Compare Meru & Masai Mara Premier Safari by Siyabona Africa vs Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara by Explorer Kenya Safaris
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
Duration | 8 days | 4 days |
Price From | Check price | $ 1,449 |
Price Per Day | Check price | $ 362 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
|
|
Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 2 Dinners |
Description |
This 8 Day Meru & Mara Premier Safari takes you to where Elsa the Lion of Born Free fame lived and the wildlife rich plains of the Masai Mara during your Kenya holiday. |
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: Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives and driven to your accommodation for the night. Depending on when you arrive, set out and explore the sights such as the Karen Blixen Museum or the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. In the evening dine out at one of the local restaurants in town. (All Meals for Own Account)
Day 2: Meru National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
In the morning after breakfast you will be driven to Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight to Meru. One of the guides will meet you at the airstrip and drive you to the lodge for the next 3 nights. En route enjoy game viewing, spotting Eland, Lesser Kudu and Reticulated Giraffe during your Kenya holiday. The Reserve was made famous by George and Joy Adamson's biographical book "Born Free".
Day 3 & 4: Meru National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
During your safari holidays in Kenya; spend the next two days exploring the Meru National Park on guided game drives. Seek out some of the regions nocturnal animals such as Leopard on a night game drive. Explore on foot, touching the plants and learning about their uses in the company of an experienced guide. The Tana River is a good place to spot Hippo while on a river cruise. Sip on an ice-cold drink and watch the sun slip below the horizon.
Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
In the morning after breakfast you will be driven to the airstrip for a private charter flight to the Masai Mara. The scenic flight is a great opportunity to take in the scope of the landscape. After landing a guide from the Masai Mara camp will meet you and take you to the camp for the next 3 nights. Delight in some of the best game viewing in Africa en route. Home of the Great Migration, the plains of the Mara abound with wildlife, notably huge herds of Wildebeest.
Day 6 & 7: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Masai Mara has open savannahs dotted with umbrella Acacia trees. See herds of Elephant, graceful Giraffe and many species of plains game while on game drives and intrepid bush walks led by knowledgeable guides who know the area intimately. As the Masai Mara camp lies in a private concession, night drives are permitted, allowing you to see the nocturnal animals.
Day 8: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast
On the final morning of your Meru & Masai Mara Premier Safari , there will be a final game drive in the Mara, tuck into a delicious breakfast before being driven to the airstrip and catching a flight back to Nairobi's Wilson Airport. There a representative will meet you and take you to the international airport, or speak to one of our Destination Specialists about booking extra accommodation in Nairobi.
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.