Explore East Africa’s Most Famous Wildlife Destinations and the Great Rift Valley

The 7 Day Serengeti, Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha Safari is an exciting Tanzania-Kenya cross-border safari designed for travelers seeking a blend of world-class wildlife viewing and stunning natural landscapes. Combining Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park, Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Naivasha, this safari delivers an unforgettable East African adventure.

Unlike traditional wildlife-only safaris, this itinerary introduces an additional scenic dimension through the Great Rift Valley lakes region. Guests experience vast savannah ecosystems, predator-rich wildlife reserves, freshwater lakes, dramatic escarpments, and diverse birdlife within a single journey.

Starting in Arusha and ending in Nairobi, this safari is ideal for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, and travelers looking for a balanced safari experience that combines iconic game viewing with beautiful landscapes and relaxing lakeside scenery.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Lake Naivasha
• Experience two of Africa’s most famous safari ecosystems
• Exceptional opportunities for Big Five wildlife viewing
• Discover the scenic beauty of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley
• Boat safari opportunities on Lake Naivasha
• Excellent wildlife photography experiences
• Great Migration viewing opportunities (season dependent)
• Diverse landscapes ranging from open plains to freshwater lakes
• Professional safari guide throughout the journey
• Ideal for nature lovers and first-time East Africa safari travelers

Route Overview

Arusha → Serengeti National Park → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Lake Naivasha → Nairobi

Why Choose This Safari?

Many cross-border safaris focus exclusively on wildlife parks. This itinerary adds one of Kenya’s most beautiful natural attractions—Lake Naivasha—creating a more diverse and relaxed safari experience.

This safari is perfect for travelers who want:

• Classic wildlife safaris
• Scenic landscapes
• Birdwatching opportunities
• Photography experiences
• A combination of adventure and relaxation
• East Africa’s most famous safari destinations

The route balances game drives with scenic exploration, making it one of the most versatile safari packages in East Africa.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Your safari begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital.

Travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Enjoy game viewing en route to your accommodation.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Lions
• Antelope species

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is globally renowned for:

• Predator populations
• Great Migration routes
• Endless grassland landscapes
• Exceptional wildlife viewing

Potential sightings include:

• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Wildebeest
• Zebras

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Serengeti to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and begin your journey toward Kenya.

Cross the Tanzania-Kenya border and continue to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring the famous Maasai Mara ecosystem.

The reserve is known for:

• Big Five sightings
• Predator activity
• Great Migration crossings
• Vast savannah landscapes
• Exceptional photography opportunities

Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent chances to encounter a wide variety of wildlife.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 5: Extended Maasai Mara Wildlife Experience

A second day in Maasai Mara allows deeper exploration of different wildlife areas.

This additional safari day improves opportunities to:

• Track predators
• Search for elusive wildlife
• Visit different sectors of the reserve
• Enjoy photography-focused game drives

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, travel through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha.

Lake Naivasha offers a refreshing change of scenery after several days on safari.

The area is famous for:

• Freshwater lake ecosystems
• Birdwatching
• Hippo populations
• Scenic landscapes
• Walking safari opportunities

Optional activities may include:

• Boat excursions
• Nature walks
• Crescent Island visits

Overnight near Lake Naivasha.

Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Enjoy a relaxed morning by the lake before departing for Nairobi.

Guests may choose to enjoy optional early morning activities before beginning the journey to Kenya’s capital city.

Arrive in Nairobi where your cross-border safari concludes.

Optional extensions to Amboseli, Diani Beach, Mombasa, or Zanzibar can be arranged.

Wildlife and Landscape Diversity

One of the greatest strengths of this itinerary is the variety of ecosystems it includes.

Serengeti National Park

Known for:

• Great Migration
• Predator sightings
• Open plains
• Large wildlife populations

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Known for:

• Big Five viewing
• Big cat encounters
• River ecosystems
• Scenic savannah landscapes

Lake Naivasha

Known for:

• Freshwater lake scenery
• Hippos
• Birdlife
• Walking safaris
• Great Rift Valley views

This combination creates a richer and more varied safari experience than traditional wildlife-only itineraries.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five Opportunities

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino (possible in protected areas)

Other Wildlife

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Hippo
• Gazelles
• Warthogs
• Jackals

Birdlife

• Fish Eagles
• Pelicans
• Herons
• Kingfishers
• Cormorants
• Flamingos (seasonal nearby lakes)
• African Spoonbills

Estimated Price Range (USD)

Prices vary depending on travel dates, accommodation selection, group size, and customization preferences.

Inclusions

• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional safari guide
• Park and conservation fees
• Accommodation throughout the safari
• Meals as specified
• Scheduled game drives
• Cross-border assistance
• Drinking water during safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Kenya and Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Naivasha worth including in a safari?

Yes. Lake Naivasha adds scenic diversity, birdwatching, hippo viewing, and optional boat safaris that complement traditional wildlife experiences.

Can I see the Great Migration on this safari?

Depending on the season, migration activity may be visible in Serengeti or Maasai Mara.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. It combines East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations with one of Kenya’s most scenic Rift Valley lakes.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. Accommodation standards, activities, and additional destinations can be tailored to your preferences.