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

Great Migration safari

7 days

On this exciting safari you visit an elephant and rhino orphanage to see the animals up close. Then, it's time to try spot them and others (like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hippos) in the wild. What's more, your game drives take place against the magnificent backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro! In winter, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to view the endless Great Migration herds.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and optional museum visit

Today we welcome you to Kenya! Fly into Nairobi and then let us whisk you away to the hotel to freshen up and relax after your doubtless long journey. If there's time and you're keen, there's an optional visit to the Karen Blixen Museum. This pretty house starred in the film Out of Africa, where Meryl Streep played Karen Blixen.

Day 2: Elephant orphanage and game drive

This morning you visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where orphaned elephants, rhinos and other wildlife are rehabilitated. Those that can't be safely reintroduced to the wild, are allowed to live out their lives at the orphanage. Next you head just next door to go on a game drive in Nairobi National Park to look for the Big Five and many other fascinating creatures!

Sheldrick elephant orphanage employee bottle feeding elephant calf

Day 3: Masai Mara game drive

Time for the safari to begin in earnest! Today you travel along the spectacular Great Rift Valley to reach the world-famous MasaI Mara Game Reserve. In the late afternoon, you enjoy a game drive en route to the lodge. Look for iconic game like giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs and warthogs!

Ours. Zebras drinking water at Tarangire Tanzania safari

Day 4: Great Migration game drive

Today's game drives are all 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) 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: Walking safari, game drive and bush dinner

This morning you go on a walking safari. It's exciting to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. Your Masai guide has expert knowledge of the animals and terrain, as the Masai live in communities surrounded by such wildlife. In the afternoon, you go on another game drive, and then in the evening you enjoy a bush dinner!

Ours MAsai MAra Game REserve bush dinner

Day 7: Departure day

Today is your last day in the Masai Mara. Have a leisurely breakfast and try to soak in that view of Mt Kilimanjaro and 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.

Ours. Cheetah on vehicle, Masai Mara, Kenya safari

Inclusions

Highly experienced, English-speaking local guides

Airport transfers

Transport in a private safari vehicle

Mid-range accommodation

Breakfasts in Nairobi

All meals on safari

Bottled drinking water during the day

All national park entrance and conservation fees

All activities except Karen Blixen museum visit and hot air balloon ride

International flights

Visa

Traveller's insurance

All optional activities

Lunches and dinners in Nairobi

Drinks

Tips (which are customary)

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.

Mara Engai Lodge

This unique lodge sits on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment in beautiful riverine forest. The views down to the plains of the Masai Mara Reserve, which host the Great Migration, are breathtaking!

Gallery

Ours. Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi, Kenya safari

Ours. Wildebeests and zebras Mara River crossing Kenya, Great Migration, safari

Black rhino and calf standing in grassland in Kenya

Ours. Close up of secretary bird, Masai Mara, Kenya safari

FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Yes, most people need a visa to visit Kenya. A three-month tourist visa is available online for US$51. That said, nationals of certain countries, including South Africa, don't need a visa to visit Kenya.

Where should I fly to in Kenya?

If you're wanting to see the Great Migration herds, then you're going to be going on safari in the southwest of Kenya. You thus want to head to Nairobi International Airport, which isn't far from Masai Mara National Reserve, where the Great Migration herds turn up every winter!

What currency is used in Kenya?

The currency of the country is the Kenyan shilling (KES), which is broken up into cents. As of 2023, 1 USD buys 130 KES.

What language do they speak in Kenya?

The two official languages of Kenya are Swahili and English. Almost everyone in the tourism industry speaks really decent, if not excellent, English.

What plug type is used in Kenya?

Kenya uses plug type G. Also worth noting is that the country operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Is it safe to visit Kenya?

The parts of Kenya in the south where you go for safari or for beach holidays are very safe. It's only really the north of the country, bordering Somalia, that we feel visitors should avoid. The game parks in Kenya are especially safe, well-monitored spaces.