Tour Overview
For travellers who don't want to choose between Kenya and Tanzania, this itinerary links the two through the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which is actually one continuous landscape split by a border. You start with the Mara, cross overland into Tanzania, and finish with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - three of East Africa's best-known parks in a single trip.
Longer-stay travellersSerious wildlife watchersHoneymoons
Safari Highlights
Three full days of Masai Mara / Serengeti game drives either side of the border
Overland border crossing through genuinely wild country
Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive
Coverage of the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem rather than a single park
Day-by-Day Itinerary
D1
Nairobi to Masai Mara
Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve
Drive from Nairobi to the Mara, arriving for lunch, then an afternoon game drive.
D2
Full Day in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve.
D3
Second Day in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve
A second full day in the reserve, giving time to explore areas near the Mara River if the migration is present.
D4
Masai Mara to Serengeti (border crossing)
Masai Mara National Reserve → Serengeti National Park
Overland crossing at the Isebania/Sirari border into Tanzania, transferring to a Tanzanian vehicle and guide on the other side, then continuing into the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.
D5
Full Day in the Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
A full day of game drives on the Serengeti plains.
D6
Second Day in the Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
A further full day exploring a different part of the park.
D7
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater
Drive to the crater rim, descending for an afternoon or the following morning's game drive on the crater floor depending on timing.
D8
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
A final crater floor game drive if not already completed, then drive back to Arusha for onward travel (flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or a connection back to Nairobi can be arranged).
What's Included
- Transport in 4x4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roof on both sides of the border
- English-speaking driver-guides in Kenya and Tanzania
- 7 nights' accommodation on the basis stated
- All game drives, park and conservation area fees
- Border crossing coordination between vehicles
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
What's Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Kenya and Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance
- Tips for your driver-guides and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Items of a personal nature
Accommodation & Safari Vehicle
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge and tented camp (upgradeable to luxury)
Vehicle: 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (Kenya and Tanzania legs run by trusted partner vehicles either side of the border)
Best Time to Visit
The Mara has resident wildlife throughout the year. For the wildebeest migration and river crossings, July to October is the classic window, though exact timing shifts year to year with rainfall. The calving season further south in the Serengeti (January-March) means fewer wildebeest in the Mara itself during those months, though resident game viewing remains good.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the border crossing actually work?
Your Kenyan driver-guide takes you to the border post, you clear immigration on foot with your luggage, and a Tanzanian driver-guide and vehicle meet you on the other side to continue the safari. We coordinate the handover in advance so there is minimal waiting.
Do we need two separate visas?
Yes, Kenya and Tanzania require separate visas (a joint East Africa Tourist Visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda exists but does not currently include Tanzania on this particular route once you cross overland - we recommend confirming current rules for your nationality before booking).
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