East Africa - Migration Safari #1 // Born Free Safaris

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East Africa - Migration Safari #1

At a glance

East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania

11 Days/10 Nights

July-September

From $11,420 USD/PER PERSON

Overview
Itinerary
Accommodations

East Africa - Migration Safari #1

In Search of the Great Migration

11 Days/10 Nights

EMPHASIS - MAASAI MARA, KENYA

The Great Migration is an annual journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of water and grasses. With them follow migratory predators. Not as well known is that the migratory herds from the Serengeti split, going north into the Mara in Kenya and to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.

The migration is a dynamic ecosystem. A rigid itinerary can result in completely missing the migrating herds or extremely long drives. The Serengeti and Maasai Mara cover 15,000 square miles. The herds follow an ancient circuit that covers over 1,800 miles from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the southern Serengeti and back again.

With flexible planning according to the herds' past movements, we can significantly improve viewing opportunities by rotating bases for safaris. No one, no company can guarantee that you will see the river crossing. Exact tracking is unpredictable. This safari spends extended time in the Serengeti and/or Mara, increasing the chances of encountering the large herds of wildebeest.

The migration follows the timeline below depending on the rains:

Jan–Mar (Calving Season): Herds congregate in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) and the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Apr–May: Heaviest rainfalls. Travel not recommended until late May at the earliest.

Jun: Herds move northwest through the Western Corridor and Grumeti region.

Jul: Herds split and start to cross into Kenya's Mara and to Tarangire in Tanzania.

Aug-Sep: The migratory herds settle and have relocated to feed and drink.

Oct: Triggered by rain, the herds head south again from the Mara into Tanzania.

Nov: Herds are scattered but base should be around the central Serengeti.

Dec: Herds and predators continue their movement to the south.

MISCONCEPTION - "If I miss the migration, I have missed my safari!" This is incorrect. Elephant, giraffe, many zebra, and resident cats including lion and cheetah remain year-round in the Serengeti and the Mara.

Safari drive times: All times are shown as approximate transit times. Does not include game drives.

Highlights

Seasonally Dynamic Safaris to Maximize Game Viewing
Flights: Serengeti to Arusha; Arusha to Nairobi
Private Safari Guide and Vehicle in Tanzania
Resident guide and limited guests in vehicle in Kenya
Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Serengeti National Park
Unlimited Game Drives in Tanzania
Maasai Interactions

Journey Rates & Details

Rates displayed represent starting prices for the categories shown. Under the Born Free flexible “Choice of Accommodations” option, prices are estimated and can be dynamically scaled up or down to align with your specific requirements.

Rates are based on 2 guests traveling in one room.

Request Rates for Solo traveler, Triple Rooms, Children

2027 Travel	Platinum	Gold	Silver
July-September	$20,250	$15,480	$11,420

Day-by-day itinerary

Day
01

Arusha, Tanzania

Once through customs and immigration, you will be greeted by Born Free’s local VIP representative and escorted to your lodge. Most flights arrive in the evening, and Born Free has arranged for your room to be ready upon check-in. Get a good night’s sleep - your adventure begins in the morning!

"Karibu" = "Welcome" in Swahili

Dinner
Day
02

Tarangire National Park

Meet your Born Free Professional Guide and board the deluxe safari cruiser with photographic hatch. Your private guide will be with you for the duration of your safari in Tanzania.

Our network of guides is in constant touch with each other, checking daily wildlife movements. Then you are off into the bush for your safari.

Your first destination is Tarangire National Park, a uniquely beautiful park with prehistoric looking baobab and sausage trees. Each season in Tarangire offers a great introduction to the wildlife, from the split migrating herds to calves birthing season. This is an area that should not be missed.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
03

Tarangire National Park

Wake up invigorated and anxious to explore the African bush. Your guide will take you to the heart of the park to find the best wildlife. Large parades of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and antelope can be found.

Lying in wait are the predators - lion, cheetah, hyena - and there is always the possibility of seeing the rare and magnificent leopard.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
04

Lake Manyara National Park

Treetop Walkway

The safari continues to the foothills of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara National Park. This small but impressive park is home to five different vegetation zones. Keep your eyes open for the legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. The park has recorded more than 380 species of bird, including a chance to see the multitude of pink-hued flamingo on their perpetual migration.

A unique feature is the Manyara Treetop Walkway, which will take you treetop level through the lush, forested area of the park. From this unique perspective, see life at the top among butterflies, monkeys, and birds.

Continue to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for overnight. Our key location will allow us to access Ngorongoro early and leave as late as possible.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
05

Ngorongoro Crater

Set off early this morning to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The collapsed volcanic caldera is 2,000 feet deep and encompasses 150 square miles of a very delicate ecosystem.

Its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthrall visitors. The crater contains an impressive variety of wildlife, including black-manned lions, herds of elephant, hippo, zebra, and hyena. A special sighting would be a glimpse of the rare black rhinoceros. The birdlife is also prolific, with flocks of flamingo.

To protect Ngorongoro and its vital feeding grounds, strict conservation regulations require all travelers to depart out of the crater by 3:30 pm. These measures are essential for the long-term protection of the animals and their habitat.

On your way back to your lodge, stop at a small off-the-beaten-path Maasai village. Each visit is different as we never know what is happening that day. This is life as it happens. Nothing will be set up or rehearsed.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
06

OLDUVAI - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Following the Migration

Head out this morning across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the Olduvai Museum, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. The British/Kenyan archeologist team Mary and Louis Leakey established research programs at Olduvai. Homo habilis, probably the first early human species, occupied the area approximately 1.9 million years ago.

The Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa. Every year, it hosts what is now recognized as "the greatest show on earth." More than a million wildebeest and two hundred thousand zebra pass through the reserve on their endless journey, following the rains in search of greener grasses. With them follow the migratory predators.

This itinerary is designed for extended time in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, in the best locations during the season of travel. Locations in the Serengeti and the Mara may change. Shown is a general example of the safari that is planned for July-October.

Our guides will be in constant touch with park rangers, checking on the movements of the herds. At a moment's notice, we will be able to head to a crossing point to hopefully catch the actually crossing.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
07

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Head deeper into the Serengeti. In one sweep of binoculars, you could see a hundred elephant, lion, cheetah, impala, zebra, and wildebeest.

The Serengeti never ceases to amaze. Each day will be a surprise as the daily wildlife routine unfolds. However, there will be nothing routine as far as what you see.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
08

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Kenya

Cross into Kenya by a flight and land transfer.

The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti ecosystem. Upon arrival into Kenya, you are met by the resident Mara transfer guide, with game drives on way to base camp.

The Maasai Mara's wide, open plains are a sanctuary for abundant wildlife, no matter what time of the year. Your base for exploration will in the Mara Triangle, recommended as to your travel time. All will endeavor an immersive wildlife experience.

The Big Five can be observed, along with huge pods of hippo. Wildlife species are basically the same in the Serengeti and the Mara, but every day will be guaranteed to be different!

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
09

Maasai Mara National Reserve

More concentrating on game viewing in the Mara. As in Tanzania, the guides are in constant touch with each other, on alert for "the crossing."

Additional time is spent in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, following the migrating herds. You can explore, wait, and experience, rather than continually move areas.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

.
Day
10

Maasai Mara National Reserve

This morning would be a perfect time to take the optional dawn Hot-Air Balloon Safari. Float silently over the Mara, seeing the great open plains, the escarpment, the winding rivers, and possibly wildlife.

Set down for a champagne breakfast and then off on a game drive in search of that species you may not have seen yet at this point.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Special Activity:
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Balloon safari at dawn over the Mara with a champagne bush breakfast, from $575 per person.
Day
11

Nairobi - Onward Journey

Bid a sad farewell to the African bush, as you leave behind the Mara with promises of returning and exploring more of this fabulous continent.

Fly back to Nairobi, where day rooms await. Relax before your evening departure for your onward journey.

Breakfast / Lunch

Available accommodation levels

From understated, high comfort stays to ultra-luxury lodges, Africa offers some of the most unique accommodations in the world. We believe where you stay, especially while on safari, is a core part of your journey, providing far more than just a place to sleep.

The properties shown are intended to spark inspiration. Born Free will discuss the choices and recommend those that align with your budget and comfort preferences. These selections are based on seasonality, site inspections, and—most importantly—feedback from our travelers. Most itineraries can mix and match the Platinum, Gold, and Silver categories.

Platinum
Overview
Platinum properties transcend 5-star standards to offer curated, flawless luxury. These are more than stays; they are unforgettable experiences.

Recommendations
Arusha:
- Arusha Coffee Lodge, Kahawa House
Tarangire National Park:
- Swala, Tarangire Treetops, Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Ngorongoro Rim:
- Crater Lodge, Lemala Osonjoi, Entamanu
Ngorongoro Region:
- The Manor, Ngorongoro Neptune
Serengeti National Park:
- Singita, Bushtops, Serian, Songa, Singita Grumeti
Maasai Mara National Reserve:
- Bateleur, Wilderness Mara, Sand River
Mara Conservancies:
- Ngare Serian, Mara Plains, Cottar's Camp
Gold
Overview
Gold accommodations are only a "notch" below Platinum, generally in ambience. Nothing is left behind in comfort, location and overall experience.

Recommendations
Arusha:
- Gran Melia
Tarangire National Park:
- Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire Ndovu, Oliver's Camp (pictured)
Ngorongoro Rim:
- Lion's Paw, Lemala Tented, Ngorongoro Melia, Craters Edge
Ngorongoro Region:
- Gibb's Farm
Serengeti National Park:
- Kuria Hills, Lamai, Grumeti River Lodge
Maasai Mara National Reserve:
- Soroi Mara Bush, Mara Intrepid, Ashnil Mara
Mara Conservancies:
- Mara Toto, Naboisho, Serian
Silver
Overview
Our most popular class of accommodations. Select locations and are often mixed with Gold level properties. Simply a good value.

Recommendations
Arusha:
- Rivertrees Inn, Lake Duluti Lodge
Tarangire National Park:
- Kuro Tree, Maweninga, Elephant Springs
Ngorongoro Rim:
- Lion's Paw
Ngorongoro Region:
- Kitela Lodge, Plantation Lodge
Serengeti National Park:
- Lake Masek Tented, Togoro Plains, Mara River Post
Maasai Mara National Reserve:
- Entim, Kichwa Tembo
Mara Conservancies:
- Mara Expedition, Encounter Mara, Karen Blixen Camp (pictured)
Value
Overview
Properties are straightforward without compromising the experience. Special rates are often offered by booking multiple nights in the same hotel portfolio.

Recommendations
Arusha:
- Arumeru
Tarangire National Park:
- Maweninga
Ngorongoro Rim:
- Serena, Rhino Lodge
Ngorongoro Region:
- Bashay Rift, Ngorongoro Farmhouse
Serengeti National Park:
- Grumeti Hills
Maasai Mara National Reserve:
- Ilkeliani (pictured)

Wishlist

East Africa - Migration Safari #1

At a glance

East Africa - Migration Safari #1

In Search of the Great Migration

Highlights

Journey Rates & Details

Day-by-day itinerary

Available accommodation levels

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Value

Associations

Insurance