Overview
The ultimate 10-day East Africa expedition crossing from Kenya's Masai Mara into Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro — two countries, one migration.
This epic 10-day cross-border safari follows the Great Migration across two countries, delivering the very best of East African wildlife in a single, seamless journey. Beginning in Nairobi, you drive southwest to the Masai Mara, where three nights in a luxury conservancy camp provide front-row seats to Kenya's share of the migration drama — thundering river crossings, prowling big cats, and sweeping savanna panoramas. From the Mara, you cross the border into Tanzania and enter the Serengeti from the north, following the very path the wildebeest take on their eternal circuit. Two nights in the Serengeti reveal the Tanzanian side of this extraordinary ecosystem, with its kopje-studded plains and resident predator populations. The journey culminates at the Ngorongoro Crater, where a dawn descent to the caldera floor delivers one of the most concentrated wildlife spectacles on Earth. Throughout the trip, you stay in world-class luxury lodges and camps, dine on exceptional cuisine, and benefit from the knowledge of two expert guides — one Kenyan, one Tanzanian — each bringing deep local expertise to their respective territory. This is the definitive East Africa safari, crossing borders and defying boundaries to give you the complete migration story.
Package Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel in the Karen suburb. Refresh after your journey and meet your Kenyan guide over a welcome dinner, where the route and highlights of this cross-border adventure are mapped out in detail.
Overnight: Hemingways NairobiMeals: DinnerPrivate airport transfer to KarenLuxury hotel check-inWelcome cocktail and dinnerSafari briefing and route overviewDay 2
Nairobi to Masai Mara
Depart Nairobi and drive southwest to the Masai Mara, one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. The Great Rift Valley unfolds before you as you descend from the escarpment. Arrive at your luxury tented camp in a private conservancy and enjoy your first afternoon game drive, where lion prides, elephant herds, and giraffe towers populate the golden grasslands.
Overnight: Governors' Il Moran Camp, Masai MaraMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerScenic drive through the Great Rift ValleyRift Valley escarpment viewpointLuxury camp check-in and orientationAfternoon game drive — first Mara wildlifeSundowner overlooking the Mara RiverDay 3
Masai Mara — Migration & River Crossings
A full day tracking the migration in the Masai Mara. Your guide's intimate knowledge of the ecosystem leads you to the best crossing points on the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest plunge into the churning waters, dodging crocodiles and the strong current. Between crossings, track the Mara's apex predators — lion prides, cheetah coalitions, and elusive leopards.
Overnight: Governors' Il Moran Camp, Masai MaraMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFull-day migration tracking game driveMara River crossing vigil and photographyCrocodile and hippo observation at the riverBig cat tracking on the open plainsBush picnic lunch with savanna viewsDay 4
Masai Mara — Conservancy & Night Drive
Explore the private conservancy, where exclusive access means fewer vehicles and a more intimate experience. Off-road driving brings you close to shy species like serval cats and bat-eared foxes. In the evening, a thrilling night drive illuminates the after-dark world — leopards on the prowl, spring hares bouncing through the grass, and the eerie calls of hyenas.
Overnight: Governors' Il Moran Camp, Masai MaraMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning conservancy game drive — off-road trackingServal cat and bat-eared fox spottingAfternoon Maasai village cultural visitNight game drive — leopards and nocturnal speciesStar-lit dinner at campDay 5
Masai Mara to Serengeti (Border Crossing)
A historic day — you cross the Kenya-Tanzania border overland at Isebania/Sirari, following the same route the migration herds take. Your Kenyan guide hands you over to your Tanzanian guide at the border, and you enter the Serengeti from the north. Game driving begins immediately as you travel through the Lamai Wedge, where the migration herds mass in enormous numbers.
Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Northern SerengetiMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning departure from the Masai MaraKenya-Tanzania border crossing at IsebaniaMeet your Tanzanian guide and vehicleGame drive through the Lamai Wedge — migration herdsAfternoon arrival at the northern Serengeti lodgeDay 6
Full Day in the Serengeti
Explore the Serengeti's northern sector, where the Mara River winds through kopje-studded plains. The northern Serengeti is less visited than the central valley, offering a sense of wilderness and solitude. Track large prides of lion, spot leopards in riverine trees, and witness the migration from the Tanzanian perspective — a subtly different experience from the Kenyan side.
Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Northern SerengetiMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDawn game drive along the Mara River (Tanzanian side)Migration herd observation and photographyKopje exploration — lions and klipspringersAfternoon game drive to remote areasSundowner with Serengeti panoramaDay 7
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Drive south through the Serengeti, game viewing along the way. Cross the vast Serengeti plains where the horizon is unbroken in every direction. Exit via Naabi Hill Gate and climb the wooded slopes to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Settle into your lodge, perched on the edge of this ancient caldera, and absorb the extraordinary panorama below.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning game drive through the central SerengetiScenic drive across the short-grass plainsOlduvai Gorge museum visitAscend to the Ngorongoro Crater rimCrater rim sunset viewingDay 8
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full morning of game driving on the caldera floor. This 260-square-kilometer natural arena supports over 25,000 large mammals, including all of the Big Five. Spot black rhino grazing near the lake, massive-maned crater lions, and herds of buffalo moving across the grasslands. Ascend after lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDawn descent into the Ngorongoro CraterFull morning crater floor game driveBlack rhino and lion observationFlamingo viewing at Lake MagadiAfternoon at leisure on the crater rimDay 9
Ngorongoro to Arusha
Depart the crater highlands and drive east through the lush coffee-growing region of Karatu and the Maasai steppe to the town of Arusha. Arrive by early afternoon and enjoy an optional visit to the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre or a relaxed afternoon at your lodge. A farewell dinner celebrates the completion of this extraordinary cross-border journey.
Overnight: Arusha Coffee LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning drive through Karatu coffee countryScenic drive through the Maasai steppeArrival in Arusha and hotel check-inOptional Cultural Heritage Centre visitFarewell dinner celebrating the cross-border journeyDay 10
Arusha Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, or extend your East Africa adventure with a Zanzibar beach extension, a Kilimanjaro trek, or a return to Nairobi. Your cross-border safari — spanning two countries, one migration, and countless unforgettable moments — draws to a close.
Overnight: N/A — departure dayMeals: BreakfastLeisurely breakfast at the lodgeOptional morning Arusha city tourPrivate transfer to Kilimanjaro International AirportDeparture assistance
What's Included
Included
- Airport transfers in Nairobi and Arusha
- All park, conservancy, and border crossing fees
- Full-board luxury accommodation throughout
- Professional English-speaking guides in both countries
- 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Night drive in Mara conservancy
- Border crossing assistance and formalities
- Ngorongoro Crater descent and service fees
- Drinking water and soft drinks during activities
- Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Kenya e-Visa and Tanzania tourist visa
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional hot air balloon safaris
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required)
Where to Stay
TENTED_CAMPMara River Tented Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve
An exclusive tented camp on the banks of the Mara River, positioned for front-row seats to the Great Migration river crossings.
from $600 / night
LUXURY_LODGEAmboseli Kilimanjaro Lodge
Amboseli National Park
A lodge with iconic Kilimanjaro views and direct access to Amboseli's legendary elephant herds.
from $350 / night
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