This African wildlife gorilla safari will take you to Kenya and Rwanda for that exciting Kenya bush and gorilla safari respectively. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya. The annual Great Migration starts in July each year when well over one million wildebeest along with large numbers of Thompson’s Gazelle, zebra and other herbivores migrate to go get greener pastures.

The Masai Mara offers superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya’s best park and one of Africa’s highest wildlife density regions for predators. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1510 square kilometers) of outstanding wilderness in southwest Kenya.

Game drives in the reserve are perfect for guests who want to be immersed in Kenya’s bush country and see larger animals. For guests who are interested in observing the nocturnal animals, go for night game drives in one of the private conservancies. Most conservancies offer bush walks to give you an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area.

While the sight of masses of animals thundering across the open plains is spectacular, the Mara River crossing will take you through a range of emotions – awe, anticipation, heartache, inspiration, excitement and much more. You will be able to witness the crocodiles watching and targeting for a meal as well as the predators on the other side waiting for the same meal. Those who survive will proceed and get to that new environment but still on a careful watch for those looking for a meal.

As you watch in silence, the wildebeests seem to be gathering their courage, and on some days, they leave the river’s edge and disperse across the savannah to graze. But still the day arrives. The wildebeests once again stand above the river, eyes wide, breath labored – each animal vying for a position that gives the safest and surest path to the water and the opposite bank.

For you to experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara, we offer an incredible opportunity to make this dream a reality. The hot air balloon flights over the Masai Mara are designed to provide you with an unforgettable adventure. As you glide over the vast savannah at sunrise, you will witness the Mara’s iconic landscapes and its abundant wildlife from a unique and breathtaking perspective. Get the chance to enjoy the bush breakfast when you use the hot air balloon.

It will take place immediately after floating in air and the moment you land then you will have that unforgettable breakfast in the bush. This experience is not only magical but also convenient and hassle-free, ensuring that you have the best possible adventure in the sky and on the ground.

you’ll have the opportunity to stay in comfortable tented camps that combine the thrill of the wilderness with the comforts of home. These tented camps are designed to provide an authentic safari experience while ensuring your comfort and safety.

The tents are often spacious and well-appointed, featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas where you can relax and soak in the stunning landscapes. Many of these tented camps also offer communal dining areas and campfires where you can gather with fellow travelers to share stories of your Kenya safari adventures.

For intimacy and exclusive safari experience, the Masai Mara offers bush camps that are set in pristine, remote areas. These camps are designed to minimize their environmental impact and provide a more immersive connection with nature. Accommodations can range from rustic and simple to comfortable and stylish, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Staying in these bush camps allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Masai Mara’s landscapes. Such camps don’t entertain many travelers ensuring a tranquil and private safari adventure.

The Masai Mara also offers a selection of luxurious safari lodges that provide an opulent safari experience. These lodges are strategically located within or near the reserve, offering sweeping views of wildlife-rich landscapes.

The lodges feature elegant rooms or suites with high-end amenities, fine dining options, spa facilities, and attentive service. Each aspect of your stay is carefully curated to ensure that you have a lavish and memorable safari adventure.

Once the bush adventure is done the cross to Rwanda for yet another interesting safari in the volcanoes national park. In this park the main draw is gorilla trekking which costs $1500 to get a gorilla permit. Rwanda becomes one of the best places to see gorillas and this is mainly due to the its short distance from the main city to the park which is a 2hours drive compared to the other destinations which are far from the cities.

You will transfer to the headquarter for briefing early morning. Your gorilla permits will be crosschecked with your passports to verify that you are the right owner of the permit. At this moment, you are expected to be ready with your packed lunch since no one is certain about the time you will take to see these gorillas.

After a quick briefing on safety measures and what to expect during the day, you will be grouped in groups of 8 people maximum and each group is assigned one gorilla family to trek. Rwanda has 10 gorilla families, hence 10 groups of 8 people each are the ones allowed to track on a particular day. You will be assigned group depending on your level of fitness.

