15 Day Kenya & Tanzania Great Migration Safari with Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Day 2 – Depart Nairobi for Maasai Mara National Reserve – The Safari Begins

Start your adventure with breakfast before departing Nairobi and travelling through Kenya’s rolling highlands toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This world-famous wilderness is home to the iconic Big Five and is celebrated as one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations.

Arrive and check in at your safari lodge, then head out for an afternoon of game viewing across the Mara’s sweeping savannahs. This first glimpse of the reserve offers excellent chances to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, antelope, and countless other species as they roam the plains.

Return to your lodge in the early evening to unwind and enjoy dinner surrounded by the atmosphere of the African bush.

Travel Time: Approximately 5hrs
Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Double Room) or similar
Board Basis: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Full Day in Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich ecosystems. With more than 450 animal species recorded, every moment on safari brings new sights and surprises.

Traverse the sweeping savannah in search of lazing lions basking in the sun, watchful crocodiles along the waterways, and towering giraffes moving gracefully across the plains. Keep an eye out for playful warthogs, large buffalo herds, and a wide variety of antelope species, from gazelles to the majestic eland.

The skies above the Mara are just as captivating, with approximately 570 bird species — including vibrant rollers, elegant cranes, and more than 50 birds of prey soaring overhead.

During the annual Great Migration (July to October), the Mara becomes the stage for one of the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. More than 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras, along with thousands of gazelles, thunder across the plains and brave the dramatic river crossings as they follow ancient migration routes. This breathtaking event is a powerful testament to the circle of life and an unforgettable highlight for nature lovers.

Return to your lodge in the evening after an exhilarating day of game viewing.

Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Double Room) or similar
Board Basis: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Distance: Extensive game-viewing circuits within the reserve (variable depending on wildlife sightings)

Day 4 Maasai Mara National Reserve – Full Day of Game Viewing

Delve deep into the Maasai Mara’s famously rich and diverse ecosystem, home to more than 450 species of animals. As you explore the reserve, you may spot lions basking in the warm African sun, crocodiles lurking along the waterways, towering giraffes wandering the plains, and comical warthogs trotting through the grasslands. An impressive variety of antelope species — including impala, topi, and eland — can be found throughout the reserve.

Look to the skies for even more excitement: with around 570 recorded bird species, including more than 50 birds of prey, the Mara offers exceptional birdwatching from treetop to horizon.

From July to October, the reserve becomes the setting for one of nature’s most astonishing events — the Great Migration. During this period, around 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras, along with thousands of gazelles, move across the plains and make their perilous river crossings. Witnessing this incredible cycle of life is one of the most moving and unforgettable experiences in the natural world.

After a thrilling day of wildlife encounters, return to your lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Double Room) or similar
Board Basis: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Distance: Variable, depending on wildlife movements and game-viewing routes

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru National Park

Depart the Mara after breakfast and begin the scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy game viewing in one of Kenya’s most ecologically important and wildlife-rich parks.

Lake Nakuru is famed as one of the few places where both black and white rhinos can reliably be seen, thanks to its long-standing conservation efforts. The park is also a vital sanctuary for the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, offering excellent opportunities to observe these elegant animals up close. Along the lakeshore, seasonal gatherings of flamingos create breathtaking pink hues that contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscapes.

Other wildlife highlights include lions, leopards, buffalo, waterbuck, and an impressive range of bird species that thrive in this diverse ecosystem.

After an exciting afternoon of game viewing, settle into your lodge for dinner and a restful evening.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge (Double Room) or similar
Board Basis: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Distance: Approx. 5–6 hours (depending on road conditions and stops)

Day 6 – Lake Nakuru National Park to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru National Park and begin the journey south toward Amboseli National Park, travelling through a patchwork of highland farms, open savannahs, and rural landscapes as you make your way toward Kenya’s southern plains.

Dominated by the breathtaking silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations. Though relatively compact, it offers vast, open vistas and exceptional wildlife viewing. The park’s lush swamps — fed by underground springs — attract large herds of elephants, and Amboseli is famous for being home to some of the last remaining Big Tuskers in Africa: colossal, ancient bulls with ivory so long it nearly touches the ground.

