Williamson Adventures
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro
    100% Private Safari

    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro

    9Days
    8Nights
    4Parks

    From $4,028 per person

    Embark on an unforgettable nine-day East African safari through Kenya and Tanzania, combining the legendary Maasai Mara, the wildlife-rich Northern and Central Serengeti, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Begin in Nairobi before exploring Lake Nakuru's remarkable wildlife and continuing to the Maasai Mara for exciting game drives across its open savannahs. Cross into Tanzania to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Northern Serengeti, where seasonal opportunities to witness Mara River crossings create extraordinary safari memories. Continue through the Central Serengeti before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, guided game drives and unforgettable African landscapes throughout your journey.

    Your journey

    Route Map

    Day by day

    Itinerary

    Day 1 · Nairobi, Kenya

    Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

    Upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi, you will be welcomed and transferred to The Heron Hotel for check-in and relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to enjoy the hotel's facilities or take in the atmosphere of Kenya's vibrant capital. Nairobi provides an excellent introduction to East Africa, combining modern city life with easy access to remarkable wildlife destinations. Your guide or representative will assist with the arrangements for the beginning of your safari and provide information about the journey ahead. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and settle in for an overnight stay before departing for Lake Nakuru the following day.

    The Heron HotelBreakfast
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
    Day 2 · Lake Nakuru National Park

    Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

    After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel towards Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and panoramic viewpoints along the way before arriving in the Lake Nakuru area. After lunch and check-in at Lake Nakuru Lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and diverse birdlife. You may also encounter buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks and other wildlife among the woodlands and grasslands surrounding the lake. Enjoy the opportunity to photograph the park's varied scenery before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Lake Nakuru LodgeBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
    Day 3 · Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Enjoy breakfast before departing Lake Nakuru for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Travel through Kenya's picturesque countryside towards one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and settle into AA Mara Lodge before heading out for a game drive, depending on your arrival time and the confirmed schedule. The Maasai Mara's vast grasslands support impressive populations of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and other wildlife. During the migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may move through the reserve in search of fresh grazing. Your guide will help you explore the surrounding plains and identify wildlife before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

    AA Mara LodgeBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
    Day 4 · Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Maasai Mara National Reserve, enjoying extended game drives across its wildlife-rich plains. After breakfast, venture into different areas of the reserve with your experienced safari guide in search of Africa's iconic animals. Look out for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes and large herds of grazing herbivores. Depending on the season and the movement of the migrating herds, you may also have opportunities to explore areas associated with the Great Wildebeest Migration. A picnic lunch allows you to maximise your time in the reserve before continuing your afternoon wildlife viewing. Later, return to AA Mara Lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening in preparation for your cross-border journey into Tanzania.

    AA Mara LodgeBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve
    Day 5 · Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

    Maasai Mara to Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

    Rise early for a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara before beginning your journey into Tanzania. After breakfast or a packed breakfast, travel towards the designated Kenya–Tanzania border crossing, where immigration and customs formalities will be completed. Continue into the Northern Serengeti, where your Tanzanian safari guide and vehicle arrangements will take you into this remarkable wildlife region. Depending on the border procedures, driving conditions and arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes and predators. The Northern Serengeti is especially famous during the migration season, when herds may gather near the Mara River. Arrive at Moyo Migration Tented Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Moyo Migration Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Maasai Mara to Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
    Day 6 · Northern Serengeti National Park

    Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti National Park

    Enjoy a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti, one of Tanzania's most exciting wildlife destinations during the Great Wildebeest Migration. After breakfast, head into the wilderness with your safari guide to search for the migrating herds and the predators that follow them. The Mara River region can provide opportunities to witness wildebeest gathering along the riverbanks and, when conditions permit, attempting dramatic crossings. These natural events are unpredictable, and sightings depend on the herds' movements, water conditions and the timing of your visit. Beyond the migration, the region supports elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards and numerous other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive before continuing your exploration. Return to Moyo Migration Tented Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Moyo Migration Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Full-Day Game Drive in Northern Serengeti National Park
    Day 7 · Central Serengeti National Park

    Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park

    After breakfast, depart the Northern Serengeti and travel south towards the Central Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. This journey provides an opportunity to explore changing landscapes, from the northern plains and riverine habitats to the expansive grasslands of the central region. The Central Serengeti is renowned for its resident wildlife and excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and large herds of grazing animals. Your guide will make stops for wildlife sightings whenever conditions and the day's schedule allow. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey before continuing towards your camp. Arrive at Moyo Tented Camp, settle in and enjoy dinner after a rewarding day exploring the Serengeti ecosystem.