Each gorilla tracking group consists of a main guide and two scouts who carry AK-47 guns, one walking in front and another behind the group. The reason for armed scouts is for protection in the forest against wild elephants or angry, wild gorillas. The scouts are trained to fire shots into the air first in order to scare away the animals but this is only done on rarest occasions when all other options like hiding away from such dangerous animals have been done.

Once you find the gorillas, you could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. Mountain gorillas are always playful and quite curious. Some may walk right up to you but with no harm intended.

While with the gorillas, it’s important to listen to instructions from your Guides and to always stay calm. Never make sudden movements. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda can take between one to six hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned and their specific location on the day of the trek.

Once you are done with the experience, descend and pick your trekking certificate at the headquarters then back to lodge for lunch and relaxation. You can then later visit the IbyI’wacu cultural village, the largest and most visited cultural center in Rwanda.

It is located close to the Volcanoes National Park. The center was opened to showcase Rwanda’s diverse culture and allow the community living close to the park benefit from gorilla trekking.

You can take part in cultural performances like dance, drama and storytelling. You will learn how a traditional Rwandan home was organized and be given a chance to taste some of the local food and alcoholic drinks. Get information from the medicine men at the site of how to use their medicines.

Transfer back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Early morning after breakfast, take a city tour to Kigali which will give you the different city information about the country’s political and social history then you can take your flight back home later in the day.

Do you want to explore Uganda; it doesn’t matter whether you are family, solo, or group travellers looking for a quality and affordable car. We take pride in offering reliable cars at a low cost. You can rent our cars on either Chauffeur-driven safari or self-drive experiences.

We have a wide range of car options- well maintained and in a good condition to hit the road. These include; saloon cars, mini buses, mini vans, safari vehicles suitable for all types of safari road trip experiences. On this note there we have got a solution for every budget or travel occasion.

We have the land cruiser roof top extremely amazing providing you all the ultimate comfort on your road trip. It features a roof top tent that is easy and mount up compared to other tents. Expect to save some dollars on accommodation due to the fact you can utilize the roof tent for an overnight. The Land cruiser with a roof top tent is hired at as low as rate of USD 90 per day and above.

The Toyota Rav4 is a compact crossover SUV that can be customized for any Uganda Safari. It can carry about 2-4 people. It has comfortable and flexible seats with enough leg room space, a massive cargo space and a working air conditioning system among impressive interior features. Since it is a 4WD, it can manage tough road conditions including the safari parks and remote area terrains. The Toyota Rav4 is an ideal vehicle for many budget travellers. You get this car at low rate ranging from $45 per day.

You can rent your favourite corporate cars, some of the options you can explore include; Land Cruiser TX, TZ for hire, which features a luxurious interior like an air conditioning system, and can accommodate about 5 passengers. It runs with petrol and diesel, manual or automatic transmission. You can rent your favourite corporate car low prices of 250 USD per day.

Two Roof Top Tent Vehicle gives you a double experience in the jungle. It has double rooftop tents which you assemble in just seconds. With this safari car, grab a chance to spend more time at the camp fire; you also get less time trifling with tent poles. The two roof top tent can rented at a price of $140 per day.

Go for safari cars that can be great ideal for Uganda safaris, namely 4×4 Land cruiser, Nissan 4WD , safari vans like drone, super custom, among others, they do feature a pop up roof for clear game viewing, strong enough to manage tough surface roads in the safari parks and remote areas. The cost of a safari car in Uganda can be as low as $80 USD per day.

you need a family-sized car, here are some of the options; Ipsum, Toyota Noah, Super Custom, Hiace and these cars can carry about 5-7 passengers, the cars have both manual and automatic transmissions plus a working a ac, and you can rent a family at as low as $50 USD per day.

