Great Migration Safari Packages
For those planning to witness the incredible phenomenon of the Great Migration in Kenya, we offer unparalleled luxury, mid-range, and budget camping packages that combine the thrill of the River Crossing with an avian sanctuary. Allow me to share the exquisite details of Kambu Campers’ exclusive luxury package, ensuring your stay in elegant 4-star accommodations.
I previously shared a guide about Great Migration dates for 2024 including maps and routes here.
Our Great Migration Safari Packages for All Budgets:
With a deep passion for camping, we established Kambu with a sincere dedication to providing affordable safari packages. Over time, we have grown to cater to all types of budgets, offering luxurious experiences for those seeking opulence, as well as catering to our loyal campers who find joy in pitching a tent.
Below, you will find detailed descriptions of three distinct safari packages. Each package spans four days and offers varying price points as well as accommodation options. All the Tz to Kenya migration safari options involve chauffeured transport options starting and ending in Nairobi. Read more about chauffeured car hire with driver/guide here.
Let’s start with the Great Wildebeest Migration Luxury safari package that we are very excited to share for the upcoming 2024 season.
Best Time for Migration Safari Packages
Our 3 best Great Migration Safari packages are available from July to October, as this is the period when Wildebeest gets to spend 3 months in Kenya. In July to early August, there are few herds of migrating herders but their peak crossing period is at the end of August and early September. We anticipate the 2024 Crossing Season to start from around the 25th of August to the 10th of September although you may still experience some migration until early October. Read more about the 2024 dates here or read more about the best time to visit Kenya here.
I highly recommend booking your safari from late August to early September to ensure the best chances of witnessing the Great Migration up close. However, even outside of this prime migration period, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru offer fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Below, you will find detailed descriptions of three distinct safari packages. Each package spans four days and offers varying price points as well as accommodation options.
Let’s start with the Great Wildebeest Migration Luxury safari package that we are very excited to share for the upcoming 2024 season. Check out our Kenya luxury safari packages here or this specific Mara luxury package.
Overview of the Great Migration Luxury Safari for 4 Days:
Embark on a captivating 4-day luxury safari, venturing from Nairobi to the mesmerizing landscapes of Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. This extraordinary journey showcases the enchanting Great Rift Valley of Kenya, offering breathtaking vistas and thrilling wildlife encounters. Delight in exhilarating game drives as you explore two of Kenya’s premier game parks. Our exclusive safari package includes a customized 4×4 pop-up roof safari jeep equipped with a portable fridge/cooler box and charging ports. To enhance your experience, we provide a knowledgeable English-speaking safari guide who ensures an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the splendors of nature and create cherished memories on this remarkable safari expedition.
Great Migration Luxury Safari Package 4-day Itinerary
Day 1:
On the first day of your safari, you will be picked up from your hotel or the airport and embark on a scenic drive down to the Rift Valley, continuing to Masai Mara, Kenya’s premier game reserve. Throughout the journey, you will have the pleasure of your own private 4WD safari vehicle. The vehicle is fitted with a cooler and bottled water and charging ports for computers and phones. Along the way, a brief stop will be made at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the world’s largest valley. Additionally, a quick coffee break awaits in Narok town before the final 1-hour stretch to Sekenani from Narok town. Arriving at Masai Mara in time for a delightful lunch, you will then embark on an afternoon game drive at 3:30 p.m., allowing for unparalleled wildlife sightings in the park. By 6.30 pm, you will return to your lodge, filled with unforgettable experiences.
For this package, we chose Entim Mara Luxury Camp for dinner and overnight stay as the Camp is literary meters away from the Mara River famous for hosting the Great Migration of grazers crossing over to Kenya. The Camp is only 163 meters(534 ft) away from the River and you’ll have breathtaking views of the migration from your tent.
Day 2:
Rise and shine early with a hot cup of coffee or tea, as you embark on a full day game drive at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Your private vehicle will take you through the vast savannah plains, home to an abundant array of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. With the help of your experienced guide, you will have the opportunity to spot some of Africa’s rarest and most elusive animals such as the cheetah or the black rhino. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve before continuing your game drive until sunset.
In the evening, head back to Entim Mara Luxury Camp for a scrumptious dinner and overnight stay, with the soothing sounds of nature as your backdrop.
Day 3:
Embark on a memorable adventure with a pre-morning game drive, followed by a delicious breakfast before setting off for Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, enjoy delectable lunches in Narok town. Your journey will take you past the stunning Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita. If time permits, you can even opt for a scenic one-hour boat ride on Lake Naivasha. By early evening, you will arrive at Nakuru, where you’ll indulge in a delightful dinner and spend the night at the exquisite Lake Nakuru Lodge, nestled within the park.
Day 4:
On the final day, we will conclude with a delightful breakfast followed by a brief game drive in the captivating Lake Nakuru National Park. As we make our way back to Nairobi, you will be served a delectable lunch en route. This marks the last stretch of your safari, with approximately 3 hours of scenic drive remaining before reaching Nairobi. In the afternoon, we will drop you off at your preferred location in Nairobi, ensuring a seamless conclusion to your unforgettable journey.
What’s Included and Excluded:
Inclusions;
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- All meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- Services of an experienced guide and driver throughout the safari
- Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary
- Park fees and conservation charges
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with guaranteed window seat
Exclusions:
- International flights to and from Nairobi
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Price for a 4-day Luxury safari trip:
The cost of this exclusive 4-day luxury safari trip can vary depending on the number of people, time of year, and other factors. Generally, you can expect to pay $2700 to $3000 per person for a 4-day high-end safari where you’ll get to stay at some of the exclusive accommodations above.
4-Day Budget Great Migration Safari Package with Camping Accommodation
If the luxury package to come to view the River Crossing is outside of your budget, we also offer a 4-day budget camping safari where you have the option of pitching a tent at our Kambu Mara Camp situated just outside Sekenani, the main gate to the Mara Reserve. For the first two days, you’ll stay at Kambu Mara Camp and on the third day, you’ll spend the night at Nderit Campsite located just outside Lake Nakuru National Park.
Check out our Masai Mara camping safari package here
Below is your typical itinerary;
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Meet your safari guide in the morning at your preferred pick-up location within Nairobi. We will then drive approximately 4-5 hours through the scenic Great Rift Valley to reach Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll have a chance to stop at the Rift Valley Escarpment View Point and at Narok town for a quick coffee before continuing on the last 1-hour of the journey. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive en route to our camp, where you’ll have lunch and some time to relax before heading out for an evening game drive to spot some of the Big Five and other wildlife. Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay. Check out all 17 activities you can do at Kambu Mara Camp here.
Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara
Today, you’ll have a full day to explore the vast Masai Mara National Reserve with your guide. To see the River Crossing, you’ll drive for at least an hour from the main Gate to the nearest Mara River crossing where you’ll have a chance to see thousands of grazers preparing or already crossing Mara River. Enjoy morning and evening game drives, as well as optional activities such as hot air balloon rides or visits to a Maasai village. Lunch will be served at a scenic picnic spot in the reserve, giving you the chance to take in the breathtaking views while enjoying your meal. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Kambu Mara Camp.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, we’ll drive approximately 3.5 hours to reach Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local market for some fresh produce and snacks. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru, enjoy a game drive en route to Nderit Campsite located just outside the park. Here, you’ll have the unique experience of camping in the wild while still having access to basic facilities such as toilets and showers. Dinner will be served at the campsite.
Day 4: Heading back
While optional, you can go on a morning game drive after your breakfast before embarking on your journey back to Nairobi.
Inclusions and Exclusions in this package:
Inclusions:
- Accommodation at Kambu Mara Camp and Nderit Campsite
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entrance fees and government taxes
Exclusions:
- International flights and visa fees
- Optional activities such as hot air balloon rides or visits to a Maasai village
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Drinks, laundry, and other personal expenses
Additional Activities:
In addition to the game drives included in the package, there are optional activities that can enhance your safari experience. These include:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the Masai Mara from a whole new perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the park. This activity is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.
- Maasai Village Visit: Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their culture and way of life. Interact with the villagers, see their homes, and even participate in some traditional activities. This can also be arranged at an extra cost and must be booked in advance.
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha: Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see the resident hippos and other wildlife from a different angle.
- Nature walks: Embark on a guided nature walk with a Maasai guide and learn about the flora and fauna of the area.
- Cultural performances: Enjoy traditional dances and songs performed by local tribes in the evenings at the campsite.
- Cycling at Hell’s Gate: For the adventurous, take a cycling tour through Hell’s Gate National Park and get up close with wildlife such as giraffes and zebras.
Keep in mind that these activities are subject to availability and may require additional costs. It is recommended to book them in advance to ensure availability during your safari. Your driver/guide will be happy to assist you with booking any of these activities.
What’s the cost of a cheap package to watch the Great Migration in 2024
If you opt for cheap accommodations with basic amenities or shared facilities like those at Kambu Mara Camp, you can expect an all-inclusive 4-day package to cost you $1,200 to $1,500 and can increase if you opt for optional activities such as a balloon ride, nature walks, cultural village visit, and more.
Mid-range 4-Day Great Migration Safari Package
This package is about 30% more expensive than the camping safari option but still lasts for 4 days and you’ll get to visit both Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. You will be staying at AA Lodge in the Mara for 2 nights and at Lake Nakuru Lodge for one night.
Below is your itinerary for a mid-range safari option in Kenya;
Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara
On the first day of the trip, you’ll be picked up by your driver-guide at your hotel or in the airport. You’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Maasai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Great Rift Valley and stop at the viewpoint to take in the stunning views. You will also have a quick stop for coffee in Narok town – either Java House, Narok Coffee House or Art Caffe. After arriving at your lodge, you’ll have lunch and rest for a bit before heading out for an evening game drive starting at 3:30 pm. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Masai Mara:
After breakfast, you’ll have a full day in Maasai Mara National Reserve and to have a wholesome Great Migration experience, you’ll be driven upwards from Sekenani towards Mara River. As your driver-guide drives towards one of the River Crossing Points, you’ll also get to enjoy game viewing as many animals often migrate along with the Great Migration herds such as wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes. You’ll have a picnic lunch at the river before continuing with your game drive. You will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Maasai Mara – Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Maasai Mara National Reserve towards Lake Nakuru National Park. After arriving at the park, you’ll check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out for a game drive to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that call this park home. You’ll also have a chance to spot the famous pink flamingos that flock to the lake’s shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Lake Nakuru is a relatively small park (17.37 sq miles) which is almost 34 times smaller than Masai Mara and you can easily cover the entire Park in 2 hours or even less. This explains why we decided to only dedicate an afternoon game drive to this park. The reason we visit Lake Nakuru is to get a chance to spot the beautiful flamingos that call this lake home and also to view some of the Big Five animals such as lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, and sometimes even elusive cheetahs.
Lake Nakuru is a sanctuary for endangered black rhinos, safeguarded by 24-hour armed protection. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, which makes it an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts. After your game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru – Nairobi
After breakfast, you’ll have a 1-hour drive through the Park as you head towards Lanet Gate on your way to Nairobi. You’ll have some chance to spot the Rotchild Giraffe and even some predators such as lions known for being very active at dawn. On your drive, you’ll pass through Lake Naivasha with great lodges and fun-filled Hell’s Gate Park. You’ll also pass through other notable attractions such as Mount Longonot as you approach Mahiu Mahiu Center and will get one last view of the escarpment before arriving in Nairobi.
Inclusions and Exclusions:
Inclusions:
- Full board accommodation in a safari lodge/tented camp
- All park fees and government taxes
- Private safari vehicle with professional driver/guide
- Bottled water during game drives
- Safari activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
Please note that the above itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, park regulations, and any other unforeseen circumstances. Our team will make every effort to ensure that you have a remarkable safari experience while adhering to safety measures.
Optional Activities:
- Hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara
- Maasai village visit
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha
Cost of 4-day mid-range safari: $1500 – $1900 per person
The cost of the 4-day mid-range safari package includes all inclusions mentioned above, along with comfortable accommodations and transportation. Prices may vary depending on the time of year, the number of travelers, and any optional activities chosen. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $2,200 per person depending on the time of the year. Please note that the rate for this mid-range package can be significantly lowered if you stay at our Kambu Mara Camp.
What’s the cost/price of the Great Migration Safari package:
The key determinant of the cost of your Great Migration safari package is the choice of accommodation you choose. I am assuming that you’ll be visiting Masai Mara during the tourist peak season starting in July to October and the rates range from as
The cost of the Great Migration safari package can vary depending on the number of days, accommodations, and activities included. However, as a rough estimate, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1200 to $3,000 per person for a 4-day safari package. Our team will work with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your budget and preferences, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Which Great Migration Safari Package to Pick?
If you have a love for camping, enjoy saving money, and don’t mind shared amenities like toilets and bathrooms, then the budget safari option is perfect for you. With prices starting as low as $1200, you’ll still get the opportunity to witness the incredible River Crossing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable and private experience with top-notch accommodations and amenities, then the mid-range or luxury safari packages are more suitable. These packages range from $1500 to $3000 per person and offer a wide range of activities and experiences, including hot air balloon rides, bush dinners, and cultural visits. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and our team is committed to ensuring that you have an unforgettable safari experience, regardless of the package you choose.