Wonders of Kenya with Zanzibar Island Escape

Karibu! Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in the capital, Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by a Trafalgar Representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening with your fellow explorers and your Driver Guide enjoying a delicious Welcome Reception at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant.
Please note: The full duration of the main itinerary (Days 1 - 9) is operated by a 4 X 4 safari vehicle, including all road travel and safari game drives. The trip will travel over a variety of terrains, resulting in some rough and bumpy journeys. The Zanzibar portion will be operated in non 4 X 4 vehicles.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi behind and embark on a 4 x 4 journey north to Aberdare National Park. En route you'll 'Connect With Locals ' during a 'Be My Guest' experience in the highlands of central Kenya. Join Elizabeth, a local farmer, for a delicious treat of freshly baked scones and coffee, made from the beans of the neighbouring coffee plantation. You'll have an opportunity to visit the plantation and Elizabeth's extensive farm gardens before settling in for a hearty local lunch. Tonight you'll stay in The Ark Lodge, one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories', offering spectacular opportunities to view the resident birdlife and wildlife.

We'll leave the lush greenery of the Kenya highlands region behind as we journey to the contrasting arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. As you continue your safari adventure here, you'll hopefully have the chance to tick the 'Samburu Special 5' off your list as you track such species as the Grevy's Zebra and the Reticulated Giraffe found only in the northern Kenya region. Your accommodation tonight is a luxury tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Made famous in the award-winning book and movie Born Free, Samburu National Reserve was the home of Elsa, the famous lioness raised by conservationists George and Joy Adamson. Rise early with the birds and embark on a morning game drive through acacia forest and expansive grasslands in search of wildlife. Relax at your camp on your return then head out back out into the savannah on a late afternoon game drive.

The plight of Africa’s rhinos takes centre stage today during a poignant visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This morning you’ll learn about their efforts to fight poaching in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and enjoy a quick photo stop at the point where the equator slices through the conservancy. Next up is a visit to Sweetwaters Sanctuary to meet the cheeky resident orphaned or rescued chimpanzees. Then continue to your accommodation tonight, keeping a keen eye out this evening for thirsty wildlife that come to the floodlit on site waterhole to drink after a dry day in the African wilderness.

Have your camera ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Thomson's Falls. Visit the bird watcher's paradise that is Lake Nakuru National Park, then join your Driver Guide for an afternoon game drive to spot pink flamingos lining the lakeshore and to search for lion and leopard.

Your journey continues to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, your home for the next two nights. During your time here, spend some time at your lodge's watering hole where large pods of hippo can often be seen.

Don your hat and polish those binoculars for a full day of safari in Maasai Mara's wilderness. When you're not traversing the savannah in search of the Big 5, you'll 'Dive Into Culture' and join a Maasai community in their local village. Watch the colourfully clad warriors demonstrate their jumping prowess, then tour the village to gain in-depth insights into their daily life. Later, indulge in a bush picnic - the sounds of the bush the perfect accompaniment while you keep your eyes peeled for the flash of resident Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes flitting from tree to tree.

Your Kenyan safari adventure at its end, you'll return to Nairobi where a day room has been reserved at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel for you to use prior to your evening flight over to Zanzibar. (please note Trafalgar does NOT include the return flights to Zanzibar. Guests are required to purchase their flights separately and book the Precision Air flight PW712). Touching down in island paradise, you'll be transferred to your hotel and settle into your resort, home for the next three nights.

What better way to connect with your multi-cultural surrounds than embarking on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town with a 'Local Specialist'? Peel back the layers of Zanzibar's colourful history as you wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors distinctive of this Swahili coastal trading town. Visit the former slave market, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort, unearthing the soul-stirring history of this former trading hub. Later, discover Zanzibar's reputation as the 'Spice Island', embarking on a 'Dive Into Culture' visit to a shamba (spice farm) with a local guide. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they've been cultivated and used for centuries.

Kick off your shoes and let the warm sand sink between your toes on Zanzibar's exquisite beaches. Wade into the clear, warm turquoise waters and immerse yourself in the latest bestseller under swaying palm trees. Make the most of your day in paradise and join an Optional Experience full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. Set sail from a traditional fishing village, keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of the tropical fish beneath the water's surface. You'll pause on a sandbank where you can cool off in the ocean, swim or snorkel to see the colourful marine life (all equipment is provided). Feast on a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch before returning to the shore relaxed and revived.

A leisurely start to the day will see you enjoy a few precious hours soaking up final fond memories of Zanzibar. Then it's time to bid farewell to the Spice Island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your return journey home. (Trafalgar does NOT include the departure flight from Zanzibar. Guests are required to purchase this flight themselves and may depart at any time on the final day of the trip)