Mbuga Day

Itinerary notebook

Which safari should you choose in East Africa?

Two days from Arusha allow a night near Tarangire. With three days from Nairobi, give one day to the Masai Mara. From Zanzibar, check the flights to Nyerere.

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See the Civitatis offers
Drawing of the Ngorongoro caldera Ngorongoro Caldera · Generated illustration
Editorial examplesWhat fits into 2, 3 or 4 days
1 box per day
  • Travel first
  • Travel, with a possible visit
  • Visit first

The diagram shows each day's priority. Time on site depends on the road, the gates and the conditions that day.

Sketch out your safari

Where are you starting from, in which month and for how many days? The notebook splits your time between travel, nights and wildlife viewing.

Your start point and dates

Note for the monthJuly

Possible migration window

From July to October, the migration can reach the Mara. Ask which area is accessible on your dates and plan a flexible itinerary.

Kenya Tourism Board · Safari Calendar Checked on

Schematic map · not to scale

Your suggested route

Editorial example

Three days in the Masai Mara

Nairobi · 3 days · 2 nights

Two nights near the reserve and one full day devoted to one area of the Mara.

Drawing of a track in the Masai Mara
Generated illustration
How the days are split1 box per day
  1. Day 1 · Travel, with a possible visit
  2. Day 2 · Visit first
  3. Day 3 · Travel first
  • Travel first
  • Travel, with a possible visit
  • Visit first

The diagram shows each day's priority. Time on site depends on the road, the gates and the conditions that day.

What this format favours
One full day of wildlife viewing without changing reserve.
To check
The first and last days include the road from Nairobi. Confirm the gate and the camp's location.

Access note

Sekenani or Talek

Narok County lists these two gates. Ask which one your camp uses and how long the track takes to the area you want.

  1. Nairobi

  2. Reserve gate

  3. Camp or area

Access stages · diagram not to scale

Narok County · Maasai Mara Management Plan Checked on

See the route day by day
  1. Day 1

    Reaching the reserve

    Travel
    Nairobi → Masai Mara by road.
    Time on site
    A first slot only if your arrival time and the gate allow it.
    Overnight or return
    Night near the chosen gate.
  2. Day 2

    A day in the Mara

    Travel
    4×4 drives in the chosen area.
    Time on site
    A day devoted to wildlife viewing. The guide adapts the tracks.
    Overnight or return
    Same camp or lodge near the reserve.
  3. Day 3

    Back to Nairobi

    Travel
    Masai Mara → Nairobi by road.
    Time on site
    A short outing is possible depending on margin and entry fees.
    Overnight or return
    Arrival in Nairobi.

Editorial example

Safari of 2, 3 or 4 days

Three example routes. Arrival and return days count towards the length. Each booking listing further down has its own programme.

Two days in Tarangire

Arusha · 2 days · 1 night

A night near the park lets you spread the game drives between arrival and return.

Drawing of a baobab by the river in Tarangire
Generated illustration
How the days are split1 box per day
  1. Day 1 · Travel, with a possible visit
  2. Day 2 · Travel, with a possible visit
  • Travel first
  • Travel, with a possible visit
  • Visit first

The diagram shows each day's priority. Time on site depends on the road, the gates and the conditions that day.

What this format favours
Two possible viewing slots in a single park, with a night near the track.
To check
Confirm the camp's location and the fees that apply if you enter on two different days.

Access note

≈ 2 h 30 to 3 h

TANAPA's estimate for the one-way drive from Arusha to Tarangire by road.

Final track
Check the state of the track on your travel dates.
Return
Add the time for the drive back.

  1. Arusha

  2. Makuyuni–Minjingu

  3. Tarangire

Access stages · diagram not to scale

Tanzania National Parks · Tarangire Visitor Guide Checked on

Seasonal note

Jan.–Feb. and June–Oct.

TANAPA lists two dry periods. For the final track, ask about road conditions on your departure date.

Tanzania National Parks · Tarangire Checked on

  1. Day 1

    Entering Tarangire

    Travel
    Arusha → Tarangire gate.
    Time on site
    A game drive after arrival if access and margin allow it.
    Overnight or return
    Night near the park or inside it, depending on the camp chosen.
  2. Day 2

    Watch, then head back

    Travel
    Tarangire → Arusha after the visit.
    Time on site
    A second slot is possible before departure, depending on fees and the return time.
    Overnight or return
    Arrival in Arusha.

Three days in the Masai Mara

Nairobi · 3 days · 2 nights

Two nights near the reserve and one full day devoted to one area of the Mara.

Drawing of a track in the Masai Mara
Generated illustration
How the days are split1 box per day
  1. Day 1 · Travel, with a possible visit
  2. Day 2 · Visit first
  3. Day 3 · Travel first
  • Travel first
  • Travel, with a possible visit
  • Visit first

The diagram shows each day's priority. Time on site depends on the road, the gates and the conditions that day.

What this format favours
One full day of wildlife viewing without changing reserve.
To check
The first and last days include the road from Nairobi. Confirm the gate and the camp's location.

Access note

Sekenani or Talek

Narok County lists these two gates. Ask which one your camp uses and how long the track takes to the area you want.

  1. Nairobi

  2. Reserve gate

  3. Camp or area

Access stages · diagram not to scale

Narok County · Maasai Mara Management Plan Checked on

Seasonal note

July to October

Indicative migration window in the Mara. Herd positions and river crossings vary with the rains.

