15-Day Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Great Migration Itinerary (Long Option)
A fifteen-day combination follows the herds across both countries, adds the southern plains and the Ngorongoro Crater, and builds in rest days so the trip stays enjoyable.
Long itineraries trade rush for depth. You can wait out the weather, switch camps to follow the herds and add a few experiences beyond game drives. The plan below runs from Nairobi to Arusha over fifteen days.
It is the longest option in the set; compare the medium itinerary for a shorter version, and read the pillar guide for background.
This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Length: 15 days, 14 nights
- Camps: Five or six
- Transport: Vehicle and light aircraft
- Best months: July to November, or January to March reversed
- Pace: Relaxed, with rest days
Day-by-Day Outline
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Nairobi, hotel and briefing. |
| 2 | Optional Nairobi day: elephant orphanage or giraffe centre, or simply rest. |
| 3 | Fly to the Masai Mara, afternoon drive. |
| 4-5 | Full days in the main reserve, including the Mara River. |
| 6-7 | Conservancy stay with walks and night drive. |
| 8 | Travel day to Tanzania, flying with a gateway connection. |
| 9-10 | Northern Serengeti, searching for herds and crossings. |
| 11 | Move to central Serengeti. |
| 12 | Full day at Seronera, kopjes and predators. |
| 13 | Travel to Ngorongoro, drive past Olduvai. |
| 14 | Descend into the crater at first light and spend the morning on the floor. |
| 15 | Transfer to Arusha for departure or extension. |
The Value of Slow Travel
More days mean more flexibility. You can wait for the weather to clear, repeat a river viewpoint on consecutive days, and follow a lion pride rather than moving on. Rest days also prevent the fatigue that makes sightings blur together. If you add a Nairobi day, make it a light one. See things to do in Nairobi for what the city offers.
Adding Ngorongoro
The crater provides a contrast to open plains: a compact basin, high chances of rhinos and flamingos at the soda lake, and cool nights on the rim. Descend early to avoid crowds. See the Ngorongoro Crater guide and Ngorongoro wildlife guide for what to expect.
Possible Extensions
Consider adding one of the following at the end:
- Zanzibar for a beach finish: see Tanzania safari and Zanzibar.
- A Kilimanjaro climb, sequenced after the safari with rest days. See Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro.
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, with a separate permit for each country.
Packing and Logistics
With several flights, keep baggage soft and compact. Layers matter because mornings are cool and afternoons warm. Bring a small day pack, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries. Use the packing list and check health and vaccinations well before departure. The route options are summarised in the route and border guide.
Using the Extra Days Well
Extra days are best spent on variety rather than distance. Add a walk with an armed ranger in a Mara conservancy, a morning at a Maasai community arranged with proper consent, and a sundowner at a kopje in the Serengeti. Repeat visits to the same area at different hours often show completely different behaviour, from hunting at dawn to resting prides at noon. A long trip also lets you absorb the contrasts between Kenya's smaller, busier reserve and Tanzania's vast open spaces. Keep a journal or a photo log, because the days blend together faster than you expect. Read the responsible and conservation travel guide for ways to make your stay benefit local communities and wildlife.
Who It Suits
It suits those who want to experience the full cycle of the ecosystem with time to savour it: honeymooners, retirees, photographers and repeat visitors. It is also a good choice for those who are nervous about tight schedules. For those with less time, the short itinerary is a sound alternative. Specific questions are answered in the combination FAQs.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Ngorongoro Crater: What It Is, Wildlife and How to Visit
- Serengeti National Park: Location, Wildlife, Migration and Best Time
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Great Migration, Wildlife and Best Time to Visit
- Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Itinerary: Planning a Climb and Game Viewing Together
- East Africa Combination Safaris: Multi-Country Trip Planning Guides
- Masai Mara to Serengeti: Route, Flights and Border Crossing Guide
- Best Time for a Mara and Serengeti Migration Safari: Month by Month
- Mara and Serengeti Combination: Practical Guide to Visas, Health, Luggage and Money
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