THE GREAT MIGRATION!
THE ANNUAL GREAT MIGRATION
Migration details
WHEN TO GO?
The allure of the Serengeti and Masai Mara extends throughout the year, offering a captivating wildlife experience regardless of the season. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Migration isn't a one-time event; it's a perpetual cycle that unfolds year-round. The vast Serengeti ecosystem is a dynamic landscape, and while the migration's location may vary, the spectacle of animals on the move is a constant. The wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores engage in a continuous circular migration, following the availability of fresh grass and water. This means that visitors can witness the breathtaking phenomenon of migration at different stages, from river crossings to calving seasons, providing a unique and immersive experience at any time. Whether it's the lush greenery of the rainy season or the dramatic river crossings during the dry season, the Serengeti and Masai Mara offer a year-round invitation to explore the unparalleled wonders of East Africa's wildlife.
PEAK "MIGRATION SEASON"
In late July and early August, the Masai Mara region transforms into a theater of nature's grandeur as the annual Great Migration reaches its climax. This extraordinary spectacle unfolds along the Mara River, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores undertake the perilous journey from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to the lush plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Mara River crossings become the focal point of this awe-inspiring event, as the migrating herds face the daunting challenge of navigating through crocodile-infested waters. The air is charged with anticipation as the animals gather on the riverbanks, hesitating before plunging into the currents. The heart-stopping moments of river crossings are both a testament to the instinct for survival and a dramatic display of the circle of life. It's a riveting chapter in the natural history of East Africa that draws wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike, seeking to witness the raw beauty and drama of the animal kingdom in its most primal state.
A year-round invitation to explore the unparalleled wonders of East Africa's wildlife!
WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Explore the awesome beauty and unrivalled wildlife of the world-famous Serengeti National Park – one of the ten natural wonders of the world and a must-see location on any African safari. Spend a glorious three days surrounded by this staggering landscape, home to the Great Migration, and a phenomenally high concentration of beautiful wildlife, including the Big 5, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles.
Enjoy the exclusive sights at the Naboisho Conservancy on the borders of the Masai Mara, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of lions and some of the rarest species in Kenya that usually remain unseen, including aardwolves, caracals, and serval cats.
A once-in-a lifetime, custom African safari adventure where you will enjoy astonishing wildlife, luxury accommodation, and extraordinary experiences!
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 1 | Kenya
Nairobi arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | Tanzania
Central Serengeti
◽️ DAY 5-6 | Tanzania
Northern Serengeti
◽️ DAY 7-8 | Kenya
Naboisho Conservancy
◽️ DAY 9 | Return
End of safari
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1
NAIROBI (Kenya)
Nairobi overnight
📍 Fairmont Norfolk
FAIRMONT NORFOLK
Area Overview
Bed & Breakfast, drinks excl.
B&B
HOTEL
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4
SERENGETI (Central)
Safari Days
📍 Lemala Nanyukie
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Area Overview
Experience the Serengeti wildebeest migration like never before. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the vast plains, accompanied by herds of zebra and other majestic wildlife.
Witness this annual spectacle of nature as the wildebeest migrate in search of fresh grazing and better-quality water. With the precise timing of their movement dependent on rainfall patterns, every moment is filled with anticipation. Join us on an extraordinary adventure and discover the true essence of Africa.
Activity: Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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LEMALA NAYUKIE
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks | No wifi | Limited laundry at addl. cost
Lemala Nanyukie is located in the central Serengeti, just outside of the busy Seronera area. The region is well-known for its abundance of big cats and hosts the annual wildebeest migration between November and January.
Aside from the site itself (which is arguably one of the most spectacular in the region), our unique curved roof design pays homage to the overall aesthetic of the timeless acacia tree. This design-build project is the epitome of Serengeti magic.
