A 15-day Kenya & Tanzania safari with Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Zanzibar typically includes wildlife viewing in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Amboseli, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and relaxation on Zanzibar’s beaches. The itinerary often features game drives, cultural encounters, and optional activities like boat rides and spice farm tours.
Next, you journey to Lake Nakuru, where flamingos paint the shores pink and rhinos graze in the golden light. In Masai Mara, your family dives deep into the heart of the wild for two nights, witnessing lions, cheetahs, and the drama of the Great Migration across the vast plains.
Crossing into Tanzania, the adventure continues in the world-famous Serengeti, where two nights place you in the middle of untamed beauty. Wildebeest stampede, predators stalk, and every sunrise is a masterpiece. From there, you descend into the lush cradle of life—the Ngorongoro Crater, exploring a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Then it’s off to Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobabs and playful elephants mark your final safari chapter. But the story doesn’t end here.
You board a flight to paradise—Zanzibar. For the final five nights, you stay at the stylish beachfront Hotel, steps away from powdery white sands and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Here, your days slow down. You swim, snorkel, explore Stone Town, or simply relax as the sun dips below the sea. This safari and beach holiday blends wild adventure with coastal serenity, tailored for couples, families, and friend groups, and even seniors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime escape.
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Your adventure begins as our warm and friendly Caycads African Safaris representative welcomes you in Nairobi—either at the airport or your hotel. After a short briefing about the days ahead, you meet your professional driver-guide, and together, you set off on a scenic drive southeast toward Amboseli National Park.
As the city fades behind, the landscapes begin to shift—rolling hills give way to open plains, and soon, the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro rises in the distance, welcoming you to the wild. You arrive at your lodge just in time for lunch, where you relax and take in the fresh air and peaceful rhythm of the bush.
In the afternoon, your first game drive begins. The golden light spills across Amboseli’s acacia woodlands, scrub brush, and freshwater swamps as you venture out in search of wildlife. Towering elephants with massive tusks roam freely from swamp to swamp, grazing calmly. Zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, and even hippos make appearances, offering thrilling encounters and photo opportunities.
As the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, you return to camp. A hearty dinner awaits, and the sounds of the African night begin to stir. You fall asleep under canvas, with the soft rustling of the wild just beyond.
Please Note: If you’re arriving from a long-haul destination, we highly recommend arriving in Nairobi at least a day earlier to rest and adjust before starting your safari.
Accommodation
Overnight at Kibo Safari Camp, a charming mid-range tented camp just outside Amboseli National Park’s main entrance gate.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner will be provided.
Day 2: Amboseli National Park – Full day game drive in the park
You wake up to the soft light of dawn spilling over Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain—its snow-capped peak glowing in the early morning light. Today promises a full day of adventure in the heart of Amboseli National Park.
After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you head out with your packed lunch, ready for a full-day game drive through the park’s lush swamps and open plains. These marshlands, fed year-round by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap, are a haven for wildlife. You spot massive herds of elephants trudging calmly through the mud, splashing and grazing in the water-rich grasses. Hippos wallow nearby, while zebras, buffalo, giraffes, and gazelles dot the landscape.
If you’re an early riser, you may choose to begin your day with a sunrise game drive, catching predators like lions and hyenas at their most active before the heat sets in. Afterward, you return to camp for a relaxed breakfast and a bit of leisure time before heading back out.
During the midday heat, you take it slow. Relax on your veranda, sip something cool, write in your journal, or simply enjoy the view while birds chirp nearby and elephants pass in the distance. Amboseli, like its wildlife, slows down during the hottest hours—and so do you.
Later in the afternoon, as the sun begins to soften again, you head out for another game drive. The golden light bathes the land, offering one last magical glimpse of the animals before sunset. You return to camp just as the sky turns amber and purple, ready to enjoy dinner and recount the day’s incredible moments.
Accommodation
Overnight at Kibo Safari Camp, a welcoming mid-range tented camp just outside Amboseli National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided.
Day 3: Travel from Amboseli to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast at Kibo Safari Camp, your journey continues as you bid farewell to the majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and begin your scenic drive north toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Today’s route takes you past Nairobi, through charming towns and rolling countryside, until you reach the dramatic Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
Here, you stop to stretch your legs and soak in the stunning panorama—endless escarpments, patchwork farmlands, and lakes shimmering in the distance. It’s the perfect spot for photographs and a few moments of quiet awe.
Around midday, you arrive in Lake Naivasha, where you pause for a delicious lunch at a lakeside hotel. The cool breeze off the lake and the surrounding acacia trees make for a refreshing break before continuing onward.
By afternoon, you arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, a gem nestled in the heart of the Rift Valley. Without wasting a moment, you set off on a game drive, eager to discover what this vibrant ecosystem has to offer. The southern shore of the lake teems with wildlife—flamingos wade through the shallows while herds of buffalo graze in the open fields.
You may catch a glimpse of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, with its unique white stockings, browsing in the acacia forests. With luck, you spot both black and white rhinos, a conservation success in this park. Keep your eyes on the treetops beneath Rhino Cliff—this is where lionesses nap in the branches and leopards silently roam.
As the golden light of evening begins to settle, you check into your lodge inside the park, ready to relax, refresh, and enjoy dinner after a thrilling day.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, a charming mid-range lodge located inside Lake Nakuru National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After an early breakfast at your Lodge, you begin your journey deeper into Kenya’s legendary wildlife country. The road winds through the vast and dramatic Great Rift Valley floor, revealing ever-changing landscapes—lush highlands, scattered acacia trees, and the rolling savannah that slowly ushers you toward the famed Masai Mara National Reserve.
You arrive at your lodge just in time for lunch, welcomed by warm smiles and the tranquil sounds of the wild. After settling in and enjoying a hearty meal, the real adventure begins.
This afternoon, you set off on your first game drive in the Masai Mara—one of the most iconic safari destinations on the planet. The wide-open plains stretch endlessly in all directions, dotted with wildlife as far as the eye can see. Your guide leads you in search of the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and if luck is on your side, the elusive black rhino.
But the magic of the Mara doesn’t stop there. You’ll likely spot cheetahs lounging in the grass, towering giraffes moving gracefully through the acacia woodlands, and wildebeests and zebras grazing in great numbers. Keep your camera ready—hippos wallow in the Mara River, hyenas trot along the tracks, and impalas leap through the golden grass.
And don’t forget your binoculars—this reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species recorded, from vibrant bee-eaters to powerful birds of prey soaring above. Pro tip: We provide our drivers with an extra set of binoculars for your convenience.
As the sun begins to dip, the landscape glows in shades of amber and gold. You return to your lodge just before nightfall, heart full and eyes wide from the day’s encounters. A delicious dinner awaits, followed by a restful overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, a Mid-range tented camp bordering Masai Mara NR.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Day 5: Travel to Masai Mara National Reserve
You wake up to the soft calls of birds and the gentle light of dawn creeping over the plains. After breakfast at the lodge, you prepare for an unforgettable day—a full-day game drive across the vast, wildlife-rich savannah of the Masai Mara.
The day begins with the option of an early morning hot air balloon ride—an adventure like no other. As the balloon rises silently into the sky, you float above the golden grasslands and winding rivers. From the air, you spot herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, and maybe even lions on the move. After landing, you’re treated to a sumptuous bush breakfast set up in the wild—a memory that stays with you for a lifetime.
For those on the ground, the adventure starts after breakfast as you head deeper into the 1,500 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. The landscape is breathtaking—rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and vast open plains teeming with life.
Your guide navigates through different sections of the reserve, and you’re soon rewarded with close-up views of the Big Cats the Mara is famous for—lions, cheetahs, and perhaps the elusive leopard lounging in a tree. Elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes appear in the distance, grazing peacefully as you watch in awe.
Around midday, you find the perfect picnic spot—beneath the shade of a flat-top acacia tree with panoramic views of the plains. Here, you enjoy your picnic lunch boxes, the sounds of nature your only soundtrack. Wildebeest and antelope graze nearby while birds swoop above—it’s an African dream come to life.
