Kenya, Tanzania · Luxury Safari

16-Day Luxury Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari with Big Five

16 Days Round trip from Kenya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Exceptional Big Five game drives in the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • 02 Explore Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera
  • 03 Experience a night game drive in Lake Manyara's vibrant nocturnal ecosystem
  • 04 Spot elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park
  • 05 Discover Tarangire, home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations
  • 06 Enjoy cultural encounters with the Maasai people in Kenya and Tanzania
  • 07 Fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar for a seamless bush-to-beach journey
  • 08 Relax on Matemwe Beach, surrounded by clear aquamarine waters

Embark on a 16-day luxury African odyssey through Kenya, Tanzania, and the idyllic island of Zanzibar. Begin in Nairobi before heading into the legendary Maasai Mara for thrilling game drives and close encounters with Africa's Big Five. Continue through Amboseli, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast plains of the Serengeti for immersive wildlife experiences and cultural encounters with the Maasai people. After your safari, unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters, palm-fringed shores, and a tranquil island setting create the perfect finale.

Embark on a 16-day luxury African odyssey through Kenya, Tanzania, and the idyllic island of Zanzibar.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Arusha, Naivasha, Nairobi, Zanzibar, Masai Mara, Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Journey Through Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar

Day 1: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Nairobi City

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and after clearing customs, you will begin your trip with a special meet-and-greet by our representative, who will welcome you and assist with your luggage as you are escorted to your transfer vehicle. The rest of the evening is for relaxation.

Overnight at The Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi

Room Category: Standard Double Room

Day 2: Nairobi City - Maasai Mara National Reserve (230 km, approx. 4 hours)

At 6:30 am, enjoy breakfast and check out. Then head to the Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, spend time acclimating to the African wilderness. After tea, at 4:00 pm, head out on a game drive to search for the Big Five animals that roam the vast plains. The Big Five is a collection of mammals once known for their might and the difficulty of hunting them. The Maasai Mara is also home to the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which hosts an annual million-strong migration of wildebeest and zebras in search of greener pastures. Your experienced driver-guide will take you into the open savannahs to spot big game, gazelles, and other wildlife. This phenomenon made this ecosystem one of the world's seven new natural wonders. At sunset, return to the lodge for evening relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at Mara River Camp on a full board basis.

Mara River Camp

Room Category: 1 Double Luxury Tented Room

Day 3: Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day Game Drives

Start the day with an early morning wake-up call and enjoy a cup of hot Kenyan tea, coffee, or your preferred hot drink, which can be requested the night before. Then embark on a game drive to witness the stunning sunrise over the savanna, which is teeming with wildlife. Every day brings something different, and there is no way of knowing precisely what each day will bring, which is why an early start is essential. Nocturnal species still on the prowl, or predators gathered at a kill, are better seen earlier in the day.

You will then drive back to camp while viewing wildlife grazing before the heat of the day forces them to rest under the shade of the acacias or scrub. The rest of the morning is yours to explore the wildlife, and you can appreciate the wonderful flora and fauna that surround the camp. Morning and afternoon game drives continue until dusk, before returning to camp for evening relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at Mara River Camp on a full board basis.

Mara River Camp

Room Category: 1 Double Luxury Tented Room

Day 4: Maasai Mara National Reserve - Lake Naivasha National Park (216 km, approx. 3.5 hours)

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then head towards Lake Naivasha. Along the way, stop to appreciate the breathtaking Great Rift Valley escarpment, which boasts impressive rises and drops. Once you reach the lodge, enjoy a sumptuous lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, the lodge can arrange optional excursions such as boat rides and Crescent Island tours, which can be booked directly by paying the necessary charges. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon and relax at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort on a full board basis.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Room Category: Double Cottage Room

Day 5: Lake Naivasha National Park - Amboseli National Park (308 km, approx. 5.5 hours)

Start your day with an early morning breakfast, then head out on an excursion to Amboseli National Park. This park is located at the base of Africa's highest peak, the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch upon arrival. After checking in, take a short break before embarking on an exciting afternoon game drive, where you can observe various animals in their natural habitat. At the end of the day, return to the lodge in the evening with unforgettable memories.

Dinner and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis.

