Your East African adventure begins as you touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After clearing customs, our friendly representative greets you and escorts you on a comfortable transfer into the city. As Nairobi’s vibrant energy unfolds around you, the anticipation of the journey ahead takes hold. Soon, you arrive at the Novotel Westlands Nairobi, a stylish four-star hotel set in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods—your first stop before the safari begins.

The Novotel Westlands blends contemporary design with a relaxed atmosphere, providing an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers. Located in the heart of Westlands, one of Nairobi’s most popular districts, the hotel offers easy access to restaurants, cafés, shopping, and cultural attractions, while maintaining a calm and welcoming environment to unwind after your flight.

Each of the hotel’s well-appointed rooms and suites is designed with comfort in mind. Expect plush bedding, modern furnishings, high-speed internet, and flat-screen televisions. Large windows provide natural light and views across the city, while en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers ensure convenience after a long journey.

The hotel’s facilities include a choice of on-site restaurants serving both international and Kenyan cuisine, a rooftop bar with wide city views, and a fitness centre for those who wish to stay active. The warm hospitality and attentive service make Novotel Westlands a welcoming retreat before heading into the wilderness.

After settling in, take the evening to relax and adjust—the perfect beginning to your Nairobi stay and the adventures that lie ahead.

Your Nairobi adventure unfolds with a full-day tour blending wildlife encounters, cultural history, and vibrant performance. The morning begins at the Giraffe Centre, where you stand eye-to-eye with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, feeding them from raised wooden platforms and gaining insight into Kenya’s conservation efforts. From there, continue to the Karen Blixen Museum, the preserved farmhouse of the Out of Africa author, offering an evocative glimpse into colonial-era life with antique furnishings, personal artefacts, and sweeping views of the Ngong Hills.

By midday, pause at Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens (paid locally). Once part of Blixen’s coffee estate, the serene lawns and shaded terraces provide a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal, with a menu that marries international dishes with authentic Kenyan flavours.

In the afternoon, visit the Kobe Tough Beads Factory, a women’s cooperative globally recognised for its exquisite handmade beadwork. Watching artisans at work showcases the patience and precision behind each creation, while learning how the cooperative empowers local women and sustains livelihoods. It’s an inspiring opportunity to purchase directly and support their mission.

After returning to your hotel to refresh, the evening culminates with a welcome dinner and show at Safari Cats. This colourful spectacle combines acrobatics, dance, and live music in a dazzling celebration of African culture. With its open-air dining atmosphere and infectious energy, Safari Cats provides the perfect finale to your first day in Kenya—setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, you set out on a journey north, leaving the bustle of Nairobi behind as the landscape opens into wide plains framed by the distant silhouette of Mount Kenya. By midday, you arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a tented sanctuary tucked within the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Overlooking a busy waterhole, the camp blends under-canvas comfort with untamed wilderness, creating a perfect base where wildlife encounters begin right from your veranda.

Accommodation is in spacious, well-appointed tents that feature en-suite bathrooms and private verandas positioned for uninterrupted views of the waterhole. Here you can sit quietly as elephants, rhinos, and antelope wander in to drink, often joined by a dazzling array of birdlife. The setting offers an intimate connection to the Conservancy, where day and night bring different rhythms of wildlife activity.

The camp’s central Rhino Restaurant, housed in the original colonial farmhouse, serves a tempting mix of regional and international cuisine. After dinner, retreat to the Khashoggi Bar, where a roaring log fire creates a cozy ambiance, or spend time at the unique Waterhole Bar, designed like a game-viewing hide, which offers a front-row seat to nocturnal wildlife at the floodlit waterhole.

In the late afternoon, you head out on a game drive into the heart of Ol Pejeta. This Conservancy is renowned for its thriving populations of elephant, lion, and cheetah, and it is also home to the last remaining northern white rhinos on earth. Returning to camp as the sun sets, you’ll find that Sweetwaters captures both the beauty of the bush and the warmth of classic safari hospitality.

Your day in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is filled with discovery, beginning with a morning game drive across its vast plains. Elephants, lions, buffalo, and herds of antelope roam freely here, with Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peak as a backdrop. After returning to camp for lunch and some downtime, you head out again for an afternoon drive, ensuring the chance to witness Ol Pejeta’s extraordinary wildlife in different light.

