8-Day Circuit Safari - Lake Nakuru · Maasai Mara · Isebania · Serengeti · Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

Day by day

8 days in East Africa.

1. Day 1

   Nairobi to Lake Nakuru

   Travel from Nairobi into the Rift Valley towards Lake Nakuru, the first wildlife destination on this cross-border circuit. The changing scenery leads from the escarpment and settled countryside to the park’s woodland, clearings and lakeshore. The published programme includes game viewing here, with rhino, buffalo and birds among the wildlife to look for. Flamingo numbers vary with lake conditions. Finish the day in the Nakuru area, where your confirmed accommodation provides the first overnight stop.

   Overnight

   Buraha Zenoni, Lake NakuruLake Nakuru Sopa LodgeThe Cliff Nakuru

2. Day 2

   Lake Nakuru to the Maasai Mara

   Leave the Nakuru area and continue towards the Maasai Mara, travelling through the Rift Valley and into southern Kenya’s wider grazing country. This is a change of base as well as a change of landscape, so part of the day is devoted to the road journey. On reaching the Mara, follow the arrival and game-viewing arrangements in your programme before settling at camp. The next day remains in the reserve, giving time to explore beyond the first sightings.

   Overnight

   Miti Mingi Camp, Maasai MaraZebra Plains Mara CampGovernors' Camp, Maasai Mara

3. Day 3

   A full day in the Maasai Mara

   Explore the Maasai Mara with a full day set aside for game viewing. Open grassland makes grazing animals visible across a broad area, while riverine trees and low ridges create places to watch for predators and birds. A picnic-lunch arrangement in the published programme allows time to stay out in the reserve. Migration herds may be present in season, but sightings and crossings cannot be scheduled. Return to your Mara camp for another overnight stay.

   Overnight

   Miti Mingi Camp, Maasai MaraZebra Plains Mara CampGovernors' Camp, Maasai Mara

4. Day 4

   Maasai Mara to the Serengeti via Isebania

   Cross from Kenya into Tanzania on the Isebania route, connecting the Maasai Mara stage with the Serengeti. Border formalities and the road transfer make this a substantial travel day, and the practical arrangements should be checked with your safari team before departure. As the route reaches the Serengeti, the landscape broadens into Tanzania’s wildlife plains. Game viewing along the way depends on the section travelled and available time, with the night spent in the Serengeti.

   Overnight

   Seronera Camp, SerengetiSerengeti Serena Safari LodgeFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

   

5. Day 5

   Game viewing in the Serengeti

   Stay in the Serengeti for a day focused on wildlife rather than changing destinations. Grassland, kopjes and river corridors offer different settings to explore, with resident animals providing interest beyond the seasonal movement of the great herds. Follow the behaviour unfolding around you: grazing, resting, hunting or moving towards water. The programme returns to the central Serengeti for the night, allowing the next transfer to begin from within this wider wildlife landscape.

   Overnight

   Seronera Camp, SerengetiSerengeti Serena Safari LodgeFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

6. Day 6

   Serengeti to the Ngorongoro highlands

   The route leaves the Serengeti for Ngorongoro, linking the plains with the volcanic highlands. The source programme allows game viewing before the transfer, so there is time for another look at the wildlife area before moving on. Scenery changes as the journey approaches the conservation area and higher ground. Arrive at the confirmed Ngorongoro overnight stop, where the following day’s crater visit and onward route can be reviewed with your guide.

   Overnight

   Simba Campsite, NgorongoroNgorongoro Serena Safari LodgeNeptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

   

7. Day 7

   Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara

   Visit the Ngorongoro Crater floor for game viewing before continuing towards Lake Manyara. A 4x4 Land Cruiser takes you into a landscape of grassland, wetland and woodland enclosed by the caldera walls. Look across the different habitats rather than expecting a fixed list of sightings. After the crater visit and ascent, the route moves towards the Manyara area for the overnight stop, placing you near the final park stage of the circuit.

   Overnight

   Fanaka Campsite, Lake ManyaraLake Manyara Serena Safari LodgeEscarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara

8. Day 8

   Lake Manyara, Arusha and onward travel

   Explore Lake Manyara’s combination of groundwater forest, woodland and lakeshore habitat before the route continues to Arusha. The park offers a contrast to the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro highlands, with birds and forest-associated wildlife adding variety to the final game-viewing stage. The source programme then connects with onward travel to Nairobi. Confirm the transfer method, timing and final drop-off in your written proposal, particularly if you intend to continue directly to an airport.

Your questions, answered.