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5 Days Nakuru, Masai Mara Migration Safari

Friday, 18 December 2009 08:03

2010 Wildebeest Migration Safaris

From Lookout Hill, the herds look like iron filings drawn by a magnet, a fluid mass that curves, contracts, expands and disperses, like a flock of starlings. They comprise of hundreds of thousands of wildebeests or gnus, zebras and other herbivores.

Recent research confirms that these animals are led more by instinct than the desperate search for pastures. One minute, the plains are empty, the dew still glistening in the morining light. Another day, you are demused by a blackening grasslands, a mammoth world of wildebeests as they walk, jog and dance, blissful and ignorant of the throes of feline convictions to death as they prepare to cross the Mara River. The migration has arrived, only that in 2010, the great migration crossings happened earlier than expected in June.

Many visitors only want to see the river crossings but the true spectacle of the migration is 1,245,000 wildebeest, 200,000 Burchell's zebra, 18,000 eland and 500,000 Thomson's Gazelle filling the entire stretch of landscape. The shifting columns of the herds as they traverse the valleys and the hills can only be watched in awe. There is nothing else like this on earth.

For the cats, it’s the upswing in an annual cycle of boom and bust. The plains are awash with subprime steaks, all easy to catch.

2010 Great Migration View Points

December, January, Feburary, March:

Enormous herds of wildebeests and zebras are browsing among the lush grasslands of the Serengeti. It is during this times that calving takes place in titanic proportions, seemingly to compensate for migration losses to predators and ensure continuity of life. Nearly all mature beasts of the 7th wonder, do indeed give birth. The animals are concentrated over the Salei & Ndutu plains. Even more so, predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas are busy executing or planning their next meal.

It is highly recommended that this be the best moments to witness this phenomena in Serengeti, Tanzania.

April, May:

The herds are now migrating west and north approaching Serengeti's western corridor. The grass is almost depleted and further north, longer grass await them. However, the long rains have come and roads are impassable.

June:

The animals have moved further north and will begin entering Kenya through the Mara Triangle. It is important to confirm that the 2010 migration crossing of the Mara River happened earlier than expected. During this time breeding still continues with movement. As a marked transition period between the long rains and the dry season traffic has greatly multiplied in the Mara. The best times to visit during this period is to the lodges, camps and establishments in the Mara Triangle.

July to October:

The great crossing usually happens during the close of June or early July. It is this event that draws observers from around the globe to witness and film this great event. The wildebeests, by strong instincts as confirmed in recent research, select shallow points of crossing the Mara River. Sometimes, the rains have hit hard and the currents are strong. Hordes of crocodiles and other predators on the plains are busy making their dramatic kills.

November

The arrival of short rains and the cycle of migration is just about to repeat. The animals leaving Masai Mara for Serengeti again. We do hope it will never end.

2 Nights Masai Mara Migration Special

The Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, also known as “The Great Migration” takes place between Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra’s migrate between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, constantly driven by their search for fresh grazing. The massive herds are closely followed by predators (lion, hyena and cheetah), making the most of every opportunity to catch their next meal.

Detailed Itinerary

2 Nights Masai Mara Migration Special

Safari Brief: This is a direct safari to experience the Masai Mara migration spectacle and is indeed short, but the two nights guarantee a fulfilled adventure.

Day 1: - Nairobi - Masai Mara

Depart for the Masai Mara located further south into the Great Rift Valley. The Valley floor in Kenya is studded with volcanoes and seven lakes. Enjoy scenic views of the its great spectacles. A scheduled afternoon game drive through the vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees, and attempt to view some rare wildlife, such as the rhino or the elusive leopard. The undulating plains of the Mara is a respectable natural panorama that enriches your safari experience. Lunch and Dinner at Keekorok Lodge or similar lodge that lies on the great migration path.

Day 2: - Masai Mara Game Reserve

Expect to observe nature at its most subtle and, sometimes, most cruel as each animal struggles to survive and reproduce. On our morning and afternoon game drives after lunch in the Masai Mara we have a very good chance of seeing all the major plains animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hyena, cheetah, jackal, warthog and many species of antelope. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 3: - Masai Mara – Nairobi

Early morning game drives, breakfast and eventual drive back to Nairobi

TOUR PRICES (USD)
2 PAX	800
4 PAX	665
6 PAX	620

3 Nights Masai Mara Migration Special

Detailed Itinerary

Optional visit to a Masai Village to learn about the Masai, a proud tribal people struggling to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization.

At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 4: - Masai Mara – Nairobi

Early morning game drives, breakfast and eventual drive back to Nairobi

TOUR PRICES (USD)
2 PAX	1150
4 PAX	970
6 PAX	910

5 Days Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara Migration Safari

Detailed Itinerary

5 Days Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara Migration Safari

Enjoy scenic drive by the Great Rift Valley floor and visit kenya's most famous 'pink lake' and bird sanctuary at Lake Nakuru National Park and eventual arrival at the great Masai Mara, arguably Africa's most celebrated game reserve.

Day 1: - Nairobi - Lake Nakuru

In the morning hours drive to Lake Nakuru National park via Nairobi, arriving at preferred Lodge at lunch time. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at preferred lodge.

