Overview
This 10 days Great Migration safari in Kenya takes you to the 1,510 sq.km. Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya. From Nairobi, you will explore lakes Naivasha and Nakuru known for large populations of flamingos. From these destinations, you will travel through Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve. Ol Pejeta is home to the only 2 surviving Northern white rhinos. Encounters with other members of the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants and leopards) in these protected areas.
One highlight of the safari is in the Masai Mara National Reserve, home of the Great Migration. This is an annual spectacle, generally enjoyed from July to October. You become the witness to the dramatic Mara River crossings by millions of wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebras. In addition, wildlife viewing and hot air ballooning will be done to enhance the experience. The unforgettable Kenya safari starts and ends in Nairobi. An English-speaking guide also fluent in Swahili and local languages will be available to drive you from beginning to end.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
On this first day of your 10 days Great Migration safari in Kenya you will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Our guide will meet and greet you before driving you to your hotel in the city. This is a chance to experience the busy streets with lots of people, buildings and businesses. Arrive at your hotel, check in and refresh. Have dinner and spend the night in the hotel.
Day 2: Explore Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru
Early morning breakfast first, then check out to leave for Lake Naivasha, situated 105 km to the northwest of Nairobi. This scenic trip offers views of the rift valley floor and plenty of wildlife submerged and around the fresh water lake. The 139 sq. km Lake Naivasha is home to hippos, buffaloes, flamingos, great white pelicans and kingfishers etc. A walking tour around the lake is among the perfect ways of seeing them. From Naivasha have enroute lunch as you drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, which is 79 km in the southwest.
This is a chance to see and capture photos of even more flamingos at the 45 sq.km Lake Nakuru. A part from the flamingos a variety of aquatic birds and terrestrial wildlife can be seen submerged or around the lake. The rare black rhinos, massive hippos, towering giraffes, watchful leopards, powerful buffaloes and majestic lions also call the area home. Check in at your lodge, have dinner and spend the night here.
Day 3 & 4: Wildlife and Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta
Breakfast at your accommodation before checking out. Today you will be transferred to Ol Pejeta, situated 173 km in the northeast. For 2 days you will enjoy a range of activities at the 364 sq.km conservancy. Things to do include day game drive, night game drive, guided bush walk, lion tracking and birdwatching etc. Have an amazing experience encountering wild animals like lions, the critically endangered northern white rhinos and chimpanzees. Two nights will be spent here.
Day 5 & 6: In the Wild Landscapes of Samburu National Reserve
Wake up for morning breakfast and transfer to the 165 sq.km. Samburu National Reserve northeastwards. The trip to Samburu is a scenic one covering 146 km, with pauses for lunch and photos. Arrive and check in at your lodge before heading for an afternoon game drive to spot various mammals and birds. What to see in the Samburu wilderness includes Somali ostriches, cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, gerenuk, Gravy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge.
Day 7: To the Legendary Masai Mara and the Great Migration
Have morning breakfast, check out and set off to Masai Mara National Reserve. This scenic drive to the southwest covers 525 km, including enroute lunch and photos at the equator. Pass through the Sekenani Gate towards your accommodation/camp. A lot of wild mammals and birds can be seen in the Sekenani Sector and also across the Mara Triangle. The latter presents to you the Great Migration spectacle, especially from July to October. Check into your camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Full Day Game Drive and Migration Safari in Masai Mara
After morning breakfast, pack your picnic lunch and head back to experience the Great Migration. Other predators waiting for them are lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and black-backed jackals, which you will spot as well. Seeing these animals will also happen during a game drive to and from the Musiara Sector of the reserve. This sector also presents one of the best views of the migrating wildebeests, zebras and Thompson’s gazelles. After this unique experience return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Hot Air Balloon and Game Drive
Wake up for early morning breakfast before you drive to the balloon launch pad within the Mara Triangle. After a briefing by the operators you will start hot air ballooning above the Masai Mara. From this perspective, you will see rift valley escarpments, meandering rivers, forest, savannahs and also the participants of the Great Migration. The Big 5 can be seen clearly from here because you will cover a larger area of the reserve. Afterwards, you will have a wonderful bush breakfast, generally with champagne. Drive on other game tracks to see more animals and birds. Return to your camp later in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Return to Nairobi and Departure
A scenic drive that covers 230 km from the Sekenani Gate is so memorable. Lunch is also got along the journey. Drop off in Nairobi will be either at your hotel or at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Conclude your 10 days Great Migration safari by saying goodbye and boarding your flight home.