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honeymoon · adventure · luxury
9-Day Serengeti & Maasai Mara Safari
Experience the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration on this unforgettable 9-day Serengeti & Maasai Mara safari, traveling through some of East Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Maasai Mara, this journey offers exceptional opportunities to see lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many other species. The highlight of the adventure is exploring the Northern Serengeti and Mara River region, where, depending on the seasonal movement of the herds and natural conditions, you may witness one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events—the Mara River crossing. With experienced safari guides, comfortable accommodation, daily game drives, and carefully planned routes following the migration, this safari combines adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable African landscapes in one extraordinary journey.
Duration
9 Days
Style
Private
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
July to October
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Arrive in Arusha and meet your safari guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge and prepare for your Great Migration adventure.
- Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Day 3: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Enjoy a morning game drive before continuing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, take in spectacular landscapes and local Maasai culture. Overnight near the crater.
- Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and other wildlife. Later, continue to the Serengeti for your first taste of the endless plains.
- Day 5: Serengeti – Great Migration Experience
- Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Follow the herds as they move across the plains, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and the predators that follow them. Your guide will choose the best areas based on current wildlife movements.
- Day 6: Serengeti – Northern Serengeti
- Travel toward the Northern Serengeti, an important area during the migration season. Enjoy game viewing along the way and explore areas around the Mara River, where wildebeest gather before attempting the dramatic river crossings.
- Day 7: Northern Serengeti – Mara River Crossing Experience
- Spend a full day in the Northern Serengeti searching for the Great Migration and, with favorable conditions and timing, witness wildebeest gathering at or crossing the Mara River. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed, but the surrounding wildlife and scenery make this a spectacular safari experience regardless.
- Day 8: Serengeti – Maasai Mara, Kenya
- Cross into Kenya and continue your journey toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy an afternoon game drive upon arrival, exploring the rolling grasslands that form part of the Greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
- Day 9: Maasai Mara – Departure
- Enjoy a final early-morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, offering one last opportunity to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and other wildlife. After breakfast, depart for your onward journey or transfer to Nairobi for your flight home.
Gallery
Day by Day
Included
- 8 nights accommodation in carefully selected safari lodges and tented camps
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari
- Private or shared 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- All scheduled game drives in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Maasai Mara
- Serengeti National Park entrance and conservation fees
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees and crater service fees
- Tarangire National Park entrance fees
- Maasai Mara National Reserve entrance fees
- Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and applicable tourism levies
- Border-crossing assistance between Tanzania and Kenya
- Wildlife viewing and Great Migration tracking based on seasonal herd movements
Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic or regional flights unless specified in the itinerary
- Tanzania and Kenya visa fees
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Airport transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks and other personal beverages
- Tips and gratuities for safari guides and lodge staff
- Optional activities, such as hot-air balloon safaris
- Maasai village or cultural visits unless specifically included
- Private safari vehicle unless stated in the package
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services or activities not specifically mentioned under What's Included
Practical Information
- Best Time to Travel:
- July to October is generally the best period for following the Great Wildebeest Migration, with August and September offering good opportunities to be in the Mara River area. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
- Safari Duration:
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Destinations:
- Arusha • Tarangire • Ngorongoro • Serengeti • Northern Serengeti • Maasai Mara
- Accommodation:
- Comfortable safari lodges and tented camps, with options available for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.
- Transport:
- 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking safari guide. The itinerary includes assistance with the Tanzania–Kenya border crossing.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the safari. Special dietary requirements can usually be arranged with advance notice.
- What to Pack:
- Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer for early mornings and evenings, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and personal toiletries.
- Visas:
- Travelers should check the current entry and visa requirements for both Tanzania and Kenya before departure.
- Travel Insurance:
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and emergency evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended.
- Wildlife & River Crossings:
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The Great Migration follows natural weather, food, and water patterns, so the exact location of the herds can change.
- Responsible Travel:
- Guests are encouraged to respect wildlife, local communities, and park regulations throughout the safari. Your guide will provide instructions for safe and responsible wildlife viewing.