8-Day Complete Northern Circuit Mid-Range (Kenya & Tanzania)
Overview
Embark on the ultimate East African expedition on this comprehensive 8-day mid-range safari. This journey covers the “Big Five” parks across two nations, offering the most complete wildlife experience possible. 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 witness the diversity of the region without sacrificing comfort. You will stay in carefully selected mid-range lodges and permanent tented camps, ensuring a restful night’s sleep and excellent cuisine after each day of adventure.
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 your mid-range lodge or tented camp, enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive. The Mara is famous for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual migration. Return to the lodge in the evening for a sundowner, a three-course dinner, and a peaceful night's sleep.
Full Day in Masai Mara
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and the sounds of the bush. Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Masai Mara. You will enjoy a full day of game driving with a picnic lunch to maximize your time, searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and herds of elephants. You will also have the option to visit a local Maasai village (optional extra) to learn about their ancient culture. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge 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). Your Tanzanian guide will meet you on the other side. You will then enter the Serengeti via the Ndabaka or Western Corridor gate. Enjoy a game drive en route to your mid-range lodge or permanent tented camp, likely in the central Seronera area. Arrive in time for dinner and overnight.
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 scenic picnic lunch in the wilderness. In the late afternoon, return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
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 lodge for a hot lunch and a leisurely afternoon, 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 lodge.
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 mid-range lodge situated on the crater rim. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the cool highland air, stunning views, and a sunset swim. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
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 lodge 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 mid-range adventure.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Professional safari guide & transport by 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- All game drives & park entry fees (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire).
- Mid-range accommodation (Permanent Tented Camps or Safari Lodges).
- Full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Daily bottled water (1.5L per person per day).
- Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Excluded
- Visa fees (Kenya and Tanzania) – East African Tourist Visa recommended if eligible.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide, cook, and lodge staff.
- Personal items and souvenirs.
- Optional activities (Balloon safari, Maasai Village visit, Olduvai Gorge).
- Alcoholic drinks, premium soft drinks, and extra bottled water.
