7 Days Great Migration Safari

Overview

The 7-Day Great Migration Safari is designed for travelers seeking one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every year, over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the vast Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing, creating one of the most dramatic natural events on Earth. This safari combines Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations with carefully planned game drives to maximize your chances of witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon.

Beginning in Nairobi, the journey takes you to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, where extensive game viewing offers opportunities to observe not only the migration but also the predators that follow the herds, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Depending on the season, you may witness thrilling Mara River crossings as crocodiles wait beneath the waters while thousands of wildebeests attempt the dangerous crossing.

This itinerary also allows time to explore different regions of the Maasai Mara, increasing wildlife viewing opportunities while offering cultural experiences with the Maasai people and luxury accommodation in the heart of the reserve.

Tour Highlights

Witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal).
Excellent opportunities to see the famous Mara River crossings.
Multiple full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara.
Exceptional chances of spotting the Big Five.
Explore one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems.
Visit an authentic Maasai cultural village.
Stay in carefully selected luxury or midrange safari camps.
Travel in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide.
Spectacular sunrise and sunset game drives.
Outstanding photography opportunities throughout the safari.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or explore some of Nairobi’s attractions before preparing for your safari adventure.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi / Fairmont The Norfolk
Midrange: Eka Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before enjoying your first afternoon game drive across the reserve’s endless plains, home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and countless antelope species.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Angama Mara / Mara Bushtops
Midrange: Zebra Plains Mara Camp / Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Full-Day Great Migration Safari

Spend the entire day exploring different sections of the Maasai Mara in search of the Great Migration. Your experienced guide will monitor wildlife movements and position you at the best viewing locations. Depending on the season, witness massive herds moving across the plains while predators remain close behind.

A picnic lunch will be served within the reserve, allowing you to maximize your time in the wilderness.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Angama Mara / Mara Bushtops
Midrange: Ashnil Mara Camp / Basecamp Explorer

Day 4: Mara River Migration Experience

Today focuses on the famous Mara River, where the migration reaches its most dramatic stage. If conditions are favourable, you may witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras attempting to cross crocodile-filled waters while predators wait along the riverbanks. Even outside crossing periods, this region supports exceptional concentrations of wildlife throughout the year.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Angama Mara / Sand River Masai Mara
Midrange: Mara Leisure Camp / Keekorok Lodge

Day 5: Maasai Mara Game Drives & Cultural Visit

Enjoy another full day in the Maasai Mara, exploring areas not previously visited. Alongside extensive game viewing, visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about local customs, traditional homes, livestock management, and cultural heritage. Continue your afternoon game drive in search of elusive leopards, cheetahs, and large lion prides.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mara Plains Camp / Governors’ Il Moran Camp
Midrange: Basecamp Mara / Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Day 6: Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Begin with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, depart the Maasai Mara and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free for relaxation or optional dining at one of Nairobi’s renowned restaurants.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi / Fairmont The Norfolk
Midrange: Eka Hotel / Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 7: Departure

Enjoy breakfast before your scheduled airport transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward international flight, bringing your unforgettable Great Migration Safari to a close.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport arrival and departure transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange safari lodges and camps
Transportation in a custom-built 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
All park entrance fees
Scheduled game drives throughout the safari
Full-board accommodation during the safari
Breakfast in Nairobi
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Picnic lunch during full-day game drives
Maasai cultural village visit
Government taxes and statutory levies

Exclusions

International flights
Kenya visa fees
Travel insurance
Hot air balloon safari
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Optional excursions not specified in the itinerary
Laundry services
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Telephone calls and personal expenses
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Any services not expressly mentioned in the inclusions section