Grand Kenya & Tanzania Great Migration
Embark on the ultimate African safari, following the path of the legendary Great Migration on a journey that blends wildlife, culture, and luxury into an unforgettable private expedition. This exclusive itinerary is the ideal way to experience Kenya and Tanzania, offering the flexibility to travel on your preferred dates and customize every detail to suit your interests, travel style, and schedule. Expert NPE Guides and naturalists will ensure a seamless, immersive experience designed just for you.
Begin in Nairobi at the iconic Giraffe Manor, where Rothschild’s giraffes often join guests for breakfast, then continue to Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve for private safaris in search of black and white rhinos. Explore the Masai Mara’s vast plains, timing your visit with the Great Migration season to witness dramatic river crossings and intense predator activity.
Cross into Tanzania to experience the remote Northern Serengeti and follow the migration herds as they brave the Mara River. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. Optional hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, and cultural encounters with the Maasai people enrich the journey.
With world-class properties, exclusive game drives, and personalized service throughout, this fully customizable expedition offers privileged access to East Africa’s most iconic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and ancient cultures.
Highlights of Your Grand Kenya & Tanzania Safari:
Stay at the Iconic Giraffe Manor: Begin (or end) your journey at Nairobi’s famous boutique hotel, where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes may join you for breakfast.
Exclusive Safaris at Solio Private Reserve: Track black and white rhinos, lions, and other big game on private game drives in Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuary.
Explore the Masai Mara During the Great Migration: Witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, dramatic river crossings, and high predator activity in Africa’s most celebrated reserve.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Masai Mara: Glide at sunrise over vast savannas teeming with wildlife and enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Cross Into Tanzania and Discover the Northern Serengeti: Follow the Great Migration herds as they brave the perilous Mara River crossings, dodging crocodiles and predators.
Luxury Game Drives in the Serengeti: Experience close encounters with the Big Five and other wildlife, with optional guided walking safaris for a deeper connection to the land.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the world’s largest intact caldera, home to an incredible density of wildlife including elephants, black rhinos, and large lion prides.
Tailored Travel & Upscale Accommodations: Enjoy seamless transfers, exclusive camps and lodges with full board, house drinks, and expert guiding throughout your private expedition.
“Experience the Great Migration and the Big Five on a Kenyan safari. Small groups, expert guides, and top-notch accommodations promise an unforgettable adventure!”
– Rebecca P.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Itinerary in Brief
This is a detailed Great Migration expedition itinerary crafted for previous New Paths Expeditions travelers. To prepare the ideal experience for you, please get in touch with our destination specialist.
Arrive in Nairobi – Giraffe Manor
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, a New Paths Expeditions representative will meet you, assist with immigration and customs formalities, and provide a brief introduction to your private safari adventure.
Transfer to Giraffe Manor, one of Nairobi’s most iconic boutique hotels, set within a private sanctuary. Spend the afternoon at leisure, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to interact with the resident Rothschild’s giraffes. These gentle giants often approach the manor’s windows and terraces, creating unforgettable moments during breakfast and afternoon tea.
Overnight at Giraffe Manor (All Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Fly to Solio Lodge – Game Drive
After breakfast at Giraffe Manor, transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Nanyuki Airstrip. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your expert safari guide and transferred to Solio Lodge, an exclusive property located within Kenya’s renowned Solio Game Reserve, the country’s first private rhino sanctuary.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge and some time to relax. In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive across the Solio plains, home to one of the largest populations of black and white rhinos in Africa. Along with these iconic species, you may also encounter giraffes, lions, oryx, and other wildlife that thrive in this protected reserve.
Overnight at Solio Lodge (Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, and Activities)
Day 3
Full Day Exploration of Solio Game Reserve
Today is dedicated to exploring Solio Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most successful private rhino sanctuaries. The reserve is renowned for its thriving populations of black and white rhinos, as well as a variety of other iconic African wildlife, including giraffes, lions, oryx, hartebeest, and more.
Begin with a morning game drive across the open plains, where your expert guide will help you track wildlife and provide insights into the reserve’s conservation success. Return to Solio Lodge for lunch and time to relax.
In the afternoon, you may choose from a variety of optional activities: enjoy another game drive, set out on a guided nature walk, cycle through the reserve, or experience horseback riding. Cap off the day with sundowners in the bush, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Solio.
Overnight at Solio Lodge (Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, and Activities)
Day 4
Fly to Masai Mara – Game Drive
After breakfast at Solio Lodge, transfer to Nanyuki Airstrip for your scheduled flight to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations and home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the legendary Big Five.
Upon arrival, meet your expert guide and transfer to Governors’ Il Moran Camp, an exclusive tented camp nestled along the banks of the Mara River. After settling into your luxurious accommodations and enjoying lunch, head out on your first afternoon game drive across the vast savannah. This is your opportunity to witness some of Africa’s most iconic species, from elephants and lions to herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Return to camp in time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight at Governors’ Il Moran Camp (Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, and Activities)
Day 5
Masai Mara – Game Drives
Today, immerse yourself in the spectacular wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll explore the vast savannah plains, renowned for their exceptional density of wildlife and predator sightings.
Accompanied by your expert guide, track apex predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards as they hunt across the plains. If traveling during the Great Migration season, you may witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles—thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving the treacherous Mara River crossings, with crocodiles lying in wait.
Return to Governors’ Il Moran Camp in the late afternoon. Relax by the fire and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness as you recount the day’s unforgettable encounters.
