Step into the rhythm of the wild and witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles the Great Migration. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles sweep across the open plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, trailed by the continent’s most powerful predators in a timeless dance of survival and renewal.
With Nyumbu Beyond Journeys, you’ll experience this natural wonder in unmatched comfort and style. Our expertly crafted two-week Great Migration Safari combines the very best of Kenya and Tanzania, offering exceptional wildlife viewing, seamless travel logistics, and stays at handpicked lodges and tented camps that blend elegance with authenticity.
From the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti to the rolling hills of the Mara, every day brings a new chapter of discovery lion hunts at dawn, elephant herds at sunset, and endless horizons alive with movement. Accompanied by our expert local tracker-guides, you’ll gain deeper insights into the land, its wildlife, and the cultures that call it home. Whether you choose to fly or drive between parks, this journey ensures you experience East Africa’s greatest treasures at a comfortable pace intimate, immersive, and unforgettable
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, Welcome to Africa’s Safari Capital
Touch down in Nairobi, the vibrant heart of East Africa and your gateway to the untamed beauty of Kenya and Tanzania. A city where modern energy meets wild adventure, Nairobi offers the perfect introduction to the spirit of Africa.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by your Nyumbu Beyond Journeys representative, who will assist with customs, luggage, and private transfer to your elegant accommodation. Settle into one of our preferred partner hotels or boutique lodges where comfort, style, and a touch of African charm create the ideal atmosphere for rest after your international journey. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, allowing yourself to acclimate and relax after your travels. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore a few of Nairobi’s highlights:
Optional Experiences (time permitting):
Visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can meet and hand-feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
Explore the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued baby elephants a heartwarming conservation success story.
Step into history at Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the famed author of Out of Africa.
Enjoy a tranquil sundowner or fine dining experience at one of Nairobi’s top restaurants before retreating to your lodge.
As evening falls, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Nyumbu Beyond Journeys a chance to meet your safari director and fellow travelers, as you’re briefed on the thrilling adventure that awaits across the Great Rift Valley and into the wild plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Day 2: Transfer to Amboseli National Park the Land of Giants and Endless Horizons
After a refreshing breakfast in Nairobi, your safari adventure truly begins. Depart by road toward the southern reaches of Kenya, journeying through scenic countryside dotted with small homesteads and acacia trees, as the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro gradually dominates the horizon.
By late morning, you’ll arrive at Amboseli National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Nestled at the base of Kilimanjaro the world’s tallest free-standing mountain Amboseli’s vast open plains and shimmering wetlands are home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, known for their impressive tusks and gentle majesty. Check into your safari lodge or tented camp, where warm smiles and cool drinks await. Enjoy lunch with a view of the savanna, where elephants often parade across the plains, framed by the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro.
In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive in the park. The golden light of Amboseli reveals a photographer’s paradise elephants moving in family herds, zebras and wildebeest grazing, and the occasional lion or cheetah resting in the shade. The park’s diverse habitats from swamps to open grasslands attract an astonishing variety of wildlife, including giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and over 400 bird species. As the sun dips low, painting Kilimanjaro’s slopes in soft pink and gold, pause for a sundowner on the open plains a perfect moment to breathe in the stillness and grandeur of Africa.
Return to your lodge as dusk settles, where a welcome dinner is served under the stars. Share your first safari impressions with fellow travelers as you enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine and the distant sounds of the wild the low call of a lion or the rustle of the night breeze through the grass
Day 3: A Full Day in the Bush In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro-Amboseli National Park
Awaken to the soft blush of dawn over the plains of Amboseli. As the first light catches the snowy crown of Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoy a steaming cup of coffee or tea before setting out for your early morning game drive the most magical time of day in the bush.
The park stirs to life as elephants emerge from the mist, families moving in graceful procession across the grasslands. With your expert guide, explore Amboseli’s diverse ecosystems in a custom safari vehicle designed for comfort and panoramic viewing just six guests per vehicle, ensuring every traveler enjoys a private window seat and an unobstructed view of the wild.
Keep your camera ready for Cape buffalo, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, and perhaps a glimpse of hyenas returning from their nocturnal hunts. The birdlife here is equally remarkable crowned cranes, egrets, and vibrant bee-eaters often decorate the landscape in flashes of color.
Return to camp late in the morning for a leisurely breakfast and time to relax, perhaps enjoying the pool, the view of Kilimanjaro, or simply the serenity of the bush.
