Ever dreamed of roaming freely on the endless plains in the heart of Africa, chasing after wildlife with nothing but the open sky above you? It's time to wake up... and pack your bags! I recently returned from an unforgettable safari adventure across the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti in East Africa, and let me tell you—it felt like a dream come true.
However, planning a safari of this magnitude isn't exactly trivial. It involves coordinating flights, ground transfers, accommodations, and finding the perfect guides. That's why, in this blog, I'll share everything about how I planned my journey, complete with tips and suggestions to ensure your own adventure goes off without a hitch!
Getting to East Africa: Your Gateway to the Plains
The iconic Maasai Mara and Serengeti form a massive ecosystem that spans the border between Kenya and Tanzania. To get close, you'll likely fly into one of two major international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Both hubs are well-connected and served by a wide array of excellent airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Kenya Airways (KQ), Qatar Airways (QR), KLM (KL), and Air France (AF).
For my fellow Australians looking to tackle both the Mara and the Serengeti, Qatar Airways is often the top choice, typically involving just a single transit in Doha each way from major Australian airports.
This time, my family and I opted for Ethiopian Airways, flying into Nairobi and out of Kilimanjaro, as we weren't traveling directly to and from Australia. To help you plan your own flights, I've included the current flight connection maps for both airports below.
Flights to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Finding a Stellar Safari Agent: Taking the Stress Away
While some seasoned travelers enjoy the challenge of booking everything themselves—from accommodation to transfers—it can quickly become an overwhelming juggling act for first-timers. Imagine countless emails with different parties, coordinating pickups, and hoping it all lines up!
My top recommendation? Let the professionals handle the hassle!
I chose Spirit of Kenya, and the process couldn't have been smoother. All I had to do was provide them with my general vision: my price range, the duration of the trip, and a few things I was interested in. They quickly returned a customized itinerary that included everything.
Rest assured, everything is included in the package: a private 4x4 vehicle and an expert guide for the whole journey, seamless transfers from start to finish, and all accommodations booked. They even helped us decide which part of the field to explore each day. They were highly responsive and friendly, and the entire process was smooth without any hiccups. Using an agent truly saved me a massive amount of time and effort in planning and arranging.
Our Unforgettable 6-Day Itinerary
Below is the wonderful itinerary our agent from Spirit of Kenya planned for us—a perfect balance of the Mara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater:
| Day | Journey/Location | Activities/Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi/Mara (5hrs drive) | 7:00 am pick-up, afternoon game drive. Dinner & overnight at Ilkeliani Camp. |
| Day 2 | Maasai Mara | Morning hot air balloon ride. Full day game drive. Dinner & overnight at Ilkeliani Camp. |
| Day 3 | Mara/Serengeti (6hrs transfer) | Morning transfer to the Serengeti with a game drive en route. Dinner & overnight at Serengeti Acacia Bliss. |
| Day 4 | Serengeti | Full day game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Dinner & overnight at Serengeti Acacia Bliss. |
| Day 5 | Serengeti/Ngorongoro (4hrs drive) | Morning game drive in Serengeti. Afternoon transfer to Ngorongoro. Dinner & overnight at Lemala Ngorongoro. |
| Day 6 | Ngorongoro/Arusha (4hrs drive) | Morning game drive and lunch in Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). End of Services. |
Accommodation Showdown: Camps vs. Lodges
Inside the Mara and Serengeti, you generally choose between Camps (often luxurious "glamping" tents) or Lodges (permanent structures similar to conventional hotels).
Permanent Lodges are like conventional hotels, which are less prone to weather conditions and often provide more amenities, such as spas and pools. They offer the security and feel of a traditional hotel.
However, "camping" in the parks does not mean compromising on comfort! The countless glamping options we chose felt truly luxurious. Not only do they provide amenities like private en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds, but they make you feel incredibly close to the wildlife. Imagine waking up to an impala or gazelle grazing right outside your tent, or hearing the faint, thrilling symphony of animal sounds at night. We even got escorted back to our tents by zebras one evening—an unforgettable experience!
While we chose to stay only in camps and couldn't compare directly, here’s a look at the incredible places we called home:
Maasai Mara - Ilkeliani Camp
Located right beside the Talek River, Ilkeliani Camp is exceptional in every dimension. If you fly in, it's less than an hour from the Keekorok airstrip. Our tent was spacious, featuring a separate living area and a full bathroom. The camp also boasts a swimming pool and an observation deck overlooking the endless plains on the other side of the river. The restaurant was the true highlight—the meals were on par with, if not better than, any fine-dining spot back home in Melbourne. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, making our all-inclusive stay absolutely pleasant.
Serengeti - Serengeti Acacia Bliss
Acacia Bliss also delivered a luxurious experience during our two-night stay. While the tent wasn't as spacious as Ilkeliani's, it was comfortable and by no means compact. The standout feature here was the proximity to the animals; one night, we had buffalos hanging out right outside the tent! (Don't worry, they're typically docile unless provoked.) The chef was very thoughtful, surprising and delighting us by incorporating subtle Asian elements into each meal. Our housekeeper and server also went above and beyond to ensure we were well accommodated. Note that this camp is not all-inclusive, so drinks were an extra cost.
