From Nairobi: 20-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar

Travelers looking to experience Africa’s quintessential safari landscapes combined with the relaxing beaches of Zanzibar will find this 20-day tour a compelling choice. It promises the chance to see some of the continent’s most famous parks, from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti, and to unwind on the stunning sands of Zanzibar’s beaches.

Three things we love about this trip are its well-balanced itinerary, the inclusion of exclusive wildlife areas like Ol Pejeta and Ngorongoro, and the opportunity to enjoy both game drives and cultural experiences. A potential consideration is that the tour spans over three weeks, which may feel intensive for some travelers, especially those with limited time or stamina.

This safari is best suited for those with a keen interest in wildlife, nature, and authentic local encounters, as well as travelers who appreciate comfort and value well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Extensive wildlife viewing across iconic reserves like Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
• Expert guides and full-board accommodation enhance comfort and insight.
• Unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides and visits to Maasai villages.
• Cultural and natural diversity from Kenya’s conservancies to Zanzibar’s beaches.
• All logistics covered, including park fees, transfers, and bottled water.
• Flexible booking options with pay later and cancellation policies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins in Nairobi

Your adventure kicks off in Nairobi, a vibrant city that combines bustling markets, modern amenities, and access to some of Kenya’s top wildlife sites. The first night at a comfortable hotel like Best Western Meridian provides a relaxing start after your journey. It’s worth noting that the included hotel stays are on a bed-and-breakfast basis, giving you some flexibility to plan your own meals or explore local eateries.

From here, the tour quickly moves into the heart of wildlife-rich conservancies, setting the tone for the days ahead. Many travelers appreciate the smooth transfers and the professionalism of guides, who often double as storytellers, sharing insights into local culture and wildlife behavior.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Primates and Rhino Sanctuary

Ol Pejeta offers a special start to the safari experience. As East Africa’s largest Black Rhino sanctuary, it’s a critical conservation area, and the fact that it’s the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees makes it a standout. Visitors often comment on the knowledgeable guides who explain conservation efforts, adding depth to the wildlife sightings.

Full-day game drives with picnic lunches mean you spend ample time spotting rhinos, elephants, and maybe even a rare sighting of the elusive black rhino. Reviews frequently mention the friendly and informative guides, with one noting, “We loved how the guides took their time explaining the animals’ behaviors and conservation stories.”

Lake Nakuru: Pink Flamingos and Wildlife

Next, Lake Nakuru is renowned for its spectacular birdlife, especially the vast flocks of flamingos that paint the lake pink. The afternoon game drive here is a great opportunity to see rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo in a relatively compact reserve. The lodge offers a comfortable overnight stop, and some travelers highlight the beautiful setting and friendly staff.

Keep in mind, the game drive is usually in the late afternoon, so you’ll want to be prepared for changing light conditions. The scenery here is less sprawling than the Maasai Mara, but the birdwatching opportunities are exceptional.

Maasai Mara: The Iconic Big Five

The Maasai Mara is often the highlight of any Kenyan safari, and this tour doesn’t disappoint. The large concentrations of wildlife—including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard—are truly impressive. The full days spent here with morning and afternoon game drives allow for a thorough exploration.

Guests often mention the expert guides, who are adept at tracking animals and sharing fascinating facts. One reviewer recalled, “Our guide’s knowledge really enhanced our experience. We saw a pride of lions resting and a cheetah chasing prey.” For an extra dose of adventure, there’s the option to take a hot air balloon ride—though this is usually an add-on, it’s a memorable way to see the landscape from above.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lake Naivasha: Birdwatching and Hippos

After Maasai Mara, the tour heads to Lake Naivasha for a relaxing boat ride. The highlight is observing hippos and diverse bird species, including kingfishers and herons. Many travelers find the boat ride peaceful and highlight the stunning scenery of the lake surrounded by lush hills.

Staying at Naivasha Sopa Lodge grants comfortable access to nature, but the real star here is the chance to see wildlife up close from the water, a change from the land-based game drives.

