8 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Explore Masai Mara, Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire on an 8-day Kenya Tanzania safari with Big Five wildlife and culture.
8 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari | Masai Mara & Serengeti
Masai Mara • Lake Victoria • Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater • Tarangire
8 Days | Kenya & Tanzania | 5 Parks & World-Famous Sites | Private Safari Available
Discover the extraordinary diversity of East Africa on this 8 Day Kenya & Tanzania Discovery Safari, combining Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara with Tanzania’s spectacular Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, plus a cultural and scenic experience at Lake Victoria.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more than a conventional game drive. Across eight days, you’ll experience iconic wildlife, vast savannahs, Africa’s largest lake, Maasai culture, traditional fishing communities, ancient volcanic landscapes and some of East Africa’s richest wildlife habitats.
8 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itnerary
Day 1 – Nairobi to Masai Mara
Your 8 Day Kenya Tanzania Safari begins in Nairobi with a journey toward the magnificent Masai Mara Game Reserve. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley and into southwestern Kenya, where rolling hills gradually give way to the open grasslands of the Mara ecosystem. After arrival and lunch, depending on your travel arrangements, head out for your first game drive. The Masai Mara is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Its fertile grasslands support large populations of herbivores and predators throughout the year. Wildlife you may encounter Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Wildebeest Zebras Hippos Hyenas The first game drive provides your introduction to the landscapes and wildlife that make the Masai Mara safari famous worldwide. Overnight: Masai Mara Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2 – Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Masai Mara Game Reserve. A full day gives your safari guide more flexibility to explore different wildlife areas and follow recent sightings. The Mara is particularly renowned for its large predator populations. Lions can often be found resting in the shade during the warmer parts of the day, while cheetahs may be seen scanning the open grasslands for prey. You may also encounter huge buffalo herds, elephants moving across the plains and giraffes browsing on acacia trees. Great Migration During the appropriate season, the Mara becomes one of the most important destinations along the Great Migration route. Millions of wildebeest and large numbers of zebra move through the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem during their annual cycle. The exact location of the herds changes throughout the year, so migration sightings cannot be guaranteed. Maasai Culture You may also choose to visit a Maasai community to learn about traditional lifestyles, homes, crafts, livestock and cultural practices. Overnight: Masai Mara Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3 – Masai Mara to Lake Victoria
After breakfast, leave the Masai Mara and continue toward Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by surface area and one of the most important freshwater ecosystems in the region. This part of the journey provides a completely different experience from traditional savannah game viewing. Lake Victoria Experience A visit to a local fishing community offers an opportunity to learn about the livelihoods of people living around the lake. Depending on local conditions and arrangements, you can observe: Traditional fishing activities Fishing boats Local markets Lakeside communities Fish preparation and trading The experience provides a valuable cultural dimension to your Kenya Tanzania safari. Overnight: Lake Victoria area Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4 – Lake Victoria to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, continue toward Tanzania and the legendary Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is part of the same enormous ecosystem as the Masai Mara, making this transition particularly exciting for wildlife enthusiasts. As you enter Tanzania and approach the Serengeti, the landscape gradually opens into enormous grasslands. The Serengeti is famous for its extraordinary wildlife density, including large populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs and plains game. Enjoy game viewing as you travel toward your accommodation. Overnight: Serengeti National Park Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5 – Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Wake up in the heart of the Serengeti for a full day of wildlife exploration. The Serengeti is one of the world's most important wildlife ecosystems and is particularly famous for its enormous concentrations of predators and herbivores. Your professional safari guide will determine the best areas to explore based on seasonal conditions and wildlife activity. Possible sightings include: Lions Leopards Cheetahs Elephants Buffalo Wildebeest Zebras Giraffes Hyenas Hippos The Great Migration may also pass through different areas of the Serengeti depending on the season. This full day provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and unforgettable encounters. Overnight: Serengeti National Park Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your destination is the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania's most remarkable natural landscapes. The crater was formed when a massive volcano collapsed following a major eruption millions of years ago. Today, its enclosed ecosystem supports an impressive concentration of wildlife. Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often described as one of Africa's great natural wonders. Wildlife possibilities Lions Elephants Buffalo Zebras Wildebeest Hippos Hyenas Gazelles Possible black rhino sightings You can also discuss adding an excursion toward Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site associated with discoveries concerning early human history. Overnight: Ngorongoro area Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, continue toward Tarangire National Park, a spectacular wildlife destination known for its elephants and enormous baobab trees. Tarangire has a distinctive landscape unlike the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. During the dry season, wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River and other permanent water sources. The park can support large concentrations of: Elephants Zebras Wildebeest Cape buffalo Giraffes Lions Antelope Tarangire is also an exceptional birding destination, with more than 550 recorded bird species. Its characteristic baobab trees create spectacular photographic opportunities. You may also see termite mounds scattered throughout the landscape. Overnight: Tarangire National Park area Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8 – Tarangire to Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy your final safari experience before departing Tarangire toward Arusha. As you leave the park, reflect on the remarkable diversity experienced during the previous seven days — from Kenya's Masai Mara and Lake Victoria to Tanzania's Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Your safari ends in Arusha, where you can connect with your onward flight or continue with an extension. Recommended Extensions You can extend your journey with: Zanzibar beach holiday Additional Serengeti nights Kilimanjaro climbing More time in Ngorongoro Additional Tanzania safari destinations End of Safari: Arusha
Safari Inclusions
Your 8 Day Kenya Tanzania Safari package can include:
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional safari guide
- Game drives
- Masai Mara park entry fees
- Serengeti park entry fees
- Ngorongoro conservation fees
- Lake Manyara park fees
- Kenya-Tanzania border crossing assistance
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Nairobi pick-up
- Arusha drop-off
Accommodation and vehicle options can be customized according to your budget and preferred travel style.
Safari Exclusions
Unless included in your customized quotation, the following are excluded:
- International flights
- Kenya visa
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Laundry
- Optional cultural activities
- Hot air balloon safari
- Personal purchases
- Accommodation before or after the safari
Why Choose This 8-Day Kenya & Tanzania Discovery Safari?
This itinerary has been designed for travelers who want to experience multiple ecosystems and cultures rather than spending the entire trip in one destination.
You’ll experience:
Kenya
Masai Mara – Big Five, savannahs, predators and Maasai culture.
Lake Victoria – lakeside scenery and traditional fishing communities.
Tanzania
Serengeti – vast plains, predators and the Great Migration ecosystem.
Ngorongoro Crater – exceptional wildlife concentration and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Tarangire – elephants, baobabs and outstanding birdlife.
This combination creates a genuinely diverse Kenya and Tanzania safari holiday.
Best Time for This Safari
This 8 Day Kenya Tanzania Safari can operate throughout the year.
June to October
Popular for dry-season wildlife viewing and the Great Migration period.
January to March
A potentially excellent period for the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti ecosystem.
November to December
The landscapes can become particularly green following seasonal rains.
Migration locations change naturally, so specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Private Kenya & Tanzania Safari
For couples, families, photographers and small groups, we recommend a private Kenya Tanzania safari.
A private safari gives you greater flexibility with:
- Game-drive routes
- Photography stops
- Wildlife viewing
- Accommodation choices
- Travel pace
- Additional activities
You can also extend this itinerary with Zanzibar beach holidays, additional nights in the Serengeti, or a longer Masai Mara safari.
FAQs — 8-Day Kenya & Tanzania Discovery Safari
How many parks does this safari visit?
The itinerary covers five major destinations: Masai Mara, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
Can I see the Great Migration?
Potentially. The route travels through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The location of the migration changes throughout the year.
Is Lake Victoria included for wildlife viewing?
Lake Victoria is primarily included for its scenery and cultural fishing-community experience rather than traditional game viewing.
Can I visit a Maasai village?
Yes. A Maasai cultural visit can be arranged as an optional experience during your time in the Mara.
Where does the safari end?
The standard itinerary ends in Arusha, Tanzania, making it convenient for onward flights or a Zanzibar extension.