Arrive in the early afternoon and enjoy a short game drive, exploring both the open plains and the verdant wetlands where hippos, buffalo, and countless bird species thrive. With favourable weather, you may be treated to the unforgettable sight of elephants moving across the plains with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit rising behind them.

Settle into your lodge for dinner and relax as you take in the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable landscape.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge (Standard Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Driving – approx. 6–7 hours (depending on road conditions and stops)

Day 7 – Amboseli National Park Full Day

Spend a full day exploring the sweeping landscapes of Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Towering above the plains, Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest peak — provides a spectacular backdrop throughout your adventures, its snow-capped summit appearing like a guiding landmark on the horizon.

From the vast dry lakebed of prehistoric Lake Amboseli to rolling savannahs and the park’s lush, spring-fed swamps, Amboseli is bursting with wildlife activity. Watch for slender jackals trotting through the grasslands, spotted hyenas patrolling for opportunities, and olive baboons and vervet monkeys observing your vehicle from acacia branches.

Amboseli is most famous for its impressive elephant herds, including some of Africa’s last remaining Big Tuskers, colossal bulls whose ivory reaches astonishing lengths. With your expert guide, seek out these giants along with buffalo, hippos, an array of antelope species, and the park’s rich birdlife.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax and enjoy dinner as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge (Standard Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Distance: Flexible, based on wildlife movements and game-drive routes

Day 8 – Amboseli National Park → Namanga Border (Tanzania) → Karatu (Ngorongoro Region)

Today, leave Amboseli behind and journey toward Tanzania, crossing the border at Namanga where your Tanzanian team will meet you for your onward transfer. From here, travel through the scenic northern highlands as you make your way to Karatu, a charming town perfectly positioned as the gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.

Karatu is a vibrant hub for travellers heading into Tanzania’s most famous wildlife regions, offering a peaceful atmosphere, rolling farmland, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening, preparing for tomorrow’s spectacular safari adventures.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge (Deluxe Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours

Day 9 – Ngorongoro Crater → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Serengeti (Ndutu Region)

This morning, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a closer look at the extraordinary wildlife that thrives within this breathtaking natural amphitheatre. Spend the full morning game viewing, watching for prides of lions, herds of Cape buffalo, graceful impala, and the impressive and highly protected black rhino.

As the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife havens. Its diverse habitats support an incredible variety of animals, from elusive cheetahs and leopards to playful hyenas, alongside an abundance of birds whose calls echo across the crater floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool, a lively spot where hippos wallow and birds flock to the water’s edge.

In the afternoon, continue your journey toward Ndutu, located between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the southern Serengeti. This region is a crucial part of the Great Migration route, particularly during the calving season, when wildlife viewing is exceptional. Upon arrival, check in and relax for the evening.

Please Note: Accommodation for Days 9–11 varies among three seasonal lodges/camps to ensure guests are optimally positioned to experience the Great Migration at its very best.

Accommodation:

• Ndutu Safari Lodge (Cottage) OR
• Moyo Tented Camp (Moyo Luxury Tent) OR
• Ang’ata Serengeti Camp (Guest Tent) or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Driving – approx. 4 hours (excluding crater tour)

Day 10 – Serengeti National Park Full Day

Spend the day exploring the incredible Ndutu region of the Serengeti, a year-round wildlife hotspot and one of the very best places on Earth to witness the Great Migration. Here, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the plains in search of fresh grazing, creating one of nature’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacles. And where the herds travel, formidable predators — lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards — are never far behind.

Over the next two days, enjoy full-day game drives, immersing yourself in the rich wildlife, sweeping grasslands, and dramatic skies of the southern Serengeti. Keep watch for prowling big cats, sprinting cheetahs, and scavengers waiting patiently for their chance. The region’s distinctive kopjes — ancient granite outcrops rising from the plains — create iconic backdrops and provide favourite lookout points for predators.

