7-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari to Masai Mara, Serengeti

Land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and meet the arranged driver. Transfer to the Nairobi hotel for the evening rather than trying to reach the reserve on arrival day. The next part of the trip includes several full days on the road, so use this time to check documents, rest and confirm departure arrangements. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 1; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities. Discuss the realistic transfer time for Nairobi with your driver before departure, allowing for security checks, road surfaces and short breaks.

Drive out of the city towards the Rift Valley and continue to the Masai Mara. The journey gives an introduction to western Kenya before the reserve’s grasslands appear. After check-in, an afternoon wildlife outing may be possible depending on traffic and conditions. Keep the route realistic: an early departure matters more than attempting lengthy detours along the way. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 2; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities. Discuss the realistic transfer time for Masai Mara National Reserve with your driver before departure, allowing for security checks, road surfaces and short breaks.

Take a full day inside the Masai Mara with your guide selecting tracks according to recent sightings and road conditions. Predators may be active in the cooler hours, while large herds and birdlife often provide interest throughout the day. Wildlife observation is never guaranteed. Bring water, sun protection and your camera, and use only approved spots for breaks. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 3; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities. Discuss the realistic transfer time for Masai Mara National Reserve with your driver before departure, allowing for security checks, road surfaces and short breaks.

Depart early for the Isebania border, completing the formalities required to enter Tanzania. A Tanzanian guide and vehicle may take over after the crossing. Continue towards central Serengeti, with limited wildlife viewing possible as you approach the overnight camp. This is a long travel day, often taking most of the daylight, so keep optional stops to a minimum. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 4; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities.

Spend the day exploring the central plains and riverine sections of the Serengeti. Your guide can vary the drive to suit the animals present and the season. Watch for big cats, elephants, grazing herds and a wide range of birds without promising a migration crossing. With a packed lunch, you can remain in the field longer and return to camp before nightfall. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 5; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities.

Travel towards the Ngorongoro highlands with an early start and enter the crater under the applicable conservation rules. Its grassland, woodland and lakeshore habitats offer a different setting from the Serengeti. The descent and later ascent take time, so plan lunch and the exit with your guide. Continue to Karatu for the night after the crater visit. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 6; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities.

Begin from Karatu and visit Lake Manyara National Park for a final wildlife drive. The lake margin, wooded slopes and birdlife make a useful contrast to the previous days. After lunch, travel towards Kilimanjaro International Airport. A later evening flight is more practical than a midday departure because the park visit and transfer both require time. Arrange any extra overnight stay independently. On this 7-day programme, avoid adding unplanned stops to day 7; each overnight and connection affects the next morning's activities.