13 Day Mikumi, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Grand Safari

The 13 Day Mikumi, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Mara Grand Safari is designed for travelers seeking a deeper East African safari experience that extends beyond the classic Northern Circuit.

Beginning in Southern Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park, this itinerary introduces guests to one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife destinations before connecting with the world-famous Serengeti ecosystem, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Maasai Mara.

By combining lesser-visited safari regions with Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, this journey offers a remarkable balance between exclusivity and iconic safari experiences.

For travelers who want more than the standard safari route, this itinerary delivers exceptional wildlife diversity, varied landscapes, fewer crowds in selected regions, and outstanding opportunities to encounter the Big Five.

WHY THIS SAFARI IS UNIQUE

Most East Africa safaris focus exclusively on Northern Tanzania and Kenya.

This itinerary stands out by incorporating:

  • Southern Tanzania wildlife experiences
  • Mikumi’s uncrowded safari environment
  • The Serengeti migration ecosystem
  • Ngorongoro Crater’s exceptional wildlife density
  • Maasai Mara’s renowned Big Five game viewing
  • Diverse landscapes across multiple ecosystems
  • Extended safari duration for comprehensive wildlife exploration
  • Excellent value compared to fly-in luxury itineraries

This safari offers one of the most complete wildlife journeys available in East Africa.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Dar es Salaam → Mikumi National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Nairobi

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wildlife-rich Mikumi National Park
  • Mkata Floodplain game viewing
  • Serengeti predator encounters
  • Seasonal Great Migration opportunities
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari
  • Big Five wildlife viewing
  • Cross-border East Africa safari experience
  • Maasai Mara game drives
  • Diverse photographic landscapes
  • Lower visitor numbers in Mikumi

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DAR ES SALAAM

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Depending on arrival time, optional city excursions may be arranged.

A safari briefing will be conducted in preparation for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Dar es Salaam

DAY 2: DAR ES SALAAM → MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park.

The drive passes through scenic landscapes and local communities before entering one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations.

Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Hippos

The open grasslands of Mikumi are often compared to the Serengeti.

Overnight: Mikumi

DAY 3: FULL DAY MIKUMI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park.

The park’s Mkata Floodplain supports impressive concentrations of wildlife and offers excellent photographic opportunities.

Possible sightings include:

  • Lions
  • Elephants
  • Eland
  • Zebras
  • Buffalo
  • Crocodiles
  • Hippos

Birdlife is abundant throughout the park.

The relatively low visitor numbers contribute to a more exclusive safari experience.

Overnight: Mikumi

DAY 4: MIKUMI → ARUSHA

After breakfast, transfer for your onward connection to Arusha.

Depending on operational preferences, this may involve a domestic flight or road transfer with overnight in Arusha.

The evening is reserved for relaxation before entering Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Overnight: Arusha

DAY 5: ARUSHA → SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, travel toward Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands.

The journey itself offers exceptional scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 6: FULL DAY SERENGETI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti ecosystem.

Wildlife highlights include:

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

Depending on the season, migration herds may be present.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 7: SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

A second full day in Serengeti allows exploration of additional wildlife regions.

Your guide will adjust routes according to recent wildlife sightings and seasonal movements.

This extended stay significantly improves opportunities for predator encounters and photographic experiences.

Overnight: Serengeti

DAY 8: SERENGETI → NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

After breakfast, continue toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

En-route wildlife viewing remains excellent throughout the journey.

Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim.

Enjoy panoramic views over one of Africa’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 9: NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.

The crater supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere in Africa.

Possible sightings include:

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

The crater floor provides exceptional game viewing year-round.

Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 10: NGORONGORO → MAASAI MARA (VIA ISEBANIA BORDER)

After breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara ecosystem via the Isebania border crossing.

Upon entering Kenya, continue to Maasai Mara for an evening game drive.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 11: FULL DAY MAASAI MARA SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves.

The Maasai Mara is renowned for:

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

A picnic lunch allows extended game viewing.

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 12: MAASAI MARA WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Another full day allows deeper exploration of different sectors of the reserve.

Your guide will focus on maximizing wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.

Optional activity:

  • Hot air balloon safari

Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 13: MAASAI MARA → NAIROBI

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and drive to Nairobi.

Upon arrival, transfer to the airport or your preferred accommodation.

End of safari.

DESTINATIONS COVERED

Mikumi National Park

One of Tanzania’s most underrated safari destinations, known for open grasslands, excellent wildlife viewing, and lower visitor numbers.

Serengeti National Park

World-famous ecosystem supporting exceptional predator populations and the Great Migration.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich environments.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Premier safari destination known for Big Five sightings and seasonal migration activity.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June – October

Excellent wildlife viewing conditions throughout the itinerary.

July – October

Best migration opportunities in Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

January – March

Excellent predator viewing and fewer visitors.

Year-Round

Mikumi offers rewarding wildlife experiences throughout the year.

ESTIMATED SAFARI PRICE RANGE

Package TypePrice Per Person
BudgetUSD 4,900 – 6,800
Mid-RangeUSD 7,200 – 12,500
LuxuryUSD 13,000 – 22,500+

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation throughout safari
  • Park and conservation fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • Private safari vehicle
  • Game drives
  • Border crossing assistance
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Airport transfers

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights (if selected separately)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why include Mikumi National Park?

Mikumi provides a less crowded safari experience and introduces travelers to Southern Tanzania’s wildlife ecosystems.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Big Five sightings are possible across Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Maasai Mara.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It combines famous wildlife destinations with lesser-known safari regions for a more complete East African experience.

Does this itinerary include the Great Migration?

Seasonally, yes. Serengeti and Maasai Mara form part of the Great Migration ecosystem.

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