Join us for a 20-day Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach holiday. Start in Nairobi, where you'll explore vibrant wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and rhinos. Travel to the Masai Mara to view the Big Five and the Great Migration, if timed right. Next, challenge yourself with a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Afterward, enjoy game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, spotting diverse animals like elephants, lions, and hippos. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, where you can snorkel, dive, and enjoy local culture. Each day is filled with activities that celebrate the beauty of Kenya and Tanzania, leading to a memorable beach getaway.
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
Day 3: Explore the Masai Mara
Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Day 5: Transfer to Machame Park Gate
Day 6: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 7: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 8: Barranco to Karanga Valley Camp
Day 9: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
Day 10: Summit Attempt to Mweka Camp
Day 11: Mweka Camp to Park Gate
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 13: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Day 14: Explore Serengeti
Day 15: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 16: Transfer to Arusha, Flight to Zanzibar
Days 17-19: Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Day 20: Spice Tour & Stone Town Tour
Start your adventure in Nairobi, where you meet your guide and set off for Lake Nakuru National Park. Stop at the Escarpment View Point to see the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, explore the park's unique features and wildlife. Look for the large flocks of flamingos and watch for rhinos, buffaloes, and a variety of birds. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting baboons, lions, leopards, and zebras in their natural habitat. This day sets the stage for the incredible wildlife experiences to come.
After breakfast, leave Lake Nakuru and head to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park. Keep an eye out for the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. The park is also home to giraffes and cheetahs. The vast plains offer stunning views, making this an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest, preparing for another exciting day ahead.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the savannah. After breakfast, head back into the Masai Mara for a full day of exploration. Look for big cats hunting in the cool morning hours. Optional hot air balloon rides provide a unique aerial view of the park, followed by a champagne breakfast on the plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Spend the afternoon searching for wildlife, including zebras and wildebeests. This day allows you to fully appreciate the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of the Masai Mara.
Enjoy breakfast before departing the Masai Mara for Nairobi. Arrive in the city and have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, catch your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, meet your guide who will transfer you to Out Post Lodge in Arusha. Here, you'll receive information on the upcoming Kilimanjaro climb. Take some time to relax and prepare for the next adventure. Enjoy dinner at the lodge, reflecting on your safari experiences in Kenya.
Depart for Machame Park Gate, where your Kilimanjaro ascent begins. After registration, start hiking through the lush forest, where you may hear birds and see monkeys. The path is muddy but not steep, making it manageable for most. As you ascend, enjoy the rich vegetation and diverse wildlife. Arrive at Machame Camp for the night, where you can relax and enjoy a warm meal. This day marks the beginning of your climb, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Start your day with breakfast before continuing the hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. The path takes you through heathland and offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Look for giant heather and unique alpine flora along the way. The trek is moderate, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude. After about 5-6 hours of hiking, reach Shira Camp. Settle in and enjoy dinner while taking in the views of the mountain. This day helps you adjust to the climbing conditions.
Depart Shira Camp and head towards Barranco Camp. The hike includes a challenging section near the Lava Tower, where you can take in panoramic views. The terrain becomes steeper as you approach the tower. After reaching the tower, descend into the Great Barranco Valley, known for its stunning scenery and unique flora. Settle into Barranco Camp for the night, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a hearty meal and prepare for the next day's hike.
Begin your day by descending into the gorge before climbing the eastern wall. This section provides great views of the ice fields on Kilimanjaro. The hike to Karanga Valley Camp takes about 4-5 hours. Enjoy the diverse ecosystems along the trail, including rare plants. Upon arrival at Karanga Valley, set up camp and relax. Dinner will be served, and you can take in your surroundings before resting for the night, preparing for the next leg of your climb.
Leave Karanga Valley and hike towards Barafu Camp. The trail continues to ascend, and you may notice the changing vegetation as you gain altitude. Barafu Camp, located on a ridge, serves as the base for your summit attempt. After setting up camp, take time to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenge. Dinner will be provided, and it’s essential to hydrate and eat well. This night will be crucial as you prepare for the summit.
Begin your summit attempt shortly after midnight. The trek to Uhuru Peak involves a long and challenging climb. Dress warmly, as temperatures drop significantly at night. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise. Take in the moment before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short break. Continue your descent to Mweka Camp, where you can celebrate your achievement with a warm meal. This day is a true test of endurance and determination.
On your final day of the climb, hike from Mweka Camp to the park gate. This descent takes approximately 3-4 hours. Enjoy the changing scenery as you exit the park, reflecting on your climb. Once at the gate, bid farewell to your guides and porters. Return to Arusha for an overnight stay at Out Post Lodge. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and share stories from your Kilimanjaro adventure with fellow travelers.
After breakfast, set off for Lake Manyara National Park. Known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, this park is home to elephants, hippos, and various bird species. Spend the day exploring the park's unique features, including its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Continue with more game drives in the afternoon, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant ecosystem. In the evening, head to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Depart Lake Manyara in the morning for Serengeti National Park. After a packed lunch, continue your journey into the park. Enjoy a game drive as you travel through the iconic landscapes of the Serengeti. Look for wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, and lions. Arrive at your accommodation and settle in before dinner. The vastness of the Serengeti provides ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, making it an exciting day.
Spend the entire day in Serengeti National Park. Join morning and afternoon game drives to maximize your wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or spot various animals, including elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. Take breaks for lunch and enjoy the serene surroundings. Capture photographs of the stunning landscapes and wildlife. Return to your accommodation for dinner, sharing highlights of the day with fellow travelers.
After breakfast, travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, descend into the crater for a game drive. This area is famous for its diverse wildlife, including flamingos, elephants, and rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater, surrounded by stunning scenery. Your guide will help locate hidden animals, enriching your experience. Spend the day exploring this unique environment before returning to your accommodation for dinner and rest.
Leave Ngorongoro and head back to Arusha. After lunch, catch your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying dinner by the beach. This marks the beginning of your time in Zanzibar, where you can unwind and prepare for activities in the coming days.
Enjoy three days of relaxation and exploration on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches. Participate in water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips. Explore local markets and enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants. Take time to unwind on the sandy shores, soaking up the sun. Each day allows for a mix of leisure and adventure, making the most of your beach holiday in this tropical paradise.
On your final day, start with a spice tour to learn about the island's famous spices and herbs. Discover their culinary and medicinal uses. After the tour, visit Stone Town, where you can explore historical sites like the Arab Fort and Palace Museum. Wander through the vibrant markets and narrow alleys filled with culture. Enjoy lunch before preparing for departure. This day wraps up your safari and beach holiday, leaving you with lasting memories.