The Great Migration

Your journey begins in Nairobi – a city often overlooked, yet ideal for a smooth start. Settle into a charming guesthouse in the leafy suburb of Karen, where you may visit the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum if time allows. After a restful evening and dinner, the excitement builds: tomorrow, you head into the bush.

Morning mist still hangs over the river. Somewhere, a jackal calls. You’re in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve – where the migration comes alive. From July to October, herds cross the river in dramatic scenes, but even outside this window the reserve offers outstanding wildlife. Lions rest beneath acacias, elephants move through the grasslands, and cheetahs scan from termite mounds. Every game drive brings a different pace, every sighting a different story.

A short flight takes you into the southeast of the Serengeti – remote, open, and known for its predators. The scenery stretches far, dotted with low acacia trees and seasonal streams. Cheetahs and lions are commonly seen here, as are hyenas and vultures. Depending on the season, the migration may be nearby, but the real draw is the feeling: a raw, uncluttered connection with the land.

Ruaha is vast, quiet, and truly wild. Few visitors make it this far, which makes the experience even more rewarding. Baobab forests, rocky outcrops, sand rivers and open plains set the scene. Elephants are ever-present, large lion prides roam freely, and rare antelope species like roan and sable thrive here. You explore by vehicle and on foot – with expert guides who know how to read the bush. It’s an immersive finale for those who seek depth and authenticity.

On your final morning in Ruaha, the bush seems to pause. A last look across the landscape, one more quiet coffee, and then it’s time to leave. For some, the journey ends here with a return flight home. Others may continue to the Indian Ocean – with a few relaxing days on Pemba Island. This quiet alternative to Zanzibar offers empty beaches, crystal-clear water, and small lodges made for unwinding. A fitting end, in a place where time feels slower.