Richard’s September East Africa Migration Safari 2026

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 21 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.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI

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

DAY 2: NAIROBI

After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre. 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 ELEMENTEITA SERENA CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: LAKE ELEMENTAITA

Today you will be taken on morning and afternoon game drives. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: LAKE ELEMENTAITA – SAMBURU

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

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 ‘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 – ARUSHA

This morning, you will be taken to Samburu Airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. Overnight at FOUR POINTS SHERATON ARUSHA. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: ARUSHA – LAKE MANYARA – NGORONGORO

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

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 – 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 be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be transferred back to FAIRMONT THE NORFOLK 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 guiding in East Africa for nearly 21 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 African people. Richard handpicks the 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.

Subject to change without notice.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

For tailor-made itineraries or enquiries… 

Lahia Tented Lodge

Discover Lahia Tented Lodge, where luxury meets wilderness. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Central Serengeti, all from the comfort of spacious, canvas tents with modern comforts. Accommodating 25 tents, Lahia Tented Lodge is situated 90km from the Serengeti National Park and is the ideal place from which to experience the thrill of safari.

Lion's Paw Camp

Positioned right at the very edge of Ngorongoro Crater, Lion’s Paw Camp offers a unique view across the caldera.  Guests indulge in tranquil luxury, and are spoilt every sunrise and sunset with views across the vast savannah. Enjoy thrilling game drives to explore the diverse landscape, immerse yourself in the local Maasai culture, and make unforgettable memories at this intimate camp.

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp

Tucked among golden-barked acacia trees, under the shadow of ancient volcanoes, Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is a truly magical holiday setting with a small, immaculately maintained tented upscale safari camp on the shores of Lake Elmenteita, a flamingo filled Lake in Kenya’s Soysambu Conservancy. Just a two-hour drive from Nairobi, Elementaita Serena Camp offers modern comforts of a five-star facility blended seamlessly with the rich history and culture for which Soysambu is famous. Activities include easy undisturbed game drives in the conservancy, nature walks, archery, horse riding, and note least birdlife too.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is in the lush forests of the Oloololo Escarpment and golden plains of the Masai Mara. This stunning safari camp features 40 “Hemingway – style” safari tents with beautifully furnished African furniture and art objects. Each one is spacious with panoramic views over the plains or the bush. Treat yourself to a holistic massage or take a dip in the rim-flow swimming pool which is literally on the edge of the Mara and boasts extraordinary views.

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Conveniently located in the city centre of the safari capital of Tanzania is Four Points by Sheraton. This hotel offers 106 air-conditioned rooms and suites with modern African-style decor. Hotel amenities include four restaurants, an outdoor pool, a coffee lounge, a garden, a fully equipped gym and massage services.

Samburu Intrepids

Samburu Intrepids is on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River located in Samburu National Reserve. This luxurious tented lodge offers 28 newly refurbished luxury tents spread along the river with raised decks for unsurpassed views of the wildlife that come down to the river to drink. The tents are set under a thatched roof and are perfect to unwind in after a day on safari. 

Fairmont the Norfolk

Fairmont The Norfolk has played a leading role in Kenya’s colourful history. It opened its doors in 1904 and has changed and improved with the growth of Nairobi. The finest and the best-known luxury hotel in town, enjoy beautiful traditionally furnished guest rooms and suites in a colonial style. The hotel is still the traditional starting point for safaris, and the Lord Delamere Terrace is modern Nairobi’s most famous meeting place, for drinks and light meals.

Chobe Bush Lodge

Chobe Bush Lodge is a stylish and contemporary retreat located just minutes from the entrance to Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park. The lodge offers a tranquil setting with 42 spacious rooms and four family units, each featuring a modern aesthetic that blends in with the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy views of the bush or lodge grounds from private balconies or patios, and enjoy a range of amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, and access to spa treatments at the nearby Chobe Safari Lodge. The property is situated in an ideal position for guests to embark on game drives, river cruises on the Chobe River, and day trips to Victoria Falls.