8 DAYS KENYA MASAI MARA / LAKE NAKURU & TANZANIA SERENGETI / NGORONGORO CRATER

An 8-day Kenya and Tanzania budget safari focusing on the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater offers a thrilling glimpse into East Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. This itinerary balances iconic Kenyan parks with the vast landscapes and incredible game viewing of Tanzania, all while keeping costs manageable.

Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

• Masai Mara National Reserve: You’ll likely spend the initial days immersed in the Mara’s abundant wildlife. This reserve is famous for the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and the spectacular annual Wildebeest Migration (typically July-October). Expect extensive game drives across the savannah, offering chances to see large prides of lions, cheetahs hunting on the open plains, and diverse antelope species. You might also have the option to visit a traditional Maasai village for a cultural experience (at an extra cost).
• Lake Nakuru National Park: A relatively short drive will take you to Lake Nakuru, known for its stunning pink-hued shores due to vast flocks of flamingos (though their numbers can fluctuate). This park is also a crucial sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes, providing excellent and relatively easy sightings of these endangered creatures. Birdwatching opportunities are also fantastic here.

Travel Day (Kenya to Tanzania):

• A travel day will be necessary to transfer from Lake Nakuru in Kenya to the Arusha region in Tanzania, which serves as a gateway to the northern Tanzania safari circuit. This often involves a scenic drive and a border crossing.

Tanzania :Serengeti National Park: Prepare for vast, seemingly endless plains teeming with wildlife. Therengeti is world-renowned for its exceptional predator populations and, of course, the Great Migration. Depending on the time of year, you might witness this incredible movement of millions of wildebeest and zebras. Expect thrilling game drives with opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of other animals.

• Ngorongoro Crater: A highlight of any Tanzania safari, the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a massive, intact volcanic caldera. Descending into the crater offers a unique and concentrated game viewing experience. The crater floor is home to a high density of wildlife, including the “Big Five” and the endangered black rhino. It’s often described as a natural wonder and provides incredible photographic opportunities.

Budget Considerations:

• Accommodation: Budget safaris typically utilize comfortable but basic tented camps or budget-friendly lodges located inside or just outside the park boundaries.
• Transportation: You’ll likely be traveling in shared safari vehicles (though private options might be available at a higher cost) with experienced driver-guides.
• Meals: Most meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are usually included, either at the accommodations or as packed lunches during game drives. Drinks are typically extra.

Key Highlights:

• Witnessing the iconic wildlife of the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
• The pink-hued spectacle of Lake Nakuru and its rhino sanctuary.
• The breathtaking panoramic views and concentrated wildlife within the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Experiencing the vastness and diverse ecosystems of both Kenya and Tanzania.