East Africa - Migration Safari
11 days—In Search of the Great Migration
From
$11420 USD
pp
Safari summary
EMPHASIS - MAASAI MARA, KENYA
The Great Migration is an annual journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of water and grasses. With them follow migratory predators. Not as well known is that the migratory herds from the Serengeti split, going north into the Mara in Kenya and to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.
The migration is a dynamic ecosystem. A rigid itinerary can result in completely missing the migrating herds or extremely long drives. The Serengeti and Maasai Mara cover 15,000 square miles. The herds follow an ancient circuit that covers over 1,800 miles from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the southern Serengeti and back again.
With flexible planning according to the herds' past movements, we can significantly improve viewing opportunities by rotating bases for safaris. No one, no company can guarantee that you will see the river crossing. Exact tracking is unpredictable. This safari spends extended time in the Serengeti and/or Mara, increasing the chances of encountering the large herds of wildebeest.
The migration follows the timeline below depending on the rains:
Jan–Mar (Calving Season): Herds congregate in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) and the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Apr–May: Heaviest rainfalls. Travel not recommended until late May at the earliest.
Jun: Herds move northwest through the Western Corridor and Grumeti region.
Jul: Herds split and start to cross into Kenya's Mara and to Tarangire in Tanzania.
Aug-Sep: The migratory herds settle and have relocated to feed and drink.
Oct: Triggered by rain, the herds head south again from the Mara into Tanzania.
Nov: Herds are scattered but base should be around the central Serengeti.
Dec: Herds and predators continue their movement to the south.
MISCONCEPTION - "If I miss the migration, I have missed my safari!" This is incorrect. Elephant, giraffe, many zebra, and resident cats including lion and cheetah remain year-round in the Serengeti and the Mara.
Safari drive times: All times are shown as approximate transit times. Does not include game drives.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Easy activity | |
| Best months | June, July, August, September | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Internal flights
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Hot air balloons
- International flights
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arusha, Tanzania
Once through customs and immigration, you will be greeted by Born Free’s local VIP representative and escorted to your lodge. Most flights arrive in the evening, and Born Free has arranged for your room to be ready upon check-in. Get a good night’s sleep - your adventure begins in the morning! "Karibu" = "Welcome" in Swahili
Day 02
Tarangire
Meet your Born Free Professional Guide and board the deluxe safari cruiser with photographic hatch. Your private guide will be with you for the duration of your safari in Tanzania. Your first destination is Tarangire National Park, a uniquely beautiful park with prehistoric looking baobab and sausage trees. Each season in Tarangire offers a great introduction to the wildlife, from the split migrating herds to calves birthing season. This is an area that should not be missed.
Day 03
Tarangire
Wake up invigorated and anxious to explore the African bush. Your guide will take you to the heart of the park to find the best wildlife. Large parades of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and antelope can be found. Lying in wait are the predators - lion, cheetah, hyena - and there is always the possibility of seeing the rare and magnificent leopard.
Day 04
Lake Manyara
The safari continues to the foothills of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara National Park. This small but impressive park is home to five different vegetation zones. Keep your eyes open for the legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. A unique feature is the Manyara Treetop Walkway, which will take you treetop level through the lush, forested area of the park. Continue to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for overnight.
Day 05
Ngorongoro Crater
Set off early this morning to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The collapsed volcanic caldera is 2,000 feet deep and encompasses 150 square miles. The crater contains an impressive variety of wildlife, including black-manned lions, herds of elephant, hippo, zebra, and hyena. A special sighting would be a glimpse of the rare black rhinoceros. The birdlife is also prolific, with flocks of flamingo.
Day 06
Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti
Head out this morning across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the Olduvai Museum, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. The Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa. Every year, it hosts what is now recognized as "the greatest show on earth." More than a million wildebeest and two hundred thousand zebra pass through the reserve on their endless journey. With them follow the migratory predators.
Day 07
Serengeti
Head deeper into the Serengeti. In one sweep of binoculars, you could see a hundred elephant, lion, cheetah, impala, zebra, and wildebeest. The Serengeti never ceases to amaze. Each day will be a surprise as the daily wildlife routine unfolds. However, there will be nothing routine as far as what you see.
Day 08
Masai Mara
Cross into Kenya by a flight and land transfer. The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti ecosystem. Upon arrival into Kenya, you are met by the resident Mara transfer guide, with game drives on way to base camp. The Maasai Mara's wide, open plains are a sanctuary for abundant wildlife, no matter what time of the year. Your base for exploration will in the Mara Triangle, recommended as to your travel time. The Big Five can be observed, along with huge pods of hippo.
Day 09
Masai Mara
More concentrating on game viewing in the Mara. As in Tanzania, the guides are in constant touch with each other, on alert for "the crossing." Additional time is spent in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, following the migrating herds. You can explore, wait, and experience, rather than continually move areas.
Day 10
Masai Mara
This morning would be a perfect time to take the optional dawn Hot-Air Balloon Safari. Float silently over the Mara, seeing the great open plains, the escarpment, the winding rivers, and possibly wildlife. Set down for a champagne breakfast and then off on a game drive in search of that species you may not have seen yet at this point.
Day 11 - Your Journey Onward
Bid a sad farewell to the African bush, as you leave behind the Mara with promises of returning and exploring more of this fabulous continent. Fly back to Nairobi, where day rooms await. Relax before your evening departure for your onward journey.
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