Ol Tukai Lodge

Room Category: Double Luxury Lodge Room

Day 6: Amboseli National Park - Full Day Game Drives

If the weather permits, you can wake up to stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After breakfast, spend the whole day exploring this magnificent park on a game drive. The backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro creates an excellent opportunity for capturing beautiful photos of the animals in their natural habitat. You will see the Big Five and an abundance of birdlife in this African wilderness park. You will also have a chance to get up close and personal with the majestic elephants. Do not miss the observation point, which offers a bird's-eye view of the expansive park below, teeming with wildlife. Additionally, you can choose to visit a Maasai village at extra cost. Finally, return to the lodge in the evening for relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge on a full board basis.

Ol Tukai Lodge

Room Category: 1 Double Luxury Lodge Room

Day 7: Amboseli National Park - Tarangire National Park (255 km, approx. 4 hours)

The day begins with breakfast, followed by a trip to the Namanga border, where you will be dropped off. Upon crossing into Tanzania, you will be warmly welcomed by your personal driver-guide. You will then proceed to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets. Here, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa, with herds of up to 300 members. Additionally, you may see impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke's hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, and the greater and lesser kudu. On rare occasions, you may even spot the unusual gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. Enjoy game drives until late afternoon, then continue to the lodge for evening relaxation.

Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Room Category: Double Mid-Range Lodge Room

Day 8: Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park - Night Game Drive

After an early morning breakfast, drive from Tarangire to Lake Manyara, a journey of approximately 2-3 hours through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpments, acacia woodlands, and rolling savannahs dotted with wildlife. Arriving at Lake Manyara, you will be greeted by its unique natural beauty - a shallow alkaline lake flanked by lush forests and volcanic escarpments.

During your afternoon game drive, spot diverse wildlife including elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, and colorful birdlife, from flamingos to kingfishers. As night falls, embark on an exhilarating night game drive to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. You may encounter leopards, lions, bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, and other creatures of the dark, offering a thrilling perspective of the park's vibrant nighttime ecosystem. Lake Manyara's blend of landscapes, wildlife, and nocturnal activity makes it an unforgettable safari experience.

Dinner and overnight at Manyara Best View Lodge on a full board basis.

Manyara Best View Lodge

Room Category: 1 Double Mid-Range Lodge Room

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park - Ngorongoro Crater + Masai Boma Visits

After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara National Park, enjoying the Great Rift Valley escarpments, rolling hills, and acacia-studded savannah en route. Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - along with zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Descend into the crater for a morning game drive, exploring grassy plains, soda lakes, and dramatic crater walls. Enjoy a picnic bush lunch surrounded by wildlife.

Continue with an afternoon game drive, then visit a Maasai Boma to experience traditional dances, beadwork, and local stories. In the evening, transfer to your lodge for relaxation and dinner amid breathtaking highland views.

Dinner and overnight at Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp on a full board basis.

Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp

Room Category: Double Mid-Range Tented Room

Day 10: Ngorongoro - Serengeti National Park - Central

From Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti, the journey unfolds through dramatic highlands, sweeping grasslands, and volcanic plains alive with wilderness. As you descend from the crater rim, enjoy panoramic views, Maasai homesteads, and roaming wildlife along the way. In the Serengeti, morning game drives reveal golden savannas filled with grazing zebras, giraffes, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest. This is prime territory for big cats - lions resting on kopjes, cheetahs scanning the plains, and elusive leopards hiding in acacia trees.

Afternoon game drives offer changing light and renewed animal activity, with predators on the move and herbivores gathering around water sources. The region's iconic landscapes, scattered rocky outcrops, endless horizons, and rich biodiversity make Central Serengeti an unforgettable safari experience.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Classic View Camp on a full board basis.

Serengeti Classic View Camp

Room Category: 1 Double Luxury Tented Room

Day 11: Serengeti National Park - Full Day Guided Game Drive

Start your day with an optional early-morning balloon safari adventure, floating gently above the Serengeti as the sunrise lights up endless plains, rivers, woodlands, and roaming wildlife from a breathtaking aerial view. After landing, continue with a scenic morning game drive to explore diverse landscapes and spot elephants, giraffes, antelopes, big cats, and an incredible variety of birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon, head out again for a thrilling game drive, when predators become active and the golden light creates perfect photography moments. End the day surrounded by nature's beauty as you return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation under the stars.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Classic View Camp on a full board basis.

