The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are two names for parts of the same landscape, divided by the Kenya-Tanzania border. This itinerary treats them that way. You spend three days in the Mara, cross overland into Tanzania, spend three days in the Serengeti and finish with a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
The border crossing is part of the experience rather than a hassle to minimise. Your Kenyan driver-guide takes you to the Isebania/Sirari border post, you clear immigration on foot with your luggage, and a Tanzanian driver-guide and vehicle meet you on the other side. We arrange the hand-over in advance so the wait is as short as possible.
You travel privately in 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs on both sides of the border, and stay in mid-range lodges and tented camps that can be upgraded to luxury. It suits longer-stay travellers, keen wildlife watchers and honeymooners who do not want to choose between Kenya and Tanzania. If you are still deciding, our comparison of a Kenya vs Tanzania safari may help.
Journey at-a-glance:Customize This Journey. Request More Information »
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Three days in the Masai Mara and three in the Serengeti
Overland crossing from Kenya into Tanzania through the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem
A game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor to finish
Private vehicles and driver-guides on both sides of the border
Drive from Nairobi down into the Great Rift Valley and on to the Mara, arriving for lunch at camp. Your first game drive is in the afternoon.
Morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve. The Mara's resident lion prides, cheetah and plains game are here all year.
Another full day. If the migration is in the Mara, your guide may spend time near the river; otherwise you explore parts of the reserve you have not yet covered.
Drive to the Isebania/Sirari border. After clearing immigration on both sides, you transfer to a Tanzanian vehicle and driver-guide and continue into the Serengeti, with a game drive in the afternoon as you head to camp.
A full day with your Tanzanian guide, who plans the route around where wildlife is concentrated at the time.
Another full day in a different part of the park, so you see more of its range of habitats.
Drive east to the crater rim. Depending on timing, you descend for a game drive this afternoon or the following morning.
A crater-floor game drive if not done the day before, then the drive to Arusha. From there we can arrange a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport or a road connection back to Nairobi.
Planning tip: see our guide on Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Accommodation: Mid-range lodges and tented camps in the Mara, the Serengeti and at Ngorongoro, 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)
The Mara has wildlife all year, so the best month depends on what you want.
Full Masai Mara National Reserve destination guide »
Your Kenyan guide drives you to the border post, you walk through immigration with your luggage, and your Tanzanian guide and vehicle meet you on the other side. We co-ordinate the timing in advance.
Yes. Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most visitors, and Tanzania issues its own visa. One does not cover the other, so check the requirements for your nationality for both countries before booking.
Usually, yes. Tell us which way suits your flights and we will check the logistics.
Send us your travel dates and group size and we'll confirm availability and pricing.
