Great Migration 2024
DURATION
10 DAYSPRICING
$9955WHEN
Sept. 1, 2024DESTINATION
KenyaTYPE
SMALL GROUPGreat Migration & the Big Five
Without a doubt, the Great Migration is the greatest spectacular wildlife display on the planet. At NPE, we’ve worked hard to create the perfect schedule to see it at its best.
Even though no animal encounter can be guaranteed, the time of year, the parks we’ve chosen, and the location of our campgrounds create the best possible scenario for getting a front-row seat to this beautiful natural phenomenon.
We also guarantee that this is the most extraordinary itinerary for getting up and personal with all of the “Big-5” and many more species. Without question, this is the best Safari experience available.
No NPE expedition would be complete without providing close contact with locals, and we have covered this aspect perfectly, both at Samburu and the Masai Mara.
We keep the group to a maximum of 14 people and stay in tiny, first-class safari camps in remote regions. We strongly advise that you reserve your spots as soon as possible.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Visit the most important Protected Areas in Kenya: Ol Pejeta, Samburu National Park, The Ngorongoro Crater, and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Experience the greatest wildlife show on Earth, The Great Migration, at its peak.
- This itinerary provides the highest chances to observe the `Big-5’, lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
- High chances of seeing the black and the northern white rhinos.
- Come in close contact with local tribes at Samburu and the Masai Mara.
- Enjoy the intimacy of a truly small group of like-minded, experienced travelers.
- Ideal expedition pacing, using the best possible accommodations and best naturalist guides.
“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.”
Karen Blixen
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1
Arrive in Nairobi:
Your flight will have you arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, where you will be met and greeted by a New Paths Expeditions representative and given a short safari briefing before being transferred to your Hotel. Overnight at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages (Meals Aloft).
Day 2
Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, we will depart Nairobi and head to the Olpejeta Conservancy to arrive for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive in the amazing Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino refuge in East Africa, located at the foothills of Mount Kenya. It also has some of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. Ol Pejeta, a pioneering wildlife conservancy that began as a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and is now a sanctuary for rescued chimps, seeks to safeguard wildlife and provide a haven for them. The Conservancy is a famous safari location, with the renowned ‘Big Five’ and a diverse range of other African creatures such as zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey, and many others. Horseback riding, game hikes, and nocturnal wildlife drives are among the outdoor activities available to visitors.
Overnight at Sanctuary Tambarare (B, L, D).
Day 3 & 4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Spend the day photographing the gorgeous scenery while seeing wildlife and birds in this beautiful park. The vast plains turn a vivid green color during the rainy season, attracting hundreds of birds and small creatures. Open grasslands, Acacia forests, thorn scrub, swamp, and marshlands are the five ecosystems found in Pejeta; this variety of ecosystems provides for good game-viewing throughout the year.
Overnight at Sanctuary Tambarare (B, L, D).
Day 5
Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, we will depart to Samburu National Reserve, arriving for lunch. There we will enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Samburu National Reserve, located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and adjacent to Buffalo Springs National Park, is known for its stunning environment of steep hills, undulating plains, and riverine forests. The park is home to various animals, including the reticulated giraffe, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, and Beisa Oryx, among others. Over 900 elephants, various predators, and over 450 bird species can all be seen by visitors. The Samburu people’s ancient culture is still alive and well here. We will watch herds of cattle respond to each man’s unique voice as they call them, and we will enjoy the tribe extraordinary dances that date back hundreds of years.
Overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp (B, L, D).
Day 6 & 7
Samburu National Reserve to Ngorongoro Crater
On this day, we will get up early and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with lunch boxes to make the most of our day at the Ngorongoro Crater. Before dusk, we will return to our lodge and refresh, before dinner and prepare for another day full of adventure.
The Ngorongoro Crater, located in northern Tanzania, is famed for its natural beauty and wealth of various animals, making it one of Africa’s most outstanding safari destinations.
This UNESCO-listed crater, surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, is said to be the world’s largest preserved volcanic caldera. Visitors can expect to see the world-famous Big Five and a variety of other wildlife, including vast herds of zebra and wildebeest.
It is well-known as one of Tanzania’s most popular tourist destinations, providing visitors with various exciting activities such as superb bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, and visiting a Maasai village. NPE’s planned excursions include the spectacular Olduvai Gorge.
Overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp (B, L, D).