    Moyo Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti National Park
    Day 8 · Ngorongoro Crater

    Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

    After breakfast, depart the Central Serengeti and travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes along the way. Continue towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary concentration of wildlife within a dramatic volcanic caldera. Subject to the confirmed schedule and conservation area arrangements, descend to the crater floor for a game drive across its grasslands, wetlands and woodland habitats. Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your crater exploration before ascending to the crater rim. Later, check in at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay with magnificent views of the surrounding highlands.

    Ngorongoro Serena Safari LodgeBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
    Day 9 · Arusha – Departure

    Ngorongoro Highlands to Arusha – Departure

    Enjoy breakfast at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge before beginning your final morning in the Ngorongoro highlands. Depending on your departure time and the arrangements confirmed, enjoy a short wildlife-viewing excursion or a scenic drive through the highlands, appreciating the region's rolling landscapes and rural communities. Please note that a further crater-floor game drive would require a specifically arranged excursion and applicable fees. Afterwards, begin your road transfer to Arusha, travelling through the beautiful countryside of northern Tanzania. Lunch will be provided according to the agreed arrangements. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be dropped off at your hotel, residence or another agreed location, marking the end of your memorable Kenya and Tanzania safari.

    Breakfast & Lunch
    9 Days Kenya & Tanzania: Mara River Crossing & Ngorongoro — Ngorongoro Highlands to Arusha – Departure
    Where you sleep

    Accommodation on This Journey

    The Heron Hotel
    Nairobi, Kenya

    The Heron Hotel

    1 Night
    Lake Nakuru Lodge
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    Lake Nakuru Lodge

    1 Night
    AA Mara Lodge
    Maasai Mara National Reserve

    AA Mara Lodge

    2 Nights
    Moyo Migration Tented Camp
    Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

    Moyo Migration Tented Camp

    2 Nights
    Moyo Tented Camp
    Central Serengeti National Park

    Moyo Tented Camp

    1 Night
    Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
    Ngorongoro Crater

    Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

    1 Night
    What is included

    Your Journey Covers

    Included

    • Airport arrival transfer in Nairobi, as specified in the confirmed quotation.
    • Safari transport in Kenya and Tanzania in suitable safari vehicles, with professional driver-guides.
    • Cross-border transfer arrangements between Kenya and Tanzania, including the agreed border crossing.
    • Accommodation for eight nights at the properties listed in the itinerary.
    • Meals as specified in the daily programme, subject to confirmation of the arrival-day arrangements.
    • Drinking water during game drives, where included in the final package.
    • Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
    • Park, reserve and conservation area entry fees, if expressly included in the quotation.
    • Applicable government taxes and levies, where included in the confirmed price.
    • Transfer to Arusha at the end of the safari.

    Not Included

    • International flights and domestic flights, unless expressly included.
    • Kenyan and Tanzanian visa fees and other required travel documentation.
    • Travel insurance, including medical and emergency evacuation cover.
    • Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs, telephone charges and additional services.
    • Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and beverages not expressly included in the package.
    • Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff and other service providers.
    • Optional activities not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
    • Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
    • Additional game drives, excursions or park fees beyond those specified in the final quotation.
    • Any services or expenses not expressly listed under the inclusions.
    Pricing & booking

    Price Per Person

    * All prices are per person in USD, based on the lodges listed in this itinerary. Contact us for an exact quote for your dates, group size and room preferences. See what a Tanzania safari costs.

    Group pricing

    2 people$5,214per personTotal $10,428
    4 people$4,325per personTotal $17,300
    6 people$4,028per personTotal $24,168
    • No booking fee — pay a 30% deposit to confirm
    • Park fees, guiding and transfers already included
    • Every price can be tailored to your dates

    Enquire about this journey

    No spam. We typically reply within 24 hours from our Arusha office.

    Safari FAQ

    Frequently asked safari questions

    Everything you need to know before travelling — from the best time to visit and what to pack, to visas, vehicles and tipping.

    The safari starts in Nairobi, Kenya and ends in Arusha, Tanzania, with airport transfers included as listed in the day-by-day itinerary.

    Year-round (July – October for the Great Migration and dry-season viewing) Every departure is private, so we can also tailor your travel dates around your schedule.

    Yes — you travel in your own private safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional, English-speaking driver-guide, and pricing depends on your group size.

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