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.
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 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.
Self-drive itineraries in Kenya
Self-drive itineraries in Tanzania
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.
The ultimate East Africa road trip: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Dreaming of the ultimate East Africa road trip? Start your adventure in Uganda: our Kampala branch is the perfect starting point to explore not just Uganda, but also Kenya, Tanzania and even Rwanda.
Our 4x4s are registered in Uganda and can cross borders without hassle. We'll arrange all the car paperwork for you; all you need to do is take care of your East Africa visa and pay the road tax at the border. A COMESA insurance extension is required, and we'll make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road.
If you want to start your trip in one country and end in another, that's no problem either. You can pick up your care in Kampala and drop it off elsewhere: in Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda. You can select this directly in our booking form (one-way fees apply). Good to know: national parks in Kenya and Tanzania charge higher entrance fees for foreign-registered vehicles (around US$150 versus US$10 for locally registered ones).
Prefer to leave the planning to us? Besides your 4x4 rental, we can also arrange your accommodation and design a realistic, well-paced itinerary that makes the most of your time. Simply get in touch with us for more information and assistance.
