Day 1: Nairobi – Welcome to East Africa

Your private safari Kenya Tanzania Zanzibar adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. Our representative welcomes you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, providing seamless transfer to your comfortable hotel.

Afternoon City Experiences:

Giraffe Centre: Visit the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife’s conservation center, home to endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Feed these gentle giants from elevated platforms—an intimate encounter creating wonderful photo opportunities and supporting vital conservation work.

Maasai Beading Workshop: Explore traditional beadwork studios where Maasai artisans create intricate jewelry using centuries-old techniques. Purchase authentic handcrafted pieces directly from makers, supporting local communities.

Karen Blixen Coffee Garden: Enjoy lunch in the gardens of the Karen Blixen Museum area, celebrating the author of “Out of Africa.” The colonial-era atmosphere and lush surroundings provide peaceful introduction to Kenyan culture.

Optional Evening: Consider dinner at nearby restaurants offering panoramic Nairobi views—perfect for watching your first African sunset.

Note: If arriving late in the day, city activities will be adjusted or moved to departure day.

Overnight: Nairobi hotel | Meals: Lunch, Dinner included

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve – Gateway to Wildlife Wonder

Rise early for breakfast before your guide collects you for the journey to Masai Mara National Reserve—approximately 5-6 hours through Kenya’s scenic Rift Valley. Stop at the dramatic Rift Valley viewpoint for photographs of this geological wonder stretching across East Africa.

About Masai Mara:

The Masai Mara represents Africa’s premier safari destination, harboring the continent’s highest wildlife concentrations. Part of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the reserve gained fame as the setting for countless wildlife documentaries and as the stage for the Great Migration’s most dramatic scenes.

Your first game drive begins upon entering the reserve, with wildlife appearing immediately—giraffes browsing acacia trees, zebra herds grazing open plains, elephants moving across the landscape. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch and brief rest before the afternoon game drive.

Evening Game Drive: As temperatures cool, predators become active. Your guide navigates the reserve’s varied habitats—from riverine forests to open grasslands to acacia woodlands—positioning you for optimal wildlife encounters as golden light transforms the landscape.

Overnight: Masai Mara lodge/camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve – Full Day Exploration

Dedicate this entire day to exploring the vast Masai Mara, with flexible timing based on your preferences. Many guests enjoy early morning departures (6:30-7:00 AM) when predators remain active from overnight hunting and temperatures stay comfortable.

Wildlife Abundance:

The Big Five: The Mara offers exceptional opportunities for viewing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and black rhinos (though rhinos remain rare and elusive).

Predator Paradise: Large lion prides patrol territories, cheetahs hunt across open plains in spectacular high-speed pursuits, and leopards rest in riverine trees. Spotted hyenas, jackals, and other predators complete the carnivore lineup.

Herbivore Diversity: Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, topi, hartebeest, impalas, giraffes, elephants, and buffalos create constant motion across the landscape.

Birdlife: Over 450 recorded species include ostriches, secretary birds, various vultures, eagles, and countless smaller birds adding color and sound to the savannah.

The Great Migration: If visiting during migration season (typically July-October in the Mara), witness over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras crossing the Mara River. These dramatic crossings—with crocodiles attacking from below and lions waiting on riverbanks—rank among nature’s most spectacular events.

Flexible Schedule Options:

• Full-day game drives with picnic lunch in the bush
• Morning and afternoon drives with midday lodge return
• Sundowner stops at scenic viewpoints
• Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost)

Overnight: Masai Mara lodge/camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Freshwater Oasis

After breakfast, depart the Mara for Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley—approximately 4-5 hours drive. The journey offers scenic highland vistas and glimpses of rural Kenyan life.

Afternoon Boat Safari:

Enjoy a peaceful boat cruise across Lake Naivasha’s calm waters. Glide past hippo pods—watch these massive mammals wallowing, yawning to display impressive teeth, and occasionally surfacing dramatically. The lake harbors hundreds of hippos, making sightings virtually guaranteed.

Birdwatching Paradise: Over 400 bird species frequent the lake and surrounding acacia woodlands. Expect African fish eagles perched majestically, various herons and egrets, cormorants, pelicans, and if lucky, the rare shoebill stork.

Crescent Island: Some boat tours include stops at Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary where you can walk among zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and various antelope species—a rare opportunity for walking safaris in close proximity to wildlife.

Optional Activities:

Hell’s Gate National Park: Located nearby, this unique park permits walking and cycling safaris. Explore dramatic gorges, geothermal features, and rock formations while encountering wildlife on foot—an exhilarating change from vehicle-based viewing.

Overnight: Lake Naivasha lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Amboseli National Park – Kilimanjaro Views

Depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast for the journey to Amboseli National Park via Nairobi—approximately 6-7 hours total travel time. This longer driving day provides opportunities to observe Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from lush highlands to increasingly arid terrain as you approach Amboseli.

Enjoy packed lunch en route, arriving at your Amboseli accommodation in late afternoon.

About Amboseli National Park:

Amboseli’s defining feature is the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. The snow-capped summit rising above the savannah creates arguably the continent’s most iconic photographic setting, especially when elephants appear in the foreground.

The landscape appears perpetually dry, covered in volcanic ash from Kilimanjaro’s ancient eruptions. However, underground water from melting snow filters through porous volcanic rock, creating permanent springs, swamps, and two major waterholes that sustain remarkable wildlife concentrations.

Overnight: Amboseli lodge/camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Amboseli National Park – Elephant Kingdom

Spend the full day exploring Amboseli with flexible scheduling. Discuss preferred game drive times with your guide—many guests favor early morning departures (6:30 AM) when Kilimanjaro’s peak often appears clearly before afternoon clouds obscure the summit.

Wildlife Highlights:

Elephant Herds: Amboseli harbors one of Kenya’s largest elephant populations, with family groups numbering 50+ individuals. The big tusker elephants here include some of Africa’s last remaining “super tuskers” with massive ivory reaching the ground.

Diverse Species: Beyond elephants, expect buffalos, zebras, wildebeest, various gazelle species, giraffes, hyenas, jackals, and if fortunate, lions and cheetahs. The permanent swamps attract hippos and numerous water birds.

Birdwatching: Over 400 species recorded, with particular concentrations around wetland areas.

Photography Paradise: The combination of large elephant herds and Kilimanjaro backdrop creates world-class photographic opportunities. Shoot during golden hours (sunrise/sunset) for optimal lighting.

Optional Midday Activities:

• Relax at lodge swimming pool during peak heat
• Enjoy spa treatments (where available)
• Visit nearby Maasai villages (additional cost)

Overnight: Amboseli lodge/camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Border Crossing to Tanzania – Welcome to Arusha

After breakfast, depart Amboseli for the Namanga border post—the main crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania. Our team handles border formalities, visa processing (if not obtained in advance), and introduces you to your Tanzania driver-guide who accompanies you for the remainder of the safari.

Drive to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital nestled between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro at pleasant elevation. The town serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit parks.

Alternative Option: For guests preferring to minimize driving, direct flights operate between Nairobi and Arusha (approximately €220 per person subject to availability). This option adds convenience while offering aerial views of Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Arusha hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Arusha National Park Canoeing – Unique Water Safari

Your Tanzania adventure begins with a unique experience—canoeing safari in Arusha National Park! Collection from your hotel at 8:00 AM.

Canoeing Experience:

Glide silently across Momella Lakes in stable canoes, experiencing wildlife from a completely different perspective. The approximately 2.5-hour paddle reveals landscapes, birds, and animals rarely seen from vehicle-based safaris.

Wildlife from Water Level: Spot zebras, buffalos, giraffes, and various antelope species drinking at lake edges or grazing nearby shores. The park harbors black-and-white colobus monkeys—striking primates with flowing white tails. The name “colobus” derives from Greek “kolobos” meaning “stump,” referring to their reduced thumbs.

