Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to commence your Tanzania-Kenya safari adventure. Heading west of Arusha, you’ll journey into the Great Rift Valley, making a brief stopover at a viewpoint to capture scenic views of Lake Manyara and the Tarangire Plains. Continuing on, you’ll reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending over 600 meters into the crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. Supported by a year-round water supply and fodder, this area hosts a diverse array of animals including wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and elephants. Predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards also roam these lands, offering a thrilling safari experience. You’ll visit Lake Magadi, a prominent feature of the crater, where flamingos, hippos, and other water birds are often spotted. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue your game drive, ascending from the crater in the evening to reach your camp within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending from the lush Ngorongoro Highlands toward the Serengeti Plains. Enjoy a leisurely drive, taking in the vast plains until reaching the Naabi Gate of Serengeti. After check-in, embark on a game drive toward the Seronera area along the Sogore River Circuit, offering opportunities to spot lions, Thomson’s gazelle, topi, ostriches, and cheetahs. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch in the shade of giant acacia trees before continuing your drive, exploring the Kopjes Circuit, known for attracting lion prides and large cobras. These weathered granite outcrops serve as miniature ecosystems, providing essential resources for wildlife, particularly during dry seasons. After an eventful day, settle in for dinner and an overnight stay within Serengeti National Park.
Day 3: Serengeti Central to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
Experience the breathtaking Serengeti Plains from a unique perspective by opting for a hot air balloon ride (available at an additional cost by pre-arrangement). Afterward, explore the central park area, known as the Seronera area, teeming with wildlife due to the presence of the Seronera River. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this rich habitat before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Head west and north toward the Bologonja Region, where the wildebeest gather as they migrate southward from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. Follow the herds as they cross the Mara and Gurumeti Rivers, arriving at your camp in the evening to enjoy a campfire drink as the sun sets over the vast plains of the Serengeti. Accommodation will be provided at Serengeti Mara River Camp.
Day 4: Northern Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. After an early breakfast, embark on a morning drive to follow the migrating wildebeest herds, particularly focusing on epic river crossings. Keep an eye out for predators drawn to these movements. Drive along the Mara River, searching for the elusive leopard within the riverine forest belt. Serengeti National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including over 500 bird species and more than 4 million animals, ranging from hyenas and African wild dogs to waterbucks and cheetahs. Appreciate the park’s scenic landscapes, comprising savannah plains, acacia trees, riverine bushes, and more. Return to camp for dinner and an evening drink by the fireplace at River Camp Serengeti.
Day 5: Northern Serengeti, Tanzania, to Masai Mara, Kenya
Enjoy an early breakfast before bidding farewell to your camp and beginning the journey toward the Kenya border at Isebania. Have a picnic lunch en route, arriving at the Isebania border in the early afternoon. Complete customs and visa formalities before continuing your drive toward the Masai Mara. Pass through farmland and the scenic Ololoolo Escarpment, marking the boundary of the Masai Mara. This renowned reserve hosts an extraordinary density of animals, including the Big Five, and is famed for the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti. Enjoy a game drive en route, exploring the vast plains of the Mara before reaching your lodge in time for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Safari at Masai Mara, Kenya
Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive along the Mara River, focusing on spotting the Big Cats and other predators. Return to camp for a mid-morning hot lunch and an afternoon rest before heading out for an evening game drive. Return to camp in the evening for dinner.
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, depart from your camp in the Masai Mara, enjoying a game drive en route as you exit the reserve and head toward Nairobi. Stop for a hot lunch at Ubuntu Restaurant before continuing the journey to Nairobi, where you’ll be dropped off at JKIA in time for your afternoon flight.