Masai Mara and Tanzania Safari Circuit.

Embark on an extraordinary journey across East Africa’s most iconic landscapes from Kenya’s rolling Masai Mara plains to Tanzania’s vast Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and beyond. Whether you begin your adventure in Nairobi or Arusha, this seamless circuit delivers unmatched wildlife encounters, cultural depth, and scenic beauty.

Start in Nairobi: Into the Wild Masai Mara (at least 2 Nights)

Your adventure begins in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. From here, you’ll travel either by road or a short flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the famous Big Five and the spectacular Wildebeest Migration, normally a major tourist attraction that happens in Masai Mara between July and September. In Masai Mara, Olanka Safaris organizes daily game drives, sundowners on the savannah, an optional hot-air balloon safari, and cultural visits to Maasai villages. Your accommodations are booked on either an elegant tented camp or Lodge with scenic views of the wildlife.

Cross into Tanzania via the Isebania Border

After 2 nights in the Mara, you'll head south through the Isebania border crossing, transitioning smoothly from Kenya into Tanzania. Here, your Olanka team ensures all border logistics, including immigration and transport, are well handled. At this point, you will switch guides as it is the policy for safari operations between Kenya and Tanzania. But the transition is seamless, and the guides maintain the highest level of professionalism in all destinations.

Into the Northern Serengeti: The Migration Trail

Once in Tanzania, your first stop is the Northern Serengeti, famed for dramatic river crossings and predator action during migration season. At Serengeti National Park, you are required to pay concession and park Fees, not that these fees are paid separately. At Serengeti, you can spend 2-3 nights exploring Mara River crossings and vast, untouched landscapes.

Continue South to Central & Southern Serengeti

Drive deeper into the South Serengeti, known for year-round game viewing, cheetah hunts, and golden sunsets. Here you can stay in tented camps and eco-lodges, which give you intimacy with the wild. Like in Kenya, Olanka Safaris organizes full-day game drives, photography safaris, and optional walking tours.

Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

From Serengeti, head southeast to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. You’ll pay three separate fees here - the Ngorongoro Park Entry Fee, Concession Fee, and a Crater Fee of US$300 per vehicle for descending into the crater. This is a unique safari destination where you will spot rhinos, lions, and flamingos in one of the densest wildlife zones on Earth.

End at Kilimanjaro Airport or Explore Arusha

After your crater safari, you can fly out from Kilimanjaro International Airport or explore Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is a scenic gem filled with giraffes, birds, and views of Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mt Kilimanjaro. If you are also looking for a beach experience, you can book more days to extend your trip to Dar es Salam and Zanzibar Island.

Reverse Route: Start in Arusha, End in Nairobi

For travelers wanting to start with Tanzania, you can start in Arusha and travel northward through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, crossing the Isebania border into Masai Mara before your trip in Kenya. You can extend your stay in Kenya to explore destinations such as Tsavo National Park and Diani Beach.

The safari in Kenya and Tanzania will take 10 to 15 days, but can increase or reduce depending on the destinations you would like to visit, your budget, and availability.

Information you need to know when planning to visit the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.

1. The minimum recommended number of nights to stay in Masai Mara is 2 nights. When travelling by road, you can book 3 to 4 nights since you will spend more time in transit during the first and last day of your trip.
2. Masai Mara entry tickets cost US$200 per adult and US$100 per child during the high season, and US$100 and US$50 for an adult and child, respectively, during the low season.
3. Masai Mara tickets are paid in cash in US$ dollars, but you can also card at the entry gates.
4. You can visit the Masai Mara and get into the Serengeti through the Isebania border point. However, you need to produce your travel documents at the border point to get into Tanzania. These include your tourist visa, yellow fever certificate, passport, and any other travel requirements.
5. Carry light clothing and a few warm clothes to wear during different destinations, since the weather changes as you move from one destination to another.
6. Tanzania charges park entry fees and concession fees separately in their parks when you are staying in a lodge within the park.

Nairobi to Masai Mara Safari Options.

21 Days Kenya, Tanzania Safari Adventure and Zanzibar Island Relaxation

5 Days 4 Nights Masai Mara Luxury Safari

4 Days 3 Nights Private Masai Mara Safari

2 Days Masai Mara Flying Safari