~holiday safari~

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On Day 2 you will take an early morning flight to the amazing Amboseli National Park. Our representative will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Sit back and relax during  this short flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. Approximate flight duration is about 45 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the Ol Tukai Lodge (or similar).

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

Flight to Amboseli

The flight from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most scenic short-haul journeys, offering stunning views from start to finish. Departing from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, small safari aircraft head southeast toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. The flight typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes, covering about 160 kilometers (100 miles). Shortly after takeoff, you’ll soar over the patchwork of Nairobi’s outskirts before the landscape opens into vast savannah and acacia-dotted plains.

As the plane descends into Amboseli, the view becomes truly spectacular—Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, often capped with snow and rising dramatically above the flat terrain. On clear days, passengers may spot elephants, giraffes, and herds of wildebeest from the air as the aircraft approaches one of Amboseli’s airstrips inside or near the park.

Amboseli National Park

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife encounters. Vast open plains dotted with acacia trees create the perfect backdrop for herds of elephants, often seen moving gracefully beneath Africa’s highest peak. The park teems with lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, while shimmering swamps attract an abundance of birds and hippos. Whether capturing the perfect photograph of elephants against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit or enjoying the tranquility of a sunset drive, Amboseli offers a quintessential African safari experience that blends dramatic landscapes with unforgettable wildlife moments.

Morning Tours

Morning game drives in Amboseli National Park unfold in the soft glow of dawn, with mist rising from the plains and Mount Kilimanjaro standing tall in the background. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephant herds moving gracefully across the open plains, their silhouettes framed by the first light of day.
   
• Lions and cheetahs active after a night’s hunt, often seen near waterholes or resting in the early sun.
   
• Zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest grazing in the dewy grass, joined by playful gazelles and warthogs.
   
• Giraffes feeding on acacia branches while hyenas and jackals roam in search of leftovers.
   
• Flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds gathered in Amboseli’s shimmering swamps.
   
• The crisp air alive with the calls of hornbills, rollers, and raptors soaring overhead.

Here are some of the most popular morning activities in and around Amboseli National Park, perfect for making the most of the cool air and golden sunrise light:

• Early morning game drive — The prime safari activity, offering the best chance to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas before they retreat from the heat.
   
• Sunrise photography session — Capture Amboseli’s most iconic view — elephants silhouetted against Mount Kilimanjaro bathed in the first light of day.
   
• Birdwatching around the swamps — Early hours bring flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and herons, along with hunting fish eagles and kingfishers.
   
• Guided nature walk (outside the park) — Explore nearby conservancies on foot with a Maasai guide, learning about animal tracks, plants, and traditional bushcraft.
   
• Cultural visit to a Maasai village — Begin your day immersed in Maasai traditions, songs, and crafts before continuing your safari adventure.
   
• Bush breakfast — Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast in the wild after your morning drive, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the awakening savannah.

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon game drives in Amboseli National Park offer a tranquil yet captivating experience as the sun dips low and the plains shimmer under golden light. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephant herds gathering at swamps and waterholes to bathe and drink against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
   
• Buffalo and zebras grazing lazily on the open plains as the day cools.
   
• Lions resting in the tall grass, occasionally stirring as evening approaches.
   
• Cheetahs scanning the savannah for prey in the warm, fading light.
   
• Hippos surfacing in marshy pools and flamingos feeding along shallow lake edges.
   
• Graceful giraffes and wildebeest casting long shadows across the horizon.
   
• A sky alive with raptors, herons, and kingfishers returning to roost.

Here are some excellent afternoon activity options at or near Amboseli National Park to complement the game drives and provide a richer safari experience:

• Sundowner viewpoint drive — A scenic late afternoon game drive culminating at a ridgeline or swamp-edge vantage point to enjoy drinks and golden-hour light as the wildlife comes closer to water.
   
• Visit a Maasai village & cultural experience — Spend the afternoon with the local Maasai community, learning traditional dance, bead-work, and lifestyle as the day winds down.
   
• Bird-watching near swamps/wetlands — As the sun lowers, birds gather at waterholes in the park’s marshes, offering superb viewing of species like herons, flamingos, and fish-eagles.
   
• Photography stop at Observation Hill or scenic lookout — Take an afternoon break at a vantage point like Observation Hill for sweeping views of the park, the swamps and the mountain backdrop, ideal for capturing dramatic light.
   
• Nature walk outside the main park boundary (in a conservancy) — If your lodge allows it, a guided walk in an adjacent conservancy or community land gives a quieter, more intimate way to explore the bush around sundown.
  

Where you’ll be staying

• Ol Tukai Lodge (or similar)
• Chalet Room

On Day 8 you will take an early morning flight to Zanzibar. Our representative will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Sit back and relax during  this short flight from Ngorongoro National Park to Zanzibar. Approximate flight duration is about 1 hr and 45 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the Breezes Beach Club and Spa or similar).

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

Flight to Zanzibar

A flight from Ngorongoro to Zanzibar offers a stunning transition from highland wilderness to tropical paradise, typically taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Your adventure begins as the aircraft lifts off from the Ngorongoro Highlands, climbing over lush forests and the misty rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The view reveals terraced farms, volcanic slopes, and the glinting waters of Lake Manyara below. After a short flight eastward, the plane may land briefly in Arusha or Kilimanjaro — common stops for refueling and customs and immigration clearance,

Soon, the terrain flattens into the Great Rift Valley, giving way to the open savannas around Arusha and Mount Meru’s majestic silhouette. On clear days, the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro appears on the horizon — a breathtaking sight as you cruise toward the coast.

