15 Days Kenya & Tanzania – Mara to Serengeti Grand Safari
15 Days / 14 Nights
Countries: Kenya & Tanzania
Style: Classic Safari • Big Five • Landscapes
Best for: First-time safari travelers wanting depth, photographers, couples
Comfort level: Midrange (upgradeable)
Trip Overview
This extended cross-border safari links Kenya’s Maasai Mara with Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, allowing travelers to experience East Africa’s most iconic ecosystems without rushing between locations.
The itinerary is intentionally designed with longer stays in fewer parks, giving ample time to explore each area properly. After easing into the journey through Kenya’s Rift Valley, the route spends multiple nights in the Maasai Mara before crossing into Tanzania to continue through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
By spreading the highlights over 15 days and avoiding unnecessary backtracking or internal flights, this itinerary delivers a comprehensive safari experience that feels immersive, unhurried, and well-balanced.
Highlights
- Extended safari time in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Vast predator-rich plains of the Serengeti National Park
- Full-day crater safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Elephant-rich landscapes in Tarangire National Park
- Smooth overland cross-border route between Kenya and Tanzania
- A true “slow safari” pace with depth over distance
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi (Kenya)
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meet & greet and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Nairobi | Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Nairobi → Lake Naivasha
Drive into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha. Afternoon at leisure or optional lakeside activities.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha area | Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara
Drive through the Rift Valley and Maasai countryside to the Maasai Mara. Afternoon game drive en route to the lodge.
Overnight: Maasai Mara | Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Full-day safari exploring different regions of the Mara, known for its high density of wildlife and open savannahs.
Overnight: Maasai Mara | Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Another full day of game drives, allowing for deeper exploration and flexible wildlife tracking.
Overnight: Maasai Mara | Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Maasai Mara → Isebania Border / Serengeti (Tanzania)
Early departure toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. After border formalities, continue into the Serengeti with game viewing en route.
Overnight: Serengeti (central) | Tented safari camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Serengeti National Park
Full-day safari in the Serengeti, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large plains game.
Overnight: Serengeti (central) | Tented safari camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Serengeti National Park
Another full day of game drives, allowing for flexible routing and predator-focused safaris.
Overnight: Serengeti (central) | Tented safari camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive followed by a scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Overnight: Ngorongoro area | Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Early descent into the crater for a full-day game drive with picnic lunch.
Overnight: Ngorongoro area | Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Ngorongoro → Karatu
Short drive to Karatu. Afternoon at leisure to rest after the crater safari.
Overnight: Karatu area | Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Karatu → Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River.
Overnight: Tarangire area | Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Tarangire National Park
Full day exploring Tarangire’s varied habitats and large elephant populations.
Overnight: Tarangire area | Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Tarangire → Arusha
Morning game drive followed by transfer to Arusha. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Arusha | Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Arusha Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing (USD per person)
Based on midrange lodges & camps, private guide & vehicle
Pax | Price per Person |
1 pax | $6,250 |
2 pax | $5,150 |
3 pax | $4,750 |
4 pax | $4,450 |
Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal lodge availability.
Price Includes
- All accommodation (14 nights, midrange)
- All meals as specified
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide
- All park and conservation fees
- Ngorongoro Crater entry & service fees
- All game drives as outlined
- Cross-border logistics and assistance
- Airport transfers
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees (Kenya & Tanzania)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks & personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon safari)
- Tips & gratuities

