13-Day Big Cat Safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Maasai Mara to Serengeti

Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly received by a Priority Wild Safaris representative who will assist you with your luggage and provide a comfortable private transfer to your hotel. As you make your way through the vibrant city of Nairobi, take in your first glimpses of Kenya’s capital. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, recovering from your journey and preparing for the adventure that lies ahead.

Overnight at Panari Hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis.

After an early breakfast at 07:30 hrs, embark on a scenic drive through the floor of the Great Rift Valley, passing the bustling Maasai town of Narok, and continuing towards the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge, where you'll unwind and prepare for your first taste of adventure.

Later in the afternoon, set out on a game drive en route to the lodge, soaking in the dramatic landscapes and spotting some of the reserve’s abundant wildlife. The Maasai Mara is a year-round haven for animals, with more than 450 species recorded, including both resident and migratory populations. Even outside of the great migration months (July–September), the park teems with life—lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. You’ll also get to witness the rich culture of the Maasai people, who coexist harmoniously with nature in this incredible ecosystem.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge / Mara Simba Lodge on Full Board basis.

Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking expanse of the Maasai Mara. Begin your day with an early morning game drive as the savannah awakens—this is one of the best times to spot predators on the hunt and observe the plains as they come alive. Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy some leisure time before lunch.

In the afternoon, set out once again into the reserve for another thrilling game drive. The Mara's rich ecosystems, rolling grasslands, and acacia-dotted plains provide sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, offering fantastic opportunities to spot the Big Five and other elusive species.

Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge / Mara Simba Lodge on Full Board basis.

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara with a scenic game drive en route. Journey across the Rift Valley floor, heading towards Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for a delightful lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.

In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through this remarkable park, renowned for its endangered white and black rhinos, the elegant Rothschild giraffes, and an array of other wildlife including waterbucks, lions, and elusive leopards. The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with flamingoes painting the lake’s shoreline pink alongside pelicans, cormorants, and other species.

Later in the evening, proceed to Lake Naivasha, where you’ll arrive in time for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge on Full Board basis.

After a hearty breakfast at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, check out and begin your journey northwards toward the lush highlands of Aberdare National Park. En route, make a memorable stop at the spectacular Thompson Falls in Nyahururu—a 73-meter cascade that plunges dramatically into a deep gorge, offering a perfect photo opportunity and a breath of fresh mountain air.

Arrive at The Ark in time for lunch, nestled deep in the forested slopes of the Aberdare Range. Spend the afternoon in quiet anticipation of wildlife, which you can watch from the comfort of your room, viewing decks, bar, or restaurant, as animals gather around the floodlit waterhole and salt lick—particularly elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, and perhaps even the elusive bongo.

Dinner and overnight at The Ark on Full Board basis.

After an early breakfast, depart at 0800 hrs and begin your scenic journey southwards toward the breathtaking plains of Amboseli National Park. As you travel across Kenya’s diverse landscapes, enjoy a relaxing lunch en route. Arrive in Amboseli in the afternoon and check in at your lodge located near the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, whose snow-capped peak rises dramatically above the park’s open plains.

Settle in and take in the stunning surroundings where elephants roam freely beneath Africa’s highest mountain—a photographer’s dream.

Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge on Full Board basis.

Begin your day with a 0630 hrs early morning game drive across the sunlit plains of Amboseli, where wildlife roams against the enchanting silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by a tranquil mid-morning at leisure perfect for soaking in the scenery or relaxing by the lodge.

After a delicious lunch, set out at 1500 hrs for an afternoon game drive. The shimmering snows of Kilimanjaro form a breathtaking backdrop as you explore the park’s vast ecosystem, home to a spectacular variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, and an array of plains game. This photographer’s paradise offers awe-inspiring moments at every turn.

Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge on Full Board basis.

After an early breakfast at Amboseli Serena Lodge, depart at 0800 hrs, journeying southwards toward the Namanga border, where you will clear immigration formalities and cross into Tanzania. Continue your scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside to Arusha town, arriving in time for lunch.

At 1400 hrs, embark on a picturesque drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem tucked at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. On arrival, check in at the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge. The park's diverse ecosystem is teeming with birdlife and known for its rare tree-climbing lions, as well as giraffes, hippos, zebras, and buffalo—setting the stage for thrilling game encounters in the days ahead.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board basis.

After a hearty breakfast, set out on an early morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, soaking in the last glimpses of its lush forest and vibrant wildlife. As the morning unfolds, journey through the breathtaking highlands and vast plains of Tanzania, making your way toward the legendary Serengeti National Reserve—a name synonymous with raw wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Arrive in time for a delicious lunch at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, perched beautifully to offer panoramic views of the sweeping plains. After a brief rest, depart at 1500 hrs for an exhilarating afternoon game drive, where the endless savannah comes alive with the movement of big cats, grazing herds, and iconic acacia silhouettes against the golden horizon.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board basis.

Begin your day with an early morning game drive at 0630 hrs, when the savannah stirs to life and predators are most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then enjoy the morning at leisure—soak in the views, unwind, or relive your earlier wildlife encounters. At 1230 hrs, savor a sumptuous lunch at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, with the sweeping plains as your backdrop.

In the afternoon, set out at 1500 hrs for another thrilling game drive across the Serengeti—Africa’s largest and most iconic national park. Watch vast herds of wildebeest and zebra roam the open plains, possibly witnessing the stealth of a cheetah or the power of a lion in pursuit. Though elephants are less common here, the park's rich population of predators and grazers offers spectacular viewing. The elusive black rhinos, found near the Moru Kopjes, add a touch of rarity to this wild paradise. The Serengeti is not just a destination—it's a living canvas of Africa’s raw beauty.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board basis.

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the sweeping plains of Serengeti as you embark on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying a game drive en route. The journey offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as you traverse one of the most iconic wildlife corridors in Africa.

Arrive at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge in time for a delicious lunch, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcanic crater. The afternoon is yours to relax at leisure, taking in breathtaking views of the world’s largest intact caldera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As evening falls, soak in the serenity of this extraordinary setting.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board basis.

Start the day with an early breakfast at the lodge, then embark on a remarkable journey as you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife.

Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunches served in the heart of this ancient volcanic caldera. Often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, and one of the densest predator populations in Africa.

As you traverse the crater floor, marvel at its lush landscapes, shimmering soda lakes, and the rich diversity of species coexisting in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the distance lies the legendary Olduvai Gorge, a treasure trove of human prehistory and one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

Return to the lodge in the evening to relax and recount the day's incredible sightings.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board basis.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before setting off on the return journey.

At 0830 hrs depart from Ngorongoro and drive to Arusha, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. After your meal, board a regular shuttle service to Nairobi, crossing back into Kenya through the Namanga border.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the renowned Carnivore Restaurant. Known globally for its mouthwatering selection of meats roasted over charcoal, Carnivore offers a festive setting to mark the close of your adventure with a memorable farewell dinner.

Later in the evening, a representative from Priority Wild Safaris will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your homebound flight, filled with unforgettable memories of your Big Cat Safari through Kenya and Tanzania.