The day also features special visits to two of Ol Pejeta’s most inspiring initiatives. At the Rhino Sanctuary, you’ll see conservation at its most urgent, including the last two northern white rhinos in existence and the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa. At the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, created in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, rescued chimps live in safety, cared for within a protected natural environment. Both projects highlight the Conservancy’s dedication to animal welfare and species survival.

Ol Pejeta’s story adds another layer of meaning to your visit. Once a colonial cattle ranch, the land has been transformed into a beacon of conservation, balancing wildlife protection with community development. Today, its innovative approach has made it one of Africa’s most important wildlife areas, drawing global recognition for both its success and its vision for the future.

By the time you return to camp in the evening, you will have experienced not only the thrill of close wildlife encounters but also the inspiration of seeing conservation in action—leaving you with a profound appreciation for this remarkable sanctuary.

After a leisurely breakfast at Sweetwaters, you bid farewell to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy at mid morning and begin the drive south through Kenya’s rolling highlands. The journey carries you past fertile farmland and bustling roadside markets before arriving at Thomson’s Falls, where a curtain of water plunges 243 feet into a lush gorge. Here you pause to stretch your legs, take in the misty panorama, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the cool highland air. The setting is a favourite for photographers and a welcome interlude on your way to Lake Nakuru.

Continuing in the afternoon, you descend into the Great Rift Valley, where the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru appear framed by acacia woodland and open savannah. By mid-afternoon you reach Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the lake, the lodge combines rustic charm with modern comfort. Its spacious rooms feature private balconies that open onto vistas of the Rift Valley below, while the main lodge offers inviting lounges, a swimming pool, and dining terraces surrounded by wildlife-rich gardens.

Not long after checking in, you set out on your first game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Famous for its large population of white rhino and resident lion prides, the park is also home to giraffe, buffalo, and a dazzling variety of birdlife including pelicans and fish eagles. As the sun sets, you return to the lodge for dinner, reflecting on a day that has seamlessly blended Kenya’s scenic wonders with the thrill of safari.

The day begins with the soft glow of dawn over the Great Rift Valley as you set out for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The cool morning air carries the sounds of the bush as you explore the park’s diverse habitats, from acacia woodland to open grasslands and the lake’s shimmering shoreline. Lake Nakuru is especially renowned for its populations of white and black rhino, often seen grazing near the water’s edge, as well as its resident lions and leopards. Herds of buffalo, impala, and zebra move across the plains, while giraffes browse in the woodlands and troops of baboons chatter noisily along the roadsides. Birdlife is prolific too, with fish eagles calling from the trees and pelicans skimming low across the lake. By late morning, you return to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge for a freshly prepared lunch, served with sweeping views over the valley.

In the afternoon, you head back to the water for a leisurely boat ride on Lake Nakuru itself. Gliding across the surface, you gain a new perspective of this scenic Rift Valley jewel. Pods of hippos surface with grunts and splashes, their ears and nostrils just above the waterline, while crocodiles can sometimes be spotted sunning themselves along the banks. Waterbirds are abundant, from stately pelicans and cormorants to bright kingfishers diving for their catch. Occasionally, you may even catch sight of buffalo or antelope drinking at the shoreline, creating a serene contrast to the morning’s excitement.

Note depending on season and weather the timing of the game drive and boat may be adjusted.

This morning, you journey west into the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most iconic safari destination. By midday, you arrive at Kilima Camp, perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment with sweeping views across the Mara plains. After a relaxed lunch, there’s time to settle in and absorb the panoramic vistas before heading out on your first game drive in one of the world’s greatest wildlife theatres.

The Mara forms the northern extension of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, and though smaller in size, it offers an unrivalled density of wildlife. Rolling grasslands dotted with acacia trees stretch to the horizon, while winding rivers cut through valleys that teem with life. Throughout the year, the Mara is home to resident populations of lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos, and from July to October, it becomes the stage for the Great Migration, when wildebeest and zebra surge across the plains in staggering numbers.

Returning to Kilima Camp as the sun begins to set, you’ll find an atmosphere of comfort and understated elegance. The camp’s luxury tents, each with private verandas, are designed to immerse you in the landscape without compromising on style. Panoramic views of the savannah stretch out from your deck, making it an ideal spot to enjoy sundowners before dinner.

