Wildebeest herds moving across open plains

Signature Trips

The Migration

7 Nights / 8 Days By Air Safari

A streamlined, air-based safari built entirely around Kenya's biggest wildlife spectacle — the Great Migration. Flying between destinations means less time in transit, more time in the parks, with an extended Mara stay at the peak of the migration.

About this journey

The
Migration.

A streamlined, air-based safari built around Kenya's greatest wildlife spectacle. Flying between camps means less time on the road and more time on the plains, with four nights in the Maasai Mara before Amboseli's elephants.

It suits photographers, return guests, and anyone who wants to stay with the herds long enough for the river, the light, and the predators to reveal themselves.

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Amboseli → Nairobi

Highlights

Chasing the
Great Herds.

Light aircraft in flight
01

Travel by air

Light aircraft between regions keeps the days for wildlife, not the road.

Wildebeest herds on the plains
02

The Great Migration

Four nights in the Mara, timed for the wildebeest herds and, in season, the river crossings.

Lions resting on a fallen tree
03

Big cats of the Mara

Morning and evening game drives with chances to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards among others.

Elephant beneath Kilimanjaro
04

Amboseli's elephants

Finish beneath Kilimanjaro, with swamp corridors and large-tusked herds at Tortilis Camp.

  • One night in Nairobi at Tamarind Tree before flying out
  • Flight from Nairobi Wilson to the Maasai Mara
  • Four nights in the Maasai Mara at Emboo River Camp on the Talek River
  • Morning and evening game drives, timed for the wildebeest migration and river crossings (seasonal)
  • Flight from the Mara to Amboseli
  • Two nights among Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Kilimanjaro at Tortilis Camp
  • Return flight from Amboseli to Nairobi Wilson

Accommodation

Where You'll
Stay.

DestinationNightsHotel / Lodge
Nairobi1NTamarind Tree
Maasai Mara4NEmboo River Camp
Amboseli2NTortilis Camp

Itinerary

Day by
Day.

Day 01

Arrive Nairobi

Touch down in Nairobi and transfer to Tamarind Tree. Evening at leisure to settle in. Dinner and overnight at Tamarind Tree.

Day 02

Fly Nairobi → Maasai Mara

Depart after breakfast and transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Maasai Mara, checking in at Emboo River Camp on the Talek River for lunch. Game drive at 4pm with chances to see the wildebeest herds and big cats — lions, cheetahs, and hyenas among others. Dinner and overnight at Emboo River Camp.

Day 03

Maasai Mara

Early morning game drive, returning to camp for breakfast, afternoon at leisure, then an evening game drive following the herds. Dinner and overnight at Emboo River Camp.

Day 04

Maasai Mara

Full day game drive with a picnic lunch towards the Mara River, with chances to witness a river crossing in season. Optional dawn hot air balloon (extra). Dinner and overnight at Emboo River Camp.

Day 05

Maasai Mara

Early morning game drive for golden light, afternoon at leisure, followed by an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Emboo River Camp.

Day 06

Fly Maasai Mara → Amboseli

Depart after breakfast and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Amboseli, checking in at Tortilis Camp for lunch. Afternoon rest, followed by an evening game drive with chances to see elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Tortilis Camp.

Day 07

Amboseli

Half day game drive, returning to camp for lunch and an afternoon siesta, followed by an evening game drive through the swamps and Observation Hill. Dinner and overnight at Tortilis Camp.

Day 08

Fly Amboseli → Nairobi

Depart after breakfast and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi Wilson, connecting to your international departure.

End of our service

Summary

How the herds trip
moves.

Photographers and return guests

Wildlife photographers, repeat guests, migration season travelers.

Fly in, then linger in the parks

Fast start via fly-in access, deliberately slow in the parks — two game drives a day and flexibility to chase the migration.

Questions, considered

About following
the herds.

When do the river crossings happen?

Crossings are most likely from July to October, though the herds move with the rain and sightings are never guaranteed. We plan the Mara nights around the best current intelligence, not a fixed date on a map.

Is flying between camps suitable for first-timers?

Yes. The hops are short, scenic, and met by your guide. They are often the most memorable hours of the journey.

Can we add a balloon safari?

Yes. A dawn balloon over the Mara can be arranged as an extra, followed by a bush breakfast.

Be in the Mara when the herds are

Air hops and a longer Mara stay — tell us which months you can fly.