East Africa

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to our hotel, with time to settle in after the international journey.

The following morning introduces us to Kenya through conservation, community enterprise and local stories rather than immediately beginning with safari drives. We visit the Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and Kazuri Beads, where local women create handmade ceramic jewellery.

We also join the Nai Nami Walking Tour, led by local storytellers who share a different side of Nairobi through its neighbourhoods, businesses, history and personal stories.

From Nairobi, we travel through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Here, we take a boat journey across the lake before exploring Crescent Island on foot with a naturalist guide. Walking among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelope provides a completely different wildlife experience from viewing them through a vehicle window.

Accommodation: Eka Hotel and Elsamere Lodge

Travel south to Amboseli National Park, one of East Africa’s most memorable wildlife regions.

Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, freshwater wetlands and views of Mount Kilimanjaro when the mountain emerges from the clouds. Staying for three nights allows us to explore at a comfortable pace, with early-morning and afternoon game drives rather than rushing through the park.

Alongside the wildlife viewing, we plan a carefully selected community or conservation experience within the Greater Amboseli region. This may include meeting a Maasai women’s cooperative or learning about community-led conservation and the realities of living alongside elephants and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Cross the Kenya–Tanzania border at Namanga and continue into the landscapes of Maasailand.

Tonight, we stay at a Maasai cultural village near Mount Kilimanjaro. This is more immersive than a brief tourist stop, giving us time to learn about family traditions, cattle keeping, natural medicines, food preparation, ceremonies and the community’s relationship with the surrounding land.

The following day, we continue to Tarangire National Park. Known for its enormous baobab trees, elephant herds and varied landscapes, Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife areas.

We stay inside the park, allowing us to begin our next morning’s game drive before many day visitors arrive. After further wildlife viewing, we travel into the green Ngorongoro Highlands near Karatu.

Accommodation: Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village, Tarangire Kati Kati Tented Camp and Heart & Soul Lodge

Today provides a complete change from the safari vehicles.

With a local guide, we explore the multicultural community of Mto wa Mbu, walking through neighbourhoods, banana and coffee farms, irrigation areas and the colourful local market.

We also travel through parts of the village by local tuk-tuk and enjoy a traditional home-style lunch prepared using locally grown ingredients.

This is an opportunity to experience everyday Tanzanian life naturally, rather than through a staged cultural performance.

Accommodation: Heart & Soul Lodge

Descend approximately 600 metres into Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife environments.

Its grasslands, forests and permanent water sources support an extraordinary concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros.

The following day, we travel across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the Serengeti, stopping at Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.

After visiting the museum and viewpoint, we enter Serengeti National Park and begin our first game drive across its vast plains, rocky kopjes and acacia-dotted landscapes.

Accommodation: Aang’ata Ngorongoro Camp and Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

Spend two full days exploring the Central Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley.

This region is known for its resident big cats and excellent year-round wildlife viewing. Our guides follow current wildlife movements rather than operating to a rigid checklist, giving us time to observe animal behaviour and remain longer at exceptional sightings.

With three nights in the same camp, there is no need to repeatedly pack and move, and the safari can follow the natural rhythm of the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

After breakfast, transfer to the Serengeti airstrip for our scheduled bush flight to Zanzibar.

Flying directly from the Serengeti avoids a long return journey by road and turns the transfer into one of the trip’s memorable experiences. From the aircraft, we watch the vast plains and changing landscapes of northern Tanzania unfold below before arriving beside the Indian Ocean.

In Stone Town, we explore narrow lanes, carved doors, markets and historic buildings with a local guide. The tour introduces Zanzibar’s blend of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences.

We also travel by boat to Prison Island, known for its history and giant Aldabra tortoises, and visit a working spice farm to see, smell and taste crops such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and tropical fruits.

Accommodation: Tembo Hotel

Travel north through Zanzibar’s villages and spice-growing countryside to Nungwi.

After an active safari programme, the final days provide a welcome change of pace. Enjoy time to swim and relax by the Indian Ocean, with a dhow sailing and snorkelling excursion, plus free time to enjoy the beach or choose from other optional activities.

On the final day, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for the onward journey.

Accommodation: Sandies Baobab Beach Resort

Transport

Scheduled transport throughout the journey, including airport transfers, private safari vehicles, the Lake Naivasha boat excursion, local tuk-tuk experience and the scheduled bush flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar.

Guiding

Grassroots Adventures tour leader from New Zealand, experienced safari driver-guides, local guides and specialist guides for the included cultural and historical experiences.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout the journey in comfortable hotels, safari lodges, tented camps, a Maasai cultural village and a beachfront Zanzibar resort.

Meals

All meals during the safari section, breakfast and dinner in Stone Town, and all-inclusive meals and selected drinks at the Zanzibar beach resort.

Wildlife Experiences

Included game drives, national park and conservation area fees, the Crescent Island walking safari, Ngorongoro Crater visit and wildlife viewing in Amboseli, Tarangire and the Serengeti.

Cultural Experiences

The Nai Nami Nairobi walking tour, Kazuri Beads visit, Maasai cultural village stay, Mto wa Mbu village, farming and market experience, local tuk-tuk journey and traditional Tanzanian lunch.

Zanzibar Experiences

Guided Stone Town sightseeing, Prison Island excursion, a visit to a Zanzibar spice farm, plus an included dhow sailing and snorkelling experience.

Safari Support

Drinking water during the safari, binoculars and bean bags in the safari vehicles, and AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.

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.

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.