destination
East African Wildlife Safari 2025
Overview
Experience the very best of East Africa on this unforgettable journey to Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. From the legendary plains of the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara, this adventure takes you to some of the most iconic safari destinations on the planet.
Walk among wildlife on Crescent Island, explore the vibrant ecosystems of Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, and hopefully witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration. Delve into Maasai culture with a stay in a traditional village, and marvel at the awe-inspiring landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the most extraordinary wildlife havens in Africa.
After your safari, unwind in paradise on the exotic island of Zanzibar. Sink your toes into powdery white sands, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, and explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, where history, culture, and adventure come to life. Visit Prison Island, home to ancient giant tortoises, and set sail on a traditional dhow for a magical snorkeling experience in some of the most pristine waters imaginable.
Optional extensions available on request accomanied by a local guide.
• Before your safari – Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, coming face-to-face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
• After Zanzibar – Extend your journey with a chimpanzee trekking experience in Gombe, following in the footsteps of Jane Goodall.
East African Wildlife Safari Photo Gallery
Embark on an unforgettable African safari, where the thrill of game viewing immerses you in the wild’s captivating drama. Witness lion prides guiding their cubs, wildebeest and zebra herds grazing the vast grasslands, and elephant families nurturing their young. Marvel at leopards stalking prey and the speed of a cheetah on the hunt.
In East Africa, the prolific wildlife of the Mara and the Serengeti, are often undisturbed by our presence offering extraordinary close-up encounters and remarkable photographic opportunities. On previous safaris we have been fortunate to spot the “Big 5” in a single afternoon and capturing stunning images of each. From the awe-inspiring drama of the Great Migration to serene sunset game drives, an African safari promises unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime.
2025 Itinerary outline:
| Time | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival/ Nairobi - overnight Hotel stay in Nairobi |
| Day 2 | A morning visit to the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre and after lunch drive to our first lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha, Elsamere Lodge, the lakeside home of Joy Adamson. |
| Day 3 | After breakfast visit Hell's Gate National Park, a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. The spectacular scenery includes towering cliffs, water gorges, and belching plumes of geothermal steam making it one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa. For those who prefer, the option the cycle in the park is available. In the afternoon spot hippo's as we ride a canoe to Crescent Island where we will walk amongst herds of giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. |
| Day 4 | Lake Nakuru National Park: This Rift Valley lake, is located at an elevation of 1,754m above sea level and its abundance of algae attracts a vast number of Flamingos to its shoreline. |
| Day 5, 6 & 7 | Maasai Mara: Red-clad with a spear, Masai Warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. The most spectacular feature of the Mara is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s grassland from early July, tracked by predators and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. |
| Day 8 | Maasai Mara to North Serengeti: After crossing the Kenya/Tanzania border, a scenic game drive en route to our camp, with the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, and gazelles. Arrive at camp in time for a stunning sundowner experience overlooking the Savannah. |
| Day 9 | North Serengiti - A full day game drive following the Great Migration. If we are lucky, we will witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras as they make their dramatic river crossing, often pursued by crocodiles and big cats. The chances of seeing this spectacle are high due to the time of year, but it cannot be guaranteed, its fingers-crossed situation. |
| Day 10 | North Serengeti to Central Serengeti: Begin your day with an early breakfast before departing on a game drive through the Northern Serengeti, where you may spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on the way before arriving in Central Serengeti in the afternoon. Before reaching camp we will make our first game drive in this dramatic region. |
| Day 11 | Central Serengeti: Known for its vast savannahs and predator-rich landscapes the Central Serengeti that supports an abundance of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and large prides of lions and cheetah. After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, followed by a relaxing bush lunch. Continue with an afternoon safari before heading back to camp in the evening. |
