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There is so much choice of accommodation and destinations in East Africa that sometimes it really helps to see what other travellers have done. For the upcoming Wildebeest Migration across Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, we’ve chosen five real-life itineraries for your travel inspiration. Many combined seeing the Great Migration with other destinations, which we’ve highlighted below. Before you go, read our important advice about the Wildebeest Migration:
Tour 1: Tanzania’s Northern Circuit Plus the Migration
”Captivated
- ”Stephen”
Stephen’s 8-day itinerary overview
The Edwards family spent a week following Tanzania’s very popular Northern Circuit, which starts in the small town of Arusha before taking in big hitters like Lake Manyara National Park (world-renowned for colossal flocks of flamingos), the Ngorongoro Crater Area (one of the top places in the world to see the Big 5, often all on the same game drive) and finishing at the only permanent camp in the Southern Serengeti.
Favourite activities
- Front-row seats to predator action during the Wildebeest Migration
- Village visits and experiencing traditional dances
- Guided nature walks to witness wildlife on foot
- Catching the pristine beautify of the sunrise over the Crater
- Bush dining and sun-downers stops
Tour 2: Kenya’s Abundant Wildlife and No Crowds in a Private Conservancy
”Beautiful
- ”Lynne”
Lynne’s 9-day itinerary overview
This itinerary ventured slightly off the beaten path to take in more unusual areas like Meru National Park and Lake Naivasha. Meru is noted for its thriving wetlands, which in turn support huge numbers of birds, hippos, crocodiles and other semi-aquatic wildlife. Lake Naivasha is also a freshwater wonderland – the name means ‘rough water’ but usually it is a peaceful oasis far from the crowds.
Favourite activities
- Game viewing in a private conservancy for a less-crowded experience
- Taking in the diverse landscape and variety of wildlife
- Bush dining experience with the deep red sunset as a backdrop
- Private guided walks and open 4×4 vehicle game drives
- Hot-air ballooning over the Masai Mara
Tour 3: From the Wildebeest Migration to Gorilla Trekking
”Each
- ”Thea”
Thea and Mike’s 28-day itinerary overview
This mega-safari took our clients through six countries, from the southern reaches of Africa right into Rwanda’s rainforests. For nearly a month, they explored the Migration savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, the cityscape of Cape Town, the wonder of Victoria Falls and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla.
Favourite activities
- The astounding experience of gorilla trekking
- Visiting the thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
- Wildebeest river crossings and predator sightings
- Witness the coastal beauty of Cape of Good Hope
- Wander about Boulders Beach to see rare African penguins
- Big 5 safari and game viewing in East Africa
- Shopping and dining at the V&A Waterfront
- Experience the thrills of a guided bush walk
Tour 4: A Memorable African Anniversary
”Wowed
- ”Kathy
Kathy and Naude’s 16-day itinerary overview
Africa is a romantic choice for couples celebrating anniversaries or even honeymoons. This trip encompassed Botswana and the Victoria Falls before moving on to Kenya and Tanzania. Be sure to tell your personal Africa Safari Expert if it is a special occasion so that they can let your lodges and camps along the way know. Many will make an effort to mark the moment in some small way if they can.
Favourite activities
- Superb game viewing on land and water
- A Big 5 safari in East Africa
- Witnessing cheetahs and lions stalk the plains
- Local village visits to interact with the children (‘buying’ a cow is optional!)
Tour 5: Seeing the Wildebeest Cross the Sand River
”Thank
- ”Robert”
Robert’s 17-day itinerary overview
Robert combined his trip to Amboseli National Park (famous for its views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro) and the Masai Mara with time in Cape Town in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This is a bumper itinerary that takes in some of Africa’s top highlights.
Favourite activities
- Land- and water-based game viewing
- Witnessing the powerful Victoria Falls
- Following the Migration river crossings
- Bird watching with knowledgeable guides
- Soaking in the views from on top of Table Mountain
We hope you have some inspiration for your upcoming Migration safari. Remember, you don’t have to see the Wildebeest: as our past travellers show, you can also visit Cape Town, visit Victoria Falls and even go gorilla trekking. The beauty of a tailormade itinerary is that every step is created exactly for your budget and expectations – what more could you want?
