Safari Overview

The 10 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big Five Safari is one of the most sought-after wildlife adventures in East Africa, combining three of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations into one unforgettable journey.

Designed for travelers seeking the ultimate Big Five safari experience, this itinerary explores the wildlife-rich plains of Maasai Mara, the world-famous Serengeti ecosystem, and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. Together, these destinations create one of the strongest wildlife circuits on the continent, offering exceptional opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and countless other species.

This safari is ideal for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families, and travelers seeking a comprehensive East African safari experience without rushing through the region’s most celebrated parks.

With multiple nights in each destination, guests enjoy deeper wildlife exploration, greater flexibility for photography, and significantly improved chances of witnessing rare wildlife encounters.

Why Choose This Safari?

This itinerary combines East Africa’s most renowned wildlife ecosystems in a carefully planned route designed to maximize game-viewing opportunities.

Key advantages include:

• Visit three world-famous safari destinations
• Exceptional Big Five viewing opportunities
• Explore the Great Migration ecosystem
• Multiple full-day game drives
• Predator-rich wildlife habitats
• Spectacular landscapes and photography opportunities
• Experienced professional safari guides
• Cross-border safari adventure
• UNESCO World Heritage Site visit
• Suitable for photographers and first-time safari travelers

Safari Highlights

• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Big Five wildlife viewing
• Great Migration ecosystem
• Predator tracking opportunities
• Scenic Rift Valley landscapes
• Cross-border safari experience
• Sunrise and sunset game drives
• Wildlife photography opportunities

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Your safari begins with a morning departure from Nairobi.

Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley before arriving at Maasai Mara National Reserve.

After lunch, enjoy your first game drive in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Antelopes

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 2: Full Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara.

The reserve is famous for:

• Big Five sightings
• Predator concentrations
• Open savannah landscapes
• Seasonal migration activity

Game drives focus on tracking wildlife throughout different sectors of the reserve.

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 3: Full Day Maasai Mara Wildlife Experience

Another full day allows deeper exploration of the reserve.

Possible sightings include:

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

Optional hot air balloon safaris can be arranged.

Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: Maasai Mara to Serengeti via Isebania Border

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

Following immigration formalities, continue into the Serengeti ecosystem.

Enjoy game viewing en route before arriving at your lodge or camp.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Explore the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is globally renowned for:

• Predator populations
• Great Migration routes
• Vast savannah landscapes
• Incredible wildlife densities

Wildlife sightings may include:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Wildebeests

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Wildlife Adventure

Continue exploring different areas of the park.

This additional day allows opportunities to:

• Track predators
• Observe migration activity
• Visit remote wildlife areas
• Capture exceptional wildlife photographs

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travel through stunning landscapes and arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater offers some of the highest wildlife densities anywhere in Africa.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• Black rhino
• Lion
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Zebra
• Hippo
• Hyena

After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge.

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 9: Ngorongoro to Arusha

After breakfast, travel to Arusha.

Depending on arrival time, guests may enjoy:

• Local shopping
• Cultural experiences
• Coffee tours
• Relaxation at the lodge

Dinner and overnight in Arusha.

Day 10: Arusha to Nairobi

After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel back to Nairobi.

Arrival marks the end of your unforgettable East African Big Five safari adventure.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo

Predators

• Cheetah
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Serval Cat

Plains Game

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

Birdlife

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

Best Time to Travel

January to March

Excellent wildlife viewing and predator activity.

June to October

Peak safari season with exceptional game viewing.

July to October

Best period for migration activity within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

November to December

Green season with beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.

Estimated Safari Price Range

Prices vary based on season, accommodation category, room configuration, and group size.

What’s Included

• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Park and conservation 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
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro collectively provide some of the best Big Five viewing opportunities in Africa.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. This itinerary covers East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and is often considered the ultimate introduction to African safaris.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

Typically between July and October, although migration movements vary throughout the year.

Is the border crossing difficult?

No. Your safari team assists with all cross-border procedures to ensure a smooth transition.

Is this safari suitable for photographers?

Yes. The combination of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and extended game drives makes it an excellent photography safari.