How to travel between Masai Mara and the Serengeti

How to travel between Masai Mara and the Serengeti

While on an African safari, most travelers prefer combing both Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national reserve as one safari, combing these two most prominent safari and wildlife destinations offer a very reward African wildlife safari adventure.

Masai Mara national reserve of Kenya and Serengeti National Park  of Tanzania are part of the Great Serengeti – Mara Ecosystem and they are situated adjacent to each other and separated only by the border between Tanzania and Kenya, however crossing from one side of the road to another is not easy as it may seem on the map. Traveling between Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park can be done by air or by road.

While on an African safari, information is Key and below is the necessary and relevant information on how to travel between Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park by road and air means of transport.

By Road from Masai Mara To Serengeti

Road transport is the commonly used means of transport from Masai Mara to Serengeti and this is possible through either the Isebania border located to the west of Serengeti or through the Namanga border located to the east side.

1. Crossing at Isebania border

The Isebania border also known as Isibania is a little border post commonly used to cross from Masai Mara national reserve to Serengeti National Park, from the border to Serengeti it takes approximately half a day/ 6 hours and this time does not include approximately one hour to a few hours which might be taken while in traffic at the birder.

The problem with the route through the Isebania is that the road is very bumpy and uncomfortable on both sides of the border, as you travel between Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park, an overnight is required.  
 

2. Crossing at Namanga border

Using the Namanga border/route to travel between Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park is a better option for travelers wishing to avoid paying for flights and traffic while on their safari in these amazing wildlife safari destinations.

The only problem with the Namanga border route is that it is far away from both Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park, the longer the distance the more costs in fuel and time to spend during your crossing. However the ride through this is abit more comfortable compared to the Isebania border route.

 While on a safari with Kim Tours, a trusted travel agency our safari driver guide drives to border, then you cross on foot and our waiting Tanzania safari guide pick you up from the other side of the border.

By Air From Masai Mara To Serengeti

Flying from Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park is the most popular and best mode of transport to use, there are several airstrips used while flying and a number of domestic air companies offering domestic and chartered flight. There are two options of flying from Masai Mara to Serengeti.

1. Masai Mara – Migori Airtstrip – Tarime Airstrip – Serengeti Airstrip.

Migori Airstrip is situated on the Kenya side of the border near the Isebania border, this means you have to fly to Migori Airstrip, then cross the border at Isebania. After you will meet by a safari guide and the vehicle on the other side of the border and take you to the Tarime airstrip then fly to one of the airstrips serving Serengeti national park.

Note: This service is available during the peak tourist season, these flights’ time is not exact because it depends on how long the long the queue is at the border.

Typical Flight Timings

• Masai Mara to Migori Airstrip, depart at 08:45 am and arrive at 09:30 am
• Tarime Airstrip to Seronera Airstrip, Serengeti, Depart at 13:20 hrs and arrive at 14:15 hrs.

2. Masai Mara – Nairobi Wilson – Kilimanjaro Airport — Arusha Airport – Seronera Airstrip

The second option of traveling between Masai Mara and Serengeti national park by air is flying from Nairobi then to Kilimanjaro - Arusha and then to one of  the Serengeti Airstrip.

Typical flight timings: Masai Mara to Nairobi Wilson Airport, depart at 11:00 am. Arrive at 12:30 pm.

Nairobi Wilson to Kilimanjaro International Airport: depart at 13:15 hours and arrive at 14:10 hours Kilimanjaro to Seronera Airstrip Serengeti, arrive at 14:15 hours.

Note: The most convenient option of traveling between Masai Mara and Serengeti by air is by flying to the Migori Airstrip on the Kenyan side, crossing the border and then flying from the Tarime Airstrip to reach Serengeti National Park.