Overview
The Great Migration: Nairobi/ Masai Mara/ Lake Nakuru/ Naivasha/ Nairobi
The earth vibrates with the thundering of millions of hooves as heaving herds of wildebeest, Zebra and gazelles fill the plains to chase the rains in the epic annual struggle for survival known as the Great Migration. It is the greatest show on earth, a natural spectacle like no other and a life-changing experience. We will take you along the great wildebeest migration route as you witness this extra- ordinary occurrence.
Few lifetime experiences can beat that of watching over a million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras – followed by their predators – embark on a 1000km-long circular trek through the unfenced Masai Mara and Serengeti in search of seasonal pasture and water. This natural spectacle is both thrilling and profoundly moving.
The journey is beset with many deadly dangers, as young calves are snatched by predators, the slow are brought down by prides of lions, brave beasts break legs on steep river slopes, voracious crocodiles take their share from the strugglers and the weak and the exhausted drown to death.
Every year an estimated 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras complete the 1800 mile circuit from the Ngorongoro conservation area in Tanzania, through the Serengeti, and across the border into Kenya’s Masai Mara and back again.
It’s a drama on a truly epic scale, and one of the main reasons why so many travellers go on a Wildebeest Migration safari year after year.
We have a set schedule that is designed specifically to focus on the migration and aimed at ensuring you don’t miss out on anything about this spectacular event, our choice of accommodation is superb and not too far from the migration route.
GOOD TO KNOW.
- Private tour based on full board accommodation.
- The tour is organized specifically for you. You will not share the safari vehicle with others who are not part of your family or group.
- Features transportation in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser or a safari minivan.
- Accommodation is in carefully selected safari camps and lodges.
- Featured lodges and camps on the itinerary could change as per availability, in such a case, a similar category accommodation will be substituted.
- Some hotels, camps and lodges will need to see and make photocopies of your passports.
- Bring warm and comfortable clothing, a flash light and personal meds.
- Breakfast is the only meal included on the last day of safari.
- Optional and extra activities not included on the cost will be paid directly to the service providers. Our guide will offer a no obligation guideline on this options.
- This itinerary can be adjusted or fine-tuned to meet your requirements and preferences.
Day 1:
Nairobi-Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Our guide will pick you from your hotel or airport for a 5 hour journey to the Mara game reserve. This is an exciting drive through stunning countryside of farms and rural villages.
We make our first stop at the great escarpment; a major natural topographical feature of steep slopes formed through active movement of tectonic plates dating millions of years. After the scenic view and refreshments, we drive to the floor of the Rift valley and off to Narok town the main economic center in Masailand. We then proceed through the Loitta plains to arrive at our Masai Mara lodge or camp in good time for Lunch.
We start our first game drive at 4pm in this extensive nature reserve looking out for the big predators and numerous plains game found here in abundance. We return to our camp by sunset for dinner and overnight {FB}.
Day 2:
Masai Mara full day exploration.
Wake up early to the sounds of nature and a beautiful sunrise, you are in a real natural game arena with limitless opportunities. After a delicious breakfast we set out for a full day game drive, a day to penetrate the reserve further looking out for prides of lions and several migrating herds of wildebeests. The reserve is richly endowed with large population of Lions and spotting more than 3 prides in a day is a possibility. We shall find animals everywhere; in open grasslands, riverine forests, bush shrubs and in rocky outcrops. Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Elands, warthogs and countless other herbivores will be on our check list, great predators including Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Hyenas and Jackals will closely be monitored. Coming face to face with migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras and watching them take the ultimate plunge for a river crossing will be thrilling and a life changing experience. We will shortly enjoy our picnic lunch under the shade of a strategic acacia tree overlooking the endless Mara plains. We return to camp in late afternoon with an option of visiting a traditional Masai village for a cultural interaction.
Meals and overnight in a Mara Camp or lodge {FB}.
Day 3:
Masai Mara 2nd full day exploration.
Embark on another full day game drive shortly after breakfast or opt for a dawn Hot Air Balloon safari over the mara plains, followed by a champaigne breakfast upon landing, this is a one in a lifetime experience, where incredible images of migrating herds are put in a bird’s eye view , alternatively you can decide on an an early morning and afternoon game drives, creating a free midmorning and early afternoon to relax, swim, take a nature walk or visit a local Masai village, whichever way you choose to spend this day, you are guaranteed of a phenomenal top class adventure experience. We shall also take you to the international border of Kenya and Tanzania popularly known as the Mara triangle which is a main crossing point for the wildebeests. We return to camp in the evening enjoying a golden sunset on the African horizons.
Dinner and overnight at the camp/ lodge{FB}.
Day 4:
Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru National Park.
7:00am.Breakfast in Masai Mara followed by our departure for Lake Nakuru, we start off early for an interesting drive through the scenic valleys of the Mau forest range that forms a source of the Mara River. Enjoy beautiful views of rural farms dotted with wheat, corn, potatoes and vegetables. The Mau escarpment is considered an important bread basket of Kenya. We arrive at the Lake Nakuru National Park in good time for lunch. Afternoon game drive follows shortly in this magnificent park known for it’s large number of flamingoes that form a pink flamboyance on the banks of the lake. We are on the lookout for the Rhinos, Buffalos, Giraffes, Zebras, Elands, and a big selection of other grazing herbivores. We could also spot a pride of lions, a pack of hyenas, jackals or find the ultimate prize in this park; the elusive Leopard.
Enjoy watching more animals and a variety of birds until sunset when we head back to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight {FB}.
Day 5:
Lake Nakuru exploration- Lunch in Naivasha- Drive to Nairobi.
Early morning breakfast in Lake Nakuru, we then load up for departure, we shall be exploring the park further for about 3 hours before heading to the exit, this will be a good opportunity to find more animals and birds some of which we may have missed on our previous game drive. We shall be exploring the picturesque landscape and yellow acacia woodlands for more wildlife sightings and also visit the alkaline shallow lake to watch a variety of birds including flamingoes which are the main attraction in this park.
We exit the Park and proceed to banks of Lake Naivasha for a scheduled Lunch stop. After Lunch we shall embark on an optional afternoon boat ride to explore the Lake surroundings and also take a short guided walk on the crescent island, this afternoon expedition will get us close to a variety of wildlife and countless number of birds including the immaculate African fish eagle, we shall then return to the main land for our final drive to Nairobi, dropped off to your hotel or at the airport.
That will mark the end of our 5 days wildebeest migration safari expedition full of excitement and great memories.
Included
Transport in a Land Cruiser or a customized tour van with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography {Each option depends on cost}.
All night’s accommodation in your reserved lodge or camp on full board basis.
All meals as indicated on the itinerary.
Non-resident entry fees to wilderness parks.
Comprehensive game drives as per the itinerary.
Services of a dedicated professional tour driver guide.
Arrival and departure transfers.
Entry fees of the driver/guide and the vehicle.
Bottled mineral water whilst on safari.
Excluded
International flights to and from Nairobi
Items of Personal Nature
Drinks
Tips and gratuities.
Extra and optional activities
Travel Insurance
Ready for an Exciting Adventure?
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.
