Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari – 4 Days, 3 Nights

4 DAYS

Overview

There is for sure no wildlife event on the planet rivals East Africa’s Great Migration for sheer drama. One of the most sought-after travel experiences, viewing the great migration is a truly unique opportunity to see the power of nature at work, plus get a firsthand look at some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth.

 

Each year, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra, 2 million strong, make a grand circuit across the plains as they travel from the Serengeti into Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara and back, following the new grass that sprouts with the seasonal rains. A host of predators, including the Mara’s abundant lions, follows in pursuit, ensuring their own survival by targeting weaker members of the herds.

 

Below is some information for travelers looking for advice on when to travel with the best chance of seeing the migration;

July to September:

Both sides of the Mara River are important during this period. The herds begin to cross central Serengeti into the Western Corridor, then through the Ngurumet River into northern plains of the Serengeti. Come late July/early August, the grasses of the western Serengeti die and the herds move on north seeking further grazing.

 

However, before they are able to reach the succulent grassy plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they are faced with the next dangerous river crossing, the Mara River. Wildebeest oscillate between the Kenyan and Tanzanian side of the Mara River. This is where the dramatic events unfold as huge Nile crocodiles wait while the herds bravely and boldly make enormous leaps of faith into the water to get to better grazing on the opposite banks. By September, the last of the herds will be crossing the Mara River.

 

October to November:

At this stage the herds move through the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara plains should be scattered with large herds, naturally followed by their hungry stalkers. From October onwards, the herds will slowly begin their journey south, back to the Serengeti in search of better grazing.

 

The seasons have a variable of up to a month – making predictions impossible. Despite this it must be mentioned that the migration is not the only attraction of the Masai Mara for the park is renowned for its wildlife aside from the great herds.

 

Feel free to browse on your favorite safari accommodation of choice, be it Comfort, Comfort-Plus or Luxury. We know Kenya’s best hotels, safari camps and lodges because we have personally tried and tested them. You can count on independent, expert accommodation advice based on your budget when you book a safari through us.

 

A great mix of Evacay Africa’s best game-viewing destinations are carefully curated in a specially-adapted 6 seater safari minivan (4×4) with pop-up roofs so that our guests can stand up when viewing wildlife and can take photographs.

 

A Higher-priced option, instead of the 4×4 Safari Mini Van, is to go on a road safari in a 4X4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof. These take 6 passengers in 3 rows so each has a window seat.

 

On this 3 days safari, you are always in the safe hands of a professional guide to drive you between destinations, conducting game drives in the wildlife reserves as well as introducing you to the cultural side of the landscape.

 

Evacay Africa safari guides are chosen for their high levels of skill and customer service. All are accredited by the KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association).

 

Balloon safari (Optional)

A highly recommended way to experience the Masai Mara is on a dawn hot-air balloon safari that culminates with a champagne breakfast in the bush after landing – Request to book with us – 395 USD per person.

 

Masai village visit (Optional)

Visit the Maasai Village in Kenya and enjoy a cultural extravaganza! Learn about their unique way of life and experience life through their eyes. Organize this with your guide – 20 USD per person.

 

Would you want this safari any different? Please feel free to request our safari specialists to create your safari to suit your interests, requirements and budget – designed to offer an adventure of a lifetime.

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Itinerary and Accomodation

Early morning pick up from Airport, Residence or hotel and start drive to The Maasai Mara National Reserve. Masai Mara game reserve is the northern part of the Serengeti, one of Kenya’s most favored game-viewing areas. It is the Africa of the imagination; endless reaches of acacia-dotted grasslands studded with hazy hills The grassy plains and regular rainfall supports a huge population of herbivores, in turn attracting many predators. All three big cats are relatively easy to see. The Mara hosts the spectacular seasonal migration of many thousands of wildebeest, zebras and attendant predators. Arrive in time for lunch then have an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at campsite or lodge. Note: You can book an optional hot-air balloon flight over the savannah; it is a pre-dawn start and you are rewarded with a well-deserved champagne breakfast. Overnight at tented camp or lodge

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

After breakfast, we have a full day game drive, with packed lunch provided and hopes for seeing a phenomenal river crossing. The quintessential Masai Mara safari is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, with abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, black-maned lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered, endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets and large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. Many of the cheetahs are so tame they seek shelter from the hot sun under one's vehicle and several even climb onto the roof to get a better view of prospective prey. The park is also home to over 470 bird species. Among these 16 species of eagle, plus many hawks and falcons, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller. At midday, your guide will set out a delicious picnic lunch in a shady and safe spot before continuing in the afternoon. Note: The day is yours to pace as you want. Should you want your day with morning and afternoon game drives only, your guide is available to make that happen as well. Overnight at tented camp or lodge

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

The search for great predators and perhaps even cubs continues today during our extensive migration game runs. On the plains are enormous herds of grazing animals plus the elusive cheetah and leopard hiding amidst acacia trees. Overnight at tented camp or lodge.

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

We wake up early for a sunrise game viewing drive. We will then drive back to our tented camp or lodge for breakfast and later depart the Masai Mara National Reserve for Nairobi with stop over lunch. Your guide should have you back to your hotel, residence or the airport in the late afternoon. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Kwaheri! (Bye)