Nestled among rocky outcrops of the Serengeti's grassy savannah, shaded by ancient acacia trees. Lemala Nanyukie is elegantly furnished with hardwood, luxurious upholstery, and lavish chandeliers. It is beautifully constructed with a fine balance of contemporary and traditional.
ACTIVITIES
- Be wowed by the area's high density of game viewing on 4x4 drives and nature walks led by expert guides.
- Balloon Safaris are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Float in a hot air balloon over the famous Serengeti, with its breath-taking scenery and incredible wildlife...
- Walking safaris are also available at Lemala Nanyukie, either directly from camp or after a short drive to a suitable starting point. The walk takes at least 2.5 to 4 hours but can take all day if guests want to go on a longer walk. This is an optional activity that must be pre-booked because an armed ranger must accompany the team on the hike.
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 5-6
SERENGETI
Witness the Great Migration!
📍 Siringit Migration Camp
SERENGETI
Area Overview
Serengeti National Park is located in Northern Tanzania and covers an area of about 14.670 km². The park was founded in 1920 and became a National Park in 1951. The Park is especially famous for it's immense Wildebeest and Zebra herds, but it is not without reason that it is also known as the best place for observation wildlife in general.
The Serengeti is one of the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.
The Serengeti migration is as remarkable as it is impressive. This migration takes place twice a year within Kenya and Tanzania and is considered one of the greatest migrations of wildlife on the planet. Its ecosystem is spread across 60,000 square kms and is home to the largest diverse concentration of wildlife and famous for infamous for the migration of nearly two million Wildebeests, Zebras, and Antelopes. The Migration is as old as human history. Fossils that were found in the Olduvai canyon, prove that Wildebeests have already been using the planes of the Serengeti for their migration over a million years ago. Already at to those times, they were following the rains through the Serengeti.
- 5.00 to 6.00 am – Wake up with the animals. ...
- 6.00 to 9.00 am – Morning game activities. ...
- 9.00 to 10.00 am – Breakfast. ...
- 10.00 to 12.30 pm – Free time. ...
- 12.30 to 1.30 pm – Lunch. ...
- 1.30 to 3.30 pm – Siesta time. ...
- 3.30 to 4.00 pm – Afternoon tea. ...
- 4.00 to 7.30 pm – Game viewing.
THE GREAT MIGRATION
The great Serengeti wildebeest migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti's wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland and impala. These move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable. They migrate throughout the year, constantly seeking fresh grazing land, it's now thought, better quality water.The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year – here we explain how the broad pattern works.
The action takes place across 150,000 square miles of woodlands, hills and open plains, a wilderness that includes not only the Serengeti Nattional Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve but also the dispersal areas beyond.
The key players in this 1,200-mile odyssey are the wildebeest – 1.5 million of them – accompanied by 200,000 zebras, 350,000 Thompson's' impala and Grant's gazelles. For them, every year is an endless journey, chasing the rains in a race for life.
- The yearly cycle begins in the south of the park, where half a million calves are born between January and March.
- When the rains end in May the land dries fast and the grazing animals must move on, heading for their dry season refuge in the Masai Mara. Some take Route One – north across the Seronera Valley and others swing through the Western Corridor, but for all of them the journey is beset with danger
- With the beginning of the short rains in late October the migration makes its way back into the Serengeti, so this a good time to be anywhere in the north of the park.
- By December, having emerged from the northern woodlands, the herds return past Seronera to mass on their calving grounds again and the circle is complete. But as soon as the rains return the wildebeest head back to the Serengeti, drawn towards their calving grounds in the park’s deep south.
The journey is riddled with danger: for a start there are the famous Serengeti lions – about 3,000 at the last count – to which can be added leopards and cheetahs, hungry hyena clans and monster crocodiles. The river crossing is most likely one on the most dramatic events in the Serengeti!
