Live Your Best Lives
Summer vacation is approaching! I often get asked, "When will China-TravelNote organize a trip to Kenya to see the Great Migration?" Is it summer vacation again? Will it be too hot?
Firstly, if you want to go to Kenya to see the Great Migration, it has to be during the summer (June-September)!
Because it is only during these months that the animals migrate from Tanzania to Kenya to graze, and at the same time they cross the "River of Death", also known as the Ferry to Heaven!
Secondly, is it very hot in Kenya during the summer? Sorry, you go to Africa to escape the heat!
The average temperature in Kenya is 27℃ throughout the year. Every year, from June to October when the dry season arrives, Kenya maintains a comfortable cool temperature. While Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and most other cities are experiencing the scorching summer heat, this place welcomes the coolest month of the year!
Picture @Photo.net
💡A little knowledge: Animal migration happens all year round!
The Great Migration of East Africa is also known as the Wildebeest Migration. In order to seek water and grass, millions of wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes will form a huge team and carry out regular annual migration activities, heading north from the Serengeti Reserve in Tanzania and ending at the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
Image @pexels-nirav-shah-10495959
After reaching the end point, due to climate change, in just two or three months, this expeditionary force of more than 2 million herbivorous wild animals will once again tirelessly pursue green grass and return to Serengeti. The entire loop can be called a migration loop.
East African Great Migration Map▲
From late January to mid-March, during the breeding season, wildebeest herds make a long journey north from the southern Serengeti.
From April to May, during the long rainy season, herds of wildebeest pass through the central and western Serengeti.
From July to September, herds of wildebeest pass through the Grumeti River and the Mara River and arrive at the Masai Mara.
In November, during the short rainy season, the wildebeest herds return south to the Serengeti.
Picture @Photo.net
From the migration map, we can clearly see the great migration of animals. The time in Kenya is from June to September, and the other 80% of the time is spent in the Serengeti grasslands of Tanzania, which is the part below the shadow (upper right corner).
So why do people only know about the Kenyan Great Migration? The main reason is that between June and September, the animals reach the Mara River, where Tanzania and Kenya meet. The migration across the Mara River is also known as the "Crossing the River to Heaven."
Above picture @photo.net
This river is like a yin and yang river! The scene is both brutal and magnificent, and repeated coverage by the BBC and news documentaries has led many to narrowly interpret the Great Migration as concentrated in July and August each year. Over 200,000 people from around the world flock to Kenya's Mara River to witness the migration, but so many factors influence the animals' crossings that whether or not you see them ultimately depends entirely on luck!
Picture @Photo.net
Do you remember the little lion Simba who was lifted high when he was born? He was born in Kenya.
Picture @The Lion King
Here, a real-life version of "Animal World" and "The Lion King" unfolds, far more exciting than what's shown on screen. It's been the filming location for countless documentaries and the childhood memory of "Animal World," composing a hymn to life!
Image @stock-photo-143690831
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is located in eastern Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Top of Africa", is located there. The equator runs through it horizontally, and the Great Rift Valley of East Africa divides the earth's surface into two vertically.
This is a magical country in people's minds where animals run all over the streets. In addition to lions and elephants, it is also the birthplace of primitive humans and the creation center of Africa. It has a rich cultural heritage, artistic atmosphere, a thriving social environment and enthusiastic local residents.
On the vast East African savannah, a magnificent Mara River naturally divides this fertile grassland into two parts, which is called "Masai Mara" in Kenya.
Picture @Photo.net
The Masai Mara is known as the "Garden of Eden" for animals, and the annual animal migration takes place here.
This seemingly tranquil river is home to tens of thousands of ferocious African crocodiles, and groups of lions wait in the bushes on the banks. Despite this, every year at this time of year, a spectacular spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras bravely crossing the Mara River takes place.
Picture @Photo.net
Our main goal here is to watch the Big Five Game on safari. ▼
African lions, African elephants, rhinos, leopards and African buffaloes.
Image above @stock-photo-86961287
Chinese pictures @photo.net
The following image is @stock-photo-120592579
However, the reason these animals are considered the Big Five of Africa is not because of their massive size, but because they are the most difficult to catch with your bare hands!
Picture @Photo.net
The Maasai have always been a symbol of the primitive tribes left on the East African grasslands. The Maasai are a very unique ethnic group. They are distributed in the border area between Tanzania and Kenya and make a living by herding cattle and sheep.