Evenings bring a sense of calm, with a delicious meal served in the main dining area and the sounds of the bush drifting in from the darkness. From this elevated vantage point above the Mara, Kilima Camp combines an authentic safari feel with spectacular scenery, offering an unforgettable introduction to Kenya’s most celebrated wilderness.

Today, you set out from Kilima Camp to explore the vast wilderness of the Mara Triangle, a quieter and less-traveled sector of the Masai Mara. From your base on the Oloololo Escarpment, game drives descend into this pristine corner of the reserve, where sweeping plains and winding rivers create a stage for some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters. With fewer vehicles and a sense of space, the Triangle offers an unhurried safari experience unlike anywhere else in the Mara.

The Mara Triangle forms part of the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, but its remoteness ensures it feels more exclusive. Here, wide-open grasslands are home to resident prides of lions, towering giraffes, elephants, buffalo, and an extraordinary variety of plains game. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Mara River, which snakes through the Triangle and provides dramatic viewpoints, particularly during the Great Migration (July to October) when wildebeest and zebra cross in their thousands.

Throughout the year, the game-viewing remains exceptional. Leopards may be spotted resting in the trees, cheetahs scan the plains for prey, and hyenas prowl in the early morning light. Birdlife is equally abundant, with crowned cranes, vultures, and fish eagles adding movement to the skies.

After a picnic lunch in the bush or a return to camp for a hot meal, your exploration continues into the afternoon, capturing the changing moods of the Triangle as the day unfolds. By sunset, you ascend back to Kilima Camp, where sundowners on your private veranda give way to dinner under the stars. The combination of seclusion, dramatic scenery, and abundant wildlife makes the Mara Triangle an extraordinary part of your safari story.

Today is devoted to exploring the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic safari landscapes. With both morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll experience the reserve at its most alive—crisp dawn air revealing predators on the move, and golden afternoons where elephants, giraffes, and countless plains game graze beneath the acacia trees. Every outing here is a reminder of why the Mara is often described as nature’s grandest stage.

The diversity of wildlife in the Mara is unparalleled. Resident prides of lions patrol the grasslands, leopards rest in shady branches, and cheetahs scan the plains for prey. Large herds of buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest animate the savannah, while hippos and crocodiles keep to the rivers. Birdlife adds colour and sound to the scene, from lilac-breasted rollers flashing in flight to African fish eagles calling across the water. Each drive brings fresh encounters, and no two days are ever the same.

For those seeking an even more extraordinary perspective, an optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged. At sunrise, you drift silently above the plains as the first light spreads across the horizon. Watching wildlife from the air—elephants moving in family groups, hippos returning to the rivers, or even a lone predator stalking in the grasses—offers a magical, once-in-a-lifetime vantage point. After landing, a champagne breakfast is served in the bush, rounding off an unforgettable morning.

Back at camp, evenings are spent recounting the day’s adventures over dinner, the sounds of the wilderness a constant reminder that you are in the wild heart of Africa.

With breakfast enjoyed and bags packed, you set out from the Mara for your morning flight. After a short hop to Migori Airstrip, a road transfer takes you across the border into Tanzania. Immigration formalities completed, you continue to Tarime Airstrip for your onward flight into the legendary Serengeti National Park. On arrival, you are warmly greeted by your Tanzanian guide and driven to Conserve Serengeti Safari Camp, your home for the next three nights.

This intimate tented camp blends under-canvas authenticity with comfort, offering spacious en-suite tents that open onto sweeping Serengeti views. Private verandas provide a peaceful vantage point to take in the surrounding wilderness, while the central mess tent serves as a welcoming hub for meals and conversation. Evenings often close with sundowners around the fire, where the sounds of the bush create a fitting soundtrack to your stay.

After settling in, you embark on your first game drive in the Serengeti. The park’s endless grasslands, dotted with acacia trees and winding rivers, are alive with extraordinary wildlife. Resident prides of lions patrol the plains, leopards can be found resting in the branches of sausage trees, and elephants move gracefully across the savannah. Birdlife flourishes here as well, with everything from lilac-breasted rollers to fish eagles adding colour and sound to the skies.

Returning to camp in the evening, you enjoy sundowners as the horizon glows with the day’s last light before dinner is served under canvas. The Serengeti’s vastness and beauty surround you, promising days of exploration and unforgettable encounters in one of the world’s most iconic wilderness areas.

