Wildebeest migration

Hi! Me and my wife are going to Africa for the first Tim arriving in Addis and planing to cross overland to Kenya until Nairobi. We have been getting many different opinions and we hope that more experienced travelers can give us a hand so we don't get frustrated. How feasible it is to book a safari and actually see the wildebeest migration? How many days safari would be recommended for first timers? What price range on the budget side of the spectrum we should expect to pay per day? Thank you very much in advance any help is welcome. Cheers!!!

The first thing to know about game viewing is it is not a zoo. Although the animals are more used to human interaction than say 50 years ago, it is still very much the wild. There is no guarantee you'll see what you want to see. With that said however, the migration lasts a few weeks and is a different scenario. Safari operators will obviously know exactly what's happening with the migration pattern and as it's millions of animals, it's hard to miss that.

I'd recommend calling around and getting an idea of the migration patterns this year if you want to time it. However, it is peak season for the Masai Mara/Serengeti so you should do this soon. On the budget end, I reckon you could hang in a permanent tent for about $50-100 a night per tent (it's just a bed with communal bathrooms). Obviously the safari itself and the entrance fees will be expensive to the tune of a few hundred dollars a person. For the Mara, I'd reckon 2 nights is enough (one full day drive, one sunset drive, etc.)

Hey
It very easy to book safari online and also seethe great migration especially right now as the migration is taking place right now.If you really love wildlife I would advice you not to miss visiting Masai Mara since in Masai Mara there are high chances of you getting to see the big 5 and also the migration.About the safari days you can do many days as you wish depending on the number of days you are planning for your holiday.For the price you can get group joining camping budget safaris for as cheap as $120 per person per day.So if planing to do 6 days safari it will cost you$720 per person.wishing you all the best

It is very easy to book a safari this time of the year and see the migration. Going into the Mara when the migration is taking place you will definitely see thousands and thousands of wildebeest, although actually seeing a river crossing is a bit more up in the air. However, it's always a bit difficult to perfectly time the migration as it depends on the weather and the grasses (for example, this year the migration is a bit late as the wildebeest have been fairly content staying in the Serengeti).

There are camping safaris (not the luxury tented camps), which are the most budget and that will probably set you back around $200 per person for a 3 day safari from Nairobi (also this probably won't be a private car and you'll share the vehicle with another group). However, this doesn't include the $80 per day entrance fee into the Mara. For something a bit more upscale, you'll probably look at spending between $300-$400 per person for a 3 day safari, again not including the park fee. My recommendation, would be to do a 4 day safari (3 nights in the Mara and 2 full days) which would give you more time to see a river crossing.

Kenya has the richest land animal migration on the planet; and nairobi is the perfect launch pad, safari capital of the world. Way too easy to arrange a safari. If you have the time I would advice you not to book it online and do it in person once your in kenya. For first timers I’d say head to Masai Mara which at any time of the year you’ll see the big 5, wildebeest start roaming Masai Mara (after leaving serengeti) around late june, so if you want to see the river crossing migration of the herd heading back to Serengeti you’ll have to wait til late September. Other amazing parks are Amboseli Park where you will have the Kilimanjaro in the background, (Mt. kili might be in Tanzania but it is best viewed from the Kenyan side). Tsavo East Park and its much dryer landscape make it easier to spot the animals. On your way from the Ethiopian border to Nairobi you’ll pass by Samburu National Reserve, which is quite unique, but lacks many of the cats. If you want to spot rhinos then Kenyas rift valley Lake Nakuru National Park would be the place to go. Since your on a budget you should stay at www.wildebeestcamp.com . It is run by an Australian couple (they are nothing to write home about) but they provide good accommodation and it is a good place to meet other travelers to lower the cost of the safari , the more you are the less you pay (expect to pay around 200$ a day for something descent)

I’d also recommend doing only 2 night/3 day safari. Many people go crazy and book week long safaris which I think is a mistake, not only because by the 2nd day your seeing the same animals all over again but also because you will be spending most of your time in a confined vehicle. Make sure your guide has the knowledge; otherwise an inexperienced guide will just basically drive you around missing all the animals.