In the afternoon, you continue the drive, discovering hidden corners of the reserve and witnessing wildlife in their natural rhythm. Each turn brings a new surprise—a pod of hippos soaking in a muddy river, a pride of lions dozing under a bush, or a secretary bird striding through the grass. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue across the plains, you return to your camp, full of stories and sights to remember. Dinner awaits, followed by a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the African wild.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, a Mid-range tented camp bordering Masai Mara NR.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Day 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti Via Sirari Border
Today begins with anticipation and excitement as you leave behind the golden plains of the Masai Mara and set your sights on the legendary Serengeti in Tanzania. After breakfast, you set off on a long, scenic drive toward the Isebania border post, where Kenya ends and Tanzania begins.
The journey is full of ever-changing landscapes, rural villages, and occasional wildlife sightings along the way. Around midday, you arrive at the Isebania border, where your Kenyan guide assists you with immigration procedures. Here, you say goodbye to your Kenyan team and are warmly welcomed by your Tanzanian guide, who will accompany you for the next leg of your adventure.
Lunch is enjoyed en route, either at a local restaurant or packed to be had picnic-style, depending on the day’s timing. After crossing the border, the drive continues toward the expansive Serengeti National Park, a name that stirs the imagination with its endless golden plains and world-renowned wildlife spectacles.
As you enter Serengeti, the road may be bumpy—what we like to call an “authentic African massage”—but the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Keep your camera ready, as this stretch of wilderness is often alive with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and even predators on the move.
You arrive at your safari camp inside the Serengeti late in the afternoon. The sense of isolation and immersion is immediate—you’re now deep in the wild, surrounded by the rhythm of nature. Upon arrival, your guide and the friendly camp staff greet you with smiles and a refreshing drink, followed by a short safety briefing about staying in an unfenced camp where wildlife roams freely.
As the sun sets behind the acacia-dotted horizon, enjoy a warm dinner and take in the unforgettable sounds of the Serengeti night—a chorus of distant roars, chirping insects, and rustling leaves.
Optional Upgrade:
If you prefer to skip the long drive and border crossing, we can arrange a 1-hour scenic flight from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti (at additional cost), giving you more time to relax and explore.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Enkirare Wilderness Camp, a mid-range tented camp inside Serengeti National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (en route), and Dinner will be provided.
Day 7: Serengeti National Park
You wake up to the soft light of dawn spilling over the endless plains of the Serengeti. The air is cool and crisp, filled with the distant calls of birds and perhaps even a lion’s roar echoing from the night before. After a warm cup of coffee or tea, you set out early—this is prime time for spotting wildlife. The big cats are still active, and the golden light makes everything feel magical.
Your morning game drive unfolds like a scene from a nature documentary. You may encounter a pride of lions lounging after a hunt, herds of zebras and wildebeests grazing peacefully, or a cheetah scanning the horizon. Elephants roam silently through the grass, and hippos grunt lazily in the rivers. Every turn brings a new surprise.
After this unforgettable morning, you return to the camp for a hearty breakfast and a bit of well-deserved relaxation. The heat of the day settles in, and like the animals, you take it slow. You might lounge in the shade with a good book, write in your journal, or simply sit with a cool drink, watching colorful birds flit through the trees.
In the late afternoon, as the temperatures begin to drop and the wildlife stirs again, you head out for your second game drive of the day. The golden hour paints the savannah in rich hues as giraffes stretch for treetops, and elephants head to the watering holes. You might catch the majestic silhouette of a leopard resting in an acacia tree or hear the rumble of buffalo herds moving in the distance.
As the sun dips behind the hills, you return to camp for a warm dinner and another peaceful evening under the Serengeti sky, filled with stars and the soft sounds of the wild.
Optional Experience:
This morning, you also have the option to start your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari. Floating above the plains as the sun rises is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast out in the wild. Be sure to let your tour manager know in advance if you’d like to include this adventure.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Enkirari Wilderness Camp, a Mid-range tented camp inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
You wake early to the quiet hush of dawn over the Serengeti. After a hot breakfast at 6:00 am, you set out for your final game drive through these legendary plains. The light is golden, the air is cool and refreshing, and the wildlife is just beginning to stir. It’s your last chance to catch a glimpse of the animals that call this wild paradise home—perhaps a leopard stretching from its tree perch or hyenas trotting back to their dens after a long night.
