The Ultimate Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Adventure
4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari Overview
Journey across the legendary landscapes of East Africa — from the golden plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve to the endless horizons of Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking caldera of Ngorongoro Crater.
This 10-day safari is designed for true wildlife lovers. It combines iconic Big Five game drives, Great Migration opportunities, scenic transitions, and carefully paced downtime — ensuring you stay energized for the most thrilling moments.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara
- Day 4: Extended Mara Exploration
- Day 5: Masai Mara to Northern Serengeti
- Day 6: Serengeti Game Drives
- Day 7: Central Serengeti Immersion
- Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
- Day 10: Departure
Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari Itinerary
✈️ Safari Overview
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Countries: Kenya & Tanzania
Start: Nairobi
End: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Style: Classic to Luxury Safari (customizable)
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.
Rest, refresh, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Nairobi hotel
Drive through the Great Rift Valley escarpment toward the Maasai Mara. Arrive in time for lunch.
Afternoon game drive introduces you to:
🦁 Lions lounging in golden grass
🐘 Elephant herds crossing open plains
🦒 Towering giraffes under acacia trees
Return at sunset for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Safari lodge / tented camp
Early sunrise game drive — prime predator time.
Explore riverbanks, grasslands, and open plains tracking:
- Lion prides
- Cheetahs scanning for prey
- Buffalo herds
- Hippos and crocodiles
Midday relaxation at camp before a late afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Safari lodge / tented camp
A deeper dive into the ecosystem. Optional:
🎈 Hot air balloon safari
🛖 Maasai cultural village visit
The extra day here allows flexibility for migration tracking (seasonal) and slower exploration without rushing.
Overnight: Safari lodge / tented camp
After breakfast, transfer to the Kenya–Tanzania border and cross into the Serengeti ecosystem.
Arrive in Northern Serengeti with afternoon wildlife viewing.
Landscape shifts subtly — wider horizons, deeper silence, larger herds.
Overnight: Serengeti lodge / tent
Full day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Expect:
🐆 Leopards in rocky kopjes
🦓 Massive wildebeest herds
🦁 Lions basking in open grasslands
🐘 Elephant and buffalo herds
Picnic lunch in the bush. Slow return at golden hour.
Overnight: Serengeti lodge / tent
Today focuses on the heart of the Serengeti — rich in predators year-round.
The pacing allows deeper exploration without fatigue. Between drives, enjoy downtime at your lodge overlooking endless plains.
Overnight: Serengeti lodge / tent
Morning game drive before heading toward the Ngorongoro highlands.
Arrive at your lodge perched along the crater rim with breathtaking views below.
The shift in altitude and scenery feels dramatic — cool air, forested slopes, panoramic vistas.
Overnight: Ngorongoro lodge
Descend early into the crater floor for one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife experiences.
Inside the crater you may see:
🦏 Black rhino
🦁 Large lion prides
🐘 Bull elephants
🦬 Buffalo herds
🦓 Zebra & gazelle
Picnic lunch by a hippo pool before ascending in the afternoon.
Transfer to Arusha for overnight rest.
Overnight: Arusha hotel
Breakfast at leisure before transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha airport.
End of your 10-day East Africa safari adventure.
Costs
Included
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 3 nights accommodation (game lodges / camps)
- All meals as indicated
- Game drives in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Park entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water
Excluded
- International flights
- Kenya visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips & personal expenses
- Optional balloon safari or cultural visits
FAQs
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are issued in limited numbers each day and tend to sell out quickly during peak travel seasons. For this reason, tour companies must apply for permits well in advance. Once your safari is confirmed and payment is received, Nomara Safaris secures your permits early to ensure availability. We strongly recommend booking at least one month in advance, especially for travel during the high season.
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking involves walking through forested terrain that can be steep, uneven, and sometimes muddy. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but the pace is manageable and guided by experienced ranger guides throughout the experience.
The minimum age for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is 15 years, as set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
This safari can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best trekking conditions are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are less slippery and wildlife viewing is generally better.
Absolutely. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences, and personal interests, including upgrading lodges or adding extra nights and activities.
