Day 1
Masai Mara
Start
Nairobi
End
Masai Mara
The journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara is a passage through the heart of Kenya, unfolding over approximately 5-6 hours and covering around 280 kilometers of landscapes that transition from the urban bustle to the sweeping savannahs of the Mara. This route not only bridges two geographically distinct areas but also connects travelers to the rich tapestry of Kenyan wildlife and culture.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, a name synonymous with 'safari', is an iconic destination famed for its abundance of big cats, the Great Migration, and the Maasai people, whose heritage is deeply entwined with the land. Upon arrival, the reserve welcomes you with its vast open plains, an arena for the drama of life that unfolds here season after season.
Our first foray into the Mara is a game drive that seeks out the reserve's lions, cheetahs, elephants, and a myriad of other species that call this landscape home. The Mara's open savannahs offer unparalleled game viewing opportunities, with wildlife encounters guided by the expertise of local guides and the inherent patterns of the animal inhabitants.
Lunch in the Mara is more than a meal; it's an experience. Dining amidst the wild, with the sounds and sights of the savannah around you, offers a moment to reflect on the morning's encounters and the profound beauty of the African wilderness.
The afternoon game drive continues our exploration, delving deeper into the heart of the Maasai Mara. Each turn and each hill crest offers the potential for new sightings, from herds of wildebeest grazing on the plains to leopards resting in the crooks of acacia trees. The timing of your visit may even allow for witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, a testament to the reserve's vital role in the cycle of life.
As the day draws to a close, we retreat to the comfort of our chosen accommodation, where the evening unfolds with stories of the day's adventures shared over dinner. This time of camaraderie, set against the backdrop of the Maasai Mara, brings a perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery.
Accomodations in
Masai Mara
Day 2
Masai Mara
Start
Masai Mara
End
Masai Mara
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast at our accommodation, we're primed for a full day immersed in the heart of the reserve. Today, armed with packed lunches, we venture deeper into the Mara for an extended exploration of its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Our morning game drive is an opportunity to witness the Mara awakening. The reserve's reputation for close encounters with the big cats sets the stage for a thrilling safari experience. It's here, in the cool of the early day, that we might observe lions or cheetahs, with some even using the shade of vehicles as respite from the sun. The Mara's openness makes it one of the few places where the elusive Big Five can often be spotted in a single morning.
The birdlife in the Mara is equally captivating, with nearly 500 species recorded. This avian diversity includes a range of eagles, vultures, and colorful sunbirds, offering a spectacle for bird enthusiasts and adding another layer of wonder to our safari.
As we traverse the reserve, the iconic landscapes of the Mara serve as a backdrop to our adventure, from the rolling grasslands to the dotted acacia trees. Our packed lunch allows us to eat amidst this natural beauty, further connecting us to the wilderness we've come to explore.
In the afternoon, we continue our game viewing. Towards late afternoon we head back to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Accomodations in
Masai Mara
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Start
Masai Mara
End
Central Serengeti
The day unfolds with the early light of dawn in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where a hearty breakfast awaits, fueling us for the journey ahead. Today's voyage from the Mara to the Serengeti is not just a crossing of borders but a passage through the heart of Africa's wilderness, a seamless continuum of the safari experience across two iconic national parks.
Our first leg takes us to the Isebania Tanzania/Kenya border. Here, amidst the administrative rhythm of crossing countries, the anticipation grows; the Serengeti beckons. Once visa formalities are smoothly handled, we embark on the drive into the vastness of Serengeti National Park. This journey is punctuated by game drives — the morning's farewell to the Mara and the afternoon's welcome by the Serengeti unfold as a continuous tapestry of wildlife encounters.
Lunch is a momentary pause in our adventure within the sprawling savannah as our backdrop. As we venture deeper into the Serengeti, the afternoon game drive en route to our accommodation is a thrilling introduction to the park's endless plains. The Serengeti, a name that evokes images of vast, open landscapes, is home to the grand spectacle of the wildebeest migration, a marvel of nature that defines this ecosystem. Depending on the season, we may witness the herds in their endless quest for fresh pastures, a dramatic testament to the circle of life, shadowed by Africa's great predators.
Our arrival at the tented camp or lodge in the Serengeti marks the end of the day's journey but the beginning of our exploration in this new wilderness. Dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night, is a moment of reflection and anticipation. The Serengeti's night is a canvas of sounds, a prelude to the discoveries that await.
Day 4
Central Serengeti
Start
North Serengeti
End
Central Serengeti
North Serengeti to Central Serengeti with game drives.
Driving back from North Serengeti to Central Serengeti is a journey through a vast and diverse landscape that showcases the incredible beauty of this region of Tanzania. As you leave the North behind, you'll be treated to a journey that's as breathtaking as it is unforgettable.
The route from North Serengeti to Central Serengeti is a scenic one, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the incredible views. Along the way, you'll pass through rugged terrain and open savannahs, with rolling hills and towering rocky outcrops providing a dramatic backdrop.
Along the way, you will spot everything from the enigmatic dik-diks to towering elephants and everything in between.
The Seronera (central Serengeti) is often known as 'big cat country,' and its kopjes and acacias provide an excellent opportunity to spot prides of lazy lions, sleek cheetahs out on the hunt, and leopards overseeing everything from their lofty perches. The region's hippo pools and wide open spaces provide ample opportunities for game viewing.
Day 5
Central Serengeti
Start
Central Serengeti
End
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Early morning game drive at Serengeti followed by afternoon drive to Ngorongoro Conservation area.
On this day we suggest a very early wake up in order to do an early morning game drive when the animals are more active. Also witness one of the best sunrises you'll ever see. It's really an exceptionally beautiful experience.
After the game drive, we return to the camp for a rewarding brunch and then we'll proceed towards Ngorongoro, the 8th wonder of the Natural World.
The drive takes you back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you before. You will see wildebeest and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the mighty African elephant and the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself, the lion.
You should reach Ngorongoro region in time for a sundowner.
The eventful day comes to an end with a dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.
Accomodations in
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Optional Activities
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Start
Karatu , Ngorongoro Conservation Area , Ngorongoro Crater
End
End of trip
Game drive at Ngorongoro crater and in afternoon drive to Arusha.
Starting early, we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a captivating morning amidst diverse wildlife. When you first glimpse this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you will soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 mammal species, including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the world's most sought-after safari destinations. It is a perfect place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains and large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you can observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces.
Following a rewarding game drive, enjoy a picnic near the famed Hippo pool. An additional short game drive precedes our ascent from the crater. We depart towards Arusha, aiming to return by 5 pm, allowing flexibility for travel arrangements.