Mountain Views: On clear days, enjoy spectacular vistas of Mount Meru (Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters) and distant glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Birdlife: The alkaline lakes attract flamingos, pelicans, various ducks, herons, and countless other water birds.

Return to Arusha in early afternoon with remainder of day at leisure.

Overnight: Arusha hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Tarangire National Park – Elephant Paradise

Depart Arusha at approximately 8:00 AM for Tarangire National Park—about 2 hours southwest. Your first Tanzania game drive begins upon park entry.

About Tarangire:

Tarangire National Park showcases dramatic African landscapes dominated by ancient baobab trees and the permanent Tarangire River. During dry season (June-October), the river attracts massive elephant congregations—herds numbering hundreds gather at riverbanks creating spectacular viewing opportunities.

Wildlife Abundance:

Beyond elephants, Tarangire supports substantial populations of buffalos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, various antelope species, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The park ranks among Tanzania’s premier birdwatching destinations with over 550 recorded species.

Spend the full day exploring diverse habitats from riverine woodlands to open plains to seasonal swamps, with picnic lunch in the bush or return to lodge based on your preference.

Overnight: Tarangire area lodge/camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Jewel

After breakfast, travel to Lake Manyara National Park for full day exploration of this compact yet diverse wildlife area.

Unique Ecosystem:

Lake Manyara’s varied habitats—from groundwater forests to grasslands to the alkaline lake itself—support remarkable biodiversity. Underground rivers maintain permanent water sources attracting year-round wildlife concentrations.

Tree-Climbing Lions: The park’s famous tree-climbing lions exhibit rare behavior observed in few African locations. Watch for these cats lounging on acacia branches—a behavior possibly developed to escape biting flies while maintaining territorial views.

Diverse Wildlife: Elephants navigate dense forests, buffalo herds graze open areas, hippos wallow in pools, and baboons create constant entertainment. The lake hosts thousands of flamingos creating pink patterns against blue water.

Birdwatching: Over 400 species recorded, with particular diversity around forest and wetland habitats.

The park’s compact size allows thorough exploration in one day, with every corner revealing new landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Karatu area lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11-13: Serengeti National Park – Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Theater

Journey into the legendary Serengeti National Park for three full days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site—Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park.

Day 11: Travel to the Serengeti with game viewing beginning at park entry. The name derives from Maasai “Siringitu” meaning “endless plains”—remarkably accurate as golden grasslands stretch to every horizon. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp positioned in prime wildlife territory.

Days 12-13: Dedicate two full days to Serengeti exploration with completely flexible scheduling. Discuss preferences with your guide regarding:

• Departure times (early morning, mid-morning, or even overnight camping)
• Target species you’re eager to see
• Interest in specific park regions (Seronera, Western Corridor, Northern reaches)
• Preference for full-day excursions or split drives

Exceptional Wildlife:

Predator Capital: The Serengeti supports East Africa’s highest predator densities. Large lion prides, solitary leopards, cheetah coalitions, spotted hyena clans, and occasional wild dog packs create constant drama.

Herbivore Herds: Depending on season, witness portions of the Great Migration or resident populations of zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, and numerous other species.

Diverse Landscapes: Explore varied habitats from open plains to riverine forests, rocky kopjes to wetlands—each supporting different species communities.

Your Guide’s Expertise: Your experienced guide tracks wildlife using visual signs, sounds, other driver communications via radio, and years of pattern knowledge—positioning you optimally for exceptional sightings while avoiding crowded areas.

Overnight: Serengeti lodge/tented camp (3 nights) | Meals: All meals included

Day 14: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Highland Journey

Depart the Serengeti with leisurely morning game viewing as you travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Karatu. The route passes through this multiple-use conservation area where Maasai pastoralists graze cattle among wildlife.

Optional Cultural Activities:

Maasai Village Visit: Stop at traditional villages to learn about pastoral lifestyles, witness traditional dancing, view bead-making techniques, and purchase authentic handicrafts directly from artisans.

