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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Kenya: Great migration begins

Editor's note: Kenya has been subject to adverse media reports recently. Please read and familiarise yourself with relevant travel warnings and consult your travel insurer regarding coverage.

MILLIONS HEAD TO KENYA as the annual Great Migration begins

The first batch of approximately 70,000 wildebeest has crossed the Mara River to kick off the annual migration in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Over the coming months, a combination of more than two million animals will unite and follow in their footsteps, as they battle the elements and predators in search of greener pastures across the border.



During the months of July and August, the Great Wildebeest Migration moves north, often spreading out across a broad front. The group tends to divide, with some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, while others prefer the direct northern route which cuts through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.

The pack reunites to reach the Maasai Mara around August, but must pass the most savage obstacle of them all, the Mara River before they can feast on the foliage. Thousands of animals battle the swollen river where crocodiles lurk, ready and waiting in the murky waters, to make a meal of the less able or those who fall behind. It is a true survival of the fittest.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said “the annual Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences, and it is no surprise that it is regarded amongst the eight wonders of the world.”

"With Kenya’s Maasai Mara welcoming the abundance of game, it offers visitors prime seats for the ultimate show,” Mr Ndegwa said.

Properties throughout the Mara are expected to run close to full occupancy over the migration period, highlighting the continued popularity and support for the destination.

Experience the migration firsthand with these last-minute offers:

Wildlife Safari is offering a unique 'Migration Mini Safari' with four nights at Mara Explorer Camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, private 4WD vehicle with camp guide for all game viewing, an exclusive breakfast with the hippo one morning, return flights from Nairobi, national park fees and all government taxes. Plus as an exclusive bonus, Wildlife Safari will send six bottles of its signature wine from its favourite Margaret River winery for every reservation at no additional cost. The land cost starts at US$9,990 (AUS$10,560) for two people in one tent and is valid for travel from 1 July to 1 October, 2014. Call 1800 998558 or email trevor@wildlifesafari.com.au.

African Wildlife Safaris is offering a seven day/ six night package visiting all of Kenya’s highlights including the beautiful semi-arid wilderness of Samburu National Reserve with its unique dry-country species; the forests around Mount Kenya; Lake Nakuru with its millions of flamingos, pelicans and other wildlife, and the savannah grasslands of the Masai Mara renowned for its huge herds of game and large number of predators. The land cost starts from AUS$4,212 per person twin share for travel between July to September, 2014. To book call (03) 9249 3777 or visit www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au.

G Adventures is offering a six day 'Kenya Overland Adventure’ adventure for 18-39 year olds. Package includes game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park; cultural visits and walks; boat ride on Lake Naivasha; transport between destinations, majority of meals, accommodation (camping and simple hotel) and expert guides. Travel on 27 September or 11 October, 2014. Book by 24 July, 2014. Price starts at AUD$919 per person (20% saving). To book call 1300 853 32 or visit www.gadventures.com.au (quote DKOA).

African Ubuntu Safaris are offering free internal flights four nights booked at Governors’ Camp or Little Governors’ Camp (prime locations for the wildebeest migration) including three game viewing activities per day, full board accommodation, national park fees, return domestic flights and return international flights from Sydney to Nairobi. This offer applies to new bookings made from now until the 15 September, 2014 for safaris taken from now until 31 December, 2014. This offer applies to Adults only. Price starts at AUD$4,250 per person. To book visit www.africanubuntusafaris.com.au or call 02 9877 678.

The Kenya Tourism Board is currently running a social media campaign, encouraging people to post images of #WhyILoveKenya and including the handle @MagicalKenya.

Kenya lovers can also keep up to date via the following social media platforms:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KenyaTourism?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MagicalKenya
Instagram – http://instagram.com/magicalkenya

For more information on Kenya visit www.magicalkenya.com

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The Expeditionist

The Expeditionist
Venturing to the world's special places