13-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari | Maasai Mara, Serengeti & White Sand Beaches

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari representative from Colours Africa Tours & Safaris. After a short introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short orientation about the upcoming safari adventure. Nairobi is the vibrant capital of Kenya and serves as the gateway to many of East Africa’s most famous safari destinations.

Relax at your hotel after your journey and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Dinner and overnight in Nairobi.

After breakfast at your lodge in Maasai Mara National Reserve, you will spend the day exploring the wildlife-rich plains of this world-famous reserve. The Maasai Mara is known for having one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, making it an excellent destination for exciting wildlife encounters.

During your game drives, you may see lion prides resting beneath acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the plains for prey, elephants grazing across the savannah, and large herds of zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes moving across the landscape. The reserve is also home to giraffes, hyenas, and numerous bird species, ensuring plenty of wildlife sightings throughout the day.

During the Great Migration, thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather near the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings may occur as the animals attempt to cross the crocodile-filled waters.

You may enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon safari. Later in the evening, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay in Maasai Mara.

After breakfast at your lodge or tented camp, you will set out for a full day of game drives in the Northern Serengeti, one of the most exciting areas to witness the Great Migration. This region is famous for the dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather along the riverbanks before attempting to cross the crocodile-filled waters.

During your safari, your guide will track the movement of the migration herds and take you to the best locations for wildlife viewing. The Northern Serengeti offers breathtaking scenery with rolling plains, river systems, and scattered acacia trees, creating ideal habitats for a wide variety of animals.

Besides the migration herds, you may encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and hyenas, as well as many species of birds that thrive in this rich ecosystem. Watching predators follow the migrating herds can lead to some of the most thrilling wildlife encounters.

You may enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush near the river or under the shade of acacia trees before continuing your afternoon game drive. As the sun sets over the vast Serengeti plains, return to your lodge or camp to relax and enjoy dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti, surrounded by the unforgettable sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

After breakfast at your lodge or tented camp in the Northern Serengeti, you will begin your journey south toward the Central Serengeti, enjoying a scenic game drive along the way. This route offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife as you travel through different landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem.

As you drive through the vast plains, your guide will search for animals along the route. You may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebras, elephants moving across the savannah, giraffes browsing on acacia trees, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards that inhabit this region. The Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera area, is one of the most wildlife-rich parts of the park and is famous for its year-round wildlife activity.

Along the way, you may stop at scenic viewpoints or enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes and sounds of the African wilderness.

Arrive in the Central Serengeti later in the afternoon and continue with a short game drive before heading to your lodge or tented camp. Dinner and overnight in Central Serengeti.

After an early breakfast at your lodge in the Serengeti, you will depart the park and begin your scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey takes you through beautiful landscapes as the vast Serengeti plains gradually transition into the green highlands of Ngorongoro.

Upon arrival at the crater rim, you will descend approximately 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a **UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife.

During your game drive on the crater floor, you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, spotted hyenas, and hippos, as well as the rare black rhino, which makes this one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five. The crater also features diverse habitats including grasslands, swamps, forests, and the soda lake where flamingos are sometimes seen.

After an exciting wildlife safari and lunch inside the crater, you will ascend back to the crater rim and return to your lodge in the Ngorongoro area for dinner and overnight, reflecting on the incredible wildlife experiences of the day.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar, the beautiful island famous for its white-sand beaches and rich cultural history. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow streets, traditional Swahili architecture, vibrant markets, and historic buildings that reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences.

During the guided tour, you will walk through the charming alleys of Stone Town and discover its fascinating past as an important trading hub along the Indian Ocean, influenced by African, Arab, Persian, and European cultures.

After the tour, you will check in at your hotel in Stone Town, where you will spend the night and experience the lively atmosphere of the historic city. In the evening, you may visit the famous Forodhani Gardens, where a vibrant night food market takes place. Here you can enjoy local street food, fresh seafood, and the unique evening ambiance of Zanzibar while overlooking the ocean.

After arriving at your beachfront hotel in Zanzibar, the remaining days of your journey will be spent relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches and tropical atmosphere of the island. Zanzibar is well known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and peaceful coastal scenery, making it the perfect place to unwind after your safari adventure.

During these days, you can relax at your resort, enjoy the beach, swim in the warm ocean waters, or simply take in the tranquil surroundings. Your hotel will provide a comfortable setting where you can fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

For travelers interested in exploring more of Zanzibar, several optional activities and excursions can be arranged. One popular experience is a dolphin tour in Kizimkazi, where you may have the opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural environment. You may also enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving trips to discover Zanzibar’s colorful coral reefs and marine life.

Additional experiences such as spice farm tours, traditional dhow boat cruises, or island excursions can also be arranged depending on your interests.

These relaxing days in Zanzibar provide the perfect conclusion to your East African journey, allowing you to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere before your departure.

After breakfast at your hotel in Zanzibar, you will have some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may take a final walk along the beach, enjoy the ocean views, or simply relax at your hotel.

Later, your driver will transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight.

As your journey comes to an end, it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful island of Zanzibar and the unforgettable experiences of your East African adventure. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of incredible wildlife safaris, rich cultures, and the relaxing beaches of the Indian Ocean. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you again on another adventure.