10-Day Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Day-by-day itinerary

Route: Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Amboseli → Nairobi / Kilimanjaro Connection → Zanzibar → Zanzibar Airport

1. Day 1

   Nairobi to Maasai Mara

   After breakfast you leave Nairobi and travel on toward Maasai Mara, descending the wall of the Great Rift Valley and passing through Narok and Maasai farming country. You arrive in time to settle in, and the day continues with a game drive across open savanna grassland, acacia stands and the rolling country of the greater Mara ecosystem. There is the possibility of seeing lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and large herds of plains game, depending on movement and conditions on the day. The reserve is best known for its big cat densities, and between roughly July and October the wildebeest migration commonly moves through the ecosystem. Transport and game drives are shared with other travellers on this joining departure. Dinner is served at your Maasai Mara camp or lodge, where you spend the night.

2. Day 2

   Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

   Explore open plains and riverine habitat on a full safari day, with no guaranteed wildlife event. Much of the day is spent among open savanna grassland, acacia stands and the rolling country of the greater Mara ecosystem. There is the possibility of seeing lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and large herds of plains game, though wild sightings are never guaranteed. A full day allows morning and late-afternoon drives when animals are most active, with the option of a picnic lunch out in the reserve. The reserve is best known for its big cat densities, and between roughly July and October the wildebeest migration commonly moves through the ecosystem. Transport and game drives are shared with other travellers on this joining departure. The evening returns you to your Maasai Mara accommodation for dinner and overnight.

3. Day 3

   Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

   Use another full day for a different reserve area and an unhurried final Mara evening. The drives cover open savanna grassland, acacia stands and the rolling country of the greater Mara ecosystem, moving between habitats as conditions change. There is the possibility of seeing lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and large herds of plains game, though wild sightings are never guaranteed. A full day allows morning and late-afternoon drives when animals are most active, with the option of a picnic lunch out in the reserve. The reserve is best known for its big cat densities, and between roughly July and October the wildebeest migration commonly moves through the ecosystem. You return to your camp or lodge for dinner and a third night at Maasai Mara.

4. Day 4

   Maasai Mara to Amboseli

   Following an early breakfast, the day begins with the road transfer from Maasai Mara to Amboseli, travelling south past Kajiado and through Maasai rangeland toward the Tanzanian border country. Arrival is followed by check-in and a first drive into open plains, dust flats and spring-fed swamps beneath the bulk of Kilimanjaro. Look for large elephant herds, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and abundant water birds around the swamps as the light softens through the afternoon. Amboseli is known for its free-ranging elephant families, and on clear mornings Mount Kilimanjaro often rises above the plains, though cloud can hide it. The evening is spent at your Amboseli accommodation, with dinner and overnight there.

5. Day 5

   Full-Day Amboseli Safari

   Explore Amboseli’s wetlands and plains, treating the Kilimanjaro backdrop as weather-dependent. You travel through open plains, dust flats and spring-fed swamps beneath the bulk of Kilimanjaro, working the areas your guide judges most productive on the day. Species commonly associated with the area include large elephant herds, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and abundant water birds around the swamps. The swamps stay green through dry months, drawing elephants and plains game into concentrated, highly photographable groups. Amboseli is known for its free-ranging elephant families, and on clear mornings Mount Kilimanjaro often rises above the plains, though cloud can hide it. You return to your camp or lodge for dinner and a second night at Amboseli.

6. Day 6

   Amboseli to Zanzibar

   After breakfast you leave Amboseli for the onward connection to Zanzibar, flying east from the mainland to the island. On arrival at Zanzibar you check in, and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the Indian Ocean coastline of white sand, reef and the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town. Marine and coastal wildlife can include reef fish, dolphins offshore and the endemic red colobus in Jozani Forest, though sightings are never guaranteed. Zanzibar pairs a long Swahili and Omani trading history in Stone Town with reef beaches on the north and east coasts. Dinner is served at your Zanzibar camp or lodge, where you spend the night.

7. Day 7

   Zanzibar Beach Day

   Enjoy a first complete day by the Indian Ocean with no compulsory excursion. The setting is the Indian Ocean coastline of white sand, reef and the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town. Species commonly associated with the area include reef fish, dolphins offshore and the endemic red colobus in Jozani Forest. Optional activities are included only when they are specifically quoted for your booking. Dinner and overnight are at your accommodation in Zanzibar.

8. Day 8

   Zanzibar Beach Day

   Choose a separately confirmed beach, marine, spice or cultural experience, or keep the day free. The setting is the Indian Ocean coastline of white sand, reef and the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town. Species commonly associated with the area include reef fish, dolphins offshore and the endemic red colobus in Jozani Forest. Optional activities are included only when they are specifically quoted for your booking. The evening is spent at your Zanzibar accommodation, with dinner and overnight there.

9. Day 9

   Zanzibar Beach Day

   Take a third unhurried coast day before the final evening on the island. The setting is the Indian Ocean coastline of white sand, reef and the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town. There is the possibility of seeing reef fish, dolphins offshore and the endemic red colobus in Jozani Forest, though sightings are never guaranteed. Optional activities are included only when they are specifically quoted for your booking. You return to your lodge or camp in Zanzibar for dinner and overnight.

10. Day 10

    Departure from Zanzibar

    Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for the confirmed onward flight. There is a last chance to enjoy the Indian Ocean coastline of white sand, reef and the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town before you leave. The pick-up time is confirmed in advance to match your flight, with luggage collected from your room. Your Land Rail arrangements end with the drop-off for your onward journey.