This 5 days wildebeest migration safari takes you to the Masai Mara national reserve located in the rift valley in south west Kenya. The protected area is part of the Serengeti Ecosystem which is famous for harbouring the wildebeest migration and the big 5 African mammals including savanna elephants, black and white rhino, Cape buffalo, lions, and leopards.
The dry season between July to October offers higher chances to witness millions of migrating animals including over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, elands, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, impalas. The highlight of the migration is to see the wildebeest crossing of the Mara and Talek rivers. This safari will provide professional guides who are knowledgeable about wildlife, geography, and culture to accompany you throughout the trip. Activities and lodges will also be hand picked according to your needs.
Highlights of Masai Mara national reserve
Wildebeest migration
Big 5 African mammals
Over 500 species of birds
Big cats and predators include cheetahs, African wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Morning, afternoon, and evening game drives
Maasai community experience
Guided nature walk
Hot air balloon safari
5 Days wildebeest migration safari – Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Nairobi capital city
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta international airport in Nairobi capital city, you will be met by your guide and taken to the hotel. Check in for dinner and overnight stay.
After arrival, given that there’s time, you can explore the city. Nairobi capital city, the hub of commerce, entertainment, and culture, provides a thriving nightlife experience, local food, art, nature and wildlife in the Nairobi national park. Visit any of the attractions including a walk to the rooftop of the Kenyatta Convention Center for beautiful views of the city, the Nairobi National Museum to learn about Kenya’s history, cultural and natural heritage, the Giraffe Manor and Shedrack Elephant Orphanage Center.
Accommodation options:
Weston Hotel (budget and midrange)
Palacina Hotel or Karen Country Club (luxury options)
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara national reserve is 260 km (5-hour drive) south west of Nairobi city. You will have breakfast at the hotel and meet with your guide to set off early in the morning. Expect to reach late morning and check in at the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will go for your first game drive exploring wildlife.
Masai Mara is located in the rift valley and contiguous with Serengeti national park in Tanzania. The ecosystem contains golden grasslands dotted with acacia, riverine forests along Mara and Talek rivers, rock kopjes, and rolling hills. The protected area is famous for harboring the Big 5 African mammals which include elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion. Mara also hosts the wildebeest migration in the dry season between July and October. Over 1.5 wildebeests along with hundreds of thousands of gazelles, zebras, and elands migrate annually in search of green pastures and water. This is influenced by rainfall patterns in East Africa. In Masai Mara, the main highlight is to witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara and Talek rivers. There’s also a possibility to see how animals struggle through the crocodile infested rivers and predators such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs hunting prey. Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Elewana Sand River Tented Camp (luxury)
AA Lodge Masai Mara (midrange)
Mara Sopa Lodge (standard)
Mara Sopa Lodge (standard)
Day 3: Full day in Masai Mara
Spending the whole day in the park offers an opportunity to maximize wildlife viewing experience with multiple game drives. There’s an option to do a hot air balloon safari. A flexible schedule allows you to determine how much time to spend on activities and having meals. For instance, timing the wildebeest crossing of Mara or Talek rivers may require you to go with packed lunch and camp at a particular lookout like Kaburu. Alternatively you can enjoy the luxury of going back to the lodge for lunch. Game drives in Masai Mara offer an opportunity to spot the big 5 animals, wildebeests, birds, big cats, and antelopes. Enjoy beautiful scenery, sunrise and sunsets from the lookout points. Dinner and overnight stay. Those intending to do a night game drive have the option of visiting a conservancy at an extra cost.
Day 4: walking safari and Maasai community experience
A walking safari is an option to get out of the 4×4 vehicle and immerse yourself into the sounds and sights of the African bush. It is done early in the morning with a ranger and lasts for 2-3 hours. You will be returning to the lodge by mid morning for relaxation and lunch. In the late afternoon (4pm to 5pm) you can visit the Maasai community to experience and learn about their cultural heritage. The Maasai are traditional nomadic pastoralists and used to live and graze their cattle in what is now the protected area. Today they live outside and the government of Kenya has encouraged them to embrace arts and crafts, and culture as alternative ways to earn income. By visiting them you will be promoting responsible tourism.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, you will depart Masai Mara and travel back to Nairobi capital city for your flight departure. End of 5 days wildebeest migration safari in Kenya.