Safari Overview

The 9 Day Serengeti, Maasai Mara & Amboseli Scenic Safari is one of the most visually spectacular wildlife journeys in East Africa. Combining the endless plains of Serengeti, the wildlife-rich landscapes of Maasai Mara, and the iconic elephant habitats of Amboseli, this safari offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife, scenery, photography, and adventure.

Designed for travelers seeking more than just game drives, this itinerary connects three of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations while showcasing the remarkable diversity of East African ecosystems. From the predator-filled plains of Serengeti to the rolling grasslands of Maasai Mara and the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, every stage of this safari delivers unforgettable experiences.

This itinerary is especially popular among photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, couples, honeymooners, and first-time safari travelers who want to experience East Africa’s most iconic landscapes in a single journey.

Why Choose This Safari?

While many safaris focus primarily on wildlife density, this itinerary combines exceptional game viewing with some of the most beautiful safari scenery in Africa.

Key advantages include:

• Three iconic safari destinations
• Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
• Spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro photography
• Excellent predator sightings
• Large elephant herds
• Diverse ecosystems and landscapes
• Cross-border safari experience
• Great Migration ecosystem access
• Outstanding wildlife photography opportunities
• Balanced safari pace

For travelers looking for both wildlife and scenery, few itineraries can match this combination.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Serengeti National Park
• Experience Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Discover Amboseli National Park
• Enjoy stunning Mount Kilimanjaro views
• Search for the Big Five
• Encounter large elephant herds
• Observe predator-rich ecosystems
• Experience diverse wildlife habitats
• Enjoy exceptional sunrise and sunset photography
• Travel through East Africa’s most famous safari landscapes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Your safari begins in Arusha before heading toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

Travel through scenic highlands and conservation areas before arriving in the Serengeti ecosystem.

An afternoon game drive introduces you to the incredible wildlife of the region.

Possible sightings 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 globally recognized for:

• Predator populations
• Seasonal migration activity
• Endless savannah landscapes
• Exceptional game viewing

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

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

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Wildlife Experience

A second full day allows for deeper exploration of different regions within the park.

Depending on the season, travelers may encounter:

• Wildebeest migration herds
• Predator hunting activity
• River ecosystems
• Large herbivore concentrations

This additional day significantly increases wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti to Maasai Mara

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel toward the border before continuing into Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The journey follows portions of the famous migration corridor that connects these two legendary ecosystems.

Arrive with opportunities for afternoon wildlife viewing.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 5: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

The reserve is renowned for:

• Big Five sightings
• Predator encounters
• Open grasslands
• Seasonal migration activity

Wildlife sightings may include:

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

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 6: Full Day Maasai Mara Wildlife Experience

Continue exploring different regions of Maasai Mara.

This day allows for:

• Extended wildlife tracking
• River ecosystem exploration
• Photography opportunities
• Optional cultural experiences

Guests seeking an extraordinary perspective may opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari.

Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 7: Maasai Mara to Amboseli via Namanga

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and travel toward Amboseli National Park via the Namanga border route.

Arrive in Amboseli with views of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon.

Evening game drive in the park.

Overnight in Amboseli.

Day 8: Full Day Amboseli Safari

Spend the day exploring one of Africa’s most scenic wildlife destinations.

Amboseli is famous for:

• Large elephant herds
• Kilimanjaro backdrops
• Open plains
• Wetland ecosystems
• Exceptional photography

Wildlife sightings may include:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Hyenas
• Giraffes
• Zebras

The combination of wildlife and scenery makes Amboseli a favorite among photographers.

Overnight in Amboseli.

Day 9: Amboseli to Nairobi

Enjoy a final morning game drive and breakfast before departing for Nairobi.

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

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Rhino (occasional sightings in connected ecosystems)

Predators

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Serval Cat

Plains Wildlife

• Wildebeest
• Zebra
• Giraffe
• Eland
• Topi
• Impala
• Gazelle

Birdlife

• Secretary Bird
• Ostrich
• Crowned Crane
• Eagles
• Vultures
• Herons

Photography Opportunities

This safari is particularly popular among photographers because it combines three of East Africa’s most photogenic destinations.

Serengeti

• Endless plains
• Predator action
• Golden-hour wildlife photography

Maasai Mara

• River landscapes
• Big cats
• Seasonal migration activity

Amboseli

• Elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro
• Sunrise photography
• Dusty golden-light conditions

Best Time to Travel

June to October

Excellent wildlife viewing and dry-season conditions.

July to October

Migration activity in the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

January to March

Outstanding wildlife photography and predator activity.

November to December

Green landscapes and fewer safari vehicles.

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 with pop-up roof
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation throughout the safari
• Meals as specified
• Daily game drives
• Bottled drinking water
• Cross-border assistance
• Airport transfers where applicable

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Optional activities
• Hot air balloon safari
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Yes. Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Amboseli are among the most photogenic safari destinations in Africa.

Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro?

Yes. Amboseli offers some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro, particularly during clear mornings and evenings.

Can I see the Big Five?

This itinerary visits destinations known for exceptional wildlife viewing, including opportunities to encounter members of the Big Five.

Is this safari suitable for first-time travelers?

Absolutely. It combines three of East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Which border crossings are used?

The route typically utilizes the most operationally efficient border crossings based on the itinerary and current travel logistics.