The Mara and Zanzibar Safari combines the best of wildlife adventure and beach relaxation. This tour takes you to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, and the beautiful coastal island of Zanzibar.
You will enjoy exciting game drives in Masai Mara, where wildebeests roam in large numbers, and later relax on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar while exploring historical sites like Stone Town and Prison Island.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the Big Five and the Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Enjoy a hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains
- Visit the Masai villages for a traditional cultural encounter
- Explore Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic capital
- Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Indian Ocean
- Visit Prison Island to see the giant tortoises
- Take a scenic dhow boat ride along the Zanzibar coast
- Relax at the beach with beautiful ocean views
Mara and Zanzibar Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Travel to Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 2: Mara expedition – Game drive and hot air balloon safari
- Day 3: Traditional Masai cultural experience and bird watching
- Day 4: Fly to Zanzibar, explore Stone Town
- Day 5: Tour Zanzibar – Snorkeling and diving
- Day 6: Visit Prison Island and dhow boat ride
- Day 7: End of tour and departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Masai Mara National Reserve
After pickup from your hotel, begin your journey to Masai Mara National Reserve, a drive of about five hours. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge while admiring the beautiful scenery of the reserve.
Day 2: Mara Expedition – Game Drive and Hot Air Balloon Safari
After an early breakfast at 5:30 am, go on a hot air balloon safari and enjoy panoramic views of the Masai Mara and its wildlife from above. The adventure ends with a bush breakfast served in the wild.
You may relax at your lodge afterward or continue with a game drive to see lions, elephants, zebras, and many other animals. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Traditional Masai Cultural Experience and Bird Watching
After breakfast, drive to a nearby Masai village for a cultural visit. Meet the Masai people, learn about their traditions, and enjoy their dances and songs.
Lunch will be served in the middle of the reserve. In the afternoon, go on a bird-watching tour starting around 3:00 pm. Look out for colorful species such as kingfishers, hornbills, and eagles before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Fly to Zanzibar and Explore Stone Town
Have an early breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and have lunch.
Spend the afternoon exploring Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old buildings, narrow streets, and spice markets. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Tour Zanzibar – Snorkeling and Diving
After breakfast, visit a spice plantation to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and aromatic spices. In the afternoon, go snorkeling and diving in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
These activities offer amazing views of coral reefs and tropical fish. Return to your beach resort in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Visit Prison Island and Traditional Dhow Boat Ride
After breakfast, take a short boat ride to Prison Island, where you will see the famous giant tortoises and explore the historic buildings.
Later in the evening, enjoy a traditional dhow boat ride as the sun sets over the ocean. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night.
Day 7: End of Tour and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Mara and Zanzibar Safari.