THE CENTRAL SERENGETI
This area is the vibrant, beating heart of the Serengeti. The Central Serengeti sees high volumes of visitors due to the large amounts of resident wildlife. This gives travelers a high chance of seeing wildlife in the least amount of time. The central Serengeti is the quintessential image of a Serengeti safari; stretches of savanna grassland dotted with acacia and baobab trees. The Seronera River Valley is beautiful and the year-round water supply keeps the area rich in predator and prey. The Central Serengeti is a year-round destination thanks to the resident wildlife and reaches its peak in the dry season from June to November.
WESTERN CORRIDOR and GRUMETI
The Western Corridor is a remote section of the Serengeti which stretches to Lake Victoria. This area is well known for the Grumeti River which is the scene of treacherous river crossings that form part of the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their way across the crocodile infested waters en-route to the lush plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The best time to witness these crossings is from late May to mid-July.
NORTHERN SERENGETI
The Northern Serengeti is a quiet area of the Serengeti thanks to its remote and secluded location. Expect far fewer crowds here as it requires long travel times to get to the northern area. The trip is worth it as the Northern Serengeti’s landscapes are varied and beautiful and it is home to exciting wildlife. It is also where travelers can watch the dramatic Mara River crossings. Herds that are thousands strong make the dangerous crossing, attempting to avoid the crocodiles as they do so. The best time to visit with a high chance of seeing the river crossings is from July to September.
SOUTHERN SERENGETI
Serengeti translates loosely to “endless plains” in the local Masai language. It could be argued that the seemingly never ending, short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti were the inspiration for the name. This seasonal safari destination is the most accessible area of the Serengeti and stretches from the Central Serengeti and the Seronera to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Lake Ndutu region is dotted with alkaline lakes home to flocks of pink flamingos. This area is great for game viewing during the Great Migration from December to March. Most excitingly, the lush plains are the perfect destination and backdrop for the calving season during February when about half a million calves are born over a 2-3-week period and join the ranks of the huge herds.
EASTERN SERENGETI
The Eastern Serengeti is definitely ‘off the beaten path’ and is one of the most starkly beautiful sections of the Serengeti. Made up of grass plains, rivers and rocky outcrops, this area does not see many tourists but is an exciting safari destination. It is home to all three species of big cat (leopard, lion and cheetah) with a noticeably high concentration of cheetah. The wildlife viewing in the eastern Serengeti is at its best during the dry season and reaches its pinnacle in November when the Great Migration passes through.
Actitity: Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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SIRINGIT MIGRATION CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, drinks excl.
Migrate with the heards and see all the action! Designed with elegant simplicity, the Siringit Migration Camp moves in symbiosis with nature migrating with the herds from the spectacular Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti to the calving season in the Southern Serengeti.
Siringit Migration Camp, a sustainable intimate mobile camp that moves in tandem with the great migration, adds five-star luxury to the mobile safari experience. 8 beautifully designed Bedouin-style canvas tents open to the Serengeti National Park's diverse landscapes, providing guests with exclusive access to the abundance of wildlife and a front-row seat to the great wildlife migration. The camp was built with materials sourced locally and recycled. The stretched canvas panels have been custom-cut, hand-stitched, and designed to bring you closer to nature. All tents have en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, and there is a separate dining tent and lounge tent with a selection of coffee table books and board games.
ACTIVITIES
Most visitors come to admire the incredible wildlife that calls the Serengeti home, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so with regular game drives and guided walks that set the stage for spectacular wildlife viewing.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
CAMEL SAFARI
DAY 7-8
NABOISHO CONSERVANCY
Great Migration Safari days
📍 Encounter Mara Camp
NABOISHO CONSERVANCY
Area Overview
Named "Mara Naboisho," which means 'coming together' in Maasai, this is the second largest conservancy in Masai Mara.The conservancy's scenic undulating hills, acacia woodlands along riverbanks, and expansive grasslands provide a habitat for groups of elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and numerous lions.Naboisho Conservancy offers a unique and private safari experience.
