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Kenya and Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
Kenya and Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari
Trip Overview
Follow the Migrating Herds in Kenya & Tanzania
As one of the greatest shows on Earth, the migration is an epic nature’s wonder unrivalled anywhere. A moving pageantry with a cast of millions, this is when herds of animals are on the move through Africa from the Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of lush pasture and water in Kenya and back again…
Trip Highlights
Staggering numbers of wildebeest thunder across the plains alongside zebras and gazelles that gallop and sprint their way through the wilderness, predators in wait to ambush, on an annual march that takes them from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya… Spend a night in Nairobi, 4 nights in the Maasai Mara, 3 nights in the Serengeti, two nights in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a game drive and picnic lunch in the wildlife-rich crater, a night in Arusha and the last 2 nights in Amboseli National Park.
Unique experiences include; a stay in a mobile safari camp designed to move with wildebeest, zebras, eland and gazelles as they migrate to lush plains, usually followed by natural predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards and a hot air balloon ride with breakfast in either the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.
While on safari, we’ll experience overnight stays in a mobile camp, lodges and city hotels that enable timely sightings of the migrating herds on private safari game drives with expert luxury safari guides making this a most remarkable luxury safari to you and your loved ones.
- Enjoy the unfolding wildebeest migrattion events in Kenya and Tanzania
- Witness one of the most spectacular sights in Africa during the wildebeest migration
- Experience a great diversity of wildlife throughout the year
- Enjoy an alluring balloon flight soaring above the morning mist in the Maasai Mara
- The Maasai Mara and Serengeti offer breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains
- Have an insightful encounter with the iconic Maasai community and learn about their intriguing culture
Inclusions
What's included
- 11 nights luxury accommodation on full board basis in Nairobi and Maasai Mara
- Drinking water and refreshments
- Private daily game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
- All park and conservancy entrance fees
- Hot air balloon safari
Non Inclusions
Not included
- Cultural Visit to the Maasai village
- Late departure fees and extra lunch on departure day
- Drinks consumed at the camp and any extra meals not mentioned
- Expenses of personal nature
- Any extra incurred at the hotel in Nairobi or in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park
- Tips and porterage
- Personal travel insurance
Marvel at Nature's Phenomenon in Kenya's Maasi Mara's
and the Vast Tanzania's Serengeti Wilderness
The precise timing of the annual wildebeest migration depends on the rains. It is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event, with calving season taking place in the Serengeti between January and mid-March. The wildebeest migration starts to head towards the Western Serengeti in May or June.
Community & Tourism
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities in our destinations.
Conservation & Tourism
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration through tourism.
Culture & Tourism
We strengthen intercultural understanding and relations, safeguarding cultural heritage.
Commerce & Travel
Commerce affects the sustainability of our destinations the people who live in these natural areas.
Concious Travel
The state of being aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings – as a business, our staff and guests.
Day 0 & 1
Explore Kenya's historic capital, Nairobi City
Upon your arrival, you will be received by our English-speaking representative at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport arrivals hall. Our representative will walk you through the welcome package documents, and your itinerary and answer any questions you may have. You will enjoy a complimentary private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
This morning after spending a relaxed night at the hotel, you will now have an opportunity to enjoy some of Africa’s most iconic animals in the city of Nairobi and this will give us access to giant elephants and towering giraffes.
Spending our day at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphaned Trust will allow us to learn more about conservation efforts being made to protect these giants. We will then stop at the Giraffe Center, where you’ll find Rothschild Giraffes wandering the grounds.
Our last memorable experience will include a tour of the Kazuri beads women factory where women from the community are committed to making beads as a way to live sustainably. From here we’ll drive back to the hotel for dinner and the night.
Accommodation: Hemingway Nairobi
This morning you’ll Nairobi and head off to the Maasai Mara. The approximate travel time is six hours. Head directly into the park for game viewing and then return to the camp for late check-in.
Please note that the first half of this drive will be on paved roads and the last half will be rough & bumpy roads but generally, the drive is still worth it. You’ll enjoy a box lunch while you on the way.
