Safari Overview

The 8 Day Serengeti, Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha Safari combines East Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems with one of the most scenic freshwater destinations in the Great Rift Valley. Designed for travelers seeking exceptional game viewing, diverse landscapes, and unique safari experiences, this itinerary delivers a balanced combination of wildlife encounters, predator sightings, birdlife, and outdoor adventure.

Beginning in Arusha, the journey explores the legendary Serengeti National Park before crossing into Maasai Mara, home to abundant wildlife and seasonal migration activity. The safari concludes at Lake Naivasha, offering a refreshing contrast to traditional game drives with opportunities for boat safaris, walking experiences, and close encounters with hippos and birdlife.

Unlike itineraries focused solely on wildlife reserves, this package adds a scenic Rift Valley component that appeals to travelers looking for greater diversity and a more relaxed conclusion to their safari.

Why Choose This Safari?

This safari combines three destinations that consistently rank among the most popular safari experiences in East Africa.

Travelers love this itinerary because it offers:

• Serengeti National Park game drives
• Maasai Mara wildlife safaris
• Big Five viewing opportunities
• Seasonal migration experiences
• Lake Naivasha boat excursions
• Birdwatching opportunities
• Great Rift Valley scenery
• Diverse landscapes and ecosystems
• Excellent wildlife photography
• Cross-border safari adventure

It is particularly attractive for first-time safari travelers seeking a complete East African wildlife experience.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Serengeti National Park
• Discover Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Enjoy a Lake Naivasha boat safari
• Search for the Big Five
• Witness diverse wildlife ecosystems
• Experience the Great Rift Valley
• Encounter hippos and aquatic birdlife
• Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities
• Seasonal migration viewing
• Scenic cross-border safari adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Depart Arusha and travel through the spectacular landscapes of northern Tanzania before entering Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your safari lodge or camp.

Wildlife sightings may include:

• Lions
• Elephants
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Wildebeests

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Safari

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

The Serengeti is renowned for:

• Predator populations
• Open savannah ecosystems
• Seasonal migration activity
• Exceptional wildlife density

Depending on the season, travelers may encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

A second full day allows for deeper exploration of different wildlife regions.

This additional time significantly improves opportunities to encounter:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas
• Elephants
• Buffalo

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti to Maasai Mara

After breakfast, depart for the border crossing before continuing into Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.

Enjoy your first introduction to one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 5: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend the day exploring the rolling grasslands and river systems of Maasai Mara.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Buffalo
• Elephants
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas
• Giraffes

Seasonal migration activity may be present depending on travel dates.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Depart Maasai Mara and travel through the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha.

Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy leisure time overlooking the lake.

Lake Naivasha is famous for:

• Hippo populations
• Diverse birdlife
• Scenic freshwater landscapes
• Crescent Island wildlife walks

Overnight at Lake Naivasha.

Day 7: Lake Naivasha Exploration

Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha.

During the excursion, you may encounter:

• Hippos
• Fish eagles
• Pelicans
• Cormorants
• Kingfishers

Optional activities include:

Crescent Island Nature Walk

Walk among free-roaming wildlife including:

• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Antelope species
• Wildebeests

Hell’s Gate National Park Excursion

Explore dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal landscapes.

Overnight at Lake Naivasha.

Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

After breakfast, depart for Nairobi.

Arrive in the city in the afternoon, marking the end of your safari.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five Wildlife

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino (seasonal opportunities in surrounding ecosystems)

Other Wildlife

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Hippo
• Giraffe
• Impala
• Gazelle
• Waterbuck
• Topi

Birdlife

• African Fish Eagle
• Pelicans
• Kingfishers
• Herons
• Cormorants
• Sacred Ibis

Best Time to Travel

July to October

Excellent wildlife viewing and migration opportunities.

January to March

Ideal photography conditions and active wildlife.

June to October

Dry season with concentrated wildlife around water sources.

November to December

Green landscapes and fewer crowds.

Estimated Safari Price Range

Prices vary depending on season, accommodation category, group size, and availability.

What’s Included

• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation throughout the safari
• Meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water
• Daily game drives
• Lake Naivasha boat excursion
• Cross-border assistance

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It combines three of East Africa’s most popular safari destinations and offers excellent wildlife diversity.

Can I see the Great Migration?

Depending on travel dates, migration activity may be visible in both Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems.

Is the Lake Naivasha boat safari included?

Yes. A Lake Naivasha boat excursion is included in the itinerary.

Can I visit Crescent Island?

Yes. Crescent Island can be added as an optional activity during your stay at Lake Naivasha.

Is this safari good for birdwatching?

Absolutely. Lake Naivasha is one of East Africa’s leading birdwatching destinations.