After lunch and a short siesta, venture out again for an afternoon game drive. Your guide may lead you to the park’s wetlands where hippos wallow in the shallows and elephants cool off in the marsh or to a lookout point with sweeping views of the savanna. As the sun sets, pause for a classic safari sundowner, watching as the golden light fades and the silhouettes of acacias stretch across the horizon. Evening brings another unforgettable dinner under a canopy of stars, where the crackle of a campfire and distant calls of the wild complete your perfect day in Amboseli
Day 4 : Crossing into the Heart of Tanzania’s Wild Beauty Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
After breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli as you journey toward the Kenya–Tanzania border, where your safari team will assist with all customs and immigration formalities. From there, continue to Arusha, a charming gateway city nestled beneath the shadow of Mount Meru, where you’ll pause for a leisurely lunch before your flight deeper into the wild.
A short, scenic flight carries you south to Tarangire National Park, a lesser-known gem that captures the timeless essence of the African bush. As your aircraft descends, the landscape unfolds rolling golden savannas, dotted with ancient baobab trees that stand like sentinels over the plains.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your elegant lodge or tented camp, where a warm welcome and refreshing drink await. Take a moment to settle in and soak up the tranquil atmosphere perhaps from your private veranda overlooking the river valley, where elephants often wander by in the late afternoon light.
Later, embark on your first game drive through Tarangire National Park, a sanctuary famed for its vast elephant herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. The Tarangire River, a lifeline through the park, attracts an incredible diversity of wildlife lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, and countless antelopes all gather to drink from its banks. The park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with more than 500 recorded species, from colorful lovebirds to majestic raptors soaring overhead.
As dusk settles, return to camp to enjoy a starlit dinner, serenaded by the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The stillness of the African night, punctuated by the rumble of elephants and the laughter of hyenas, is the perfect close to your first day in Tanzania — a land where every horizon promises wonder
Day 5: Tarangire National Park – Game Viewing and Culinary Discovery
Rise with the sun over Tarangire National Park, where the golden plains come alive with the movements of elephants, zebras, impalas, and other iconic African wildlife. After a hearty breakfast, set out on a morning game drive with your expert safari guide.
Tarangire is famed for its high concentration of elephants, often seen wandering majestically among the towering baobabs. Keep your eyes peeled for more elusive wildlife: leopards resting in the branches, pythons coiled among the undergrowth, or a herd of impala moving with synchronized grace. The park’s rich biodiversity offers photographers endless opportunities, from close-up wildlife shots to sweeping landscapes with the distant silhouette of Kilimanjaro or the baobabs framing the horizon.
Return to your lodge mid-day for a leisurely lunch and a short rest before an afternoon adventure with a local twist. Participate in a chef-led cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Tanzanian dishes such as ugali (a hearty maize porridge), makande (a flavorful bean and maize stew), and kachumbari (a fresh, zesty tomato and onion salad). This hands-on experience not only introduces you to East African culinary traditions but also connects you to the local culture in a deliciously immersive way.
As the sun dips low, head out for a late afternoon game drive, when wildlife activity picks up and the light casts a magical glow over the savanna. Watch elephants bathing in the river, impalas grazing in the golden light, and predators stealthily moving through the grass. Return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner under the stars, reflecting on the perfect balance of nature, adventure, and culture that Tarangire offers.
Day 6:Discover the Ngorongoro Crater with a Glimpse into Local Life and Tanzania’s Timeless Landscapes
This morning, journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Along the way, experience an authentic slice of Tanzanian culture — explore a local village and stroll through a bustling market, where vendors display vibrant arrays of fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted goods. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with local residents and witness the rhythms of everyday life in rural Tanzania.
Arrive at your serene lodge, set amid lush gardens near the crater rim, and enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by sweeping highland views. Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is the largest unbroken caldera on Earth, sheltering nearly 25,000 large mammals — including lions, elephants, zebras, and hyenas — all thriving within its lush volcanic bowl.
This afternoon, Design Your Day by choosing one of the following immersive experiences:
Walk with a Maasai Healer
Journey into the Ngorongoro forest and discover the traditional medicinal uses of over 20 indigenous plants, guided by a local Maasai healer who shares age-old knowledge passed through generations.
Bicycle Village Streets and Back Roads
Pedal through the peaceful countryside and nearby villages, interacting with local residents and gaining an intimate perspective of daily life in the highlands.
