Delve into the heart of East Africa's diverse cultures, abundant wildlife, and coastal wonders on this 14-day trip across Kenya and Tanzania. Interact with giraffes in Nairobi and rise above the Masai Mara Reserve in a hot-air balloon before flying to Arusha. Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to find Big Five animals and visit a Maasai village, then say goodbye to the mainland as you spend three days soaking up the sun on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.

Highlights

  • Watch the Great Migration (July to October) in the Masai Mara Reserve
  • Meet talented local artisans at the Kazuri Beads Factory
  • Set off on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Learn how to cook Zanzibari pizza and pilau in Stone Town
  • Play with elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya), Visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre Nairobi
Day 2 Transfer to the Masai Mara Reserve Masai Mara
Day 3 Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Reserve, Full-Day Safari Masai Mara
Day 4 Transfer to Nairobi via the Kazuri Beads Factory Nairobi
Day 5 Visit the Nairobi National Museum, Transfer to Arusha (Tanzania) Arusha
Day 6 Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Relax at Leisure Ngorongoro
Day 7 Morning Game Drive Across Ngorongoro Crater, Tour a Maasai Village Ngorongoro
Day 8 Fly to Zanzibar, Relax at Your Beach Resort Zanzibar
Day 9 Guided Tour of Stone Town, Cooking Class, Sunset Cruise Zanzibar
Day 10 Full-Day Snorkel Tour Around the Archipelago Zanzibar
Day 11 Fly to Arusha, Discover the Shanga & Shanga Foundation Arusha
Day 12 Visit the Serval WildLife Sanctuary, Shop at Maasai Market Arusha
Day 13 Transfer to Nairobi (Kenya) via the Fairview Coffee Estate Nairobi
Day 14 Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Depart Nairobi  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya), Visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Get an up-close look at the Giraffe Centre's residents as you feed these gentle giants

Welcome to Kenya's vibrant capital, Nairobi! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to refresh, then leave the city behind for a few hours to meet the gentle giants of Nairobi's Giraffe Centre. As soon as you arrive, you'll be greeted by endangered Rothschild's giraffes roaming the sanctuary. Check out the informative exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about this species of giraffe and the sanctuary's efforts to protect them, then head to the elevated feeding platform to get up close and personal with this graceful animal.

Hold the provided food pellets out to the giraffes and wait for them to come close enough to eat straight from your hand. After interacting with these rare creatures, you can explore more of their habitat by following one of the surrounding nature trails. As you walk along the tranquil Gogo River, look out for the birds that also call this sanctuary home. End the tour at the center's gift shop, where you can purchase souvenirs, with the proceeds going toward giraffe conservation and education programs. Gifts in hand, return to your hotel in the city to relax.

Day 2: Transfer to the Masai Mara Reserve

Drive through the lush Rift Valley to get to the Masai Mara Reserve

After a restful night in the capital, it's time to head to the Masai Mara Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya near the border of Tanzania. You won't be bored on the 5-6 hour transfer as you drive through diverse landscapes, transitioning from bustling urban scenes to rolling hills and eventually opening up to vast savannas. Drive past charming villages, local markets, and glimpses of wildlife, stopping along the way to stretch and grab a snack.

One memorable stop you can make is at a viewpoint to look over the Rift Valley's deep chasms, picturesque lakes, and fertile farmlands before you descend and drive through it. When you finally arrive at the luxury Mara Maisha Camp near the reserve's gates, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You can relax by the pool, take in panoramic views of the savanna, and enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over the surrounding landscape. 

Day 3: Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Reserve, Full-Day Safari

Wake up before dawn for a hot-air balloon ride over the reserve

Get ready for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—a hot-air balloon ride over the reserve at sunrise. Wake up before dawn and head to the launch site as the first light begins to illuminate the horizon. Watch as the balloons slowly inflate, then jump into the basket and rise above the reserve's golden grasslands, winding river, and towering acacia trees. Keep an eye out for the wildlife just waking up and moving through the savanna, like herds of elephants or groups of buffalo.

If you visit between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration from above, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. After the one-hour flight, your journey continues with a game drive through the reserve to get a better look at some more wildlife, like grazing zebras or lions on the prowl for their next meal. Around midday, stop for a picnic lunch or return to the lodge to eat and enjoy a short rest. Then, when the sun cools down in the afternoon, set off on another game drive.

When you pass the Mara River, look out for the crocodiles that frequent the waters, trying to catch crossing prey. End the full-day safari with a sundowner, winding down with a drink while watching the sunset over the savanna. If you're not too tired, head out on a night game drive to try and spot the reserve's nocturnal creatures, like the elusive leopard. Don't forget to look up to see the endless amount of stars uninterrupted by city lights. 

