East Africa

Begin in Nairobi with two of the city’s best-loved conservation experiences: the elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. Then leave the city behind and head to Elsamere Lodge, set on the shores of Lake Naivasha, a peaceful hippo-filled lake in the Rift Valley. From here, take to the water and step out on a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, wandering among giraffes, zebras and antelope with the lake and escarpment as your backdrop.

Travel south to Amboseli, where wide open plains, elephant herds and views toward Mount Kilimanjaro create one of Kenya’s most iconic safari landscapes. Spend time on game drives through the park, with the chance to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, birdlife and, with luck, big cats.

Cross into Tanzania for a simple but memorable one-night Maasai cultural stay. This is not a luxury lodge night, it is an immersive experience with village-style accommodation, shared facilities, local food, storytelling, music, dance and time around the campfire. It is designed to offer a deeper cultural connection than a standard lodge stop.

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Continue into northern Tanzania, where baobab trees, elephants and dry-season wildlife shape the landscapes of Tarangire. Around Mto wa Mbu and Karatu, the focus shifts to food, farming, markets and village life, offering a glimpse into everyday Tanzania. A full day is planned for the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater, one of East Africa’s most dramatic wildlife settings.

The Serengeti needs little introduction. These days are about slowing into the rhythm of the bush: early starts, expert guiding, wide horizons, big cats, grazing herds and evenings at camp. The exact safari plan will follow the wildlife and local conditions, allowing our guides to shape the days around the best game-viewing opportunities.

Arrive in Stone Town on Zanzibar Island,  a place of narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, spice stalls, old merchant houses and lively markets. The call to prayer drifts across the rooftops, and the history of the Swahili coast is woven through the streets.

We’ll explore Stone Town with a local guide, taking time to understand the island’s mix of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. We also plan to visit Prison Island, known for its giant tortoises, coastal views and layered history just offshore from Stone Town.

Another day is spent on the water, sailing by traditional dhow-style boat across clear blue seas to a nearby island. There will be time to swim, snorkel and relax before enjoying a fresh seafood beach barbecue by the ocean.

On the way to Zanzibar’s north coast, visit a spice garden and learn why Zanzibar is known as the Island of Spice. Depending on the final route, we also hope to include a coastal village visit, offering a glimpse of local life beyond the beach resorts.

Spend your final days on Zanzibar’s north coast, where coastal villages, wooden boats, spice, local markets and the warm Indian Ocean bring a different rhythm after the safari days. There will be time to swim, wander, enjoy coastal food and take in the island’s culture before our farewell dinner.

The journey ends with a transfer to Zanzibar airport for departure flights.

Transport
Scheduled transport during the tour, including private ground transport, safari vehicles, listed internal flights, lake boat excursion and dhow sailing.

Guiding
Grassroots Adventures tour leader support from NZ, local driver-guides, regional guides and specialist site guides where required.

Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour in comfortable hotels, lodges, safari camps and selected character stays.

Meals
Most meals during the safari section, with breakfasts and selected meals in Zanzibar. Final meal inclusions to be confirmed.

Activities & Sightseeing
Included game drives, park entries, conservation fees, cultural visits and listed experiences as outlined in the confirmed itinerary.

International flights. 

Meals not specified
Meals not listed as included in the final itinerary are at travellers’ own expense.

Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is required and is not included.

Visas, vaccinations and health requirements
Any required visas, vaccinations, medications or health-related travel requirements are not included.

Personal expenses
Laundry, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, room upgrades, souvenirs and personal purchases are not included.

Optional activities
Any optional activities not listed as included in the final itinerary, such as a balloon safari over the Serengeti, are at travellers’ own expense.

Tipping kitty
Tips for local guides, drivers, safari guides, hotel staff and service providers are not included. A suggested tipping guide will be provided before departure.