If you are a small or large group in need of bus rentals for your next road trip in Uganda, we offer bus rentals that can accommodate about 12-28 people, it has a working Ac, enough cargo space, and comfortable seats with enough leg room space. You can get a bus rental with a driver or tour guides at a low price of $130 USD per day.

A land cruiser TZ or TX can be rented at an affordable rate, it has an air conditioning system, it also carries about 5 passengers and it can be operated with Manual or Automatic. It uses both diesel and petrol; you can rent a TZ or TX at price of 75 USD per day.

a fleet of van rental in Uganda ideal for small group travellers and families is also available. The van rentals can carry about 6-12 passengers, they are built with an air conditioning system, has an automatic and Manual transmission. You get a van rental for $100 USD Per person

In case you are looking forward to enjoying a long term car rental in Uganda or just week rental, you get a discounted rate of 10% off your rental.

This will take you to the iconic locations such as the unmissable Masai Mara, scenic Amboseli with its stunning Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop and the shimmering lakes of the Great Rift Valley; Kenya also offers lesser-known gems such as Samburu Game Reserve and the Laikipia Plateau with the chance to see the Big 5 and a host of other wildlife roaming endless Savannah plains dotted with acacia trees.

Discover Kenya’s diverse landscapes and varied wildlife on this overland journey from the plains of the Masai Mara through the wilderness of Tsavo West National Park and on to the Mombasa coast. Go for morning and afternoon game drives exploring the stunning Masai Mara, which offers exceptional game viewing and beautiful scenery. It’s possible to add a spectacular hot air balloon safari to this day to spot wildlife from the air.

Extend your holiday with a relaxing stay in Mombasa, home to some of Africa’s finest beaches, with miles of white sand, fringed by palm trees and lapped by warm waters. We offer a wide range of resorts from expansive all-inclusive properties with plenty of facilities to smaller, more secluded retreats.

With incredible wildlife and fascinating Masaai culture, Kenya makes a great family safari destination and this trip includes a private vehicle and guide meaning you can stop as you wish along the way. Start with the Giraffe Centre, home to a group of Rothschild’s giraffes, where you have the chance to feed them and learn more about this endangered animal. Continue to the nearby Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where the team will educate you on elephant behaviour and their history as the handlers feed them.

At Lake Naivasha, listen out for the cry of the fish eagle as you take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, home to a population of hippos as well as a multitude of birdlife.

On Kenya safari tours, flying in a light aircraft from one destination to the next allows you to experience a large area in a relatively short space of time. It also means you’re able to spend more time in each reserve and totally immerse yourself in the best that Amboseli, Meru and the Mara have to offer. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives; a walking safari and a bush breakfast in Amboseli National Park; Sun downer drinks in Meru; and dinner under the stars in the Masai Mara.

Let your family also be whisked away to the middle of the bush, without sacrificing on creature comforts. Luxurious safari villas offer superb privacy, space and a wonderful home-from-home environment. Hike up a sacred Samburu Mountain, watch elephants search for fresh grazing in the Kalama Corridor, follow the Wildebeest Migration, and have fun with the kids on the Warriors Academy – an interactive learning programme perfectly suited to luxury Kenya safari tours for families.

Honeymooners looking for great value, the fly-in Kenya safari tour begin in a beautiful private corner in the Masai Mara with splendid and exclusive animal sightings. The Mara is a wonderful year-round game viewing destination, although Kichwa Tembo is also ideally located close to the croc – infested Mara River – providing the scene of heart-stopping river crossings during the Migration. Then it’s off to Kenya’s world-famous Diani Beach for some R&R on its powder-soft sand and crystal-clear water.

Flying to Masai Mara is a more convenient option, being only about a 1-hour flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a variety of different airstrips in the Mara.

There are several airlines flying from Nairobi to various airstrips in Masai Mara, and several of these offers twice daily return flight to the reserve, with a one-way flight taking approximately 1 hour. The same plane then usually turns around back to Nairobi after dropping off or collecting passengers from a number of airstrips in Masai Mara.

