From Mara to Serengeti: A 10-Day Safari Through Kenya and Tanzania
Big skies, bigger herds, and a front-row seat to Earth’s oldest show
Long before the sun climbs above the acacia skyline, the savanna is awake. Grass murmurs under a cool breeze; a river dares you closer with a velvet rush; a hyena’s cackle flickers out and dies as light gathers in the east. Then it happens—the first shape in the half-light, a lioness easing through silvered grass, followed by two cubs with ears too big for their swagger. Dawn in the Maasai Mara doesn’t greet you; it nudges you into its rhythm and expects you to keep up.
Trail Wisdom
Layer Up for Cool Mornings
Pre-dawn drives on the Mara and the Ngorongoro rim can be chilly; pack a light fleece and windproof shell for the first hour.
Protect Your Optics
Dust is part of the adventure. Use a lens hood, carry a microfiber cloth, and stow your camera in a zip-top bag between sightings.
Border-Ready Documents
If your itinerary crosses the Kenya–Tanzania border, confirm visa requirements in advance and carry your yellow fever certificate.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Stay seated and quiet during sightings; your guide will manage vehicle position to avoid stressing animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Baboon Cliff Lookout at Lake Nakuru for sweeping Rift Valley views
- •Mara Triangle viewpoints near the Oloololo Escarpment at golden hour
Wildlife
Black rhino, Lilac-breasted roller
Conservation Note
Kenya and Tanzania enforce strict park rules—stay on designated tracks, keep distance from wildlife, and note Kenya’s ban on single-use plastic bags to reduce waste.
At Olduvai Gorge, Mary and Louis Leakey uncovered early hominin fossils, including Homo habilis, dating to roughly 1.9 million years ago.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Lush landscapes, Birding after the rains
Challenges: Long rains possible, Muddy or slick roads
March–May brings green country and prolific birdlife, but afternoon showers and rougher road conditions are common.
summer
Best for: Dry-season visibility, Great Migration in Mara/Serengeti (varies by month)
Challenges: Dust on game-drive tracks, Cool mornings on highlands
June–August is classic safari weather with crisp mornings, clear afternoons, and excellent wildlife concentration near water.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Extended Migration viewing in September
Challenges: Short rains may start in November, Some tracks become slick
September–November balances great game viewing with thinning crowds; expect a shift to short, scattered showers later in the season.
winter
Best for: Serengeti calving (Jan–Feb), Clear skies and warm days
Challenges: Midday heat on the plains, Occasional afternoon storms
December–February features a short dry spell and, in late Jan–Feb, wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti—predator action can be intense.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
8x–10x BinocularsEssential
Quality optics transform distant sightings into rich encounters and reduce eye strain on long drives.
Soft-Sided Duffel (20–25 kg)Essential
Easier to pack in safari vehicles and small aircraft than hard suitcases; many lodges have luggage limits.
Neutral, Lightweight LayersEssential
Breathable earth-tone clothing keeps you cool, blends into the environment, and helps with chilly mornings.
High-Capacity Power Bank
Not all vehicles have charging points; keep cameras and phones topped up between long game drives.
Common Questions
What wildlife might I see on this itinerary?
Expect Big Five possibilities (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino) alongside cheetah, hippo, giraffe, zebra, and prolific birdlife. Seasonal highlights include the Great Migration and calving in the southern Serengeti.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes for families who enjoy nature and can handle early mornings and long drives. Some lodges have age limits for certain activities; confirm in advance.
Do I need a visa for Kenya and Tanzania?
Most travelers require separate visas for each country. Apply online before travel where available, and carry your passport and yellow fever certificate for border crossings.
What are the roads like between parks?
Expect a mix of paved highways and corrugated dirt tracks. Transfer times between parks can be 4–6 hours depending on conditions.
Is Wi‑Fi available in the lodges and camps?
Many properties offer Wi‑Fi in common areas, but speeds vary and service can be intermittent. Plan to disconnect while on game drives.
Can I use a drone for photography?
Drones are generally not permitted in Kenyan and Tanzanian national parks and reserves without special authorization. Leave it at home.
What to Pack
Wide-brim hat and sunscreen for equatorial sun; lightweight neutral layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons; binoculars to elevate distant sightings; a soft-sided duffel to simplify vehicle loading and meet luggage limits.
Did You Know
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning about 260 square kilometers and sheltering one of Africa’s densest concentrations of large mammals.
Quick Travel Tips
Carry small USD bills or local currency for tips and market stops; bring a yellow fever certificate for cross-border travel; book a window seat in the vehicle for better viewing; plan extra time in Nairobi or Arusha to buffer flight delays.
Local Flavor
In Nairobi, celebrate your return from the Mara with nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali at Kenyatta Market, or a farm-to-table dinner at The Talisman in Karen. In Karatu, between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, try a coffee tour and tuck into Tanzanian staples—nyama na irio, pilau, and kachumbari—at a local guesthouse. In Arusha, wrap up with a cold Tusker or a cappuccino at Africafe while the day’s dust settles.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Nairobi (NBO) for arrivals; some itineraries end near Arusha (JRO). Typical drives: Nairobi to Maasai Mara 5–6 hours; Mara to Nakuru 4–5 hours; Nakuru to Manyara/Ngorongoro 6–8 hours (with border formalities); Ngorongoro to Serengeti 3–5 hours. Cell service: patchy in parks, better in towns and at lodges. Permits: Park fees included with most tours; visas required for Kenya and Tanzania for many nationalities; carry yellow fever certificate.
Sustainability Note
Stay on established tracks, keep noise low at sightings, and never feed wildlife. Refill a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and choose lodges that support local communities and conservation initiatives.
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