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

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport followed by meet and greet with your professional driver guide and an immediate northwest drive toward the Great Rift Valley. Descend the Rift Valley escarpment with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photos then continue through traditional Maasai country and the town of Narok to reach the eastern edge of the Maasai Mara near Oloolaimutia Gate. Check in to 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 wildebeests and resident predators. Return to camp at twilight to gather around the campfire before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner in the open air dining hall.

A full day exploring the Maasai Mara with early morning departure at dawn when predators are most active. Drive deep into the reserve toward the Mara River to view hippo pods and Nile crocodiles. Enjoy a classic safari picnic lunch under an acacia tree overlooking the plains then spend the afternoon tracking the remainder of the Big Five across the savannah before returning to camp for dinner.

Early breakfast followed by a final exit drive through the reserve to the Isebania Border Post to clear customs and enter Tanzania. Meet your Tanzanian guide and continue by private 4x4 through local villages into the western corridor of the Serengeti 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 infinity pool and dine in the grand high domed dining hall with traditional wood carvings.

A full day exploring the wildlife rich Seronera Valley focused on predator tracking among kopjes and riverbanks. Morning game drives target lions leopards and cheetahs. Navigate ancient granite kopjes used by big cats as lookout points. Return to the lodge for lunch and a swim then head out for a late afternoon safari along riverbanks and pause at sunset for a classic African sundowner with drinks and snacks.

Early sunrise game drive through the central plains followed by breakfast and checkout. Journey southeast ascending into the Ngorongoro highlands with a stop at the crater rim viewpoint for spectacular views then continue to Arusha arriving late afternoon. Check in to Mount Meru Hotel set within manicured tropical gardens and enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at the hotel restaurant or a cocktail by the garden pool bar.

Morning city tour of Arusha with visits to the vibrant Maasai Market for handmade beadwork wood carvings and local crafts and to the Cultural Heritage Centre to view African art sculptures and Tanzanite gemstones. After a light lunch transfer to Arusha Airport for domestic flights or Kilimanjaro International Airport for international departures.