Enjoy a Traditional High Tea at Gibb’s Farm
Unwind on the veranda overlooking lush gardens and coffee plantations as you savor freshly brewed Tanzanian tea and homemade pastries. Meet the artist-in-residence and learn how local creativity and nature harmoniously blend in this idyllic setting.
As evening falls, return to your lodge for dinner and storytelling by the fire — a tranquil close to a day that celebrates both Tanzania’s people and its natural beauty
Day 7: Explore the Ngorongoro Crater & Descend into Africa’s Natural Amphitheater
After breakfast at your Serengeti lodge, embark on a scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning volcanic caldera and unparalleled wildlife density. As you approach, the dramatic crater walls rise nearly 2,000 feet, creating a natural amphitheater that has remained largely unchanged for millennia a true “Lost World.”
Descend into the crater floor, where vast open grasslands, swamps, and small forests host an incredible concentration of wildlife. With your safari guide, you’ll have the rare opportunity to encounter the Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — in a single day. Alongside them, watch giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and an astonishing array of bird species roam freely in this unparalleled ecosystem. Around midday, pause for a picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking crater scenery. Enjoy freshly prepared dishes while elephants or zebras graze nearby, providing a truly immersive bush dining experience.
Spend the afternoon exploring other corners of the crater, from its shimmering lakes to the fringes of acacia woodlands, always on the lookout for predator-prey interactions or playful wildlife encounters. The unique topography of Ngorongoro, with its steep walls and fertile floor, creates a natural stage for these unforgettable moments. As the day winds down, ascend from the crater to your lodge, reflecting on the extraordinary sights you’ve witnessed. Enjoy a sunset over the rim, followed by a relaxing dinner as you prepare for the next phase of your safari adventure.
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to explore the panoramic, game-rich prairies of this ancient volcanic caldera. With its crater walls nearly 2,000 feet high, Ngorongoro offers the safari experience of a lifetime. Observe profuse and diverse wildlife roaming freely in an authentic “Lost World,” where it’s possible to encounter every member of the Big Five in a single day. Pause for a picnic lunch in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Ever-Changing Spectacle of Untamed Africa
Fly to Serengeti National Park, a vast Tanzanian landscape that during part of the year hosts one of earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the annual Great Migration. Over the next three days, immerse yourself in this incredible setting, with camera at the ready for flash encounters with the circle of life.
Nothing beats waking up from a restful sleep to the sounds of the Serengeti. Once you have enjoyed your breakfast, the acacia-studded savannah welcomes you to start exploring its wildlife. You will experience another day filled with safari adventuring on African soil. By the end of today, you will probably understand why the “Serengeti” means “endless plains.” Late in the afternoon, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Full-day Serengeti National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, you will begin your safari heading north. The drive takes you through a natural wonderland of ever-changing landscapes. The journey begins cruising along dirt tracks lined by shrubby savannah, the habitat of impalas and giraffes. After a while, you’ll reach the Lobo area where the landscape opens up to a mix of grasslands, rivers, hills, and forests. Depending on the movement of the migration, you might make your way even further north. This northern section of the Serengeti is less frequented than the southern and central parts of the Serengeti, allowing for a more “exclusive” safari experience.
At the end of the day, you will leave the park through Klein’s gate. After a few kilometers, you will find another surprise, the Maasai culture in its full glory. You’ll spend the night at Maasai Boma, a modern-style version of a traditional Maasai earth house with an en-suite bathroom and a king-sized bed.
Day 10: Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park – A Bird’s-Eye View of Africa’s Legendary Plains
Awaken to the golden glow of the Serengeti sunrise, where the endless plains stretch as far as the eye can see and the distant acacia trees punctuate the horizon. Today offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, as you continue to track the Great Migration herds under the guidance of your expert safari team.
For those seeking a truly unforgettable perspective, an optional hot air balloon excursion (additional cost) provides a breathtaking vantage point over the sweeping Serengeti plains. Drift silently above herds of wildebeest and zebras, watch predators stealthily navigating the grass, and enjoy panoramic views of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem that few will ever experience. Touch down in the bush for a celebratory champagne breakfast, a quintessential safari moment that blends elegance with wild adventure.
Later in the morning and into the afternoon, embark on a classic game drive, exploring different corners of the park in search of predators, migratory herds, and hidden wildlife gems. Capture incredible photographs of giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and hippos against the sweeping backdrop of the Serengeti’s horizon, where the vastness of the plains creates an almost cinematic sense of scale and wonder. Return to your luxurious lodge or tented camp in the late afternoon for a moment of rest, then enjoy sundowners on the terrace, watching the sun dip behind the endless horizon. Reflect on the serenity and thrill of Africa’s wilderness as the plains come alive with the calls of nocturnal animals.