Day 2: - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara

Depart for the Masai Mara and arrive in time for Lunch. The Valley floor in Kenya is studded with volcanoes and seven lakes. Enjoy scenic views of the its great spectacles. A scheduled afternoon game drive through the vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees, and attempt to view some rare wildlife, such as the rhino or the elusive leopard. The undulating plains of the Mara is a respectable natural panorama that enriches your safari experience. Lunch and Dinner at Keekorok Lodge or similar lodge that lies on the great migration path.

Day 3: - Masai Mara Game Reserve

Expect to observe nature at its most subtle and, sometimes, most cruel as each animal struggles to survive and reproduce. On our morning and afternoon game drives after lunch in the Masai Mara we have a very good chance of seeing all the major plains animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hyena, cheetah, jackal, warthog and many species of antelope. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 4: - Masai Mara Game Reserve

We continue to explore this miraculous area on our morning and afternoon game drives. This open grassland is home to almost every species of East African wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras. This is one of the most spectacular sights in the world as herds of wildebeests and zebras graze and browse among the grasslands.

Optional visit to a Masai Village to learn about the Masai, a proud tribal people struggling to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization.

At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 5: - Masai Mara – Nairobi

Early morning game drives, breakfast and eventual drive back to Nairobi

Options:

Hot air balloon safari
Masai Mara Flying

TOUR PRICES (USD)
2 PAX	1470
4 PAX	1250
6 PAX	1170

6 Days Amboseli, Nakuru, Masai Mara Migration Special

Detailed Itinerary

6 Days Amboseli, Nakuru, Masai Mara Migration Safari

Safari Brief: This unique package seeks the complimentary offers of the photogenic Amboseli and the variety of Lake Nakuru with a migration package at the legendary Masai Mara.

Day 1: Nairobi – Amboseli

in the morning hours and after tour briefing depart for Amboseli National park. Drive via Namanga at the Kenya- Tanzania border to Amboseli National Park to arrive in time for lunch at lodge before proceeding with afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at preferred lodge

Amboseli sits on the lower slopes of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa’s highest - whose peak lies across the border in Tanzania. It is quite an experience to see Kilimanjaro hovering above the clouds in an early morning. The animal pictures arising against the dramatic backdrop of the mountain will thrill the photography enthusiast. Amboseli is renowned for its huge elephant herds.
Other residents of the Amboseli include: buffalo, black rhino, zebra, wildebeest and other plain animals

Day 2: Amboseli

Early morning and afternoon game drive in the Amboseli National Park. Dinner and overnight at preferred lodge

Day 3: Amboseli –Nairobi - Lake Nakuru

In the morning hours drive to Lake Nakuru National park via Nairobi, arriving at Sarova Lion hill or similar at lunch time check in. Later check out and drive to Nakuru National park for afternoon game drive later. Dinner and overnight at preferred lodge.

Day 4: - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara

Depart for the Masai Mara and arrive in time for Lunch. The Valley floor in Kenya is studded with volcanoes and seven lakes. Enjoy scenic views of the its great spectacles. A scheduled afternoon game drive through the vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees, and attempt to view some rare wildlife, such as the rhino or the elusive leopard. The undulating plains of the Mara is a respectable natural panorama that enriches your safari experience. Lunch and Dinner at Keekorok Lodge or similar lodge that lies on the great migration path.

Day 5: - Masai Mara Game Reserve

Expect to observe nature at its most subtle and, sometimes, most cruel as each animal struggles to survive and reproduce. On our morning and afternoon game drives after lunch in the Masai Mara we have a very good chance of seeing all the major plains animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hyena, cheetah, jackal, warthog and many species of antelope. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 6: - Masai Mara Game Reserve

We continue to explore this miraculous area on our morning and afternoon game drives. This open grassland is home to almost every species of East African wildlife including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras. This is one of the most spectacular sights in the world as herds of wildebeests and zebras graze and browse among the grasslands.

Optional visit to a Masai Village to learn about the Masai, a proud tribal people struggling to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization.

At sunset we will visit a section of the Mara River where we hope to see many hippos. Unwind and relax at the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 7: - Masai Mara – Nairobi

Early morning game drives, breakfast and eventual drive back to Nairobi

Options:

Hot air balloon safari
Masai Mara Flying

TOUR PRICES (USD)
2 PAX	2100
4 PAX	1810
6 PAX	1690

Best Migration Lodges and Camps in Masai Mara

We have picked a selection of excellent lodges and camps in the Masai Mara area from where you can witness this spectacular natural phenomenon during selected periods

Tags & Links

migration safari, Kenya Migration safari, masai mara migration safari, wildebeest migration safari, 2010 migration safari, 2010 Kenya Migration safari, 2010 masai mara migration safari, 2010 wildebeest migration safari

Last Updated ( Saturday, 10 July 2010 17:38 )

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Combined Safaris

Kenya, Tanzania Combined Safaris

Great 2011 Offers!

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Special Offer - 2011

Accommodation

Special Offers

For any Safari exceeding 3 days, we have top 2010 safari offers for one (1) free night in Nairobi either on arrival or pre-departure in budget accommodation (see reviews), OR 50% off in a Nairobi Mid-Range hotel OR 20% off in a Nairobi Top-Range (5 star) accommodation.