| Day 12 | Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu: Our first stop today will be at Olduvai Gorge, where some of the world's oldest humanoid remains were discovered in the 1930's by Mary and Louis Leakey. After a short visit to the site and a visit to the Museum, continue on to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, where you can expect to see black rhinos, lions, and large herds of wildebeest. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before continuing to your lodge in Karatu. |
| Day 13 | Karatu to Olpopongi Village: Drive to Arusha and visit the local craft markets and after a delicious hot lunch head to Olpopongi for an immersive cultural experience with the Maasai people. Participate in traditional activities and storytelling around the fire. |
| Day 14 | Olpopongi to Kilimanjaro Airport to Stone Town Zanzibar: After breakfast engage in village activities such as spear throwing and Maasai dancing before driving to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. |
| Day 15 | Embark on a boat excursion to Prison Island. Explore the island, visit the giant tortoise sanctuary, and snorkel in the clear waters. Later we have a guided walking tour of Stone Town, including the Slave Memorial Museum. In the evening, visit the Forodhani Night Market, where you can sample local seafood and traditional Swahili cuisine. |
| Day 16 | Enjoy a full-day Safari Blue excursion, where you will visit secluded sandbanks, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a seafood feast on the beach. In the late afternoon, take a dhow cruise along the coast to watch the sunset while sipping fresh coconut water. |
| Day 17 | After breakfast, visit a Spice Farm to learn about Zanzibar’s aromatic spices and enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch. Later, transfer to your beach resort and spend the afternoon at leisure. |
| Day 18 | A free day to relax at the resort, or enjoy optional water activities such as snorkeling, or scuba diving, or perhaps visit the Jozani Forest to see the Red Colobus monkeys. |
| Day 19 | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Dar Es Salaam. Upon arrival, connect with your mid-afternoon international flight to New Zealand via Dubai. |
WHAT IS INCLUDED in the Safari + Zanzibar Itinerary:
Transport: Travel in comfort in high-quality, long-wheel-based 4×4 safari vehicles, seating four to five people plus a driver, depending on group size. Each vehicle has seven seats, ensuring ample space for everyone. The vehicles have power points for charging and pop-up-tops for 360deg game-viewing.
– Return flights to Zanzibar Island.
– Private vehicle transfers throughout.
– Two domestic flights Zanzibar return.
Accommodation: The per person price is based on twin-share/double accommodation. For 18 nights enjoy a mix of hotels, luxury safari lodges and comfortable tented-camps with private facilities. One night will be spent in a traditional Masai Village with shared facilities.
Single supplement: Single rooms when available for an additional $550 during the 13 Safari night portion, but not for the 5 nights on Zanzibar. Note: We are currently awaiting the single supplement price for the five nights in Zanzibar.
International Flights:
International Economy Class flights are quoted separately from the Land Only price. The current flight price for Auckland to Auckland return is c.$3,939 (subject to change until purchase). We will do this we reach viable numbers.
Safari Experience:
Fully-inclusive safari with experienced driver/guides and a New Zealand leader.
All park permits and entry fees.
Accommodations & Activities:
All accomodations on Safari and for Zanzibar are based on twin share/double accommodation. Single supplement available at extra cost.
Excursion to Prison Island.
Dhow-sailing & snorkelling trip in Zanzibar with lunch.
Spice Farm visit with a traditional Swahili meal.
Guided walking tour of Stone Town.
Meals & Refreshments:
All meals and mineral water included during the safari.
On Zanzibar: All Breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 lunches included. Our Hotel is waterfront and Central to many eateries, so it’s a great opportunity to choose what you fancy.
Tipping Fund:
A basic group tipping fund for drivers, guides, and camp/lodge staff is included. However a supplementary group tipping fee will be required, based on final tipping obligations.
NOT INCLUDED: The group tipping supplement (to be advised) and your personal tipping allowance for requested services e.g. laundry, porters and bar bills, personal shopping expenditure ect.
Visas (2), optional balloon ride, Dubai extra night (if needed)
Any additional fare required and any other item not listed as included.
Important Notes
All bookings are subject to the Grassroots Booking conditions which can be found on the Grassroots Booking Form.
All Prices will remain subject to change until final payment by the client, to reflect any alterations in currency exchange rates, airfares and land service prices that may occur prior to their purchase by Grassroots. All prices listed in Grassroots’ publications must therefore be considered as indicative prices until final price confirmation, not later than 12 weeks prior to departure.
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