The Great Migration is the largest overland mammal movement on earth, and the Masai Mara is the stage for its most dramatic act. From July to October, more than 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra pour across the Mara River, facing crocodiles, drowning, and chaos. For travelers who want to witness this spectacle, this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary is designed to maximise your chances. You spend five nights in the Masai Mara, staying in a private conservancy that offers off road driving, night drives, and lower vehicle density. You have four full days of game driving, with your guide positioning you at the most active crossing points. Unlike shorter itineraries that leave too much to chance, this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary gives you the time you need. The river crossings are unpredictable. They can happen on any day, at any time. With five nights on the ground, you have a reasonable statistical probability of witnessing at least one crossing. At Nomara Safaris, we have guided hundreds of travelers on this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary. We know the best conservancies, the best guides, and the best strategies for finding the crossings. This page provides the complete itinerary, pricing, accommodation options, and everything you need to book.
This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary focuses exclusively on the Masai Mara. You fly from Nairobi to the Mara on day one, avoiding the long road transfer. You stay in a private conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve, giving you access to the reserve for river crossings while enjoying the exclusivity of the conservancy for daily game drives. You have four full days of game viewing, with your guide monitoring crossing points in real time. You also enjoy night drives and walking safaris in the conservancy, activities not permitted in the national reserve. On day six, you fly back to Nairobi for your departure. This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary is available as a private safari, meaning you have your own Landcruiser and guide. The itinerary can be customized. Some travelers prefer to add a hot air balloon safari. Others prefer to visit a Maasai village. Nomara Safaris works with you to design the perfect itinerary.
| Day | Destination | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi to Masai Mara | Fly to Mara, afternoon game drive | Mara Conservancy Camp |
| 2 | Masai Mara | Full day game drive, river crossing search | Mara Conservancy Camp |
| 3 | Masai Mara | Full day game drive, river crossing search | Mara Conservancy Camp |
| 4 | Masai Mara | Morning game drive, afternoon night drive | Mara Conservancy Camp |
| 5 | Masai Mara | Full day game drive, river crossing search | Mara Conservancy Camp |
| 6 | Masai Mara to Nairobi | Morning game drive, fly to Nairobi | – |
This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary is designed for travelers who prioritise the Migration. The five nights in the Mara give you four full days of game driving, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing a river crossing. The private conservancy offers exclusivity and activities not available in the national reserve.
Your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A Nomara Safaris representative will greet you and transfer you to Wilson Airport, the hub for domestic charter flights. You take a morning flight to the Masai Mara, approximately 45 minutes. The flight offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and the savannah below. Upon arrival at the Mara airstrip, your guide will meet you. You transfer to your camp in a private conservancy, such as Mara North, Olare Motorogi, or Naboisho. After lunch and a brief rest, you depart for your afternoon game drive. Your guide will begin the search for the Migration herds. You drive to the Mara River, where the crossings occur. Even if you do not see a crossing on your first afternoon, you will see plenty of wildlife. The conservancies are home to lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. You return to camp before dark. Overnight at your Mara conservancy camp. Dinner is at the camp.
Today is your first full day of Migration hunting on this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary. You wake before dawn, have a quick coffee, and depart by 6:00 AM. The early morning is the best time to find predators returning from their night hunts. You drive toward the Mara River, where the wildebeest herds are massing. Your guide is in radio contact with other guides across the conservancy and the reserve. When a crossing is reported, you move toward that location. The wait can be long. Herds gather on the banks, milling and hesitant. A false start sends them running back. Bring a book, bring patience, bring snacks. Your vehicle has a cooler with drinks. When the crossing happens, it happens quickly. Wildebeest plunge from high banks. Crocodiles strike. The far bank becomes a scramble of panicked hooves. The entire spectacle lasts perhaps fifteen minutes. After the crossing, you continue your game drive, stopping for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. You return to camp in the late afternoon. Overnight at your Mara conservancy camp.
Your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary continues with another full day of game driving. The herds may have moved overnight. The crossing points shift. Your guide will have gathered intelligence from the guide network and will position you accordingly. Some days produce multiple crossings. Other days produce none. The key is persistence. You return to the Mara River, searching for herds gathering on the banks. Between crossing attempts, you explore other parts of the conservancy and the reserve. You may find a leopard resting in a tree, a cheetah hunting on the plains, or a pride of lions sleeping in the shade. Your guide will interpret the behaviour you are seeing, explaining the social dynamics of the predators and the strategies of the prey. You return to camp in the late afternoon. Tonight, you have a night drive in the conservancy. With spotlights, you search for nocturnal species: bushbabies, genets, aardvarks, and leopards on the move. Overnight at your Mara conservancy camp.
On day four of your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary, you have a morning game drive followed by a rest period, then an afternoon drive and night drive. You depart at dawn, heading toward the river. The morning light is perfect for photography. The animals are active. You continue your search for crossing opportunities. By late morning, you return to camp for breakfast and rest. The middle of the day is the hottest period, when most large mammals seek shade. You can swim, read, edit photos, or have a massage. In the late afternoon, you depart again. The golden hour before sunset offers spectacular light. You continue to monitor crossing points. After sunset, you continue your drive with spotlights. Night drives offer a different world. You may see hyenas hunting, leopards stalking, or a serval cat crossing the track. You return to camp for dinner. Overnight at your Mara conservancy camp.
This is your final full day on this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary. You have one more chance to witness the river crossings. You depart at dawn, heading toward the most promising crossing points based on overnight intelligence from the guide network. The herds may have shifted dramatically. Your guide will adjust the plan accordingly. Even without a crossing, the Mara delivers. The wildlife density is extraordinary. You will see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and a dozen antelope species. The birding is exceptional, with lilac breasted rollers, secretary birds, and fish eagles. Your guide will ensure you have the best possible experience, whether the crossings happen or not. In the late afternoon, you return to camp for a farewell dinner. Overnight at your Mara conservancy camp.
Your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary concludes today. You have one last morning game drive. The early morning light is perfect for final photographs. You may catch a crossing if the herds are active. After breakfast, you transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you are transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. If your flight is in the evening, you may have time for a day room or a visit to the Giraffe Centre. Nomara Safaris can arrange additional activities upon request.
For travelers booking a luxury 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In the Mara North Conservancy: Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s camp, offers twelve tented suites with private verandas and stunning views. In the Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Olare Mara Kempinski offers luxury tents with butler service. In the Naboisho Conservancy: Naboisho Camp offers exceptional guiding and a swimming pool. Prices range from USD 800 to USD 1,500 per night.
For travelers booking a mid range 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In the Mara North Conservancy: Kicheche Mara Camp offers comfortable tents and excellent guides. In the Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Porini Lion Camp offers classic tented accommodation. In the Naboisho Conservancy: Eagle View Camp offers stunning views and walking safaris. Prices range from USD 400 to USD 700 per night.
For travelers booking a 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary who want to be as close to the crossings as possible, mobile camps are the best choice. These camps are erected at the start of the season and moved as the herds shift. They are less luxurious than permanent camps, with simpler furnishings, bucket showers, and no swimming pools. But they offer the unmatched advantage of being positioned within a short drive of the crossing points. Nomara Safaris recommends mobile camps for dedicated Migration enthusiasts.
This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary includes the following:
This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary excludes the following:
The best time for this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary is from July to October, when the wildebeest herds are in the Masai Mara. The peak crossing months are August and September, but this is also the busiest and most expensive time. September and early October offer the best combination of crossing activity and manageable crowds. The herds typically begin arriving in July and start moving back to the Serengeti in October. For travelers who want to avoid the peak crowds, late October can still deliver crossings. Nomara Safaris can advise on the optimal timing for your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary.
How much does this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary cost?
The cost of this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary depends on accommodation level and season. A mid range safari costs approximately USD 3,000 to USD 4,500 per person. A luxury safari costs approximately USD 5,000 to USD 8,000 per person. These prices are based on double occupancy. Single travelers pay a supplement. Nomara Safaris provides a detailed quotation based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
What are my chances of seeing a river crossing on this itinerary?
With five nights in the Masai Mara, your chances of seeing a river crossing on this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary are good, but not guaranteed. The crossings are unpredictable. Some weeks produce multiple crossings daily. Other weeks produce none. Your guide will use real time intelligence to position you at the most active crossing points. A five night stay gives you a reasonable statistical probability. A shorter itinerary leaves too much to chance.
Can I combine this itinerary with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes, you can combine this 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary with gorilla trekking. You would fly from Nairobi to Entebbe or Kigali after your Mara safari, then continue to Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park. A combined itinerary would require 12 to 14 days. Nomara Safaris specialises in multi country itineraries and handles all logistics.
Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Kenya. Visas can be obtained online before travel through the Kenyan eCitizen platform. The cost is approximately USD 50. You can also obtain a visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Nomara Safaris can advise on visa requirements for your specific nationality.
This 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary is available as a private safari with guaranteed departures. Nomara Safaris requires a deposit of 30 percent to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before travel. Internal flights are non refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation. Contact Nomara Safaris to book your 6-day Kenya migration safari itinerary. Provide your preferred travel dates, group size, and accommodation preferences. We will respond with a detailed quotation within 24 hours.