Blend Kenya Safari with Zanzibar Beach Getaway



Combining a beach escape with a safari adventure is a fantastic way to craft the ultimate African experience! This 10-day tour allows you to enjoy the continent’s stunning beaches while embarking on an exhilarating wildlife journey. With this itinerary, you can maximize your time in Africa by visiting Aberdare National Park and Masai Mara National Park, followed by diving into the pristine waters of Zanzibar.
Day 1 – Nairobi- Aberdare National Park
Met upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our representative. Assistance and drive to Nyeri arriving in time for lunch at The Outspan Hotel/Similar. After lunch, transfer by Outspan vehicles to Treetops Lodge/Similar in The Aberdare National Park. Rest of the day at leisure with game viewing from the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Treetops Lodge.
NB: Only small overnight bags are allowed at Treetops. The rest of the luggage will be stored at Outspan Hotel from where it will be collected the following morning. The fifty twin bedded rooms are small and neat and cosy, like cabins on board ship. Dinner is served at refectory tables with bench seating.
Day 2 – Aberdare- Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park arriving in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge/Similar.
Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in a wonderland which lies in the heart of one of Kenya’s most densely animal populated wetland National Parks (Ramsar site) only two leisurely hours’ drive from Nairobi, through beautiful forested uplands and passing a series of lakes.
Lake Nakuru National Park is situated approximately 164 kilometres from Nairobi, a two hours drive from Nairobi city. It is dominated by a gentle undulating terrain with open bush and woodlands, typical of the dry rift valley vegetation. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the park is composed of the Lake Nakuru waters. The area around the lake is exclusively used for wildlife conservation while the land in the catchment area is intensively used for agriculture, forestry and ranching. The lake was established as a National Park in 1961. The park was expanded over the years to 188 km2 to provide a perimeter buffer zone to protect the lake from encroachment by settlements and to minimise the impacts of urban and agricultural development in the immediate catchment. The park was declared a rhino sanctuary in 1983.
Day 3 – Nakuru National Park-Masai Mara National park
After breakfast, drive to The Masai Mara Game Reserve arriving in time for lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge/Similar. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge/Similar.
Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is known as Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, situated in southwest Kenya. Famous for the abundance of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Maasai people, well known for their distinctive custom and dress, it is without a doubt one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. The terrain of the reserve is primarily grassland and riverine forest with clumps of the distinctive acacia trees. It’s about 270 km from the capital city Nairobi and takes about 5-6 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight.
The Maasai Mara Ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in world and this is where over TWO MILLION Wildebeest, Zebra and Thomsons Gazelle migrate annually. Its hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds.
Day 4 – Masai Mara National Park
Full day in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon and afternoon game drives. All meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge/Similar. The Masai Mara is one of the most famous game viewing areas in Africa.
Large herds of game, including the amazing Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, are still found here. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is set in the Oloolaimutia Valley and blends perfectly with the surrounding hillside landscape. The lodge is located 206 km south of the Equator on the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in southwestern Kenya, 2km from the Oloolaimutia Gate.
Day 5 – Masai Mara National Park- Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Nairobi arriving at The Panafric Hotel/Similar. Rest of the day at leisure. In the evening transfer to The Carnivore Restaurant for a farewell dinner. After dinner transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis at The Panafric Hotel/Similar.
Day 6 – Nairobi-Zanzibar
After breakfast, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure flight to Zanzibar. Meet upon arrival at Kisauni Airport by our representative. Assistance and transfer to either Ocean Paradise Hotel or Gemma Dell’Est.
Rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation on half board basis at Ocean Paradise Hotel or on all inclusive basis at Gemma Dell’Est.
Day 7-9 – Relax at Zanzibar Beach
DAY 07+08+09 – Zanzibar
Three (3) full days at leisure in Zanzibar with the possibility of optional excursions.
Accommodation on half board basis at Ocean Paradise Hotel or on all inclusive basis at Gemma Dell’Est. Ocean Paradise Resort is situated on Zanzibar’s picturesque North East coast, overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean, it is as the name suggests a little piece of paradise.
This luxurious and environmentally friendly resort was designed and constructed to blend in with its magnificent surroundings and the marvelous contours of the landscape
Day 10 – Departure
Breakfast and then we arrange your transfer to Kisauni Airport depending on your flight schedule.
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
1. What is the best time to visit Zanzibar for a safari?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and from late December to February. These periods offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the islands and enjoying safari activities (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
2. What should I pack for a Zanzibar safari?
When packing for a Zanzibar safari, consider including:
- Light, breathable clothing
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife (Daily News).
3. What are the main attractions in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers a variety of attractions, including:
- Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic architecture and vibrant markets.
- Spice Plantations: Tours that showcase Zanzibar’s rich history in the spice trade.
- Beaches: Pristine beaches in Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.
- Jozani Forest: Home to the rare red colobus monkeys.
- Mangapwani Slave Caves: Historical sites linked to the East African slave trade (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
4. Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but it’s advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and respecting local customs and laws. It’s also recommended to use reputable tour operators for safaris and excursions (Daily News).
5. What types of safaris are available in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers several types of safari experiences:
- Marine Safaris: Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island.
- Cultural Safaris: Exploring Stone Town and visiting local villages.
- Wildlife Safaris: Visiting Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
- Spice Tours: Exploring the spice plantations and learning about the island’s spice history (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
6. How can I get to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be reached by flight or ferry:
- Flights: There are direct flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar from several major cities in Africa and beyond.
- Ferries: Ferries operate from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, offering a scenic route across the Indian Ocean (Daily News).
7. Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
Visa requirements for Zanzibar are the same as for mainland Tanzania. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. It’s best to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
8. What currency is used in Zanzibar, and can I use credit cards?
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and tourist services, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in rural areas (Daily News).
9. What health precautions should I take when visiting Zanzibar?
It’s important to take health precautions, including:
- Malaria Prevention: Use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial medication.
- Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and consider additional ones like hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever.
- Safe Drinking Water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses (Archaeology Magazine).
10. What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
The official language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and hotels (Archaeology News Online Magazine).