Compare Rwanda's gorillas & Kenya's Big Five by Audley Travel vs Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara by Explorer Kenya Safaris
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 11 days | 4 days |
Price From | $ 7,362 | $ 1,449 |
Price Per Day | $ 669 | $ 362 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 2 Dinners |
Description |
Enjoy two of Africa's most iconic wildlife experiences. Track mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Search for lion, leopard and cheetah on safari in the Masai Mara. |
The seventh greatest wonder in the world.” It is now officially known throughout the world. Many have come back time and again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through the unspoiled and savage wilderness. The air fills with the click-click of the cameras. You have not seen something like this before. Africa is changing at a quick pace, and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional migration routes. In association with the development and changes in the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting deleted. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides on wildlife concentration. Masai Mara is located in the southwestern of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi. The abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy. Migration is a recent phenomenon (the ’60s and ’70s was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 Individuals. Gradually, with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 Individuals. Add to it an estimated 1,500,000 Zebras, and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross the river or to drink. It is the Masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon. The wildebeests compete with their vast herds of Boran cattle for the grasslands. To them, it is a big calamity especially because the wildebeests transmit diseases to their flocks and poison the waters with their fetal sacs. This world-famous migration is a circle of life which, in simple terms, means that there isn’t a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The significant determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas take many. Newborns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the “pilgrim” continues. By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti, and the plains have dried up. The vast herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawnmowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass which is favored by the wildebeests. In late June to July, the mass starts pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures. The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually, around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim. This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they await the forthcoming feast. Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds usually teamed with zebras, creates an incredible scene. Just what the cameras have been waiting for. They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience. The survey for a less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river, and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line crosses the river. In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river’s current can be too strong for some especially the young ones. Or simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done, and the trek to their unknown (or known)destiny continues. Maasai Mara Serengeti wildebeest migration safari in the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to a lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kigali.
Day 2 : Ruhengeri
On arrival in Kigali you will be met by your guide who will assist you with your bags and drive you through the countryside to Ruhengeri.
Day 3 : Ruhengeri
Gorilla tracking day! Set off early this morning for a briefing at the park HQ before you start the trek through the bamboo zone and into the forest. The trek will take anything between 2 and 5 hours to reach the gorillas and you then have one precious hour to spend watching these fascinating primates before trekking back to the trailhead. Spend the time taking photos, learning about their behaviour from the guide and watching them interact.
Day 4 : Ruhengeri
A different day in the forest today - set off in the morning to track one of the troops of golden monkeys. They live in troops of approximately 80 members on the lower slopes of the forest, making it an easier trek. They are wonderfully lively and entertaining to watch, leaping through the bamboo above your head! There will be time this afternoon to either relax or explore the area with your guide.
Day 5 : Nairobi
You will return to Kigali for a city tour, including a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial museum. You will fly to Nairobi this afternoon, where you will be met and driven to a hotel to overnight.
Day 6 : Masai Mara
You will be transferred to the domestic airport this morning for your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara, an hour away. Stay for four nights at the wonderful Karen Blixen Camp overlooking the Mara River and Olololo escarpment. Enjoy lunch and a siesta before going on a game drive in the mid-afternoon to search for any wildlife nearby.
Day 7 : Masai Mara
Enjoy game drives in the morning and afternoon with the excellent guides at Karen Blixen Camp.
Day 8 : Masai Mara
Another day on safari, enjoying the superb wildlife of the Masai Mara.
Day 9 : Masai Mara
A final day on safari in the Masai Mara. As well as the famous big cats, you can spend your time searching for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, hyena and more.
Day 10 : International return flight
Fly out of the Masai Mara in the late morning to Nairobi Airport.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve
Distance: 275 kms (5 hrs) Morning drive into the Masai Mara with its amazing migration, concentration of wildlife and outstanding scenery. Lunch. Afternoon game drive. Overnight at MARA SERENA LODGE
Day 2: Maasai Mara Game Reserve Full Day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives in the finest game sanctuary in Kenya, noted for its wildebeest migration, lions and other wildlife. MARA SERENA LODGE.
Day 3: Maasai Mara Game Reserve Full Day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full day in Maasai Mara with a morning and afternoon game drive. All meals and overnight at MARA SERENA LODGE
Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve – Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Have an early morning game drive, breakfast then depart for Nairobi arriving in the late afternoon where your safari ends.