Great Migration
The river crossings — front-row seats as a million wildebeest brave the crocodile-filled Mara River.
4 days · 3 nights · Jul – Oct only
About this experience
Between July and October, the Great Migration reaches the Maasai Mara and the wildebeest must cross the Mara River — a churning, dust-and-thunder gauntlet of crocodiles and waiting lions. There is nothing else like it in the natural world. This trip puts you in a camp right on the river so you can be at the crossing points at first light, with a guide who knows where the herds are massing. Limited departures, peak season — book early.
Best for
- Bucket-list travellers
- Photographers
- Peak-season visitors
Trip features
- Private vehicleYour own 4x4 and driver-guide
- Starts any dayPick your own date, 7+ days ahead
- Can be tailoredChange lodges, add days or parks
- Children welcomeAges 3–12 at half price
- Pickup in NairobiAirport or your hotel
- English · Swahili · French · German · ItalianGuide languages
Signature experiences
Optional extras we can add to this trip. Prices are per person and confirmed when you book.
Lift off at dawn over the plains, drift silently above the herds, and land to a champagne bush breakfast. The definitive Mara morning.
Spend an hour in a working manyatta — the jumping dance, fire-making, and a look at daily Maasai life, hosted by the community itself.
A lantern-lit table set out under the stars, your own chef and a crackling fire — the safari dinner people remember for years.
After dark on a private conservancy, a spotlight picks out leopard, aardvark, bushbaby and the animals you never see by day.
Day by day
What each day looks like, from pickup in Nairobi to drop-off.
Morning light-aircraft hop from Nairobi's Wilson airport (about 45 minutes) straight into the reserve. Lunch at camp, then an afternoon drive to find where the herds are gathering.
Early start to the river crossing points. Crossings are unpredictable — we position, wait, and read the herd. When it happens, it's unforgettable. Picnic breakfast in the bush.
Where the migration goes, the predators follow. Full day tracking lion prides, cheetah and leopard feasting on the abundance. Optional balloon safari at dawn (extra).
One more dawn drive to the river, brunch, then the flight back to Nairobi for your onward connection.
What's included
Included
- 3 nights full-board riverside camp
- Return light-aircraft flights Nairobi ↔ Mara
- Reserve entry fees
- Shared/private 4x4 · experienced guide
- Bottled water & sundowners
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Not included
- International flights
- Kenya eTA (government fee payable online — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Hot-air balloon safari ($475 pp, optional)
- Tips
Route & pickup
Where the trip goes, and where we meet you. Pickup is confirmed the day before you set off.
Drag to pan · pinch or buttons to zoom
- 01 NairobiDay 1 · City
- 02 Maasai MaraDay 1 · National park & reserve
- 03 NairobiDay 4 · City
Good to know
Bookara started running trips in 2026, so there are no guest reviews on this trip yet. Ask us anything on WhatsApp before you book; you'll talk to one of the two founders.
A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 45 days before you travel (book closer than that and you pay in full). Cancel 90+ days before departure for a full refund, 60–89 days before for 50% back. Full terms.
Common questions
Can you guarantee I'll see a river crossing?+
No one honestly can — crossings happen on the herd's schedule, not ours. What we guarantee is a riverside camp, a guide who tracks the herds daily, and as many crossing-point mornings as your trip allows. Over four nights in peak season, the odds are very good.
When exactly is the migration in the Mara?+
Roughly July through October, peaking August–September. The herds move constantly with the rain, so the best crossing month shifts year to year. Tell us your dates and we'll tell you honestly what to expect.
Why fly instead of drive?+
In peak season the road is a long half-day each way; flying gets you into the reserve in 45 minutes, so you spend your time at the river, not on the road. For a four-night migration trip we strongly recommend it.
Book on WhatsApp
Your chat opens with the trip pre-filled — no payment needed now. Our team replies between 7am–10pm EAT.
Request saved
WhatsApp is opening with your details pre-filled — just hit send.
- 1 Send the pre-filled messageYour trip details are already written for you.
- 2 Confirm in chat — or pay the deposit onlineSame reference either way. Our team replies 7am–10pm EAT.
- 3 Instant confirmationWhatsApp message + email receipt the moment your deposit lands.
Your request ref becomes your booking reference once the deposit is paid.
Book direct with the operator
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Licensed & certified
Kenya-registered operator in Nairobi with experienced driver-guides.
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Run from Nairobi
We plan and run your trip ourselves, with driver-guides we know, and stay reachable on WhatsApp throughout.
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Secure payment
Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Taxes and park fees are in the price you see.
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Flexible cancellation
Full refund up to 90 days before departure; a 30% deposit holds your dates.
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