Serengeti Classic View Camp

Room Category: 1 Double Luxury Tented Room

Day 12: Serengeti National Park - Zanzibar Island - Matemwe Beach

Enjoy an early morning game drive, exploring the rich landscapes and wildlife at sunrise. After the adventure, return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, proceed to the airstrip for your 11:00 am flight to Zanzibar via Arusha. Upon arrival at 4:15 pm, you will be met and warmly welcomed by our representative, then whisked by private transfer to your beach hotel on Matemwe Beach for relaxation and an easy evening by the ocean.

Zanzibar is an island that holds legendary status among travelers as an exotic island paradise blessed with palm-fringed shores, timeless fishing villages, and lush plantations. Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel is situated on the northeast coast, surrounded by clear aquamarine waters and offering easy access to excursions and beaches, yet it remains very private. It is an intimate hotel for friends, couples, and honeymooners, offering a tranquil holiday of relaxation and an overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel on a half board basis.

Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel

Room Category: 1 Double Sea View Suite

Day 13: Zanzibar Island - Matemwe Beach

Zanzibar is an island that holds legendary status among travelers as an exotic island paradise blessed with palm-fringed shores, timeless fishing villages, and lush plantations. Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel is situated on the northeast coast, surrounded by clear aqua waters and offering access to excursions and beaches, yet it remains very private. It is an intimate hotel for friends, couples, and honeymooners, offering a tranquil holiday of relaxation and an overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel on a half board basis.

Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel

Room Category: 1 Double Sea View Suite

Day 14: Zanzibar Island - Matemwe Beach

Zanzibar is an island that holds legendary status among travelers as an exotic island paradise blessed with palm-fringed shores, timeless fishing villages, and lush plantations. Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel is situated on the northeast coast, surrounded by clear aqua waters and offering access to excursions and beaches, yet it remains very private. It is an intimate hotel for friends, couples, and honeymooners, offering a tranquil holiday of relaxation and an overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel on a half board basis.

Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel

Room Category: 1 Double Sea View Suite

Day 15: Zanzibar Island - Matemwe Beach

Zanzibar is an island that holds legendary status among travelers as an exotic island paradise blessed with palm-fringed shores, timeless fishing villages, and lush plantations. Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel is situated on the northeast coast, surrounded by clear aqua waters and offering access to excursions and beaches, yet it remains very private. It is an intimate hotel for friends, couples, and honeymooners, offering a tranquil holiday of relaxation and an overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel on a half board basis.

Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel

Room Category: 1 Double Sea View Suite

Day 16: Zanzibar Island - Matemwe Beach - Zanzibar Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport and catch your international onward flight at the end of your safari.

End of services

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kenya 11 cities · 16 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Fully guided game drives with an English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • All park fees and concession fees included
  • Game drives in a private 4WD safari Land Cruiser with an opening and closing roof
  • All transfers during the safari
  • Night game drive at Lake Manyara
  • Crescent Island in Kenya
  • Masai Boma visits in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar Island
  • 1 pair of binoculars provided
  • All meals plus lunch boxes for game drives
  • Full board meal plan during the safari
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • The price is inclusive of all government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International economy flights with Ethiopian Airlines
  • Kenya & Tanzania visa
  • Yellow fever certificate, if applicable
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Beverages (soft & alcoholic)
  • Laundry
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Personal, medical, travel, and baggage insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Government taxes or levies that may be imposed before arrival
  • Tips to the guide are highly recommended at $25 per day during the safari

What to bring

  • Passport, insurance, and cash
  • Light neutral clothes and a warm jacket
  • Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Personal medications and a small first aid kit
  • Camera/phone, binoculars, and a power bank
  • Water bottle and a small backpack

Know before you go

  • Best time to visit (weather & animal migration)
  • Budget & inclusions (lodging, meals, park fees, transport)
  • Type of safari (luxury lodge, budget camping, private vs group)
  • Location/parks (wildlife varies by destination)
  • Duration (more days = better sightings)
  • Travel logistics (flights, transfers, visa requirements)
  • Health & safety (vaccines, insurance)
  • Luggage limits (especially for small safari flights)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kenya
Tour start
Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 16 days finish where they began, in Kenya.

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