Imagine the quintessential African safari. What do you see? Sun-drenched plains stretching to the horizon? A lioness leading her cubs through golden grass? Thousands of wildebeest thundering across a river? This is the vision that calls travelers to East Africa, and with this itinerary, we turn that vision into reality.
This 10-day journey is the perfect blend of two of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations: Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a seamless adventure designed to maximize wildlife encounters, immerse you in breathtaking landscapes, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Consider this your blueprint for the perfect first-time safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya – The Safari Gateway
Welcome to Africa! Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), the buzz of Africa is palpable. You will be greeted by one of our friendly representatives who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your comfortable city hotel.
This first day is about easing into the adventure. Settle in, relax after your flight, and perhaps enjoy dinner at one of Nairobi's famous restaurants. The real journey begins tomorrow, and a good night's rest is the perfect preparation.
Day 2: Into the Legendary Maasai Mara
After a delicious breakfast, we journey into the heart of safari country: the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Whether by a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley or a short, spectacular flight, the journey itself is part of the experience. As you arrive, the urban landscape gives way to endless grasslands.
After checking into your classic tented camp and enjoying lunch, you’ll embark on your very first game drive. Your expert guide will introduce you to the savannah's inhabitants as the afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the plains. This is the moment it all becomes real.
Day 3: A Full Day in the Mara
Today is dedicated to exploring the vastness of the Maasai Mara. With both morning and afternoon game drives, you have a full day to track the reserve's incredible wildlife. The Mara is renowned for its healthy populations of lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. We'll search for the Big Five and marvel at the herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and topi that roam the plains.
For an unforgettable perspective, consider an optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn, floating silently above the awakening wilderness.
Day 4: Crossing Borders – From Mara to Serengeti
After a final morning game drive in Kenya, we head south to the Isebania border. Here, our team facilitates a smooth and seamless crossing into Tanzania. You’ll meet your new Tanzanian guide and vehicle and drive into the world's most famous wildlife sanctuary: the Serengeti National Park.
The landscape subtly transforms as you enter this new ecosystem. The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai word siringit, meaning "the place where the land runs on forever"—and you'll immediately see why. We'll enjoy a game drive en route to your new home for the next three nights.
Day 5 & 6: The Endless Plains of the Serengeti
Two full days are devoted to the Serengeti. Its sheer size is breathtaking, and its habitats are diverse. We will explore the iconic short-grass plains of the south, the acacia-studded woodlands of the Seronera Valley, and the riverine forests where leopards often lounge.
Depending on the time of year, we may track the colossal herds of the Great Migration. But even outside of the migration, the Serengeti delivers some of the most consistent and spectacular wildlife viewing on the continent. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the bush, surrounded by nothing but the sights and sounds of nature.
Day 7: The Journey to Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy one last Serengeti sunrise before we depart for our next destination. The drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a scenic journey in itself, with opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. Your arrival at the crater rim is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring moments.
Peering down from your lodge, perched on the edge of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, you’ll see a miniature world teeming with life 2,000 feet below. Settle in and enjoy the magnificent views as anticipation builds for tomorrow's descent.
Day 8: A World Within a World – The Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Today is a highlight. We descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a 100-square-mile natural amphitheater that is home to an astonishing density of wildlife. This is one of the best places in Africa to spot the critically endangered black rhino.
The crater floor supports a year-round resident population of nearly all the iconic African species. Lions, elephants, hyenas, and vast herds of buffalo and wildebeest roam the grasslands, while hippos crowd the wetlands. We will enjoy a fantastic picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending back to our lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 9: Cultural Encounters & Tarangire's Giants
This morning, you have the option to visit a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional way of life, a fascinating cultural counterpoint to your wildlife experiences.
Afterward, we drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem famous for its colossal elephant herds and iconic, ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River is a lifeline that attracts an incredible array of animals, making for a unique and rewarding final safari experience.
Day 10: One Last Sunrise & Departure
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush for one last time. After a final, leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha for your journey home, carrying with you a lifetime of memories from the magical savannahs of East Africa.
This is just the beginning of your story. This itinerary is a perfectly balanced journey, but it’s designed to be a starting point. Every trip we plan is fully customized to your interests, budget, and travel style. Want to add a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar or track chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains? We can make it happen.