Day 8
Complete Exploration of Samburu National Reserve
We will enjoy a day full of adventure and game viewing on this unique ecosystem. After breakfast, we will depart to inner Samburu in our quest for wildlife. Afterward, we will return to our camp for lunch and relax. Once we recharge our energies, we will head again for an afternoon game drive on our last day on this beautiful National Reserve.
Overnight at Elephant Bedroom Camp (B, L, D).
Day 9
Samburu National Reserve to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast and check-out, we will drive to the airstrip to board our scheduled flight to Serengeti/Tarime, near the Tanzania-Kenya border. Once we land, we will transfer from the Tarime Airstrip to Migori Airstrip for a scheduled flight to Masai Mara departing around 12:15 hours.
Once in the Mara, the NPE driver-guides will meet the group at the airstrip and take you on a game drive on your way to the camp. Once at the camp, we will be greeted with an ice-cold beverage and an overview of what to expect on our game drives. You will be shown to your tents and have the option of going on your first Mara game drive after lunch.
The Masai Mara National Reserve, which covers more than 1500 square kilometers in Kenya’s southwest, is unquestionably one of the country’s natural wonders. Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, crocodile, and hippopotamus in the Mara River are many of the especies protected by the park. With over 450 resident bird species, birdlife is equally stunning. The Great Migration, which has been named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, is the genuine highlight of the trip. 1.7 million wildebeests migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park’s arid plains to survive the dry months of July to September. They migrate to the Masai Mara’s more forgiving plains together with smaller herds of antelope, buffalo, and zebra. Predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs follow in their wake, looking for easy meat in these massive herds.
Overnight at Little Governor’s Camp (B, L, D).
Day 10
Masai Mara
You will enjoy two full days in Mara with two game drives on each day, in search of the perfect view of the Great Migration.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Africa’s most famous wildlife park. For many, the sight of acacia trees dotting infinite grass plains encapsulates Africa; add a Maasai warrior and some livestock, and the discourse is complete. As previously mentioned, the yearly wildebeest migration over the Serengeti and Masai Mara plains is the undisputed highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With over a million animals following the rains, it is known as the world’s most significant mass movement of terrestrial mammals. Our excursions will always be on first class safari vehicles. Also, the opportunity to enjoy horseback riding safaris will be available for those interested.
Overnight at Little Governor’s Camp (B, L, D).
Day 11
Masai Mara – Fly Back Home
After our breakfast, you will be driven to the airport in time for your local scheduled flight back to Nairobi, where an NPE representative will meet you and drive you to the airport to check-in for your departure home. You’ll meet your NPE driver at Wilson Airport and be taken to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We recommend a flight departing from Nairobi around 5 pm or later.
Lodgings
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages
The cottages are located in the midst of one of the oldest formal gardens in Kenya which have huge jacaranda, candelabra, cactus, bottlebrush, and other trees. Over 200 types of flowers bloom through the year and numerous bird feeders attract hundreds of varieties of birds. The cottages have been designed after the historic Swedo House to give a sense of reliving history in elegant style. All well appointed cottages have hi-beam ceilings with fireplaces, wood and mazeras stone floors. Mini bars, satellite TVs and internet connections have also been installed. Each bedroom has a large bathroom with its own shower and bath. Internet connections and phones are available in all rooms. Three cottages have two private suites with a separate dressing room.
Sancturary Tambarare
Nestled amongst the shadow of Mount Kenya, Sanctuary Tambarare delivers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity. Sanctuary Tambarare looks out across the grassy plateau of the award-winning Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 90,000 acres of the unspoiled African landscape, where the Big Five roam, including the last two northern white rhinos on earth.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve surrounded by doum palms and other beautiful indigenous trees and shrubs sits this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents – all furnished in rustic African style while offering all the comforts expected of a luxury Camp (hot & cold running water, electricity and herbal products).
The lounge and dining area offer vibrant safari colours with original oil paintings, soft intimate lighting designed to relax guests returning from an exciting game drive. Huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard amongst other game are regular visitors around the camp providing excellent game viewing in spectacular scenic background of rugged rolling hills.
Little Governors Camp
With only 17 luxury en-suite tents placed around a big watering well teeming with both birds and wildlife, the award-winning Little Governors is intimate in character. A boat journey across the Mara River leads to the camp, followed by an escorted stroll through the riverine jungle. Vehicles are parked on the river’s opposite bank, leaving the camp calm and undisturbed. Little Governors’ guest tents have wooden decks with big verandahs where visitors may watch the constant game action surrounding the camp’s watering hole. Elephants frequently visit the camp, so guests may need to move out of the way.
START YOUR ADVENTURE HERE:
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