By visiting the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, you will be playing a part in protecting the cultural heritage of the local Masai and improving their access to vital services. The conservancy is formed from parcels of land owned by over 500 Maasai landowner families. Conservancy fees are directed back to these landowners, providing them with a sustainable livelihood in return for setting aside their land as a wildlife reserve. This is a ground-breaking project of tourism benefiting conservation and community. With its high concentration of wildlife, and generous personal space and freedom on offer, visitors enjoy exceptional wildlife encounters.
Tourist numbers and vehicle access are limited, ensuring exclusivity and reducing impact, which helps maintain abundant wildlife. Unlike traditional parks, fences keep wildlife out of the conservancies. Activities like guided walks, night drives, and off-road safaris are offered, with Maasai guides educating visitors about the ecosystem, wildlife, and the cultural uses of plants. Conservancy guests can also visit the nearby national park, but not the other way around.
The Initial research indicates that Mara Naboisho Conservancy has one of the highest densities of lions in Africa. One of the major prides, comprised of 22 lions, makes its home near Encounter Mara. The conservancy also has impressive numbers of elephant, giraffe, and other plains animals, in addition to hosting endangered species like Cheetahs and some of the rarest animals in Kenya, such as Wild Dog which have been sighted recently in the conservancy.Other rare species such as Aardvark, Caracal, Serval cat, Aardwolf, and Ratel are occasionally found. Naboisho is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Activity: Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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ENCOUNTER MARA
Camp Overview
Full board, drinks excl.
The luxury eco-camp tucked away in a shady forest of orange-leaf croton and Euclea trees on the edge of a vast open plain in the recently created Mara Naboisho, a part of Kenya’s famous Masai Mara and home to the great wildebeest and zebra migration.
The design of the camp consists of a central lounge tent with a view over a salt-lick, and an outdoor relaxation are. Each of the camp’s 12 spacious tents features its own private veranda with a view over the surrounding savannah. Tents are constructed from canvas and natural materials and furnished with handmade furniture. Tucked into the edge of the forest, the tents are side-facing, which allows for a larger veranda as well as a “bathroom with a view.
Tent accommodation includes: Large bathroom with hot shower and flush toilet; King-size twin bed, dresser with full length mirror; private veranda with sitting area, lounger, and hammock; nightly turn down service, including a hot water bottle tucked under sheets; high quality, eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and soaps; optional morning wake- up call with fresh coffee or tea and a selection of breakfast pastries. With a generous spacing between tents, guests have an entirely private space for personal relaxation. The tents boast simple and elegant décor, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding bush – pure luxury in the wild.
ACTIVITIES
Game drives are taken in Encounter Mara’s 4×4 open-air safari vehicles and led by expert Maasai guides and spotters. Game walks on the wildlife-studded open plains with the Maasai guides are another memorable activity, unique to conservancy areas. Some of the most prominent species of birds such as the Common Ostrich, Ground Hornbill, and Secretary Bird will be sure to catch your eye as they strut across the grasslands.
*Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight into the heart of Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp. Arrive for lunch, enjoy an afternoon siesta and get ready for the afternoon game viewing! *Please see you safari itinerary for transfer logistics
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FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 9
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
TRAVEL INFO
- Health & Vaccines, Visas & Passports, Connectivity, Power adaptors, Travel insurance, Credit Cards, Tipping guide,Packing list and more
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR
SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
KENYA VISAS
- Note that you need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for Kenya
- Visa cost is $ 34 + $ 50 processing fee per person
- Local host details to be supplied for Tanzania & Kenya applications
TANZANIA VISAS
- Note that you need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for TANZANIA
- Visa cost is $ 101 + $ 50 processing fee per person
- Local host details to be supplied for Tanzania & Kenya applications
UGANDA VISAS
- Note that your need to apply for a SINGLE visa for Ugand
- Local host details to be used for Uganda applications
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- Include APPENDIX C / Indemnity for each person going on the safari
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari and email back