Day 4: Transfer to Nairobi via the Kazuri Beads Factory

Browse the selection of handmade jewelry at the Kazuri Beads Factory

Say goodbye to the Masai Mara Reserve this morning as you return to Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley again. Before you arrive in the city, stop at the Kazuri Beads Factory, a women's cooperative that empowers talented artisans to pursue and showcase their crafts. Tour the space and admire the intricate process of bead-making, from the shaping of clay to the hand-painting of each bead in a kaleidoscope of colors. Browse the finished products, ranging from necklaces and bracelets to pottery, and take a piece home to commemorate your trip.

When you arrive in the city after the 5-6 hour drive, you can stay at your hotel to relax or venture out to explore the area on your own. If you want to continue shopping, visit the Maasai Market and browse the stalls full of handmade jewelry, wood carvings, and expressive textiles. To learn more about the country's history, visit the Kenya National Archives in the city center to see the collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the nation's evolution. In the evening, wander to the Westlands neighborhood for dinner at one of the trendy eateries.

Day 5: Visit the Nairobi National Museum, Transfer to Arusha (Tanzania)

Visit the Nairobi National Museum before departing the country

Spend your last morning in Kenya learning more about the country's history and diverse ecosystems at the Nairobi National Museum. Step inside to see the mesmerizing displays of early human fossils, colorful artwork, and historic artifacts that highlight Kenya's various ethnic groups. Don't miss the snake park and aquarium within, where you can find displays of marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Learn about the museum's conservation efforts and rehabilitation program before returning to the hotel to grab your bags and transfer to Arusha in Tanzania.

The 4-5 hour drive takes you south to the base of Mount Meru, a gateway to many renowned national parks. As you leave the bustling environment behind, watch the landscape transform into open plains, rolling hills, and quaint villages until you cross over the Namanga Border, where mountain peaks greet you. When you arrive in the city, refresh at your hotel, then venture to Sokoine Road, a bustling street in the heart of the city, to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or street food stalls. Try a quintessential Tanzanian dish, nyama choma, beef or goat roasted over an open flame and served with vegetables.
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Day 6: Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Relax at Leisure

Watch the sunset over the Ngorongoro Crater, cocktail in hand

Trade the city for the countryside this morning as you transfer 2.5 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, perched at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "eighth wonder of the world." Your destination is Gibb's Farm, a historic luxury lodge set on a working organic farm and coffee plantation on the outer slopes of the crater. Relax at the pool, tour the gardens, visit the on-site spa, or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the crater. End the night with dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant, where you can dine under the starlit sky and savor a fresh, organic meal.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive Across Ngorongoro Crater, Tour a Maasai Village

Wander through a Maasai village and meet the locals

Get ready for an early wake-up call to spend a full day exploring the conservation area, starting with a game drive at sunrise when the wildlife is most active. Look out for the Big Five game animals—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo—as you traverse the rugged terrain and descend into the crater. Once in the caldera, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending back to the top and enjoying a final panoramic view of the lush landscape. 

In the afternoon, set off on a culture and heritage tour of a traditional Maasai village. As soon as you arrive, you'll be welcomed with spirited songs and dances. Wander through the village and engage in activities that have defined the tribe's culture for centuries, such as listening to age-old stories from village elders, herding cattle, making jewelry, and sharing a traditional meal. After eating, watch the warriors train, then follow your guide on a nature walk to learn about indigenous flora and fauna. At the end of the tour, thank the villagers for their time and return to your lodge.

Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar, Relax at Your Beach Resort

Spend the day relaxing on the white-sand beach in front of your resort

Leave mainland Tanzania behind today as you head to Lake Manyara Airport to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of East Africa that blends African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your beach resort, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Wander to the palm-tree-lined beach and find a hammock to lay in, surrounded by the soothing sound of the ocean.

When you get too hot, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean or one of the resort's freshwater swimming pools. Those who want a bit of adventure can take part in watersports, such as snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, or paddleboarding. Or, for the ultimate relaxation, head to the spa and indulge in a massage or facial. In the evening, grab a cocktail and return to the beach to watch the sunset over the water. Then, visit the on-site restaurant for a delicious meal with plenty of fresh seafood options. 

Day 9: Guided Tour of Stone Town, Cooking Class, Sunset Cruise

Wander through the colorful streets of Stone Town on a guided tour

After breakfast, join your guide for a tour through the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, with its labyrinthine alleys, intricate architecture, and rich history. As you wind through the narrow streets, stop at landmarks like the House of Wonders, a palace-turned-museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits unveiling the area's rich heritage. Step inside the large carved doors and browse the artifacts, photographs, and historical displays to learn more about the archipelago and the sultans who used to live here.

Take in panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape from the terrace before continuing to the Old Fort of Zanzibar, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Look out at the massive coral walls and ancient cannons, then wander through the fortress, climbing to the top for another perspective of Stone Town. The tour ends with a cooking class under the guidance of a skilled chef. Learn about the spices that made Zanzibar famous and how they're incorporated into local cuisine as you make dishes like pilau, coconut bean soup, and Zanzibari pizza. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it as a group.

