time back at camp. Expect strong chances for big cats, elephants, and large herds of plains game.
Highlights
- Morning and afternoon game drive options
- Big cat tracking in active wildlife areas
- Seasonal migration viewing opportunities
To the Ngorongoro Highlands
Travel from the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the scenery shifts to green slopes and highland farms. Arrive near Karatu and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your lodge. Tomorrow is an early start for the crater descent.
Highlights
- Scenic highland drive
- Lodge arrival near Karatu
- Time to unwind before crater day
Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Safari
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game drives on the crater floor. This remarkable ecosystem supports dense wildlife populations, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and black rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before continuing your safari and returning to the lodge in the afternoon.
Highlights
- Early crater descent for prime wildlife viewing
- Full-day game drive inside the crater
- Black rhino viewing opportunities
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Travel through rural landscapes and, weather permitting, look for views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you approach the airport.
Highlights
- Private transfer to JRO
- Scenic countryside views
- Departure support from the local team
What's Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust routing, camp style, and trip length based on your interests. Common options for this safari include:
Add a Zanzibar Beach Extension
End your safari with a few days on Zanzibar's coastline. We'll match the beach area and hotel style to your travel dates, with a relaxed finish after time in the parks.
Add Tarangire National Park
Include Tarangire for elephant herds, baobab landscapes, and excellent birdlife. It's a strong addition if you'd like another distinct ecosystem before or after Ngorongoro.
Add Extra Nights in the Masai Mara or Serengeti
Add nights to deepen your safari time and expand where you explore. More flexibility can open up full-day outings, alternate wildlife areas, and additional guiding options.
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Traveler Stories
"The Sheldrick Trust visit was a beautiful way to start. Every safari day after that felt more meaningful knowing the conservation context."
— Verified Review
"Flying from the Mara into the Serengeti was unforgettable. The routing made two countries feel like one continuous safari."
— Verified Review
"Ngorongoro Crater was the highlight for us. Seeing rhinos and lions in that natural amphitheater was extraordinary."
— Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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