Lunch is served in the heart of the bush, allowing uninterrupted time in the wilderness and maximum chances of witnessing wildlife action. No matter the season, the Serengeti offers a one-of-a-kind window into the raw and humbling rhythms of the animal kingdom.

In the evening, return to camp to gather around the campfire. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the stars brighten overhead, enjoy the warmth of good company and the unforgettable atmosphere of the Serengeti at night.

Please Note: Accommodation for Days 9–11 varies among three seasonal options to ensure travellers are best placed to experience the Great Migration.

Accommodation:

• Ndutu Safari Lodge (Cottage) OR
• Moyo Tented Camp (Moyo Luxury Tent) OR
• Ang’ata Serengeti Camp (Guest Tent) or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Extensive game-viewing distances within the Serengeti (variable depending on wildlife movements)

Day 11 – Serengeti National Park Full Day

Continue your adventure in the awe-inspiring Ndutu region of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most reliable year-round wildlife hotspots. This area is especially renowned for its front-row views of the Great Migration, where immense herds of wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains on their ancient annual journey. Wherever the herds wander, impressive predators — including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas — are never far behind.

Spend another full day on extended game drives, tracking wildlife across the sweeping grasslands and taking in the dramatic scenery. Keep an eye on the distinctive kopjes, the granite outcrops that rise from the plains — favourite resting and lookout spots for big cats.

Lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the bush, ensuring you remain fully immersed in the day’s wildlife action without returning to camp. Regardless of the season, Ndutu offers an unforgettable glimpse into the raw, humbling rhythms of the wild.

As evening falls, return to camp and gather around the crackling campfire. Sharing stories under a vast star-filled sky is a timeless Serengeti experience and the perfect way to end another remarkable day.

Please Note: Accommodation for Days 9–11 varies among three seasonal options to ensure guests are best positioned to experience the Great Migration at its peak.

Accommodation:

• Ndutu Safari Lodge (Cottage) OR
• Moyo Tented Camp (Moyo Luxury Tent) OR
• Ang’ata Serengeti Camp (Guest Tent) or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Full-day game viewing within the Serengeti (variable depending on wildlife movements)

Day 12 – Serengeti National Park → Tarangire National Park

Bid farewell to the vast plains of the Serengeti as you begin your journey toward Tarangire National Park. The scenery shifts from rolling grasslands to acacia-dotted countryside before reaching the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tarangire, known for its dramatic mix of habitats and impressive diversity of animals.

Named after the Tarangire River, the park’s vital water source, Tarangire supports an intricate ecosystem of flora and fauna. Here, you’ll encounter towering baobab trees—the ancient “tree of life”—as well as large herds of elephants, zebra, wildebeest, and a wide variety of bird species. The river attracts wildlife year-round, creating prime conditions for exceptional game viewing.

On arrival, check in at your safari lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the natural beauty of Tarangire, preparing for another exciting day of exploration tomorrow.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge (Standard Tent) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Driving – approx. six hours

Day 13 – Tarangire National Park

Spend a full day exploring the enchanting landscapes of Tarangire National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. This park is renowned for its impressive elephant herds, graceful gazelles, imposing buffalo, and the striking silhouettes of oryx moving across the plains. With its river system and varied terrain, Tarangire offers rich and rewarding wildlife viewing throughout the day.

Birdlife is abundant and vibrant, with colourful hornbills, hoopoes, kingfishers, eagles, and many more species adding splashes of movement and sound to the treetops and riverbanks.

Beyond the larger mammals, Tarangire is also alive with fascinating smaller creatures. With your guide’s sharp eye, watch for the colour-shifting agama lizard, the quick-footed hyrax, and other often-overlooked animals that bring a unique charm to the ecosystem.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxing night under Tarangire’s star-filled skies.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge (Standard Tent) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: Flexible, based on game-drive routes and wildlife sightings

Day 14 – Tarangire National Park → Arusha → Kilimanjaro International Airport

This morning, check out of your Tarangire accommodation and begin the drive back toward Arusha, passing through the scenic highlands and open countryside of northern Tanzania. Continue onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable East African adventure.

Meal: Breakfast
Travel Time: Driving – approx. three hours