13 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar Safari

The 13 Day Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar Safari is one of the most complete and in-demand East Africa safari experiences. It combines the legendary wildlife destinations of Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park with the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, before concluding with a luxury beach escape on the tropical island of Zanzibar.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more than just a safari—it delivers a full East African journey that blends Big Five wildlife encounters, Great Migration landscapes, dramatic crater scenery, and Indian Ocean relaxation.

It is especially popular among honeymooners, first-time safari travelers, photographers, and luxury safari guests looking for a seamless safari-and-beach combination.

WHY THIS SAFARI?

This itinerary consistently ranks among the most booked East Africa safari packages because it delivers four distinct travel experiences in one journey:

  • Classic Big Five safari destinations
  • Great Migration ecosystem viewing
  • UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater
  • Luxury Zanzibar beach extension

Unlike shorter itineraries, this 13-day format allows sufficient time in each destination, increasing wildlife viewing success and reducing travel fatigue.

Travelers choose this safari because it offers:

  • Extended game drives in Maasai Mara and Serengeti
  • High chances of predator sightings
  • Seasonal migration viewing opportunities
  • One of Africa’s most wildlife-dense crater ecosystems
  • Tropical island relaxation after safari
  • Balanced adventure and luxury

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Arusha → Zanzibar

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Big Five wildlife viewing across multiple ecosystems
  • Great Migration plains and seasonal movements
  • Maasai Mara predator encounters
  • Serengeti endless savannah landscapes
  • Ngorongoro Crater wildlife density
  • Luxury Zanzibar beach resorts
  • Honeymoon-friendly itinerary
  • Photography opportunities across all destinations

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is reserved for rest after your international flight.

Depending on arrival time, optional activities may include Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, or fine dining experiences in Nairobi.

Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: NAIROBI → MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel through the Great Rift Valley toward Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

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

This first game drive introduces you to the vast savannah ecosystem that defines the Maasai Mara.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 3: FULL DAY MAASAI MARA SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.

The reserve is one of Africa’s most reliable Big Five destinations and offers exceptional predator activity.

Depending on the season, you may also witness migration herds crossing the plains.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Lions hunting on the savannah
  • Cheetahs scanning the open plains
  • Leopards in riverine forests
  • Elephants in large family groups
  • Hyenas and jackals

A picnic lunch inside the reserve maximizes time in the wild.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 4: MAASAI MARA WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Another full day in Maasai Mara allows deeper exploration of different regions of the reserve.

Game drives may focus on river systems, open plains, or predator-rich territories depending on wildlife movement.

This additional time significantly improves chances of memorable sightings and photography opportunities.

Optional experience: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise followed by bush breakfast.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 5: MAASAI MARA → SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (VIA ISEBANIA BORDER)

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

After immigration clearance, continue into Tanzania and enter Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy an en-route game drive as you transition into the vast Serengeti ecosystem.

The landscape changes dramatically into endless golden plains.

Overnight: Serengeti National Park

DAY 6: FULL DAY SERENGETI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations and supports extraordinary wildlife populations.

Possible sightings include:

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

Depending on the season, you may encounter large migration herds moving across the plains.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 7: SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

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

Your guide will track recent wildlife movements to maximize sightings.

This day is especially valuable for photographers seeking predator action and dramatic landscape shots.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 8: SERENGETI → NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive while exiting Serengeti.

Continue toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive at your lodge located on or near the crater rim with panoramic views.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 9: NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI

Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.

The crater is one of the most wildlife-dense areas in Africa and offers excellent chances of seeing the Big Five.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • Black rhino
  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Hippos
  • Hyenas

A picnic lunch is served on the crater floor.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 10: NGORONGORO → ARUSHA → ZANZIBAR

After breakfast, drive to Arusha for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar.

Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort.

The rest of the day is at leisure on the beach.

Overnight: Zanzibar

DAY 11: ZANZIBAR BEACH RELAXATION

Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s white sand beaches.

Optional activities include:

  • Snorkeling and diving
  • Spice farm tours
  • Stone Town cultural visits
  • Sunset dhow cruises
  • Spa treatments

Overnight: Zanzibar

DAY 12: ZANZIBAR LEISURE DAY

Another relaxed day in Zanzibar to enjoy the Indian Ocean environment.

This day is ideal for honeymooners or travelers seeking relaxation after safari.

Overnight: Zanzibar

DAY 13: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight.

End of safari.

DESTINATIONS COVERED

Maasai Mara National Reserve

World-famous for Big Five sightings and predator-rich savannah landscapes.

Serengeti National Park

Home to the Great Migration and one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa.

Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO-listed natural wonder with dense wildlife populations inside a volcanic caldera.

Zanzibar

A tropical island destination known for beaches, culture, and luxury resorts.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

  • June to October: Best overall safari conditions
  • July to September: Peak migration season
  • December to March: Best beach weather in Zanzibar

ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE

Package TypePrice Per Person
BudgetUSD 5,500 – 7,500
Mid-RangeUSD 7,800 – 13,500
LuxuryUSD 14,000 – 25,000+

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Park entry fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • Safari transport
  • Game drives
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Zanzibar included in this safari?

Yes. Zanzibar is the final beach extension of this itinerary.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro all offer Big Five opportunities.

Is this safari suitable for honeymooners?

Yes. It is one of the most popular honeymoon safari and beach combinations.

When is the best time for migration viewing?

Typically July to September, depending on wildlife movement.

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Zanzibar Beach Holidays
12 Day Kenya–Tanzania Safari Packages
13 Day Big Five Safari Circuit
13 Day Fly-In Luxury Safari
13 Day Great Migration Safari
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