Today in the Serengeti is yours to explore, with the choice of enjoying classic morning and afternoon game drives or venturing out on a full-day safari that runs from dawn to dusk, complete with a picnic lunch in the bush. Whichever path you take, the day promises extraordinary wildlife encounters set against the Serengeti’s endless horizons—a landscape that has come to symbolize the very essence of an African safari.

Game drives here reveal a remarkable diversity of species. Resident prides of lions patrol the grasslands, while cheetahs scan the plains with unmatched grace and speed. Elephants move in steady family groups, giraffes browse the treetops, and large herds of zebra add their stripes to the sweeping panoramas. Antelope species abound, from graceful impala and Thomson’s gazelles to the larger eland. Closer to rivers and pools, you may find hippos wallowing or warthogs trotting along the banks, while keen eyes may even spot klipspringers poised on rocky outcrops.

Each outing showcases the Serengeti’s extraordinary richness, where predator and prey coexist in a delicate balance. The sheer volume of wildlife ensures that no two drives are ever the same, with each moment revealing a new drama or quiet glimpse of life on the plains.

By evening, you return to camp with the day’s stories etched in memory. As the sun sets in a blaze of colour, sundowners and dinner await, accompanied by the sounds of the bush at night. It is a fitting close to a day immersed in one of the world’s most celebrated wildernesses.

Prepare for an extraordinary day in the Serengeti, one of the most densely populated wildlife havens on Earth. With both morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll explore rolling plains alive with movement—lions resting in the grass, elephants striding in family groups, and giraffes stretching high into the treetops. Every moment in this landscape brings a new encounter, making the Serengeti a living theatre of nature where the drama of predator and prey unfolds against endless horizons.

Your morning may also begin in a truly unforgettable way: with an optional hot air balloon safari. Drifting silently above the plains as the sun rises, you’ll witness the wilderness from a perspective few ever experience. Wildebeest and zebra move in patterns below, elephants gather along rivers, and the vast scale of the Serengeti stretches endlessly in every direction. The flight concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush, adding an indulgent finale to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

On the ground, game drives provide unhurried opportunities to discover the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems. From the open grasslands to acacia woodlands and winding rivers, each habitat reveals different species. Cheetahs may be spotted surveying the plains, hippos wallow in muddy pools, and birdlife—from lilac-breasted rollers to martial eagles—adds colour and movement to the skies.

As the day draws to a close, you return to camp with the Serengeti’s symphony of sounds all around you. Sundowners and dinner are served under canvas or by the campfire, where stories from the day mingle with the calls of distant lions—a fitting close to an unforgettable safari day.

After breakfast, you depart camp and set out toward the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. Descending into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, you’ll spend the morning exploring its diverse habitats. The crater floor is home to a rich concentration of wildlife—lion, elephant, buffalo, and even the rare black rhino—making it one of the most rewarding game drive destinations in East Africa.

The crater’s unique geography creates a mosaic of landscapes that support a wide variety of species. Open grasslands are alive with wildebeest and zebra, while wetlands attract hippos and countless waterbirds. The acacia woodlands provide cover for leopards and birdlife, while the soda lake in the centre draws flocks of flamingos when conditions allow. With its high density of predators, the Ngorongoro Crater offers the chance to see dramatic interactions between lions, hyenas, and other carnivores.

By midday, you pause to enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by one of the most scenic backdrops imaginable. Afterward, your journey continues with an ascent out of the crater, offering sweeping views across the highlands before heading toward Acacia Farm Lodge in the nearby town of Karatu.

Set on a working farm, Acacia Farm Lodge combines rural charm with refined comfort. Spacious cottages are scattered across the property, each with private verandas overlooking gardens and coffee fields. The lodge features inviting lounges, a swimming pool, and beautifully landscaped grounds—perfect for a stroll before dinner. This peaceful setting offers a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater.

This morning begins with a meaningful visit to Simba Milima Primary School, one of our supported community projects nestled in the foothills of the Rift Valley. Meeting the children and teachers here provides a glimpse into everyday life in rural Tanzania and highlights how tourism can contribute to education and opportunity. The warmth of the welcome and the chance to share in moments of school life make this an inspiring way to start the day.