Almost all these flights take off from Wilson airport in Nairobi and you need only to be at the airport about 45 minutes before the flight. The two main airlines are Air Kenya and Safari link, with a new entrant being Governors Aviation. All these three airlines have a reliable service and credible safety record.

The daily schedule is;

Morning Flight: Depart Nairobi 10am – Arrive Masai Mara 11am

Return Morning Flight: Depart Masai Mara 11am – Arrive Nairobi 12pm

Afternoon Flight: Depart Nairobi 3pm – Arrive Masai Mara 4pm

Return Afternoon Flight: Depart Masai Mara 4pm – Arrive Nairobi 5pm

There are close to a dozen airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve and surrounding game ranches and conservancies. These airstrips are spread out in different parts of the reserve to serve lodges and camps in close proximity to them in order to cut down transfer time from the airstrip to the hotel. Listed below are some of the commonly used airstrips in Masai Mara.

Keekorok Airstrip, Siana Airstrip, Serena Airstrip, Musiara Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, Ol Kiombo Airstrip, Ngerende Airstrip, Ol Seki airstrip, Olare Orok Airstrip and Angama Airstrip.

The type of aircraft used for flights to Masai Mara include propeller planes with seating capacities ranging from 40 seaters for DeHavilland Dash 7 and 8 aircraft to 13-seater Cessna Caravans. Passengers are limited to 15 kilos of carry on and check in luggage combined.

Where to Stay in Masaai Mara: Our Safari in Kenya

The Maasai Mara has a wide range of excellent accommodation, from luxury lodges to tented safari camps. Whether you’re planning a romantic Rwanda Kenya tour for friends or family, there’s something here for everyone. Each place offers exclusive activities like game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides and cultural excursions.

Mara Bush House

Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephant and giraffe amble by. Or stretch out on this luxury Masai Mara lodge’s lush lawns with a tipple and a good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree. Don’t forget to chat to your chef about your next delicious meal.

Saruni Mara

Sleep in the community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees. Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets and wide cedar wood beds. Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Well-being Space. This is one of the best Masai Mara lodges for discerning travelers.

Sand River Masai Mara

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and slowly make your way out of a snug 4-poster bed. Saunter across your spacious tent’s polished hardwood floors, step out onto a private veranda and be greeted by the gorgeous morning vista of the Sand River and its rolling flood plains.

Porini Lion Camp

Head to the thrice-daily game drives from this superb Masai Mara lodging situated in the private Olare Motogori Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings. Return to the authentic Porini Lion Camp in time for a refreshing cocktail while being entertained by the boisterous hippos in the adjacent Ntiakatiak River.

Sala’s Camp

Set in the heart of the Mara’s northern corridor, Sala’s is one of the first Masai Mara lodges to witness the Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti into the Mara. Keep an eye on the dark-haired gnus as they stroll past your tent and gather to drink at the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Kichwa Tembo is a much-loved Masai Mara safari lodge. A wonderful home from home with incredible staff, expert guides and front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration from about August to November.

Mara Intrepids camp is a fenced Masai Mara lodging on the shady banks of the Talek River, the perfect escape for families with children. This secure camp offers a unique game-viewing experience with early and mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives.

Angama Mara

Perched in the gorgeous hills of the Mara Triangle escarpment lies one of the best Masai Mara hotels. The exclusive Angama Mara is famous as the location of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep’s romantic picnic scene in the movie, Out of Africa. Everything about this Masai Mara lodging exudes elegance.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Journey back in time to a golden era of safari, to an elegant Masai Mara lodging straight off the pages of Hemingway’s safari diary. Decorated in an authentic historic style, Cottar’s Camp offers its visitors unrestrained adventure and romance, as well as game drives in an original wood-panelled vehicle from the 1920s.

