Itinerary

1. Day 1: Nairobi -Masai Mara National Reserve

   • Your journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport. As you drive towards the reserve, you'll be treated to stunning views, including a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where you can admire panoramic vistas of this iconic landscape. 
   • The drive continues through Narok Town, a bustling gateway to the Mara, before you arrive at your camp. After a warm welcome and a delicious lunch, you'll embark on your first thrilling afternoon game drive. 
   • As the golden light of the African sun bathes the savannah, you’ll have the opportunity to spot incredible wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, baboons, and more. 
   • The rich diversity of the Mara ensures that every moment is filled with excitement. In the evening, you’ll return to camp for a delightful dinner, followed by a relaxing overnight stay, with the sounds of the wild serenading you as you rest, preparing for the next day's adventure.
   • The Masai Mara National Reserve is best visited between June and October for general wildlife viewing, and August to October is the ideal period to witness the wildebeest migration. The high season for safari-goers is during June to October and December to March, when wildlife sightings are at their peak, and the weather is generally sunny but not too hot. The Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including common species such as elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and zebras, as well as abundant herds of wildebeests. Though leopards are more elusive, they can occasionally be spotted as well.

   For accommodation, you'll stay at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, a comfortable, mid-range lodge located within the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lodge offers excellent amenities such as a swimming pool, outdoor dining, and a welcoming reception. All meals are included during your stay, with non-alcoholic drinks available to keep you refreshed. This safari provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring you experience the best of the Masai Mara’s wildlife and landscapes while enjoying comfortable accommodations.

2. Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

   • Start your day with an early morning breakfast at the camp, as you prepare for a full day of adventure in the Masai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast, you’ll head out for a thrilling game drive, taking you deep into the heart of the reserve. The Mara’s vast savannah and diverse landscapes offer an incredible opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. With the golden morning light casting a beautiful glow over the plains, you’ll have the chance to witness predators on the hunt, large herds of wildebeests and zebras grazing, and perhaps even a cheetah sprinting across the savannah.
   • Throughout the day, your guide will share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, animal behaviors, and the unique wildlife of the Masai Mara. You’ll enjoy a lunch break in the wilderness, perhaps by a scenic spot or picnic area, before continuing your game drive. The afternoon offers even more exciting wildlife sightings as the sun begins to dip lower, enhancing the beauty of the reserve and providing perfect conditions for spotting nocturnal animals starting to become active.
   • As the day winds down, you’ll return to your camp for a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day’s incredible encounters. The sounds of the wild and the peaceful surroundings will help you unwind before you rest up for the next leg of your journey.

   The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, you'll check out of your camp and begin your transfer to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The drive takes you to the Kenya-Tanzania border, where you'll switch vehicles and continue into Tanzania. Along the way, you'll have a chance to enjoy the scenic drive and stop for lunch. As you approach Serengeti, the excitement of the upcoming safari builds, and you’ll begin your first game drive in the park, offering an introduction to its legendary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival at your Serengeti camp in the evening, a warm dinner and comfortable accommodations await, providing the perfect end to a memorable day of exploration.

3. Day 3: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

   • Begin your day with an early morning breakfast before checking out of the camp for your journey to the iconic Serengeti National Park. The scenic drive takes you to the Kenya-Tanzania border, where you'll switch vehicles and continue your adventure seamlessly into Tanzania. 
   • Along the route, enjoy the picturesque landscapes as they gradually transition into the endless plains of the Serengeti, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a delightful lunch en route.
   • Upon arrival, your first taste of the Serengeti’s wildlife begins with an exciting game drive. This offers your first glimpse of the park’s legendary animals—majestic lions, graceful giraffes, vast herds of wildebeests, and other iconic species. 
   • The Serengeti is famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, and as the golden hues of the setting sun cast a magical glow over the savannah, the experience becomes even more captivating.
   • As the day comes to a close, you’ll head to your comfortable camp, where a warm dinner awaits. After a day filled with incredible wildlife sightings and breathtaking landscapes, relax and unwind under the star-studded African sky. 
   • The sounds of the Serengeti’s vibrant nightlife will lull you into a peaceful rest, ensuring you're recharged for more adventures in the heart of this world-famous park.

