Day 1
Jambo (Hello) Nairobi
Your safari journey begins in Nairobi, where a Trafalgar Representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and Driver Guide over a memorable dinner at the renowned Carnivore restaurant.
Day 2
Journey to Aberdare National Park Area Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter
This morning, you'll visit a historic home during a special Be My Guest experience and have an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and to sample the region's tea and coffee. Afterward, head north to the scenic Aberdare Highlands, your home for the next two nights. Here, you can spot zebra, warthog and impala grazing nearby. Spend a peaceful afternoon by the pool or choose to join an Optional Experience, exploring the lush ravines and moorlands of Aberdare National Park's striking landscape.
Day 3
Explore Solio Game Reserve
Set out on a half-day game drive in the Solio Game Reserve, a hidden gem known as Kenya’s most successful rhino breeding sanctuary. Home to the largest population of white rhinos in the world, you will have the rare chance to experience the reserve's wildlife without the usual crowds. Besides rhinos, you'll spot buffalo, zebra, giraffe, leopard and lion against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya. Spend the afternoon at your leisure—you can relax on the beautiful grounds of your accommodation or join an Optional Experience nature walk within its sanctuary.
Day 4
Onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park
Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the stunning Thomson's Falls, then continue your journey into the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park. Known as a birdwatcher’s haven with over 400 species, the park is also home to lions and leopards. With your expert Driver Guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the park’s hidden gems this afternoon, from elusive wildlife to breathtaking vistas. After a day of adventure, settle in for an unforgettable overnight stay right within the park, where morning greets you with stunning views of Lake Nakuru.
Day 5
Admire Lake Naivasha Stays With Stories
Wake up with the birds and join your Driver Guide at sunrise along the lake shore to spot vibrant pink flamingos, graceful pelicans, and other water birds. Keep an eye out for rhino, zebra, and buffalo grazing nearby as you explore Lake Nakuru National Park’s diverse landscapes in a 4x4 game drive. The sounds and scents of the bush create a sensory backdrop for this unforgettable safari. Afterward, head to Lake Naivasha for lunch, followed by a relaxing boat ride in search of hippos. Later, walk alongside zebra, impala, and giraffe with a Local Specialist on Crescent Island. Tonight, enjoy a Stays with Stories experience as you overnight at the Lake Naivasha Country Club, a historic venue set in awe-inspiring surrounds.
Day 6
Off to the Iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve
Journey across the iconic Great Rift Valley to the wild, open savannahs of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, a world-renowned haven for wildlife lovers. With some of the best game viewing on the planet, you’ll be at the heart of the action. For the next two nights, your home sits in the heart of the reserve, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the wildlife magic—whether you're setting off on a thrilling game drive or simply soaking in the sights from your doorstep.
Day 7
A Day to Discover the Maasai Mara Dive Into Culture
Get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife that calls the Maasai Mara home on this morning’s safari, where you’ll be on the lookout for Africa’s famous Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to an authentic Maasai village. Watch as the warriors showcase their amazing jumping skills, then take a guided tour to get a real feel for daily life in this vibrant community. Learn the secrets of bush hunting from the Maasai before heading back to the lodge for lunch. Keep your eyes on the trees for flashes of colour as Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes dart about, before heading back out on your game drive in one of the world’s most legendary safari destinations.
Day 8
Continue to Serene Lake Victoria
Say a heartfelt kwaheri (goodbye) to Kenya and your Driver Guide as you cross the border into Tanzania. After completing immigration formalities, meet your new Driver Guide and board your Tanzania 4x4. Head to the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, where your accommodation awaits. Don’t miss the chance to stroll to the water's edge and witness a breathtaking sunset over the lake.
Day 9
Travel to Serengeti National Park
Begin your day with a peaceful moment by the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, soaking in the morning serenity before heading to the legendary Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The endless plains of the Serengeti provide the perfect backdrop for your 4x4 safari, where you’ll be tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs. After lunch at your accommodation, set out once more to explore more of this remarkable landscape and its hidden treasures.
Day 10
Safari in the Serengeti
The Serengeti’s reputation for wildlife viewing is second to none. This is the home to one of nature’s greatest shows—the Great Migration. Set off on a full-day game drive with your Driver Guide, who’ll share stories about the annual journey made by over a million wildebeest as they travel across the Mara River in search of greener pastures. As you traverse the plains dotted with Acacia trees, stay on the lookout for wildlife. Each turn reveals a new facet of this vast, breathtaking national park, from its varied ecosystems to its iconic landscapes.
Day 11
Discover the Ngorongoro Crater
Leave the Serengeti behind and head toward the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Get ready for an unforgettable descent into the vast Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll explore lush forests and sweeping grasslands in search of elephants, lions, zebras and wildebeest. After a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, you’ll begin your climb back to the rim, taking in the dramatic views. Tonight, settle into your accommodation nestled in green farmlands, with panoramic vistas to enjoy before the day ends.
