AFRICA TC JOURNEYS
Kenya & Zanzibar Escape: Wild Plains & Paradise Shores
9 nights | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Feel the thrill of discovery on guided game drives across the Masai Mara National Reserve, teeming with predators and home to the Big Five.
- At certain times of year, relish the chance to witness the Great Migration from your veranda as wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Sand River.
- Discover Nairobi’s striking contrasts, where skyscrapers glint above acacia-dotted plains and wildlife roams in Nairobi National Park.
- Unwind in paradise on Zanzibar’s sun-drenched shores, then drift on a traditional dhow across turquoise waters at sunset.
- Wander spice-scented alleys and coral houses in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, exploring bustling markets rich in Swahili heritage.
Pair a classic African safari with the allure of an Indian Ocean retreat. After a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya’s ‘Green City in the Sun’, witness nature’s raw drama unfold before your eyes with expertly guided game drives in the celebrated Masai Mara National Reserve. Round off your adventure with a few days in Zanzibar, where you’ll relax on paradise beaches and explore historic Stone Town. Just a short flight from the mainland, Tanzania’s idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago offers the perfect post-safari contrast.
Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya
Your Kenyan adventure begins in Nairobi, where a modern metropolis stands adjacent to the wild, open plains of nearby Nairobi National Park. Here, rhinos, giraffe and zebra roam freely against the city skyline, offering a truly unique spectacle. If time permits, explore local highlights such as the Giraffe Centre or the historic former home of Karen Blixen, famed author of ‘Out of Africa’.
Spend your first night at Hemingways Nairobi, an elegant plantation-style retreat in the tranquil suburb of Karen. Relax on the private balcony of your sophisticated suite, taking in sweeping views of the iconic Ngong Hills as your personal butler attends to your every whim. With a serene spa and an inviting pool, it’s a peaceful sanctuary in which to unwind and acclimatise before your Masai Mara safari experience begins.
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Welcome to the Masai Mara National Reserve – one of the most celebrated natural theatres on Earth. In this land of extraordinary beauty, nature reigns supreme and wildlife encounters promise once-in-a-lifetime moments. Feel exhilarated as you head out on your first guided game drive across the golden savannah, searching for majestic species from the comfort of your custom 4x4. This legendary landscape teems with predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
After a thrilling day, settle into Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, a camp that evokes the elegance of a 1920s safari. Situated on the banks of the Sand River near the Tanzanian border, your home for three nights features luxurious tented suites, each with a private veranda. Sip sundowners around a crackling campfire, listening for the distant roar of lions as the scent of wild sage hangs in the air.
Days 3-4: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The next couple of days are devoted to immersing yourself in the wilderness. Between July and October, delight in the chance to witness the Great Migration from the veranda of your camp, which offers a front-row seat to the drama along a crucial river crossing. With a touch of luck, you may feel the ground tremble beneath your feet as vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope courageously navigate the crocodile-infested waters of the Sand River.
Between exciting safari adventures, unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool, accompanied only by birdsong and the gentle rustle of acacia leaves. Elevate your stay with optional experiences, from intimate bush meals under a canopy of stars to visits to a nearby school, where you can meet local children and learn about their daily lives. For a truly unforgettable perspective, embark on a spectacular hot-air balloon safari and gaze out over the golden plains, where wildlife roams freely and the horizon stretches endlessly beneath the vast African sky.
Day 5: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Your day begins with one final guided game drive through the Mara, as the sunrise paints the plains in soft shades of gold and rose. Soon, you’ll find yourself on the shores of Zanzibar, where the first breath of warm, sea-salted air signals a complete change of pace. You have arrived on the coast, ready to embrace the island’s tranquil rhythm and rich cultural heritage.
You’ll spend the next three nights at Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, a postcard-perfect haven on the island's northwest shore. Here, luxurious domed-pavilion villas are scattered across expansive tropical gardens, each offering complete seclusion. Take a dip in your private plunge pool or soak up the sun by the resort’s spectacular infinity pool, lulled by the waves of the impossibly turquoise Indian Ocean.
Days 6-7: Zanzibar, Tanzania
These next two days are yours to shape. Between moments of bliss on pristine beaches, wander through spice-scented alleys and coral-stone houses in Stone Town, browsing for treasures at bustling markets steeped in centuries of Swahili heritage, or delight at the sight of the red colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest. As dusk falls, drift across aquamarine waters aboard a traditional dhow, immersed in the quiet magic of Zanzibar’s coastline.
Back at the lodge, indulge in a treatment at the spa, which features a traditional Turkish bath, or savour meals crafted from the freshest ocean catches and garden produce during a romantic private beach dinner under the stars. Take these moments to reflect on an unforgettable journey, from the thrilling safaris of Kenya to the serene beauty of Zanzibar, treasuring the memories that will stay with you long after you leave.
