Kenya & Tanzania with Zanzibar Beach

Kenya vs. Tanzania
With a more mature mercantile system, Kenya attracts more tourists, which makes the savanna bustle all year round. Especially from June to September, huge crowds come to witness millions of wildebeests crossing the Mara River in Masai Mara up close. On a Kenya safari, you do have a chance to spot lions within 5 meters, which is nearly impossible in Tanzania. However, in contrast, Tanzania is much quieter, which can provide you with chances to immerse in the majestic scenery. Besides traditional safari, you can deeply explore Tanzania through a walking safari, which is not allowed at national parks in Kenya.

Thanks for choosing our Kenya - Tanzania safaris! When you land at the airport in Nairobi, our local safari representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, the rest of the time is at your disposal.

 Visa Requirement
Kenya has abolished the visa requirement since January 2024, but all travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at least 2 weeks before departure. Most visitors can enter Tanzania with an Ordinary Visa (50 USD), while US citizens can only cross the border with a Multiple-entry Visa (100 USD). You can apply for an e-visa 1-2 weeks ahead of time, or an on-arrival visa at the border crossing.
 Yellow Fever Vaccination
All travelers need to present the Yellow Fever certificate when crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania., so we suggest you receive vaccination 15 days before the trip.
 Safety Tips:
When exploring Nairobi on your own, please do not bring large amounts of cash with you and it is better to keep your bag in the front. What’s more, take a taxi in Nairobi downtown to go sightseeing rather than walk alone on the street. 
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive 4-5 hours to the Amboseli National Park, 240 km (149 mi) away from Nairobi. Upon arrival, check into the lodge and have a lunch break. Then we will begin the first safari. With a backdrop of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli allures many photographers to capture the classic icon of Africa: grey elephants, green grassland, blue sky, and white snow-capped Mount Kili.

★ Our Strengths:
1. We will escort you with a 4×4 game drive vehicle on safaris, which can provide you with a secure embrace during game drives. Coming with windows, it can protect you from dust, sun, and rain. It also allows you to stand on the seat and get an elevated view when admiring animals.
2. This itinerary covers the most classic destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. We arranged 4 days in total for you in Masai Mara Reserve and Serengeti National Park, which will increase the chances for you to witness the spectacular scenes of the world-famous Great Migration. In the last three days, we will escort you to Zanzibar, where you can relax from the fatigue of safaris.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (4 stars)

Today we will spend the whole day in Amboseli National Park. Featuring the savanna, acacia woodland, swamp, and lake, it is home to various wildlife, including the famous Big Five: buffalo, lions, leopards, rhinos, and especially elephants. You will surprisingly find these smart creatures everywhere followed by herds of egrets. Baby elephants may run after these white birds with their big ears flapping. Our guide will also lead you to the Observation Hill in the southeast, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Amboseli and overlook the wonders of the equatorial snow peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. At last, we will return to the lodge for supper and stay overnight.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (June-October, January-February)
The dry season is the best time to admire the snow cap of Mount Kilimanjaro as the weather is always fine and the sky is clear. You can easily see its snow peaks on sunny mornings and afternoons and capture the symbolic picture of Africa: herds of elephants grazing on the vast savanna under the blue sky against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. However, if you happen to visit in the rainy season (November-December, March-May), the mountain may be covered by mist and clouds at most times, though the green savannah is still impressive.
► Tip: Considering the changeable weather, we’ve specially arranged 2 days for you in Amboseli, which can increase the chances of seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive for 6-7 hours to Lake Nakuru. On the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into the lodge, and then we will have a late afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru is a soda lake that was renowned for millions of flamingos. However, due to the inundation, the number of flamingos has declined sharply in recent years. Although it is difficult to see the spectacular scene of a myriad of these pink birds flying over the lake, the rest of the herds will still give you a shock. They elegantly stand in the water and cast a romantic pink shadow on the water. Besides, you can capture Kenya’s national bird - Lilac-breasted Roller. Maybe rolling in God’s palette, they have multicolored fur that is vibrant on the monotonous-colored savannas. Their beautiful appearance makes them look like angels of nature, but actually, they are cold killers of worms, frogs, and even lizards. In addition to various birds, Nakuru is one of the best places to spot rhinos. These big guys are so timid that they may even be scared off by slight sounds and movements, so we can only admire them from afar most of the time. It is advised to take a telescope so that you can see rhinos clearly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge - one of the best lodges in Lake Nakuru

Today, we will drive for 5 hours to Kenya's most famous Masai Mara National Reserve with a packed lunch. After check-in at the lodge, we will take an afternoon safari. “Mara” means “spotted” in the Masai language, referring to acacia woodlands and bushes scattered on the vast grassland. The lush vegetation provides habitats for various birds. You can try to search for iconic species such as the secretary bird. They are so-called because the whitish-gray crests on the back of their heads resemble 19th-century secretaries with quill pens tucked behind their ears.

Safari Tips:
1. As you will spend most of your time in the car, slippers and a headrest can help you relieve tiredness during safaris.
2. To blend in with nature, we suggest you wear clothes in brown, khaki, and green.
3. If you go during the dry season (July-September), it is better to wear a mask as it is very dusty while on safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (4 stars)

★ Watch World’s Greatest Show - Millions of Wildebeests Crossing Mara River
As the main force of the migration, millions of wildebeests arrive at the Mara River led by zebras and followed by antelopes from June to September. They gather along the bank and wait for the last and the most dangerous crossing. When we drive close to the army, you will hear the low grunting of these ungulates, like the sound of beehives. Gradually, their dark hides and curved horns will come into your eyes. Reaching the river bank, you will see numerous wildebeests dash into the water and head to the new grassland. Most wildebeests can successfully reach the opposite bank, while some of them may be killed by crocodiles. At the hunting moment, you will find that the water turns red and the Mara River becomes a “blood river” then.
► Note: Animals are their own bosses. We cannot accurately predict their crossing time. But guides of Masai Mara will exchange information with each other, which will increase the chance for you to see this spectacular scene.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (4 stars)

Today we will leave Kenya for Tanzania. Our guide will escort you to Isebania, the border crossing between the two countries. After immigration formalities, we will continue driving to Serengeti National Park. We will totally spend 6-7 hours on the way and arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon. On the way, you can initially experience the vast savanna of Serengeti. Located at the heart of Tanzania, it is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in the world. Featuring various landscapes including savannas, woodlands, and rivers, Serengeti is a shelter for animals, especially for lions. You can see these prairie warriors roaming and hunting. As lions usually run in a straight line, our guide will estimate their track and lead you to the point where they may cross the road. Get your camera ready! It is the best time for you to capture the most clear and vivid picture of them.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 stars)

Today, our English-speaking driver guide will escort you to explore Central Serengeti. As the busiest part of the park, it has a large plateau covered in grasslands, attracting numerous wildlife and travelers. With the Seronera River flowing across, it becomes the stronghold of elephants and lions. Abundant water makes Central Serengeti a perfect place to admire animals all year round. During April and May, the migration troops of wildebeests will arrive here and gather along the river, and you can see millions of herbivores scattered on the endless savanna.
► Tip: A telescope and telephoto lens are helpful when you go on a safari in Serengeti. Since driving off-road is prohibited here, you can only admire animals from afar most of the time. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive for 4 hours to the 8th wonder of the world, Ngorongoro Crater.  Ngoro ngoro ngoro…driving on the vast savanna, you may hear such a sound. It comes from the cowbell of Masai people’s cattle and hence the name of the beautiful crater. This bowl-shaped crater boasts a great number of wildlife that beckons visitors to explore. As a haven for more than 20,000 large mammals, it is known as the “Garden of Eden”. We will drive you to the bottom to see herds of zebras, wildebeests, and African Big Cats: cheetahs, lions, and leopards. If lucky, you may see the white scarf-like cloud belt on the rim of the crater, which tempts many photographers to capture every year.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive for 3 to 4 hours to Arusha Airport and then take a 1.5-hour flight to Zanzibar. As one of the gateways of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has attracted many tourists with its turquoise water and white sand beaches, and it is considered a good place to recover from fatigue safaris. You can sunbathe on the beach or snorkel to discover colorful fish around coral reefs. Upon landing, our driver will transfer you to the hotel in the northern part of the island, taking about 1.5 hours. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the day is at your own disposal.

