11-Days Migration Kenya and Tanzania
Overview
11-Day Great Migration Safari in Kenya and Tanzania
In July, the wildebeest migration journeys north, moving through the Lobo region (located just north of the central Serengeti National Park) and the Wagakuria area (a remote section of northern Serengeti National Park along the Mara River) as they head toward Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Wildebeest typically arrive in Wagakuria anytime from July onward, and they can often be spotted crossing the Mara River. By September, the herds spread out across the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Some large groups may remain in the area, and shifts in weather can sometimes bring them back from the Mara. In October, the herds start their trek south toward central Serengeti National Park, traveling through the Lobo region.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Nairobi’s airport and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, meet your tour officer for a safari briefing before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at the Lake Nakuru guest house. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive before returning to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its diverse birdlife, hosting over 400 species, including several that are globally threatened. Initially established as a bird sanctuary, it is also home to one of the highest concentrations of Black Rhinoceros.
DAY 3: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara
Following breakfast, depart for Masai Mara, traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Enjoy lunch before embarking on an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Kichakani Camp. The Masai Mara is celebrated as Africa’s premier wildlife reserve, famous for its lions, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and the culturally rich Maasai people.
DAY 4 & 5: Explore Masai Mara
Spend two full days exploring the park in search of the Big Five. Morning and afternoon game drives will be available. For an additional cost of US$450 per person, an optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged. The Mara is home to over 450 recorded animal species, including lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and more. The highlight of the year is the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras from the Serengeti, drawing numerous predators.
DAY 6: Masai Mara – Musoma
Depart the campsite and drive through the southern reserve while viewing wildlife on your way to the Isebania/Sirari border into Tanzania. Continue to Speke Bay Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 7 & 8: Musoma – Serengeti National Park
Enter Serengeti via Ndabaka Gate for a full day of game drives, then head south and west through the park’s western corridor. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your explorations. The following day is reserved for additional game viewing activities. Dinner and overnight stay at Ikoma Safari Camp. The Serengeti, Tanzania’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its incredible wildlife, especially during the migration, which features millions of hooves on the open plains.
DAY 9: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Olduvai Gorge
As you drive southeast into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoy game viewing along the way. Stop at Olduvai Gorge for a picnic lunch. Spend the night at the Rhino Lodge on the crater rim. Olduvai is known for its archaeological significance, where bones dating back 1.75 million years have been discovered, along with ancient fossil footprints.
DAY 10: Ngorongoro – Crater Tour
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of exploration with packed lunches. Return to the crater rim for dinner and an overnight stay at Rhino Lodge. The crater, often referred to as ‘Africa’s Eden,’ is a breathtaking natural wonder formed from a collapsed volcano and is a major tourist attraction.
DAY 11: Ngorongoro – Arusha – Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Arusha, arriving in time for lunch. Take an afternoon shuttle bus to Nairobi, departing at 14:00 and arriving at 18:00. You’ll be dropped off at the airport for your flight home.
Safari Package INCLUDES
- Round-trip transfers between the International Airport and Arusha
- Two nights of hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival
- Luxury extended 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide
- Professional safari cook
- Entrance fees for all national parks
- Full-board camping accommodation during the safari
- Camping fees for all national parks
- Ngorongoro Crater entrance fees
- 18% VAT on entrance fees
- Government taxes, VAT, and service charges for accommodations and included meals
Safari Package EXCLUDES
- Tanzania visa
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Optional tours (e.g., balloon rides at USD 550 per person), which should be booked in advance
- Tips and gratuities for your safari guide and cook
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Serengeti!
