Can you combine a Masai Mara and Serengeti safari? Yes, but it’s tricky
The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are two iconic safari destinations in Africa. Together, they form one of the world's most spectacular ecosystems. Are you interested in combining both into one unforgettable roadtrip? We understand! However, while it might seem simple on a map, driving between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti is more complex than it looks. Here's why.
Planning to go even further and include Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in one road trip? We’ll also walk you through how to make that adventure possible.
Can you drive from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti?
The short answer is no, not directly. While the Masai Mara and Serengeti are located next to each other on the map, they are divided by an international border between Kenya and Tanzania. Unfortunately, there is no direct crossing from the Mara to the Serengeti (or vice versa).
Instead, you have to drive around the parks to cross the border. The most common border crossings are Namanga or Isibania, with Isibania being the faster route if you're heading straight from the Mara to the Serengeti. However, it will still take you about two full driving days to travel between the two parks.
Another challenge, besides the long drive, is that Tanzanian-plated safari cars are currently banned in Kenyan parks like the Masai Mara. That means, if you're travelling in a 4x4 from Tanzania, you won't be allowed to enter Kenya’s national parks. The same applies the other way around: entering the Tanzanian parks with our Kenyan-registered tourism vehicle is also not possible. This is due to ongoing trade disputes between the two countries.
How to combine the Masai Mara and Serengeti in your itinerary
If, despite the difficulties, you're determined to experience both the Masai Mara and Serengeti on your road trip, there are a few ways to make it work.
Option 1: shuttle bus transfer
A practical and affordable option is to explore Kenya with a 4x4 from our Kenyan fleet, then take a shuttle bus from Nairobi to Arusha. Several shuttle services, such as Riverside Shuttle and Impala Shuttle, operate daily, crossing the Namanga border in around five to six hours. Once in Arusha, you can pick up a Tanzanian car from our office and continue your safari in the Serengeti.
Option 2: vehicle swap at the border
If you prefer to drive the entire way, we offer a vehicle swap service at the Namanga or Oloitokitok border crossings. This allows you to switch cars between our Kenyan and Tanzanian fleets. Do note that this service has extra costs, as we have to return the cars to our offices in Nairobi and Arusha.
How about an East Africa road trip, combining Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in one trip?
If you want to do an East Africa road trip, rent from our Uganda branch in Kampala. You can take our Uganda-registered cars across the border to Kenya, Tanzania and even Rwanda. A COMESA insurance extension is required for cross-border travel.We’ll take care of all the necessary car paperwork. At the border itself, you’ll need to arrange and pay for your own East Africa visa and road tax.
It's also possible to start your rental in Kampala and drop off your vehicle at another location or country (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda), but one-way charges apply. You can select this option in our bookings form.
Take note that entering the national parks in Kenya or Tanzania with a Ugandan-registered vehicle will result in higher fees. Locally registered cars (Kenyan in Kenya, Tanzanian in Tanzania) only pay about US$10, while foreign vehicles are charged around US$150.
How about a road trip around Lake Victoria?
While the idea of circling Africa’s largest lake might sound exciting, much of the journey is simply long stretches of driving. Additionally, the same border restrictions and vehicle limitations that apply to the Masai Mara and Serengeti also apply to a Lake Victoria round trip. We therefore recommend you spend your time exploring other, more wildlife-rich areas. Check out our Kenya and Tanzania self-drive itineraries for inspiration!
Our recommendation if you want to combine Kenya and Tanzania in one trip
So, keeping the challenges of combining both the Serengeti and Masai Mara in mind, what do we recommend you do?
Travelling 20 days or less
If you have less than three weeks for your trip, we suggest focusing on one park (and one country) rather than both. The Masai Mara and Serengeti are part of the same ecosystem, and the game-viewing experience is similar in both. Instead of spending two days just driving between the parks, you’ll have more time to really immerse yourself in the wildlife and landscapes of a single destination.
Travelling three weeks or more
If you have 21 days or more, combining countries can be an exciting adventure. Just be sure to plan your route carefully, taking into account border crossings and vehicle restrictions. By using our separate rental fleets in Kenya and Tanzania, we can help you enjoy a smooth ride and reliable roadside support throughout your roadtrip. If you want to do an East Africa road trip, you should rent from our Uganda branch.
Need a hand with planning your roadtrip? We’re happy to help you experience the best of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda! Get in touch with us for more information and assistance.
