7 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Safari

Experience East Africa’s Wildlife Diversity in 7 Days

The 7 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Safari is a carefully designed Kenya-Tanzania cross-border safari that combines three of East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. From the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the endless savannahs of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and the scenic biodiversity of Lake Manyara National Park, this safari offers remarkable wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking more than just the traditional Big Five safari. It combines classic safari experiences with diverse ecosystems, making it especially appealing to birdwatchers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to East Africa.

Starting in Nairobi and ending in Arusha, the safari traverses some of Africa’s most celebrated conservation areas while offering excellent opportunities to spot predators, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, flamingos, and hundreds of bird species.

If you are searching for a safari that balances wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and unique ecosystems, this 7-day adventure delivers an unforgettable East African safari experience.

Safari Highlights

  • Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Discover the vast plains of Serengeti National Park
  • Experience Lake Manyara National Park‘s diverse habitats
  • Excellent birdwatching opportunities
  • Big Five wildlife viewing potential
  • Great Migration viewing opportunities (season dependent)
  • Scenic Kenya-Tanzania cross-border safari
  • Diverse landscapes including savannahs, lakes, forests, and escarpments
  • Professional safari guide throughout the journey
  • Ideal for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts

Route Overview

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Serengeti → Lake Manyara → Arusha

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

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

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the reserve’s rolling plains.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

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

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 2: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend the day exploring one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.

Maasai Mara is renowned for:

  • Exceptional predator sightings
  • Big Five opportunities
  • Great Migration crossings (seasonal)
  • Vast open savannah landscapes
  • Outstanding photography opportunities

Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 3: Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Following immigration formalities, continue into Tanzania and enter the famous Serengeti ecosystem.

The journey itself offers excellent game viewing as the landscape transitions into the endless plains that have made Serengeti world famous.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is known globally for:

  • Large predator populations
  • Great Migration routes
  • Open grassland ecosystems
  • Exceptional wildlife concentrations

Wildlife sightings may include:

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

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Extended Serengeti Exploration

Enjoy another full day in Serengeti, allowing for deeper exploration of different regions of the park.

This additional safari day increases opportunities for:

  • Predator tracking
  • Wildlife photography
  • Seasonal migration viewing
  • Exploring less-visited wildlife areas

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Serengeti to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel toward Lake Manyara National Park.

Situated beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara offers a completely different safari environment compared to Serengeti.

The park features:

  • Groundwater forests
  • Acacia woodlands
  • Open grasslands
  • The alkaline Lake Manyara

Enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Overnight near Lake Manyara.

Day 7: Lake Manyara Safari and Transfer to Arusha

Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Wildlife highlights may include:

  • Elephants
  • Giraffes
  • Hippos
  • Baboons
  • Blue monkeys
  • Buffalo
  • Tree-climbing lions (occasionally spotted)

Lake Manyara is also one of Tanzania’s top birdwatching destinations, hosting hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.

After the safari, continue to Arusha where the tour concludes.

Safari Experience

This safari stands out because it combines three distinctly different wildlife ecosystems.

Maasai Mara

Known for:

  • Big Five sightings
  • Predator concentrations
  • Great Migration
  • Classic African safari landscapes

Serengeti National Park

Known for:

  • Endless plains
  • Large wildlife populations
  • Predator activity
  • Migration routes

Lake Manyara National Park

Known for:

  • Birdwatching
  • Diverse habitats
  • Groundwater forests
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Tree-climbing lions

The combination provides exceptional wildlife diversity while showcasing some of East Africa’s most beautiful natural environments.

Why Birdwatchers Love This Safari

While Maasai Mara and Serengeti attract visitors for their large mammals and predators, Lake Manyara adds another dimension through its remarkable birdlife.

Commonly spotted species include:

  • Flamingos
  • Pelicans
  • Storks
  • Herons
  • Hornbills
  • Kingfishers
  • Eagles
  • Cormorants

The diversity of habitats supports one of the richest birding experiences available on a short East African safari.

Estimated Price Range (USD)

Accommodation CategoryPrice Per Person
Budget$2,800 – $4,400
Comfort$5,000 – $8,300
Luxury$9,200 – $17,500+

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

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Manyara worth including in a safari?

Yes. Lake Manyara offers unique landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and wildlife encounters that complement the savannah ecosystems of Maasai Mara and Serengeti.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Maasai Mara and Serengeti offer excellent opportunities for Big Five sightings, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Is this safari suitable for birdwatchers?

Absolutely. Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s premier birdwatching destinations and adds significant biodiversity to the itinerary.

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. Accommodation categories, transport options, and additional destinations can be customized to suit your preferences.

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Ready to Explore East Africa?

The 7 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Safari offers the perfect balance of wildlife viewing, birdwatching, scenic beauty, and cross-border adventure. Contact Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris today and let us customize your East African safari experience.

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