Ten days across two of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife regions, joined by a single overland border crossing. This Kenya Tanzania safari begins in Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara before crossing south into Tanzania’s Serengeti, descending into the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and finishing with elephant-filled game drives in Tarangire National Park. It’s the classic East African circuit condensed into a single, well-paced itinerary — the same ecosystem, the Great Serengeti-Mara plains, seen from both sides of the border.
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where your driver-guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Depending on arrival time, there’s an option for a relaxed evening in Nairobi before the safari begins. Overnight: Nairobi
An early departure for the drive to the Maasai Mara, descending into the Great Rift Valley with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive as your first taste of the Mara’s open plains. Overnight: Maasai Mara
A full day exploring the reserve, with morning and afternoon game drives in search of lion, elephant, leopard, and — depending on the season — the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River. A picnic lunch allows for extended time out in the park. Kaara Adventures’ own Kenya tours and their 7-day Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli itinerary cover much of this same ground for travelers comparing options. Overnight: Maasai Mara
Depart the Mara for the overland crossing into Tanzania via the Isebania/Sirari border post, continuing on to the northern Serengeti. The Mara and Serengeti are part of the same unbroken ecosystem, so wildlife sightings often continue right through the border region. Overnight: Serengeti area
A full day in the Serengeti, whose endless plains are synonymous with the word “safari.” Morning and afternoon game drives cover different sectors of the park in search of lion, cheetah, leopard, and the resident and migratory herds that pass through depending on the time of year. Overnight: Serengeti area
Drive south through the Serengeti’s central plains, via Naabi Hill Gate, toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at your lodge on the crater rim in the late afternoon with sweeping views down into the caldera. Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater rim
An early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full morning game drive across one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere in Africa, with strong chances of lion, elephant, rhino, hippo, and flamingo in the crater’s soda lake. In the afternoon, drive on to Tarangire National Park. Overnight: Tarangire area
A full day exploring Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which draws wildlife from across the surrounding plains even in the dry season. Overnight: Tarangire area
A relaxed drive to Arusha, with time along the way for a stop at a coffee plantation or local market. The afternoon and evening are free to relax at your hotel or explore the town. Overnight: Arusha
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 10 Days Kenya Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
This itinerary can be arranged at Luxury, Mid-Range, or Budget level throughout, with lodges and camps adjusted accordingly at each stop — the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater rim, and Tarangire. Let us know your preferred style when enquiring and we’ll build the quote around it.
The Kenya–Tanzania land border at Isebania/Sirari is well used by safari traffic and generally straightforward, though travelers should confirm current visa requirements for both countries before departure, as single-entry Kenya and Tanzania visas do not cover re-entry. For a wider look at how this trip fits alongside other multi-country options, see our East Africa Safaris and Combining Trips pages.
This itinerary works well for most of the year, though wildlife concentrations vary by season. The dry months from June to October and January to February generally offer the easiest game viewing, while travelers hoping to see the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River should aim for July through September.
Every itinerary we run is tailored to your dates, budget, and interests. Contact our team to get a full quote for this 10 Days Kenya Tanzania Wildlife Safari, or browse our blog for more on planning your trip.