Karatu Town Walk: Upon arrival, explore this pleasant highland town. Visit bustling markets filled with fresh produce, tour coffee farms understanding bean-to-cup processes, or visit local schools and community projects.

Alternatively, simply relax at your lodge enjoying cooler highland temperatures, swimming pools, and gardens.

Overnight: Karatu lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder

Rise early for one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences. After breakfast, drive to the crater rim and begin the dramatic descent down steep access tracks into the Ngorongoro Crater—approximately 600 meters below.

About Ngorongoro Crater:

This massive caldera formed roughly two million years ago when a colossal volcano collapsed inward following eruption. The resulting crater measures approximately 18 kilometers in diameter with walls rising 600-700 meters, creating a largely self-contained ecosystem.

The crater floor supports around 25,000 large mammals in extraordinary density—one of Earth’s highest wildlife concentrations.

Wildlife Spectacle:

Black Rhinoceros: The crater represents Tanzania’s premier location for observing critically endangered black rhinos. While sightings require patience and luck, the resident population provides real opportunities.

Black-Maned Lions: Large lion prides patrol the grasslands, including impressive black-maned males—a characteristic possibly influenced by the crater’s cooler temperatures and genetics.

Mega-Herbivores: Massive buffalo herds, elephants (usually lone bulls with impressive tusks), hippos in pools and streams, and occasional rhinos populate the landscape.

Plains Game: Zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, elands, and hartebeest graze in impressive numbers. Lake Magadi attracts thousands of flamingos creating pink ribbons across the crater floor.

Spend 5-6 hours exploring different crater zones before ascending back to the rim in late afternoon. The experience consistently ranks among travelers’ most memorable African wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Karatu lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 16-18: Zanzibar Island – Tropical Paradise

Day 16: Early departure for Arusha Airport and your flight to Zanzibar (included in package). Say farewell to your Tanzania guide who has shared his knowledge and country over the past week.

Upon landing in Zanzibar, our representative transfers you to your beach resort. Trade safari boots for flip-flops as pristine beaches and turquoise waters become your new playground.

Days 17-18: Two full days to relax, explore, and soak up tropical island vibes at your leisure.

Beach Relaxation: Lounge on powder-white sands, swim in warm Indian Ocean waters, read books under swaying palms, and watch spectacular sunsets painting the sky in brilliant colors.

Optional Zanzibar Activities:

Stone Town Exploration: Wander through UNESCO World Heritage historic quarters filled with narrow winding alleys, carved wooden doors, spice markets, and Arabian architecture. Visit the old slave market, House of Wonders, and Sultan’s Palace.

Spice Tours: Visit plantations growing cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and exotic fruits. Learn about spice cultivation, taste fresh products, and purchase pure spices directly from growers.

Jozani Forest: Trek through indigenous forest searching for rare red colobus monkeys found only in Zanzibar, plus other endemic species.

Water Activities:

• Snorkeling and diving on vibrant coral reefs
• Dhow sailing on traditional wooden boats
• Deep-sea fishing expeditions
• Dolphin watching tours
• Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking

Spa & Wellness: Many resorts offer massage treatments, yoga classes, and wellness programs—perfect for post-safari relaxation.

Most activities can be booked through hotel reception or arranged by your local representative.

Overnight: Zanzibar beach resort (3 nights) | Meals: Breakfast included (additional meals vary by resort)

Day 19: Departure – Journey’s End

Your unforgettable 19-day private safari Kenya Tanzania Zanzibar adventure concludes with airport transfer for your international departure flight.

Depending on flight timing, enjoy final morning beach time, last-minute souvenir shopping in Stone Town, or simply relax before departure.

Optional Day Room: If your flight departs late evening, day room usage can be arranged (additional cost) allowing you to shower, change, and store luggage rather than checking out at standard time.

Depart with cameras full of spectacular wildlife photographs, hearts full of incredible memories, and perhaps plans already forming for your return to magical East Africa.

Meals: Breakfast included