Thank you very much guys for your valuable information!!! I have been doing some research and because I will be traveling all the way to SA passing through Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe I wonder if apart from the wildebeest migration I can get a similar experience expending less money. We have been 15 months on the road and the exchange rate from our Brazilian real to the dollar is killing us!!! A friend suggested a mix of self driven safari mixed with a guided safari in Kruger. Another suggested Etosha in Namibia and so on.
We will arrive in Kenya around mid October and will be in Namibia at around January and SA most probably February. What would you say about this suggestions? Thank you very much for the support, best regards

Your cheapest option would probably be Kruger on a self drive safari (I haven't been to Etosha, though). The entrance fees are quite low (I think around 20 USD) and you could technically go on a lot of roads with just a 2 wheel drive car, which shouldn't be too expensive to rent. If you really wanted to see the migration in Kenya and if you're comfortable driving on Kenyan roads, you can also do a self-drive in Kenya, which could save you some money, especially if you have a tent. As you'll be here in the dry season a simple 4x4 should suffice (pajero or even a Rav4), which would run you about USD 50 to 60 per day. There are campsites in the Mara (or just outside the gates) that are under $10 a day (check out Aruba camp), probably a bit more if you need to borrow a tent. My conclusion, going on a safari in Kruger would probably cost you much less and would be much easier to organize. In my opinion, you'll see a lot of animals either place you go, but the Masai Mara to me, just seems much more "wild".

For my experience on Africa travel . the only cheap option to do safari comfortably is to join the group and share the necessary costs with others like transport on safari , camping , food costs etc , because i have been in many places in Africa include East Africa and South Africa , so there is mainstream to join the group for budget safaris which called swap groups , the groups available all over East Africa and South Africa . Might you need more details on how to find the group then let me know . Also note that the Wildebeest migration is only available in East Africa between Tanzania and Kenya , and now the migration is still there from Tanzania to Kenya - Maasai Mara , so you can go to see it in Serengeti - Tanzania or to review it from Maasai Mara - Kenya , depends on you choice , but Seregeti is grateful one i have never seen than any , because it has plain grassland with no trees which will allow you to spot big 5 easily .

I do agree with Theresah the only way to bring down the cost is do a group joining safari.For Masai Mara you can do it for as cheap as $110 per day person,for the other parks it might be a bit high.The other thing that I cannot advice you is self driver since you have to have a driving license in order for you to drive in Kenya.

Hi guys! Thank you all for helping us out!!

I did some quotes on the Internet throu a big safari booking site and this is what I got. I think that 120 USD pp per day with already the park entrances seem good to me but only with your experience I can know if this is not a decent option for a first safari. By the way the had more than 100 good reviews and only 3 or 4 bad review when doing a joined safari in Tanzania with a different company.

Here it goes.
"Thank you for your enquiry. YES we can offer you the safari and
witness the great migration. Accommodation will be Nalepo camp in Masai Mara
and Golden palace hotel in Nakuru. On the last day we'll drop you in Nairobi.
You can book a bus to kampala before you depart for Uganda and we'll take you to the bus stop for your bus.

Below is a detailed itinerary regarding the 4 days safari.

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
This morning we drive through the dramatic Great Rift Valley to the
Masai Mara National Reserve. This enormous reserve is actually part
of the vast Serengeti plains famously known for its spectacular
great wildebeest’s migration and is home of the Big Five: Lion,
Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Lunch at our Lodge and relax
before departing for the afternoon game run. The Mara Game
Reserve–one of the greatest wildernesses of the world. Large
mammals are varied, and easy to see. Residents among the Park’s
are: Masai Giraffe, Buffalo, Eland and thousand of plain game
including Impala, Zebra, Topi, both Thomson’s and grants
Gazelles.

