The two great safari countries in one trip — Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Amboseli, crossing at Isebania with no doubling back.
Most travellers who come to East Africa want both countries and are told to pick one. This is the itinerary that does not make you choose. Twelve days runs the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti as what they actually are — one ecosystem either side of a line on a map — then adds the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire's elephant herds and Amboseli under Kilimanjaro on the way home.
We drive it rather than fly it, crossing at the Isebania/Sirari border, because the ground between the parks is where a great deal of the trip happens. Between July and October the migration herds are moving through both reserves, which is the single best reason to run the two together. A flying option between the Mara and northern Serengeti is available on request.
We collect you in Nairobi after breakfast and drive south-west through the Rift Valley escarpment to the Mara, arriving in time for a late-afternoon game drive when the cats begin to move.
A full day in the reserve with a packed lunch, working the Mara and Talek rivers. In migration season this is crossing country.
West into the Mara Triangle, the quieter, better-managed side of the reserve, with the Oloololo escarpment as a backdrop.
An early start west to the Isebania/Sirari border. Formalities done, we continue into the northern Serengeti — the same grassland, a different country.
The Mara River from the Tanzanian side, where the herds cross back and forth through the dry months.
South through the corridor into Seronera, the year-round heart of the park and the best leopard country in East Africa.
A full day at your guide's discretion, following what the park is actually doing rather than a fixed route.
Out through Naabi Hill Gate and up onto the crater rim, with the whole caldera opening up below you as you arrive.
Down onto the crater floor at first light for the descent game drive — black rhino, big-tusked bulls and the densest lion population anywhere — then on to Tarangire.
A morning among Tarangire's baobabs and elephant herds, then the road north to the border and Amboseli.
Amboseli's swamps hold elephants all day, and on a clear morning Kilimanjaro stands behind them — the photograph everyone comes for.
A last morning game drive, then the road back to Nairobi for your onward flight.
Our packing list covers all 38 items worth carrying — why neutral colours matter, why binoculars are one pair per person, what we already provide, and the two things that are actually against the law to pack here.
Pack soft, not a hard suitcase — safari vehicle lockers and light-aircraft holds are an awkward shape.
Photo gallery for 12 Days Kenya & Tanzania Classic Safari. Capturing route highlights, scenery and moments from this tour in Maasai Mara Safaris.
Curated places to stay near Maasai Mara Safaris — handy for the nights before and after your 12 Days Kenya & Tanzania Classic Safari.
zebra Plains Mara Camp is small boutique luxury tented camp nestled in Maasai Mara Game Reserv
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Hilltop lodge overlooking the Mara River and migration crossings.
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Budget-friendly tented camp on the Talek River.
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Budget camp accomodation
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Free to move your dates up to 60 days before departure. Cancel more than 60 days out and the deposit is refunded less any non-recoverable permit, park or internal flight costs already paid on your behalf; between 60 and 30 days, 50% of the trip price; inside 30 days, 100%. We will always tell you exactly what has already been committed and why. Trips are quoted per person on a shared basis — the single supplement applies only if you want your own room or tent throughout.
$3950
per person
Child: $2760
10% group discount
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Based on reviews from TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, and Google
3-day midrange safari with Big Five sightings and Maasai cultural experience-July to …
Witness the incredible Great Migration river crossings.(July-October).
Specialized photography safari with pro photographer guide.
Authentic Maasai village experience and cultural exchange.
Book now and experience the thrill of 12 Days Kenya & Tanzania Classic Safari. Our expert guides are ready to take you on an unforgettable journey.
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