Richard’s 2027 September East Africa Migration Safari – Departing 31 August 2027

Overview

Join this amazing 16-day safari through some of Kenya and Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas. From up-close moments with rescued elephants and endangered rhinos to exciting game drives across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Samburu and Maasai Mara, this itinerary brings together the very best of Africa’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see incredible wildlife, including the ‘Special 5’ (previously known as the Big 5), the Samburu ‘Unique 5’ and typically the spectacular wildebeest Migration. You’ll also be guided by Richard Ruskin, a professional safari guide and guide trainer with 22 years of experience guiding in East Africa. His deep knowledge of wildlife, birds, plants and landscapes helps bring each day to life, while his passion for photography means he can help guests capture great images along the way. Richard’s long-standing connections with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania also adds a richer cultural dimension to the journey, offering authentic experiences and unique insights. The driver-guides chosen for this safari have all been personally selected by Richard as well. With expert guiding, specifically selected lodges and tented camps, this is a safari made for unforgettable memories.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI

On arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you will be met by Richard Ruskin and transferred to NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL for your two-night stay.

DAY 2: NAIROBI

After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of the Giraffe Centre, Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Karen Blixen Museum, including lunch. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: NAIROBI – MUTARA CONSERVANCY

This morning you will be met at your hotel to begin your safari with a drive to Mutara Conservancy located next to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in Ol Pejeta, famous for the last two northern white rhinos and a large number of rhino and plains game. The next two nights will be spent at JAMBO MUTARA CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

Today you will be taken on morning and afternoon game drives in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: MUTARA CONSERVANCY – SAMBURU

This morning you will travel by road to Samburu with an afternoon game drive. The next two nights will be spent at  SAMBURU INTREPIDS (B, L, D)

DAY 6: SAMBURU

After breakfast, you will be taken on morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is very different to other parts of Kenya as it is a far drier environment. It is here you will be able to see the ‘Unique 5’ – the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx, as well as other varieties of game, including lion and cheetah. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: SAMBURU – ARUSHA

This morning, you will be taken to Samburu Airstrip for your flight to Arusha, via Nairobi Wilson Airport. On arrival in Arusha you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA. (B)

DAY 8: ARUSHA – MAKUYUNI – NGORONGORO

After breakfast, you will be driven to Makuyuni Wildlife Park for a game drive, followed by a wonderful lunch at the African Galleria – amazing local food with a modern twist and one of the best places to buy local arts and crafts. Afterwards, you will be taken by road to Ngoronogoro Crater and  LIONS PAW CAMP for your two-night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: NGORONGORO CRATER

Today you will descend into the crater, for an almost full day safari, with picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the only ‘living’ caldera in the world and is home to thousands of animals that live within the crater walls. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: NGORONGORO CRATER – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, travel by road to the Serengeti National Park. It is a long drive within the park but many clients say this day is one of the highlights of the safari. Two nights at LAHIA TENTED LODGE, strategically placed atop a hill overlooking the Serengeti Plains. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Today, you will be taken on morning and afternoon game drives. Lion, leopard and cheetah sightings are common, as well as ostrich, hyena, elephant, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: SERENGETI – MAASAI MARA

This morning you will be transferred to the Seronera airstrip for your light aircraft flight to the Maasai Mara, via Migori. You will spend the next three nights at KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAYS 13 – 14: MAASAI MARA

Spend the next two days in the Maasai Mara, game viewing with the option of adding a balloon safari (additional cost). It is here that the Wildebeest Migration should be in full swing, providing the opportunities to see them amassing as well as river crossings. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: MASAI MARA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be transferred back to NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL for your overnight stay and a farewell dinner. (B, D)

DAY 16: DEPART NAIROBI

This morning you will be transferred to Nairobi Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Richard Ruskin

Richard Ruskin is a professional safari guide, who has been travelling and working in Africa for over 40 years , as well as guiding and training guides in East Africa for 22 years. Richard will open your eyes to the animals, plants, birds and scenery that makes this area the most exciting in Africa. As an avid photographer responsible for capturing many of our wildlife images, Richard is available to assist aspiring photographers in enhancing their skills during the safari. With strong connections in local villages across Kenya and Tanzania, Richard offers a more personal encounter with the remarkable local tribes. For this safaris, he personally selects the driver-guides who accompany each trip, ensuring a high standard of knowledge, professionalism, and care throughout your safari.

Includes

• 15 nights in 4 and 5 star luxury accommodation on a twin share or single basis

• All airport transfers

• Meals as indicated (B, L, D)

• Specialist guiding by Richard Ruskin

• Services of English speaking driver/guides

• Game Park and National Park fees

• Internal flights and transfers as per itinerary

 

NOTE: This safari is based on 10 passengers travelling together to be guided. International flights and taxes not included.

* Price is indicative and subject to change; 2027 rates are not confirmed. Once released costs will be updated accordingly to 2027 confirmed price.

Subject to change without notice.

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