Safari Overview

The 9 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Migration Safari is one of East Africa’s most sought-after wildlife adventures, combining three world-renowned safari destinations into a single unforgettable journey. Designed for travelers who want to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, this safari follows the famous Great Migration ecosystem while providing exceptional chances to encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five.

Beginning in Nairobi, the adventure leads into the legendary Maasai Mara before crossing via the Isebania border into the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. The journey concludes with a safari in the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-dense conservation areas in Africa.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate East African safari experience, offering a remarkable combination of migration viewing, predator action, scenic landscapes, and diverse ecosystems.

Why Choose This Safari?

This safari combines the three most famous wildlife destinations in East Africa.

Travelers choose this itinerary because it offers:

• Great Migration viewing opportunities
• Maasai Mara wildlife encounters
• Serengeti game drives
• Ngorongoro Crater safari
• Big Five wildlife viewing
• Cross-border safari experience
• Excellent photography opportunities
• Diverse landscapes and ecosystems
• High predator density
• Extended game viewing time

Unlike shorter safaris, this 9-day itinerary allows travelers to spend meaningful time in each destination, increasing wildlife sighting opportunities and providing a more relaxed safari pace.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Witness the Great Migration ecosystem
• Discover Serengeti National Park
• Experience the Ngorongoro Crater
• Search for Africa’s Big Five
• Cross from Kenya into Tanzania via Isebania
• Encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants
• Enjoy spectacular safari photography opportunities
• Travel through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes
• Experience diverse wildlife habitats

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Your safari begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley toward Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Zebras
• Buffalo
• Giraffes

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 2: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring the vast grasslands of Maasai Mara.

The reserve is famous for:

• Big Five sightings
• Predator activity
• River crossings during migration season
• Large wildlife concentrations

Enjoy extensive game drives across different regions of the reserve.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 3: Full Day Maasai Mara Wildlife Experience

A second full day in Maasai Mara allows for deeper exploration of this wildlife-rich ecosystem.

Possible sightings include:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas
• Topi
• Wildebeests

Guests may also choose an optional hot air balloon safari for spectacular aerial views.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: Maasai Mara to Serengeti via Isebania Border

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and proceed toward the Isebania border crossing.

Following immigration formalities, continue into Serengeti National Park.

Arrive with opportunities for wildlife viewing en route to your accommodation.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring the world-famous Serengeti.

The park is celebrated for:

• Vast open plains
• Predator-rich ecosystems
• Seasonal migration herds
• Exceptional game viewing

Wildlife sightings may include:

• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Wildebeests
• Zebras

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Migration Experience

Continue exploring different sectors of Serengeti National Park.

Depending on the season, travelers may witness:

• Migration movements
• Predator hunts
• Large herbivore herds
• Unique wildlife interactions

The additional day significantly improves opportunities for exceptional wildlife encounters.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After a morning game drive, depart Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Arrive at the crater rim and enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the caldera.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife experience.

The crater is home to:

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Zebras
• Wildebeests

Because of its enclosed ecosystem, Ngorongoro offers some of the most reliable wildlife viewing in Africa.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 9: Ngorongoro to Arusha

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Arusha.

Arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your East African safari adventure.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino

Predators

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Serval Cat

Plains Wildlife

• Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Giraffe
• Eland
• Topi
• Grant’s Gazelle
• Thomson’s Gazelle

Birdlife

• Secretary Bird
• Kori Bustard
• Ostrich
• Crowned Crane
• Vultures
• Eagles

Great Migration Safari Experience

One of the primary reasons travelers choose this itinerary is the opportunity to experience the famous Great Migration ecosystem.

The migration involves:

• More than 1.5 million wildebeests
• Hundreds of thousands of zebras
• Seasonal predator activity
• River crossing spectacles
• Continuous wildlife movement between ecosystems

While migration locations vary throughout the year, this route follows the core migration corridor, maximizing viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Travel

July to October

Peak migration season with excellent wildlife viewing.

January to March

Calving season with abundant predator activity.

June to October

Dry season and outstanding game viewing conditions.

November to December

Green season landscapes and fewer crowds.

Estimated Safari Price Range

Prices vary depending on travel season, accommodation level, group size, and lodge selection.

What’s Included

• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Park entrance fees
• Ngorongoro Crater conservation fees
• Accommodation throughout the safari
• Meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water
• Cross-border assistance at Isebania
• Daily game drives

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 safari travelers?

Yes. It combines East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and is one of the best introductory safari experiences available.

Can I see the Great Migration?

Depending on travel dates, guests may witness migration herds in either Maasai Mara or Serengeti ecosystems.

Is the Big Five included?

The safari visits areas where all members of the Big Five can be found.

Which border crossing is used?

The safari crosses via the Isebania border between Kenya and Tanzania.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. Accommodation upgrades, private departures, and additional destinations can be added.