As you exit the park, you take one last look at the vastness of the Serengeti—its beauty now etched into your memory. With picnic lunches packed, you continue your adventure east toward a different wonder—the Ngorongoro Crater, a place many call the eighth wonder of the natural world.
By early afternoon, you reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and your vehicle begins its slow descent into the crater, one of the most unique and wildlife-dense locations on Earth. The road winds steeply down the rim, and soon you find yourself on the crater floor, surrounded by towering walls of ancient volcanic rock and some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa.
The crater spans approximately 20 km wide and 600 meters deep, and it feels like you’ve entered a secret, untouched world. You drive through lakes, rivers, forested patches, and open grassland, spotting elephants, zebras, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, wildebeests, and maybe even the elusive black rhino, one of just around 20 that live here.
What’s magical about the Ngorongoro Crater is how close the animals allow you to get. It’s as if they’ve come to accept the presence of safari vehicles, making this a photographer’s dream. Your guide shares stories and facts as you explore, adding to the wonder of each sighting.
After several hours on the crater floor, you slowly ascend back to the rim in the late afternoon, watching the landscape shift again as you climb. You arrive at your lodge just in time to settle in and freshen up before enjoying a warm dinner. From the terrace, you gaze out over the rim as the sun sets over this breathtaking land.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp, a Luxury tented camp located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be provided
Day 9: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park via Lake Eyasi
You begin your morning with a warm breakfast as the mists roll over the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The air is crisp, and the landscape stretches endlessly in every direction—wild, raw, and beautiful. Today, your journey continues, and you’ll have two paths to choose from—each full of its magic.
For those craving culture and connection, you may choose to take the optional detour to Lake Eyasi, a shimmering seasonal soda lake surrounded by dry bushland. This is home to the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. With a guide to translate and walk you through their world, you’ll have a rare chance to meet the Hadzabe people, share in their daily traditions, and even join them in a morning hunt or gathering walk. You’ll hear the sharp clicks of their ancient language and watch as they demonstrate survival techniques that have been passed down through generations for over 10,000 years.
If you prefer a more direct route, you’ll head straight toward Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem that often surprises even the most seasoned travelers. Either way, by early afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge inside the park, just in time for a relaxed lunch under the shade of towering baobab trees.
Later in the day, you set out on your first game drive in Tarangire. The golden savannahs open up before you, dotted with ancient baobabs and river valleys teeming with life. Tarangire is known for its massive elephant herds, and it’s not long before you spot them—mothers with calves, bulls stretching their trunks to the treetops, and entire families bathing by the riverbanks.
But elephants aren’t the only stars of this show. You may also see lions lounging in the tall grasses, zebras and wildebeests grazing peacefully, and even the elusive leopard tucked away in the trees. Your guide explains that Tarangire boasts the second-highest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania, right after the Serengeti.
As the sun begins to set, painting the landscape in hues of gold and pink, you return to your lodge. The evening is peaceful, with the sounds of the wild echoing in the distance. Over dinner, you reflect on a day that felt like a bridge between two worlds—one ancient, one untamed.
Accommodation
Spend the night at Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp, a Luxury Tented camp Inside Tarangire National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Day 10: Tarangire to Nungwi beach Via Arusha Airport
Your final morning on safari begins with birdsong and the soft golden light of dawn over Tarangire. After a hearty breakfast, you bid farewell to the elephants and baobabs and set off on a scenic drive to Arusha Airport. It’s time to trade your binoculars for beachwear, as your journey now shifts from the wilds of mainland Tanzania to the tropical shores of Zanzibar—the magical Spice Island.
Your short flight crosses over the shimmering Indian Ocean, and soon you’re descending toward a coastline of turquoise water and powdery white sands. At the airport, a warm smile welcomes you—our Zanzibar representative is already waiting to greet you. You feel the pace of life instantly slow as you step into this coastal paradise.
