7-Day Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Safari with Lake Manyara

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Game drives across Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater
• 02 Spot the famous Big Five in the Masai Mara
• 03 See Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions
• 04 Look out for flamingos, ostrich, and hundreds of bird species

Take a 7-day safari from Nairobi through the savannah grasslands of Masai Mara, the steep rainforest-cloaked mountains of Ngorongoro, and the arid plains of Northern Tanzania. Along the way, go on game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater, with opportunities to spot the famous Big Five, numerous antelope species, and abundant birdlife, including flamingos and ostrich. This cross-border journey combines dramatic landscapes with memorable wildlife viewing across Kenya and Tanzania.

The rest of your day promises to be magical as you explore this unique ecosystem that is bursting with wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and hyenas, along with large herds of grazing animals such as wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Nairobi, Namanga, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Nairobi to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

• Meet your African driver-guide at your Nairobi hotel at 7 am for a trip briefing before departing for Maasai Mara. A beautiful drive will take you through the striking western walls of the Great Rift Valley.
• Enjoy your first Mara experience with an afternoon game drive through this special place.

2

Day 02

Full-Day Safari in the Maasai Mara

• Prepare for a full day of game viewing in the stunning Maasai Mara grasslands, providing a uniquely African panorama to complement the many photographs you'll no doubt be taking of animal encounters.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at a hippo pool in the bush, and afterwards, you will have the option of continuing with your safari or visiting a traditional Maasai village.

3

Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

• Wake up early to make the most of the best time of day for game viewing. Predators are winding down from a night of hunting, and prey starts to relax and become more active as the sun gets higher. For this reason, your last game drive will be before a late breakfast. Then, return to your lodge.
• After checking out, drive back to Nairobi, where you will have some free time to enjoy the city.

4

Day 04

Nairobi to Arusha via Namanga Border

• Let your driver collect you from your hotel early to get to the Namanga border post.
• The rest of the day is free, and you can explore and shop in the African hub city of Arusha.

5

Day 05

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

• After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
• Enjoy your second game drive of the day after lunch. This park is known for incredible birdwatching; visitors can see upwards of 100 different species on any given day. Also, look out for leopards, hippos, and tree-climbing lions, along with lots of elephants, giraffes, and blue monkeys.

6

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari

• Following breakfast, you will watch the scenery change dramatically from dry plains to tropical rainforest as the jeep makes the ascent into the highlands.
• After a stop to enjoy a breathtaking panorama over Ngorongoro Crater, you will begin the steep descent to the crater floor. The rest of your day promises to be magical as you explore this unique ecosystem that is bursting with wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and hyenas, along with large herds of grazing animals such as wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra. Ostrich and flamingos are among the hundreds of plentiful bird species.
• Relish a picnic lunch with spectacular views inside the crater, and later that afternoon, your jeep will take you on the thrilling ascent to the crater rim and on to your lodge for dinner.

7

Day 07

Return to Nairobi via Arusha

• After breakfast and one final game drive, head back to Arusha for lunch.
• In the afternoon, cross the border back into Kenya, then drive to Nairobi, where your expedition concludes.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Six nights' accommodation based on two people sharing a room.
• All meals are as follows: breakfast every day, except the first day, with tea and coffee included; daily lunch, either a picnic lunch or at your accommodation; and dinner every night except the final night. Please note that any additional snacks or beverages should be settled directly with your accommodation provider.
• English-speaking African tour guide
• Transport in a specially converted 4x4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof for enhanced game viewing. Single seating on either side of an aisle ensures that all guests get a window seat.
• All entrance fees to the parks and reserves as detailed in the itinerary

What's Not Included

• Please note that personal expenses such as laundry costs, personal travel insurance, telephone calls, and beverages are not included.
• Any additional optional tours
• Tips

Know before you go

• Single and multi-occupancy rates are available on request.
• Pick up or drop off at Nairobi airport is available if required.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Nairobi, Kenya

Tour start

Nairobi, Kenya

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.