As the plane crosses the mainland and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the lush island of Zanzibar comes into view — palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, and the historic charm of Stone Town unfolding below. Moments later, you touch down at Zanzibar International Airport, greeted by warm sea air and the promise of spice-scented breezes and white-sand shores.

Beautiful Zanzibar

Off the coast of Tanzania, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean shimmer against white sands and swaying palms, lies Zanzibar — the “Spice Island,” where history, culture, and paradise meet. This enchanting archipelago blends exotic beauty with centuries of storytelling, offering travelers a destination that feels both timeless and alive.

Along the east coast, the beaches of Paje, Bwejuu, and Jambiani stretch for miles — serene, sun-soaked, and kissed by trade winds perfect for kite surfing and paddleboarding. At low tide, stroll across shimmering sandbars, visit local seaweed farms, or explore hidden coral pools teeming with life. Offshore, vibrant reef snorkeling and diving excursions reveal a kaleidoscope of marine colors beneath the surface.

Further north, the lively shores of Nungwi and Kendwa pulse with energy. Here, beachgoers bask under golden sunsets, join dhow cruises at twilight, and dance barefoot under the stars as beach bars come alive with music. The Mnarani Marine Turtle Sanctuary offers a chance to connect with Zanzibar’s wildlife conservation efforts, while nearby Mnemba Atoll is world-renowned for snorkeling and diving amid crystal-clear waters.

To the west, tranquility reigns. Near Stone Town, the beaches invite quiet reflection, dhow sailing, and romantic dinners by candlelight. Spend your days wandering through Stone Town’s historic alleys — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where spice markets, ancient mosques, and Swahili architecture tell stories of explorers and empires past. Then, venture inland to a spice plantation tour, where the island’s nickname, the “Spice Island,” comes to life in the scents of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Available Tours

This tour was designed on our "at you own pace" model to allow you the freedom not only to select the activities you want to participate in, but also to allow you more control over your time on Zanzibar's beautifully amazing beaches! You will be able to explore the lovely beaches via jet skis or explore inland on a small-group quad tour led by our expert guide. Pilot your own vehicle or pair up  with a loved one and head out to explore with a guide to lead the way. Visit local villages and agricultural areas, see native flora and maybe even fauna. You may elect to participate in all, some or none of the following:

• Safari Blue Tour – A full-day sea adventure featuring dhow sailing, snorkeling, a seafood lunch, and relaxation on pristine sandbanks surrounded by turquoise lagoons.
• Kite Surfing and Watersports – Take advantage of calm winds and clear skies for kite surfing, paddleboarding, or wading in Paje’s tranquil lagoons.
• Yoga or Meditation by the Sea – Begin your day with a sunrise yoga session or meditation on the beach, surrounded by the soothing sound of waves.
• Nakupenda Sandbank Excursion – Enjoy a boat trip to a secluded sandbank near Stone Town for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
• Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Tour – Venture to Zanzibar’s premier marine reserve for world-class snorkeling and a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.
• Jozani Forest Tour – Discover the island’s only national park, home to the rare red colobus monkey and lush mangrove ecosystems.
• Dolphin Tour (Kizimkazi) – Set out early from Zanzibar’s south coast to spot pods of dolphins in their natural environment, with optional snorkeling in calm coastal waters.
• Water Adventures – Try jet skiing, parasailing, or kayaking along the northern coast, where conditions are ideal and the views of the ocean are unforgettable.
• Quad Bike or ATV Village Tour – Ride through rural villages, spice plantations, and scenic trails for an adventurous look at Zanzibar’s countryside.
• Sunset Dhow Cruise – Sail along the west coast or near Stone Town as the sun sets, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and a truly romantic island experience.
• Full-Day Combination Tour – Combine popular experiences like the Spice Farm, Stone Town, and Prison Island into one immersive cultural and historical excursion.
• Horseback Riding on the Beach – Ride along the white sands of Nungwi or Pwani Mchangani, with options for swimming with the horses in shallow ocean waters.
• Cooking Class & Spice Market Visit – Learn to prepare authentic Swahili dishes using local spices and traditional techniques guided by local chefs.
• Deep-Sea Fishing Charter – Head offshore with local guides for a chance to catch tuna, marlin, or barracuda in Zanzibar’s warm tropical waters.
• Village Cultural Tour – Visit coastal fishing villages to experience authentic Swahili life, local crafts, and traditional palm weaving.
• Stone Town Walking Tour – Explore the UNESCO-listed heart of Zanzibar, discovering its labyrinthine alleys, historic Arab mansions, bustling markets, and ornate carved doors.
• Prison Island Tour – Take a short boat ride from Stone Town to visit the famous island sanctuary for giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding crystal-clear waters.
• Spice Farm Tour – Visit a working spice plantation and learn how cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla are grown and harvested — a sensory journey through Zanzibar’s aromatic heritage.

Where you’ll be staying:

• Breezes Beach Club and Spa (or similar)
• Deluxe Room (F/B)