No wildlife event on Earth rivals East Africa’s Great Migration for sheer drama. Every year, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra, 2 million strong, make a grand circuit across the plains from the Serengeti into Kenya's Maasai Mara and back, following the new grass that sprouts with the seasonal rains. A host of predators, including the Mara’s abundant lions, follows in pursuit, ensuring their own survival by targeting weaker members of the herds. Along with the wonder of the migration, Kenya offers photographers iconic images of Africa: giraffes browsing in lacy acacia trees, elephants trundling over the savanna against the backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kenya, proud Maasai bedecked in traditional beadwork, and much more. Concentrating on private reserves, we avoid the most heavily visited areas, guaranteeing an authentic safari experience reminiscent of Kenya in days gone by.
Trip Highlights
Luxury Mobile Camps Away from Crowds
Enjoy unparalleled proximity to the herds from our intimate camps in the Maasai Mara—including Nat Hab's own camp on an exclusive private conservancy
Migration River Crossing Action
Witness thousands of wildebeest crossing a river as crocodiles lie in wait—and view thrilling predator-prey interactions on the savanna
The Best Guides for the Best Experience
Guided by top safari Expedition Leaders who are expert trackers and know this land intimately, encounter abundant wildlife away from crowds
Kenya Migration Photo Expeditions
Photo Expeditions offer unparalleled access to the Migration—plus personalized coaching from our professional photographer guide to help you capture riveting wildlife images and breathtaking landscapes. Capped at just 12 photographers, our group is divided into open safari vehicles with a maximum of four travelers each, ensuring easy angling for the best shots. Everyone gets a "window" seat, of course, with room for all your equipment. Photo safari guests can take up to 70 pounds on our chartered flights—a much higher limit than most companies allow.
What Makes Our Kenya Migration Safari Stand Out?
To witness hundreds of thousands of animals crossing the Maasai Mara, as far as your eye can see, is a wildlife phenomenon with no parallel on Earth. Imagine close-up shots of thousands of wildebeest and zebra clattering over the plains, followed by a phalanx of predators—photographers won’t find a greater thrill. That's why, if you’re making a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa to see the Great Migration, you must do it right. Don't end up in crowded parks, cramped vehicles and large safari lodges far from wildlife corridors.
Here's why you should experience the migration with us!
The Most In-Depth Migration Itinerary
Compare itineraries. We spend eight full days in the Maasai Mara at the time of year when the migration is typically at its peak. We stay in two different locations where wildlife is most prolific—in the heart of the national reserve and on a private conservancy adjacent to the park where visitor numbers are strictly limited. Our itinerary is designed to place you in peak proximity to the herds—not other travelers.Our Private Mobile Camp Puts You Amid the Action
Many “migration safaris” stay at big lodges far removed from the migration itself, having to travel long distances each day to find the herds. In contrast, our own private mobile camp—exclusively for Nat Hab guests—is set in a remote area of the reserve where water and good grass typically keep the herds nearby. It's also located near the Mara and Talek rivers, where we may witness exciting river crossings with frequent predator-prey interactions.Small Groups Mean Intimate Photo Opportunities
We travel with a maximum of 12 guests divided into smaller groups among safari vehicles, enabling us to get closer to wildlife in a quieter context for photography—and your experience is enriched by more personalized interpretation from our guides.Guaranteed Window Seats & Plenty of Space in Our Vehicles
Every traveler has a "window" seat in our open 4x4 safari trucks, offering unimpeded views and maximum comfort—not every safari company offers this.Experience Brings Exclusivity
Our Expedition Leaders make all the difference in the popular Maasai Mara, where less-experienced guides rely upon radio calls to find wildlife, often resulting in 20 vehicles surrounding a single lion. They know the region and wildlife intimately and are able to purposefully avoid other vehicles as we find our own sightings. This means more private and intimate wildlife encounters—and better photos.Exclusive Safari Activities on a Private Reserve
Most migration safaris stay strictly within the national reserve. But we also stay on an exclusive private conservancy, where we have the opportunity for guided bush walks, off-road exploration and night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife. None of these activities is available inside the national parks.Fly To and From the Bush
Many safari companies transport you to and from the Maasai Mara from Nairobi by vehicle, meaning long, dusty drives over rough roads. We fly both ways, maximizing time for what you have come to Kenya for: wildlife viewing on safari.Extra Luggage Allowance
Most safaris flights in East Africa strictly limit luggage to 33 pounds per guest, including carryon bags, on even the highest-priced trips. We have arranged a special luggage allowance of 44 pounds per guest, making it easier to travel comfortably.The World's Finest Safari Guides
Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the finest naturalists on the planet. In Kenya, rather than using local camp guides at each stop, you'll travel from start to finish with our own Safari Expedition Leaders—the most highly trained guides in Africa—dedicated to providing exceptional service. Our Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years' experience each. Their training is further enhanced with materials from WWF' scientists. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Safari Experience
Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
