THE GREAT MIGRATION!
THE ANNUAL GREAT MIGRATION
Migration details
WHEN TO GO?
The allure of the Serengeti and Masai Mara extends throughout the year, offering a captivating wildlife experience regardless of the season. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Migration isn't a one-time event; it's a perpetual cycle that unfolds year-round. The vast Serengeti ecosystem is a dynamic landscape, and while the migration's location may vary, the spectacle of animals on the move is a constant. The wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores engage in a continuous circular migration, following the availability of fresh grass and water. This means that visitors can witness the breathtaking phenomenon of migration at different stages, from river crossings to calving seasons, providing a unique and immersive experience at any time. Whether it's the lush greenery of the rainy season or the dramatic river crossings during the dry season, the Serengeti and Masai Mara offer a year-round invitation to explore the unparalleled wonders of East Africa's wildlife.
PEAK "MIGRATION SEASON"
In late July and early August, the Masai Mara region transforms into a theater of nature's grandeur as the annual Great Migration reaches its climax. This extraordinary spectacle unfolds along the Mara River, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores undertake the perilous journey from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to the lush plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Mara River crossings become the focal point of this awe-inspiring event, as the migrating herds face the daunting challenge of navigating through crocodile-infested waters. The air is charged with anticipation as the animals gather on the riverbanks, hesitating before plunging into the currents. The heart-stopping moments of river crossings are both a testament to the instinct for survival and a dramatic display of the circle of life. It's a riveting chapter in the natural history of East Africa that draws wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike, seeking to witness the raw beauty and drama of the animal kingdom in its most primal state.
A year-round invitation to explore the unparalleled wonders of East Africa's wildlife!
WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Enter classic safari country—the Serengeti in Tanzania! Endless, beautiful & wild: plains teeming with the Big-5, zebras, giraffes, countless rare species and so much more…
Spend unforgettable days at the unforgettable Tarangire National Park where your luxury safari lodge, fantastic game safari, magnificent views and renowned elephants await.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is home to splendid wildlife, including rare black rhinos, hyenas and lions.
Serengeti National park, Serengeti meaning an ‘extended place’, is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, never mind Africa
Revel in the diverse wild terrains and exclusivity of Kenya’s Olerai Conservancy!
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 1 | Kenya
Arrival in Nairobi
◽️ DAY 2-3 | Tanzania
Tarangire NP
◽️ DAY 4-5 | Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater
◽️ DAY 6-7 | Tanzania
Serengeti NP
◽️ DAY 8-10 | Kenya
Olerai Conservancy
◽️ DAY 11 | Return
End of safari
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0 | Dates to be updated
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate witnessing breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1 | Date to be updated
NAIROBI (Kenya)
Nairobi overnight
📍 Tamarind Tree Hotel
TAMARIND TREE HOTEL
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Located in Nairobi, with easy access to Nairobi's Wilson airport. The perfect arrival spot and arrival overnight accommodation.Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is approx 10 miles away
B&B
HOTEL
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-3 | Date to be updated
TARANGIRE NP
Safari days!
📍 Nduvo Camp
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Area Overview
Safari days
NDUVO CAMP
Camp Overview
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 4-5 | Date to be updated
NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater experience
📍 Plantation Lodge
NGORONGORO CRATER
Area Overview
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans 8,300 square kilometres, stretching from the Rift Valley to the Serengeti. About 2.5 million years ago the young Ngorongoro Volcano became filled with molten rock that then solidified into a crust or roof. As the lava chamber emptied, the solid dome collapsed and from this was formed the largest caldera in the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) offers one of the richest wildlife viewing experiences on the African continent.
Approximately 25,000 large animals live in the natural enclosure formed by the 200sq miles crater, while the greater conservancy surroundings are home to wildebeest and zebra migratory movement in the wet season. It is undoubtedly the best place in Africa to see the Big Five, and photo opportunities are superb. The mineral-rich floor of the crater is covered in nutritious grasses, attracting great herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle that can even be seen from the crater rim, swarming across the landscape in great columns.The rainforests of the crater walls are home to elephant, buffalo, leopard and cheetah, making for spectacular game viewing.
It was recently voted one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last remaining areas in Tanzania where you can see the endangered Black Rhino. A small population is thriving in this idyllic environment, and it remains one of the few wild places where they continue to breed.
In the conservation area lives 56,000 Masai in harmony with the East African Wildlife. Seeing the Masai let their herds share the grazing areas with thousands of Wildebeests and Zebras is unique phenomenon.
Safari days
Ngorongoro Crater! Another great day in your safari adventure - Experience one of the world's most astonishing and renowned natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater! This volcanic crater forms stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa. Based on fossil evidence, various hominid species have occupied the area for 3 million years.
Crater decent day schedule:
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive, exploring the panoramic, short-grass prairies along the floor of this ancient volcanic caldera. Home to rare black rhinos as well as lions, hyenas and gazelles, this incredible “Lost World” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
7:00 am: Morning breakfast at the lodge.
7:30 am: Drive to Ngorongoro conservation area and descend in the crater for a game drive for the rest of the day. Lunch will take place at the picnic site inside the park.