By midday, you return to Acacia Farm Lodge for a freshly prepared lunch. Set amid rolling farmland and lush gardens, the lodge is not only a comfortable retreat but also a working coffee farm. In the afternoon, you’ll join a guided tour of the estate, walking between rows of coffee bushes as you learn about the journey from planting and harvesting through to drying, roasting, and brewing. Guides share insights into the history of coffee in Tanzania and the crop’s importance to local communities, while the experience concludes with the chance to savour a cup of freshly brewed estate coffee, rich in flavour and aroma.

As the day slows, there’s time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Acacia Farm Lodge. You may choose to take a dip in the pool, stroll through the gardens, or simply relax on your veranda with views stretching toward the Rift Valley escarpment. The combination of meaningful community engagement in the morning and an authentic cultural encounter in the afternoon makes this day a memorable highlight of your northern Tanzania safari.

This morning, you bid farewell to the northern safari circuit as you check out of your lodge and transfer to Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar.  Upon landing on the island, the pace shifts from wilderness adventure to coastal charm. You are met and transferred to the Spice Tree Hotel, your home for the night, set in the heart of Stone Town where winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and spice-scented air reveal a city steeped in culture and history.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the cultural heartbeat of Zanzibar, celebrated for its unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Staying here offers you an immediate immersion into the island’s fascinating past, from centuries-old mosques and Omani palaces to lively markets brimming with spices and handcrafted goods. Each step through its maze-like streets brings new discoveries, whether it’s ornate balconies, hidden courtyards, or the call of the muezzin echoing at dusk.

The Spice Tree Hotel combines contemporary comfort with authentic Zanzibari character. Its elegant rooms feature traditional décor and modern amenities, while its rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the city’s minaret-studded skyline. After settling in, you can take a short stroll to explore nearby attractions such as the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, or Darajani Market, each offering a vivid glimpse into Zanzibar’s living heritage.

As evening falls, Stone Town comes alive with vibrant energy—lanterns glow along the narrow streets, seafood stalls line the waterfront, and the unique rhythm of Zanzibari life surrounds you. Your stay at Spice Tree Hotel blends comfort, history, and culture, making this an unforgettable start to your island experience.

Step into the living history of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s UNESCO World Heritage gem, where winding alleys, bustling markets, and centuries-old architecture reveal the island’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Begin your exploration at the lively city market, opened in 1904, where stalls brim with spices, tropical fruits, and freshly caught fish. As you wander the maze-like streets, you’ll encounter ornately carved wooden doors, atmospheric courtyards, and landmarks that speak to Stone Town’s storied past.

Your guided tour unveils some of the city’s most important sites. Visit the Anglican Church of Christ, built in 1873 on the former site of Zanzibar’s slave market—a powerful reminder of history. Pause at the Sultan’s Palace and the House of Wonders, both echoing the island’s Omani Arab heritage, before continuing to the Africa House, Jamituri Gardens, and the Old Fort, where the island’s layers of Arab, Indian, European, and African influence converge. Each stop adds depth to your understanding of Zanzibar’s unique identity.

In the afternoon, the journey transitions from culture to coastal bliss as you’re driven to Zanzibar’s sunlit shores. Check into Marijani Beach Resort & Spa for a three-night stay of seaside luxury. Nestled along the island’s northeast coast, the resort blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern elegance. Its 82 rooms, adorned with lattice screens, elegant baths, and private patios or balconies, overlook tranquil gardens or the turquoise Indian Ocean. Stroll serene walkways, relax by the pool, or retreat to the spa for ultimate rejuvenation.

At Marijani, every detail reflects comfort and refinement, making it the perfect setting to unwind after your cultural journey through Stone Town.

Your journey draws to a close today, but the beauty of Zanzibar lingers long after you leave. When it’s time for your scheduled flight, we’ll arrange a smooth transfer to the airport. As you depart, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, cultural treasures, and breathtaking scenery that defined your adventure.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, extensions are available. Choose to stay extra nights in Zanzibar, upgrade your room, or simply linger longer on the island’s pristine shores. Whether you’re extending your stay to enjoy more of Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, or heading home with a heart full of memories, this final day is yours to embrace at your own pace.

From the wildlife-filled savannahs of East Africa to the spice-scented alleyways of Stone Town and the tranquility of Zanzibar’s coast, your journey has combined the very best of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Wherever your travels take you next, the essence of Zanzibar—its warmth, vibrancy, and serenity—will remain with you, inspiring dreams of return. Safe travels!