6-Day Masai Mara/Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

If you’re dreaming of seeing Africa’s most iconic wildlife with comfort and a dash of adventure, this 6-day tour offers an enticing way to experience some of the continent’s most celebrated parks. Brought to you by SHAGAMI KENYA TOURS AND SAFARIS, this trip promises close encounters with the Big Five, spectacular landscapes, and a genuine taste of Tanzania and Kenya’s wilderness.

What we love about this tour is how it balances well-organized logistics with authentic game viewing. The chance to stand in the crater, gaze over the vast Serengeti plains, and watch wildlife crossing rivers is enough to make any traveler’s heart race. Plus, the tour’s focus on experienced guides means you’ll get plenty of insightful commentary and a better chance at spotting elusive animals.

One possible concern is the price tag—$3,975 per person. While that sounds steep, it includes most essentials like park fees, accommodations, and transfers, so you’re not facing hidden costs. Still, travelers looking for a more budget-friendly option might want to compare. This tour is best suited for those craving a comprehensive, well-paced African safari with a focus on wildlife and comfort.

This experience made our article of 16 Must-Try Tours & Things To Do In Ngorongoro Crater.

Key Points

• Expert-guided game drives maximize wildlife sightings and provide educational insights.
• Incredible landscapes range from the Great Rift Valley to the lush Ngorongoro Crater.
• The tour covers top wildlife spots like Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Accommodation in tented camps and lodges offers an authentic safari experience.
• The itinerary balances guided game drives with some flexibility for personal exploration.
• Optional activities like hot air balloon rides are available for an extra fee.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Safari Experience

Starting in Nairobi and Crossing Borders

Your adventure begins early in Nairobi, with a transfer to the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most famous reserves. The drive offers a scenic introduction through the Great Rift Valley, with views of Mount Longonot and other volcanic formations. Keep your camera ready — the landscape alone is worth the trip.

Reaching the Mara around lunchtime means you can settle into your camp, enjoy a hearty buffet, and prepare for your first afternoon game drive. The Mara Jambo Lodge or similar accommodations are comfortable, with a rustic charm that complements the wilderness. You’ll be staying in a setting that offers both convenience and the immersive feel of safari life.

Day 2: Exploring the Maasai Mara

This full day is dedicated to discovering the vast open plains, dotted with acacia trees and rivers. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, especially during the migration season, but even outside that period, you’ll find a steady parade of animals.

In the words of previous travelers, the Mara provides “a large number of wild animals — giraffes, baboons, warthogs, and hyenas are common sights.” You might also spot elephants, buffalo, zebras, and hippos. The Mara River is a highlight, often teeming with crocodiles and hippos, where predators come to hunt.

Day 3: From Kenya to Tanzania — Issebanya and Serengeti

Early morning, you’ll leave the Masai Mara for the border crossing at Issebanya. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of customs and immigration, with assistance from your guides to handle visas if needed. This transition from Kenyan to Tanzanian territory is part of the adventure, offering a chance to see the differences in landscape and perhaps meet local Maasai communities.

Lunchtime on the Tanzanian side precedes your first game drive in the Serengeti, regarded by many as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The Serengeti’s endless plains and diverse ecosystems host an astonishing variety of wildlife, and your guides will point out the key species.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

This full-day exploration is a highlight. Breakfast kicks off your day before setting out on a game drive with a packed lunch. The Serengeti’s reputation as the largest game reserve in the world is well-earned. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and perhaps even a rare black rhino, which the park still harbors.

Traveling through different terrains — from grasslands to woodlands and lakes — you’ll experience a landscape that feels almost cinematic in its scale and diversity. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, often sharing stories of animal behavior, making each sighting more meaningful.

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the Serengeti behind and ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. The drive offers chances to see more animals and panoramic views.

Lunchtime at your lodge gives you a moment to relax before heading into the crater for an afternoon game drive. The crater’s dense forests, lakes, and plains host the Big Five and a variety of predators and prey. Sightings of elephants, lions, and buffalo are common, along with the chance to see the nearly extinct black rhino.

Day 6: Farewell in Arusha

Your final morning includes a game drive in Ngorongoro, often rewarding early risers with sightings of animals in the soft morning light. Afterwards, you’ll return to Arusha, where the tour concludes. It’s a fitting end to a trip filled with wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $3,975 per person covers many essentials, including all park tickets, accommodation, transportation in a hunting vehicle, and three meals daily. The guides are professional, and bottled water is included, meaning you won’t need to worry about extra costs for hydration during game drives.

However, there are optional extras: a hot air balloon ride for $540 per person is available if you want a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, and a Maasai Village visit for $20 offers cultural insight. Beverages, alcohol, personal expenses, and tips are not included, so keep some cash handy.

Value for Money

While nearly $4,000 might seem steep at first glance, consider what’s included: flights, park fees, guided drives, and accommodations at quality lodges or tents. The experience is designed to maximize wildlife sightings with expert guides, which significantly improves your chances of memorable encounters. For those eager to see Africa’s Big Five and iconic landscapes in a relatively short time, this experience is a strong value.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides as a major plus, noting that their insights make game viewing more meaningful. One reviewer mentions, “The guides knew exactly where to find the animals and shared fascinating facts.” Others appreciate the stunning views at each park, describing the scenery as “breathtaking,” especially the Ngorongoro Crater.

Some mention the comfort of the accommodations, though others note that tented camps can be a bit rustic. The balance of adventure and comfort seems to be well maintained, appealing to a wide range of travelers.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, guided experience that covers all the major parks in Tanzania and Kenya. It suits travelers who appreciate professional guides, structured day plans, and the chance to see a broad spectrum of animals in a relatively short period.

If you’re looking for a luxury escape, this might not be the right fit, but if you want an authentic adventure that offers value, diverse landscapes, and memorable wildlife sightings, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day safari through Tanzania and Kenya provides a well-rounded look at some of Africa’s most famous parks. It combines big game sightings with spectacular scenery and the expertise of professional guides, making it a rewarding choice for travelers with a love of wildlife and nature.

While the price is not insignificant, the inclusion of park fees, accommodations, and guided drives offers a transparent cost structure that many will find reasonable considering the scope and quality of the experience. It’s especially suited for those who want a structured, hassle-free trip that maximizes wildlife encounters without sacrificing comfort.

If your goal is to see Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife with knowledgeable guidance, this tour is worth serious consideration. It’s a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime, all while respecting the natural environment that makes this part of the world so special.

FAQ

What does the tour include?
It includes all park tickets, accommodations, transportation in a hunting vehicle, and three meals a day. Bottled drinking water is also provided, along with professional driver guidance.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can choose to add a hot air balloon adventure for $540 or visit a Maasai Village for $20.

What is not included in the price?
Beverages, alcohol, personal expenses, tips, and any optional activities are not included.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are accommodations comfortable?
The tour stays at lodges or similar camps, offering a mix of comfort with an authentic safari feel.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and possibly the rare black rhino, among many others.

Is this suitable for families or solo travelers?
While the tour is not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it suits solo travelers or groups looking for a guided wildlife experience in Africa.

To sum it up, this safari offers an authentic, well-guided experience with a focus on iconic wildlife and landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see Africa’s most famous parks in a structured, comfortable setting, making it a memorable adventure worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby