Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya

Your East African Safari begins the moment you touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. You will be greeted as you step off the plane, with a warm “JAMBO!” (hello in Swahili) and whisked off to the Sarova Panafric hotel (or similar).

Here, you will meet your expert drive-guide who will be your companion throughout this incredible Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari. Start with a chat about the program of African adventures that lie ahead. The rest of the day is free to settle into your room, relax by the pool, try out the poolside gym or dine at the hotel’s Flame Tree Restaurant that offers a mix of traditional Kenyan, Swahili/Coastal and Western cuisine. You may wish to head out and explore the nightlife of Nairobi city.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Kenya

Day 2 of your Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari starts with a delicious breakfast and a quick briefing, before climbing into your 4×4 safari vehicle and heading out of Nairobi. The drive will climb the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering dramatic views of seemingly endless valleys and plains stretching towards the horizon. Along the way you pass colourful villages and traditional Maasai herders tending their cattle.

You should arrive at world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, iconic ‘Out of Africa’ safari destination, in time for lunch. Settle in, refresh and refuel before your first afternoon game drive in the heart of Kenya’s most popular reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for a dazzling array of wildlife – from majestic lions and playful cheetahs to graceful giraffe or lumbering elephants. Your guide will scan the surroundings looking for tracks and signs, imparting their expert knowledge of the animals and birds crossing your path. Return to the lodge as the golden light of the afternoon fades, to unwind with campfire cocktails, a delicious dinner, and your first night under the star-studded African sky.

• Included Activities: Afternoon Game Drive in Masai Mara
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is a tranquil haven nestled in lush gardens, high on the slopes of the wooded Oloolaimutia Hills. The lodge’s architecture reflects the traditional round houses of the area, featuring conical roofs. Spacious rooms stretching along the hillside boast queen or king size beds; en-suite bathrooms, and sheltered verandas with views over the gardens and game reserve stretching beyond. Rooms all have mosquito nets and electronic safes.

The lodge boasts expansive public areas and a swimming pool. The inviting lounge is a large, comfortably furnished space with a massive central fireplace as its focal point. Earthy coloured murals adorn the walls, and a well-appointed bar beckons with a good selection of refreshing beverages. There’s an outdoor dining patio linked to the main restaurant by a bridge, allowing for al fresco dining with a view. Step outside onto the sheltered veranda which looks out over the pool, with sweeping views of the gardens and the vast expanse of the Masai Mara beyond. This is the perfect place to unwind between game-viewing drives and is a great spot for wildlife watching, where you might see hyenas, mongooses, and honey badgers come to feed at night.

Day 3: Masai Mara Safari – Kenya

Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Steeped in history and teeming with life, the Mara boasts the largest lion prides and elephant herds in all of Kenya. Your guide will crisscross the countryside tracking the many animals that call the Masai Mara home. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros – together other predators like cheetahs spotted hyenas, and huge herds of grazers.

The Mara River itself serves as a haven for pods of hippos basking in the sun and Nile crocodiles lurking beneath the water’s surface. On land, you will encounter elegant giraffes, graceful gazelles, zebras, and buffalos. The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the neighbouring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing between July and October each year. However, sightings depend on weather patterns and the timing of your visit. Keen birdwatchers have over 550 recorded species to keep them busy.

You may opt to embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon safari (at additional cost) over this magical landscape. Drifting gently above the plains at sunrise, you’ll witness the vastness of the Masai Mara unfold before you and get to silently observe the wildlife from above. Cap off this magical experience with a celebratory champagne breakfast. Note that this option is dependent on availability and needs to be booked in advance.

There is also an option to learn more about the traditional Maasai people and their rich culture. Visit a traditional Maasai village (at additional cost) to learn about their fascinating way of life, customs, and traditions, gaining a deeper appreciation for this unique community and how they survive.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Masai Mara to Serengeti – Tanzania

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, your Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari takes a last drive through the beautiful Masai Mara as you leave Kenya behind and make your way to neighbouring Tanzania.

Today’s journey heads to the legendary Serengeti National Park just across the border in Tanzania. Settle into the vehicle for a scenic drive, stopping to enjoy the packed picnic lunch boxes at a beautiful stop along the way. There will be a brief stop at the Isebania border for customs and immigration formalities before continuing to Serengeti, the jewel of the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit.

Enjoy your first drive through the Serengeti National Park en route to Serengeti Kati Kati tented camp (or similar), keeping a lookout for any wildlife that crosses your path. You will arrive at your comfortable Serengeti camp just in time to unwind, savour a hearty safari dinner and relax around the campfire for another peaceful evening under the vast African sky.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Serengeti National Park

Serengeti Kati Kati Camp is a rustic yet comfortable tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. Kati Kati provides a classic East African safari experience in 10 tents, including a larger four-person option perfect for families. The tents boast comfortable beds with quality bedding, mosquito nets, a bathroom with bucket shower, private toilet, and a veranda for relaxing to the views of the Serengeti Plains stretching out into the distance.

The camp is mobile and is placed at different locations in different seasons, to take full advantage of the game-viewing opportunities at those times of the year. This is especially beneficial during the Great Migration. There are two dining tents where the safari chefs serve up delicious, hearty meals, while outside, a campfire is lit each evening for you to relax under the stars, swap stories or just listen to the sounds of the wild.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

After a hearty breakfast at camp, prepare for an unforgettable full-day Serengeti Safari adventure in Northern Tanzania. The 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 square miles) of Serengeti National Park awaits, teeming with life. Keep a lookout for a dazzling array of wildlife – from the Big 5, with lions either lazing in the sun or on the hunt, graceful cheetah to zebras, giraffes, and an abundance of plains game.

Stop to enjoy a delicious packed lunch before continuing your exploration of the Serengeti plains. Your guide will share the secrets of this fascinating place. Often referred to as the stage for “the greatest wildlife show on Earth,” the Serengeti is the other end of the annual Great Migration, with herds over a million strong traversing these plains en route to the Masai Mara and back. As the day winds down, return to the comfort of camp to reminisce about the day’s sightings and share stories around the campfire.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a final game drive in Serengeti this morning, before heading out of the park. Stop to enjoy a packed lunch before visiting the remarkable Olduvai Gorge, considered one of the “Cradles of Humankind” as it has produced some of the oldest evidence of human evolution. Studied by the renowned palaeontologists Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1950s, this significant prehistoric site has produced hundreds of fossilised bones and stone tools dating back millions of years, leading researchers to conclude that Africa was the birthplace of humanity.

After stepping back in time, your Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari continues towards the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an 8,000 square kilometres (over 3,000 square miles) protected area of diverse landscapes with the Ngorongoro Crater, its main attraction, at its centre – a giant volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife.

You will overnight at the gracious Ngorongoro Farm House (or similar). Upon arrival, there is ample free time to relax and appreciate the scenery from the gardens, or take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. You may opt to take a Village Tour to a nearby village to learn more about life in this fascinating region. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delicious meal complete with fresh produce from the farm gardens.

• Included Activities: Olduvai Gorge Visit
• Optional Activities: Cultural Village Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Ngorongoro Farm House, Karatu

Ngorongoro Farm House is a small and exclusive hotel built on a 500-acre coffee plantation, in the rolling hills of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Accommodation is in comfortable chalet-type rooms boasting en-suite bathroom with shower and a private terrace or balcony. The main building lies at the heart of the lodge and consists of a restaurant, lounge and a large terrace with spectacular views of the Oldeani extinct volcano.

Dine indoors or on the terrace deck for a delightful al fresco dining experience taking in the stunning scenery of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The lodge offers farm-to-table dining using the organic and fresh vegetables harvested from the farm throughout the year. There’s also a refreshing outdoor swimming pool. You can relax in the fragrant gardens or take a guided walk around the farm and vegetable gardens.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

After breakfast on day 7 of our Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari, we descend into Ngorongoro Crater in a 4×4 vehicle. Often hailed as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, Ngorongoro Crater is the caldera of an extinct volcano that collapsed many aeons ago. It forms a vast natural amphitheatre that is host to a dense population of wildlife, making for superb game-viewing opportunities.

Descend the steep crater walls into the unique biosphere below that has remained virtually unchanged since time immemorial, with sprawling grasslands, hidden swamps, lush forests, shimmering saltpans, and a freshwater lake teeming with life. Birdwatchers are in for a treat with an array of avian species soaring through the skies. Ngorongoro Crater is home to all members of the prestigious Big Five – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes – roaming freely amongst the plains game. The crater boasts one of Africa’s densest predator populations in Africa, making for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Your drive will take you to different habitats within Ngorongoro Crater, and you will stop to enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery at a rest spot. As the afternoon unfolds, it is time to ascend the walls to the rim of the crater once more, returning to your lodge for some well-deserved relaxation before dinner.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 to 10: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

After a hearty breakfast on Day 8, it’s time to depart for the bustling town of Arusha, driving through the beautiful Great Rift Valley scenery. Once in Arusha you are free to explore the town’s selection of eateries for lunch (own account), before catching a transfer to Arusha Airport. Next up on your Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari, catch your flight to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar Island at 14:00. You will land at Zanzibar Airport at 15:30 and be transported to your hotel, the Uroa Bay Beach Resort (or similar) on the southeast of the island.

The next three days are yours to design your perfect Zanzibar Island vacation. Uroa Bay Beach Resort boasts its very own stretch of sandy beach, inviting you to soak up the sun and indulge in refreshing cocktails delivered straight from the bar as you unwind by the turquoise waters. Venture to the lively fish market in the nearby fishing village and watch the day’s catch being sold at the village fish auction. For a touch of pampering, the resort’s spa awaits, offering a variety of treatments to rejuvenate your body and soul. No need to worry about meals – a spectacular buffet featuring local and international cuisine awaits at the resort’s restaurant.

Feeling adventurous? The whole of Zanzibar Island is there for you to explore, both on land and in the crystal-clear waters. On optional activities, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Stone Town, hop on a traditional dhow, visit a spice farm or meet some of the island’s curious wildlife. Dive the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, explore the underwater wonders while snorkelling, or take a fishing trip There is a wide variety of optional tours and excursions to suit all interests.

Zanzibar Optional Activities:

Spice Tour:

Visit local spice farms to learn more about Zanzibar’s deep connection with the East African spice trade through the centuries. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the various spice plants, many of which you’ll recognise by name but may have never seen growing. They’ll explain how spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg are cultivated, harvested, and processed.

Stone Town Tour:

Zanzibar City is the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago, and Stone Town is the old part of the city. Step back in time on a tour of historical Stone Town to marvel at the distinctive architecture and narrow, winding streets holding the secrets of Zanzibar’s past. This tour includes visits to the bustling market, the once-grand Tipu Tip House, poignant Slave Market and Chambers, National Museum, the High Court, the opulent Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the historic Old Fort.

Jozani Forest Tour:

This tour will take you to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, known simply as Jozani Forest, a beautiful mangrove forest reserve most famous for being home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey. They are only found in Zanzibar and are an important part of the island’s ecosystem. Other wildlife include blue monkeys, flying foxes, small antelopes and civet cats. There are several bird species to be spotted, including Fischer’s turacos, mangrove kingfishers, and brown-headed parrots.

Zanzibar Dolphin Adventure:

This tour takes you to the southern tip of the Island where Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins are frequently seen. The trip also provides an exceptional opportunity to snorkel or just swim in the azure Indian Ocean. A lunch of local and seafood dishes is served in one of the many small restaurants on the beach.

Zanzibar Blue Safari:

Take an ocean adventure on a motorised dhow to the southwest of the Island, through lush mangrove forests, stopping at a sandbank to snorkel and explore this remarkable underwater world. The next stop is Kwale Island, a protected marine sanctuary ideal for snorkelling. Hop into the water once more to marvel at the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Be sure to keep a lookout for dolphins who are frequent visitors to these waters. Lunch is served on the Island, a sumptuous BBQ with delicious local specialties. After lunch, choose more snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing on the beach before hopping back on the boat for the journey home.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer (Day 8)
• Optional Activities: Spice Tour, Stone Town Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, Dolphin Adventure, Blue Safari, and more
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

About Uroa Bay Beach Resort, Zanzibar Island

Uroa Bay Beach Resort is a 4-star resort hotel on a wide, white sandy beach in the south-east of Zanzibar Island. The beach resort is close to the village of Uroa, where locals have traditionally earned their living fishing and harvesting seaweed at low tide when the receding water exposes the intertidal zone where the seaweed thrives.

Uroa has 135 rooms, including family rooms, each with a private bathroom, mosquito nets, aircon, a mini fridge with daily refill mineral water, television with satellite channels and a safe. The Rafiki restaurant is open all day, serving a wide range of Italian-inspired cuisine, and a selection of fresh pastries, juices and coffee for snacking between mealtimes.

The hotel boasts two bars, serving tropical cocktails, soft drinks, spirits, fresh juices, and even ice cream! The Pwani Bar is conveniently located on the beach for those lazy beach days. Leisure facilities at the Uroa Bay Beach Resort include a Spa, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, mini soccer field, volleyball ground and a ping pong table.

Day 11: Zanzibar Airport – Tanzania

Enjoy a leisurely final day relaxing at the Zanzibar beach resort and soaking up some sun. Then you are collected for a transfer to Zanzibar Airport to catch your flight back home. Here your epic Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari adventure comes to a close.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer
• Meals: Breakfast

A Typical Day on Safari in Kenya & Tanzania

• Before dawn: Wake up to hot coffee or tea as the cool morning air surrounds you.
• Morning game drive (sunrise to around 9 am): Bundle up and hop into the open vehicle with your camera ready. Your expert guide will navigate the bush, seeking out lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals as the sun rises and paints the landscape. Every turn promises a new discovery, perhaps a pride of lions with cubs, a majestic herd of elephants, or a cheetah on the hunt. The drive lasts about two hours, but can vary depending on the sightings.
• Breakfast (around 9 am): Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast to refuel after your exciting adventure.
• Relaxation time (mid-morning): Take some time to relax after the early start. You can unwind by the pool, catch up on sleep, or participate in optional activities offered by the lodge, such as nature walks, cultural visits to nearby villages, or bike rides.
• Lunch (around 1 pm): Lunch is usually served at the lodge or camp. However, if you’re on a full-day game drive, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
• Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the day heats up, head out again on another game drive, searching for animals you might have missed earlier. Your guide’s expertise will help you spot a variety of wildlife.
• Sunset and return to camp (evening): As the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking spectacle, return to the camp for a refreshing shower.
• Dinner and evening relaxation: Indulge in a delicious dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a crackling campfire, sharing stories of your safari adventures. Retire early, well-rested and filled with anticipation for the next day’s exploration.

Throughout your East African safari, your knowledgeable driver-guide will be your companion and resource. They’ll share their expertise on the local wildlife, traditions, and history, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

Flexibility: While the schedule offers a general structure, your guide will consider your preferences and adjust the timings whenever possible. The priority remains adhering to park regulations and ensuring safe travel within the time constraints. Your East African safari guide will provide expert recommendations but is always open to hearing your interests.

Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Notes

All Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari tours are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.

The accommodation listed in this itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

The cost of any optional activities will be confirmed on request.

Talk to one of our African travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation before and/or after your Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris.

The Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration of Kenya’s Masai Mara & Tanzania’s Serengeti is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, it must be understood that seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Great Migration on your East African safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.