Wonders of Kenya with Zanzibar Island Escape

Visit Africa

Day 1

Jambo (Hello) Nairobi

Karibu! Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in the capital, Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by a Trafalgar Representative and transferred to your hotel.

Spend the evening with your fellow explorers and your Driver Guide enjoying a delicious Welcome Dinner at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant.

Day 2

Journey to Aberdare National Park Connect with Locals Stays With Stories

Leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind and embark on a 4 x 4 journey north to Aberdare National Park.

En route you'll Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest experience in the highlands of central Kenya. Join Grace to learn about the complete journey of coffee and tea production before settling in to savour local cuisine including a sample of local tea and coffee made from the onsite coffee and and tea plantation. Tonight you’ll stay in The Ark Lodge, one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, offering spectacular opportunities to view the resident birdlife and wildlife.

Day 3

On to Samburu National Reserve

We'll leave the lush greenery of the Kenya highlands region behind as we journey to the contrasting arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve.

As you continue your safari adventure here, you'll hopefully have the chance to tick the 'Samburu Special 5' off your list as you track such species as the Grevy's Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe found only in the northern Kenya region. Your accommodation tonight is a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Day 4

Safari in Samburu National Reserve

Made famous in the award-winning book and movie Born Free, Samburu National Reserve was the home of Elsa, the famous lioness raised by conservationists George and Joy Adamson.

Rise early with the birds and embark on a morning game drive through acacia forest and expansive grasslands in search of wildlife. Relax at your camp on your return then head out back out into the savannah on a late afternoon game drive.

Day 5

Off to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The plight of Africa’s rhinos takes centre stage today during a poignant visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

This morning you’ll learn about their efforts to fight poaching in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and enjoy a quick photo stop at the point where the equator slices through the conservancy. Next up is a visit to Sweetwaters Sanctuary to meet the cheeky resident orphaned or rescued chimpanzees. Then continue to your accommodation tonight, keeping a keen eye out this evening for thirsty wildlife that come to the floodlit on site waterhole to drink after a dry day in the African wilderness.

Day 6

Onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park

Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Thomson's Falls.

Visit the bird watcher's paradise that is Lake Nakuru National Park, then join your Driver Guide for an afternoon game drive to spot pink flamingos lining the lakeshore and to search for lion and leopard.

Day 7

Continue to the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Your journey continues to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, your home for the next two nights.

During your time here, spend some time at your lodge’s watering hole where large pods of hippo can often be seen.

Day 8

A Day to Discover the Maasai Mara Dive Into Culture

Don your hat and polish those binoculars for a full day of safari in Maasai Mara's wilderness.

When you’re not traversing the savannah in search of the Big 5, you’ll join a Maasai community in their local village. Watch the colourfully clad warriors demonstrate their jumping prowess, then tour the village to gain in-depth insights into their daily life. Your visit to the village is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, indulge in a bush picnic – the sounds of the bush the perfect accompaniment while you keep your eyes peeled for the flash of resident Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes flitting from tree to tree.

Day 9

Return to Nairobi and On to Zanzibar

Your Kenyan safari adventure at its end, you’ll return to Nairobi where a day room has been reserved at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel for you to use prior to your evening flight over to Zanzibar.

Touching down in island paradise, you'll be transferred to your hotel and settle into your resort, home for the next three nights.

Day 10

Stone Town and Spice Tour Dive Into Culture

What better way to connect with your multi-cultural surrounds than embarking on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town with a Local Specialist? Peel back the layers of Zanzibar’s colourful history as you wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors distinctive of this Swahili coastal trading town.

Visit the former slave market, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort, unearthing the soul-stirring history of this former trading hub. Later, discover Zanzibar’s reputation as the 'Spice Island', embarking on a Dive Into Culture visit to a shamba (spice farm) with a local guide. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they’ve been cultivated and used for centuries.

Day 11

Embrace Island Paradise in Zanzibar

Kick off your shoes and let the warm sand sink between your toes on Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches.

Wade into the clear, warm turquoise waters and immerse yourself in the latest bestseller under swaying palm trees. Make the most of your day in paradise and join an Optional Experience full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. Set sail from a traditional fishing village, keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of the tropical fish beneath the water’s surface. You’ll pause on a sandbank where you can cool off in the ocean, and swim or snorkel to see the colourful marine life (all equipment is provided). Feast on a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch before returning to the shore relaxed and revived.

Day 12

Farewell Zanzibar

A leisurely start to the day will see you enjoy a few precious hours soaking up final fond memories of Zanzibar.

Then it’s time to bid farewell to the Spice Island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary

10 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

7 Lunch (L)

1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

Kerugoya: Built in 1962 and set in rural Kerugoya town on the foothills of Mt. Kenya, the house is located within an operational coffee and tea estate. It is the home of the late Geoffrey Kariithi, a pre-eminent civil servant in Kenya’s first independence government, now run and managed by his daughter Grace. While at the house you will have the opportunity to discover and learn about the complete process of coffee and tea production, from planting to processing, and enjoy local cuisine including a sample of the region's tea and coffee.

Dive Into Culture

Zanzibar: Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits that helped Zanzibar earn it's title of 'The Spice Island'.

Zanzibar: Join a Local Specialist and explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, the heart and soul of Zanzibar.

Iconic Experience

Samburu National Reserve: Drive through the Samburu National Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and expansive landscapes. 

Samburu National Reserve: Embark on a morning game drive through Samburu National Reserve, perhaps glimpsing the animal inhabitants that roam the grasslands and riverside. 

Lake Nakuru: Stop to take in the thunderous power of Thomson's Falls.

Lake Nakuru: See the birds of Lake Nakuru National Park and marvel at the flamingos that crowd the water's edge. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Embark on a journey through the wilderness as you enjoy the sights of the best game viewing in the world at Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Full day in the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to explore its vast plains and rolling hills with more game spotting opportunities.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Ol Pejeta: Visit Ol Pejeta, a not-for-profit conservancy known for its anti-poaching efforts and learn about its valuable endangered species conservation work.

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Support a local Maasai tribe during a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and learn about the local traditions and ways of life. This experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

View Thomsons Falls in Nyahururu

Visit Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Sanctuary to see the resident orphaned or rescued chimpanzees, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Game Reserve and Stone Town

Trafalgar Difference

Aberdare National Park: Resembling Noah's Ark, the Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park has four viewing areas for observing the wildlife which congregate around a floodlit waterhole and salt lick.

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