Day 11: Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya – Where the Great Migration Meets the Big Cats
After breakfast, board a scenic flight from the Serengeti back into Kenya, arriving in the legendary Maasai Mara Game Reserve widely regarded as the crown jewel of African wildlife conservation. As the plane descends, the Mara’s endless rolling plains come into view, dotted with acacias and home to some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Check into your exclusive safari lodge, ideally located on a private stretch of the Mara River, where comfort, style, and proximity to wildlife combine for an unforgettable stay. After settling in, prepare for your afternoon game drive, venturing into this extraordinary landscape under the guidance of your expert safari team.
The Mara’s vibrant ecosystem supports a staggering diversity of species: over 450 bird species, 95 different animal species, and some of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa. Watch crocodiles basking in the sun along the riverbank, hippos wallowing in muddy waters, and troops of monkeys leaping from tree to tree in playful mischief. Lions and cheetahs may stalk nearby herds of wildebeest and zebras the drama of predator and prey playing out before your eyes.
As the day draws to a close, enjoy a classic safari sundowner, sipping a refreshing drink as the sky turns to shades of pink and gold. Return to your lodge for a delightful dinner, reflecting on the breathtaking experiences of the day and the promise of more wildlife adventures tomorrow
Day 12: Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Where Nature and Culture Live in Harmony
Wake to the sounds of the African dawn the distant roar of a lion, the soft call of doves, and the rustle of the Mara grasslands awakening to a new day. After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive across the Maasai Mara’s vast open savannas, riverine forests, and acacia-dotted plains.
This is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary, home to a staggering diversity of animals and a constant rhythm of life. Watch as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope move gracefully through the landscape, while lions, cheetahs, and leopards patrol the plains in search of prey. Your safari guide ensures you’re in the best position for remarkable sightings and captivating photography.
Return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch and time to relax before venturing out again in the late afternoon, when the golden light bathes the plains in warmth and wildlife activity peaks once more. As you traverse the Mara, you may encounter Maasai tribesmen crossing the open plains, guiding their herds of cattle and goats a living testament to the coexistence between people and wildlife that defines this remarkable ecosystem.
Pause by the Mara River, where hippos wallow in the shallows and crocodiles bask on the banks, their prehistoric forms blending into the sunbaked mud. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a classic safari sundowner, raising a toast to another extraordinary day in Africa’s wild heart.
Return to your camp or lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars, serenaded by the nocturnal sounds of the bush a perfect finale to a day of adventure, culture, and discovery
Day 13: Maasai Mara Game Reserve – A Cultural Encounter Beyond the Safari
After a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, where the plains continue to teem with wildlife and the morning light casts a golden glow over the horizon, turn your attention to the human side of this extraordinary region. Today, you’ll connect with the local Maasai community, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions, and daily life of one of East Africa’s most iconic peoples.
Visit a local village, meet residents, and experience their traditional way of life. If your visit coincides with school hours, stop by a primary school to see children at play and in learning sessions. Through partnerships supported by Nyumbu Beyond Journeys and initiatives like LifeStraw, these communities gain access to safe, clean drinking water, creating a tangible impact that complements your safari experience. Your interaction not only fosters meaningful connections but also highlights the important balance between conservation, tourism, and community development.
In the late afternoon, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the journey that has taken you from the plains of Amboseli and Tarangire to the Serengeti and the Mara. Gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating both the wildlife encounters and the cultural experiences that have made this safari truly unforgettable. Share stories, laughter, and photos as the African sunset bathes the Mara in warm, golden light — a fitting conclusion to your East African adventure
Day 14:Depart Nairobi, Kenya – Journey Home or Continue Your Adventure
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara and take a scenic flight back to Nairobi, reflecting on the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences you’ve enjoyed over the past two weeks.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, enjoy access to a comfortable dayroom at one of our carefully selected hotels, allowing you to refresh, pack, and relax before your onward journey. Whether you choose to savor a final leisurely lunch or take a moment to unwind, our team ensures your transition is smooth and stress-free. When it’s time, a private transfer will take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departing flight home, leaving East Africa with memories of the Great Migration, the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Maasai Mara firmly imprinted in your heart. For guests continuing their journey, this marks the beginning of a post-tour extension to Uganda, where gorilla trekking and additional wildlife adventures await
