7 Days Masai Mara Kenya Tour and Ngorongoro Serengeti Tanzania Safari: Ultimate East African Wildlife Adventure

The 7 Days Masai Mara Kenya Tour and Ngorongoro Serengeti Tanzania Safari presents a breathtaking journey across East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers seeking an immersive safari experience, this itinerary blends Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve with Tanzania’s legendary Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. It combines world-class wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and cultural encounters for a truly memorable adventure.

Starting in the Masai Mara, visitors are immediately immersed in one of the world’s richest ecosystems. The reserve hosts the spectacular Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, while lions, cheetahs, and leopards patrol the grasslands. The Mara also offers incredible opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, and the elusive black rhino. Each game drive is expertly guided to ensure maximum wildlife encounters and understanding of the ecological intricacies of the reserve.

Crossing into Tanzania, travelers experience the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden” for its dense concentration of wildlife in a natural amphitheater formed by volcanic activity. The crater provides a rare opportunity to observe the Big Five in a single location, alongside flamingos, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. The journey culminates in the Serengeti National Park, spanning over 14,700 square kilometers of rolling plains, kopjes, and savannahs. Here, the Great Migration continues, and guests witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.

This seven-day safari is meticulously crafted to provide balanced experiences of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. With comfortable lodges and luxury camps, game drives in specialized 4×4 vehicles, and experienced English-speaking guides, travelers enjoy seamless adventures across two countries. Each day builds on the previous, offering diverse ecosystems, unforgettable photographic opportunities, and insights into local traditions and conservation efforts.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Kenya’s Safari Wonders

Your Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. Nairobi serves as the perfect introduction to East Africa, blending urban sophistication with proximity to wildlife reserves. Upon landing, a professional English-speaking driver-guide meets you and provides an orientation briefing, covering safety, itinerary highlights, and cultural context. The drive to your hotel, approximately 25 kilometers or 45 minutes through the bustling city, offers a glimpse of Nairobi’s lively streets, markets, and skyline.

This initial day allows travelers to recover from long-haul flights while acclimatizing to the East African environment. Guests have time to rest, enjoy meals, and prepare for the journey ahead. Nairobi also offers optional excursions for those arriving early, such as visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to observe orphaned elephants or the Giraffe Centre to interact with Rothschild giraffes, providing a gentle introduction to Kenya’s wildlife.

The evening is spent at a comfortable Nairobi hotel, setting the stage for the adventures to come. Travelers can reflect on the upcoming Masai Mara game drives, anticipate their first encounters with Africa’s Big Five, and review essential safari preparations such as attire, photography equipment, and travel documentation. This day emphasizes comfort, orientation, and readiness for the incredible wildlife experiences awaiting in the Mara and beyond.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve – First Safari Adventure

Depart Nairobi at 7:00 AM for the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the world’s premier safari destinations. The 270-kilometer drive through the Great Rift Valley takes approximately five hours, passing rolling hills, farmlands, and Maasai villages. Travelers have the opportunity to engage with local communities, witnessing traditional practices, vibrant beadwork, and pastoral lifestyles. The scenery transitions from urban landscapes to expansive savannahs, preparing guests for their first immersive safari experience.

Upon arrival at the lodge or camp—options include Mara Simba Lodge (budget), Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (mid-range), or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp (luxury)—the safari experience begins with an afternoon game drive. Guests explore acacia-dotted plains where wildlife thrives, including lions lounging under trees, cheetahs resting in the tall grass, and elephants grazing nearby. This initial game drive sets the tone for the Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari, offering immediate encounters with the Big Five and abundant photographic opportunities.

Birdwatchers enjoy diverse species, including eagles, vultures, storks, and sunbirds. Guides provide educational insights into the Mara ecosystem, predator-prey relationships, and conservation initiatives. The day concludes with sundowners overlooking the plains, where travelers can reflect on the grandeur of Africa’s wilderness, the excitement of the first wildlife sightings, and anticipation for the following days of the safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara – Wildlife Extravaganza

Day three is dedicated to full-day game viewing in the Masai Mara, maximizing wildlife encounters across the 1,510-square-kilometer reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives explore diverse sections of the park, including the Mara River area, the Triangle, and the central plains. The focus is on observing predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino.

The Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional predator populations and the annual Great Migration. Travelers may witness dramatic river crossings, ambushes, or coordinated hunting strategies that showcase the circle of life. Guides share knowledge about animal behavior, social structures, and conservation measures, enhancing each sighting’s significance. Smaller species, such as mongoose, foxes, and honey badgers, along with over 500 bird species, offer additional points of interest.

Cultural interactions with Maasai communities remain an optional but enriching aspect of the day. Visitors may engage in traditional dances, learn about beadwork symbolism, or understand pastoralist practices, providing a comprehensive understanding of local life. Lodging remains at Mara Simba Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp, ensuring comfort, gourmet meals, and easy access to evening wildlife reflections. This day epitomizes the richness of Kenya’s wildlife and the unparalleled experiences of the Masai Mara.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 4: Masai Mara to Arusha – Crossing Into Tanzania

After an early morning game drive, travelers depart the Masai Mara and journey toward Arusha, Tanzania, the safari capital of Tanzania. This transfer marks the transition from Kenya to Tanzania within your Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari. The drive covers approximately 350 kilometers and takes six to seven hours, including the Isebania-Sirari border crossing, where guides assist with immigration formalities for a smooth transition.

The morning game drive offers a final chance to spot wildlife missed on previous days. Guests traverse Mara’s rolling plains, encountering zebras, wildebeest, and the occasional lion pride. The drive south through rural Tanzania presents highland forests, farmland, and Maasai villages, allowing travelers to experience East African landscapes beyond national parks. Upon arrival in Arusha, travelers check into comfortable accommodations to rest and prepare for the next safari phase: Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and iconic landscapes.

Guides provide evening briefings, highlighting what to expect at Ngorongoro and how to maximize wildlife sightings. This day emphasizes seamless border transitions, scenic travel, and anticipation for the world-class Tanzanian safari experiences that follow.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife in a Natural Amphitheater

The fifth day begins with a morning transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 160 kilometers from Arusha, taking about three hours. Travelers journey through scenic highlands, volcanic formations, and Maasai villages, preparing for the crater’s dramatic landscapes. Descending 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, visitors enter a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often described as the “Garden of Eden” due to its high concentration of wildlife.

Within the 260-square-kilometer crater floor, all Big Five species are present, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and black rhinos. Flamingos, hippos, and a variety of antelope species inhabit lakes, rivers, and grasslands. Guides provide insight into predator-prey dynamics, crater ecology, and conservation challenges. Guests enjoy a full-day game drive, capturing the stunning contrasts between volcanic landscapes, forested areas, and open plains teeming with wildlife.

Lodging options include Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (budget), Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge (mid-range), or Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp (luxury). Meals are served in lodge dining areas or private campsites, providing a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in nature. This day exemplifies Tanzania’s remarkable biodiversity and remains a highlight of the Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains of Wildlife

Day six involves a scenic 145-kilometer journey from Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park, taking approximately three to four hours. Landscapes shift from highland forests to the expansive grasslands that define the Serengeti ecosystem. Upon arrival, the afternoon game drive immerses travelers in Africa’s most famous national park, home to millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles during the Great Migration.

The Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, from resident lions and leopards to elephants, hyenas, and cheetahs. Guides focus on predator tracking, migratory herd movements, and birding opportunities. Guests enjoy photography sessions across open plains, riverine forests, and kopjes that provide natural vantage points. Accommodation options include Serengeti Sopa Lodge (budget), Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge (mid-range), or Melia Serengeti Lodge (luxury). This day represents the climax of the Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari, combining endless wildlife sightings, vast landscapes, and memorable experiences in Africa’s most iconic national park.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 7: Serengeti Morning Game Drive and Departure

The final day begins with an early morning Serengeti game drive, maximizing opportunities to spot wildlife not yet encountered. This drive focuses on areas with high predator activity, offering dramatic encounters with lions hunting or cheetahs sprinting across plains. The morning game drive allows travelers to capture final photographs and absorb the majesty of Africa’s wilderness.

Afterward, guests transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours covering 335 kilometers. Travelers reflect on an unforgettable Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari that encompassed rolling savannahs, volcanic craters, vast plains, and unmatched wildlife encounters. Guides assist with departure logistics, ensuring a smooth conclusion to the seven-day adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Safari Inclusions

  • Park fees for Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Ground transport in 4WD custom safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
  • Bottled water in safari vehicles throughout the tour
  • Full-board accommodation as listed
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Driver allowances and accommodation
  • Game drives as specified
  • Cross-border assistance and formalities
  • Crater service fees for Ngorongoro descent

 

Safari Exclusions

  • Kenya and Tanzania visa fees
  • International and internal flights
  • Personal items such as gratuities, beverages, and souvenirs
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g., balloon safari)
  • Laundry services and personal insurance
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

This 7 Days Masai Mara Kenya Tour and Ngorongoro Serengeti Tanzania Safari represents the ultimate East African wildlife experience. By combining Kenya’s legendary Mara with Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, the itinerary delivers unparalleled wildlife viewing, immersive landscapes, and unforgettable cultural interactions. Travelers enjoy an expertly curated journey that balances adventure, comfort, and education, establishing Ovacado Adventures as a trusted authority in premium East African safari experiences.