DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi & fly to Masai Mara

You will be met at Nairobi Airport and transferred to your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara, named after the Masai people and the Mara River that divides the park.

Masai Mara National Park is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest from the adjoining Serengeti National Park. This phenomenon occurs every year from July to October, when game migrates along a circular route from the plains of the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back again in search of fresh pastures, followed by hungry predators - most notably lions and hyena. After checking in to your lodge, enjoy a late afternoon game drive.

Note: As you will be flying in a light aircraft you must pack soft sports bags only, as rigid suitcases will not fit into the luggage pods. A baggage allowance of 15 kg (which includes your hand luggage) is strictly enforced for safety reasons. Excess baggage can be stored with our representative in Nairobi.

Days 2 & 3: Game Viewing

Today is dedicated to game viewing on the open plains of the world famous Masai Mara region.

We set off early each morning, when game viewing conditions are at their best, to view the abundant wildlife of this region. Return to the lodge to rest in the heat of the day, before setting off again in the late afternoon for another game drive.

Nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley, the Masai Mara is famous for its many prides of lions, packs of hyena and other predators - as well as huge herds of wildebeest, which number over one million, zebra and giraffe. All the Big Five can be seen here, as well as numerous other species including the Thomson's gazelle, topi, kongoni, impala, roan antelope and hippo. The nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, also inhabits this park as well as the endangered cheetah and black rhino.

Bird watching is also excellent with over 450 different species. These include the marabou stork, secretary bird, crowned crane, ostrich, African pygmy falcon, brown snake eagle, black-chested snake eagle, bateleur, martial eagle, African paradise flycatcher, red-fronted & white-headed barbet, black-faced go-away bird, woodland kingfisher, violet-backed starling, black cuckoo-shrike and various species of larks, cisticolas, vultures, hornbills and so much more.

Note: If your lodge is situated in a private conservancy, you will need to pay an extra $130 pp if you want a game drive that enters the Masai Mara National Reserve. As wildlife ranges freely between the surrounding conservancies & the national park, without any fences to restrict their movement, this is only necessary during the migration season and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Day 4: Fly to Zanzibar

Enjoy some final game viewing in the Masai Mara this morning, before your transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi and onward flight to Zanzibar.

Here you will be met and transferred to the island capital of Stone Town.

Check in to your hotel before exploring the narrow streets, bustling markets, ornately carved and studded doors, cathedrals and mosques of this ancient town.

Day 5: Stone Town

This morning enjoy a private 3 hour walking tour of historic Stone Town.

This UNESCO World Heritage town is now part of the Republic of Tanzania, but it was formerly controlled by the Sultan of Oman. As such it was an important trading nation, selling spices and other commodities to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It was also at the centre of the notorious slave trade out of East Africa.

This Muslim city is today rather neglected and not what it once was, but most people still enjoy walking through the narrow streets of the historic old city. The merchant's houses are of particular interest, with their central courtyards and large ornately carved and studded wooden doors. Visit the bustling market, see some of the many mosques and admire the huge Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market, where the slave pits and dungeon can still be seen.

Afterwards you can independently visit other sights of interest such as the Arab Fort, Palace Museum, Dr Livingstone's house and Freddie Mercury Museum (pay entrance fees locally).

Day 6: Transfer to Zanzibar Beach Resort

Today transfer 1 hour from Stone Town to your Zanzibar Beach hotel.

Check in and relax in your wonderful beach surroundings on this exotic East African spice archipelago.

Days 7 to 10: At leisure

At leisure to relax and enjoy the gorgeous white sandy beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Activities vary depending on the size of your resort but usually include water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can sail in a traditional Arab dhow or enjoy a full day catamaran excursion around the island, with snorkelling opportunities. Be sure to try their refreshing iced hibiscus tea and some of the many spices grown on this island.

The best scuba diving is around Mnemba Island in the northeast and Nungwi in the north. Deep sea game fishing is also based out of Nungwi, where there is a privately owned turtle aquarium.

A variety of day excursions are also on offer including a walking tour of historic Stone Town, a spice island tour, snorkelling at Prison Island where you can see giant tortoises, a cultural tour to Uzi Island and Swahili cookery lessons.

If you would like to see local wildlife, you can visit Jozani Forest in the south of the island, where you can see rare indigenous red colobus monkeys and walk along a mangrove boardwalk to enjoy its birdlife and flora, including some giant baobab trees. There is a Butterfly Centre and Snake Park outside the gate. From late July to mid November you can also take a boat ride to see migrating humpback whales.

Day 11: Fly Home

Transfer 1 hour to Zanzibar Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a half board basis, with full board whilst on safari. All light aircraft flights, transfers, park fees and game drives are included. International and domestic flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.