9-Day Kenya & Zanzibar Safari: Big Five Adventure & Tropical Beach Escape

Activities:

• Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You will be greeted by a Polmans representative.

• Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi for check-in and refresh.

• Optional half-day city tour includes:

  • Giraffe Centre: Hand-feed Rothschild giraffes and learn about conservation efforts.

  • David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: Observe baby elephants during feeding and mud baths.

  • Karen Blixen Museum: Explore the home of the famous author of Out of Africa.

  • Explore Nairobi National Museum or local craft markets (optional).

• Dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
  Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Sarova Panafric / Similar
  Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Travel Tip: Nairobi is 1,795 meters above sea level, so take it easy after your flight and stay hydrated.

Distance: Approx. 280 km / 5–6 hrs
Activities:

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Maasai Mara.

• Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley with stops for photography.

• Arrive at the lodge or camp in Maasai Mara for lunch.

• Afternoon game drive begins in the reserve: look out for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo (Big Five).

• Witness giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of birdlife.

• Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Sarova Mara Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Tip: camera, and neutral-colored clothing for the game drive.

Activities:

• Early morning game drive at sunrise for the best chance to see predators.

• Breakfast back at the lodge.

• Mid-morning game drive or optional hot air balloon safari (extra cost) with champagne breakfast.

• Optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional life, beadwork, and customs.

• Afternoon game drive to explore different habitats: riverine forests, grasslands, and kopjes (rock formations).

• Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Sarova Mara Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlight: Maasai Mara is famous for its predator sightings, especially lions and cheetahs.

Activities:

• Breakfast at lodge.

• Full day of game drives to explore remote parts of the Mara and maximize wildlife encounters.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve amidst stunning scenery.

• Spot more wildlife: warthogs, hyenas, impalas, hippos, crocodiles in the Mara River.

• Late afternoon return to the lodge for relaxation, sundowners, and dinner.

Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Sarova Mara Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Tip: Keep cameras ready for dramatic Mara sunsets and golden-hour photography.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the lodge.

• Transfer to Nairobi Wilson Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar.

• Arrival at Zanzibar International Airport; meet your local guide and transfer to your beach resort.

• Check-in and relax on the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or explore the resort’s surroundings.

• Dinner at the resort.

Accommodation: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas / The Z Hotel / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlight: Transition from safari adventure to tropical relaxation on Zanzibar’s turquoise beaches.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the resort.

• Leisure day to enjoy the beach, pool, or spa.

• Optional activities:

  • Snorkeling or scuba diving in coral reefs.

  • Kayaking or paddleboarding in calm waters.

  • Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore narrow streets, spice markets, and historic sites.

• Dinner and overnight at resort.

Accommodation: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas / The Z Hotel / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Tip: Stone Town is best explored early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Activities:

• Breakfast at resort.

• Morning visit to a Spice Farm to learn about vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and other tropical spices.

• Afternoon at leisure or optional beach activities.

• Sunset dhow cruise: Sail along the coast, enjoy the sunset, and spot dolphins.

• Return to resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas / The Z Hotel / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlight: Zanzibar’s spice farms and dhow cruises offer a blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Activities:

• Breakfast at resort.

• Full day to relax on the beach, snorkel, dive, or enjoy resort amenities.

• Optional excursions: additional Stone Town exploration, nearby island day trips, or a cultural tour.

• Sunset photography and farewell dinner at the resort.

Accommodation: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas / The Z Hotel / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel Tip: Capture last photos of the Indian Ocean and enjoy the serene beaches before departure.

Activities:

• Breakfast at resort.

• Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for flight back to Nairobi or onward connection.

• Arrival in Nairobi and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Safari – Memories of Kenya’s wildlife and Zanzibar’s beaches to cherish forever.