Overnight at Governors’ Il Moran Camp (Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, and Activities)
Day 6
Masai Mara – Game Drives & Optional
Activities
Spend another incredible day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives. Your expert guide will help you spot an impressive variety of wildlife, from the legendary Big Five to large herds of plains game and, if in season, the dramatic crossings of the Great Migration.
For an extraordinary perspective, you may choose to add an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise. Drift silently above the savanna as the golden light illuminates the vast plains and witness the wildlife from an unforgettable vantage point.
Return to Governors’ Il Moran Camp for a final evening under the African stars, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
Overnight at Governors’ Il Moran Camp (Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, and Activities)
Day 7
Cross to Tanzania – Fly to Serengeti
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Migori, where you will cross the border into Tanzania and board another flight to Kogatende Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti.
Upon arrival, your guide from Nimali Mara Camp will greet you and take you on a scenic game drive en route to the camp. After settling in and enjoying lunch, relax before heading out on an afternoon game drive, tracking the movements of the herds as they gather for dramatic Mara River crossings—a highlight of the Great Migration, depending on the season.
Return to camp for an evening of comfort and warm hospitality in the heart of the Serengeti.
Overnight at Nimali Mara Camp (Full Board – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Day 8
Northern Serengeti – Great Migration Safari
Today is dedicated to witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the Great Migration. Spend the day following the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras as they navigate the perilous Mara River crossings, where crocodiles and predators like lions and leopards await.
Enjoy a picnic lunch out in the wilderness to maximize your time on safari, with endless opportunities for exceptional wildlife photography and observation. In the late afternoon, return to Nimali Mara Camp for a relaxing evening in this pristine part of the Northern Serengeti.
Overnight at Nimali Mara Camp (Full Board – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Day 9
Safari in the Serengeti
Enjoy another day of exceptional wildlife viewing in the Northern Serengeti, with early morning and late afternoon game drives. Track iconic species such as lions, elephants, and cheetahs, and observe the dynamic interactions between predators and prey in this world-renowned ecosystem.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional walking safari is available, guided by an expert ranger, offering a unique perspective on the Serengeti’s landscapes and wildlife.
Overnight at Nimali Mara Camp (Full Board – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Day 10
Fly to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, board your scheduled flight to Manyara Airstrip. Upon landing, transfer by road to Entamanu Ngorongoro, an exclusive camp perched on the edge of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the spectacular views over the crater floor. For a deeper cultural connection, you may choose to visit a traditional Maasai Boma, where you’ll learn about the customs and lifestyle of the Maasai people who inhabit the area.
Overnight at Entamanu Ngorongoro (Full Board – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Day 11
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, descend into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This remarkable ecosystem is home to some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.
Spend the day on safari across the crater floor, where you may encounter the critically endangered black rhino, large herds of elephants, prides of lions, and a variety of plains game. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of this wildlife haven before ascending back to your camp in the afternoon.
Overnight at Entamanu Ngorongoro (Full Board – Bed, All Meals, Local Drinks Included)
Day 12
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha for a relaxing lunch and a visit to the Shanga Experience, a remarkable social enterprise where disabled artisans create beautiful handcrafted products. It’s an inspiring way to end your journey, offering a meaningful connection to Tanzania’s culture and community.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure flight.
Lodgings
Giraffe Manor – Nairobi
Located in a private sanctuary in Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel renowned for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, which frequently visit guests during breakfast and afternoon tea. The manor blends elegant colonial charm with modern comforts, offering luxurious rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service. Guests also have exclusive access to The Retreat, which features a spa, swimming pool, sauna, gym, and steam rooms.
Solio Lodge – Solio Game Reserve
Nestled between the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya, Solio Lodge is an intimate and luxurious safari retreat set within Kenya’s oldest private rhino sanctuary. The lodge offers spacious cottages with floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, and private decks overlooking the landscape. Guests enjoy exclusive wildlife encounters, including game drives, horseback riding, cycling, and guided nature walks.
Governors’ Il Moran Camp – Masai Mara
National Reserve
Located along the banks of the Mara River, Governors’ Il Moran Camp is an ultra-luxurious tented camp offering an exclusive safari experience in the heart of the Masai Mara. Each spacious tent features hand-carved furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas with breathtaking views. The camp provides top-tier game drives, with expert guides and custom safari vehicles.
Nimali Mara Camp – Northern Serengeti
Situated near the Mara River, Nimali Mara Camp is a boutique safari camp designed for an immersive wildlife experience. The camp is strategically located away from the busy migration routes, providing a tranquil setting while still offering easy access to wildebeest crossings. Guests stay in spacious canvas tents with panoramic views, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks.
Entamanu Ngorongoro – Ngorongoro Crater
Perched on the wild side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Entamanu Ngorongoro offers breathtaking crater views while maintaining an authentic safari atmosphere. The seven en-suite tents are handcrafted with natural materials, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Guests experience exclusive crater access, cultural interactions with the Maasai people, and expertly guided wildlife safaris.
When to go
The Great Migration is the world’s most spectacular wildlife event, and timing your journey ensures you witness its most iconic moments. From July through October, massive herds gather in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti, offering front-row seats to the dramatic Mara River crossings. Crocodile-infested waters and stalking predators make this the most thrilling time to visit.
From January to March, the herds return to Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti for the calving season. This is a prime time to witness thousands of newborn wildebeest and the intense predator activity that follows. No matter when you travel, New Paths Expeditions tailors your safari to coincide with the migration’s key moments, ensuring an extraordinary experience.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
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