4:00 pm: Depart Ngorongoro highlands and be transferred to lodge
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PLANTATION LODGE
Guest Lodge Overview
Set on hills in Karatu area mid-way between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area, a mere 20 minute drive from the Lodoare gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The Lodge has a total of 22 rooms & suites coming in different categories and widely distributed in the flower gardens. Each room is individually designed with own style of decoration, some with verandahs and direct access to the garden, but all with bathrooms en-suite and comfortable beds with mosquito netting.
The restaurant offers fresh variety of vegetables, salads, herbs and fruits all untreated and organically produced in the lodge gardens. Other facilities include a swimming pool, internet café, curio shop / gift shop, guided walks to neighboring coffee plantation, visits to a local farm adjacent to the lodge, and the bountiful gardens of tropical plants and colorful flowers which are the center-piece of the lodge.
*Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, by road or plane - see your safari itinerary for details. Arrive, check-in and enjoy drinks in the main tent. Get ready for your next safari experience!*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
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B&B
GUEST LODGE
GAME VIEW
DAY 6-7 | Date to be updated
SERENGETI (Central)
Safari Days
📍 Noana Moru Camp
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Area Overview
Experience the Serengeti wildebeest migration like never before. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the vast plains, accompanied by herds of zebra and other majestic wildlife.
Witness this annual spectacle of nature as the wildebeest migrate in search of fresh grazing and better-quality water. With the precise timing of their movement dependent on rainfall patterns, every moment is filled with anticipation. Join us on an extraordinary adventure and discover the true essence of Africa.
Activity: Safari Days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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NAONA MORU CAMP
Camp Overview
Perched beside the famous Moru Kopjes, offering great views over the Serengeti plains in the southwest Serengeti! Home to the rare black rhino that finds shelter in the thickets, the kopjes (hills) rise up over the dramatic Serengeti! plains near the magnificent saline lake of Magadi and its famous flocks of pink flamingos.
The main tent and lounge area is large, spacious and open to the views, with comfortable couches, rugs and wooden furniture adding that old explorer atmosphere. Meals are often served outside under the flat-top acacias and beneath the blanket of a billion stars. If you're feeling private, dinner can be arranged on your tent's veranda.
The canvas tents are very large (you will be surprised) with netted windows you can open fully. The bathroom is fitted with a ceramic wash basin with stylish taps, a mirror, a supply of natural bathroom products, and linen to suit the number of people expected to occupy the tent. This area also has a woven grass mat and clothes rack. Solar lighting illuminates all areas of each tent.
ACTIVITIES
Activities are cantered around daily game drives in the Serengeti National Park.
Transfer to camp* - please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics. Settle into your remote, authentic camp. Next up...the boundless Serengeti!
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 8-10 | Date to be updated
OLERAI CONSERVANCY
Safari Days
📍 Lerai Safari Camp
OLERAI CONSERVANCY
Area Overview
The Olerai Conservancy was founded on the generosity of tribal landowners in order to improve wildlife ranges and migration pathways. The entire spectrum of African wildlife may be found here, and it now boasts the highest concentration of giraffe and eland in the local eco-system. Masai Giraffes are distinguished by their characteristic jigsaw puzzle splotched pattern.
The Masai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies constitute one of Kenya’s most famous wilderness areas. The conservancies include: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Lemek Conservancy, Ol Choro Conservancy, Olerai Conservancy, Naiboisho Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Siana Group Ranch and Ol Derkesi Conservancy.
Lions and cheetahs migrate in and out of the zone, but they are frequently seen since the Olerai plains are ideal hunting grounds. The reserve has an elephant corridor, and the elephants use it as a feeding site as well as a dispersal region because of the thick marshy grasses.
Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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LERAI SAFARI CAMP
Camp Overview
A place unchanged by the passage of time, the Masai Mara is essential Africa. Sometimes raw, always dramatic, this is a wilderness of evocative splendor and inspiring grandeur. Often raw, sometimes violent, the drama of this wildlife theater is unmatched.. Nowhere on earth can you find a wilderness so breathtakingly beautiful and yet so serenely pristine.
This is one of the richest wild ecosystems in the world. A number of lion pride territories meet in the Olerai Conservancy which can make for some interesting encounters as the different groups battle for dominance.The camp is the only permanent safari accommodation in the 5,000 acre Olerai Conservancy.
The 6 safari suites are made from Canvas with interiors that express the beauty of traditional East African safari style. Charging facilities are available in all rooms at specific hours with solar lights lighting the atmosphere at night.The camp offers massages, Masai cultural immersion excursions, walking safaris, day and night game drives, hot air ballooning, horse riding and breakfast and lunch in the bush.
ACTIVITIES:
Big 5 Game Drives & Game Walks
Game viewing starts at your doorstep! Guests have access to the Conservancy’s thousands of acres of exclusive, low-vehicle density tourism land, home to extensive areas of important habitat for a vast number of wildlife species.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 11 | Date to be updated
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
PAPERWORK
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- A signed APPENDIX C / Indemnity is required for each person going on the safari. Click here to print more copies if needed)
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Safari Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari
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