Rekero Camp

Go for expertly guided game drives in search of animals like lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and hippo. Watch the dramatic thrills and spills of the Wildebeest Migration as the herds traverse croc-infested waters. Return to this Masai Mara lodging after an action-packed day and relax with a sun downer drink as you take in the gorgeous views over the Talek River.

Naboisho Camp

A classic and intimate Masai Mara lodging originally established as a community initiative, Naboisho Camp is situated in a private conservancy that limits the number of vehicles allowed. Enjoy exciting game drives during the day, in search of Africa’s iconic animals and to witness the Wildebeest Migration between about July and November. Being in a private conservancy means that you’re able to head out on night drives to discover the Mara’s elusive nocturnal creatures.

Elephant Pepper Camp

The very spacious canvas tents at Elephant Pepper Camp feature en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms, and private pit fireplaces for dining under the stars. Also expect little extras like hammocks, hot-water bottles and beautiful brass fittings from India. Sip on a pre-dinner drink around the campfire or enjoy a game of croquet before savouring a delicious Italian recipe.

Sanctuary Olonana

Romantic and secluded, Olonana is hidden within a forest along a private stretch of the Mara River and one of the best Masai Mara hotels. It’s a popular choice for honeymooners but also offers first-class family-friendly accommodation. Between about July and October, you’ll enjoy a grandstand view of the Wildebeest Migration’s treacherous river crossings.

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

One of the best Masai Mara safari lodges, Il Moran’s Forest setting is a wonderful retreat for honeymooners. Ten luxurious tents are dotted along the Mara River beneath the shady canopy of evergreen trees. Inside you’ll find super king-sized beds, beautifully constructed from fallen olive trees. Bathrooms are en-suite and equipped with double vanities, showers and classic Victorian bathtubs.

Little Governors’ Camp

Get on a boat to be transferred across the renowned Mara River, before strolling through a gorgeous riverine forest to discover one of the best-located Masai Mara safari lodges, hidden beneath the vegetation around a waterhole. Head out on a game drive or hot-air balloon ride at dawn to discover the Masai Mara during this magical time of day.

Flying Safaris to Kenya and Uganda is a perfect package to enjoy game viewing in Masai Mara Kenya and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park in south-western Uganda plus cultural encounters with the Masai and Batwa people. This Kenya Uganda Safari offers you the amazing see of the wildebeest migration in Mara and then mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda.

Upon reaching Kenyatta International Airport, our driver guide will pick and transfer you to Masai Mara National Park. In the evening, you may visit the Masai people for cultural encounters. Dinner and overnight at your preferred Lodge.

Wake up early and transfer to the Savannah plains of the park for game viewing. Expect to see huge numbers of animals like African buffalo, Impala, Thomson’s gazelle, Common eland, Giraffe, Topis, Zebras, Hyena, Cheetah, and wildebeest among others. Return to the lodge for late breakfast and wait for hot Lunch.

The quintessential Masai Mara safari delivers many attractions, as the reserve is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game, including the more than two million wildebeest, zebras and other antelopes that make up the famous Great Migration.

The reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, with abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered; endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets and large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. The park is also home to over 450 bird species.

In the evening, fly to Entebbe airport and then connect to Bwindi Forest National Park. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge/Bwindi Forest Lodge/Mahogany springs lodge.

Located in South-western Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is arguably the best place to see mountain gorillas. A UNESCO World heritage site, the park is called impenetrable because of the thick tree canopies found in the park that prevents sunlight from penetrating to the ground. There are 17 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi which is the highest anywhere.

Take early morning breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a pre trekking briefing. You will take a hike into the jungle tracking for the allocated gorilla family. On meeting the gentle giants, spend an hour in their company, watch closely their human-like characters, take pictures, capture video’s and have a good time with the gentle giants in their native habitats.