Regardless of gender, they wear bright red clothes all year round, wear beautiful big earrings and necklaces, and hold a stick in their hands, which is very "Black African" style.
They are unwilling to integrate into modern society, wandering the endless grasslands, living a life of freedom and ease, just like wild animals. Their primitiveness is somewhat unconventional, and their slippers are also very special: they are made of black leather and have a concave bottom instead of a flat bottom.
Right picture @photo.net
In the Maasai villages of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the Maasai people's small thatched huts can be seen everywhere. They use thorny branches as walls to prevent the invasion of wild animals, making them particularly conspicuous on the savannah!
Picture @Photo.net
“What’s the difference between China-TravelNote’s routes?” You’ve probably heard this question so many times that your ears are probably getting calluses!
The answer is yes! Of course it’s different!
First, we have the long-standing China-TravelNote independent photography group [Kenya Photography • Animal Migration], we will go to
We will stay here for four full nights, so a longer stay increases the chances of waiting for the heavenly ferry. The hotel in the national park is a local five-star hotel in the core area of the park (near the Mara River), which is more comfortable and ensures a good shooting experience!
Besides the popular Masai Mara, we also wanted to visit Amboseli National Park. Why? Although it's only 400 square kilometers, it's famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro!
Image @stock-photo-294900879
Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the "Roof of Africa" and the summit of Africa, is said to be melting in 10 years, marking the last snowfall at the equator. Although located in Tanzania, Amboseli offers the best vantage point. With a bit of luck, you can even capture the spectacular sight of a large herd of elephants passing by Mount Kilimanjaro at sunset.
Picture @Photo.net
Compared with Masai Mara, the animal scenes here are more layered against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Picture @Photo.net
Lake Bogoria, located on the edge of Kenya's Rift Valley, is a calcium carbonate lake, not a freshwater lake. Covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers, it, like other surrounding lakes, is home to many African flamingos.
Picture @Photo.net
We will stay in the only hotel in Bogoria Scenic Area!
Picture @Photo.net
Lake Naivasha is the only freshwater lake in Kenya, home to the largest number of hippos and birds.
China-TravelNote specially arranged a boat ride across Lake Naivasha and filmed an osprey fishing.
In addition, we will go to the Maasai tribe to delve into the culture of the Maasai people and record the Maasai people with cameras.
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We selected East African off-road vans, each of which can only accommodate 4 team members, and each person has an independent window to ensure a good view.
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Arrange to stay in a light luxury hotel, with eight nights of special accommodation throughout the trip, including four consecutive nights in a five-star hotel in the Masai Mara.
Image @stock-photo-170364823
Next, we also have an in-depth and exclusive tour to Kenya this summer [Kenya Exclusive • Animal Migration].
Different from the photography route, we will gain some different experiences!
Princess Elizabeth of England once stayed here during her travels, but the King of England died that night. As a result, the story that Elizabeth "is a princess when she's on the tree and a queen when she's down from the tree" spread, and the Treetop Hotel became famous.
The treetop hotel we visited was newly built based on the feeling of the old treetop hotel. The hotel is built in a wildlife sanctuary, close to a large natural pond, where we will arrange afternoon tea experience and animal viewing.
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Super comfortable throughout the trip
Emirates five-star airline, plus three consecutive nights at a five-star hotel in the Masai Mara
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Journey to the Secret Realm
Wander in the bird paradise Lake Naivasha and see thousands of water birds.
We will arrange a special boat tour to a private island.
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Arrange special experiences
Enjoy a special lunch at Trout Tree Restaurant and experience Maasai dancers crossing the equator.
If you think these route arrangements are not exciting enough!
Why not try our [Tanken Dual Country Photography • Animal Migration].
Do you know what it's like when there's a fiery red sun in the sky with Tyndall's rays almost every day?
Do you know the thrill you feel when you soar in the sky with millions of flamingos?
Do you know how incredible it is in the animal world that humans can be found living under a silk tree and drinking champagne?
Perhaps all you need to solve these problems is a trip, a trip to the East African grasslands of Tanzania and Kenya, a bi-national animal migration tour!
The East African Migration is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. This year we have the opportunity to witness this feast of life with our own eyes. I believe you will be moved by the wildness and beauty of this grassland!
