Itinerary Details
East Africa Private Safari With Zanzibar
Day 1: ARRIVE IN NAIROBI, KENYA Welcome to Kenya! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: NAIROBI–MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE AREA
Fly into the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife region. After settling in and enjoying lunch, set out on your first exhilarating game drive in search of the famed “Big Five”; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, your visit contributes to Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund, aimed at recovering the lion population in Africa after more than half have been lost over the past 25 years. This is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
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Day 3: MAASAI MARA
The “Mara,” as it is called by the locals, is part of the Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a strong permanent population of game. When the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra arrives, the population grows by almost 2 million. This provides a great food source for lions, leopards, and hyenas. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot these predators and many other animals on morning and afternoon game drives with your expert Driver/Guide.
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Day 4: MAASAI MARA AREA–NAIROBI–AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK AREA
A short flight returns you to Nairobi, where you continue by road to Amboseli National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through this remarkable landscape, framed by breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, rising an impressive 19,341 feet. You’ll arrive at your lodge in time to settle in and refresh before dinner.
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Day 5: AMBOSELI AREA
Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives, each offering exceptional opportunities to observe Amboseli’s famous elephant herds up close as they roam freely across the open plains. The park’s rich ecosystem also supports an impressive variety of wildlife, and with a bit of luck, you may encounter Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, giraffe, and numerous antelope species. These unhurried drives allow you to soak in the scenery, watch animal behaviors unfold in real time, and capture unforgettable moments in one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife settings.
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Day 6: AMBOSELI AREA–ARUSHA, TANZANIA–LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK AREA
This morning, you’ll cross into Tanzania at the Namanga border, where your journey continues toward the country’s northern safari circuit. After enjoying lunch in Arusha, Tanzania’s vibrant gateway city to its famed national parks, travel onward to the Lake Manyara National Park area. The scenic drive offers a first glimpse of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, setting the stage for the wildlife experiences ahead.
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Day 7: LAKE MANYARA AREA–NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Nestled among groundwater forests, open grassy plains, and the shimmering alkaline waters of its namesake lake, Lake Manyara National Park is a small but remarkably diverse sanctuary. It boasts the world’s largest concentration of baboons, and your morning game drive offers the perfect chance to observe these lively primates along with giraffe, hippo, and a wide array of other wildlife drawn to the park’s varied habitats. After exploring this vibrant ecosystem, continue your journey to your lodge set along the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, where sweeping views and cooler highland air await.
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Day 8: NGORONGORO AREA
Spend the day exploring the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Formed millions of years ago, this is the largest intact, unflooded caldera on Earth, dropping more than 2,000 feet from rim to floor and spanning over 102 square miles of grasslands, swamps, forests, and freshwater springs. Its enclosed environment creates a thriving sanctuary for wildlife, offering some of the most reliable game viewing in Africa. Because many animals remain in the crater year round, you’ll have opportunities to see a stunning variety of species, including prides of lion, large bull elephants, colorful flocks of flamingos, hyena, buffalo, and more. Midday, you’ll pause to enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the abundance of animals that call this unique ecosystem home.
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Day 9: NGORONGORO AREA–SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Journey today to the iconic Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. Known worldwide as the stage for the spectacular Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, the Serengeti offers unforgettable game viewing in every season. After arriving and enjoying lunch, you’ll set out on an afternoon game drive across the park’s sweeping savannas, where predators, plains game, and dramatic scenery await at every turn.
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Day 10: SERENGETI
Spanning approximately 5,700 square miles, Serengeti National Park lives up to its name, derived from the Maasai word siringit, meaning “endless plains.” This vast ecosystem stretches toward the horizon in every direction, creating an awe inspiring backdrop for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters. With your expert Driver/Guide, you’ll set out on both morning and afternoon game drives to delve deeper into these sweeping grasslands. Keep your eyes open for elusive leopard and the endangered black rhino, along with an abundance of other species such as cheetah, giraffe, gazelle, eland, hyena, and more. Each drive reveals new movement, new landscapes, and new opportunities to witness Serengeti’s extraordinary concentration of wildlife.
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Day 11: SERENGETI–STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR–ZANZIBAR BEACH
Begin the day with one final game drive, savoring the last moments of wildlife viewing before your flight to Stone Town (via Arusha). Upon arrival, step into the rich history and cultural charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its winding alleys, vibrant markets, and centuries old architecture. From here, you’ll transfer to your oceanfront resort for a relaxing 3 night stay, where you can unwind in your ocean view room and take in the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
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Day 12: ZANZIBAR BEACH. EXCURSION TO STONE TOWN
Head back to Stone Town this morning for a guided walking tour through its captivating historic center. Wander the narrow, winding alleys as your guide introduces you to iconic landmarks such as the Old Fort, the National Palace, and the House of Wonders, each offering insight into Zanzibar’s rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your cultural immersion with a hands-on Spice Tour at a nearby plantation, where you’ll see, smell, and taste the fresh spices that have shaped the island’s heritage for centuries. Return to your resort for a relaxing evening, enjoying dinner by the ocean and unwinding after a full day of exploration, before settling in for another comfortable overnight stay.
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Day 13: ZANZIBAR BEACH
Enjoy a full day at leisure to make the most of your oceanfront resort. Wander through 30 acres of lush tropical gardens, relax on the beach, or swim in the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Take your pick from the resort’s dining venues, each offering its own flavorful experience, or opt for one of the included watersports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking, for a bit of adventure on the water. The day is yours to unwind, explore, and savor the tranquility of island life.
NOTE:
Some watersports are included with your stay while others, such as diving or snorkeling, can be arranged for a cost through the Recreation & Water Sports Center.
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Day 14: ZANZIBAR BEACH–STONE TOWN–DAR ES SALAAM
Transfer back to Stone Town for your flight to Dar es Salaam, where a day room has been arranged for you at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel to ensure comfort and convenience before your journey home. Please schedule homebound flights after 4:00 p.m. to allow sufficient time for transfers and airport formalities.
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