The Wildebeest Migration (Kenya)- Nature's Grandest Spectacle
Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with one of nature's grandest spectacles - The Great Wildebeest Migration.
This itinerary whisks you away to the East African savannah where two million wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle, embark on their annual epic journey. Traverse the sprawling grasslands, witness the dramatic crossing, and come face-to-face with Africa's iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Get ready for an adventure filled with thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Trip Overview
The best time to catch the wildebeest migration is from July to October, when the herds make the river crossing in northern Serengeti. The herds literally cross a border, moving from Tanzania, to the neighbouring Maasai Mara game reserve located in Kenya.
I'll be sharing both Kenyan and Tanzanian itineraries, allowing you to pick your starting point (this is the Kenyan itinerary). I'm also providing you with 4-day and 10-day itinerary options, so that you can enjoy the safari at your own pace.
4-Day Itinerary - Kenya
Day 1: Touchdown in the wild
Day 2: Hot air balloon ride, game drive and bush dinner
Day 3: Visit to Maasai Village and picnic in the park
Day 4: Walking tour or one last game drive
10-Day Itinerary - Kenya
Day 1: Arrival and introduction to the wildlife
Day 2: Explore the Mara and have a bush dinner
Day 3: Witness the wildebeest migration
Day 4: View the Mara from above in a hot air balloon
Day 5: Maasai village cultural day & spa day
Day 6: Visit Lake Nakuru National Park and its famous flamingos
Day 7: Off to Sweet Waters Game Reserve and Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Day 8: Arrive at Samburu National Park
Day 9: Scenic drive through Samburu
Day 10: Make your way back to Nairobi to catch your flight home
4-day itinerary - Kenya
Where To Stay - Maasai Mara
Kindly note that the accommodation options offered are located within the Maasai Mara game reserve, and you'll need to pay park fees to access them. Confirm that these charges are covered when making your hotel booking so as to avoid inconvenience at the park gate.
Day One: Touchdown in the Wild
Morning
Land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and arrange for an airport transfer to the Maasai Mara. I recommend contacting a tour and travel company beforehand. That way they'll know to expect you and pick you from the airport.
Your airport transfer company should be able to handle both road and air transfers.
Arrive at the Maasai Mara and check into your accommodations. There're lots of lodges available and you should be able to find something that fits your budget.
Once you're settled in, enjoy breakfast/ brunch overlooking the vast savannah before embarking on your first game drive of the trip.
Afternoon
Stop for a delightful lunch at the lodge and take some time to relax and enjoy the view. You can rest by the pool or take a walk around the lodge.
Evening
As the sun sets, savour a delicious dinner at the lodge's restaurant, sharing stories of the day's sightings. After dinner, gather around the campfire and listen to the sounds of the African night.
Day Two: The Great Migration from Above
Morning
Catch the sunrise in a hot air balloon ride over the reserve. Watch the Mara come to life and witness predators as they begin their hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five and of course, the migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras. Enjoy a champagne breakfast upon landing because, why not?
To ensure that you have a chance to enjoy the hot air balloon ride, you should book this tour in advance. Most lodges have access to the feature and you can book through them as you sort out your accommodation. If that option isn't available, you can book using the link below:
Afternoon
Have a hearty lunch at the lodge, followed by a lazy afternoon of relaxation. If you're up for it, you can opt for a game drive to explore different areas of the reserve.
Evening
Enjoy a special bush dinner under the starlit sky. It's truly a magical experience that will be one of the highlights of your trip. Talk to the lodge concierge and they should be able to organize this for you.
Day Three: Cats and Culture
Experience the rich Maasai culture with a visit to a local village. Interact with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions and enjoy their legendary dance performance.
This is an activity you'll need to book for yourself and again, it's best to book it beforehand. The tour guide should be able to pick you up from the lodge and drop up off at the end of the experience.
Afternoon
Stop for a picnic lunch in the reserve on the way back to the lodge. This will also serve as a mini game drive as you make your way from the Maasai village, to the picnic site and then back to the lodge.
Evening
This would be a good time to embark on an evening game drive. It will be a chance to see animals like hippos that make an appearance once the sun begins to set.
Celebrate your last night in the Mara with a farewell dinner at the lodge, reminiscing about the incredible moments of your safari. You may be treated to a special performance by the Maasai warriors.
Day Four: Farewell Mara
Morning
Conclude your Maasai Mara adventure with a final game drive, giving you one last chance to see the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you could decide on a walking tour for a more intimate experience of the African savannah. The lodge concierge should be able to organize this for you.
Afternoon
One last lunch at the lodge before departing for the airstrip or hitting the road. Say goodbye to the endless plains as you make your way back to Nairobi, carrying your unforgettable safari memories.
Evening
Upon your return to the Capital City, dine at the famous Karen Blixen, known for it's exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance. Reflect on your safari experience and perhaps start planning your next African adventure.
It would be advisable to make a reservation with the restaurant prior to leaving the Mara.
10-day itinerary - Kenya
Where to Stay - Lake Nakuru, Samburu
In addition to the Maasai Mara accommodation options mentioned above, you'll also need to book hotel stays in Lake Nakuru and Samburu. It may sound a little cumbersome but I promise you it will be well worth it.
Kenya has very diverse landscapes and different game reserves have different wildlife offerings. Lake Nakuru for example, is famous for its flamingos that cover the water mass in a pink blanket. Samburu has a drier climate, supporting the animals that do better in these conditions.
