Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration with Facile Safaris on a 7-day safari adventure in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, crafted to immerse you in one of nature’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains. This tour focuses on the migration’s thrilling river crossings and predator-prey dynamics, complemented by Big Five safaris, a hot air balloon ride over the Mara, and cultural encounters with the Maasai people, with a brief stop in Nairobi for urban exploration. With expert guides, comfortable mid-range to luxury lodges, and daily game drives, Great Migration safari tours by Facile Safaris offer an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s wild heart, blending wildlife, culture, and adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Adventure
Your safari begins as you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a Facile Safaris guide welcomes you and transfers you to the stylish Nairobi Serena Hotel in Kenya’s vibrant capital. After settling in, join a guided afternoon tour of Nairobi, visiting the Nairobi National Museum to learn about Kenya’s wildlife and cultural heritage, followed by a stroll through the city’s bustling markets. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, featuring Kenyan dishes like nyama choma and ugali, preparing you for the migration adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara – Into the Migration
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a hotspot for the Great Migration’s wildebeest and zebra herds. Check into the Mara Leisure Camp, a comfortable mid-range lodge with savanna views. Join an afternoon game drive, seeking the migration’s massive herds and spotting predators like lions trailing them, with your guide explaining the migration’s dynamics. Savor a sundowner with Mara River views, followed by a hearty dinner at the camp, with the plains’ nocturnal sounds setting an exciting tone.
Day 3: Maasai Mara – Migration River Crossings
Rise early for a full-day game drive focused on the Mara River, where wildebeest and zebras attempt dramatic river crossings, often pursued by crocodiles and lions, a highlight of the Great Migration. Enjoy a packed lunch by the riverbank, watching the herds gather, guided by an expert tracker for prime viewing spots. Return to Mara Leisure Camp in the late afternoon, with time to relax by the pool. Enjoy a campfire dinner, sharing stories of the day’s thrilling wildlife spectacles under the Mara’s starry sky.
Day 4: Maasai Mara – Big Five and Maasai Culture
Start with a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, seeking the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—while tracking migration herds across the plains, with your guide using radio updates for sightings. After a bush breakfast, visit a Maasai village to learn about their pastoral lifestyle, try beading, and witness a traditional dance. Return to Mara Leisure Camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Savor a romantic dinner under acacia trees, featuring Kenyan grilled meats, celebrating the day’s adventures.
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Hot Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Great Migration from above with a dawn hot air balloon safari, floating over the Maasai Mara’s plains to see sprawling wildebeest herds and predators like cheetahs, landing for a champagne bush breakfast. Continue with a private afternoon game drive, exploring quieter areas of the reserve for intimate sightings of giraffes and hyenas. Return to Mara Leisure Camp for a leisurely lunch and time to unwind. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the lodge, with Maasai warriors performing a ceremonial dance, adding cultural richness.
Day 6: Maasai Mara – Final Migration Safari
Dedicate another full day to the Great Migration with morning and afternoon game drives, focusing on different sectors of the Maasai Mara to maximize sightings of wildebeest crossings, zebra herds, and predators like leopards stalking prey. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the savanna, surrounded by the migration’s energy, with your guide sharing ecological insights. Return to Mara Leisure Camp for a relaxing evening, perhaps lounging by the campfire. Savor a farewell Mara dinner, featuring local dishes like kuku paka, reflecting on the migration’s grandeur.
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Farewell to Kenya
After a final morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, seeking any last migration or Big Five sightings, enjoy breakfast at Mara Leisure Camp before traveling back to Nairobi by private vehicle. Stop at a roadside craft market to browse handmade souvenirs like Maasai beadwork. Arrive in Nairobi for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Kenyan favorites like sukuma wiki and chapati, reminiscing about your safari. A Facile Safaris representative transfers you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, leaving you with memories of the Great Migration, courtesy of Facile Safaris Kenya.
Estimated Price for 2 People Sharing
The estimated cost for this 7-day Great Migration safari with Facile Safaris is $6,500 for two people sharing, based on double occupancy. This includes mid-range to luxury accommodations (Nairobi Serena Hotel, Mara Leisure Camp), daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, all ground transfers, park fees, daily guided game drives, a hot air balloon safari, cultural visits, and expert guides. Prices exclude international flights, additional meals, personal expenses, and optional activities. Rates are subject to availability and may vary by season, with peak migration season (July–October) recommended; contact Facile Safaris for a tailored quote.
