Epic 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Beach Relaxation
This 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Beach Relaxation brings East Africa’s most celebrated Experiences together in one unforgettable journey: Classic Big Five game drives in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, the world-famous spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), and two days of blissful relaxation on Zanzibar’s Beautiful Beaches.
On this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari, you’ll move from the golden grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara, across the endless plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and finish with the turquoise waters and spice-scented streets of Zanzibar.
Expect early-morning and late-afternoon game drives on this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari that put you close to lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and (where protected) rhino — the classic Big Five experience — while guides hunt out migration herds, dramatic river crossings and unforgettable predator-prey encounters during the Great Migration (best seen July–October). After the wilds, melt into two days of beachside calm on Zanzibar, with optional Stone Town tours, spice farm visits, snorkeling or simply lounging on white sand.
Who this trip is for
This 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari is ideal for travelers who want the “best of East Africa” in one seamless itinerary — photographers chasing iconic moments, couples celebrating a milestone, families with a sense of adventure, and anyone who wants wildlife intensity balanced with seaside recovery. We offer flexible comfort levels from well-appointed mid-range lodges and tented camps to luxury safari properties and private options.
Quick Snapshot of 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
- Day 1–3: Masai Mara — early morning/late afternoon game drives, balloon optional.
- Day 4–6: Transfer to Serengeti — full-day game drives with focus on migration and big cats.
- Day 7: Ngorongoro or transfer day (crater visit optional).
- Day 8: Fly from Arusha/Serengeti to Zanzibar.
- Day 9–11: Zanzibar — beach activities, Stone Town cultural tour, snorkel or spa.
Why this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Tour?
- It combines three must-see experiences in one smooth loop: Masai Mara (Kenya) → Serengeti (Tanzania) → Zanzibar (Tanzania).
- Perfect for travelers who want a single, well-paced trip that serves wildlife, culture and relaxation.
- Designed to suit mid-range and comfort-minded travelers with options to upgrade to luxury.
- Best done in the dry season (migration window) for dramatic river crossings and excellent game viewing.
Detailed Day by Day 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to the Masai Mara (Kenya)
Morning
Arrive Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta Intl) or Wilson (if regional), meet your guide/representative.
If flying: short regional flight (45–60 minutes) from Nairobi Wilson to Mara airstrip (Keekorok, Musiara, Olkiombo etc.).
If Driving: Depart Nairobi, 5–6am for 5–6 hour scenic drive (stops en route).
Afternoon
Arrive at camp or lodge, lunch, short rest.
First afternoon game drive (about 3–4 hours) — late afternoon sun best for photography and big cat activity.
Evening
Dinner at camp/lodge, preparation for next day.
Optional add-ons: Hot-air balloon (standard pre-dawn next morning), Maasai village visit late afternoon.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Mara Sopa Lodge | Basic tent camp
Mid-range: Governors’ Camp | Mara Intrepids Camp | Serena Lodge
Luxury: Angama Mara | Mahali Mzuri | Mara Bushtops
Meals: Lunch & dinner (breakfast subject to arrival time).
Day 2 — Full Day Masai Mara: Game Drives & Migration Observation
Early morning
Dawn game drive (optimal time for predators). Return for brunch.
Midday
Relax, pool, talk with guide regarding migration movement if traveling July–Oct.
Late afternoon
Long game drive to Mara River / northern plains if migration is present (river crossings are tremendous).
Evening
Optional sundowner in bush, return for dinner and campfire tales by the lodge.
Why this day is important
Two drives maximize chance of viewing lions, cheetahs and migration herds. Photographers should expect changing light.
Meals: All meals are included.
Fitness: Low — game drives from vehicle; bush walks optional, moderate fitness level required.
Day 3 — Morning Game Drive + Transfer to Serengeti region (Two Routing Options)
Option A — Charter flight (ideal if you want to minimize road time)
On this 3rd day of 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari, you will enjoy a Morning game drive, brunch and short transfer to Mara airstrip.
Scenic charter flight over the border to a Serengeti airstrip (e.g., Seronera or Grumeti if available). Flight ~60–90 minutes.
Afternoon arrival Serengeti, check in and evening game drive.
Option B — Overland / fly via Nairobi to Arusha
Early morning game drive; return to camp and depart for Nairobi (drive) — 4–6 hours to Nairobi, and then transfer by road or domestic flight to Arusha/Seronera (this is a long travel day).
Note: Charter flights need to be booked in advance and most have tight baggage limitations.
Accommodation Options (Serengeti)
Budget: Simple tented camp / Seronera budget camp
Mid-range: Central Serengeti camps (Serengeti Serena / Seronera Wilderness Camp)
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge or seasonal migration camps
Meals: All meals where indicated; meals on travel days vary.
Day 4 — Day in Serengeti (Seronera or Migration Area)
Morning
Early morning pre-dawn game drive — predators are active at dawn.