In the evening, explore the area from the water as you cruise down the coast to watch the sunset. The natural spectacle isn't the only entertainment you'll have, as you're serenaded with taarab music, a genre that evokes feelings of love and nostalgia, played on traditional instruments like the violin and oud. Immerse yourself deeper in Zanzibari culture as you sample local snacks and drinks while the sun transforms the sky into warm hues of red and orange. When darkness starts to fall, cruise back to land and transfer to your resort. 

Day 10: Full-Day Snorkel Tour Around the Archipelago

Spend a day looking for colorful coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles 

Discover the underwater world surrounding Zanzibar today as you set off on a seven-hour snorkeling tour down the coast. Spend the morning going from one snorkeling spot to another to admire the colorful coral, graceful sea turtles, and abundance of fish, like clownfish, angelfish, and damselfish. If you're lucky, you may even spot playful dolphins from the boat or swimming beneath you. In the afternoon, sit down for a lunch of fresh seafood paired with Zanzibari side dishes on board or at a nearby beach. After refueling, continue to a few more snorkel sites or relax on a white-sand beach before returning to shore.

Day 11: Fly to Arusha, Discover the Shanga & Shanga Foundation

Tour the Shanga & Shanga Foundation's workshop and watch the artisans at work

Bid farewell to Zanzibar this morning as you catch a 1.5-hour flight back to Arusha. Try to snag a window seat so you can get one last look at the archipelago's white beaches and turquoise waters dotted with coral reefs. If the weather is clear, you might even see Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, from the air. When you land, transfer to your hotel to refresh, then head out to the Shanga & Shanga Foundation, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to create intricate handmade goods, including glassware, textiles, and jewelry.

Go on a guided tour of the space to see the artisans at work, then participate in interactive workshops to learn how to blow glass or weave colorful textiles. This gives you the chance to truly understand and appreciate each artisan's remarkable skills. End the tour at the gift shop, where you can browse the array of handmade goods made on-site. Each purchase supports the artist and the foundation's work, and the crafts make great souvenirs. If you're hungry, you could also grab a bite to eat at the adjoining restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 12: Visit the Serval WildLife Sanctuary, Shop at Maasai Market

Watch the wild servals roam freely in the Serval Wildlife sanctuary

Your last full day in Tanzania takes you to Serval WildLife, a sanctuary almost two hours outside the city. Although the sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of servals, graceful wildcats native to Africa, you can also find animals like Maasai giraffes, elands, ostriches, lions, and monkeys within the sanctuary. Wander through the well-maintained grounds covered in 3,000 hand-planted endemic flora species to get an up-close look at some of these rare creatures. On a clear day, you can also enjoy mesmerizing views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

After meeting some of the sanctuary's animals, feeding them, and petting them when possible, sit down for lunch before returning to the city. Back in Arusha, spend some time shopping at the Maasai Market, a treasure trove of handmade goods and local delights. Browse the stalls full of Maasai jewelry, colorful fabrics, and traditional decor. If you find something you like, try your hand at negotiating a price to really immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture. If you're hungry, snack on mandazi (deep-fried doughnut-like pastries) or Zanzibar mix (a combination of deep-fried cassava, plantains, and lentil fritters).

Day 13: Transfer to Nairobi via the Fairview Coffee Estate

Tour the Fairview Coffee Estate, immersing yourself in the experience by picking ripe coffee berries

The penultimate day of your trip takes you back to the starting point of Nairobi on a 4-5 hour transfer. Before you arrive, stop at the Fairview Coffee Estate in the heart of Kenya's central highlands. Set off on a guided tour through the plantation to witness the meticulous process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee beans. The tour is hands-on, allowing you to pick ripe coffee berries, sort the beans, and taste the finished product. After the tour, head to your hotel in the city to drop off your bags and refresh, then venture out to explore more of the area on your own.

If you want to get back into nature, visit Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the city center. Join a guided tour or wander down one of the well-manicured paths on your own. You may see wildlife like lions, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras, but the park is a bird lover's paradise, as it's home to over 500 species, including sooty falcons, white-bellied bustards, and grey-crowned cranes. In the evening, stroll to the city's Lavington district, home to a mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants serving local and international food, to find somewhere for dinner.

Day 14: Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Depart Nairobi

Watch the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's orphaned elephants play in the mud to cool off

Take advantage of your last few hours in Nairobi with a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned elephants. At the trust, learn about the elephants' backgrounds and their rehabilitation plan, then observe a feeding session, watching the elephants grab food with their long trunks. The following mud bath is the perfect photo opportunity as these gentle giants play and roll in the mud to cool down. When it's time, say goodbye to the elephants, return to the hotel to grab your bags, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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Map of Kenya & Tanzania Safari, Culture & Beach Adventure - 14 Days
Map of Kenya & Tanzania Safari, Culture & Beach Adventure - 14 Days