Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer - 13 days

Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer - 13 days

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13 Days From

$4125

$3506

Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer - 13 days

13 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Visiting: Masai Mara National Reserve, Masai Mara, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2488/TMME

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-75

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Camping, Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $4125 $3506 Operator discount: -$619 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling 13-day adventure through the heart of East Africa with the Masai Mara & Tanzania Explorer tour. This small group safari journey takes you from the bustling city of Nairobi to the iconic Masai Mara, where you'll experience exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five. Cross into Tanzania to explore the vast Serengeti National Park and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed wonder teeming with wildlife. Relax on the Indian Ocean's palm-fringed beaches in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, before heading to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Here, unwind on pristine beaches, explore historic Stone Town, and indulge in optional activities like snorkeling and spice tours. With a mix of camping and hotel stays, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation, all escorted by a dedicated crew in a purpose-built safari vehicle.

Highlights

  • Masai Mara - Game drive through Kenya's most famous wilderness and search for iconic wildlife.

  • Ngorongoro Crater - Descend into this UNESCO-listed caldera, home to diverse wildlife.

  • Serengeti National Park - Search for the Big Five and witness the migration of wildebeest.

  • Bagamoyo - Camp beside the beach in this historic port town known for dhow building.

  • Dar es Salaam - Explore this vibrant port city with a mix of cultural influences.

  • Zanzibar - Relax on the beach, explore Stone Town, and enjoy optional activities.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Nairobi

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later.





During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!





Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.

Day 2: Masai Mara

Location: Masai Mara

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.

Day 3: Masai Mara

Location: Masai Mara

Accommodation Name: campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night at a campsite on the edge of the city.

Day 4: Arusha

Location: Arusha

Accommodation Name: Meserani Snake Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country's safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our camp at the Meserani Snake Park.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Location: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation Name: unfenced campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles to embark on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.





Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We game drive to our unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife roaming nearby.

Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater

Location: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Crater camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 6, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.





On day 7 we drive down a steep road into the crater itself for an unforgettable morning game drive. You will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes. Interestingly, they cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!





Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.

Day 8: Bagamoyo

Location: Bagamoyo

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arusha - Bagamoyo. Today we have a long but scenic drive as we travel away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and towards the Indian Ocean coast. We will pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route, and if the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of Africa's highest mountain.





The port town of Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Day 9: Dar Es Salaam

Location: Dar es Salaam

Accommodation Name: beach camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. It's only a relatively short drive south along the coast to Dar es Salaam today. The city is Tanzania’s main port and is a hub of commerce and industry - a hot, humid, and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets, and Arab-influenced architecture on the coast. We set up camp on the beach just outside the city tonight, and you'll have time to go for a swim.

Day 10-12: Zanzibar

Location: Zanzibar

Accommodation Name: simple hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 10, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.





Enjoy free time on the island. Independently explore historic Stone Town on day 10 before we drive to one of the beautiful beaches in the north of the island for two days of Indian Ocean relaxation. Perhaps visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. You can also enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.





In Zanzibar, we stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 10 in Stone Town and days 11 and 12 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.

Day 13: Dar Es Salaam

Location: Dar es Salaam

Meals Included: Breakfast

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean or do some last-minute shopping before we board the ferry back to the mainland. Feeling refreshed after your three-day beach break, it is time for our tour to come to an end.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation includes 9 nights camping in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights in twin share tourist class hotels in Zanzibar.

  • Tour Crew

    The tour is escorted by a 2-person crew.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.

  • Masai Mara Excursion

    Includes a Masai Mara Excursion in purpose-built safari vehicles and game drives with a resident guide.

  • Maasai Village Walk

    A Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide is included.

  • Sleeping Mattress

    A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

  • Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

    Includes a Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide.

  • Road Tolls and Vehicle Taxes

    All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included.

  • Zanzibar Ferry Ticket

    A return ferry ticket to Zanzibar is included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights and Visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Local Payment

    A local payment of USD $1770 per person is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023, and $850 per person paid in USD for other bookings.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.

  • Sleeping Bag

    A sleeping bag is not included; please bring your own.

Age Policy

18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75. 

Mode of Transport

Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, with specialized safari vehicles for excursions in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, and a ferry ride to Zanzibar.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of camping and comfort with 9 nights in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights in twin share tourist class hotels in Zanzibar, offering a unique mix of adventure and relaxation.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights in twin share tourist class hotels in Zanzibar.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners.

  • Is there a guide provided during the safari excursions?

    Yes, the safari excursions in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater are conducted with a resident guide.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. For certain excursions, purpose-built safari vehicles are used.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included are international flights, visas, airport transfers, tipping, optional activities, and a local payment of $850 per person in USD.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The tour is for individuals aged 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.

  • What activities are available during the stay in Zanzibar?

    In Zanzibar, you can explore Stone Town, relax on northern beaches, visit a spice plantation, snorkel, and enjoy optional activities like massages, yacht trips, and sunset dhow cruises.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 10, 2025
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Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
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Operator discount: -$619

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Operator discount: -$619

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May 18, 2025 - May 30, 2025
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Operator discount: -$619

Sunday - Friday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
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Operator discount: -$619

Sunday - Friday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
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Operator discount: -$619

Sunday - Friday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
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Operator discount: -$619

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$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

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Operator discount: -$413

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Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
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Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Friday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 09, 2026
$4125 $3713

Operator discount: -$413

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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