Overview
Embarking on a 9-day safari adventure through the legendary Masai Mara and Serengeti is a journey of a lifetime. These vast, iconic landscapes are home to an incredible array of wildlife and stunning scenery, promising unforgettable experiences at every turn. Here’s a detailed day-by-day account of such an adventure, covering the vibrant ecosystems, thrilling game drives, and stunning accommodations facilities that punctuate this epic journey.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Day 2: Nairobi to Masai mara
- Day 3: Full day game drives in Masai mara
- Day 4: Masia mara/ Cultural experience and game drives
- Day 5: Transfer from Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park
- Day 6 and 7: Full day Serengeti Game drives (optional hot air balloon)
- Day 7: Full day Serengeti Game drives
- Day 8: Transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 9: Ngorongoro crater to Arusha and Departure
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
The adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you're warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. The day is relatively relaxed, giving you time to rest after your journey. Your accommodation for the night is at the luxurious Hemingway’s Nairobi, a boutique hotel that offers a serene and elegant retreat with stunning views of the Ngong Hills. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, preparing for the exciting days ahead.
Accommodation option: Hemingway’s Nairobi Boutique Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up and transfer you to Masai Mara. Upon arrival, you will go on enroute game drive game to the camp. The Masai Mara, renowned for its vast savannahs and incredible wildlife, immediately immerses you in its natural beauty.
Your accommodation for the next three nights is at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, perched on a hill overlooking the Mara River. The lodge's strategic location offers panoramic views of the sprawling plains, teeming with wildlife. After settling in, you head out for an afternoon game drive, spotting herds of wildebeest, zebras, and possibly the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. As the sun sets, you return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night's rest.
Accommodation options: Masai safari camp/Manyatta camp/Mara Sidai camp (Budget)
Enchoro mara safari lodge/Mara Simba/Sentrim Mara Camp (Mid-range)
Mara Sopa/Mara Leisured/Fig tree camp/Keekorok lodge (Luxury
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and embark on a full day of game drives in the Masai Mara. This day is dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of the reserve. In the early morning, the park comes alive with predators on the hunt and herbivores grazing in the golden light. Your experienced guide takes you to the best spots for viewing and photography.
You enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the wilderness, before continuing your exploration. Visit the Mara River, famous for the dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration. Here, you may witness crocodiles lying in wait and hippos lounging in the water.
After an exhilarating day, return to the Lodge in the evening. Relax with a refreshing drink by the pool or enjoy a massage at the lodge's spa. Dinner is served in the lodge's restaurant, featuring local and international cuisine.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today, you delve deeper into the culture of the local Maasai people. After a morning game drive, you visit a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai warriors and elders welcome you with songs and dances, sharing insights into their customs, daily life, and the significance of their iconic red Shuka’s and intricate beadwork.
Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Each game drive offers new encounters and the chance to see different species and behaviors. As the sun sets over the savannah, the landscape transforms into a magical tapestry of colors.
Dinner at Mara Serena Safari Lodge is once again a culinary delight, and you fall asleep to the distant sounds of the African night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, you take a short flight to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, a seamless continuation of the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Masai Mara. Upon arrival, you're greeted by your Tanzanian guide and embark on a game drive en route to your camp.
Your home for the next three nights is Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, located in the heart of the park. The lodge blends into the natural environment with traditional African architecture and offers breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains.
In the afternoon, set out on your first Serengeti game drive. The Serengeti is famed for its incredible wildlife and the dramatic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras’ journey in search of fresh grazing. Return to the lodge in the evening for a delightful dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Serengeti serena safari lodge (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The Serengeti's vast plains and abundant wildlife beckon for a full day of exploration. An early morning game drive provides the best chance to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards in action, as well as the diverse array of herbivores that populate the park
You enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady acacia tree, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. The afternoon is spent exploring different areas of the Serengeti, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. From the grassy plains to the rocky outcrops known as kopjes, the Serengeti is a photographer's paradise.
After a day filled with incredible sightings, return to Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. Unwind with a swim in the lodge's pool or simply relax on your private balcony, soaking in the serene views. Dinner is served in the lodge's restaurant, where you can share stories of the day's adventures with fellow travelers.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning you will take on another full day game drives in the Serengeti or alternatively, you can experience the Serengeti from a unique perspective with (optional) hot air balloon safari. Rising early, you drive to the launch site and take off just as the sun begins to rise. Floating silently above the plains, you witness the stunning landscape and wildlife from above, an unforgettable experience.
Upon landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush before continuing with a game drive. The rest of the day is spent exploring more of the Serengeti, seeking out the diverse wildlife that makes this park so famous.
In the evening, return to Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. The lodge offers an optional cultural performance that showcases traditional Maasai music and dance, providing a deeper appreciation for the region's cultural heritage. Dinner is a sumptuous affair, featuring local and international dishes.
Accommodation options:
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, you depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems in Africa. En route, you stop at the Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site renowned for its early human fossils. A brief tour of the museum provides fascinating insights into human evolution.
Arriving at the Ngorongoro Crater, you descend into the caldera for a game drive. The crater's enclosed ecosystem supports a dense population of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and the rare black rhino. The diverse habitats within the crater—grasslands, forests, and a soda lake—offer varied wildlife viewing opportunities.
Your accommodation for the night is the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched on the crater rim with spectacular views. The lodge's design is inspired by traditional Maasai architecture, and its location provides a front-row seat to the stunning panorama of the crater. Dinner is served in the lodge's restaurant, featuring fresh local ingredients and international cuisine.
Accommodation options: Ngorongoro serena safari lodge (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge while taking in the breathtaking views of the crater. Afterward, you embark on a morning game drive within the crater, making the most of your last safari adventure. The Ngorongoro Crater's unique environment offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, and the morning hours are particularly active.
Following the game drive, you return to the lodge for lunch before beginning your journey back to Arusha. En route, you pass through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania, with the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the distance on clear days.
Arriving in Arusha, you have a brief time to explore the town or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Finally, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable 9-day safari through the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
End of Tour
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional safari guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives
- All activities included in the itinerary
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- All items of personal nature like tips, laundry services, Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities