Safari in Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara with beach holiday in Zanzibar

Today, your tour will begin with a flight from your selected airport to Kenya, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will be met at the airport by our local guide, who will take care of your transfer to the hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and looking forward to tomorrow’s safari. Perhaps you fancy a dip in the pool? If you arrive late, you might simply prefer to settle in and get some rest.

You also have the option to purchase an optional excursion today, giving you the chance to experience the many attractions that vibrant Nairobi has to offer.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel and set off towards Samburu.

On the way, you’ll cross the equator near Mount Kenya, where you’ll see a demonstration of the Coriolis effect and discover why winds deflect to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern.

After the unique experience of standing with one foot in each hemisphere, your journey will continue northwards. Along the way, both the climate and vegetation change – from lush highlands and mountains to drier, more open landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge, where lunch will be waiting.

After lunch, it’s time for the first official game drive of your tour.

Samburu is renowned for its strikingly beautiful scenery. The reserve sits at an altitude of around 1,000 metres and features a landscape much like a plateau. Its colouring varies from grey to reddish-brown, and although the region is mostly arid, the terrain is dotted with green oases. Flowing through the southern part is the “brown river”, Ewaso Ng’iro, a vital lifeline for the local wildlife, as many animals come here to drink.

The area is particularly famous for its unique wildlife species found nowhere else: Grevy’s zebra, the gerenuk, the striking oryx antelope, the Somali ostrich, and the reticulated giraffe.

You may also be fortunate enough to spot elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, impalas, and an abundance of birdlife. Locals even say that Samburu has its very own distinctive birdsong.

After your safari, you’ll return to the lodge, where dinner will be served.

Today, you can look forward to a full day of game drives in the reserve. A packed lunch is provided, giving you the chance to spend as much time as possible out on safari.

In addition to the impressive landscapes and rich wildlife, you may also be lucky enough to meet the Samburu people, after whom the area is named.

They are known for their traditional way of life, which revolves around their livestock. Owing to Samburu’s dry climate, they often move in search of new grazing areas. The Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai and – like them – are dressed in colourful garments, often in shades of red, adorned with beautiful, vibrant jewellery.

Back at the lodge, another dinner awaits you, and you might like to enjoy a drink by the fire as you let the day’s many impressions sink in.

After breakfast, the journey will continue southwards. You’ll pass Mount Kenya once again, and as you approach the Great Rift Valley, the landscape changes noticeably.

The Great Rift Valley, stretching roughly 5,000 kilometres through much of East Africa, is characterised by ancient volcanic craters.

Along the way, you’ll make a few stops, including a break at Thompson Falls, where you can stretch your legs and grab some lunch at the charming café.

Today’s destination is the stunning Lake Nakuru National Park, where you’ll head out on an afternoon game drive.

The National Park is especially famous for its many rhinos and is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino – to such an extent that you might almost call it a rhino guarantee.

Along the lakeshore, you may also be lucky enough to see thousands of flamingos, which at times tint the area in beautiful shades of pink.

When you arrive at the lodge, take a moment to enjoy the stunning view and perhaps go for a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner is served.

You’ll start the day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

In addition to rhinos, the park is home to more than 450 bird species, making it a true paradise for bird enthusiasts. The mix of lakes, forests, and the savannah provides ideal conditions for both waterfowl and birds of prey.

You might also be lucky enough to spot waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. The only animal you definitely won’t see here is the elephant – but don’t worry, you’ll encounter plenty of those in both Samburu and the Masai Mara.

Remember to take in the park’s beautiful and varied landscapes, a result of its unique location within the Great Rift Valley.

Later in the morning, you’ll bid farewell to Lake Nakuru and continue towards the impressive Masai Mara Game Reserve – the Kenyan side of the vast Serengeti ecosystem and, during the rainy season, home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of wildlife.

The drive takes up much of the afternoon, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages with lively markets, and there will be a few stops along the route.

You’ll arrive late in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free for you to relax and unwind.

You’ll have a full day ahead of you with a game drive in the magnificent Masai Mara.

The nature reserve was established in 1961 and forms part of the extraordinary Serengeti ecosystem. The wildlife here is exceptional – elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, and leopards all roam the area.

But it’s not just the animals that impress – the scenery of the Masai Mara is breathtaking and changes with the seasons. The Mara River flows from north to south through the region, creating a striking contrast to the vast open plains, rolling grasslands, and areas dotted with acacia trees.

To make the most of your day, you’ll bring a picnic lunch to enjoy out in the wild.

You can never grow tired of the Masai Mara – the savannah is ever-changing, with its light, colours, scents, and wildlife constantly creating new experiences.

After breakfast, you’ll leave behind the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara and drive to Nairobi. From here, you’ll catch a flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar, where you’ll spend 6 nights.

Upon arrival in Zanzibar, our local partner will be ready to take you to your hotel, where the friendly staff will give you a warm welcome.

The days are yours to spend as you please.

Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean and consists of the main islands Unguja (informally known as Zanzibar) and Pemba, along with countless smaller islets.

Here, you’ll be indulged with a rich mix of nature and culture. Enjoy the powdery white beaches, the turquoise sea, and the breathtaking coral reefs. The island boasts a hot, sunny climate all year round.

The island’s eventful history is filled with tales of Arab sultans, Portuguese seafarers, the slave trade and European explorers – all of whom have left their mark. Zanzibar is also home to one of Africa’s most fascinating cities, Stone Town, brimming with striking Arabic architecture.

And we mustn’t forget to mention the delicious Swahili cuisine and the friendly local people.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, where your journey home begins.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after a wonderful tour.