7-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari: Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Masai Mara (2025-2027)

Experience the wild heart of East Africa on our 7 Days Tanzania–Kenya Big Five Safari 2025/2026/2027, a carefully crafted cross-border journey that takes you through three of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations — Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Begin in the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheatre home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Continue to the sweeping plains of the Serengeti, famed for predator–prey encounters and the seasonal drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Finally, cross into Kenya to explore the Masai Mara, renowned for its dense population of Big Cats, massive herds, and authentic Maasai culture.

This Big Five safari package blends thrilling game drives, seamless border logistics via Isebania, comfortable mid-range or luxury accommodations, and expert local guides with unmatched knowledge of the land. Whether you’re seeking photographic opportunities, a family adventure, or a romantic escape, this safari offers the perfect balance of wildlife immersion and comfort.

Explore more Kenya–Tanzania combined tours or read about the Great Migration before you plan your trip.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

• Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge (Mid-range) / Mount Meru Hotel (Luxury)

• Meals: Bed & Breakfast
  On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our driver–guide for a transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for your Big Five adventure. Optional city tour if time allows.

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Day 2 – Arusha ➜ Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Mid-range) / Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Early departure for the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 meters into the crater floor for a full-day game drive, spotting black rhino, lions, elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before continuing your exploration.

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Day 3 – Ngorongoro ➜ Central Serengeti

• Accommodation: Serengeti Tortilis Camp (Mid-range) / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Drive through scenic highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge Museum, famous for early human fossils. Arrive in the Central Serengeti for an afternoon game drive, seeking cheetahs, giraffes, and large buffalo herds.

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Day 4 – Full Day in Serengeti

• Accommodation: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Spend the day exploring the Serengeti plains, focusing on migration herds (seasonal) and predator hotspots. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize your chances of witnessing lion hunts or cheetahs in action. Optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari.

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Day 5 – Serengeti ➜ Masai Mara (via Isebania Border)

• Accommodation: Mara Eden Safari Camp (Mid-range) / Entim Mara Camp (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Morning game drive in Serengeti before heading west to the Isebania border. Complete customs formalities and cross into Kenya. Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara on the way to your camp.

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Day 6 – Full Day in Masai Mara

• Accommodation: Mara Eden Safari Camp / Entim Mara Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Enjoy a full-day safari in the Masai Mara, renowned for its Big Cats and dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration (July–October). Visit the Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles. Optional Maasai cultural village visit in the afternoon.

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Day 7 – Masai Mara ➜ Nairobi

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  Early morning game drive to capture your last safari moments. After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your city hotel. End of tour.

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Price Comparison Table

 NB: Prices vary by season, group size, and lodge availability. Peak: July–October.

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Key Aspects of This Tour Package

• Visits 3 world-class parks across 2 countries

• High chances of Big Five sightings & migration encounters

• An authentic Maasai cultural experience included

• Flexible accommodation: budget, mid-range, luxury

• Expert guides with an exceptional track record for sightings

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Frequently Asked Questions

1) What’s included in the 7-day Tanzania–Kenya Big Five Safari?

• Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Masai Mara

• Private 4×4 with pop-up roof + pro driver-guide

• Full-board lodges/tented camps

• Park & conservancy fees

• Isebania cross-border support

• Bottled water on game drives

2) What’s not included?

• International flights, visas, travel insurance

• Optional activities (balloon safari, Maasai village visit)

• Drinks beyond water, laundry, tips

3) When is the best time to go?

• July–October: Great Migration (Mara crossings)

• January–March: Calving season (Southern Serengeti)

• Wildlife is good year-round.

4) Do I need visas for both countries?

Yes. Kenya eVisa and Tanzania eVisa are required. Apply online before travel; we’ll guide you through the process.

5) How much does this safari cost?

Typical per-person sharing (season- & lodge-dependent):

• Mid-range from USD 3,250

• Luxury from USD 4,950
  Includes vehicle, guide, park fees, and meals as listed.

6) Is this tour suitable for families and first-time safari-goers?

Yes—family-friendly lodges, private vehicle, flexible pacing, fenced properties (where applicable), and experienced guides.

7) What’s the road time and border like?

Expect scenic drives with comfort breaks; Isebania border formalities are assisted by our team for a smooth transfer.

8) Can I add a hot-air balloon or Zanzibar beach?

Absolutely—balloon flights (Mara or Serengeti) and Zanzibar/Diani extensions can be added.

9) What should I pack?

Soft duffel, light layers, warm jacket for mornings/evenings, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, and plug adapters.

10) Are vaccinations or malaria tablets needed?

Some travellers take antimalarials; routine/travel vaccines may be recommended. Consult your clinician based on your health and timing.

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“⭐ 4.9/5 from 442 guests · From $3,980 pp (low season)”