African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape

Your safari journey begins in Nairobi, where a Trafalgar Representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and Driver Guide over a memorable dinner at the renowned Carnivore restaurant.

This morning, you'll visit a historic home during a special Be My Guest experience and have an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and to sample the region's tea and coffee. Afterward, head north to the scenic Aberdare Highlands, your home for the next two nights. Here, you can spot zebra, warthog and impala grazing nearby. Spend a peaceful afternoon by the pool or choose to join an Optional Experience, exploring the lush ravines and moorlands of Aberdare National Park's striking landscape.

Set out on a half-day game drive in the Solio Game Reserve, a hidden gem known as Kenya’s most successful rhino breeding sanctuary. Home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world, you will have the rare chance to experience the reserve's wildlife without the usual crowds. Besides rhinos, you'll spot buffalo, zebra, giraffe, leopard and lion against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya. Spend the afternoon at your leisure—you can relax on the beautiful grounds of your accommodation or join an Optional Experience nature walk within its sanctuary.

Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the stunning Thomson's Falls, then continue your journey into the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park. Known as a birdwatcher’s haven with over 400 species, the park is also home to lions and leopards. With your expert Driver Guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the park’s hidden gems this afternoon, from elusive wildlife to breathtaking vistas. After a day of adventure, settle in for an unforgettable overnight stay right within the park, where morning greets you with stunning views of Lake Nakuru.

Wake up with the birds and join your Driver Guide at sunrise along the lake shore to spot vibrant pink flamingos, graceful pelicans, and other water birds. Keep an eye out for rhino, zebra, and buffalo grazing nearby as you explore Lake Nakuru National Park’s diverse landscapes in a 4x4 game drive. The sounds and scents of the bush create a sensory backdrop for this unforgettable safari. Afterward, head to Lake Naivasha for lunch, followed by a relaxing boat ride in search of hippos. Later, walk alongside zebra, impala, and giraffe with a Local Specialist on Crescent Island. Tonight, enjoy a Stays with Stories experience as you overnight at the Lake Naivasha Country Club, a historic venue set in awe-inspiring surrounds.

Journey across the iconic Great Rift Valley to the wild, open savannahs of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, a world-renowned haven for wildlife lovers. With some of the best game viewing on the planet, you’ll be at the heart of the action. For the next two nights, your home sits in the heart of the reserve, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the wildlife magic—whether you're setting off on a thrilling game drive or simply soaking in the sights from your doorstep.

Get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife that calls the Maasai Mara home on a full-day safari, where you’ll be on the lookout for Africa’s famous Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to an authentic Maasai village. Watch as the warriors showcase their amazing jumping skills, then take a guided tour to get a real feel for daily life in this vibrant community. This unforgettable visit is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, supporting the people you meet. Later, choose to treat yourself to an Optional Experience bush picnic, with the sounds of the wild as your soundtrack. Keep your eyes on the trees for flashes of color as Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes dart about, before heading back out on your game drive in one of the world’s most legendary safari destinations.

Say a heartfelt kwaheri (goodbye) to Kenya and your Driver Guide as you cross the border into Tanzania. After completing immigration formalities, meet your new Driver Guide and board your Tanzania 4x4. Head to the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, where your accommodation awaits. Don’t miss the chance to stroll to the water's edge and witness a breathtaking sunset over the lake.

Begin your day with a peaceful moment by the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, soaking in the morning serenity before heading to the legendary Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The endless plains of the Serengeti provide the perfect backdrop for your 4x4 safari, where you’ll be tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs. After lunch at your accommodation, set out once more to explore more of this remarkable landscape and its hidden treasures.

The Serengeti’s reputation for wildlife viewing is second to none. This is the home to one of nature’s greatest shows—the Great Migration. Set off on a full-day game drive with your Driver Guide, who’ll share stories about the annual journey made by over a million wildebeest as they travel across the Mara River in search of greener pastures. As you traverse the plains dotted with Acacia trees, stay on the lookout for wildlife. Each turn reveals a new facet of this vast, breathtaking national park, from its varied ecosystems to its iconic landscapes.

Leave the Serengeti behind and head toward the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Get ready for an unforgettable descent into the vast Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll explore lush forests and sweeping grasslands in search of elephants, lions, zebras and wildebeest. After a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, you’ll begin your climb back to the rim, taking in the dramatic views. Tonight, settle into your accommodation nestled in green farmlands, with panoramic vistas to enjoy before the day ends.

A short drive takes you to the village of Mto wa Umbu, where you’ll Dive into Culture on a walking tour that gives you a taste of local life. As you stroll through the village, farmlands and markets, you’ll meet the locals and discover their way of life. Sample the unique local banana beer and enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by local women, who’ll explain how each dish is made. Your visit directly supports their community. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Today, you’ll head to Tarangire National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at your lodge. Take a moment to relax or get acquainted with the friendly tree hyraxes that like to hang around. For your final game drive of the trip, Tarangire’s one-of-a-kind landscape awaits. Giant baobabs, flat-topped acacias, and towering termite mounds dot the plains. Your Driver Guide will be on the lookout for the area's impressive elephant herds, giving you the chance to admire these gentle giants up close as they search for the juiciest vegetation.

The rich aroma of local coffee lingers in the air as you savor lunch at one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations. Then it’s time to say a sad farewell to your new friends and Driver Guide, as you travel to Arusha for the internal flight to Zanzibar. Touching down in island paradise, you'll be transferred to your hotel in time to settle in to your resort and then enjoy dinner.

What better way to connect with your multi-cultural surrounds than embarking on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town with a Local Specialist? Peel back the layers of Zanzibar’s colorful history as you wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors distinctive of this Swahili coastal trading town. Visit the former slave market, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort, unearthing the soul-stirring history of this former trading hub. Later, discover Zanzibar’s reputation as the 'Spice Island', embarking on a Dive Into Culture visit to a shamba (spice farm) with a local guide. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they’ve been cultivated and used for centuries.

Kick off your shoes and let the warm sand sink between your toes on Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches. Wade into the clear, warm turquoise waters and immerse yourself in the latest bestseller under swaying palm trees. Make the most of your day in paradise and join an Optional Experience full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. Set sail from a traditional fishing village, keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of the tropical fish beneath the water’s surface. You’ll pause on a sandbank where you can cool off in the ocean, and swim or snorkel to see the colorful marine life (all equipment is provided). Feast on a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch before returning to the shore relaxed and revived.

A leisurely start to the day will see you enjoy a few precious hours soaking up final fond memories of Zanzibar. Then it’s time to bid farewell to the Spice Island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight.