Serengeti Masai Mara Safari Tours
Serengeti & Masai Mara Safari Tours
A safari in Serengeti and Masai Mara will expose you to all the wonders of Africa as both have some of the most sought-after wildlife attractions in the world.
These two ecosystems can be found in the lower part of the Tanzania-Kenya border and visiting both Serengeti & Maasai Mara gives you the full picture of The Great Migration as well as the stunning savannah landscapes and rich culture of East Africa.
We have helped hundreds of clients from the US, Europe, and other regions of the world to explore this part of the world with close to no hustle. We know how much effort you put into so many details while planning for the safari.
From the moment you touch down until the day you depart the country, we are ready to attend to every detail. The experience begins with the ease of luxury camping tents and continues with our knowledgeable tour guides and the exhilarating moments of lion watching at the crack of dawn. We make certain every detail is covered.
Whether it’s witnessing thousands of wildebeest braving a river filled with crocodiles, or the peaceful sight of elephants strolling under an acacia tree, the Serengeti-Masai Mara safari surpasses the meaning of a trip.
This safari is an adventure that allows you to experience the ancient and wild aspects of the world in this region.
Why Choose a Serengeti and Masai Mara Safari?
This combination offers the best experience of the Great Migration in all its glory to see the Serengeti and Masai Mara in full swing. Most travelers enjoy just one side, While the herds of game animals may not stop at borders, neither do your adventures with us. We take you deeper by offering both.
You will find the Masai Mara more accessible with a higher density of the herds including lions, leopards, and cheetah population. That makes it ideal for short game drives to dense wildlife sighting regions, especially around the Mara river during the river crossings.
On the other hand, the Serengeti is quieter and endless. There, you will experience stunning emptiness set against endless sky. You and your guide will feel like part of the landscape. Game viewing is consistent all year and the scale unmatched.
With both parks included in your itinerary, there’s no need to settle for less. You get the thrill of the chase in the Mara and the tranquil expanse of the Serengeti. You also enjoy richer cultural immersion by interacting with both Maasai communities of Kenya and Tanzania. For those seeking an all-encompassing and emotionally resonant safari, this combination is tough to beat.
Best Time to Go for Serengeti Masai Mara Safari
Without a doubt the Serengeti & Masai Mara safari can be done in any season of the year, although the experience will change with the time of year and season.Nonetheless, each season offers something unique. Planning your visit during the time of the Great Migration is one of the most remarkable experiences in the wilderness.
Between July and October, the wildebeest migrate into Masai Mara, during which time there is river crossing activity at the Mara River and there is a lot of predator action. If your aim is to experience the migration at its most furious, these months will deliver. Expect the crowds, and in return, enjoy wonderful surprises.
From December to March, the herds are typically birthing in the southern Serengeti. During this period, thousands of baby wildebeest are born within a matter of weeks. The grazing vertebrates are predators, and their populations swell and this period becomes dramatic through a different lens. The environment becomes incredibly verdant and alive, which makes it a photographer’s paradise.
If you want to avoid busy crowds or are looking for a space with a calm vibe, the shoulder seasons of April to June and November are great. These months offer quieter safari camps, beautiful moody skies, and better prices. Rain is a possibility, but the intimacy towards nature, along with the greenery, robust wildlife, and the basic needs makes the trip worthwhile.
Useful Tips for a Serengeti & Masai Mara Safari
For these regions, it is best to not bring heavy weight luggage. Instead, pack in layers. The mornings are chilly and require warm jackets, but the later halves of the day are hot and require lightweight clothing like breathable shirts.
Pack Light. During flights to different parks, there is a restriction on the size of baggage and using suitcases are prohibited.
To avoid missing once in a lifetime shot, bring extra camera batteries. Electricity is limited in some tented camps, which makes additional batteries necessary.
A slow-paced visit to both parks is best, stretching the trip to at least a week.
Be open to small camps. Luxury doesn’t always mean marble floors. Often, the most rewarding safari experiences come from simple, well-managed bush camps.
During the course of the trip, do listen to your guide. Trust their instincts and expert knowledge, as those will guide the whole trip. They know the land like their own home.
For tips, small local purchases, and even crossing the border, you will require small cash denominations. Having a few dollars or shillings handy goes a long way in ensuring smoother transactions.
Your guide is always eager to share their culture and knowledge, so don’t hold back. All answers, to any questions you have, will deepen the understanding of the trip’s context.
Suggested Safari Packages
Best Destinations in the Serengeti and Masai Mara
Serengeti Central (Seronera). Able to observe diverse wildlife and big cats all year round. It is well located for shorter stays and has good infrastructure.
Northern Serengeti. Best from July to October for river crossings. Stunning scenery and fewer crowds than the Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve. The big cats, open plains, and classic safari scenes await you. It is the core of the action, most notably during migration.
Mara North Conservancy. Offers less crowded safari experiences as it is located adjacent to the main reserve. It is a private area which allows for night drives and walking safaris.
Ndutu Area, Southern Serengeti. Excellent opportunites for the predetor and newborn photography from December to March as it is the calving ground during those months.
Serengeti Masai Mara – What to expect
It’s important to know that the signature activities here in Serengeti or Masai mara is the exciting game drives. During the early morning and late afternoon drives, there is the possibility of sighting moving predators, elephants, and even elusive bat-eared foxes and servals. Our expert guides will track the signs of the bush while you ride in open-roof 4x4s.
However, the drives are not the only experience offered. One of the most emotional experience is visiting a Maasai village. You will learn why they herd cattle, how they have adapted to modern tourism, and managed to protect their traditions. We do these experiences responsibly, without staged dances and no pseudo interactions, only genuine conversations.
Safaris are done on foot in certain conservancies like Mara North and Grumeti region of The Serengeti. You will be guided by armed rangers, and you will be able to view the tracks, bird life, as well as the smaller animals and their droppings, which you would normally overlook in a vehicle.
Another of the highlights are the hot air balloon savaris. At sunrise, you will see herds and predators while they, pre-flight hot air balloon rides, are not on. You will be floating silently above the plains. A wild champagne breakfast is often served after landing.
Wildlife watching is rewarding in every season. If you are an experienced birder or are simply interested, we will not miss hornbills, lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds and many more.
Ultimately, you are able to feel how integrated the area is with other countries by crossing the border by land or air. All the permits and other paperwork is taken care of. Quite a few of our clients enjoy watching the topographical and ethnographic shift as the Serengeti gives way to the Mara, and the only border is a sliver of paperwork and culture.
Do I need a visa for both Kenya and Tanzania?
Yes. You’ll need separate visas to enter Kenya and Tanzania. Most of our guests from different countries can apply online for both, and others can get visas on arrival at the airport or border post. Serengeti Mara Experts will guide you through the correct process depending on your passport.
We usually advise applying a few weeks before your trip to avoid any delays. If you’re flying into Nairobi and exiting through Tanzania (or vice versa), we also help you plan the visa sequence to make it smooth.
How do I travel between Serengeti and Masai Mara?
There are two options: You can transfer between the two parks by road or by air. Flying is faster and much more comfortable, especially if you are short on time. Daily bush flights connect Mara and Serengeti via Migori or Tarime airstrips. You’ll clear customs at the border and continue with another flight on the other side.
If you prefer a slower and more scenic pace, we arrange scenic overland transfers with a stop at the Isebania border. It gives you a closer look at the countryside and small towns that link these two national parks.
Is the Great Migration guaranteed?
The Great Migration is a natural event and follows rainfall patterns. That means its timing can shift slightly from year to year. At Serengeti Mara Experts, we use real-time reports and seasonal patterns to place you near the herds.
Even outside the peak of the migration, both parks are full of wildlife. You’ll still see lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless others. The migration is the bonus, not the whole show.
Is this Serengeti & Masai Mara safari child-friendly?
Yes, the Serengeti and Masai Mara safari can be child-friendly with the right planning. At Serengeti Mara Experts, we create custom itineraries for families. We recommend private vehicles, shorter drive times, and guides experienced in working with kids.
We also include fun educational moments. From tracking animal footprints to learning about Maasai culture, children are often just as amazed by the experience as adults.
Are vaccinations or malaria pills required?
You may need a yellow fever certificate if you’ve transited through or come from certain countries. Malaria is present in both regions, so we recommend that travelers take anti-malarial medication. Speak with your doctor at least a month before your trip.
At Serengeti Mara Experts, we also provide a health advisory before your safari. We’ll remind you about what to pack, how to avoid bites, and what measures the camps use to keep you safe.
Can I choose between luxury and budget options?
Yes, you can. Serengeti Mara Experts offers safari options for all budgets. From high-end tented camps with personal butlers to comfortable eco-lodges with great food and service, your experience will feel authentic either way.
Budget safaris don’t mean missing out. You’ll still have professional guides, game drives in top-condition 4x4s, and a full immersion in the wild. The difference is mainly in the comfort and extras at camp.
What is the food like on safari?
You’ll eat well throughout your trip. Most camps serve a mix of local and international dishes using fresh, local ingredients. You can expect grilled meats, vegetables, soups, chapati, fruit, and even pasta or curries.
Serengeti Mara Experts works with properties that cater to special diets. Just let us know if you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have any allergies. The food is part of the experience, and we make sure it’s memorable.
What should I include in my Serengeti & Masai Mara safari packing list?
Make sure to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a sunhat. Also pack sunglasses and a warm layer to put on in the mornings. Bring a camera and reusable water bottle to stay safe and capture the moments of the trip. Be sure to pack sunscreen.
Don’t worry about overpacking as Serengeti Mara Experts sends a detailed packing checklist to ensure you have everything for comfort and safety.
Are Serengeti Masai Mara safaris safe?
With professionals, safaris are safe and at Serengeti Mara Experts, your safety is definitely our top concern. All guides are trained in vehicle safety and bush first aid. There are backup plans for any issue at the camps and during the trip, all camps have radio communication.
The wildlife can be quite unpredictable. However, we have a trained team that expert at reading the environment, so you can be sure that a respectful distance will always be kept. Safety briefings will be conducted at the start of all safari so full details on expectations can be explained.
How can I make a booking to Serengeti Masai Mara safari?
Making a booking is simple. Just reach out to us and we’ll guide you through your options. We’ll discuss your travel dates, group size, and budget alongside any special requests. Then we’ll create a tailored itinerary and present it for your review.
After you’re satisfied with the outline, we assist you in confirming everything from the deposit to the travel insurance, to the flights we recommend. You will always have a dedicated contact for your trip before, during and after.
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Low season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec