Operated by G Adventures

East Africa: Maasai Mara, Serengeti Safaris, & Island Paradise

From

CAD 7,099

Duration

15 days

Countries

Tanzania, Kenya

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Set off on a 15-day journey through the heart of Kenya and Tanzania, where iconic wildlife meets stunning landscapes and coastal bliss. Start in the legendary Maasai Mara, cruising across protected plains in 4x4 safaris in search of Africa’s Big Five. Watch the Serengeti come alive with roaming wildebeest and hunting lions, then explore Tarangire’s baobab-dotted wilderness and massive elephant herds. Descend into the vibrant Ngorongoro Crater to spot hippos and, if you’re lucky, the elusive black rhino. Cap off your adventure in Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the spice-scented streets of Stonetown provide the perfect end to your East African dream.

At a glance

Duration

15 days

Route

Nairobi → Stone Town

Countries

Tanzania, Kenya

Activity level

moderate

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

A herd of zebras grazing in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania under a bright sky.

Your journey through

Tanzania & Kenya

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi then…Travel from Nairobi, through the Great Rift Valley on to Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. In the afternoon, arrive in the area and get settled at the safari camp, our base for our time here. Head out for a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the "big five" — watch for lion, cheetah, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. The varied wildlife and natural environment come together to provide a spectacular safari experience.

Nairobi

Travel from Nairobi, through the Great Rift Valley on to Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. In the afternoon, arrive in the area and get settled at the safari camp, our base for our time here. Head out for a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the "big five" — watch for lion, cheetah, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. The varied wildlife and natural environment come together to provide a spectacular safari experience.

Day 3Enjoy an early wildlife safari drive when animals…

Enjoy an early wildlife safari drive when animals are most active. Or opt for a Hot Air Balloon Safari. In the afternoon, after your picnic lunch, set off on another safari drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Day 4In the morning leave camp and begin…Nairobi

Nairobi

In the morning leave camp and begin to travel back to Nairobi on a route that allows you to spot some wildlife as your exit the area. Stop along the way for lunch at a G Adventure-supported community project. Arrive back to Nairobi and attend an optional group dinner this evening at a nearby local restaurant.

Day 5Travel closer to the Tanzania border today…Nairobi

Maasai women in traditional attire showcasing colorful cultural fashion in a Kenyan landscape.

Nairobi

Travel closer to the Tanzania border today on your journey from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon for an included lunch and then enjoy a safari drive into the park. Amboseli is known for its stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, especially on a clear day, along with the presence of large herds of elephants, and five distinct habitats. Take in the beautiful scenery and remain on the lookout for the wildlife everyone comes to Africa to see.

Day 6Enjoy some breakfast at the lodge before…

Enjoy some breakfast at the lodge before your morning safari drive in Amboseli National Park. Then, drive to Arusha crossing into Tanzania at the Namanga Border. The group will stop for a packed lunch along the way. Arrive to the hotel in the late afternoon and get settled before choosing to attend an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 7After breakfast the group will travel to Tarangire…

After breakfast the group will travel to Tarangire National Park. This park is special due to its large elephant population, presence of ancient baobab trees, and a unique dry season migration. The elephants gather around the Tarangire River that flows through the park. Enjoy a safari drive upon arrival to see the diverse wildlife here for yourself. Sit down for a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing onwards to Karatu where you will spend the evening.

Day 8Spend a free morning in Karatu

Spend a free morning in Karatu. Choose to have a leisurely wake up and relax at the hotel or pre-book the optional Lake Manyara Morning Safari Drive. Later, in the afternoon engage with local farmers on a coffee tour where you will learn about the harvesting of the beans and participate in hands-on sorting and roasting. Dinner will be had at the hotel in the evening.

Day 9Today will be an early start as…Serengeti

Serengeti

Today will be an early start as the group travels to the Ngorongoro Crater. Once here, you will go on a scenic wildlife safari drive. This geographical wonder is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The uniqueness of this environment has allowed for a self-contained ecosystem that offers visitors a high concentration of wildlife like, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Enjoy lunch in the park amid this serene setting before departing for Serengeti National Park. Enter through the Naabi Hill Gate and experience a safari drive en route to your tented camp for the evening where you can relax under the stars.

Day 10Choose to set an early morning wake-up call…Serengeti

A herd of wildebeest and zebras grazing in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

Serengeti

Choose to set an early morning wake-up call and pre-book the Serengeti Balloon Safari for epic views from the sky. Then, after breakfast set out on a full day safari drive through the Serengeti. Sit down for a picnic lunch inside the park, scan the landscape for wildlife, and listen to bird calls all around. Return to your tented camp and relax for the evening amid your outdoor surroundings.

Day 11Gather for a breakfast at camp amid…Serengeti

A serene scene of zebras grazing in a vast African savannah, showcasing wildlife harmony.

Serengeti

Gather for a breakfast at camp amid the morning life of the Serengeti before beginning the journey back to Arusha. Stop along the way for lunch at Mto wa Mbu, a G Adventures-supported initiative. Arrive to Arusha in the late afternoon and get settled at the hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Day 12Enjoy free time on your own in Arusha…

Enjoy free time on your own in Arusha before the next leg of your adventure.

Day 13After breakfast transfer to the airport in Arusha…Stone Town

Paved narrow street between aged stone residential houses with shabby facade in city

Stone Town

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Arusha and board your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk of Stone Town before going to Jambiani. Grab lunch on your own and then take advantage of free time to settle into island life. There are plenty of local restaurants in the area for you to have dinner at your leisure this evening.

Day 14Head out on an included spice tour…

Head out on an included spice tour to gain a sense of Zanzibar's history and the spice plantations that brought the beginnings of the slave trade here dating back to the 1840s. The remainder of the day is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps, pre-book the snorkelling to witness the underwater life here off of Tanzania's coastline, or head to the nearby Jozani Forest for a tour. You can also simply relax on the beach and swim. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.

Day 15Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Jambiani before…Stone Town

Stone Town

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Jambiani before your included group transfer back to the airport outside of Stone Town. You should arrive at the Zanzibar airport by 11:30AM where your tour ends. Please do not book onward flights prior to 2:30PM.