Overnight at Overnight at Camp
Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara
The search for great predators and perhaps even cubs continues
today during extensive game runs. On the plains are enormous herds
of grazing animals plus the elusive Cheetah and leopard hiding
amidst acacia boughs. During our stay we also have an optional
opportunity to visit a village of the Masai people to witness the
singing and dancing that are part of their daily lives and sacred
rituals. A glimpse into their homes and social structure is a
poignant experience.

Overnight at Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3: Masai Mara to Nakuru
Enjoy a pre- breakfast game drive between 6.30 and 9 a.m after
which you will return to the campsite for a hot breakfast. After
breakfast, proceed to Nakuru. Dinner and overnight stay at Golden
Palace Resort or which is a budget hotel in Nakuru

Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
After breakfast, proceed for a game drive in the Rhino sanctuary
which is home to a colony of about 25 white and black Rhinos.
Predators are also resident in the Park. Later, we leave for
Nairobi after Lunch.

PRICE:

This is a group Safari, with budget accommodation as indicated,
will cost you US $480 PER ADULT.

SAFARI PRICES AS MENTIONED INCLUDE:

• Ground transport in a comfortable safari vehicle for game
  viewing, photography and touring
• Full board accommodation in self contained camp rooms.
• All park entrance fees to include government taxes
• Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide
• All game drives as detailed in the itinerary
• Bottled water while on Safari.
• Start and end of Safari in Nairobi

NOT INCLUDED:

• Money for tips
• Money for soft drinks or alcoholic drinks or any extra bottles of
  water should the ones provided not be enough.
• US $20 for a visit to the Masai village in Mara should you wish
  to visit the Maa people and see how they live. This amount is paid
  directly to the village chief.

Our safaris are offered at $120 per day.
A full day game drive is 8 hours consecutive but morning and evening
game drives are for 2 hours.
The price include meals, accommodation, park fees, transport, etc
(fullboard)
You'll be taken to the Mara River where the great migration occurs
Weather in October is mild with small rains and chilly nights.

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me, especially during migration season. Also, would skip the masai village visit. Huge tourist trap and not authentic at all. All they do is show you one of their huts, dance a bit, and then horde you into their shops to sell you overpriced stuff.

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me, especially during migration season. Also, would skip the masai village visit. Huge tourist trap and not authentic at all. All they do is show you one of their huts, dance a bit, and then horde you into their shops to sell you overpriced stuff.

Thanks for your advice Johnny!! We surely skip the Massai village!!
What do you think about the Lake Nakuru National park visit in the safari? All 4 days safari packages include this option, maybe a 3 day with just Massai Mara would be more interesting. Thank you!!

Thank you so much beachnomad for sharing your experience with us! I poste earlier today a quotation from what it seems to be a reliable safari companie for 120 pp per day with all inclusive. (Full board they say). Do you think if I book personally when I arrive in Nairobi I can get a better deal?

Thank you very much

Are you joining a big group? because is very cheap for a 4 day safari…which in reality is only a 3 day Safari. Masai Mara & Nakuru Park entry fees are for 24hrs, so by starting your first day of safari in the afternoon and finishing before lunch on your last 4th day, (by doing simple math) they are only paying for 3 days and pocketing the 80USD park entry fee each person has to pay per day (valid for 24hrs), 160USD in your case. They should advertise it as a 3 day safari, otherwise seems like a swindle, sadly that’s common practice in Kenya. Just make sure they don’t take forever to leave Nairobi driving very slow on your first day and rush you back to Nairobi on your last day.

Also for that price I’d expect sleeping in sleeping bags or very basic lodging, or maybe the 160usd they are saving on the "4th day" park fee is going towards the accommodation and thats why you get to stay at nicer places for the night. but who knows, you might enjoy, it might be a good deal after all.
by the way, Nakuru is a must if you want to see rhinos.

Wow that a nice offer too.Hoping they will offer you also free airport transfer.

I would kindly like to correct BeachNomad the rule for 24 hrs only applies in Masai Mara but in Nakuru its only 12hrs only.For the accommodation most of the tour companies when they mean camping safari most of the camps that they do use are permanent self contained tented camps.

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