Enjoy the afternoon while appreciating an exciting game viewing experience. This afternoon, we’ll explore several wildlife hot spots with an aim to espy elusive animals such as the leopard.
These spotted cats blend almost seamlessly into the tall grass and shrubbery and are even more challenging to spot when in their favourite hangout, the trees.
Exploring the region, your guide will take you to nearby watering holes where on a hot day you’ll spot not only mammals but also mammals. After a thrilling afternoon game drive, you will be returned to camp in time to freshen up for a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Governors Camp
Day 2 - 4
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 5-7
Understanding the annual Wildebeest Migration
We’re quite sure, you’ve heard of the wildebeest migration thanks to numerous wildlife documentaries and themed movies around the Maasai Mara. However, not many are well-informed about this incredible wildlife phenomenon, such as where and when it takes place and what it entails. Many assume that the migration is all about dramatic river crossings but there’s so much more to this great wildlife spectacle than what meets the eye.
On our afternoon game drive, the choice is up to you! Continue pursuing the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover some of the region’s least-known wildlife. The Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of mammals both large and small but is also host to an incredible array of birdlife that includes over 400 different species without forgetting some amazing sun-ups and sundowns.
Weather can be unpredictable and late rains or early rains can result in a delayed or early migration pattern. The good news is that the Maasai Mara has plenty of wildlife to enjoy all year round.
The months that are most frequently mentioned as the best time of year to visit the Great Migration, July to October, are also the busiest months in the Maasai Mara.
It is safe to say that you won’t have the herds to yourself during these months. You can expect more safari travelers within the Maasai Mara National Reserve proper and may have to queue up during safari game drives. We’ll drive back to the camp for dinner and the night.
Accommodation: Governors Camp
Days 8-9
Explore Maasai Mara During the Wildebeest Migration...
Day 10-11
Arusha, Tanzania to Amboseli National Park, Kenya
This morning you’ll have a moment of your lifetime as you indulge in an unforgettable hot-air balloon luxury safari, marvelling at the wildlife from aloft. At Oluokos, we won’t let this unique memorable moment float away without you!
Feel the thrill permeate your body as the hot-air balloon safari pilot inflates the gigantic balloon one last time before you begin to float upwards into the crisp early morning skies above the endless savannahs of Maasai Mara in Kenya. Typically designed for a small group of adventure-lovers, your hot-air balloon safari takes you above and beyond the expected. This experience guarantees you a visual perspective that adds an additional layer of excitement to an already superbly varied Oluokos luxury safari itineraries.
With the right timing, a hot-air balloon safari can provide the ultimate panorama of the world’s most spectacular animal migration, the Great Wildebeest Migration. Seeing the herds from above will put their numbers into perspective, leaving you in awe of the enormity of over 1.2 million wildebeest. A hot-air balloon safari in Maasai Mara is one of the most ultimate ways of experiencing your adventure-filled wildlife-viewing activities.
Toast the morning’s flight with bubbles and a delicious breakfast in the heart of the Mara Triangle, before a gentle gamedrive back to the camp in time for lunch and an afternoon at your leisure by the swimming pool.
You could take this opportunity to visit a visit a nearby Maasai community village. This one hour visit to a Maasai village is a chance to interact with the Maasai and get a glimpse into their culture, unique ways of life and see first hand some of their customs and practices.
You’ll later go back to the camp for dinner and the night.
Accommodation: Governors Camp
This morning after breakfast, your guide will drive you from Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi, with short stops for refreshments and souvenirs along the way. The drive will take approximately 5 hours.
Please note that the first half of this drive will be on rough and bumpy roads and the last half will be paved roads.
The opportunity to explore the local markets and shops presents itself today as so you can interact with the local vendors in search for the perfect handicraft or souvenir for yourself or your loved ones.
If you so desire, reservations for dinner at a local restaurant can also be arranged. Please speak to your Luxury Experience Designer in order to make dining reservations, and be sure to mention any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Accommodation: Depart (International Airport)
Day 12
Journey from Amboseli to Nairobi City
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