Kenya Tourism Board · Safari Calendar Checked on

  1. Day 1

    Reaching the reserve

    Travel
    Nairobi → Masai Mara by road.
    Time on site
    A first slot only if your arrival time and the gate allow it.
    Overnight or return
    Night near the chosen gate.
  2. Day 2

    A day in the Mara

    Travel
    4×4 drives in the chosen area.
    Time on site
    A day devoted to wildlife viewing. The guide adapts the tracks.
    Overnight or return
    Same camp or lodge near the reserve.
  3. Day 3

    Back to Nairobi

    Travel
    Masai Mara → Nairobi by road.
    Time on site
    A short outing is possible depending on margin and entry fees.
    Overnight or return
    Arrival in Nairobi.

Four days between Tarangire and Ngorongoro

Arusha · 4 days · 3 nights

Separate the crater day from the drive back. Sleep two nights in the highlands around Karatu.

Drawing of the Ngorongoro caldera
Generated illustration
How the days are split1 box per day
  1. Day 1 · Travel, with a possible visit
  2. Day 2 · Travel, with a possible visit
  3. Day 3 · Visit first
  4. Day 4 · Travel first
  • Travel first
  • Travel, with a possible visit
  • Visit first

The diagram shows each day's priority. Time on site depends on the road, the gates and the conditions that day.

What this format favours
A day devoted to the crater and a separate return to keep some margin.
To check
Access to the crater floor depends on permits. Check the fees, the gate and the exit time with the provider.

Access note

≈ 2 h 30 to 3 h

TANAPA's estimate for the one-way drive from Arusha to Tarangire by road.

Final track
Check the state of the track on your travel dates.
Return
Add the time for the drive back.

  1. Arusha

  2. Makuyuni–Minjingu

  3. Tarangire

Access stages · diagram not to scale

Tanzania National Parks · Tarangire Visitor Guide Checked on

Access note

Permit and vehicle

Have access to the crater and any vehicle fees confirmed. Allow time for the descent and the climb back up on top of the visit.

  1. Highlands

  2. Crater rim

  3. Caldera floor

Access stages · diagram not to scale

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · Permits Checked on

Seasonal note

Jan.–Feb. and June–Oct.

TANAPA lists two dry periods. For the final track, ask about road conditions on your departure date.

Tanzania National Parks · Tarangire Checked on

  1. Day 1

    Entering Tarangire

    Travel
    Arusha → Tarangire gate.
    Time on site
    A game drive after arrival if access and margin allow it.
    Overnight or return
    Night near the park or inside it, depending on the camp chosen.
  2. Day 2

    On to the highlands

    Travel
    Tarangire → Karatu.
    Time on site
    A slot in Tarangire before the transfer, depending on the gate and the fees.
    Overnight or return
    Night in Karatu or nearby.
  3. Day 3

    Down into the crater

    Travel
    Karatu → Ngorongoro → Karatu.
    Time on site
    A slot on the caldera floor, depending on the permit and track conditions.
    Overnight or return
    Second night around Karatu.
  4. Day 4

    Heading back without rushing

    Travel
    Karatu → Arusha.
    Time on site
    A transfer day, with margin before the next connection.
    Overnight or return
    Arrival in Arusha.

Safaris to book on Civitatis

Compare the durations and conditions actually shown on each listing. Prices and reviews are dated.

3 h
9/10 · 194 reviews

Nairobi Free Walking Tour

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

A walk through central Nairobi, from the Supreme Court to Uhuru Park, with an English-speaking guide. Tips are not included.

Price on CivitatisChecked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · Nairobi Free Walking Tour
4 h
8.4/10 · 15 reviews

Nairobi Guided Tour

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

Two routes to choose from, downtown or historic, with admission and a bottle of water included. Minimum of 2 people.

From €40.68Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · Nairobi Guided Tour
4 days
8.9/10 · 14 reviews

Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru 4-Day Safari

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

Four days from Nairobi, with two nights in Maasai Mara and one at Lake Nakuru, full board. Park entrance fees are paid separately.

From €282.51Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru 4-Day Safari
3 days
8.2/10 · 10 reviews

3-day safari in the Masai Mara

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

From Nairobi by safari jeep, with two nights in a camp and one full day in the reserve. Reserve entry is paid separately.

From €214.71Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · 3-day safari in the Masai Mara
7 days
8.3/10 · 6 reviews

7-Day Safari to National Parks in Kenya

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

Seven days from Nairobi through Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate and Amboseli, with six nights of full board and park entry included.

From €1,559.47Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · 7-Day Safari to National Parks in Kenya
6–8 days
10/10 · 5 reviews

North Tanzania 6 Day Safari

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

Six days from Arusha through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with a private 4x4 and driver, meals and park entry included. A Zanzibar extension is optional.

From €2,488.83Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · North Tanzania 6 Day Safari
8–12 days
10/10 · 2 reviews

North Tanzania 8 Day Safari

English-speaking guide

Guide in English

Eight days from Arusha through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, with an English-speaking guide, meals and park entry included. A Zanzibar extension is optional.

From €3,548.37Checked on Generated illustration
Check availability on Civitatis · North Tanzania 8 Day Safari

Ratings and reviews are published by Civitatis. Price and language can vary by option and date. Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book.

Two gateways to the savanna

Nairobi for the Masai Mara. Arusha for the parks of northern Tanzania.

Generated illustration

Kenya

Masai Mara from Nairobi
Generated illustration

Tanzania

Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Nyerere