Embark on a captivating journey this morning as we head towards the Uganda border to navigate border procedures.

A brief drive transports us to our initial adventure: the Batwa Trail. This unique cultural immersion uncovers the ancient lifestyle of the Batwa, or pygmies, once dwellers of the forest. As we explore, we’ll learn about their traditions of hunting, gathering fruits, collecting honey, and engaging in spiritual rituals within the secluded caves. These forest inhabitants, coexisting peacefully with mountain gorillas, maintained this way of life for over half a millennium. The Batwa Trail honors their legacy, with the community being the primary beneficiary of the activity.

Our day culminates in a serene retreat to our lodge in the Bwindi area, where dinner awaits and an overnight rest promises to recharge us for the adventures ahead.

Today’s adventure takes you into the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a sanctuary for half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. As you trek through the dense and mysterious forest, a profound experience awaits you: a chance to witness the Gentle Giants of the Bwindi in their natural surroundings. Meeting their expressive brown eyes, a connection forms that transcends the mundane, offering a glimpse into something profound and eternal. This encounter with the gorillas is more than just wildlife observation; it’s a poignant experience, unparalleled in excitement and emotion in the vast continent of Africa. After this unforgettable and soul-stirring adventure, you return to the serenity of your lodge, where relaxation allows you to reflect on a truly extraordinary day.

Embarking on a new day, we journey back across the Rwandan border and proceed to Kigali. Here, we engage in a poignant tour of the Genocide Memorial site, a somber tribute to the tragic events of 1994 that forever changed innocent lives. Delve into Rwanda’s intricate history, spanning from pre-colonial times to the profound impact of the genocide and the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the nation’s recovery. Witness the strength of humanity in the face of adversity. Our path then leads us to the airport for your flight to Nairobi (flight cost excluded). Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our dedicated representative will be there to greet you, extending a warm transfer to your chosen hotel, where comfort and rest await.

This morning, you will embark on a comprehensive day tour of Nairobi, under the guidance of your expert local guide. Our journey kicks off with a visit to the Nairobi National Park for a short game drive.  We will see what wonders the bush brings us this morning.

Following this, we will head on to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Elephant Orphanage. Your visit is timed perfectly to coincide with the public viewing session held between 11 AM and 12 PM. This affords you a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the extraordinary efforts put forth by the trust in rehabilitating orphaned elephants and preparing them for a life back in the wild.

As midday approaches, we will pause for a leisurely interlude at Tamambo Karen Blixen’s Coffee Gardens. Here, you will have the option to purchase lunch amid the tranquil backdrop of meticulously maintained gardens, making it an ideal locale for relaxation and reflection.

Then it’s off for a visit to the esteemed Giraffe Centre. This is a unique opportunity to interact closely with these magnificent creatures, allowing you a hands-on experience that promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable.

Our final destination of the day is the Kobe Tough Beads Factory, a women’s cooperative that has gained international recognition for its exquisite beadwork. Their artistry is not only celebrated but is also distributed worldwide, offering a glimpse into the skill and culture that go into every piece.

Returning to the hotel for a moment of rejuvenation, the day culminates with a welcome dinner at the famed Carnivore Restaurant, setting the tone for the extraordinary experiences that lie ahead.

Embark on a journey from Nairobi to the mystical Masai Mara after breakfast, pausing at panoramic vistas that beckon for photographic memories as you descend into the Great Rift Valley. The Mara, renowned as Kenya’s most compelling wildlife theatre, promises astounding scenery and a generous abundance of game.

Our sojourn nestles us within the Mara Triangle, an area celebrated for its dense animal population and relative tranquillity compared to the bustling National Reserve. Here, rare opportunities for off-roading enhance our connection with this wild paradise.

Settle into our tented camp for the next three nights, strategically perched on the Oloololo Escarpment. The breathtaking vistas from this “Gods’ window” encompass the undulating Mara plains and the meandering Mara River, providing a soul-stirring backdrop to our adventure.

An invigorating afternoon game drive in the Mara awaits, initiating our communion with this untamed land.

Set forth for a thrilling day of exploration in the Masai Mara, choosing between morning and afternoon game drives or an immersive full-day adventure with a delightful picnic lunch (your guide will help with the decision). Between July and October, the landscape vibrates with the pulse of the ‘Great Migration’, a spectacle that may grace your journey.

Witness the primal drama as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest confront steep banks and forceful currents, navigating rivers that serve as graveyards for the unfortunate, caught in the relentless jaws of colossal Nile crocodiles. These river crossings, spectacular and frenzied, gift you with electrifying game viewing experiences, resonating with the raw essence of nature, all accessible from the comfort of your vehicle.

Embark on another adventurous day in the Masai Mara, offering the choice between segmented morning and afternoon game drives or an enriching full-day safari experience. The plains surrounding your camp teem with life, displaying an astonishing concentration of wildlife that includes everything from the intricate beauty of plains game to imposing herds of elephant and buffalo. Predators stealthily roam, adding to the vivid tapestry of the Mara.

For those desiring an added touch of magic, consider the optional Mara Balloon Safari at an additional cost. Ascend into the sky and drift over the vast landscapes, observing the world below through a bird’s eye perspective. This unique and serene experience enhances your connection with the natural wonders of the Mara, creating memories that linger long after your journey’s end.

Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Ol Kiombo airstrip for a morning flight that takes you to Migori Airstrip. Upon arrival, a road transfer will lead you across the border, where immigration formalities into Tanzania will be managed smoothly. Your journey continues to Tarime airstrip, followed by a brief flight into the heart of the Serengeti.