You will then return to the lodge for late lunch and refreshment. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Batwa community Visit & Departure

Have breakfast and visit Batwa community village, here you will learn about the initial Batwa forest life, enjoy their traditional practices, beliefs and norms?  The Experience takes place outside of the park in an old-growth forest on land that is next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

The Batwa experience begins with a nature-walk, hike through the forest seeing the forest in a new way, through the eyes of the original people of the Forest.  Learn how they hunted the small animals they used for food, what things they gathered, how traps and nets were used.

The Batwa Experience will also show you how they lived in huts made of grass, trees, the use of tree-houses, caves.  Experience the Batwa village life of old, the sharing, of living as a community, as a people, learn the things that they revered and cared for and almost lost. Return to the lodge for late breakfast and go for your return flight.

East Africa is a place that everyone dreams to visit. The region stands out with a wide range of natural scenery, wildlife and diverse places to visit. From the national parks, to the wildlife, to the fresh water lakes and waterfalls, East Africa’s unsurpassed attractions fascinate both locals and visitors, always. Holiday makers from all corners of the world visit East African countries to see beautiful sceneries, abundant wildlife, discover the East African cultural activities and other attractions.

Self-driving with 4×4 Car Hire Uganda in East Africa is a travel destination that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. The destinations have got so many things to see and do. Go for variety of wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, or discover the beauty of Rwenzori Foothills in Uganda and be truly mesmerized. East Africa has got beautiful attractions that you will not see anywhere else in Africa or the rest of the world.

Ready to visit Uganda, you can rent a car with 4×4 Car Hire Uganda and visit to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in the south-western Uganda covering districts of Kisoro and Kanungu seated in the arrays of the Albertine Rift-Valley. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted a national park in 1991 to conserve and protect the mountain Gorillas which were at the edge of extinction.

Because of this, Bwindi Forest rich biodiversity and uniqueness of the flora the forest was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Bwindi Impenetrable forests accommodates half of the mountain gorillas in accordance to the latest gorilla’s census of 2019 the park accommodated 459 mountain gorillas and, in the world, there was about 1064 gorillas counted in the wild.

Traveling to Uganda is an excellent decision as it’s one of the best places to visit in Africa. It’s definitely one of the easiest countries to travel on while self-driving destination; it still provides visitors with that “Africa” experience and has an exciting culture. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is outstanding and unlike any other experience in Africa. The atmosphere of the trek through the jungle mist is unreal. With each step your anticipation builds and the reward of seeing the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world is spectacular. The location of gorillas puts trekking within easy reach.

Daily hikes to see and observe gorilla groups in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Forest are led by expert guides. Gorilla trekking permits need to be secured in advance so that you can be assisted to be booked in time. Daily trek groups allow for eight people per gorilla family per day, and the age limit for trekking is 15.

On the day details of gorilla trekking, visitors take in pre-trek information in a dedicated conservation room at the park headquarters, and enjoy the convenience of an onsite gear-room for gearing up comfortably before their trek. For trekking guests should wear hiking boots with good grip, gators, gloves, thick socks and a long sleeved trouser and shirt. Guests will receive a loaned backpack containing a lunchbox, snacks and a water bottle from your lodge.

On the day of the trek, guests will be woken early to enjoy breakfast and gear up, after which they’ll be taken to the guide station a few kilometres from the lodge. Here, guests will have a briefing by the guides, and when ready will set off on the scenic trek through thick forest terrain towards a specific gorilla group, guided by trained rangers.

The length of the trek varies, depending on which gorilla family group guests are allocated to, and this will be decided upon with regard to the fitness levels and capabilities of the trekkers. Once the gorilla group is located, guests will spend up to an hour with them, observing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Post-trek, guests will return to the comfort of the lodge, where they will gear down in a warm mudroom and relax with a refreshing beverage, while reflecting on the day. As the distance of each gorilla trek is varied meals and lodge activities are flexible around each trek.

I loved my walk through this lush jungle and there are several guided trips available for those not seeking gorillas. And because of the tight limits on the number of people who can track gorillas, the lodging areas (there’s no lodging inside the park itself) are never too busy, so just hanging out and soaking up the mountain views can be enjoyable too.

