6-Day Cross-Border Safari: The Ultimate East African

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with meet and greet by a professional driver guide followed by a drive northwest to the Great Rift Valley. Descend the Rift Valley escarpment with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint then continue through Maasai country and the town of Narok to the eastern edge of the reserve near Oloolaimutia Gate. Check into Enchoro Wildlife Camp and settle into a semi luxury safari tent. Depending on arrival time there is an introductory game drive in the golden afternoon light to spot zebras, wildebeest and predators. Return to camp at twilight to gather around the campfire boma and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner in the open air dining hall. Overnight at Enchoro Wildlife Camp on a full board basis.

A full day exploring the Maasai Mara with early morning predator activity viewing, a deep drive toward the Mara River to watch hippos and Nile crocodiles, a classic picnic lunch in the wild under an acacia tree, and afternoon tracking across the plains to search for the remainder of the Big Five. Return to Enchoro Wildlife Camp for dinner and overnight on a full board basis.

After an early breakfast take a final exit drive through the Maasai Mara to the Isebania Border Post, complete customs and cross into Tanzania where you meet your Tanzanian guide and transfer into a private 4x4 vehicle. Drive through local villages into the western corridor of Serengeti National Park with a packed lunch en route as the landscape opens into vast grasslands. Arrive at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge in the central Seronera region, relax by the ridge top infinity pool overlooking the plains, dine in the grand high domed dining hall and overnight on a full board basis.

A full day in central Serengeti focusing on big cat viewing and exploring the granite kopjes. Spend the morning predator tracking in the Seronera Valley known for lions, leopards and cheetahs. Navigate among ancient kopjes which serve as lookout towers, return to the lodge for lunch and a swim, then head out for a late afternoon safari along riverbanks with a sundowner at sunset. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis.

Take a final dawn game drive across the central plains then return to the lodge for breakfast and checkout. Journey southeast toward the Ngorongoro highlands, ascend to the crater rim viewpoint for spectacular views, and continue to Arusha arriving in the late afternoon. Check into Mount Meru Hotel set within tropical gardens, relax in the room, enjoy dinner or a cocktail by the garden pool bar and overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.

After breakfast enjoy an Arusha city tour including a visit to the vibrant Maasai Market to browse handmade beadwork, wood carvings and local crafts, and explore the Cultural Heritage Centre with African art, sculptures and Tanzanite gemstones. Following a light lunch transfer to Arusha Airport ARK for domestic departures or Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO for international flights home.