wildebeest migration

Richard’s East Africa September Migration Safari – Departing 1st September, 2025

Overview

Owner and MD of the African Travel Specialists, Richard Ruskin, guides his favourite event of the year – the annual Wildebeest Migration. Having guided during the Migration every year for the last 20 years, Richard can attest to it being one of the most exciting events in the world. This safari visits some of the best areas for game viewing such as Samburu National Reserve, Lake Elmentaita, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and the jewel in Africa’s crown, the Masai Mara – home to the Migration at this time of year. Accommodation comprises of tented camps, lodges and hotels. This is a wonderful way to see the wildebeest migration, as well as amazing wildlife and birds, and all in the care of specialist safari guide Richard Ruskin.
**DUE TO THE 2025 DEPARTURE BEING FULLY BOOKED, WE ARE TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2026.**

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI

On arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Two-nights at FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK HOTEL where you will be met by Richard Ruskin.

DAY 2: NAIROBI

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

DAY 3: NAIROBI – LAKE ELMENTAITA

This morning you will be met at the hotel reception and begin your safari with a drive to Lake Elementeita, located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The next two nights will be spent at LAKE ELMENTAITA SERENA CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: LAKE ELMENTATIA

Today you will be taken on a morning and afternoon game drives to Lake Elmentaita National Park. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: LAKE ELMENTAITA – SAMBURU

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

DAY 6: SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

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 ‘Special 5’ – the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa Oryx, as well as other varieties of game. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: SAMBURU – KILIMANJARO

After breakfast, you will fly back to Nairobi for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to the FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA for your overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 8: ARUSHA – LAKE MANYARA – NGORONGORO CRATER

After breakfast, you will be driven to Lake Manyara for a game drive, followed by lunch at Lake Manyara Serena. Afterwards, you will continue to Ngorongoro Crater. On the way, you will have an opportunity to stop at the African Galleria – one of the best places to buy local arts and crafts. On arrival, check in to LIONS PAW CAMP for your two-night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: NGORONGORO CRATER

Today you will be taken 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. Many clients say this day is one of the highlights of the safari. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: NGORONGORO CRATER – SERENGETI NP

After breakfast, travel by road to the Serengeti National Park. 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 NATIONAL PARK – MAASAI MARA

This morning you will be transferred to the Grumeti airstrip for your light aircraft flight to the Maasai Mara. 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 a river crossing.

DAY 15: MAASAI MARA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, you will board your scheduled flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be transferred back to FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK HOTEL for your overnight stay. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 16: DEPART NAIROBI

After breakfast you will be transferred to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Richard Ruskin

Richard Ruskin is a professional safari guide, who has been guiding in East Africa for nearly 20 years. Richard will open your eyes to the animals, plants, birds and scenery that makes this area the most exciting in Africa. A keen photographer (many of his photos are in this brochure), he is on hand to help potential photographers improve their photos whilst on safari. Richard also has great friends in various villages in both Kenya and Tanzania, giving you a more intimate opportunity to meet these amazing Africans. Richard hand picks the African Travel Specialists driver/guides that accompany this migration 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

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

* The Kenya Government introduced large increases to Park Fees effective for all travel to National Parks, Game Reserves, Visits to Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage etc for all visitors entering parks from 01 January 2024, which is included in the above cost. Not all parks have increased in price, and ongoing discussions are continuing as to whether they will increase or not. There is also talk of introducing a mandatory concession fee levy on all lodges and accommodation in and around the parks. Should these be introduced, as they are out of our control, these will need to be added to the above costs.

Subject to change without notice.

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