Day 12
Venture to Lake Manyara Dive Into Culture
A short drive takes you to the village of Mto wa Umbu, where you’ll Dive into Culture on a walking tour that gives you a taste of local life. As you stroll through the village, farmlands and markets, you’ll meet the locals and discover their way of life. Sample the unique local banana beer and enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by local women, who’ll explain how each dish is made. Your visit directly supports their community. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Day 13
Traverse Tarangire National Park
Today, you’ll head to Tarangire National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at your lodge. Take a moment to relax or get acquainted with the friendly tree hyraxes that like to hang around. For your final game drive of the trip, Tarangire’s one-of-a-kind landscape awaits. Giant baobabs, flat-topped acacias, and towering termite mounds dot the plains. Your Driver Guide will be on the lookout for the area's impressive elephant herds, giving you the chance to admire these gentle giants up close as they search for the juiciest vegetation.
Day 14
On to Arusha and Zanzibar
The rich aroma of local coffee lingers in the air as you savour lunch at one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations. Then it’s time to say a sad farewell to your new friends and Driver Guide, as you travel to Arusha for the internal flight to Zanzibar. Touching down in island paradise, you'll be transferred to your hotel in time to settle in to your resort and then enjoy dinner.
Day 15
Stone Town and Spice Tour Dive Into Culture
What better way to connect with your multi-cultural surrounds than embarking on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town with a Local Specialist? Peel back the layers of Zanzibar’s colourful history as you wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors distinctive of this Swahili coastal trading town. Visit the former slave market, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort, unearthing the soul-stirring history of this former trading hub. Later, discover Zanzibar’s reputation as the 'Spice Island', embarking on a Dive Into Culture visit to a shamba (spice farm) with a local guide. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they’ve been cultivated and used for centuries.
Day 16
Embrace Island Paradise in Zanzibar
Kick off your shoes and let the warm sand sink between your toes on Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches. Wade into the clear, warm turquoise waters and immerse yourself in the latest bestseller under swaying palm trees. Make the most of your day in paradise and join an Optional Experience full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. Set sail from a traditional fishing village, keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of the tropical fish beneath the water’s surface. You’ll pause on a sandbank where you can cool off in the ocean, and swim or snorkel to see the colourful marine life (all equipment is provided). Feast on a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch before returning to the shore relaxed and revived.
Day 17
Farewell Zanzibar
A leisurely start to the day will see you enjoy a few precious hours soaking up final fond memories of Zanzibar. Then it’s time to bid farewell to the Spice Island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight.
Dining Summary
15 Dinner (D)
16 Breakfast (B)
13 Lunch (L)
1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
Kerugoya: Built in 1962 and set in rural Kerugoya town on the foothills of Mt. Kenya, the house is located within an operational coffee and tea estate. It is the home of the late Geoffrey Kariithi, a pre-eminent civil servant in Kenya’s first independence government, now run and managed by his daughter Grace. While at the house you will have the opportunity to discover and learn about the complete process of coffee and tea production, from planting to processing, and enjoy local cuisine including a sample of the region's tea and coffee.
Dive into Culture
Maasai Mara National Reserve: Head to a Maasai village in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and get a feel for their everyday life. After a guided tour of the village, you’ll see the warriors’ famous jumping dance and give bush hunting skills a go with the Maasai people.
Lake Manyara: Meet the farming community of Mto Wa Umbu to learn about their way of life and enjoy Swahili cuisine.
Zanzibar: Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits that helped Zanzibar earn it's title of 'The Spice Island'.
Iconic Experience
Lake Nakuru: Stop to take in the thunderous power of Thomson's Falls.
Lake Nakuru: See the birds of Lake Nakuru National Park and marvel at the flamingos that crowd the water's edge.
Lake Naivasha: Enjoy a boat ride as you search for the hippos in Lake Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha: Marvel at the wonderous wildlife on your Crescent Island Visit.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: Embark on a journey through the wilderness as you enjoy the sights of the best game viewing in the world at Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: Full day in the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to explore its vast plains and rolling hills with more game spotting opportunities.
Serengeti: Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden wildlife at the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti: Discover the vast beauty and incredible wildlife of the Serengeti National Park.
Ngorongoro Crater: Venture into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and explore its forests and wildlife.
Lake Manyara: Enjoy a scenic drive through Lake Manyara National Park as you watch for the tree-climbing lions.
Tarangire National Park: Tarangire National Park is renowned for its majestic elephants. Glimpse these and other animal inhabitants of the park, and take in the unique landscape during your drive today.
Zanzibar: Join a Local Specialist and explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, the heart and soul of Zanzibar.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Solio Game Reserve: Join a local ranger at Solio Game Reserve to hear how one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuary protects endangered species. Learn about anti-poaching efforts and the rewilding of black and white rhinos before heading out on a game drive through this ground-breaking conservancy. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Must-see Highlights
View Thomsons Falls in Nyahururu
Visit Solio Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Game Reserve, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Stone Town
Stays With Stories
: The Naivasha hotel traces its roots back to the 1930s when it was first opened as a staging post for Imperial Airways flying boat service from Durban to Dublin. With the Country Club's colonial architecture and sprawling 55- acre gardens, experience a slice of natural paradise.