 Recommended Food: Urojo (a kind of Zanzibar spicy soup)
Since you will spend 3 days in Zanzibar, you cannot miss the most popular street food, Urojo. Made up of broth, beans, rice, chili, and turmeric, Urojo is usually garnished with lime and coconut milk. Different toppings such as mashed potato, and red and coconut chutney make it more flavorsome. It is always served with fruit juice, chapati bread, and plantains. You can find Urojo at shops, or the Forodhani Market in Stone Town, costing about 1 USD per person.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Z Hotel, Zanzibar - sea view room (4 stars)

 Free Time Suggestion: Take a Boat to Watch Dolphins & Visit Kilosas Conservation
Want to gain some memorable experiences in Zanzibar? Go to watch dolphins! You can consult relevant services at the hotel or the diving store on the Nungwi public beach near your hotel. It costs around 20 USD per person for boat-sharing with 8-10 people and 70 USD for chartering. In addition, there are some boatmen hailing guests on the beach. Remember to higgle if you decide to choose them, as they always overcharge. The boatman will escort you to haunt places of dolphins, where you may see a pod of these smart mammals leap into the air. If you are good at swimming, you can jump into the water to swim with them.
► Tips:
1. The dry season (June-September, January-March) is the best time to see dolphins when it is sunny and the water has good visibility. You’d better avoid October-December, as it is always rainy.
2. Be careful when jumping into the water to avoid hurting.
3. Please do not touch marine animals such as jellyfish when swimming, as some are poisonous.

After that, you can head to Kilosas Conservation which was established by a local science teacher. It takes only 7 minutes and costs 4-6 USD by taxi from Nungwi public beach. We suggest you take cabs with red license plates which are more reliable than the white ones. The Kilosas Conservation breeds 40 animals and creates an environment that closely simulates their natural habitats. You can let the chameleons lay on your hands, and feed ostriches, turtles, and antelopes. There are also monkeys, but we don’t recommend you feed them with snacks, as some of them are naughty and may scratch you. The conservation is open from 8:00 to 18:30 and it costs 10 USD per person.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Z Hotel, Zanzibar - sea view room (4 stars)

 Free Time Suggestion: Explore Prison Island & Stone Town
Curious about the century-old giant tortoises? Then take a boat to Prison Island! It is home to peacocks, deer, and especially giant tortoises which are more than 1 meter (3.2 miles) long. It is said that the oldest turtle here is nearly 200 years old. You can touch their hard shells and bark-like skin of necks and feet. To protect these elders, it is better not to sit on their bodies. We suggest you visit Prison Island in the morning, as tortoises are active and the sun is not scorching.
► Tips:
1. Taxi to Stone Town from Nungin Beach: Usually, you can find taxis parking near the hotel. Please bargain with the drivers as they always overcharge. It usually costs 35-40 USD from Nungwin Beach to Stone Town. You can also ask the hotel to help you reserve a car, but it may be more expensive.
2. Boat to Prison Island from Stone Town: It is convenient to find a boat on Baharia Hindi Beach, as many boatmen hail guests on the shore. Please make sure the boat you chose has a life vest and negotiate the price before departure. 15-20 USD is reasonable for chartering, while 3 USD per person is for boat sharing. Besides, you need to pay 12 USD for the island ticket and 3 USD for the tax.

After returning from Prison Island, take a leisure sightseeing in Stone Town. You can head to Christ Church Cathedral built on the old site of the slave market, where several rooms that used to imprison slaves are preserved nearby. When stepping into the confined room, you will see a narrow vent and iron manacles. Slave Trade Exhibition, a one-minute walk from the church, is also worth a visit. You can see several sculptures of slaves with chains on their necks and information boards introducing the slave trade period. Then you can walk to the Arab Fort (Old Fort), once the ruins of a Portuguese church, and now is the cultural center of Zanzibar. On the way, you will see many incredible doors. They are usually made of jackfruit or mango tree woods, and carved with vines, flowers, and Arabic script, and some of them are designed with small, square shutters and brass stubs.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Z Hotel, Zanzibar - sea view room (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive you to the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport of Zanzibar, and your Kenya-Tanzania safari tour comes to an end here. Then you can fly to Dar-es-Salaam or Kilimanjaro and board your homebound flight there. If you want to stay longer in Zanzibar, please contact us at any time. You can continue to dive at Mnemba Island, hike through Jozani Forest, or closely interact with turtles at Salaam Cave Aquarium. For more African adventures, we can also tailor a trip for you to Madagascar to see lemurs.

Meals: Breakfast