Midday
Return to camp for breakfast/lunch; brief rest.
Afternoon
Full afternoon game drive in another area (Seronera valley for resident predators; northern/western areas if following migration).
Why Serengeti is special
- Roomy plains with high predator densities, good year-round viewing, and if at the right time of year, migration activity.
- Optional: Private photographic drive or walking-with-nature around camp (where allowed).
Meals: All meals included.
Day 5 — Serengeti: Full-Day Game Drives (Migration Focus if Season)
Spend the 5th day of 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari tracking migration herds (Jul–Oct) or patrol Seronera for resident fauna the rest of the year.
Picnic bush lunch for true wilderness experience.
Return to camp at the end of the day, plan next-day excursion with your guide.
Photography tip: use 200–400mm lens; golden hour creates dramatic shots.
Day 6 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands (by drive or transfer)
Option A — Drive to Ngorongoro (via Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Morning game drive, late-morning departure to the Ngorongoro highlands. Travel is ~3–5 hours depending on location and route. Scenic stops and Olduvai Gorge if time.
Option B — Fly to Arusha + drive to Ngorongoro
Fly Seronera→Arusha then drive to Karatu/Ngorongoro rim (~2–3 hours).
Evening
Drive to lodge on crater rim or Karatu (many lodges have crater-view rooms). Dinner and early sleep.
Accommodation
Mid-range: Rhino Lodge (Ngorongoro rim), Marera Valley (Karatu)
Luxury: Ngorongoro Lodge, or private concession lodges.
Day 7 — Full-day Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Early
Wake up early on this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari for breakfast and descend (~600m) to the crater floor. Complete morning exploration of the crater — hippo pools, plains, wild dogs, hyenas, lions and possible black rhino spotting.
Midday
Picnic lunch at a scenic vantage point (often close to hippo pool).
Afternoon
Prolong the game drive then ascend to rim late afternoon; optional cultural stop en route to learn about Maasai people.
Highlights
Compact wildlife, sure good photographic shots of grazing buffalo, lion prides, and rhino.
Meals: All meals are included (picnic lunch on crater floor).
Zanzibar Bliss
Morning
Drive back to Arusha or to Kilimanjaro Airport (routing dependent). This is a 3–4 hour drive.
Afternoon
Catch regional flight Arusha/Kilimanjaro → Zanzibar (approx 1¼–1¾ hours). Check-in at your beach resort.
Evening
Sunset beach walk, relaxed dinner with seafood specialties.
Accommodation Options (Zanzibar)
- Budget: guesthouses / beach bungalows in Paje or Nungwi
- Mid-range: boutique beach resorts (e.g., Kendwa, Matemwe)
- Luxury: high-end resorts (e.g., Mnemba Island lodges, Zuri, Baraza)
Option A — Rest & Relaxation
Full beach day: swim, sunbathe, optional spa.
Option B — Culture & history
Half-day Stone Town Tour (UNESCO): Old Fort, Arab House, Forodhani Gardens, spice market.
Option C — Marine adventure
Half-day or full-day snorkel / PADI dive trip to Mnemba Atoll or neighboring reefs.
Evening
Optional sunset dhow cruise with drinks and canapés — a romantic, photo-perfect affair.
Morning spice tour (see clove, cinnamon, vanilla) and subsequently beach time.
Or go on a full-day boat tour to Prison Island and additional snorkeling.
Meals: Breakfast is generally provided at most hotels; lunches can be arranged at beach cafes.
Your last day of 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari, enjoy Breakfast at resort, last swim or brief beach walk. Packing up and checking out.
Midday
Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) for international flight via Dar, Nairobi or Doha depending on routing.
And that will mark the End of 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
Best time to visit during 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
June–October is the peak window when wildlife is concentrated and the Great Migration is at the Northern Serengeti / Masai Mara region
July–October is your best chance to see dramatic river crossings. June, the shoulder month, or late October will reduce crowds but not necessarily stop.
Optional Activities & Upgrades (add-ons)
- Hot-air balloon (Masai Mara or Serengeti) with champagne breakfast — traditional, pre-book.
- Private vehicle & guide upgrade for more flexibility & photography breaks.
- Walking safaris in selected conservancies (with armed ranger).
- Night drives where allowed (Akagera style: observe nocturnal animals).
- Spa & wellness upgrades at Zanzibar resorts or near Ngorongoro rim.
Highlights & what makes this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari Epic
- Great Migration action: If timed well, observe river crossings and massive herds in Mara/Serengeti.
- Big Five sightings: Masai Mara and Serengeti both offer good chances for spotting lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino.
- Habitat contrast: From acacia-grimed plains to crater environments and coral atolls — enormous ecological diversity in 11 days.
- Cultural experiences: Maasai village excursions in Kenya, Swahili heritage of Stone Town in Zanzibar.
- Comfort levels flexible: Choose low-cost tented camps or luxury lodges and mobile camps that follow the migration.
