Kenya & Tanzania Combined Safari: Maasai Mara to Serengeti
Two countries, one safari
Kenya & Tanzania in one tailor made journey
The Maasai Mara and the Serengeti are one ecosystem split by a border. We plan both sides from Nairobi, Amboseli under Kilimanjaro, the Mara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and run the Tanzanian side through our own licensed operation there, and finish on the beach at Zanzibar or Diani if you wish.
How the combination works
There are two classic ways to link the countries. Overland: Nairobi – Amboseli – Namanga border – Arusha – Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro – Serengeti, 9–12 days, with a change at the border to the vehicle and driver-guide of our own Tanzanian operation, so each country is covered by a locally licensed team. Your itinerary shows exactly where the handover happens. By air: Nairobi – Maasai Mara – (flight via Nairobi/Kilimanjaro) – Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Arusha, 8–10 days, less driving and more game time. Both can end with a flight to Zanzibar or Diani Beach.
- Length
- 8–14 days, including 2–4 beach nights if wanted.
- Best months
- Jul–Oct for the Mara river crossings; Dec–Mar for Serengeti calving; Jun and Nov for value.
- Entry
- Kenya eTA and Kenyan inbound health insurance, plus a Tanzania visa and Tanzania's government inbound insurance. See entry requirements. Yellow-fever certificate recommended for the border.
- Price guide
- From $3,200 per person for our 10-day mid-range route and from $4,840 for the 10-day luxury route (estimated starting prices, excluding international flights). Dates, group size and lodge choice change the price; your written quote confirms it.
Want Kenya sand rather than Zanzibar? See our guide to Kenya beach holidays in Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Lamu and the Mombasa North Coast.
Suggested 10-day route
- Arrive Nairobi; airport meet-and-greet, overnight Nairobi.
- Drive to Amboseli National Park; afternoon game drive with Kilimanjaro views.
- Amboseli full day: elephant herds, swamps, Observation Hill.
- Namanga border crossing; onward to Arusha or Tarangire National Park.
- Tarangire: baobabs, elephants, the Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive; overnight on the rim.
- Into the Serengeti: central Seronera or the seasonal migration area.
- Serengeti full day; optional balloon safari at dawn.
- Fly Serengeti – Zanzibar (or Serengeti – Nairobi – Diani).
- Beach day; depart or extend.
Related safari packages
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safarifrom US$3,200 per personYour own vehicle
10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safarifrom US$4,840 per personYour own vehicle
11-Day High-End Kenya & Tanzania Safarifrom US$7,781 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safarifrom US$13,800 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibarfrom US$8,099 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Stayfrom US$4,147 per personOwn vehicle, some activities sharedPrices are per person in US dollars and show the lowest published rate for each safari. Rates change with travel dates and party size, are subject to availability and are confirmed in your written quote.
Kenya and Tanzania safari questions
Can I use one vehicle for both countries?
Kenyan-registered safari vehicles cannot operate inside Tanzanian parks, so you change to a licensed Tanzanian vehicle and guide at the border or airport. We coordinate both teams so the handover is smooth and the standard stays the same.
Which is better, the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti?
They are the same ecosystem. The Mara is compact with very high game density and hosts the river crossings July–October; the Serengeti is vast, with the calving season (January–March) and the long migration trek. Doing both in one trip shows you the whole cycle.
Do I need two visas?
Yes: a Kenya eTA and a Tanzania visa (e-visa or on arrival). If you re-enter Kenya for your flight home, your eTA covers re-entry within its validity.
How far in advance should I book?
Six to nine months for July–October and the Christmas period, because the best Serengeti and Mara camps sell out; three months is usually enough for the green season.
All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.
