7 Days Maasai Mara And Watamu Beach Migration Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary takes you through two of Kenya’s most iconic
migration events: the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara and the breathtaking whale migration along Watamu Beach. You will experience the thrill of wildlife safari in the Masai Mara, renowned for its annual migration, and then enjoy the pristine beaches of Watamu, where you can witness the incredible migration of whales and explore marine life. The journey also offers a blend of luxurious accommodation, cultural exploration, and unforgettable natural beauty.
Plan of the journey
Activities:
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
Private transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest
Optional afternoon activities like visiting the Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn about Kenya's conservation efforts and get up close with elephants and giraffes
Evening: Dinner at your hotel and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Midrange: Eka Hotel Nairobi
High End: Hemingways Nairobi
Activities:
Early breakfast and departure to Masai Mara (approx. 5-6 hours drive). Alternatively, you can take a short flight (45 minutes) directly to the Mara from Nairobi.
Check-in to your lodge and enjoy a warm welcome.
After lunch, head for an afternoon game drive to witness the majestic wildebeest migration as they cross the Mara River and roam the vast savannahs.
Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner overlooking the Mara and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Midrange: Mara Sopa Lodge
High End: Mahali Mzuri
Activities:
Early Morning Game Drive: Start the day early to catch the animals at their most active, including lion prides, cheetahs, and elephants, as they move in search of food and water.
Full Day Safari: After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive. Explore various areas of Masai Mara to witness the dramatic movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The Mara offers one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth during migration season.
Optional: Enjoy a hot air balloon safari at dawn for stunning aerial views of the Mara plains.
Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner, followed by an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Activities:
Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive before breakfast.
Return to Nairobi: After lunch, drive back to Nairobi (5-6 hours) or opt for a flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi.
From Nairobi, take a flight to Mombasa (about 1 hour) and transfer to Watamu (1 hour by road).
Check-in at your beach resort in Watamu, enjoy a refreshing drink, and relax by the beach.
Evening: Dinner at the resort, followed by an overnight stay.
Other Accommodation Options
Budget: Ocean Sports Resort
Midrange: Turtle Bay Beach Club
High End: The Hemingways Watamu/ or Temple Point Resort or Watamu Beach
Activities:
Morning Whale Watching: Head out on a boat tour to witness the majestic migration of humpback whales (typically fromJune to September). Enjoy the thrill of spotting these incredible creatures and other marine life.
Afternoon: Relax at the Watamu Marine National Park. You can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the colorful coral reefs, home to a variety of tropical fish and marine life.
Evening: Dinner at your beach resort, overlooking the ocean, and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Activities:
Morning at Watamu Marine National Park: Enjoy a snorkeling excursion to explore the underwater wonders of Watamu’s coral reefs. For those interested, a scuba diving session can be arranged to explore deeper areas of the marine ecosystem.
Afternoon: Visit Arabuko Sokoke Forest, one of Kenya’s largest coastal forests, known for birdwatching and nature walks. Alternatively, explore local villages and learn about the culture of the region.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dhow cruise along the coast, sipping on cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Night: Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight flight or final day in Nairobi
Activities:
Morning: Relax on the beach or visit local markets for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Transfer to Mombasa Airport for a flight back to Nairobi.
If you have time, enjoy a brief city tour or a relaxing dinner in Nairobi before your flight home.
Evening: Depart from Nairobi, or overnight stay depending on flight timing.
Cost Includes
- Transport (road transfer) to and from Masai Mara
- All game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation (based on the lodge/camp chosen)
- All meals during the safari
- Services of a professional safari guide
- Park Entrance fees
- Airport pickups and drop offs
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Items of personal nature
- Tips and other activities not mentioned
- Drinks and beverages of alcoholic nature
- Visa fees
- Optional Add-ons:
- Hot air balloon ride
- Masai village visit
- Nairobi City tour
- Snorkeling
- Shopping