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

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

A full day exploring the Maasai Mara concentrating on riverine and savannah wildlife. Depart at dawn to maximize predator sightings when lions, cheetahs and leopards are most active. Drive deep into the reserve toward the Mara River to observe hippo pods and Nile crocodiles on the riverbanks. Break for a classic safari picnic lunch under an acacia tree overlooking open plains, then spend the afternoon tracking the Big Five across the savannah before returning to Enchoro Wildlife Camp for dinner.

Early breakfast and exit drive through the reserve to the Isebania Border Post for customs and cross border clearance before entering Tanzania. Meet the Tanzanian guide and continue by private 4x4 through local villages and the western corridor into the Serengeti National Park with a packed lunch en route. Experience the expansive grasslands as you arrive at the Seronera region and check into Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge situated on a ridge top with an infinity pool overlooking the plains. Relax before dinner in the grand dining hall featuring traditional wood carvings.

A full day in the central Serengeti focusing on big cat activity and the iconic kopjes. Spend the morning predator tracking in the wildlife rich Seronera Valley noted for high concentrations of lions leopards and cheetahs. Explore ancient granite kopjes which serve as lookout points for big cats. Return midday to the lodge for lunch and a swim before an afternoon drive along riverbanks. At sunset pause for the sundowner tradition with drinks and snacks as the sky deepens in color before returning to the lodge.

A final dawn game drive across the central plains followed by breakfast and checkout. Journey southeast ascending into the Ngorongoro highlands with a stop at the crater rim viewpoint for sweeping views. Continue to Arusha arriving in the late afternoon and check into the Mount Meru Hotel set within tropical gardens. Spend a relaxed evening enjoying the hotel facilities and a fine dinner or a cocktail by the garden pool bar.

After breakfast explore Arusha with a visit to the vibrant Maasai Market to browse handmade beadwork wood carvings and local crafts. Continue to the Cultural Heritage Centre to view African art sculptures and Tanzanite gemstones. Following a light lunch in town guests are transferred to Arusha Airport for domestic connections or to Kilimanjaro International Airport for international departures.