Ngorongoro - Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Lemala Camp is strategically located right at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. The decor is warm and well- blended into the wilderness, and the staff were attentive, making us feel truly welcomed. However, I found the hot water supply insufficient during the shower, which was exacerbated by the extremely cold night on the crater rim. Fortunately, a hot tea was promptly delivered upon request, which helped immensely! It’s understandable to have limitations on hot water in such a remote wilderness location, but it's something to be aware of if you crave long, hot showers.
When and Where to Go: Timing Your Wildlife Adventure
While the Serengeti is much larger and less seasonal, the Maasai Mara's smaller size means that at the right time of year, you have a much higher chance of incredible sightings due to the density of animals.
- Maasai Mara Peak Season: July to September (best for concentrated game viewing).
- Serengeti Game Viewing: Year-Round (migration patterns dictate where you should stay).
- Mara River Crossing (The Great Migration): Generally July to October.
Essential Safari Preparations
A smooth safari begins long before you board the plane. Here’s what you need to organize:
Vaccines and Medications
Your health is paramount! To fully enjoy the safari experience in the best condition, consult your doctor about the following before traveling to East Africa:
- Yellow Fever: Often required for entry (check current regulations).
- Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B: Highly suggested.
- Malaria Pills: Must be taken daily (during and after the journey), following doctor's instructions.
- Over-the-Counter Meds: Bring a small kit for headaches, stomach upsets, etc., just in case.
Clothing and Protections
Temperatures can be drastic between the scorching daytime and the cold nighttime. Layering is key!
- Layers: Pack comfortable clothes and bring at least one jacket, such as a lightweight puffer jacket, for the chilly mornings and evenings.
- Protection: Long sleeves and pants are suggested to protect your skin from intense sun and insect bites. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. I find Macpac has all the items I needed.
- Repellents: Apply DEET insect repellent and high-SPF sunscreen frequently.
Photography Gear: Capturing the Moment
You will be taking the trip of a lifetime, so having the right gear is essential. Drones are prohibited in the reserves, but here’s what I used:
- Telephoto (Must-Have): For distant animals, you need zoom. My Sony a6700 with the 70-350mm lens was invaluable for getting close-up wildlife shots from the safety of the vehicle.
- Wide/Video: My Canon R50 with the 18-50mm lens and iPhone 14 Pro were perfect for landscape shots and quick video clips. The GoPro 11 was ideal for capturing the bumpy ride and the excitement inside the jeep.
- Essential Accessories: Bring a good pair of binoculars—they are essential for spotting wildlife far from the track! Also, pack extra batteries and memory cards.
Cash
While credit cards are accepted in most camps for activities and extra payments, you will need cash for tipping. Remember to prepare some small denomination US banknotes ($1 and $5 bills are great). You will need at least $10 USD per person, per day, for staff tips.
Insider Tips for First-Time Safari Goers
Focus on One Park
As a first-timer, I totally understand the urge to see everything at once! But be warned: the drive to cross the border and travel between Maasai Mara and the Serengeti requires you to leave the park, navigate immigration, and then re-enter the park again. This means you’re wasting precious wildlife viewing time on a potentially long and very bumpy road journey. If time is tight, focusing on either Kenya or Tanzania can give you a more relaxed experience.
Consider Flying Into and Out of the Parks for More Comfort
While the long road trip made sense for us since we were visiting both countries (Nairobi to Kilimanjaro), the safari experience could be far more comfortable if you opt to fly into and out of the parks if you are staying in only one park. Flying drastically cuts down on travel time and the stress of traveling from the cities to the remote reserves. For instance, from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, you can fly to multiple airstrips within Maasai Mara. On the Tanzanian side, Arusha Airport is the gateway to the Serengeti. Crucially, be aware that these internal flights use small "bush planes" that have extremely strict luggage limitations, often around 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, and require soft-sided duffel bags as hard suitcases cannot fit in the small cargo holds. You must pack light and efficiently!
Tipping Campsite Staff Directly
It is suggested to tip staff at the campsite directly, especially your dedicated server at the restaurant and the housekeeper. This is the most direct way to show your gratitude for their excellent service and ensure they get a fair share of your generosity. You can also opt to put your tips in a general tipping box at the end of your stay. The general guideline is to budget at least $10 USD per person, per night for the general camp staff pool.
Final Word: Your Dream Safari Awaits
Planning a safari may involve a bit of homework—from coordinating vaccinations and packing light for bush planes to choosing the right agent—but the effort is worth every second. Our journey through the Maasai Mara and Serengeti felt like stepping into another world, filled with luxury camping under the stars and breathtaking, unfiltered moments with the Big Five. The takeaway is simple: Don't let the planning logistics intimidate you. Trust an expert agent, pack smart, and prepare for an adventure that will redefine your appreciation for the wild. Your dream safari is closer than you think!
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