The Great Wildebeest Migration – 5 Days, 4 Nights

5 DAYS

Overview

Each year, almost two million wildebeest and 20 000 plains game migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to the south of Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of lush grazing grounds and life-giving water. This treacherous odessey is dictated by the seasons and where the rains are, the wildebeest are not far behind. This epic journey from north to south spans almost 3000 kilometres and is virtually endless.

 

This great spectacle of nature is an iconic safari option for avid travelers, nature lovers and those who want a little more from their African experience.

 

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.

 

Perhaps you wish to immerse yourself in the bush while sleeping under canvas or prefer to retire in a contemporary lodge with modern amenities abound. Whatever your preference and budget, Evacay Africa offers the guidance and insight you need to find your perfect Kenya trip accommodation.

 

You will get to select your safari accommodation of choice while on this safari, be it Comfort, Comfort-Plus or Luxury.

 

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. 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

Have breakfast then head out with a picnic lunch to the Mara River, hoping to see a dramatic river crossing. It is quite some sight to see the massed herds take a leap of faith into the Mara or Talek rivers with the Nile crocs lying in wait for them. At midday, your guide will set out your delicious picnic lunch in a shady and safe spot before continuing in the afternoon. Overnight at tented camp or lodge

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

After breakfast spend the day exploring the park in search of the big 5/ trailing the wildebeest migration Morning and afternoon game drives are offered. 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. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost of USD 395 per person.

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

This is yet another day to capture compelling images equally as powerful as your wildlife images. The migration moves throughout many regions of the Mara, including the dense predator areas. The advantage of staying in multiple locations is that you will not only have the best chance to witness a river crossing, but you will also maximize your Masai Mara wildebeest Migration Photo Safari opportunities throughout the great plains of the Mara. From the wide-open game-filled vistas, to the remote corners of the reserve, and the big cat territories, we will seek out all the action! Overnight at tented camp or lodge.

Overnight at Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

We wake up at 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. Drop off to your hotel, residence or the airport in the late afternoon.