Best safari parks: Maasai Mara & Serengeti

Breakfast at the lodge. Embark on an unforgettable day of wildlife-spotting as you set off on a full-day game-viewing drive with a packed lunch on the go. This extra time will allow you to further explore the vast reserve and discover the spectacular and diverse landscapes of the Maasai Mara. See if you can spot the Big Five as you enjoy some of the best game-viewing on earth and enjoy an authentic Kenyan safari experience! As this magical day draws to a close, return to the lodge and unwind at dinner as you retell the stories of today’s adventures! Overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

After an early breakfast departure for Nyahururu, the town derives its name from the Maasai word for waterfall or place of storms. The epic drive will take you via the shores of Lake Naivasha, part of the Great Rift Valley. Stop on-route with the option for lunch (not included) and some time at leisure to enjoy the stunning natural landscape. We recommend an optional Crescent Island visit to walk among the wildlife.* Arrive at the resort later that evening and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay in Nyahururu.

*Optional Boat Safari to Crescent Island: Walk among the animals of Crescent Island. Visit the Island Sanctuary and enjoy the rare chance to literally walk alongside the animals. The island sanctuary isn't home to any predators, so you can safely wander alongside zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest.

Breakfast at the Resort. Today, spend all day at your own leisure enjoying your epic surroundings and making the most of the resort facilities which include a steam room, sauna, gym and swimming pool. If you’re up for more adventure, you can take part in our optional visit to Thompson Falls & Hippo Pools* or hike up Marmanet Forest?** Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.

*Optional visit to Thomson Falls & Hippo Pools: Thomson falls, named after the father of Joseph Thomson, the first European explorer to reach the majestic location, is a 243 feet waterfall on the Ewaso Ng’iro river in Central Rift Valley at 7,740 feet in elevation that drains from the Aberdare Range. You have the option to either enjoy the sight of the falls from a viewpoint, or, if feeling more dating, you can hike to the bottom of the falls for a closer look. Next, make your way to Hippo pools, one of the best spots to watch hippos interact in their natural habitat. We recommend going at the very early hours of the morning or at dusk to get a glimpse of the magnificent animal.

**Optional hike to Marmanet Forest: Marmanet Forest, comprising 4500 Ha of surface area, forms part of the migrating route popularly known as the elephant corridor, located at the intersection of Rumuruti and South Marmanet forests. This unique area is used by elephants to forage and access the farm lands neighboring the forest during harvest seasons, typically in October and November. It is also the location where mother elephants go to deliver their calves. A fire tower to monitor forest fires doubles as a viewpoint for visitors to relish in the scenic view. This activity can be booked directly at the destination and it takes place very early in the morning.

Rise early for breakfast and relish your final moments in the Kenyan wilderness at your own pace. By mid-morning, set off on a leisurely drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the capital by the afternoon. Once you check into your hotel, take the opportunity to enjoy your last evening in Kenya. You can explore local shops for souvenirs or treat yourself to the diverse flavors of Nairobi's vibrant cuisine. Get ready for your next adventure: Tanzania. Overnight stay in Nairobi.*

*You can upgrade your accommodation in Nairobi for an additional cost. This option is available in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Enjoy the use of your room until 10:00 a.m. before checking out and transferring to the airport at the indicated time (usually 3/4 hours before your departure flight) for your flight to Arusha.

Welcome to Arusha! Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will transfer to your hotel in Arusha for check-in (Approx. 55 km/1 hour drive). Arusha is a charmingly beautiful town known for being the safari capital of Tanzania offering a plethora of attractions and adventures. 

If time permits, after check-in**, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. Use this time to start exploring your new surroundings or join an optional experience with the Maasai people*** at a nearby lodge. Later, enjoy dinner as you are briefed by your tour guide on what to expect of your African safari adventure. Overnight stay in Arusha.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

**Early check-in allows you to enter your room before the hotel's regular check-in time for an additional cost. You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process.

***Optional Maasai experience at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge: transfer by road to the impressive Osiligilai eco-lodge. Once here, we take a game drive to take in the scenery and enjoy the views of the mountains and savannah. We also visit the Maasai Boma village to discover the culture and way of life of the Maasai people and the nature and endemic species of the area. Afterwards we enjoy the sunset overlooking Kilimanjaro and return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight stay in Osiligilai Lodge.

Important note: If you arrive in Kilimanjaro after 6:00 pm, we don't recommend reserving the Maasai experience as you won't have enough time.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll set off from Arusha towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most iconic destinations. Enjoy an included game drive through the park, where you'll have the opportunity to see wildlife up close. The drive covers 190 km and takes approximately three and a half hours. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your accommodation and unwind after the journey. Take some time to rest and prepare for a full day of safari adventures tomorrow! Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

Spend the morning immersing yourself in the beauty of Serengeti National Park. Listen to the enchanting sounds of the wilderness, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains. Afterward, savor a delicious breakfast before embarking on today’s adventure. Alternatively, you can opt for a magical hot air balloon ride* over the Serengeti plains for a unique perspective of this stunning landscape.

Later, embark on yet another chance to explore the Serengeti by getting to know its wildlife. Spend the entire day enjoying a vehicle safari experience. Depending on what the majority of the group decides, lunch will either be had back at the lodge or brought with you as a picnic to enjoy during the game drive. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Over Serengeti Plains: Get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the great migration and the unique landscapes of this location in an aerial experience you will not be forgetting any time soon!

Important note: The optional hot air balloon activity is contingent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If it cannot go ahead, a full refund will be issued. This activity is not wheelchair accessible nor is it allowed for children under 5 years of age.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will be making your way to the Ngorongoro Crater to experience the vastness of its landscapes and wildlife (approx. 145 km/3.5 hour drive).

Upon arrival, descend to the crater floor for a spectacular game viewing. You will be going down a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different species of flora. You will also have the chance to observe a large variety of herbivore species, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey.

Its 260 sq km floor is very diverse; boasting a permanent lake, open savannah and areas of mature woodland. Surrounded by steep, densely forested walls rising over 600 m high, the effect is that of a huge natural Amphitheater.

You will then enjoy a picnic lunch. Later, ascend and make your way to your hotel in Karatu (approx. 45 km/1.5 hour drive). Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Make your way to Mto Wa Mbu village, near Lake Manyara National Park for a walk along nature and cultural experience like no other (approx. 28 km/35 minute drive). This tour includes a visit to local farms, food markets, paddy fields, and a banana beer bar. Lunch is included. Sadly, it's time to bring your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure to an end.

After lunch, make your way back to Kilimanjaro Airport flight back to the US. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.