8-Day Complete Northern Circuit Budget (Kenya & Tanzania)
Overview
Embark on the ultimate East African expedition on this comprehensive 8-day budget safari. This action-packed itinerary covers the “Big Five” parks across two nations, offering the most complete wildlife experience possible in a week. From the iconic rolling plains of the Masai Mara and the vastness of the Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant-filled baobab landscapes of Tarangire, you will see it all. Designed for the adventurous traveler, this tour utilizes public campsites and a dedicated safari crew to deliver an unforgettable cross-border adventure at an unbeatable price.
Safari Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, you will drive down the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the Masai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5–6 hours). The drive offers scenic views of the landscape. Upon arrival at the park gate, you will enjoy a hot lunch before entering the reserve for your first afternoon game drive. The Mara is famous for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual migration. In the evening, head to the public campsite to set up camp. Enjoy dinner prepared by your private cook and an overnight stay in dome tents.
Full Day in Masai Mara
Wake up to the sounds of the wild and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Masai Mara. You will have the option to go on a morning game drive before returning to camp for lunch, or take a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch to explore the Mara River area. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five and numerous predators. In the afternoon, visit a local Maasai village (optional extra) to learn about their ancient culture. Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.
Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Mara followed by breakfast. Today, you will embark on a journey across the border into Tanzania. Drive to the Isebania/Sirari border post to clear customs and immigration (ensure you have the necessary visas). After crossing, you will enter the Serengeti via the Ndabaka or Western Corridor gate. Enjoy a game drive en route to your designated public campsite, likely in the central Seronera area. Arrive in time for dinner and set up camp under the Serengeti stars.
Full Day in Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, set out for a full day of game driving in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, your guide will navigate towards the best wildlife areas—perhaps the Southern Plains for the calving season (Dec–March) or the Northern reaches for river crossings (July–Oct). The Serengeti offers unparalleled opportunities to see predators in action amidst the "endless plains." You will stop for a picnic lunch in the wilderness. In the late afternoon, return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.
Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend another day immersing yourself in the Serengeti ecosystem. You can choose to do an early morning sunrise game drive to catch the predators hunting before the heat of the day. Return to the camp for brunch and a rest, or enjoy a full day out with a packed lunch to explore different valleys and kopjes (rock outcrops) where leopards often hide. This extra day allows for a relaxed pace to truly absorb the scale of the park. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti as you make your way towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will drive through the highlands, stopping for lunch at the viewpoint overlooking the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Afterward, proceed to your campsite on the crater rim. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the cool highland air and stunning views. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
Rise early for breakfast before descending 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. The crater floor hosts the highest density of wildlife in Africa, offering your best chance to see the endangered Black Rhino and the Big Five in one location. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, you will ascend the crater and drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 3 hours). Known for its massive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a different landscape. You will arrive at your campsite in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Tarangire to Arusha
Start your final day with a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. The park is quieter than the Serengeti and offers excellent opportunities to photograph elephants against the backdrop of ancient baobab trees. After breakfast and a final game drive, you will exit the park and drive back to Arusha. You will arrive in the early afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your epic cross-border budget adventure.
