9-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to Serengeti
A private 9-day safari across two countries: two nights in Kenya's Masai Mara, then over the border into Tanzania for the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, ending in Arusha.
Follow the Ecosystem Across the Border
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are one great ecosystem split by a border, and the wildebeest of the Great Migration cross between them. This safari lets you see both: the open grasslands of the Mara with our trusted Kenyan partner, then a handover at the border to your Lion Crest guide for the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.
It suits travellers who want the best of East Africa in one trip, and works especially well from about July to October, when the herds are often in the Mara and the northern Serengeti. Outside those months the Mara and the Serengeti still offer excellent game viewing all year.
Why Travellers Choose It
- Two nights in Kenya's Masai Mara
- Two nights in the Serengeti, across the border in Tanzania
- A morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- Tarangire's elephants on the way to Arusha
- Private guides on both sides: our Kenyan partner, then Lion Crest
Our Kenyan partner meets you at the airport in Nairobi and takes you to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Nairobi (or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
A long drive west through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. Two days of game drives on its rolling grasslands, home to big cats, elephants and, in season, the Great Migration.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the Masai Mara area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A long travel day. You drive to the Isebania/Sirari border, cross into Tanzania and meet your Lion Crest guide, then continue into the Serengeti. With the border formalities the journey takes most of the day.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day of game drives in the Serengeti, choosing the area with the best wildlife at that time of year.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning game drive, then across the plains and up to the Ngorongoro highlands for the night.
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu or on the crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Down into the Ngorongoro Crater early for a game drive on the crater floor among buffalo, lions, zebras and, with luck, black rhinos.
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu or near Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A game drive in Tarangire, known for its elephant herds and baobab trees.
Overnight: Lodge near Tarangire National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The drive back to Arusha, then on to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Masai Mara fees change by season and our Kenyan partner's rates depend on your dates, so we quote this safari on request. Send us your dates and group size and we will reply within 24 hours with a full price.
On requestWe can reverse the route (Arusha to Nairobi), or replace the overland crossing with a flight.
Trip Notes
- Start: Nairobi · End: Kilimanjaro Airport
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Two guides: our Kenyan partner, then Lion Crest from the border
- Lodges and camps named when we confirm availability
Includes
- Private safari vehicles and professional driver-guides in Kenya and Tanzania
- Masai Mara Reserve fees
- Tanzanian park entry and concession fees, and the Ngorongoro Crater vehicle fee
- 8 nights in hotels, lodges and tented camps, full board on safari
- Drinking water
- Airport transfers in Nairobi and to Kilimanjaro Airport
Excludes
- International flights
- Kenya and Tanzania entry fees and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
Questions Travellers Ask
Who runs the Kenya part?
Our trusted Kenyan partner, with its own vehicle and guide. At the Isebania/Sirari border you meet your Lion Crest guide for the Tanzania part.
Why is the price on request?
Masai Mara fees change by season, and camp rates on both sides depend on your dates. We check them and send you an exact price.
When is the best time?
From about July to October the migration herds are often in the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti. Both parks have good game viewing all year.
Do we need two visas?
Kenya and Tanzania have separate entry rules, which change. Please check the official requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Can we fly instead of driving across?
Yes. Flights between the Mara and the Serengeti or Arusha cost more but save the long border day. Ask us.