Met with the warm hospitality of your Tanzanian guide, you’ll proceed to Acacia Bliss Tented Camp for the next three nights, a haven that blends comfort with authenticity. After settling in and indulging in a delightful lunch, the grandeur of the Serengeti awaits you.

Embark on your inaugural game drive in this world-famous ecosystem, an encounter filled with possibilities and breathtaking sightings. The unfolding drama of the wild surrounds you, initiating your exploration of Tanzania’s majestic wilderness.

Embrace the grand spectacle of the Serengeti with a full day devoted to game drives. Whether you opt for morning and afternoon excursions or decide to immerse yourself in a full day’s adventure, the Seronera area awaits you. Renowned as the most wildlife-rich region of the Serengeti, its landscapes are teeming with life.

Though the annual migration stands as the Serengeti’s most captivating marvel, the park is equally celebrated for its abundant wildlife. The resonance of lion’s roar, the sleek elegance of a cheetah on the prowl, the mesmerizing patterns of zebras, and the stately grace of giraffes await you. Witness Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, eland, impala, klipspringer, and the fascinating interplay of hippo and warthog.

Each moment spent within this timeless ecosystem grants a deeper understanding of nature’s majesty, leaving a profound imprint on your soul.

Embark on an extraordinary journey as you spend the entire day on safari in the Serengeti reserve. With morning and afternoon game drives planned, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore one of the most densely populated wildlife arenas in the world. The Serengeti’s landscapes are alive with a fascinating blend of majestic predators and graceful herbivores.

Should you wish to elevate your experience to new heights, you can opt for a memorable morning Hot Air Balloon Safari at an additional cost. Imagine floating above the sprawling savannah, witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of animals in their natural habitat from a bird’s-eye view. This unique perspective offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and a chance to see the Serengeti in a way few ever have.

No matter your choice, the day promises a rich, unforgettable communion with the wild heart of Africa.

Begin your day with breakfast before setting off on a game drive through the vast Serengeti. The journey takes you to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, with stops at some remarkable sites along the way.

First, you’ll visit the world-renowned Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the ‘Cradle of Mankind.’ This paleontological site offers fascinating insights into human evolution. Next, immerse yourself in local culture as you explore a traditional Masai homestead, providing a glimpse into their unique way of life.

Continue to the Ngorongoro area, checking in to the new Acacia Ngorongoro Luxury Camp. Nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a mere 20-minute drive from the crater, Acacia Ngorongoro Luxury Camp serves as an exceptional starting point for exploring its diverse attractions and activities.  With only 10 rooms available, guests are treated to exclusive hospitality amidst natural and cultural wonders, all just a stone’s throw away.

Embark on an early morning journey into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called ‘the eighth wonder of the world.’ With a packed breakfast in hand, descend into this unique biosphere that spans 264 square kilometers. The Crater’s diverse ecosystems include grasslands, swamps, forests, salt pans, and a freshwater lake, all contained within its towering volcanic walls.

Wildlife thrives here, and the Crater is known for incredibly close-range viewing opportunities. You’ll encounter a myriad of creatures in this unparalleled habitat, where the concentration of animals is unlike anywhere else in Africa.

Leaving the Crater behind, your day continues with a heartwarming visit to Simba Milima Primary School, our local school project. Engage with the students, learn about their daily lives, and see how the community is working together to support education.

After this enriching experience, proceed to Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge. Enjoy a late lunch and a well-deserved rest as you reflect on a day filled with natural wonders and human connection.

Say farewell to the camp as you set out this morning for a mesmerizing game drive at Lake Manyara. Stretching along the rusty-gold Rift Valley Escarpment, this 50km scenic gem has even charmed Ernest Hemingway, who praised it as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.” Your journey doesn’t end there; after the beauty of Manyara, you’ll check in for your flight from Manyara airstrip to the enchanting island of Zanzibar. Upon landing, you’ll be whisked away to your historic hotel nestled in Stone Town, a place rich with culture and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Here, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere where history and tradition come alive, and the unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences is felt at every corner.

Today’s journey immerses you in the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar as you explore the labyrinthine backstreets of Stone Town. Your exploration begins with the vibrant city market, opened in 1904, filled with tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and fresh island fish. Traverse narrow alleys, past ancient sand and stone houses, some over 200 years old, adorned with Arab/Indian carved wooden doors. You’ll visit the Anglican Church of Christ, built in 1873 at the site of a former slave auction, and explore other historical highlights including the Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, The Africa House, Jamituri Gardens, and the Old Fort.

After absorbing the rich history and magnificent architecture of Stone Town, you’ll be whisked away to the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar’s Coast. Check into Marijani Beach Resort & Spa for three nights of understated beach luxury, set amidst refined and restrained tropical Islamic architecture. Spread across multiple buildings linked by serene walkways, this seaside sanctuary offers 82 rooms decorated in traditional Islamic style. Private patios or balconies overlook the garden or sea, offering tranquil spots for contemplation. The gracious beds, lattice-work screens, and baths featuring showers and soaking tubs complete the oasis of elegance that awaits you at the Marijani Beach Resort & Spa.

Today marks the conclusion of your memorable journey. When it’s time for your scheduled flight, a seamless transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and rich cultural heritage you’ve encountered as you prepare to depart from the breathtaking landscape of Zanzibar. If you’re not quite ready to leave this paradise, don’t worry, as extra nights and room upgrades in Zanzibar are available upon request. Whether extending your stay to soak in more of the island’s tranquil beauty or heading home, your time in this unique part of the world is sure to have left you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!