The Great Migration in Style
Experience the excitement and drama of migrating wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle with this premier luxury operator.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
2
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
East Africa: Drink It In
Witness Kenya’s and Tanzania’s abundant wildlife on this independent version of this operator's flagship safari, setting out on game drives through the region’s most abundant parks and reserves, and staying in their best boutique camp and luxury lodge accommodations. Behold Africa’s astoundingly diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, from custom-made vehicles. Explore alongside handpicked safari guides whose in-depth tracking expertise leads to amazing wildlife encounters.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- •See hippos wallowing along the Mara River
•Spend less time travelling and more time spotting game
•Finish with 2 nights at Sanctuary Olonana, the ultimate luxury safari lodge
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the luxurious Fairmont The Norfolk. Perhaps Kenya’s most famous hotel, it has welcomed generations of safari-goers since it first opened on Christmas Day, 1904.
Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk
Day 2 - Amboseli National Park: At the Foot of Kilimanjaro
Today, drive to Amboseli National Park at the base of soaring, snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro, which, at 19,341 feet, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Set out in search of the region’s spectacular wildlife — lions, leopards, cheetahs, Cape buffalo and hosts of plains game — all roaming freely amid swamps, springs and a shimmering, dried lake bed. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a welcome dinner celebrating the start of an unforgettable safari adventure.
Accommodation: Tawi Lodge
Day 3 - Amboseli National Park: A Full Day in the Bush
Spend a full day exploring wildlife-rich Amboseli National Park, renowned for the large herds of elephants that roam its sun-drenched grasslands. View elephants up close, and watch for lions and buffalo as well, from a safari vehicle that seats just six, so that every guest enjoys a window seat. Enjoy a morning on safari before breaking for lunch. This afternoon, take another game drive, capped with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner in the bush.
Accommodation: Tawi Lodge
Day 4 - Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: Game Viewing
After crossing the border into Tanzania, stop for lunch in Arusha. Then, board a flight from Arusha to Tarangire National Park and settle into your luxurious accommodations. Set in a secluded area of the park for a more exclusive safari experience, Sanctuary Swala’s large tents are built on raised decks under umbrella acacia trees overlooking a popular watering hole. The layout of this eco-friendly abode is very open, with resident herds of impalas often grazing in camp. Wide panoramas of wooded savanna stretch in every direction in the park, which is nurtured by the permanent Tarangire River and populated by abundant big game, such as lions, elephants and buffalo. Its dusty red landscape also hosts a large bird population. Tonight, dine in camp.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Swala
Day 5 - Tarangire National Park: Into the Wild
Today, embark on morning and afternoon game drives to explore Tarangire National Park. At Tarangire, find a stunning concentration of animals — herds of elephants, impalas and zebras. Look, too, for pythons and the twitching tails of leopards, which hide high above in sausage trees. Once back at Swala, partake in a Chef’s Table experience, including a cooking demonstration of local dishes such as ugali, makande and kachumbari, followed by an opportunity to taste them.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Swala
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater: Design Your Day
Learn how Tanzanians live today, exploring in and around the village of Mto wa Mbu, as you Ride Like a Local by tuk-tuk, a major form of transport here. See rice fields and a banana plantation, and try banana beer at a local bar. In the village, walk the local market to see the colorful produce on display. Afterward, head to your restful luxury lodge, set near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, for lunch.
This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. -Walk with a Maasai Healer, discovering the uses of over 20 different indigenous plants in the Ngorongoro forest. -Bicycle the Back Roads of a nearby village to get a feel for life as the locals live it. -Enjoy a Traditional High Tea on the veranda overlooking the gardens at Gibb’s Farm; meet the artist-in-residence. -Settle in for a tranquil evening and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Gibb's Farm
Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater: Wildlife Rich Haven
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. Backdropped by crater walls nearly 2,000 feet high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime in a setting unmatched the world over. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy lunch al fresco in this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to your lodge. Tonight, gather for dinner with your fellow guests.
Accommodation: Gibb's Farm
Days 8-10 - Serengeti National Park: On the Endless Plains
Fly to Serengeti National Park, a vast Tanzanian landscape that during part of the year hosts one of earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the annual Great Migration, when millions of herbivores trek across the Serengeti plains in search of water and fresh grass, with hungry predators awaiting them. Over the next two days, your adventure may reveal giraffes, wildebeests, elephants and far more on morning and afternoon game drives.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 11 - Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya: Crown Jewel
Fly to the Masai Mara, the northern extension of the Serengeti. After settling into your accommodation on a private stretch of the Mara River, immerse yourself in the wild during an afternoon game drive. Follow the Mara River to see crocodiles basking in the sun; hippos as they wallow in muddy water; and monkeys, busy sparking mischief overhead. Here, too, you may sight any of more than 400 species of birds, among them eagles who glide effortlessly above the sun-soaked landscape. During your time in the Mara, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying at Sanctuary Olonana, recognized as one of the finest safari lodges in all of Africa. Tonight, join fellow guests for a Scenic Sundowner, followed by an elegant dinner.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Olonana
Days 12-13 - Masai Mara Game Reserve: Unmatched Wildlife
Venture forth for two full days of exploring the open savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of the Masai Mara, where patience is rewarded with unique sightings such as a leopard retrieving a kill from the upper branches of an acacia or elephants protecting their young from opportunistic lions. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, especially when the dramatic annual Great Migration unfolds. Amid the stunning scenery, watch as Maasai tribesmen traverse the plains or herd goats and cattle. On one day here, visit a Maasai village and meet with an elder to learn about local culture and traditions. Connect with local residents when you visit a village and primary school supported by this operator. Learn firsthand how this operator's foundation partnership with LifeStraw is changing lives by providing locals access to safe, clean drinking water, on an inspiring, exclusive experience. Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 14 - Depart Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in a comfortable dayroom. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight or begin a Post-Tour Extension to Uganda.
Dayroom: Fairmont The Norfolk
Guests on this journey receive a custom-crafted complimentary safari duffel.
Rates
Questions?
This expert operator was among the very first to offer African safaris with cameras and not guns. Their experience shows in everything they do.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals, English-speaking guides and private sightseeing (except for shared excursions from safari camps/lodges, cruise vessels and trains or other exceptions), as noted in the itinerary; park and entrance fees; arrival and departure transfers; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); and hotel taxes.
NOT INCLUDED IN JOURNEYS
Travel Insurance; international and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; all gratuities; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; room service; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above or specified in the itinerary; any meals for your guide if you invite him/her to dine with you; sightseeing not included in the itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges, and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
CANCELLATION CHARGES
Cancellations must be received in writing and will become effective on the date of receipt, fax or email. Cancellations received are subject to the following:
CANCELLATION FEES PER PERSON
121 days prior to departure (or more): Signature: $500. Tailor Made: 10% of the program price up to a maximum of $2,500 per person. Additional cancellation penalties may apply to planes, vessels and trains including private charters; select accommodations as noted in your proposal; exclusive private use of accommodations or venues; groups of 10 or more; or itineraries that fall over holiday or festival seasons.
