This is the most requested two-country combination in East Africa — the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti are the same ecosystem split by a border, and adding the Ngorongoro Crater gives first-time visitors the three sights people picture when they imagine an African safari.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Nairobi, Transfer to Maasai Mara
Arrival at Nairobi, then a flight or road transfer to the Maasai Mara, with an afternoon game drive.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and, in season, migrating wildebeest herds.
As above
Fly to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
A cross-border flight from the Mara to the Serengeti’s northern airstrips.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
A full day across the Serengeti’s endless plains for lion, leopard and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
As above
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
A drive to the crater rim via the Serengeti’s southern plains.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
A full day descended onto the crater floor among lion, elephant and black rhino.
As above
Transfer to Arusha, Free Time
A drive down to Arusha, with the afternoon free to relax or shop for curios.
Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent |
| Cross-border flight, Mara to Serengeti | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
First-time safari travellers who want the essential, most photographed East Africa experience in a manageable single week.
Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Cross-border flight, Mara to Serengeti
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & crater descent fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Mara and Serengeti really the same ecosystem?
Yes — they’re one continuous ecosystem split by the Kenya-Tanzania border, which is why wildlife, especially the migrating wildebeest herds, moves freely between them.
Is eight days enough to see the migration?
If your dates align with the herds being in either the Mara or the Serengeti’s northern reaches, yes; we’ll advise on timing when you enquire, since the migration’s location shifts through the year.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.