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Kenya Safaris

6 Nights 7 Days Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

Lake Nakuru National Park 7 days Tailor-made
Pricing Tailored to you Enquire about this safari No commitment — expert reply within one business day
The journey

Safari overview

Experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth with this carefully crafted migration safari through Kenya’s most iconic parks. This journey combines thrilling game drives in the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve with scenic landscapes from centrally located camps and lodges targeting incredible wildlife encounters. The itinerary is specifically designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the dramatic wildebeest river crossings while enjoying some of the finest safari experiences in East Africa.

The migration season, which usually occurs between July and October, sees hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing from the Serengeti National Park into the Maasai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. Along the way, they face giant Nile crocodiles and the famous predators of the Mara — lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

With four nights in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, this safari allows flexibility and ample time to track the movement of the herds and position yourselves near active crossing points for the best possible sightings.

Know before you go

Included/Excluded

Included

  • Meet and greet services upon arrival in Nairobi
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi
  • 1 night accommodation at Emara Ole-Sereni on bed and breakfast basis
  • 4 nights accommodation at Mara Serena Safari Lodge on full board basis
  • 1 night accommodation at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge on full board basis
  • Private transport in a customized 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
  • Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park entry fees
  • Unlimited game drives and picnic lunches as described in the itinerary
  • Mineral drinking water during safari
  • Lunch at The Carnivore Restaurant on Day 7

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fees
  • Travel, medical, and evacuation insurance
  • Optional hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, sundowners, and other optional activities
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

01DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI

Upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Daftons Safaris for a short safari briefing before your transfer to Emara Ole-Sereni. Located along the edge of Nairobi National Park, the hotel offers spectacular views of the park and Nairobi skyline, providing the perfect introduction to your Kenyan safari adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel, enjoy the swimming pool, spa facilities, or simply unwind after your international flight.

Overnight: Emara Ole-Sereni

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

02DAY 2 – NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi at approximately 7:00 AM and begin your scenic journey towards the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photography and stretching. Continue through traditional Maasai countryside before arriving at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch. Perched on a hill overlooking the vast savannah plains, Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers spectacular views of the Mara ecosystem and is strategically located close to major migration crossing points. After lunch and some relaxation, depart for your first afternoon game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and the enormous migration herds that roam the reserve during this season. As the sun sets across the golden plains of the Mara, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

03DAY 3 – FULL DAY MIGRATION EXPERIENCE IN MARA TRIANGLE

After an early breakfast, depart with picnic lunch boxes for a full-day exploration of the famous Mara Triangle. The Mara Triangle is widely regarded as the best section of the Maasai Mara for witnessing the Great Migration due to its excellent conservation management, fewer safari vehicles, and proximity to active river crossing points. Spend the day tracking massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as they gather nervously along the banks of the Mara River before attempting dramatic crossings filled with chaos, dust, and predator action. Your guide will carefully follow wildlife movements and radio communication from other guides to position you in the best possible locations for sightings. Apart from the migration, the Mara Triangle is home to exceptional concentrations of wildlife including: Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants and Hippos just to mention a few. Enjoy picnic lunch in the bush surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the African wilderness before continuing with afternoon game drives. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

04DAY 4 – TRACKING THE GREAT MIGRATION

Today is dedicated entirely to following the movement of the migration herds across the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Because river crossings are unpredictable and can happen at any moment, your guide will remain flexible and strategically position the safari vehicle near the most active crossing areas. Witness dramatic wildlife interactions as predators take advantage of the migration season. Lions patrol the plains while cheetahs use speed and precision to hunt weakened animals separated from the herds. Massive Nile crocodiles wait silently beneath the murky waters of the Mara River for crossing opportunities. You may also enjoy sightings of:

Leopard resting in acacia trees

Elephant herds crossing the savannah

Massive buffalo herds

Hippo pods along the riverbanks

Vultures and eagles circling above predator activity

Lunch will be served picnic-style in the wilderness, allowing maximum time for game viewing.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon

Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

05DAY 5 – ANOTHER DAY IN THE HEART OF THE MARA

Enjoy another full day exploring the endless plains of the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives focused on maximizing migration sightings. The additional day is extremely important because wildebeest crossings are natural events that cannot be predicted with certainty. Spending more time in the reserve greatly increases your chances of witnessing one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on earth. Optional activities available today include:

Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara (additional cost)

Visit to a traditional Maasai village

Sundowner experience in the bush

Extended photography sessions

The location of Mara Serena Safari Lodge near the Mara River crossing areas allows easy access to prime wildlife viewing zones throughout the day. Return to the lodge for your final evening in the Maasai Mara.

Overnight: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

06DAY 6 – MAASAI MARA TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. Situated around the alkaline lake and surrounded by woodland and escarpments, Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its rhino sanctuary and rich birdlife. Following lunch and relaxation, head out for an afternoon game drive in search of:

Black rhinos

White rhinos

Rothschild giraffes

Lions

Leopards

Waterbucks

Flamingos (seasonal)

Pelicans

The park also offers beautiful landscapes and excellent photography opportunities around the lake shores and acacia forests.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

07DAY 7 – LAKE NAKURU TO NAIROBI DEPARTURE

Enjoy an early breakfast followed by a short morning game drive as you exit Lake Nakuru National Park. Drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at the famous The Carnivore Restaurant, renowned for its unique barbecue experience and lively atmosphere. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight or dropped off at your Nairobi hotel depending on your onward travel plans. This marks the end of your unforgettable Great Wildebeest Migration Safari with Daftons Safaris.

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Practical details

Duration

7 Days

Language

English

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