10 Days East Africa’s Biggest Spectacle

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by a Luxury Africa representative. You’ll be transferred to Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight to Mara Ol Seki Airstrip. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred by road to Naboisho Camp in the conservancy.  Mara Naboisho Conservancy consists of 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of pristine wildlife territory and spectacular scenery. Despite its short time in operation, Naboisho has become renowned for its bountiful biodiversity and breathtaking beauty. The density of lions within Naboisho is one of the highest in the world. Safaris in Naboisho Conservancy are more exclusive due to the limited number of vehicles per game drive; you’ll experience the African wilderness without the crowds. Arrive in time for lunch; you will relax at the camp. Later, you’ll venture out on your first evening game drive in the African bush. Night drives are perfect for spotting the big cats and other nocturnal species; the thrill of catching the glinting white reflection of a predator’s eye in the torchlight will certainly send shivers up the back of your neck. Even on the rare occasion when the wildlife seems to elude you, there are still the sounds of the night to absorb when the vehicle shuts off and allows the darkness to enfold you. After such an unforgettable moment, you’ll be driven back to the camp for overnight stay.

After breakfast, spend the rest of the day with game drives and activities in Mara Naboisho. Visit an authentic and fully functional Maasai village that is untouched by commercialism and the need to appear “traditional” in order to be more appealing to tourists. You are visiting people’s homes and being exposed to the reality of how they live and operate on a daily basis. The experience of their culture is raw and powerful and will leave you in awe of how their customs and traditions have remained unchanged over the years. Wind up your evening with a sundowner before heading back to camp for your overnight stay.

Spend a full day with a picnic lunch exploring the Masai Mara and you’ll soon realize why this reserve is so highly regarded as the best reserve in Africa. Vast plains extend beyond the horizon, the landscape punctuated by great herds of zebra and wildebeest. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle pound their way across the savannas in an instinctual survival of the fittest. Another big draw card to the Masai Mara is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. Return to the Camp for relaxation.

After a sumptuous breakfast, you’ll be transferred by road to head to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, which is home to the Great Migration when upwards of six million wildebeest travel in search of fresh grazing grounds. You will quickly find the scenery and wildlife engaging as you look for enticing signs of large mammals and over 500 bird species. You may find cheetahs prowling on the plains or hear thunderous pounding hooves as a herd of zebra follows the wildebeest. Have a refreshing night at Serengeti Migration Camp

Spend the next 2 days following the migration, Resident wildlife numbers are exceptionally high in the Wagakuria area, with prides of lion up to 30 strong, however from August to October the area turns into a wildlife paradise. The key feature is the Mara River and it is not uncommon to see the herds cross the Mara River north on one day and then back south a few days later. Catching the wildebeest as they cross the Mara River is an exhilarating spectacle!

Best time to see the migration

The Great Migration can be enjoyed year round. The first few months of the year offer exceptional predator encounters in Tanzania’s Serengeti as this is the calving season for the wildebeest and newborns make for easier targets.  By July, the herds are heading north into the central Serengeti where the wildebeest make their first river crossing, and take their chances against the waiting crocodiles. In August, the herds cross over into Kenya’s Masai Mara and towards the end of the year the herds move southwards back into the Serengeti where the animals brace themselves for the next calving season and predator attacks.

This is a place of wonders – from its miraculous terrain to the abundant fauna and flora it supports, from its status as a World Heritage Site to the harmonious coexistence of its people and wildlife.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kogatende Airstrip where you will take a scheduled flight to Lake Manyara. On arrival, you will enjoy a scenic road transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, stopping en route to visit Lake Manyara National Park. Your unique adventure will take you into the canopy to explore Tanzania’s first Treetop Walkway. The ecosystem will unveil unparalleled beauty and distinctive features as you walk along suspension bridges and viewing decks reaching upwards of 59 feet high. You may spot blue monkeys or a swarm of butterflies that float like confetti through the treetops. Later, you will proceed to Ngorongoro. Once at Ngorongoro Crater, drive to The Manor Ngorongoro Lodge set on a crater rim.

You’ll dive into the majesty round Ngorongoro Crater with a hike around Empakaai Crater, the less-famous neighbor that gives you the chance to see a variety of wildlife in the fascinating scenery. Your ranger will guide you through the thick vegetation of the lush mountainous forest that opens to glimpses of Tanzania’s most active volcano. You may hear the sounds of flamingos as a flock swarms to the salty lakeshores below or enjoy the views of the clouds drifting past the dramatic cliffs. Herds of zebra and gazelle may graze on the foliage as ostriches dig for roots and seeds. Return to camp to enjoy the views, or set out on another excursion.

After breakfast travel to Lake Manyara for your scheduled flight to Arusha Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll connect with your international flight.