Whales to Wildebeest The Twin Migration

The Facts

Regions

• Lake Nakuru
• Masai Mara
• Watamu
• Nairobi

Accomodation

• Hotel Troy
• Macushla House
• Hemingways Nairobi
• Mama Safi
• Wilderness Camp
• Hemingways Ol Seki
• Hemingways Watamu
• Turtle Bay Beach Club
• Ocean Sports Resort Watamu

Details

In Kenya between July and September, a unique natural event occurs. The famous Mara is host to the spectacular wildebeest migration, one of the wildlife wonders of the world. Incredibly this occurs as simultaneously humpback whales migrate along the Kenya coast to breed, 5,000kms from their Antarctic feeding grounds.

This Bush to Beach, Savannah to Sea experience is particular to Kenya. We commence your adventure travelling through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, a Kenyan National Park with its fantastic flocks of flamingos and endangered black and white rhinos. We then head off to the Mara to witness the natural phenomenon of the wildebeest moving in their thousands. Here guests can try to spot the Big Five of Kenya, lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and for the very fortunate, more rhino. During game drives travellers can immerse themselves in the myriad of other wild animals in the Mara and over 200 bird species.

After the bush we now head to the beach, and fly down to Malindi airport and on to Watamu for the humpback whales. These magnificent humpback whales will be the main feature of the coastal section of your safari. Known to the be the most acrobatic of whales, lucky guests may see these 40 ton 18 mtr marine mammals breach from the ocean, often just for fun. The Indian Ocean is also home to the ‘Marine Big Five’ which include dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks, and billfish. While out in the ocean, dolphins can be seen at this time of year and sea turtles nest on the Watamu Protected Marine Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 On arrival at Nairobi Airport you will be transported by your own private driver to your hotel where you will meet your guide and other safari participants.

Day 2 We depart Nairobi and take you on your first safari adventure through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru. We expect to arrive at your camp for lunch where you can relax and prepare for an evening game drive.

Day 3 Lake Nakuru is a perfect introduction to some of Kenya’s most sought after wildlife on safari. The park boasts a large population of rhino, lion, giraffe, buffalo, leopard, and water buck as well as many other species of game. In addition, the highlight of Lake Nakuru is its mass of greater and lesser flamingo which can be found feeding in the shallows of the lake. Lake Nakuru park is where you are most likely to see rhino and the elusive leopard.

Day 4 The journey from Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara commences after breakfast. As you make your way into the through the Mara to your chosen camp, there is a chance to spot wildlife en route. Evening meal will be at camp, in preparation for your 2 to 3 day stay. (Depending on your choice)

Day 5 An early morning start with a packed lunch will take you through the Mara spotting the Big Five as you go. Our well qualified drivers and guides, will help you experience a safari with a difference. They are familiar with the family groups of big cats and elephants, and are keen to share their knowledge to explain the different behaviours of all the wildlife you encounter. We encourage guests take time to observe and photograph the wildlife which helps you make a special connection with this extraordinary place.

We will make our way to the Mara River where the migration is most intense at the river crossing, where wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, stream in a frantic bid to across the river in a desperate attempt to avoid the waiting crocodiles.

We spend all day on an extended game drive, and return to camp late afternoon.

Day 6 As day 5. Each day is a new adventure in the Mara.

Day 7 You can choose to stay an extra day and night in the Mara, or fly to the coast for the humpback whale migration.

Day 7/8 An early morning start to the local airport will take you to Wilson Airport in Nairobi for your connection to the Kenyan coast. Arriving in the afternoon we will take you to your chosen hotel where you will prepare for your Indian Ocean experience. All our accommodation options are situated in the Watamu Marine National Park, formed in 1968 it is the oldest marine protected area in Kenya. Depending on where you stay you may be able to see the whales close to shore, sometimes breaching on the reef as you sip a drink from the bar.

Day 8/9 After a breakfast you will join your guides and crew to search for these 40-ton 18 metre marine mammals. Your guides are local researchers and conservationists from Watamu Marine Association and the Kenya Marine Mammal Network. They have been studying dolphins and whales for 10 years on the Kenyan coast, and work to protect the 23 different species we have in our Kenya waters. The 3 to 4 hour trip will take you to the Watamu ‘Banks’ up to 2 to 3 kilometres offshore where the mother and calves journey to close to shore, safe from predators. Male whales also congregate in the area, singing their whale song to attract females. It’s all eyes on the ocean as Watamu Marine Association have a land-based research team on shore, counting the whales. We will be in constant radio contact in case they sight whales before the boat crew does, to help increase your chances of spotting them.

Other marine life you may encounter include the Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. If you choose, you may decide to try fishing on your return journey, which may mean freshly cooked fish for lunch.

Day 9/10 On your penultimate day on the coast, you may wish repeat the previous day, or spend it relaxing by the pool. For those wanting more natural and cultural adventures on land, Watamu offers bird watching in Mida Creek and the local Arabuko Sokoke Forest, an internationally recognised Important Bird Area. A visit to Bio Ken Snake Farm is a popular choice, as well as Sita Snake Park. Watamu is rich in Swahili history and culture, and for those so inclined, a visit to Gede Ruins an ancient city mysteriously abandoned in the 15th century is recommended. If you want a more excitement on or in the Indian Ocean, you can try your hand at kitesurfing, snorkelling or diving.

Day 10/11 After a leisurely breakfast we fly you back to Nairobi for your international flight home.