   Main Destination:

   • Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
   • Moyo Tented Camp or Heritage Mara Camps

4. Day 4: Full Immersion at the Stunning Serengeti National Park

   • After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, a name synonymous with breathtaking beauty and unparalleled wildlife. The drive, though lengthy, is a feast for the eyes, with stunning landscapes unfolding along the way. 
   • For first-time visitors, the vastness of the Serengeti is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The park’s name, meaning "endless plains" in the local Maasai language, comes to life as you travel deeper into its heart. 
   • Covering an immense 6,900 square miles (18,000 square km), the Serengeti stretches endlessly to the horizon, challenging your perception of distance. As you venture into this remarkable wilderness, the landscape opens up to reveal an environment teeming with wildlife.
   • The Serengeti is not only home to breathtaking views but also the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. 
   • Over 2 million wildebeests, along with countless zebras and a variety of antelope species, make their way across the plains in search of fresh grazing. These herds create a dramatic and ever-changing spectacle, making the Serengeti a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
   • Additionally, the Serengeti is a haven for predators, including the iconic lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. The park’s dramatic river crossings—where wildebeests must navigate the perilous waters, often facing crocodiles—have become some of the most memorable and cinematic wildlife scenes ever captured. The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife offer a truly extraordinary experience for all visitors.

   For an even more unforgettable experience, we have a Balloon Safari (included in your package), offering you a unique aerial view of the Serengeti’s vast plains and its wildlife. Drift above the park as you enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of the wildlife below, followed by a celebratory glass of champagne upon landing. 

   Additionally, for a truly adventurous touch, a Night Game Drive is available at an additional cost of USD 300 per person, offering you the opportunity to witness the Serengeti’s nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, adding a thrilling dimension to your safari experience.

   Upon your arrival in the Serengeti, you’ll be settled into your accommodation at Moyo Tented Camps, a luxurious yet intimate tented camp offering a comfortable and immersive experience right in the heart of the park. The camp provides all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding wilderness.

   Extras:

   • Balloon Safari: Inclusive in the package
   • Night Game Drive: Available at USD 300 per person

5. Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Return to Arusha for Derparture

   • Start your day with an early wake-up call, preparing for a memorable morning game drive, the perfect time to witness the park's active wildlife as the sun rises over the African savannah. 
   • The early hours offer an incredible opportunity to see predators on the hunt and herds of animals moving across the plains, all bathed in the golden light of dawn. 
   • After the exciting drive, return to the camp for a well-earned brunch, where you can relax and savor a delicious meal before continuing your journey to the next iconic destination.
   • Next, head towards the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "8th Wonder of the Natural World." Spanning an area of 102 square miles and surrounded by towering 2,000-foot-high walls, the crater is a natural sanctuary for an incredible diversity of wildlife. 
   • This unique ecosystem includes rivers, swamps, a flamingo-filled soda lake, dense forests, and expansive open plains. It’s one of the rare places where you can spot the critically endangered black rhino, along with majestic elephants and a host of other animals that make this UNESCO World Heritage site so special.
   • As you explore the crater, you'll encounter an array of wildlife and enjoy the stunning landscapes that make this place so extraordinary. 
   • After a day of exploration and marveling at nature's beauty, relax with a serene sundowner, soaking in the views before the journey comes to a close. In the evening, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure, bringing your unforgettable African adventure to a perfect close.

   If you’re craving more wild adventures and unforgettable experiences, be sure to check out Bavuma Wild Quest. Whether it’s the thrill of a safari, the serenity of nature, or discovering unique wildlife, Bavuma offers tailor-made experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of Africa’s wonders.

   This trip to Ngorongoro and beyond will surely be a highlight of your safari journey, offering an unmatched blend of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.