The Great Migration Safari
A Front-Row Journey Through Africa's Epic Great Migration
Overview
Itinerary
Begin your safari adventure with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Travel northwest through the scenic Great Rift Valley, pausing for stunning photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater gem known for its tranquil beauty and abundant birdlife. Upon arrival, embark on a peaceful boat ride across the lake, where you can spot hippos wallowing in the shallows and admire the vibrant variety of waterbirds that inhabit the area. You may also take an optional guided walk on Crescent Island, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely. After your lake adventure, head to your lodge for lunch and check-in, then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure amidst the serene surroundings of Lake Naivasha.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Dinner and overnight at your Lodge.
Optional Activities:
- Walking Safari on Crescent Island — USD 36 / person
- Horseback Safari in Sanctuary Farm — USD 50 / adult
- Cycling in Hell's Gate National Park — USD 60 / adult
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a short and scenic drive through the Rift Valley floor. Arrive in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive around the lake’s shores and acacia forests. Look out for rhinos, flamingos, pelicans, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions lounging in the trees. Overnight at your lodge / camp.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Lake Nakuru.
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Chance to see rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
- Dinner and overnight at lodge / camp.
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake, then check out and begin your drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Pass through farmlands and Maasai villages as you approach the Mara’s rolling savannahs. Arrive at your lodge / camp in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the reserve, where you might spot elephants, lions, and herds of antelope as the sun sets over the plains.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Masai Mara.
- Lunch and rest at your lodge / camp.
- Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge / camp.
Today is the highlight of your safari — a full day dedicated to witnessing the Great Migration, one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. After an early breakfast, head out with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive across the vast Masai Mara National Reserve. From July to September, the plains come alive with millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in search of greener pastures, closely followed by predators such as lions and crocodiles. Spend the day tracking the herds and, if you’re lucky, witness the dramatic Mara River crossing, where survival instincts are tested in a true display of nature’s raw power. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the wilderness, then continue exploring as the sun paints the savannah in golden hues. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and a relaxed night under the stars.
Highlights:
- Full-day exploration of the Great Migration (July–September).
- Possible sighting of the legendary Mara River crossing.
- Picnic lunch in the wild surrounded by migrating herds.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge / camp.
Start your day before sunrise with an optional hot air balloon safari, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a bird’s-eye view of the Masai Mara’s breathtaking landscapes. As the first light touches the plains, watch herds of wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes moving gracefully across the savannah below. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the wild — an experience that perfectly captures the magic of Kenya’s wilderness. Continue your morning with a mid-morning game drive, exploring the Mara’s varied ecosystems. While July to September brings the Great Migration, the reserve teems year-round with incredible wildlife — from prowling lions and cheetahs to grazing zebras and majestic elephants. Return to camp in time for lunch and a bit of rest before heading out again for an evening game drive. This is one of the best times to witness predators becoming active as the day cools and the sky glows in golden hues.
Highlights:
- Early morning and afternoon game drives.
- Seasonal viewing of the Great Migration (July to October).
- Chance to spot the Big Five and other iconic species.
- Evening relaxation around the campfire under starlit skies.
Optional Activities:
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise — USD 480 / adult
Enjoy an early breakfast before bidding farewell to the Masai Mara. On your way out of the reserve, you may choose to make an optional visit to a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll learn about the community’s fascinating culture, customs, and way of life. Continue your scenic drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route through the Great Rift Valley. Soak in the changing landscapes—from open savannahs to rolling highlands dotted with farms and villages. Depending on timing, you may stop briefly for panoramic photos or to shop for local handicrafts. Arrive in Nairobi by early to mid-afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 6-Day Great Migration Safari. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying lasting memories of Kenya’s wild beauty and warm hospitality.
Highlights:
- Optional visit to a Maasai village.
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.
- Photo and souvenir stops en route.
- Drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Optional Activities:
- Maasai Village Tour — USD 30 / person
- Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi — USD 200 / person*
Camps & Lodges
Expected Sightings
The Predators
HighThe vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.
Best time: All round the year
The Giants
HighAcross the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.
Best time: All round the year
The Nomads
HighEndless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.
Best time: July to October
The Skyfolk
MediumAbove the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.
Best time: All round the year
The Plainsfolk
HighLife thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.
Best time: All round the year
The Waterfolk
MediumWhere rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.
Best time: June to October
What's Included
Essentials
- All National Park Entry Fees - access to Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara National Reserve.
- All Transfers as per the Itinerary — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled.
- Professional KPSGA-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention.
- Safari Accessories — binoculars, cooler box with sodas and unlimited drinking water.
- Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements.
- All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs.
Experience
- Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more.
- Lake Naivasha Experience — private boat safari.
- Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks against an African sunset.
- Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — authentic safari stays with full-board dining throughout your safari journey.
- Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography.
What's Not Included
- International Flights and Domestic Flights.
- Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, and beverages.
- Gratuities — suggested USD 10 - 15 per adult per day for your guide.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (Kenya eTA / Visa).
Safari Gallery
Guest Reviews
“Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.”
Renee Ronald
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to experience the Great Migration in Kenya's Masai Mara is during the dry season from July to October, when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move through the Masai Mara ecosystem in search of greener pastures. This period offers the most dramatic wildlife encounters, including the iconic Mara River crossings — one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles. For fewer crowds but excellent sightings, consider late September and October, when the migration is still active and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
Yes, a Great Migration Safari can be a wonderful experience for families with children, offering a rare and exciting opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles in a safe and well-organized setting. With family-friendly lodges, experienced guides, and the option of private game drives, the safari can be tailored to suit children of different ages, allowing flexible schedules and regular breaks. Older children and teens especially enjoy the thrill of seeing vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators in action, while younger children benefit from shorter drives and educational storytelling about wildlife and the ecosystem. With the right itinerary and accommodations, a Great Migration Safari becomes an unforgettable family adventure.
You can look forward to a delicious mix of local African flavors and international cuisine throughout your safari. Most lodges and camps serve buffet-style meals, but depending on the number of guests and occupancy, they may also offer a set menu with freshly prepared dishes by the chef. Expect hearty breakfasts with fruits, cereals, eggs, and baked goods, followed by flavourful lunches and three-course dinners under the stars. On full-day game drives, lodges often provide packed lunches, which are convenient but come with limited options — typically sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and juice. Special dietary requests — including vegetarian, vegan, Indian, halal, or gluten-free meals — can usually be arranged with prior notice. In general, the better the lodge, the more elaborate and refined the dining experience, often featuring gourmet presentations, fine wines, and personalised service.
This is one of the most common questions — and a very practical one! While exploring Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, there are generally no permanent restroom facilities inside most parts of the parks, as these are natural wilderness areas. However, your guide will plan comfort stops at designated safe points, such as ranger stations, picnic sites, or specific rest areas where facilities are available. For longer game drives, especially in the Masai Mara, your guide can also arrange discreet “bush stops” in safe, private spots when needed. Morning and afternoon drives are usually scheduled around your lodge or camp, so you’ll have access to proper restrooms before and after each outing.
A full-day safari on the Great Migration Safari begins with an early breakfast at the lodge, after which guests depart for an extended game drive into the Masai Mara with a packed lunch box. The day is spent tracking the Great Migration herds across the plains and near mara river, while also spotting predators and other wildlife along the way. Around midday, you’ll stop at a scenic and safe spot inside the reserve to enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by nature. After continuing the game drive through different wildlife-rich areas, you return to the lodge by evening, in time to relax, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight at the lodge, reflecting on an action-packed day in the wilderness.
For questions or booking inquiries:
Call +254 769 024321