Ours. Enormous wildebeests herd crossing Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania, safari, Great Migration

Great Migration safari

Name: Great Migration safari
Brand: Follow Alice
SKU: 527669614
Price: 2920 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Trips/Kenya Safari

7 days

On this trip it's all exhilarating safari drives as well as a walking safari to look for the Great Migration herds, lions, leopards, hippos and more. There's also the option of a sunrise hot air balloon ride – the perfect way to view the seemingly endless stretch of Great Migration animals! (Please note that Great Migration season in Kenya is late July to early October.)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day and Nairobi Museum visit

Today we welcome you to Kenya! Upon landing, your local leader is there to meet you and drive you to the hotel in Nairobi where you can freshen up. If there's still time in the day and you're keen, let us take you to Nairobi National Museum. Far from a traditional, dusty museum, this one is full of vibrant and contemporary artworks. The displays also cover the themes of culture, nature and history. If you're tired and would prefer to rest, why not opt for drinks alongside the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and enjoy the view of the city on your first night in Kenya?

Day 2: Giraffe Centre and Ocean Sole visit

This morning you visit Nairobi's Giraffe Centre where you stroll along a high walkway all the better to enjoy eye-to-eye meetings with endangered Rothschild's giraffes! You then head to the charming Karen Blixen Coffee Garden for a delicious outdoors lunch. Who's Karen Blixen, you ask? She's the Danish author who fell in love with Kenya and was portrayed by Meryl Streep in Out of Africa. In the afternoon, head to the fascinating Ocean Sole factory where salvaged flip-flops are upcycled by skilful local artisans into beautiful and colourful animal sculptures.

Visitor's hand being licked by Rothschild's giraffe on bridge at Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya

Day 3: Maasai Mara game drive

This morning you're driven west along the Great Rift Valley to reach Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to the Great Migration herds between roughly June and October! The reserve is also renowned for hosting the Big Five as well as many other fan favourites like cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, zebras, hyenas, caracals, servals, warthogs, wildebeests, crocodiles, Thomson's gazelles, impalas, Coke's hartebeests, ostriches and secretary birds. In fact, over 95 mammal and 500 bird species have been recorded in the reserve!

Ours. Zebras drinking water at Tarangire Tanzania safari

Day 4: Safari drives

Today's game drives are all about finding and witnessing the phenomenon of the Great Wildlife Migration. The largest land-based migration on earth, it sees around two million hoofed animals (mostly wildebeests and zebras) move together in search of water and green grass. Ironically, when they must cross a river, they don't want to linger, because hungry crocs are going to nab a meal!

Ours. Wildebeests train, Great Migration, Kenya safari

Day 5: Optional hot air balloon and game drive

For those who are keen, there's an optional hot air balloon flight this morning. You head out before dawn so that you're in the air for sunrise. What a great way to understand the extent of the enormous Great Migration herds! This afternoon you go on another game drive. It takes time and patience to spot some of the shyer animals, so the more time you're out there, the higher your chances of seeing everything!

Sunrise over the Masai Mara, with a pair of low-flying hot air balloons and a herd of wildebeest below in the typical red oat grass of the region

Day 6: Nature walk and game drive

This morning you have the option to go on a guided nature walk. It's exciting to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. Your Maasai guide has expert knowledge of the animals and terrain, as the Maasai live in communities surrounded by such wildlife. In the afternoon you go on another game drive to look for those animals who have been acting shy thus far!

Duikers in forest, Best time to visit Tanzania

Day 7: Departure day

Today is your last day in the Maasai Mara. Have a leisurely breakfast and try to soak in that view of the endless, animal-filled plains to take home with you! We drive you back to Nairobi so that you can fly out in the evening.

Two seated lionesses in long green grass, probably Maasai Mara, Kenya

Inclusions

Price Includes

Highly experienced, English-speaking local guides

Airport transfers

Transport in a private safari vehicle

Mid-range accommodation

All meals on safari

Breakfasts in Nairobi

Price Does Not Include

International flights

Visa

Traveller's insurance

Drinks

Tips (which are customary)

Dinners in Nairobi and Karen Blixen Coffee Garden lunch

Where you'll stay

Trademark Hotel

This stylishly furnished and highly rated hotel in Nairobi is the perfect place to relax after a journey or busy day of sightseeing. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.

Basecamp Masai Mara

It's said that guests at Basecamp Masai Mara become more than visitors – they become part of the Masai community! Sit around the fireplace in the evenings for storytelling and stargazing.