7 Days – Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Price per person sharing

• Solo – USD $$$
• Group of 2 – USD $$$
• Group of 3 – USD $$$
• Group of 4 – USD $$$
• Group of 5 – USD $$$
• Group of 6 – USD $$$
• Group of 7 – USD $$$

Itinerary Overview

This itinerary includes Nairobi to Lake Nakuru(1N), famous for its pink-hued flamingos and as a sanctuary for black and white rhinos; and Maasai Mara National Reserve(2N), Kenya’s premier safari destination, renowned for big cat sightings and the Great Migration(July-October), before ending the safari at Isebania.

This itinerary includes Isebania to Central Serengeti(2N), a haven for big cats and varied wildlife; and Ngorongoro Crater(1N), renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density, before ending the safari at Arusha.

Short Itinerary

Day 1 – Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drives in Lake Nakuru
Day 2 ( – Transfer to Masai Mara for afternoon game drives in Masai Mara
Day 3  – Full day game drives in Masai Mara
Day 4  – Transfer to Isebania Border to start Tanzania leg of the tour. Isebania Border to Central Serengeti
Day 5 – Central Serengeti full day game drives
Day 6  – Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
Day 7  – Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha

Itinerary in Details

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru

Depart from Nairobi in the morning and drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (157 km) to Lake Nakuru National Park. After arriving and checking into your lodge, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its rhinos, and diverse birdlife. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara

After breakfast, drive 5 to 5.5 hours (250 km) to Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive around midday, check into your accommodation, and have lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara, famous for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening.

Day 3: Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

You can leave at 7:30 AM after having breakfast & spend the entire day exploring Masai Mara with full-day game drives. With a packed lunch, traverse the reserve’s diverse terrains and enjoy excellent wildlife sightings, including the Great Migration if you’re visiting during the migration season. After a day filled with wildlife encounters, head back to your lodge for dinner and unwind.

Day 4: Masai Mara to Isebania Border

Enjoy your breakfast at the lodge. Afterward, drive 3.5 to 4 hours (150 km) to the Isebania border with a packed lunch.

Day 1 – Isebania to Central Serengeti

Upon completing your immigration formalities at the Isebania border, our guide/driver will meet you around 11:00-11:30 AM. The journey from the Isebania border to Central Serengeti takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to view picturesque villages and lush farmlands before entering the Serengeti National Park. You will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Ikoma Gate while your guide finalizes the park entry formalities. As you traverse the park, you’ll enjoy en-route game drives, with your arrival at the accommodation expected between 5:00-5:30 PM. The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation.

Day 2 – Central Serengeti

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast before setting out for a full-day game drive around 8:00 AM. Equipped with a packed lunch, you will explore the central Serengeti and return to the lodge in the late afternoon, around 5:00 PM.

Alternatively, embark on an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, enjoy some relaxation before heading out for an afternoon game drive, with a packed lunch provided.

Your exploration will take you through the Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera area, known for its rich wildlife habitat and the Seronera River, which draws a diverse array of species (Three of the big cats: Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards. Other predators like hyenas, wild dogs, wildcats, caracals, etc. And other animals like elephants, buffalos, and giraffes). This region is famed for its large lion prides and offers exceptional game viewing opportunities year-round.

You can enjoy your meal at a scenic picnic spot at your preferred time and continue exploring the central Serengeti.

The day will conclude around 5:00 PM, followed by a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation.

Day 3 – Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, immersing yourself in its vibrant wildlife. Around noon, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a picnic lunch provided for your journey. The transfer to your accommodation in Ngorongoro/Karatu takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

The route begins with a scenic drive through the Serengeti, where you may encounter gazelles and impalas. Before you exit Serengeti and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at Naabi Hill Gate and also go for a short hike to the top of the hill for magnificent views of the Serengeti plains. As you progress, the landscape transitions to a drier, somewhat dusty terrain, with occasional Maasai villages along the way. After another 1.5 hours, you will ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the climate becomes cooler and more pleasant.

The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences of the day.

Day 4 – Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 Hours) to Arusha

On the final day of your safari, you will start early with a quick breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater around 6:30 AM (you might reach Crater floor by 7:00 AM if you sleep in Karatu the previous night). The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest collapsed volcanic caldera, encompasses approximately 260 square kilometers of pristine natural beauty. Surrounded by a ring of extinct volcanoes, the crater floor, which is adorned with various watering holes, supports a diverse population of around 25,000 animals. With depths exceeding 2,000 feet, this remarkable caldera offers a unique and breathtaking landscape.

A 5-hour game drive on the crater floor offers a chance to see diverse wildlife, including African elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions. Keep your camera ready to capture the action. After a picnic lunch at the scenic Hippo Pool, you will begin your ascent out of the crater. The drive to Arusha showcases varied landscapes, starting from Ngorongoro’s highlands and descending through rugged terrain, farmland, and Maasai villages. The well-maintained road winds through hills and forests before opening up to expansive grassy plains and distant mountains.

You will complete your journey with a 4-hour drive to Arusha, arriving at your preferred location by 5:30 PM. As your safari ends, you’ll leave with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and rich cultures.