Migration of the Wildebeest
The variety of wildlife that call the Masai Mara home are among the most abundant in the world. Lions, zebra, giraffe, hippos, antelope, gazelles, hyena, and most of all wildebeest – well over a million of the shaggy faced, skinny legged beasts. Their annual migration in search of food – north from the Serengeti, and later south from the Masai Mara – is the largest single movement of animals on the planet. This legendary migration of the wildebeest more than lives up to the hype.
Length of Trip : 7 days
Cost : There's a number of safari camps in the Masai Mara, ranging in budget. On the bucket list, I stayed in a particular high-end option, &Beyond's Bataleur Camp. Click here for the latest prices.
Best time to go : July through October
Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
All meals are served at the camp. In Bateleur, this includes in full view of the animals! The cocktails and soups are mindblowing.
Official Site :
&Beyond Bateleur's Camp official site.
Masai Mara Nationa Reserve Info
Explore vast African wilderness of the Masai Mara and Serengeti with World Expeditions
Where to Stay :
Bataleur has safari tents Livingston would have eaten his left foot for. Four poster double beds, rainshowers, leather chairs on a patio gazing over the plains. Other accommodation options range from camping and self-catering bungalows to other luxury lodges.
When staying in Masai Mara, we recommend the Fairmont Masai Mara.
When staying in Nairobi, we recommend the Fairmont Nairobi.
Getting There :
Chartered flights to safari camps in the Masai Mara depart from Nairobi, which is serviced daily with international flights from European hubs.
Note from Robin :
The key to an amazing safari is to manage your expectations. TV crews and wildlife photographers spend weeks, months and even years to capture those incredible images you're accustomed to on wildlife shows. So don't go in expecting to see a lion take down an elephant. You will see tons of animals, but as with all wildlife, how they behave is up to them. Driving around with a heavy blanket in the early morning hours, watching an African sunrise, or taking a night drive under the stars, or simply lazing back in the tent, is as wonderful as any wildlife encounter. Every once in a while, don't forget to put down the camera and enjoy it.