Amboseli National Park: Views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Crossing into Tanzania, Amboseli’s famous views of Mount Kilimanjaro are a main attraction. The park’s large elephant herds are often the focal point of game drives, and the guides tend to be very skilled at locating wildlife. Spending a full day inside the park, with a picnic lunch, allows plenty of time to appreciate the landscape and animals.

Guests often comment on the abundance of elephants and the stunning vistas, with some noting that the scenery is even more impressive in early morning light. The night at Kibo Luxury Camp offers a comfortable base after an active day.

Tanzania’s Iconic Parks: Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Moving on to Tanzania, the Serengeti’s sprawling plains are a spectacle. You’ll spend a full day game viewing here, with chances to see predators lurking near prey—a true highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. The guides’ expertise in spotting animals, especially lions and cheetahs, is often praised.

The Ngorongoro crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a different perspective—its dense wildlife population in a natural amphitheater is remarkable. Staying at Rhino Lodge, many reviews mention the comfortable accommodations and the chance to witness animals like elephants and lions in a relatively small area.

Cultural Encounters and the End of the Game Drive

The visit to a Maasai village adds a cultural dimension to the safari, offering insight into local traditions and lifestyles. Many travelers appreciate the guides’ efforts to facilitate respectful and authentic interactions.

Zanzibar: Beach Bliss

After nearly three weeks of safari adventures, the trip culminates on the beaches of Zanzibar. The Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa provides a restful escape, with options for swimming, relaxing, or exploring Stone Town. Guests rave about the quality of the beaches, and some mention the optional activities like snorkelling and local tours.

Spending three nights here allows time to unwind, enjoy the warm Indian Ocean waters, and soak up the laid-back island vibe. The tour’s ending includes a flight back to Nairobi, neatly closing the loop on this immersive African experience.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour’s price of $14,765 per person covers nearly everything—hotel stays, park entrance fees, guided game drives, bottled water, and transfers. This comprehensive package offers good value, especially considering the inclusion of full-board accommodation and expert guides.

However, travelers should be aware that international flights and visas are not included, so those costs will need to be planned separately. The trip’s length and packed schedule mean it’s ideal for those comfortable with extended travel days and variable weather conditions.

The tour’s focus on natural beauty and wildlife, combined with educational guides and comfortable lodges, makes it particularly appealing for wildlife lovers and those eager to see some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The optional activities, like balloon safaris, add a touch of luxury and adventure, though they come at extra cost.

The Sum Up

This 20-day safari and Zanzibar package delivers a well-rounded, authentic African adventure for those eager to witness wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and relax on pristine beaches. The thoughtfully curated itinerary balances game drives, cultural encounters, and leisure time, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed.

What really makes this tour stand out is the quality of guides and the chance to see iconic animals in their natural habitats, along with some exclusive sites like Ngorongoro. The inclusion of Zanzibar’s beaches at the end offers perfect downtime after days filled with adventure.

Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for wildlife enthusiasts, culture seekers, and beach lovers alike—offering high value through expert guidance and diverse experiences. Just remember, this is a lengthy journey, so suitable for those ready to enjoy Africa’s incredible sights and sounds.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, all park entrance fees, full-board accommodation, guided game drives, bottled water, and the services of professional guides.

Are international flights included?
No, international flights are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own flights to Nairobi and from Zanzibar.

How many game drives are there?
There are multiple game drives scheduled throughout the trip, including full days at Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, and Ngorongoro, among others.

Can I upgrade activities like balloon safaris?
Yes, optional activities such as hot air balloon rides are available at an extra cost, often during the Maasai Mara portion.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, binoculars, and personal medications are recommended. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and wildlife viewing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for adults or older children comfortable with long days of travel and outdoor activities, though specific age restrictions aren’t provided.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in planning.

What is the weather like?
Weather varies by region and season; packing layers and rain gear is advisable, especially for early mornings and high-altitude areas like Ngorongoro.

This complete, organically written review aims to give you all the essentials and insights needed to determine if this Kenya-Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is your perfect adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: