The climax of any Kenya wildlife safari is the unmissable wildebeest migration. The annual Great Migration is a fascinating marvel of nature, where predatory lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena gather on the savannah plains and the ecosystem stretching from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti and wait expectantly for in excess of two million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra to arrive in a stampede of activity, so they can prey on the more vulnerable, juvenile or lone animals. The sight and sound of the thundering hooves of the millions of migrating animals arriving from Grumeti River area in Tanzania through to the Masai Mara in Kenya is like no other on earth and should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

The climax of the event comes with the river crossing and after the first animal’s tentative entry into the waters, thousands more follow in its shadow and the inevitable chaos that ensues is breathtaking, with some animals being taken by waiting crocodile as they desperately try to make it to the other side. Movement of the migration starts between June to September in Kenya, but due to fluctuations of timings this does change year-on-year. However two of the best areas to see the migration crossing are on the Mara and Talek Rivers.

The great migration is a dramatic, wild and totally enthralling natural event to encounter and often includes sightings of wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard and even hungry crocs.

Away from the Masai Mara, many Kenyan reserves and conservancies have been established to promote wildlife conservation within the country. Conservancies in Kenya are now highly popular as they are a major vehicle for empowering local communities to be involved in both tourism and wildlife conservation activities and are often the highlight of any Kenya wildlife safari. They have the dual benefit of providing these communities with financial rewards and protecting the local environment. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the most pioneering examples, where a vast area of 18,000 hectares has been earmarked to provide refuge for black and white rhino, sitatunga and Grevy’s zebra.

In the Laikipia District you will find the 19,000-acre private conservancy, Ol Pejeta, which features an astounding mix of wildlife, from leopard, elephant and buffalo, to zebra, lion, black and white rhinos and chimpanzees. With the largest Black Rhino Sanctuary in East Africa, it is now a successful home to this critically endangered species and you can also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can spot this remarkably intelligent animal! The sanctuary provides refuge for orphaned and abused chimpanzees, the closest living relatives to humans, from West and East Africa.

Kenya wildlife safaris often encounter leopard, lion and cheetah, and sometimes wild dog as well!