Kenya, Tanzania · Safari

7-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari with Maasai Mara and Serengeti

7 Days Round trip from Nakuru Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Game drives across Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
02 Scenic journey through the Great Rift Valley
03 Full-day wildlife exploration in Maasai Mara and Serengeti
04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari in a unique caldera
05 Optional Maasai village visits for insight into local culture and traditions

Experience the best of East Africa's wildlife on this 7-day adventure through Kenya and Tanzania, exploring Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Discover the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Nakuru, enjoy thrilling game drives in Maasai Mara among Africa's Big Five, and venture into the Serengeti, where vast plains teem with iconic wildlife and seasonal migrations. Conclude at Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder filled with diverse ecosystems and rare species.

Conclude at Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder filled with diverse ecosystems and rare species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Lake Nakuru

Morning: Arrive in Nairobi and meet your guide.
Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately a 3-hour drive.
Afternoon game drive: After lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for flamingos, rhinos, and diverse birdlife.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at a lodge in or near Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 02

Journey from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara

Morning departure: After breakfast, travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve, approximately 5-6 hours away.
Arrival and check-in: Arrive at your Maasai Mara lodge in time for lunch and a short rest.
Afternoon game drive: Begin your Maasai Mara safari with a thrilling game drive in search of lions, elephants, and possibly the Big Five.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at a lodge or camp within Maasai Mara.

Day 03

Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara

Morning game drive: Set out early when wildlife is most active, offering a prime opportunity to spot predators and grazers.
Optional hot air balloon ride: Enhance your experience with a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Mara at an additional cost.
Lunch: Return to your lodge or enjoy a bush lunch.
Afternoon game drive: Continue exploring, following herds and witnessing the beauty of Maasai Mara's vast savannah.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at your Maasai Mara lodge or camp.

Day 04

From Maasai Mara to Serengeti via Isebania Border

Early morning departure: After breakfast, drive to the Isebania border to enter Tanzania and continue to Serengeti National Park, approximately 6 hours in total.
Lunch en route: Enjoy a packed or roadside lunch.
Game drive en route to lodge: As you enter the Serengeti, begin spotting wildlife on your way to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at a lodge or tented camp within Serengeti National Park.

Day 05

Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti

Morning and afternoon game drives: Spend the day on thrilling game drives, searching for lions, leopards, elephants, and seasonal migrations.
Optional visit to a Maasai village: Experience Maasai culture with an optional visit to a traditional village.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at a Serengeti lodge or tented camp.

Day 06

Serengeti to Ngorongoro with Scenic Game Viewing

Morning departure: After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing en route.
Optional Olduvai Gorge visit: Stop at Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Humankind," for a fascinating look at early human history.
Afternoon arrival and check-in: Arrive at your Ngorongoro lodge and relax with scenic crater views.
Dinner and overnight: Stay at a lodge on the crater rim.

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Arusha

Early morning crater tour: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. This unique ecosystem is home to lions, rhinos, elephants, and more.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool.
Transfer to Arusha: After your game drive, ascend the crater and travel to Arusha, approximately 3 hours away.
Tour end: Drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight, or transfer to a hotel.

Where this trip takes you

flamingo-dotted Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara savannah, Serengeti National Park plains, Ngorongoro Crater caldera

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nakuru 6 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation
- Lodging in carefully selected lodges and camps within or near each national park.
Meals
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during the safari as per the itinerary.
Transportation
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Transfers between locations and border crossings as outlined in the itinerary.
- Pickup from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha.
Park Entry Fees
- Entry fees to Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
Guided Game Drives
- Professional, English-speaking safari guide/driver throughout the tour.
- Morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives as per the itinerary.
Additional Experiences
- Lake Nakuru and Ngorongoro Crater safari tours.
Mineral Water
- Complimentary bottled water during game drives.

What's Not Included

International Flights
- Flights to Nairobi and departure from Arusha.
Visa Fees
- Visa fees for entry into Kenya and Tanzania.
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara or Serengeti (additional cost).
- Olduvai Gorge visit in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Any activities not specifically listed in the itinerary.
Personal Travel Insurance
- Medical, emergency evacuation, and travel insurance are strongly recommended.
Tips and Gratuities
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff.
Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs, laundry, beverages, snacks, and other personal expenses.
COVID-19 Related Costs
- Any required COVID-19 testing, quarantine, or health certification costs.
Items Not Mentioned
- Anything not expressly mentioned under inclusions.

What to bring

Clothing Essentials
- Light, breathable layers: Pack neutral-colored clothing, such as khaki, brown, and green, for safaris to blend into the surroundings and avoid attracting insects. Light layers are ideal for variable temperatures.
- Warm jacket or fleece: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring something warm.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants: These help protect against the sun and insects, especially in the evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are ideal for safari and park walks.
- Hat and sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
Personal Essentials
- Sunscreen: Bring a high-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong sunlight, especially on game drives.
- Insect repellent: Preferably DEET-based, to protect against mosquitoes.
- Lip balm: Helps keep your lips hydrated in the dry, windy safari environment.
- Personal toiletries: Include biodegradable soap, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and travel-sized items.
Electronics and Accessories
- Binoculars: A must-have for getting close-up views of wildlife from a distance.
- Camera with extra batteries: Don't miss any photo opportunities; bring extra batteries and memory cards.
- Portable charger/power bank: Useful for charging electronics during longer drives.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Handy for navigating camps and lodges at night.
Documents and Health Items
- Passport, visa, and travel insurance documents: Keep all travel documents in a waterproof bag.
- Yellow fever certificate: Some countries may require proof of vaccination, so carry it if needed.
- Copies of important documents: Have photocopies or digital backups of your passport, itinerary, and insurance.
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit: Include any essential medication and basics like painkillers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrhea tablets.
Day Bag Essentials
- Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for carrying daily essentials on game drives.
- Water bottle: Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated; some lodges provide filtered water stations.
- Snacks: Dried fruits, nuts, or energy bars are great for keeping your energy up during drives.
- Notebook and pen: Perfect for jotting down notes or keeping a wildlife journal.
Other Handy Items
- Swimsuit: Some lodges have pools, ideal for a relaxing dip after game drives.
- Local guidebook or wildlife field guide: Useful for identifying animals, birds, and plants.
- Reusable shopping bag: Great for carrying souvenirs and extra gear while being eco-friendly.