Itinerary Highlights
- Wildlife galore in Naboisho Conservancy
- Watch the famed Wildebeest migration (in season)
- Explore the heritage of Stone Town
- Rest & relaxation time at the Zanzibar coast
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers
13 nights from £5,195 - £7,450 per person
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
A safari adventure in the Masai Mara’s Naboisho Conservancy followed by beach time on Zanzibar makes for a classic and unforgettable East Africa holiday experience. Travel in September and October to save money with a free night and discounted accommodation at the Ol Seki Hemingways Camp and in The Residence Zanzibar.
Kenya's Masai Mara conjures up iconic images of wild Africa at its very best. Visitors are bound to see herds of Plains zebra and Blue wildebeest cantering across the plains; solitary Leopards reclining in the twisted branches of the Acacia trees; noisy pods of Hippos wallowing and huge Nile crocs meandering down the Mara river; herds of African elephant and prides of Lion stopping by at the water’s edge for a drink - and so much more. Observing nature's drama unfolding during safaris in this wildlife-rich haven is an incredible experience, something to be treasured forever.
Finish your holiday in sunny Zanzibar, where you arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. A melting pot of African, Arab, Indian and European cultures, Stone Town is of salutary historlcal interest. Wander its winding streets and learn about its time as the trading centre of East Africa 200 years ago. Travel to the south of the island for five nights at the beautiful coast. Here, spend the days relaxing under swaying coconut palms, enjoy swimming in clear Indian Ocean waters and explore the psychedelic underwater world. Ref 564493
Itinerary
Day 1 Departure for Nairobi
Check in at London Heathrow or selected other airports for your international flight to Nairobi.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.
Day 2 Nairobi - Naboisho Conservancy
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara.
This makes for an incredibly scenic introduction to the landscape you'll soon be exploring.
Transfer to Ol Seki Mara Camp, a luxury property in Naboisho Conservancy. The 10 tents and communal areas are elevated on a rocky promontory so you will be surrounded by awe-inspiring panoramas, with views of the Mara stretching out for miles.
Head out for a bush picnic, immediately immersing yourself in the incredible landscape with a hamper of delicious food. After sunset, embark on a night drive to seek nocturnal wildlife.
With absolutely no light pollution, underneath a sky peppered with stars you'll be enveloped in the darkness: following the beam of red-filtered UV light, search for the nocturnal animals which find sanctuary here. With a heightened sense of sound and smell, expect some surreal night spotting of animals which otherwise remain well hidden in their daytime places of refuge.
Day 3 Naboisho Conservancy
Founded in 2010, the Naboisho Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most exciting and exclusive safari destinations. Feel part of nature on your safari experiences in this marvellous eco-system, your two activities a day not just being a thrilling experience but also, making a solid contribution to the well-being of the resident communities.
The 200km2 of pristine wilderness borders with the Masai Mara, with no fences to block the pathway of the Great Migration.
During the months of September and October the herds of Blue wildebeest make the Masai Mara their home, staying here till the scent of rain entices them to move southwards to Tanzania in November. During a morning and an afternoon game drive, observe spell-bound as thousands of Blue wildebeest graze, the peaceful ambience punctuated by determined predators like Spotted hyena, Leopard, African lion and Cheetah, which are ever in the vicinity. A knowledgeable and experienced, professional guide will take you in your 4-wheel drive vehicle across the rolling savannahs, showing you also herds of Elephant, prides of Lion and towers of Giraffe, to name just a few.
Day 4 Naboisho Conservancy
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before heading out into the Masai Mara for a full day out and about in this wonderful eco-system.
For those who are interested in learning about the authentic and fully functioning Maasai villages, a cultural visit can be included on request, during your stay.
Your guide, who will be from one of the neighbouring communities, will take you to the village he grew up in - or one where he has friends and relatives. You will be able to learn something about a completely different way of life, one which has remained largely untouched by commercialism and modern technology.
Day 5 Masai Mara - Nairobi (flight) and Nairobi - Zanzibar
Take one last game drive across the Masai Mara before flying into Wilson Nairobi Airport, and then from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on to Zanzibar.
Stroll through Stone Town’s labyrinth of streets and alley ways, taking in its alluring architectural elements and learning about its fascinating history.
Staying at
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Day 6 Zanzibar
Today, you might choose a walking excursion into town, during which you can wander along the narrow alleyways, dwarfed by the tall buildings, passing the travelling tea sellers with their perfumed carts. Stop by at bustling bazaars and aromatic spice troves to peruse selections of authentic souvenirs and mementos. While the streets are too slim for cars, motorbikes and bicycles still whizz through adding to the charm of getting to know this city. Interesting buildings include the Sultan’s Palace, a museum dedicated to the history of Zanzibar, and Livingstone’s House, home to the African explorer during his last journey to the island.
Staying at
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Day 7 Zanzibar
Travel south to the tip of the island for your five night stay at The Residence in a Luxury Garden Pools Villa. Spread across 32 hectares of an estate filled with palm trees, running alongside a stunning beach, this villa resort combines the fascinating culture and intriguing heritage of the archipelago with luxurious style and impeccable customer service. A charming resort with thoughtful touches, every guest has their own bicycle – the perfect way to explore the beauty of the surrounding area at your own pace.
The Residence has plenty of activities for you to experience all the island has to offer over the next five nights, for an additional cost. However, you are of course free to choose to do nothing more than swap between reclining next to the beachfront infinity swimming pool, practising yoga on the jetty over the ocean and drinking Mai Tais in the cocktail lounge overlooking the endless horizon of the Indian Ocean.
Staying at
The Residence Zanzibar
Day 8 Zanzibar
Enjoy a wildlife excursion to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the last remaining sanctuary for the (Endangered) Zanzibar red colobus. The forest and mangrove holds other intriguing species, including (cheeky) Syke's monkey, and an interesting array of birds and butterflies.
Or, take a 30 minute boat ride to the small islet Chanquu, nicknamed Prison Island, to walk through the remains of the old prison. Once used as a quarantine centre, vibrant peacocks and grand Giant tortoises have made these ruins their home.
These activities are available from The Residence for an extra cost.
Staying at
The Residence Zanzibar
Day 9 Zanzibar
Overwhelm your senses on a Spice Tour of a rural plantation. Learn where East Africa cuisine gets its exotic flavour and hear the tales of spice merchants from the past. Visit the picturesque fishing village Kendwa to buy fresh produce from the fisherman before learning how to cook it in a traditional style, a delicious, simple and authentic dish of the island.
These activities are available from The Residence for an extra cost.
Staying at
The Residence Zanzibar
Day 10 Zanzibar
Clear turquoise water brimming with marine life, the Indian Ocean's warm waters beckon underwater enthusiasts wanting to discover the vibrant underwater world, where you can seek marine turtles, stingrays, colourful reef fish and more.
There are plenty of choices for scuba divers with five dive sights between 30 minutes and an hour from the resort. Hop between the small islets circling Zanzibar on a traditional Dhow, peacefully gliding through the water and stopping for snorkelling breaks; enjoy swimming among the colourful shoals of tropical fish.
Staying at
The Residence Zanzibar
Day 11 Zanzibar
On your last full day, luxuriate in one of the Spa’s six pavilions accessed through the beautiful garden. The treatments, which utilise the benefits of organic plant and mineral ingredients, will have you returning home relaxed and rejuvenated.
For your last night, celebrate your holiday with a private dinner. Enjoy restaurant's delicious cuisine in either the comfort of your private villa, amongst the soft glow of the tiki torches on the terrace, or on the jetty as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. What more could anyone want?
Staying at
The Residence Zanzibar
Day 12 Departure: Zanzibar - Nairobi - UK (flights)
Transfer from the hotel to Zanzibar airport to check in for the flight to Nairobi, where you check in for your overnight flight back to London Heathrow, or selected other UK airports.
Day 13 Arrival back home
Morning arrival into London Heathrow or selected other UK airports after a wonderful trip.
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
13 nights from £5,195 - £7,450 per person
Itinerary Dates
Pricing
1st Jan 2023 -
30th Apr 2023
30th Apr 2023
£5,195
1st May 2023 -
30th Jun 2023
30th Jun 2023
£6,185
1st Jul 2023 -
31st Oct 2023
31st Oct 2023
£7,450
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
• Return international flights from London Heathrow or selected other UK airports (economy class seating), with air taxes
* Domestic flights
* Accommodation with meals as indicated
• Two safari activities a day (game drives and guided bush walks)
• Park fees and services of rangers/local guides
• Private transfers in Nairobi
• Private transfers in Zanzibar
• Stone Town guided walking tour
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
• Travel insurance
• Entry visa for Kenya ($50 per person)
• Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per person)
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Meals, drinks and laundry services other than those mentioned above
Pricing Notes
Travelling in September and October, with free nights accommodation in Ol Sekie Hemmingways Camp and 50% discount in The Residence Zanzibar, can save you up to £900 per person.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}