Practical Logistics & Travel Tips
- How to link Masai Mara → Serengeti: Charter flights between intra-regional airstrips are standard choices or an overland excursion via Nairobi–Arusha; flight links eliminate lengthy road transfers. Leave time for border crossing if going directly from Kenyan to Tanzanian parks.
- Domestic Flights: Arusha to Zanzibar flights approximately 1¼–1¾ hours on regional carriers (Precision, Auric, Coastal, etc.). Book local segments well in advance during peak season.
- Internal Transport: 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs are the norm for game drives. Expect mixed road quality; the northern circuit roads are fairly good but some transfers are lengthy.
Accommodation & Price Guide (indicative)
- Budget / Value: from $1,700–$2,300 per person (shared vehicle, simple tented camps, group departures).
- Mid-range: from $2,800–$4,200 per person (comfortable lodges/tented camps, small groups, occasional internal flights).
- Luxury: $5,000+ per person (private lodges, private transfers, balloon safaris, top migration camps).
Seasonal, group size, specific lodges and included flights based prices. Request a bespoke quote.
What’s usually included
- Park fees and game drives as per itinerary (confirm details).
- Accommodation (as arranged), meals while on safari.
- Domestic/regional flights and airport transfers in the schedule.
- English-speaking professional driver-guide, and local guides where required.
- Bottled water in game vehicles.
Standard exclusions
- International flight to the region, visas and travel insurance.
- Optional activities (balloon safari, scuba, spa services).
- Tips, alcoholic drinks and personal incidentals.
- Optional conservation activity fee or private bush dinner.
What to Pack on a 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
- Neutral quick-drying clothing (khaki, olive, beige) — no bright colors.
- Insulating layer for chilly early mornings; light rain shell for unexpected showers.
- Good binoculars (8×42 recommended) and a DSLR or mirrorless camera telephoto lens (200–400mm ideal).
- Hat, sun protection, insect repellent, and protective zip bags to cover camera gear.
- Power plugs (Tanzania/Kenya use type G mainly), personal medications and photocopies of travel papers.
What You’ll See
Health & safety
- Vaccinations: Confirm Yellow Fever requirements and routine immunizations; some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccine for admission from high-risk states.
- Malaria: Prophylaxis recommended for safari and coastal regions. Consult your travel clinic.
- Safety in parks: Always stick to your guide’s advice, keep safe distances from wildlife, and use cautious movements during 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
Responsible Travel & Conservation
- Obey wildlife viewing regulations and make as little noise as possible.
- Support community tourism (Maasai visits, community projects). Here at Mpenzi Safaris Africa, we benefit local conservation.
- Avoid single-use plastics and bring all litter back to lodges to be disposed of.
Photography tips
- Early/late light: Dawn and dusk are the ideal times for dramatic animal portraits.
- Be ready: Wildlife is fast — fire in burst mode and pre-set on likely locations.
- Stabilize: Use beanbags or vehicle window rests for long lenses during game drives.
Family & Accessibility Notes
- Families: Children are generally welcome at most lodges. Nuts-and-bolts: family tents or joining rooms are bookable.
- Mobility: Game Drives are motorised and within the range of most fitness levels; crater and walking activities moderate mobility level. Alert operator to any mobility problems.
Timing, Travel Notes & Practicalities
- Internal flights & charters: Convenient with use of light planes Mara ↔ Serengeti/Arusha — strongly recommended for an 11-day schedule. Baggage limit is applied (usually 15–20kg).
- Border procedures: Charter flights crossing Kenya/Tanzania borders entail customs/immigration formalities; paperwork will be arranged by your operator.
- Pace of daily activity: Game drives generally: early morning (shortly before sunrise), mid-morning return, afternoons free, late afternoon drive. Crater/seronera starts early due to wildlife activity.
- Pacing: This itinerary balances activity (game drives, treks) and down-time (Zanzibar) to avoid burn-out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I see the Great Migration on this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari tour?
A: Yes — if you travel during the migration window (around July–October) and plan your Masai Mara/Serengeti days well, your chances of seeing crossings and huge herds are good.
Q: How do I best travel from Masai Mara to Serengeti?
A: The simplest answer is to organize regional light aircraft transfers (bookings) between airstrips and cross the border with help from us (Mpenzi Safaris Africa) during this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari. Generally, there are overland options but these are more time-consuming.
Q: Is Zanzibar safe after safari?
A: Zanzibar is a tourist beach resort with an established tourist sector; normal travel precautions apply — keep valuables locked away, take local advice, and Book With Us o guide you better
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Visa regulations vary by nation; check up-to-date entrance requirements for Kenya, Tanzania and your country before departure.
Q: How much beach time / free time is there?
A: There are two days of complete beach time in Zanzibar; you can upgrade if desired to incorporate extra relaxation or diving during this 11-Day Masai Mara Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari
