7 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari

Discover Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and Kenya’s Maasai Mara

The 7 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari is a carefully crafted Kenya-Tanzania cross-border safari that combines three of East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers seeking a balance between wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and authentic safari experiences, this itinerary takes you from Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit into Kenya’s world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Starting in Arusha and ending in Nairobi, this safari showcases the remarkable diversity of East Africa’s ecosystems. From the ancient baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire National Park to the wildlife-rich floor of Ngorongoro Crater and the endless savannahs of Maasai Mara, every day presents new opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Unlike itineraries that focus heavily on a single ecosystem, this route offers a wider variety of habitats, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and first-time visitors to East Africa.

The safari delivers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, observe large elephant herds, photograph dramatic landscapes, and experience two of Africa’s leading safari countries in a single journey.

Safari Highlights

  • Explore Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Exceptional elephant viewing opportunities
  • Discover the famous Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem
  • Experience one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves
  • Excellent opportunities to see the Big Five
  • Scenic Kenya-Tanzania cross-border safari
  • Diverse habitats and landscapes
  • Outstanding wildlife photography opportunities
  • Professional multilingual guides available upon request
  • Ideal for first-time East Africa safari travelers

Route Overview

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

Why Choose This Safari?

Many travelers seek a safari that balances wildlife viewing with scenic diversity. This itinerary accomplishes exactly that by combining three distinct ecosystems:

Tarangire National Park

Known for:

  • Large elephant populations
  • Ancient baobab trees
  • Seasonal wildlife migrations
  • Authentic safari experiences

Ngorongoro Crater

Known for:

  • Exceptional wildlife density
  • Big Five sightings
  • Unique volcanic landscapes
  • Year-round game viewing

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Known for:

  • Predator populations
  • Great Migration routes
  • Vast savannahs
  • Outstanding photography opportunities

Together, these destinations create a safari experience that is diverse, rewarding, and highly memorable.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins in Arusha with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich parks and is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive through the park’s varied landscapes.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • Elephants
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Buffalo
  • Wildebeest
  • Impalas
  • Warthogs

Overnight in Tarangire.

Day 2: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire National Park.

The Tarangire River acts as a critical water source and attracts large concentrations of wildlife, particularly during the dry season.

Possible sightings include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Ostriches

Tarangire is also one of Tanzania’s best birdwatching destinations.

Overnight in Tarangire.

Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

The route offers beautiful scenery and opportunities to observe local communities and rural landscapes.

Arrive near the crater rim and enjoy spectacular views over the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 4: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Today you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable safari experience.

The crater supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife within a relatively small area.

Possible sightings include:

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

Ngorongoro offers some of the best opportunities in East Africa to spot endangered black rhinos.

Overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 5: 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 introductory game drive in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 6: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara’s expansive savannah landscapes.

The reserve is internationally famous for:

  • Big Five wildlife viewing
  • Predator sightings
  • Great Migration crossings
  • Rich biodiversity

Wildlife frequently encountered includes:

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

Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Enjoy a final morning game drive before departing for Nairobi.

Take in the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley during the drive to Kenya’s capital.

Arrive in Nairobi where your cross-border safari concludes.

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

Wildlife You May Encounter

This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of East African wildlife.

Big Five

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Rhino

Other Mammals

  • Cheetah
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest
  • Hippo
  • Gazelles
  • Warthog
  • Jackal

Birdlife

  • Secretary Birds
  • Ostriches
  • Crowned Cranes
  • Eagles
  • Hornbills
  • Vultures
  • Storks
  • Kingfishers

Why This Safari Offers Exceptional Scenic Diversity

One of the key strengths of this itinerary is the contrast between destinations.

Tarangire

Features:

  • Ancient baobab trees
  • River valleys
  • Open woodlands

Ngorongoro

Features:

  • Volcanic landscapes
  • Crater floor ecosystems
  • Highland scenery

Maasai Mara

Features:

  • Rolling grasslands
  • River systems
  • Classic African savannahs

These changing landscapes provide a richer safari experience than itineraries focused on a single ecosystem.

Estimated Price Range (USD)

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

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

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

Exclusions

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tarangire worth including in a safari?

Yes. Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s best parks for elephant viewing and offers beautiful baobab landscapes with fewer crowds.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater and Maasai Mara offer excellent opportunities to see all members of the Big Five.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Absolutely. The combination of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife provides outstanding photography opportunities.

Can this safari be customized?

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

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Your Journey, Your Way

Explore Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara on this expertly crafted 7 Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Safari. Contact Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris today to customize your cross-border safari and experience East Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

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