The Great Migration in the Masai Mara with Samburu National Park & Diani Beach

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – introduction and briefing

  On your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by our staff member and taken to the Tamarind Tree Hotel. The Tamarind Tree Hotel is ideally located just 5 km south-west of the city on the spacious Carnivore grounds with its famous Carnivore Restaurant. Via the neighbouring Wilson Airport and the Southern Bypass, Nairobi, its national park and the country’s many attractions are easily reached. The nearby suburbs of Langata and Karen are among Nairobi’s liveliest and most popular, with first-class shopping centres and excellent restaurants. Overnight at the Tamarind Tree Hotel – standard room or an accommodation of equal category.

• Day 2: Drive from Nairobi to Samburu – approx. 6 hours of driving

  After an early breakfast at the hotel we leave Nairobi and set off for Samburu. The drive takes us through the impressive landscape of central Kenya, where we can observe the beauty of nature and rural life. After about 5 to 6 hours we reach Samburu National Reserve, a unique and fascinating area known for its extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking views of the landscape. Samburu lies in northern Kenya and is part of the larger Samburu ecosystem, which also includes Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve. This region is marked by a rugged beauty, with rugged hills, lush riverbeds and wide plains lined with acacia trees. The climate is semi-arid, which means the wildlife has adapted superbly to the conditions. In Samburu live many endemic species not found in other parts of Kenya. Among the most notable are the Grevy’s zebras, the Somali elephants and the gerenuk antelope. These species are known not only for their beauty but also for their unique ability to adapt to the harsh living conditions of the region. On our arrival at Samburu National Reserve we check into our accommodation and have time to freshen up. In the afternoon we set off on a first game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Here we have the chance to see some of the less common species while enjoying the impressive landscapes of the reserve. Dinner and overnight at a lodge or camp in Samburu. Overnight at Hotel Ashnil Samburu (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 3: Game drive in Samburu National Reserve – Grevy's zebras, Masai giraffes and gerenuk antelopes

  Today exciting day tours in Samburu National Reserve are on the programme. Even before breakfast we set off on a morning game drive. In the cool morning air the animals are particularly active, and we have good chances of observing various species, including lions, leopards and many bird species. During the game drive our experienced guides will give us interesting information about the wildlife and the ecology of the Samburu area. Keep your cameras ready to capture the majestic animals in their natural surroundings. After the game drive we return to the lodge, where a tasty late breakfast awaits us. In the late morning we have the opportunity to relax or explore the surroundings of the lodge. After lunch at the lodge we set off again in the afternoon to discover the varied wildlife of the reserve. This second game drive gives us the chance to see more animals and perhaps even some of the rarer species such as the gerenuk antelope or the Somali elephants. During this game drive we will explore different habitats of the reserve, from open savannahs to dense acacia woodland. Our guides will inform us not only about the animals but also about the plants and the importance of the ecosystem in Samburu. After an exciting afternoon we return to the lodge, where we can freshen up and relax before setting off for dinner. After dinner we have the opportunity to watch the stars above Samburu and round off the evening with a relaxed exchange of safari experiences. Overnight at Hotel Ashnil Samburu (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru – rhinos, flamingos, tree-climbing lions – 5½ hours of driving

  After breakfast we leave Samburu and set off for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes us through picturesque landscapes and villages, and along the way we have the opportunity to enjoy Kenya’s breathtaking nature. On arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park, and after a rest, we set off on a game drive. This park is famous for its flamingos and a wide variety of other bird species that populate the shores of the lake. The park is also home to rhinos, buffalo, lions and many other animals. During the game drive we enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding hills. We stop at various viewpoints to observe the wildlife and the picturesque landscape. Overnight at Hotel Sopa Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 5: Drive from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – game drive – approx. 4 hours of driving

  Look forward to the first highlight of your journey, into the legendary Masai Mara. After breakfast we drive via Narok to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. Together with the Serengeti in Tanzania, it forms a vast nature conservation area in which the world-famous wildlife migration takes place every year. The Masai Mara plays a crucial role in preserving the world’s largest mammal migration. With more than 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, as well as over 400 bird species, the reserve is considered one of the most impressive wildlife observation zones in Kenya. The wildebeest herds dominate the landscape. Every year in July, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by numerous zebras and Thomson’s gazelles, move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the fresh pastures of the Masai Mara before returning at the end of September. Overnight at the Mara Engai Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 6: Game drive in the Masai Mara – the Great Wildebeest Migration

  Today an unforgettable day full of adventure in the Masai Mara awaits us. We set off early in the morning on an exciting game drive. Equipped with a packed picnic basket, we drive through the impressive landscape of the reserve, surrounded by a wealth of wildlife. The Masai Mara is known for its rich wildlife, including huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, buffalo and antelope. On the wide plains we can also observe majestic giraffes, predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as rare rhinos. This area offers excellent opportunities to spot the famous “Big Five”, and our experienced guide will provide us with valuable information about the animals and their behaviour. A special highlight of the day is the Mara crossing, where we can watch the impressive migration of wildebeest and zebras. Every year millions of animals move across the Mara in search of better grazing grounds. The crossing is a spectacular sight in which the herds often have to cross dangerous rivers while predators lurk nearby. This natural spectacle offers us the chance to take fascinating photos and experience the power of nature up close. While enjoying the game drive, we stop at picturesque viewpoints to observe the breathtaking landscape and wildlife. The packed picnic basket allows us to dine out in nature and enjoy the experience even more intensely. In the late afternoon we return to the lodge, where we can freshen up and review the day’s experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at the Mara Engai Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 7: Drive to Nairobi, flight to Ukunda Diani Airport – 4 to 5 hours of driving, approx. 1 hour of flight and 20 min of driving

  After breakfast we drive back to Nairobi. On our arrival in Nairobi we have time for lunch before we drive to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch our flight to Mombasa. On arrival in Mombasa we are already expected and taken directly to our Hotel Pinewood on beautiful Diani Beach. The drive takes about 20 minutes. Here we can let our souls unwind, enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean and take in the relaxed atmosphere of the coast. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 8: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  Over the next few days, relaxation by the sea is on the programme. Diani Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coast on Kenya’s southern coast, known for its dazzling white sandy beaches and the clear turquoise water of the Indian Ocean. The beach extends over several kilometres and is lined with lush tropical vegetation, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving, as the water is warm and inviting and offers a rich underwater world to explore. Water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular.
  Away from the beach there are also a number of sights and activities in the surroundings of Diani Beach, including excursions to nearby nature reserves such as Shimba Hills National Park or to historic sites like Fort Jesus in Mombasa. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  

  

• Day 9: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  The day is at your leisure and offers an opportunity for restful hours by the sea. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 10: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  The day is at your leisure and offers an opportunity for restful hours by the sea. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 11: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  The day is at your leisure and offers an opportunity for restful hours by the sea. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 12: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  The day is at your leisure and offers an opportunity for restful hours by the sea. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 13: Diani Beach – relaxing by the sea

  The day is at your leisure and offers an opportunity for restful hours by the sea. Overnight at the Pinewood Beach Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 14: Drive to Moi Airport – return flight home

  Time for the journey home. Think of the breathtaking landscapes, the fascinating wildlife and the diverse culture you have experienced in Kenya. May the memories of your time here last long and bring a smile to your heart as you look back. Goodbye, Kenya. May your farewell be only an “until we meet again”, and may you return one day to discover more of this fascinating country (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner