Overview
Every year, around 1.5 million wildebeest, 350,000 Thomson’s gazelle, 200,000 zebra, and thousands of eland and other ungulates (hoofed animals) participate in ‘the most incredible animal show on Earth: the Great Migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
When the grassy plains of the southernmost Serengeti begin to dry out, the ever-moving columns of wildebeest follow an age-old route in search of greener pastures and water, prompting them to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River between June and September. Hundreds of predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas also await the great migration, and the daily deadly game of life and death on the unforgiving plains becomes even more heightened during this period.
This is an ideal time for tourists to combine their visits to two of the world’s most popular safari destinations—Masai Mara and Serengeti—into one itinerary.
Lush Africa Safaris will secure your front-row seat in this amphitheater of nature’s spectacle.
This tour can be taken any time of the year if your goal is to see the Big Five and other animals. But if your sole aim is to see the great migration, we will tailor your accommodations in Masai Mara and Serengeti to be closer to the river crossing.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Itinerary
Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport exit point by our team. Arriving in the morning will help our aim to reach Masai Mara before the gates close at 6PM. Nairobi to Masai Mara is approximately 5 hrs drive.
If time permits, enjoy a brief stop-over in Narok Town for refreshments and to use the restrooms before continuing your journey to Masai Mara with a short game drive enroute before reaching the lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for check in and lunch. After lunch, head out for a thrilling introductory evening game drive in the magnificent Masai Mara. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
The Maasai Mara (also known as the Masai Mara, and locally simply as The Mara) is a large game reserve in Narok County, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar: “Mara” means “spotted” in the local Maasai language of Maa, due to the many trees which dot the landscape. It is world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephant, and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and other antelope, to and from the Serengeti every year known as the Great Migration. The Masai Mara “Big Five” are the Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino.
Activity duration may vary
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Early morning breakfast and depart the lodge with your packed lunch boxes for a full day game viewing across the rich tree-studded grassland and rolling hills. At lunchtime, our guide will pick a scenic (and safe) spot where you will enjoy your lunch and hear animals howling, birds chirping and the mighty Mara River flowing across the savannah bringing life to the park. After watching more of the spectacle that never gets dull, transfer back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
*Note*
On this day clients can choose to have AM & PM game drives but this needs to be organized with our driver guide the day before.
EXTRA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS MASAI MARA:
Masai Village Visit
A visit to a Maasai Boma (Masai village tour) is an interesting experience. On arrival at the village, you can expect to be greeted in the traditional manner, excited children and adults welcome you with song and dance, at certain times, and one of the dancers will jump up and down gracefully. The jumps are several feet high and as they jump higher the singers will raise the pitch of their voices. You will be invited to try jumping – (dancing), too. Thereafter receive a warm welcome into the unique oval, dome shaped homesteads (called Manyatta). The homesteads are made of cow dung and clay plastered over stick frames with thatched roofs, it is the job of the Maasai women to build these sturdy dwellings. Get a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history, culture and lifestyle of these Maasai. There is also the opportunity to learn about some of the customary practices, such as fire-making or beadwork, and to speak to the villagers in their homes.
Masai Mara Balloon Safari Experience:
The adventure begins just before dawn. Guests assemble at the launch site for a briefing as the flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. As the dawn breaks, the hot air balloon fills and then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-colored canopy, you’re off for a wildlife-viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara. The flight lasts around an hour, drifting wherever the air currents take you. There are ample opportunities for photography and video filming. Then your
Kenyan Hot Air Balloon Safari finishes with a flourish. In the time-honored tradition of balloon flights the world over, you toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land.
Kindly note* Balloon Safari age limit is 8 years and above
Activity duration may vary
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Another full-day game drive in Masai Mara. We will take you to the river crossing again.
Activity duration may vary
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For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
After an early morning breakfast, check out from your lodge and enjoy a final game drive en route to the Kenya-Tanzania border with packed picnic lunch boxes. Border formalities and thereafter pick up by our Tanzania team and transfer to your Serengeti lodge with game drive en-route. Check-in at your lodge and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Activity duration may vary
You can add details and images related to the accommodation.
For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
Even the all-powe
Wake before dawn for an unforgettable sunrise game drive. Marvel at how the sun sets fire to the savannah as you go in search of big cats on the hunt for their morning meal.
After breakfast, spend an entire day out on the plains of the Serengeti searching for the Big Five among other animals. Weaving through kopjes upon which lions sun themselves, you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic wildlife against the open plains and big sky of Tanzania’s crown jewel. Dinner and overnight stay in Serengeti
OPTIONAL EXCURSION IN SERENGETI:
Serengeti Balloon Safari Experience:
The adventure begins just before dawn. Guests assemble at the launch site for a briefing as the flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. As the dawn breaks the hot air balloon fills and then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-colored canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains and the forest of the Serengeti National Park. The flight lasts around an hour, drifting wherever the air currents take you. There are ample opportunities for photography and video filming.
Then your Hot Air Balloon Safari adventure finishes with a flourish. Upon landing celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in out of
African style with bone china, linen tablecloths, kings silver, etc.
Activity duration may vary
rful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Dan decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, checkout and drive via the beautiful high lying farmland of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Head down into the crater for a day of exploration in the incredible Ngorongoro Crater with a packed picnic lunch. Late in the afternoon ascend 600 Meters and transfer to your Ngorongoro Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Activity duration may vary
After a relaxed breakfast, check out from the lodge and enjoy a final game drive en route to JRO airport for your return International flight. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have enough time to do a cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu – the multicultural village that is home to more than 120 tribes. A half-day tour of Mto wa Mbu gives you the opportunity to interact with local farmers, as well as artisans, craftsmen and painters.
Activity duration may vary
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Airport meet and greet services
- 3 Nights stay in Masai Mara on a full board basis
- Individual Park/conservancy fees for Masai Mara National Reserve
- Private game drive within Masai Mara National Reserve with a 4×4 customized safari land cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Private transport in a customized safari land cruiser with services of an experienced English-speaking driver guide throughout the safari
- Road transfer from Masai Mara to Isebania (Tanzania) border
- 2 Nights stay in Serengeti on a full board basis
- 1 Night stay in Ngorongoro on a full board basis
- Ngorongoro full-day crater tour and experience
- Individual Park / Conservancy fees for Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
- Private Transport and game drives within Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater with a 4×4 Customized safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Concession Fees
- Serengeti De-snaring project contribution
- Drinking water throughout the safari
- Mentioned return airport transfers
- All Applicable government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Visa
- International Flights
- Tips/gratuities to Driver/Guide (budget approximately $10 – US$ 20 per person, per day)
- Extras
- Items of a Personal Nature
- Beverages not stated in the Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
Map
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No other way to get satisfactionBy Sunita Sharmafrom GreeceJanuary 22, 2022Sunrise is the most beautiful and basecamp sunrise should be a must if you\'re in the area. Did the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Eco Adventure and cannot recommend Joel and his team highly enough. Joel knows what Western travelers want and need. He is intelligent, informative, wise, careful and a mine of information about Nepal, its history, and customs.Date of Experience: November 30, 2016
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