11-Day Kenya & Tanzania Private Safari — Maasai Mara to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for vehicle-based game drives; be able to walk short distances on uneven ground and handle bumpy roads for extended periods.
Overview
Drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, cross into the Serengeti and descend into Ngorongoro on an 11‑day private safari that prioritizes wildlife viewing and local culture. This route pairs big‑five game drives with Rift Valley geology and Maasai encounters.
11-Day Kenya & Tanzania Private Safari — Maasai Mara to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
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The jeep moves like a patient animal across the Mara at first light, dust rising in a thin gold column as a pair of lionesses melt into the long grasses. Your guide eases the Land Cruiser to a stop and, for a moment, silence fills the space between the engine’s tick and a distant hyena’s laugh. This is the pace of an 11-day private safari that threads Nairobi to the Rift Valley lakes, cuts across the Maasai Mara, crosses into the Serengeti and descends into the green bowl of Ngorongoro.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack binoculars and a 200–400mm lens
Telephoto optics let you photograph predators and birds without disturbing them; binoculars are essential for scanning vast plains.
Carry malaria prophylaxis
Malaria risk exists in many parks visited—consult a travel clinic and carry repellant with DEET and a treated sleeping net if provided.
Bring layered clothing
Mornings (1–2 hours before sunrise) can be chilly at higher elevations like Ngorongoro; pack a warm jacket plus sun protection for midday.
Have passport and visa ready at the border
The Isebania crossing requires passports and sometimes visas—keep originals accessible to speed the 30‑minute processing window.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African lion
- Black rhino
History
The Rift Valley shaped human and animal movement in East Africa; archaeological sites in the region have produced fossils documenting early hominid occupation over millions of years.
Conservation
Many parks on this route are central to conservation programs (rhino protection at Nakuru, Ngorongoro’s habitat management); support for local guides and community projects helps fund protection efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for spotting distant game and reading animal behavior from the vehicle.
Camera with telephoto lens (200–400mm)
Captures close-up wildlife shots without needing to approach animals.
Light down jacket
Cold, early-morning drives at higher elevations like Ngorongoro require warm insulation.
winter specific
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Repellent reduces mosquito bites; high-SPF sunscreen protects during long sunlit drives.
summer specific