11-Day Kenya & Tanzania Migration Journey

A full day in Samburu, with morning and afternoon game drives and a picnic lunch in the field. The reserve's semi-arid terrain (dense scrub, rocky outcrop, and the Ewaso Ng'iro River providing the primary habitat corridor) is distinctly different from the parks further south. Samburu operates alongside Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves, together covering a significant stretch of Kenya's northern frontier.

After breakfast, the drive south passes through the Laikipia Plateau and drops into the Great Rift Valley, with a viewpoint stop along the escarpment. Lake Nakuru National Park holds Kenya's largest concentration of white rhino and a significant population of Rothschild's giraffe. The alkaline lake attracts flamingo in large numbers during the dry season. An afternoon game drive follows arrival.

After breakfast, the drive heads west and south toward the Masai Mara. The route passes through Narok town before reaching the plains. The Masai Mara covers around 1,510km² in southwestern Kenya and forms the northern extension of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem: 25,000km² shared between Kenya and Tanzania. An afternoon game drive follows arrival.

A full day in the Masai Mara with a picnic lunch in the field. The Mara holds strong year-round concentrations of wildlife, with cheetah, lion, and elephant reliable through most seasons. From August to October, wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti in significant numbers to cross the Mara River before returning south. Sightings of this crossing are not guaranteed on any given day.

After breakfast, the drive south takes around three hours to the Isebania border crossing at Tarime. Immigration clearance on both sides precedes the transfer into Tanzania's northern Serengeti. An afternoon game drive in the Kogatende area follows. The northern Serengeti is quieter than the Seronera region, with denser woodland and the Mara River system as defining features.

A full day along the Mara River and surrounding terrain. During the migration season, herds move through this section of the park in significant numbers and the river crossings are the primary focus of game drives. Resident wildlife (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and hippo) is present and reliable year-round regardless of migration timing.

After breakfast, the drive south moves from the northern Serengeti into the central Seronera region. The landscape shifts to more open grassland with the Seronera River providing a consistent habitat corridor for predators. A full day in the area with a picnic lunch and game drives through the afternoon.

After breakfast, the drive south reaches the Ngorongoro Conservation Area by mid-morning. The descent into the crater follows and the game drive runs until early afternoon. The crater floor covers around 260km² and holds one of Africa's highest concentrations of large mammals in a fixed area. Lake Magadi in the southwestern corner typically supports hippo, flamingo, and wading birds. The drive ascends and transfers to the rim lodge for dinner.

After breakfast, the drive west and south reaches Tarangire National Park by late morning. A full game drive runs through the day with lunch in the field. Tarangire closes this circuit with strong elephant viewing: herds of up to 300 animals have been recorded, and the park is also notable for dry-country antelope species including fringe-eared oryx and the gerenuk. Transfer to camp in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, a morning game drive in Tarangire is followed by the drive north to Arusha. The journey ends with a drop-off in Arusha town or at the airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements.