Those lucky few with the time and schedule can embark on a captivating combined safari through the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, immersing themselves in the extraordinary landscapes of East Africa where The Masai Mara in Kenya offers expansive grasslands, dramatic wildebeest migrations and incredible predator-prey interactions.
Meanwhile Tanzania’s Serengeti sees endless plains come alive with majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and diverse wildlife roaming freely. The Ngorongoro Crater is an equal natural wonder and houses an abundant array of rhinos, elephants and flamingos harmoniously coexisting. Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, capturing breathtaking moments and forging a deep connection with the untamed beauty of these iconic African landscapes.
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The best Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari Tours
Price of Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari Tours?
The cost of Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro safari tours can vary depending on factors like tour duration, accommodation choices, transportation, and included activities. These tours are known for their exceptional wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
Prices for a 7-10 day safari start at approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per person for budget-friendly options. Mid-range tours may range from $3,000 to $6,000 per person, while luxury or customized tours can exceed $10,000 per person.
The prices typically cover accommodations, park fees, meals, and game drives. It’s important to conduct thorough research, compare different tour operators, and consider seasonal variations that might impact prices.
Tour breakdown for Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro safari tours
Safari tour highlights
- Africa’s renowned “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros – in their natural habitats.
- The world renowned wildebeest migration through the Masai Mara and Serengeti, where nature’s spectacle unfolds before your eyes.
- Incredible African wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more, in their untamed natural habitats.
- See the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse wildlife and captivating landscapes.
- Exhilarating game drives led by knowledgeable safari guides who share insights about the animals, ecosystems, and local traditions.
- Experience the unique culture of the Maasai people, gaining authentic experiences by visiting traditional villages and embracing their rich heritage.
- Golden sunsets, picturesque landscapes, vast savannahs & acacia-dotted plains.
Tour inclusions
The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Safari Tour packages:
| Tour inclusions | Tour exclusions |
|---|---|
| Game drives per the itinerary as well as pick-up and drop-off | Visa fees, laundry services, drinks including mineral water at the hotels |
| Experienced english-speaking guide and driver | International/domestic flights |
| Transport and park entrance fees | Activity add-ons |
| Accommodation (full-board safaris) | Tips to the driver guides, waiters and porters |
| Park fees | |
| Breakfast, lunch, dinner and bottled water | |
| Government taxes |
Safari essentials and information
Days recommended for a Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro tour?
It is advisable to allocate around 7-10 days for a Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro tour, providing sufficient time to immerse oneself in the diverse landscapes and observe the abundant wildlife.
This duration allows for multiple game drives, including opportunities to witness the remarkable wildebeest migration. For those with limited time, shorter 3-5 day itineraries are available, offering a condensed experience of the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes on offer.
Each day is thoughtfully planned with an early morning game drive and a late afternoon game drive, allowing ample time to witness the impressive “big five” and soak in the awe-inspiring natural landscapes. On your safari trip, you can even break up the drive to or from each park with an overnight stay at the Amboseli NP in Kenya or Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.
Accommodation offered on a Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro safari?
A wide range of accommodations are available for a Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro safari, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Luxury lodges offer opulent rooms or suites with modern amenities, while tented camps provide an authentic and immersive experience in nature.
Mid-range options strike a balance between comfort and affordability, ensuring a pleasant stay without compromising on quality. All accommodations are strategically located to offer proximity to key safari areas, allowing guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Whether you prefer a luxurious retreat, a cozy tent, or a comfortable lodge, each accommodation type has its unique appeal, promising a memorable stay amid the remarkable settings of Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
Animals on a Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro safari?
Embarking on a safari in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro offers a captivating opportunity to witness an incredible array of wildlife thriving in their natural habitats. These renowned destinations are celebrated for their remarkable biodiversity and abundant animal populations.
In Masai Mara, the mesmerizing wildebeest migration takes center stage as millions of these herbivores traverse the plains, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species also grace the landscape.
The Serengeti unveils the majestic sight of resident lion prides and the graceful agility of cheetahs sprinting across the open savannah. Towering giraffes browse among acacia trees while mighty elephants roam freely. Leopards, hyenas, zebras, gazelles, and a myriad of bird species complete the tapestry of wildlife.
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater reveals a unique haven teeming with life. Endangered black rhinos, magnificent elephants, regal lions, elegant gazelles, and a vibrant avian community thrive within this captivating ecosystem.
Fly or drive to start a Masai Mara Serengeti Ngorongoro safari?
When planning a Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro safari, it is essential to consider whether to fly or drive to the starting point. Several airports facilitate convenient access to these destinations.
For the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Airport is the closest option, located within the reserve itself. It is approximately 160 miles from the Serengeti and 100 miles from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
To reach the Serengeti National Park, the Seronera Airstrip is the nearest airport, situated in the central region. It is about 190 miles from the Masai Mara and 60 miles from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
When heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Manyara Airstrip near Lake Manyara National Park is a suitable choice. It is around 250 miles from the Masai Mara and 60 miles from the Serengeti.
Alternatively, driving allows for a more immersive experience, but it may take longer. The distance from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is approximately 180 miles, while the route from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti spans about 200 miles. Finally, the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers around 130 miles.
FAQs
Which month is best for safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
The ideal months for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania are typically during the dry seasons, which usually span from July to October. This period coincides with increased wildlife activity near water sources.
Which safari is better, Masai Mara or Serengeti?
Both parks are incredible and offer very distinct experiences as Masai Mara is celebrated for its remarkable predator sightings and the renowned Great Migration, whilst the Serengeti enthralls visitors with its expansive grasslands and diverse wildlife population.
What is the difference between Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater?
Masai Mara is a renowned national reserve located in Kenya, characterized by its sprawling savannahs and remarkable concentration of wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater by comparison, captivates visitors with its unique volcanic caldera and enclosed ecosystem, harboring a rich array of animals within its boundaries.