Although these national parks are very similar because they are part of the same ecosystem, there are differences. Masai Mara is more hilly and treed. Serengeti has more diverse landscapes and habitats as it encompasses a far larger area.
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NOTE: Even though there is one road from the heart of Serengeti to Masai Mara, there is no border crossing between these 2 national parks. Some tours in Serengeti will take you just across the border in search of a river crossing during the wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara is located in southwestern Kenya and shares its southern border with Serengeti Park in northern Tanzania. Not only do these national parks neighbor each other but Masai Mara and Serengeti share an unfenced border.
Serengeti is a huge national park so we would recommend minimum four days in order to properly explore it and find the wildlife. Being so large, you do need to spend time driving around looking for the Big Five, which takes time. Plus in four days you'll experience different weather and a variety of safari experiences.
We recommend spending as many days in the Serengeti as possible. While there are many different accommodation options, the extra cost of staying for longer will be well worth it. Additionally, make sure to come during the dry season to spot more animals, and be mindful of your travel dates.
A safari isn't just about seeing incredible wildlife, it is also a cultural experience, and on this one, the Masai Mara wins hands down! The Masai Mara is named after the Maasai people who have lived throughout Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti regions for decades.
The Serengeti area is home to various local people, the most famous of them being the Maasai. The Maasai mostly live in harmony, sometimes in conflict, with nature. You are bound to visit your hosts when visting the area on your Serengeti safari.
Prices tend to be higher during the Peak season which is normally when the Great wildebeest migration happens as this attracts large numbers of visitors to Masai Mara making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand. The Peak season runs from July to October.
At least, you should plan to spend 4 days 3 nights at the Masai Mara in order to view the good percentage of the variety of wildlife and scrivener in the park. The Masai Mara is a big place and 4 days would give you sufficient time to explore the most interesting parts of the park.
Kenya may be the better choice if you're looking for a more diverse range of experiences focusing on authentic cultural encounters. However, if you're interested in trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring remote safari areas, Tanzania is the way to go.
You should spend a minimum of 4 days and three nights at the Masai Mara for you to enjoy the full scope of wildlife in the park. 4 days and 3 nights will allow you to have 4 game drives for the length of your stay and allow you enough time to rest when you arrive at the park.
Both parks offer the Big Five; however, it will be much harder to spot the animals in Kruger due to the layout of the park with the paved roads. Animals often stay far from the roads. If you want a more adventurous safari with multiple animal sightings, Serengeti National Park is the way to go.
Time of Year & Your Serengeti Safari BudgetThe high safari season means greater demand, which translates to reduced availability, and so higher prices. High safari season in Tanzania correlates with the dry season where game viewing is at its best and of course the Wildebeest Great Migration.