18-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Adventure

Embark on the ultimate East African safari combining the iconic wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania with the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Over 18 days, explore the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, traverse the Serengeti, ascend Ngorongoro Crater, and unwind on Zanzibar’s white sandy shores. This journey blends thrilling game drives, cultural encounters, and relaxation in luxury lodges and beachfront resorts.

Safari Highlights

• Witness the Big Five in Kenya’s Maasai Mara

• Explore Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

• Discover Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and flamingos

• Immerse in Maasai and local Tanzanian village culture

• Snorkel or relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches

• Stay in premium safari lodges and beachfront resorts

• Enjoy guided game drives, nature walks, and dhow excursions

Brief Itinerary

Days 1–5: Arrival in Nairobi, Maasai Mara safari
Days 6–9: Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, and Amboseli wildlife adventure
Days 10–14: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari in Tanzania
Days 15–18: Zanzibar beach relaxation, snorkeling, and cultural exploration

Day 1: Arrival – Nairobi, Kenya

• What happens: You’ll be welcomed at the airport in Nairobi and transferred to a city hotel. After settling in, there will be a safari briefing with your guide. If time allows, you can take an optional evening city tour.

• Meals & stay: Dinner provided, overnight in a comfortable 4-star Nairobi hotel.

Days 2–4: Maasai Mara National Reserve

• What happens: Head out to Kenya’s most famous park, Maasai Mara, for 3 days of spectacular wildlife viewing. Expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetahs, giraffes, and if in season, the Great Wildebeest Migration.

• Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, with the option of a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (extra cost) or a cultural visit to a Maasai village.

• Meals & stay: Full board at a luxury lodge or tented safari camp inside/near the park.

Day 5: Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island

• What happens: Travel to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake. Enjoy a boat ride spotting hippos and rich birdlife, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island where you can walk safely among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

• Meals & stay: Full board at a lakeside lodge.

Days 6–7: Amboseli National Park

• What happens: Drive south to Amboseli, famous for its large herds of elephants and breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Spend 2 days on game drives, photographing elephants with Africa’s highest mountain as a backdrop.

• Meals & stay: Full board in a safari lodge with direct views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 8: Nairobi – Arusha, Tanzania

• What happens: Transfer back to Nairobi, cross into Tanzania, and continue to Arusha. This day is mostly for travel and rest.

• Meals & stay: Breakfast and dinner provided, overnight in a hotel in Arusha.

Days 9–12: Serengeti National Park

• What happens: Spend 4 days in the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most iconic park. Daily game drives allow you to see endless herds of wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, and more. Picnic lunches let you enjoy full-day safaris deep in the park. Optional guided walking safaris may be arranged.

• Meals & stay: Full board in a luxury tented safari camp inside the Serengeti.

Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater

• What happens: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This unique ecosystem offers high chances of spotting rhinos, lions, hippos, elephants, and abundant birdlife in a single day.

• Meals & stay: Full board at a lodge perched on the crater rim, offering spectacular views.

Day. 14: Lake Manyara National Park

• What happens: Visit Lake Manyara, famous for its diverse birdlife and the rare tree-climbing lions. A shorter day compared to Serengeti, but full of scenic landscapes and wildlife.

• Meals & stay: Full board at a Lake Manyara lodge.

Day 15: Transfer to Zanzibar

• What happens: After your northern Tanzania safari, catch a domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. Spend the evening relaxing on white sandy beaches.

• Meals & stay: Breakfast and dinner included at a beach resort or villa.

Days 16–18: Zanzibar Beach & Cultural Tour

• What happens: Three days to unwind in paradise. Relax on palm-fringed beaches, swim, and snorkel in turquoise waters. Take a guided spice farm tour, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, and enjoy a romantic sunset dhow cruise.

• Meals & stay: Full board at a beachfront resort.

Inclusions

• All park fees and permits

• Professional safari guides

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Accommodation as specified

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Domestic flight (Tanzania to Zanzibar)

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Nairobi

• Visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Tips, personal purchases, and optional activities

What to Pack

• Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)

• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Swimsuit, beachwear, and flip-flops for Zanzibar

• Light jacket for cooler evenings

Travel Guidelines & Important Notes for Tanzania Safaris

We want your Tanzania safari experience to be smooth, safe, and memorable. To help with planning, please take note of the following guidelines and conditions:

1. Flexibility of the Itinerary

• The program provided is a sample itinerary, tailored to showcase Tanzania’s highlights. It can always be adjusted according to your preferences—whether you wish to extend your stay, change activities, or upgrade accommodations.

• While we always strive to follow the planned schedule, changes may occur due to weather, road conditions, government regulations, or operational requirements. In such cases, the route or order of activities may be adjusted for your comfort and safety.

2. Seasonal Activities & Advance Booking

• Some experiences, such as Serengeti Great Migration crossings, depend heavily on seasonal animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

• Peak seasons (Christmas, Easter, and school holidays) see high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure preferred lodges, flights, and activities.

3. Accommodation Options

• For most of our itineraries, we can provide luxury, midrange, or budget accommodation depending on your preferences and budget.

• All accommodation is carefully selected for comfort, location, and service standards. Availability may vary, but we will always offer the best alternatives.

4. Park Rules & Respect for Nature

• Tanzania’s national parks have strict conservation guidelines. Guests are required to respect wildlife and follow their guide’s instructions at all times.

• Feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited. Always maintain a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

• Park opening hours and regulations must be observed for the safety of both travelers and wildlife.

5. Health & Safety Guidelines

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country.

• We recommend being up-to-date with routine vaccinations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A/B).

• Malaria prevention is strongly advised—please consult your doctor for medication.

• Carry a personal medical kit and sufficient supply of prescription medicines.

6. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Tanzania is required.

• Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport/entry border.

• Ensure you also carry a copy of your travel insurance policy.

7. What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors during game drives).

• Warm sweater/jacket for early morning and evening drives.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Insect repellent.

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.

• Swimwear for lodges with pools or Zanzibar extensions.

• Camera/binoculars for wildlife photography.

• A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

8. Money & Payments

• The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted in lodges, camps, and parks.

• Carry small denominations in clean, newer USD notes (issued after 2006).

• Credit cards are accepted in most lodges, but surcharges may apply. ATMs are available in major towns.

9. Responsible Travel

• We encourage sustainable tourism. Please respect local cultures and communities, ask before taking photos, and support local businesses where possible.

• Reduce plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle or shopping bag.

• Tipping is customary in Tanzania, with guidelines available from your safari consultant.

10. Terms & Conditions

• By booking a safari, clients accept Pillars of Africa Safaris’ Terms & Conditions of business. These include details on cancellations, payments, liabilities, and service provisions.