Your tour guide or transfer service should be able to seamlessly accommodate these transfers so that you don't have to worry about getting from one place to another.
Day One: Arrival & Safari Drive
Morning
Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and arrange for airport transfer to the Maasai Mara. I recommend contacting a tour and travel company beforehand. That way they'll know to expect you and pick you from the airport.
Your airport transfer company should be able to handle both road and air transfers. They should also be able to relocate you from the Mara to Lake Nakuru, and then on to Samburu.
Afternoon
Arrive at the Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Settle into your room and take a little break before the evening's excursions.
Evening
Go for a game drive and catch your first glimpse of the magnificent wildlife. Return to the lodge in time for dinner.
Day Two: Game Drive & Bush Dinner
Morning
Start your day with an early morning game drive. This is one of the best times to see the animals, before the sun gets too hot and they're forced to take cover in the bush.
Afternoon
Stop by the lodge for a leisurely lunch and a dip in the pool. This would be a good time to catch up on your reading or sit at the lookout spots, waiting for the animals to come by for a drink of water.
Evening
There's something spectacular about the African night sky. With no nearby city lights, the stars seems to hang a little lower and shine a little brighter. Take this opportunity to have a bush dinner and enjoy the sounds of the nocturnal animals going about their business.
Day Three: The Wildebeest Migration
Morning
Now that you're well and truly over your jetlag, you can dedicate your time to finding the migrating herds in earnest. With a whole day allocated to this excursion, it would be best to have a hearty breakfast at the lodge before you get going.
With breakfast out of the way, head down to the Mara River and experience the epic scale of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle moving as one, driven by an instinct they can't seem to deny. You'll also get a chance to witness the crocodiles laying in wait for their annual feast, as the herds make the perilous crossing to greener pastures.
Afternoon
Continue with the wildlife exploration after lunch and observe the animals in their natural habitat.
Evening
After a long day spent in the bush, indulge in a delightful dinner at the lodge and maybe a drink at the bar.
Day Four: From Above
Morning
It will be another early morning but this time, you'll be viewing the Maasai Mara from above. Embark on a hot air balloon ride that will carry you over the vast plains, offering you a unique perspective of the game reserve. Land for a champagne breakfast in the wild.
To ensure that you have a chance to enjoy the hot air balloon ride, you should book this tour in advance. Most lodges have access to the feature and you can book through them as you sort out your accommodation. However, if that option isn't available, you can book using the link below:
Afternoon
Relax at the lodge before making a second go of the Mara River and its animal crossing.
Evening
Have dinner at the lodge and relax by the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures.
Day 5: Culture & Foot Rub
Morning
Experience the rich Maasai culture with a visit to a local village. Interact with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions and enjoy their legendary dance performance.
This is an activity you'll need to book for yourself and again, it's best to book it beforehand. The tour guide should be able to pick you up from the lodge and drop up off at the end of the experience.
Afternoon
Head back to the lodge for lunch. After spending the last few days riding around in the park, take the afternoon to pamper yourself. Book a spa treatment at the lodge to relieve any tense muscles.
Evening
This would be a good time to embark on an evening game drive. It will be a chance to see animals like hippos that make an appearance once the sun begins to set.
Celebrate your last night in the Mara with a farewell dinner at the lodge, reminiscing about the incredible moments of your safari. You may be treated to a special performance by the Maasai warriors.
Day 6: A Blanket of Flamingos
Morning
It's time to say goodbye to the Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Afternoon
Arrive in good time for lunch at the lodge before embarking on a scenic afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its numerous bird species, and in particularly its pink flamingos. Their large population is one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles.
Although this park is primarily a bird sanctuary, there are a considerable number of animals to be encountered like zebras, elephants, and gazelles. This is one of your best chances to see rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes.
Evening
Dinner at the lodge and perhaps a night of stargazing.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Morning
Depart for the Sweet Waters Game Reserve after a hearty breakfast, arriving in time for lunch.
Afternoon
Get a closer look at our primate relatives with a visit to the Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It will amaze you just how many of their mannerisms are similar to ours.
Optional activities at Sweet Water Game Reserve include walking safaris escorted by a local ranger, bird walks with several hundred species to observe, horseback and camel rides. Game drives here reveal the full range of African wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and hippo.
Evening
It's been a long day. You deserve a filling dinner and an early night.
Day 8: Samburu National Park
Morning
Early breakfast at the lodge before heading out to Samburu. This transfer will serve as a bit of a game drive, and you'll get to cross the Equator.
Afternoon
Have lunch at your preferred Samburu lodge and spend the afternoon watching the animals. Observe crocodiles basking on the muddy riverbanks and velvet monkeys frolicking in the sun.
Evening
Dinner and a relaxing evening at the lodge.
Day 9: One Last Game Drive
Morning/Afternoon
Spend the day getting to know the unique animals that call Samburu home. You'll get to see large game like the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryz, Blue Legged Somali ostrich and the long-necked gerenuk. There are also plenty of elephants roaming about.
The dusty red plains allow you to experience a different landscape than what you've seen these past few days, including dramatic views of Mt. Ololokwe (which translates to 'Wide Head').
Evening
Enjoy the sunset from your luxury tent before heading to the lodge restaurant for dinner.
Day 10: Heading Home
Morning/Afternoon
With your safari over, it's time to head back to Nairobi. Have a late lunch at the Carnivore restaurant, where you have the option to order game meat like ostrich and crocodile. It would be advisable to make a reservation beforehand.
Evening
Head to the airport to catch your flight back home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the African savannah.
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