7 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari

Discover East Africa’s Most Famous Safari Destinations in One Journey

The 7 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari is one of the most sought-after Tanzania-Kenya safari packages, combining three of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations into a single cross-border adventure. Starting in Arusha, Tanzania, and ending in Nairobi, Kenya, this safari is designed for travelers seeking exceptional wildlife viewing, iconic landscapes, and the opportunity to experience the very best of East Africa.

This itinerary takes you through the heart of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit before crossing into Kenya’s world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, you’ll explore the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, and discover why Maasai Mara consistently ranks among the best safari destinations in Africa.

For first-time safari travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone dreaming of a classic African safari, this route delivers remarkable diversity and some of the continent’s finest game-viewing opportunities.

Unlike shorter safaris focused on a single destination, this itinerary allows guests to experience three distinct ecosystems, each offering unique wildlife encounters, landscapes, and safari experiences.

Safari Highlights

  • Explore Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Experience Tanzania and Kenya in one safari
  • Excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five
  • Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities
  • Explore two of Africa’s most famous safari countries
  • Discover diverse ecosystems and landscapes
  • Great Migration viewing opportunities (season dependent)
  • Professional safari guides throughout the journey
  • Ideal for first-time East Africa safari travelers
  • One of the most popular cross-border safari itineraries

Route Overview

Arusha → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi

Why This Safari Is So Popular

Among all East African safari routes, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Maasai Mara consistently dominate travel searches worldwide.

Travelers choose this itinerary because it combines:

  • Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations
  • Kenya’s premier safari reserve
  • Big Five safari experiences
  • Great Migration ecosystems
  • Outstanding wildlife photography opportunities
  • Classic African safari landscapes

This route is often considered the ultimate introduction to East Africa’s wildlife and natural beauty.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Your safari begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Depart after breakfast and travel toward Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you enter the Serengeti ecosystem, the landscape opens into vast plains stretching beyond the horizon.

Enjoy wildlife viewing en route to your accommodation.

Possible sightings include:

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

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 2: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring one of the most famous wildlife destinations on earth.

Serengeti National Park is renowned for:

  • Predator populations
  • Great Migration routes
  • Open grassland ecosystems
  • Exceptional game viewing

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

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

Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife encounters.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Extended Serengeti Exploration

A second full day in Serengeti allows for deeper exploration of different sectors of the park.

This additional safari day provides excellent opportunities for:

  • Wildlife photography
  • Predator tracking
  • Migration viewing (seasonal)
  • Exploring less-visited wildlife areas

The Serengeti’s vast size means every game drive offers new experiences and discoveries.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Enjoy game viewing along the way before arriving near the crater rim.

The dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides a striking contrast to the open plains of Serengeti.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Today you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as one of Africa’s natural wonders.

The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife thanks to its fertile soils and permanent water sources.

Possible sightings include:

  • Black rhinos
  • Lions
  • Buffalo
  • Elephants
  • Hyenas
  • Hippos
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras

Ngorongoro is one of the best places in East Africa to search for endangered black rhinos.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Kenya.

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

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 7: Maasai Mara Safari and Transfer to Nairobi

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Maasai Mara before departing for Nairobi.

Maasai Mara is famous for:

  • Big cat sightings
  • Open savannah landscapes
  • Great Migration crossings
  • Diverse wildlife populations

Wildlife frequently encountered includes:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Cheetahs
  • Zebras
  • Giraffes

After the safari, travel to Nairobi where your journey concludes.

Wildlife and Landscapes

This itinerary combines three of East Africa’s most distinct wildlife ecosystems.

Serengeti National Park

Known for:

  • Endless plains
  • Great Migration
  • Predator populations
  • Wildlife density

Ngorongoro Crater

Known for:

  • Big Five opportunities
  • Volcanic landscapes
  • High wildlife concentrations
  • Black rhino sightings

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Known for:

  • Big cat encounters
  • Migration crossings
  • Scenic savannahs
  • Outstanding year-round wildlife viewing

Together, these destinations create one of the most rewarding safari experiences available anywhere in Africa.

Estimated Price Range (USD)

Accommodation CategoryEstimated Cost Per Person
Budget$3,000 – $4,800
Comfort$5,500 – $8,800
Luxury$10,000 – $18,500+

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

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the best safari for first-time East Africa visitors?

Yes. It combines three of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa and offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Maasai Mara collectively offer some of East Africa’s best opportunities for Big Five sightings.

When is the best time to travel?

The safari operates year-round, though wildlife movements and migration activity vary seasonally.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. Accommodation levels, travel pace, additional destinations, and transport options can be tailored to your preferences.

Check All

Related Safari Packages

Kenya Tanzania Safari Packages
6 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari
7 Day Fly-In Serengeti & Maasai Mara Safari
7 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari
7 Day Northern Tanzania & Maasai Mara Safari

Your Journey, Your Way

Experience the very best of Tanzania and Kenya on this 7 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari. Contact Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris today to customize your cross-border safari and create an unforgettable East African wildlife adventure.

Best Travel Theme

Elementor Demos

With Love Travel WordPress Theme you will have everything you need to create a memorable online presence. Start create your dream travel site today.

Discover the World, one Full Adventure at a Time!

Our Contacts

Address

1080 Brickell Ave - Miami

United States of America

Email

info@travel.com

Phone

Travel Agency +1 473 483 384

Info Insurance +1 395 393 595

Follow us