The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem spans across Tanzania and Kenya and together make up the world's greatest safari destination.
Combining the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania with the Masai Mara in Kenya gives you the chance to maximise your safari experience and see an enormous variety of wildlife and scenery.
This is a particularly powerful combination if you are travelling during the Great Migration season from August to October. During this time, millions of wildebeest journey northwards from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. Between them and the green pastures of the Mara is the Mara River. If you're travelling during this time, you have the chance of witnessing a crossing as thousands of wildebeest charge across the river, attempting to dodge the crocs lurking under the murky waters and the big cats waiting on the other side!
Danielle & Joseph, Honeymoon with Brilliant Africa
If witnessing a river crossing is important to you, there's no better way to maximise your chances of seeing one than staying in both the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
The exact timing of the migration is impossible to predict and depends a lot on the seasonal rains. This means that some years the herds may stick around in the Serengeti for longer than usual, only later making their way into the Mara. Other years, they head up to the Mara sooner. Plus, they often go back and forth between the Serengeti and Mara between August to October, so spending a couple of nights on both sides helps give you the best chance of being there for a crossing.
Not only that, but each destination provides something unique and there are different styles of accommodation that provide wonderful variety. You may also want to stay in one of the private conservancies in the Masai Mara for a more private and exclusive safari experience, away from the hum of safari vehicles you'll find in Northern Serengeti.
There are a number of ways to combine Kenya and Tanzania. A lot will depend on the length of time you have available, your priorities for the trip, and your budget.
If you are travelling during migration season, we recommend starting in Tanzania and working your way up towards Kenya. This provides lots of variety as you can visit the parks along Tanzania's northern circuit before flying up to Northern Serengeti and then into the Masai Mara. This also allows the trip to crescendo in a really nice way.
If you are not travelling during migration season, then you may not want to be in Central or Southern Serengeti rather than the North. In this case, it may make more sense to start in Kenya and work south to Tanzania. Other factors like your international flight routes and whether you are including any time on the beach at the end of your trip will also play a role. Get in touch and our team can help you plan a route that's right for you.
Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
A selection of Tanzanian adventures we've run in the past - combine any of these trips with a safari in Kenya.
A selection of Kenyan adventures we've run in the past - combine any of these trips with a safari in Tanzania.
Our Brilliant guides, Northern Serengeti
Danielle & Joseph spotting a lion in the Serengeti
Wildebeest herds at sunset, Serengeti National Park
Day two on safari in the Masai Mara
Lion cubs in the Serengeti
Lions on the lookout in the Mara
Ella and her family on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
A sea of wildebeest, Serengeti National Park
The beauty of the Serengeti
Adorable baby giraffe, Masai Mara
Jake & Rose, cocktails at Tulia Zanzibar
Male lion in the Serengeti
Danielle & Joseph honeymooning in beautiful Zanzibar
Rhinos stopping for a drink, Serengeti National Park
Hyenas on the hunt in the cool afternoon
Views from the hot air balloon, Serengeti National Park
Zebra in the Ngorongoro Crater
Lion in the Serengeti, photo by Brilliant customer Don
Joseph and a curious wildebeest, Serengeti National Park
Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti
Thrashing hippos in Lake Manyara
Ella and family on horseback safari
A resting lion, snapped by Brilliant customer Melissa
Giraffes in Tarangire National Park
Lion stopping for a drink
Kenya and Tanzania both share a similar climate and seasonality. The long dry season begins in July and continues through until October. Conditions for safari at this time are perfect, grasses will be short which makes spotting the animals even easier, and there is little chance of rain. In July and August, the wildebeest herds of the Great Migration are making their way north through the Serengeti. in August and September, the herds are split between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This means that if seeing a dramatic river crossing is important to you - spending a couple of days in each park will maximise your opportunity to see one.
In November and December, there is a short rainy season - although these rains are often short and sharp. Both countries are beautiful at this time of year.
From January to March, the short dry season returns. This is another fantastic time to visit. In Tanzania, the wildebeest move south and its calving season in February with thousands of newborn beasts born every day attracting lots of big cats and other predators.
April and May are the wettest months in Kenya and Tanzania - this is the long rainy season. Many of our guides love this time of year as there are fewer other safari vehicles around and you'll be treated to beautiful, dramatic skies.
So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands.
Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other herd animals cross the Serengeti in Tanzania, heading north to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. One of the most incredible wildlife …
The Serengeti comes from the Maa word ‘Serengit’, which translates to ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. It is the far-reaching, endless savannahs that inspired …
The Masai Mara is Africa's most famous safari destination. Vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees and an incredible diversity of wildlife, the Mara is the safari of your …
Amboseli National Park, known as the 'home of the African Elephant', is one of the best wildlife destinations in Kenya, often combined with the Maasai Mara.
By staying at a Maasai owned conservancy, you experience the luxury of exclusive wildlife viewing and contribute to community conservation, improving local communities' lives and …
The Ngorongoro Crater - with its lush green plains, woodland trees and wildflowers - is one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania. A stunningly beautiful place, it's …
Every year, we help hundreds of travellers explore East Africa.
Our team can help you find the trip to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for adventure.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
