Compare Lands of the Great Migration by Great Safaris vs Bhutan Tour with day hikes by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 7,995 | $ 2,060 |
| Price Per Day | $ 615 | $ 343 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Enter a world of elegance, wild beauty, and the magical pages of living history on the plains of East Africa on our Lands of the Great Migration – Kenya & Tanzania safari. One of the world greatest natural wonders is the Great Migration of herds of wildebeest and zebra that travel the whole of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, from the north in Kenya’s Masai Mara, south across the great rivers, and into Tanzania’s great Serengeti plains. Annually, millions of the beasts follow thousands of years of instinct in their circular migration. And, where the herds go, as do the predators.Designed to give you the best chance to see the herds in action, this adventure extends to the best of what the region has to offer. Starting in Kenya, in the dramatic and unique Samburu Game Reserve, it continues to the world famous Masai Mara, home to the Maasai people and the big five game. Continuing your ‘flightseeing’ experience, see the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa at Ngorongoro Crater, and enjoy a true “Out of Africa” experience on the plains of the Serengeti.Staying in some of the finest lodges and tented camps that Africa has to offer, exploring the best and most prolific game reserves in Kenya and Tanzania, you will track one of the greatest of natural wonders while traveling over the Lands of the Great MigrationDay 1. Depart USA. The adventure begins! Fly to Africa.Day 2. Nairobi, Kenya (1 night). Welcome to Africa! Unwind at your hotel for your first relaxing night.Day 3-4. Samburu (2 nights). Wing north, where the colorful Samburu tribespeople, the rugged and dramatic terrain of volcanic mountains, gaunt hills, and the hardy desert rose provide a magnificent backdrop for your two days of game drives. Lion, buffalo, cheetah, the rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and more await.Day 5-6. Masai Mara (2 nights). Fly south to Kenya’s most famous reserve. Two days of prime big five and possible migration game viewing in the diverse habitat that includes awe inducing sights of predators and prey in their eternal dance of life and death. Enjoy magical evenings under the stars, reliving the day’s adventures.Day 7. Arusha, Tanzania (1 night). After a final Kenyan game drive, fly to Nairobi for you connecting flight to Tanzania. Tonight, enjoy some leisure time before your safari adventure continues tomorrow.Day 8-9. Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights). Drive to fabulous Lake Manyara to spot flamingos, famed ‘tree climbing lions’, and more on your first day in the area. Continuing your exploration on your second day, descend into the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa.Day 10-11. Serengeti (2 nights). Fly to the vast Serengeti, your ultimate safari destination. Another home of the spectacular wildebeest migration, the grass plains are a perfect habitat for big cats and grazers alike. Two days of game viewing and watching the sun set on the western horizon.Day 12. Depart Kilimanjaro. Bid “farewell” and your onward international flight.Day 13. Arrive USA. With fond memories – and photos – to last a lifetime! |
Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes combines the cultural and natural grandeur of Bhutan in the shortest possible time. The tour begins in the scenic Paro Valley with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery. After visiting Thimphu, a unique capital city that has a blend of traditional and modern touch, we drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha. Our Bhutan tour also includes three more hikes: to Wangditse Gompa, Lungchutse Monastery and to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. During the day hikes, we get to experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. |
Day 1 : Depart USA
The adventure begins! Fly to Africa.
Day 2 : Nairobi, Kenya (1 night)
Welcome to Africa! Unwind at your hotel for your first relaxing night.
Day 3 : Samburu (2 nights)
Wing north, where the colorful Samburu tribespeople, the rugged and dramatic terrain of volcanic mountains, gaunt hills, and the hardy desert rose provide a magnificent backdrop for your two days of game drives. Lion, buffalo, cheetah, the rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and more await.
Day 4 : Samburu (2 nights)
Wing north, where the colorful Samburu tribespeople, the rugged and dramatic terrain of volcanic mountains, gaunt hills, and the hardy desert rose provide a magnificent backdrop for your two days of game drives. Lion, buffalo, cheetah, the rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and more await.
Day 5 : Masai Mara (2 nights)
Fly south to Kenya’s most famous reserve. Two days of prime big five and possible migration game viewing in the diverse habitat that includes awe inducing sights of predators and prey in their eternal dance of life and death. Enjoy magical evenings under the stars, reliving the day’s adventures.
Day 6 : Masai Mara (2 nights)
Fly south to Kenya’s most famous reserve. Two days of prime big five and possible migration game viewing in the diverse habitat that includes awe inducing sights of predators and prey in their eternal dance of life and death. Enjoy magical evenings under the stars, reliving the day’s adventures.
Day 7 : Arusha, Tanzania (1 night)
After a final Kenyan game drive, fly to Nairobi for you connecting flight to Tanzania. Tonight, enjoy some leisure time before your safari adventure continues tomorrow.
Day 8 : Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights)
Drive to fabulous Lake Manyara to spot flamingos, famed ‘tree climbing lions’, and more on your first day in the area. Continuing your exploration on your second day, descend into the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa.
Day 9 : Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights)
Drive to fabulous Lake Manyara to spot flamingos, famed ‘tree climbing lions’, and more on your first day in the area. Continuing your exploration on your second day, descend into the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa.
Day 10 : Serengeti (2 nights)
Fly to the vast Serengeti, your ultimate safari destination. Another home of the spectacular wildebeest migration, the grass plains are a perfect habitat for big cats and grazers alike. Two days of game viewing and watching the sun set on the western horizon.
Day 11 : Serengeti (2 nights)
Fly to the vast Serengeti, your ultimate safari destination. Another home of the spectacular wildebeest migration, the grass plains are a perfect habitat for big cats and grazers alike. Two days of game viewing and watching the sun set on the western horizon.
Day 12 : Depart Kilimanjaro
Bid “farewell” and your onward international flight.
Day 13 : Arrive USA
With fond memories – and photos – to last a lifetime! My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon trip booked through Great Safaris. It was a trip of a lifetime and we were so impressed by the accommodations, food and first class service. We saw more animals than we ever expected to see and our safari guides were very knowledgeable. Our trip was two weeks and Great Safaris picked all the right spots in Kenya and Tanzania!
Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft
As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu, Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Hiking: 4-5 hrs Travel Distance: 54 km Driving: 1 hour
Maximum Altitude: 3,180m/10,434ft
After breakfast, we hike for around 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and leave for Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Hike to Wangditse Gompa followed by sightseeing in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft
In the morning, we drive to BBS Tower and then hike for 1 hour to Wangditse Gompa on leveled trail with great view of Tashichho Dzong. From here, we also get an amazing view of the Samtenling Palace, home to the fourth King and Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hillside above. After touring the Gompa, we return to Thimphu. On the way, visit the mini Zoo to see the Takin, national animal of Bhutan. After lunch, we visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. We may also visit the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, we enjoy strolling in the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha, Hike to Lungchutse Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Hiking: 2 hrs Travel Distance: 76 km Driving: 2-3 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,100m/10,171ft
After breakfast, we drive to Dochula pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. We will begin 2 hours hike to Lungchutse Monastery from 108 chortens. The trail passes through rhododendron forests. Walking along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers us stunning views of Himalayas, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Hike back to Dochu La Pass. After lunch, drive downhill through the rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro, Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Hiking: 2 hrs Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft
At dawn, we drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin our 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. We hike further towards Punakha. On the way back, we visit the Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. In the afternoon, we drive to Paro and spend the night there.
Day 6: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.
