Richard Ruskin photo of leopard at dusk walking near tree and rocks

Richard’s 2026 Signature East Africa Safari – Departing 20th June, 2026

Overview

Owner and MD of the African Travel Specialists, Richard Ruskin, guides his favourite event of the year – the annual Wildebeest Migration. Having guided during the Migration every year for the last 23 years, Richard can attest to it being one of the most exciting events in the world. This safari visits some of the best areas for game viewing such as Lake Elmenteita, Samburu National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and of course, the Masai Mara – home to the Migration at this time of year. Enjoy handpicked luxury accommodation in tented camps, lodges and hotels. This is a wonderful way to see the wildebeest migration, as well as amazing wildlife and birds, and all in the care of specialist safari guide Richard Ruskin.

Itinerary

 

DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI

On arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you will be met by Richard Ruskin and transferred to NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL for your two-night stay.

DAY 2: NAIROBI

After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre. Lunch will be at Tamarind Brasserie. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: NAIROBI – LAKE ELEMENTAITA

This morning you will be met at your hotel and begin your safari with a drive to Lake Elementaita. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive before checking in for your two-night stay at LAKE ELMENTEITA SERENA CAMP. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: LAKE ELEMENTAITA / LAKE NAKURU

Today you will enjoy morning game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to a vast array of wildlife including black rhino, white rhino and the Rothschild giraffe. It is also considered an ornithological wonder, with common birdlife including the lesser and greater flamingo, African fish eagle, pink-backed pelicans and green wood hoopoes. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: LAKE ELEMENTAITA – SAMBURU

This morning you will be met and transferred by road to SAMBURU INTREPIDS, where you will stay for three nights. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Samburu Game Reserve. This park is famous for its populations of rare species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk, alongside elephant, lion and leopard. (B, L, D)

DAYS 6 – 7: SAMBURU

Spend the next two days on morning and afternoon game drives. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: SAMBURU – ARUSHA

Today you will be transferred to the Wilson Airport, where you will board a light aircraft to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight to Arusha. On arrival, you will be transferred by road to FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 9: ARUSHA – NGORONGORO CRATER

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Mkuyuni Nature Park for a morning game drive. Within the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, covering an area of 49 square kilometres, this park is the natural habitat of wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes and zebras. Afterwards, continue to African Galleria for lunch, well known for its locally made arts and crafts and a great place to buy Tanzanite. After lunch, continue to Ngorongoro Crater where you will check in to LIONS PAW CAMP for your two-night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: NGORONGORO CRATER

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive with a hot lunch. The crater is home to an incredible density of wildlife including lions, rhino, buffalo and hyena. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: NGORONGORO CRATER – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to the Serengeti, with game viewing en-route. On arrival, check in to LAHIA TENTED LODGE for your three-night stay. Enjoy lunch on arrival. The afternoon is at your leisure, embark on an afternoon game drive or unwind at the camp. (B, L, D)

DAYS 12 – 13 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Spend the next two days enjoying morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti. This region is particularly renowned for its predator sightings. (B, L, D)

DAY 14 : SERENGETI – MASAI MARA

This morning you will be transferred to Seronera airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Tarime airstrip. From here, you will be transferred by road to Migori where you will board your onward flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival you will be transferred to KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara. You will spend the next two nights here. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: MASAI MARA

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Mara, a region rich in plains game and predators. Optional hot air balloon safari available (additional cost). (B, L, D)

DAY 16: MASAI MARA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be transferred back to NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL for your overnight stay and a farewell dinner (drinks not included). (B, D)

DAY 17: DEPART NAIROBI

This morning you will be transferred to Nairobi Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Richard Ruskin

Richard Ruskin is a professional safari guide, who has been guiding in East Africa for over 23 years. Richard will open your eyes to the animals, plants, birds and scenery that makes this area the most exciting in Africa. As an avid photographer responsible for capturing many of our wildlife images, Richard is available to assist aspiring photographers in enhancing their skills during the safari. With strong connections in local villages across Kenya and Tanzania, Richard offers a more personal encounter with the remarkable African people. Richard handpicks the driver/guides that accompany this migration safari.

Includes

• 16 nights in 4 and 5 star luxury accommodation on a twin share or single basis

• All airport transfers

• Meals as indicated (B, L, D)

• Specialist guiding by Richard Ruskin

• Services of English speaking driver/guides

• Game Park and National Park fees

• Internal flights and transfers as per itinerary

 

NOTE: This safari is based on 10 passengers travelling together to be guided. International flights and taxes not included.

* Park, reserve, and concession fees and any Government charges used in these rates are based on current information. Should there be increases in these fees, the increase will need to be passed on. Unfortunately, these increases are out of our control.

Subject to change without notice.

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