Kenya and Tanzania are big game destinations and home to many of Africa’s great parks. Safari tours can easily blend Kenya’s Masai Mara and Amboseli reserves with Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The wildebeest migration is the best reason for combining these two destinations.

Kenya is a rewarding place inhabited by fascinating people and brimming with rich cultures, while its wide variety of parks are overflowing with an unprecedented density of wildlife. The Maasai Mara was the first place I ever went on safari and I saw the Big5 on day one within about 3 hours.

But it’s the wildlife and the Big Five especially that visitors come to see and Kenya doesn’t disappoint. Don’t forget that the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania are host to possibly the greatest wildlife show on Earth during the annual Great Migration. It’s an event not to be missed if you’re in the region at the right time of year.

Serengeti is Tanzania’s most visited park, and with good reason. Almost from the moment you enter the gates, wildlife surrounds you in astounding numbers and variety, together with an incomparable sense of space. The headline event is the annual wildebeest migration, and being able to witness a part of this (which takes both planning and luck) is an unforgettable experience.

The Serengeti is also known for its high density of predators, and the chance to watch lions and other cats – often at very close range – is another treat. I also like the Serengeti’s quieter side – its wealth of birds and its nature-filled stillness. Shorter safaris concentrate on the well-visited central Serengeti. With more time (and depending on the season), I would also recommend spending at least part of your Serengeti itinerary in the western corridor around the Grumeti River or in the far north.

The plains of East Africa host one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles each year: the Great Migration, featuring millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. With prey, come predators: lions, hyenas and crocodiles fix a watchful gaze in hopes of catching a cheap dinner.

For travelers, viewing the great migration is a unique opportunity to appreciate a dizzying scale of wildlife moving in lockstep across an iconic landscape. Scenes of unfiltered wildlife drama unfold along this uncontrolled journey. Some are violent, some are tender, but all are assuredly memorable.

The great migration is often presented as a clockwise circuit with wildlife cycling between Tanzania’s Serengeti in the south and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in the north, and taking place between May and December. In reality, this illustration is an oversimplification of a complex phenomenon. As with anything that moves with the rhythms of nature, the great migration circuit should be interpreted as a pattern rather than gospel.

As the grassy plains of the southern Serengeti begin to dry out, the animals move north in search of sustenance and reliable water sources. Typically, the first animals start setting out in April. Over the following months, they’ll navigate countless obstacles, from predators to river crossings. Here’s a breakdown of their tentative travel schedule, so you can plan your own.

From December to April, the wildebeest prefer the short, grassy plains of the southern Serengeti where the cropped vegetation offers predators less cover. Depending on localized rainfall, herds can be seen anywhere from the Moru Kopjes of the Central Serengeti to the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in the south.

Once the rainy season is over, the south and east plains of the Serengeti dry out, prompting the beginning of the Migration. This usually starts in April or May when herds begin to move north and west, although not always as one cohesive group.

July through November is traditionally considered the best time to view the great migration. Between July and August, the wildebeest move into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in staggering numbers. For travelers, river crossings rank among the most sought-after moments of the great migration.

In a dry year, the first wildebeest can reach the Mara River as soon as early July; in a wet year, it may be as late as mid-August. If conditions are very good, grass and water are plentiful; the herds will spread out all the way from Seronera to the Mara River.

It is important to acknowledge July, August and September represent peak travel season. In order to secure your preferred lodgings and operator, you will want to book 6 to 12 months out.

In October and November, the Migration starts to work its way south into Tanzania, so there will be plenty of wildlife spotting in popular safari destinations like Kenya’s southern Maasai Mara and in northern Tanzania.

Therefore, Migration as a whole need not all pass into Kenya, and many stay behind or cross and re-cross the border areas. This carries on until October and November when they will start thinking of heading back.