Before heading to the beach, you may opt for a guided spice plantation tour, where you’ll walk among lush greenery and aromatic plants. Here, Zanzibar’s rich history comes alive as you touch, smell, and taste spices that once brought traders from all over the world. You’ll see how cinnamon is peeled, vanilla is cured, and ginger is harvested, and even sip a cup of freshly brewed spiced tea under the shade of a palm tree.
By early afternoon, you continue the journey to Zanzibar’s northern beaches—a place where time seems to pause. As you drive through sleepy fishing villages and palm-lined roads, the ocean finally comes into view, glimmering like a sapphire beneath the open sky. You arrive at your beachfront resort with plenty of daylight left to dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean, stroll along the powder-soft sands, or simply unwind under the shade of a swaying coconut palm.
As the sun sets, the sky turns shades of orange and violet, and you begin to settle into your next chapter—one of peace, rest, and seaside bliss.
Accommodation
Spend the night at The Z Hotel, a chic boutique resort on the northern beaches of Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Dinner is available at the hotel restaurant or nearby local spots.
Day 11 to 14: Full Day Nugwi Beach
The next four days unfold like a dream. You wake up to the sound of soft waves lapping against the shore, and the scent of salt and sea breeze drifts in through your open window. The sun rises slowly over Zanzibar, casting golden rays over swaying palm trees and the glittering ocean. Welcome to paradise.
Each morning begins with a leisurely breakfast by the sea, where fresh tropical fruits, warm pastries, and strong Swahili coffee set the tone for the day. From here, your time is your own.
You might spend your day on the world-renowned Nungwi Beach, at the northern tip of the island. Here, the white sand is so fine it feels like powdered sugar, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters stretch as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re relaxing under the shade of a coconut tree, listening to your favorite playlist, reading a book, or simply letting your mind wander—Nungwi offers the perfect setting to unwind and recharge.
But for those seeking a bit more adventure, the ocean calls. You may choose to snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, where tropical fish dart between anemones and sea fans. Or perhaps you’ll go scuba diving, descending into the underwater world where dolphins play and sea turtles glide silently through the blue. Sunset dhow cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are just a few of the other aquatic experiences available.
Your hotel concierge is ready to help you arrange these activities, ensuring every moment flows effortlessly. In the evenings, you might explore a local seafood grill on the beach, try some Zanzibari cuisine bursting with spices, or simply sip a cold drink as the sky turns pink and the stars begin to shine.
Time stretches out here, unhurried and tranquil. Whether you fill your days with activity or rest, each one will end with a sense of peace and gratitude for this little slice of heaven.
Accommodation:
Spend your nights at The Z Hotel, a boutique beach resort offering luxury, charm, and the best views in Nungwi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Day 15: Depart Zanzibar Island
Your final morning in Zanzibar begins with the gentle hush of the waves and the soft golden light spilling through your window. After breakfast, you take one last stroll along the beach, the warm sand between your toes and the salty breeze brushing your skin—a quiet moment to soak in the magic of the island before your journey home begins.
After checking out of your beachside hotel, you will make your way back to Stone Town by midday, where our representative will be ready to escort you to the airport. As you drive through the island, the colorful life of Zanzibar drifts past your window—bustling markets, waving school children, coconut sellers, and the spice-scented air that seems to linger everywhere.
Your departure point will most likely be Zanzibar International Airport, the most convenient option. However, if you are flying out of Dar es Salaam, we will ensure you catch one of the scheduled ferry departures (7:30 am, 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, or 3:30 pm), depending on your flight time. Just remember to allow yourself enough time for the connection.
Alternatively, if your onward journey takes you back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, we can arrange a short flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi. Please just make sure your outbound flight is not scheduled before 3:00 pm, so you have ample time for your transfer.
As your adventure winds down, you carry with you not just souvenirs and photos, but memories of golden savannahs, ancient crater walls, wild elephants in swamps, flamingos on mirror-like lakes, and the sweet rhythm of island life.
Though the safari ends today, the stories you’ve gathered are only just beginning.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)