Embarking on an incredible journey tour of Masai Mara and the Serengeti, visitors will find stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife in East Africa on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and the legendary Great Migration.
Visitors can witness the exhilarating predator-prey interactions and the awe-inspiring river crossings of wildebeest and zebra. Continue your expedition to the awe-inspiring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where vast savannahs stretch endlessly, teeming with magnificent creatures like lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes.
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The best Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari Tours
Price of Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari Tours?
The pricing for Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari Tours can vary based on several factors, including the duration of the tour, accommodation choices, transportation, and optional activities.
Typically, these safari tours range from around $2,000 to $10,000 per person. Lower-priced options often feature simpler accommodations and fewer amenities, while luxury packages offer high-end lodges or luxury tented camps with exclusive services.
It is advisable to conduct thorough research on different tour operators, compare prices, and carefully consider your desired level of comfort and experiences. Additionally, additional expenses such as park fees, tips, and optional activities should be taken into consideration when calculating the overall cost of the safari tour.
Tour breakdown for Masai Mara and Serengeti safaris
Safari tour highlights
- Experience the Great Migration, witnessing the magnificent journey of wildebeest and zebras across the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
- Encounter the iconic Big Five, during breath-taking game drives that bring you up close to nature’s wonders.
- The landscapes of Masai Mara and Serengeti, with sweeping savannahs, picturesque sunsets, and the enchanting beauty of acacia-dotted plains.
- Vibrant traditions and cultural heritage of the Maasai people.Luxurious accommodation, ranging from comfortable tented camps to exquisite lodges.
- Guided walking safaris or thrilling hot air balloon rides, allowing you to appreciate the surroundings from different perspectives.
Tour inclusions
The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best Masai Mara and Serengeti safari 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 and Serengeti tour?
To make the most of your Masai Mara and Serengeti tour, it is advisable to plan for a minimum of approximately 5 to 7 days. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to explore the vast landscapes and diverse wildlife of these renowned destinations.
Allotting several days increases the likelihood of witnessing extraordinary wildlife encounters, including the awe-inspiring Great Migration. You can also partake in multiple game drives throughout various times of the day, each offering distinct experiences.
Moreover, a longer duration enables deeper engagement with the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with Maasai communities and the chance to participate in activities like guided nature walks or unforgettable hot air balloon safaris.
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 and Serengeti safari?
During a Masai Mara and Serengeti safari, various accommodation options are available to cater to different preferences and budgets. These include luxury lodges, tented camps, and mobile camps, each providing unique experiences.
Luxury lodges offer opulent amenities, spacious rooms, and fine dining, often situated in picturesque locations. Tented camps provide a more authentic safari ambiance, with comfortable canvas tents and private facilities, allowing for a closer connection to nature. Mobile camps offer flexibility, following the wildlife migration for optimal wildlife encounters.
Regardless of the chosen accommodation, expect warm hospitality, knowledgeable staff, and an immersive experience surrounded by the natural splendor of Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Animals on a Masai Mara and Serengeti safari?
Visitors to both parks will see a rich diversity of different animals including the Big Five, offering captivating sightings with majestic lions reigning over the plains, emanating strength and nobility.
Graceful giraffes also traverse these landscapes, while herds of elephants move with a gentle grandeur. In other parts, cheetahs can be found sprinting across the grasslands, their hunt showcasing their prowess whilst the elusive leopard will perch itself on tree branches, blending with the surroundings.
In addition, the unique and incredible Great Migration dominates the scene, as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras create an awe-inspiring spectacle moving in their droves whilst buffalo, rhinos, hyenas, and a myriad of bird species contribute to the tapestry of wildlife encounters.
Fly or drive to start a Masai Mara and Serengeti safari?
To begin your Masai Mara and Serengeti safari, you have the option to either fly or drive, each offering a distinct experience. If flying is your preference, you can start by arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you can catch a domestic flight to either Mara Serena Airport (MRE) or Keekorok Airport (KEU) in Masai Mara, which takes around 1 to 2 hours.
For the Serengeti, you can board a flight from Nairobi to Seronera Airstrip (SEU) or Kogatende Airstrip (KOG) in Tanzania, with flight durations ranging from 1 to 2 hours.
Alternatively, a picturesque drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara, covering a distance of approximately 180 miles (290 kilometers) will typically take 5 to 6 hours and to reach the Serengeti from there, you can drive to the Tanzania-Kenya border at Isebania or Sirari, and then continue on, a distance of 150 to 250 miles, route depending.
Both flying and driving have their merits, with flying providing convenience and time efficiency, while driving allows for a scenic voyage with opportunities to appreciate the surroundings. Your decision between flying and driving ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and the level of adventure you desire.
FAQs
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.
Can you cross from Masai Mara to the Serengeti?
It is indeed possible to travel from Masai Mara to Serengeti by crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border at Isebania or Sirari
Which month is best for safari in Kenya and Tanzania?
The best month to visit Kenya and Tanzania is during the dry season, which spans from June to October, allowing for favorable conditions as wildlife gathers around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, enhancing the chances of memorable wildlife encounters.