Top Game Parks & Zanzibar Luxury

Itinerary

• Kenya

  Kenya is the regional hub for the quintessential safari experience, featuring top game parks of Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, and the beaches of Mombasa and Lamu. The country has the most modern infrastructure in the region and excellent flight connections to other countries in Africa. The "Big Five" animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. It is also famous for the annual migration, when millions of wildebeest head north to find fresh grass during the dry season. The migration varies yearly based on the rains, but tends to peak between mid-July to mid-September (in other months the migration moves around the Serengeti park in Tanzania.

• Masai Mara

  Masai Mara is the northernmost portion of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and features the best game viewing in the region. The small size funnels animals into a tight space, and park rules allow for off-road driving which means that guests can venture into plains covered with hundreds or even thousands of animals. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the plains, with the opportunity for amazing pictures of the animal herds below.

• Nairobi

  Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

• Tanzania

  Tanzania has a wealth of natural attractions. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated in the northeast, near the tourist hub of Arusha. The nearby game parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire receive most of the visitor volume. Other notable game parks are Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park in the south, and Gombe National Park in the west. Further to the west are the Great Lakes, Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (the world's deepest lake). The capital city of Dar Es Salaam is located on the eastern shore, but the main attraction is the exotic island of Zanzibar lying just offshore, with its Swahili architecture, spice plantations and white sand beaches.

• Ngorongoro

  "The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World’. A massive extinct volcano, the sheet walls drop thousands of feet to a "Noah's Ark" of animals on the verdant floor below. Large herds of zebra, buffalo, antelope and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

• Serengeti

  Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, the Serengeti is massive in size, 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq miles). Famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers the most diverse game-viewing in Africa.

• Zanzibar

  Zanzibar is the ultimate relaxation destination with history, culture, architecture, spice plantations and dazzling sand beaches. Exotic cuisine, diving and snorkelling, sailing dhows. There are so many unique experiences in store. Our favorite place to unwind and the perfect end to a safari.

• • Nairobi
  • Serena Hotel Poolside

  Day 1: Nairobi

  In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Accommodation: Serena

  The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, excelling in quality, service, and comfort beyond expectations. Its vibrant tropical gardens and skyline offer a range of views from its 184 rooms and suites, each decked with pan-African themed influences. Two stylish restaurants, offer both a la carte and/or buffet, and serve an international selection of fine cuisine amidst mesmerizing settings. Take advantage of the local attractions and, following a demanding full day, relax in the hands of an expert masseuse at the Maisha Serena Health Club. Gym, spa & pool at the hotel.

• • Masai
  • Mara West Outdoor Dining

  Day 2: Nairobi - Masai Mara

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Sit back and relax during this flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara today. The flight duration is approximately 45 min.

  Your expert guide will pick you up at the airstrip and will be taking you for a game drive on the way back to camp.

  This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your private guide and driver. The leopard is difficult to see as it moves fast and is very shy. If you're lucky there is a good chance to spot them around water holes or up in a tree after a long, hot day.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West

  Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

• • Hippo

  Day 3: Masai Mara

  Masai Mara is named after the traditional inhabitants (Maasai) and the Mara River. At some point during your stay in the Mara, you'll drive by the river, which is a great place to spot wildlife. This area is a photographer's delight where with any luck you'll be able to take amazing pictures of the hippos and elephants in the water.

  On today’s afternoon game drive the choice is up to you: search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover something different. Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of animals – it also has an incredible array of bird life with almost 450 different species.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West
• • Migration River Crossing

  Day 4: Masai Mara

  Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your private guide and vehicle. The Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with your guide and head out on your game drive. Mara is one of the few places you could spot the rare rhino. Stay alert as you track these elusive lumbering giants.

  Accommodation: Kensington Mara West
• • Serengeti
  • Kensington Serengeti 1

  Day 5: Masai Mara - Serengeti

  If time allows, your expert guide will be fitting in one more game drive before dropping you off at the airstrip. It will be your last chance to see the Masai Mara’s vast plains & its diverse range of birds and animals.

  Take your flight from Masai Mara to Serengeti via Nairobi and Kilimanjaro International Airports. The flight duration is approximately 6hrs.

  An expert guide will meet you at the airstrip, and take you on a game viewing drive, before bringing you to your camp.

  Accommodation: Naurei Serengeti Camp

  Naurei is a classic tented wilderness camp located just outside the Serengeti park gate. This camp offers an intimate connection to nature in this world famous park. With a maximum of 6-10 tents, staff are attentive to guests' needs and eager to please. Three main meals are served each day in the large canvas dining tent overlooking the plains. The classic safari tents feature campaign furniture and canvas wardrobe. Located in the Grumeti area, the camp is ideally situated for game drives along the river or head out into the park for the whole day and visit central Serengeti, known for its population of lion, leopard and cheetah. This is a rare opportunity to experience a classic tented camp experience. Fall asleep to the sound of animals outside; enjoy drinks by the fire as you watch the sun set over the plains.

• • Elephant
  • Lioness

  Day 6: Serengeti

  Head out into the park early in the morning as animals are more active in the early morning and afternoon. Tanzania's oldest and most renowned national park, the Serengeti offers the most expansive game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle. Explore this amazing park with the help of your expert guide.

  Today head out with your guide to explore the wide expanse of the Serengeti. The park is well known for its healthy stock of resident wildlife, particularly the "Big Five", named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros, and African buffalo. Though there are now few black rhino in the park, you may still spot them. The Serengeti has the largest population of lion and giraffe in all of Africa and the largest concentration of topi and Coke's hartebeest (kongoni). Enjoy the challenge of spotting other game such as cheetah, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, crowned crane and marabou stork.

  Accommodation: Naurei Serengeti Camp
• • Crater Floor
  • Serena

  Day 7: Serengeti - Ngorongoro

  This morning you will depart from the Serengeti on your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For the first part of the drive you'll be doing some game viewing as you leave the Serengeti. On this drive you have the option of stopping at Olduvlai gorge, the Serengeti welcome centre and lookout point, or stop for lunch at a picnic spot. Then drive up and around Ngorongoro Crater to your next accommodation. This drive takes 5 to 6 hours depending on the number of stops you make and how much game viewing you enjoy along the way. Expect longer trip times during the rainy seasons.

  The Olduvai Gorge or Oldupai Gorge is commonly referred to as "The Cradle of Mankind." It is a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley, which stretches along eastern Africa. Olduvai is in the eastern Serengeti Plains in northern Tanzania and is about 30 miles (48 km) long. The gorge is named after the Maasai word for the wild sisal plant Sansevieria ehrenbergii, commonly called Oldupai.

  Accommodation: Serena Safari Lodge Ngorongoro

  Seated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serena Safari Lodge faces this unique biodiversity-rich area head on. There are 74 guest rooms and suites, each decorated with brass lamps and leather headboards & Afro- Arabian artifacts. Dining combines international & Pan-African fare, often served in the bush where barbeque cuisine is a delight. Take part in game drives and hikes around the rich Ngorongoro Crater, full of life and discoveries. Serena Lodge is situated to provide one of the world's most spectacular panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater.

• • Lions

  Day 8: Ngorongoro

  Private transportation and guide in the Ngorongoro national park.

  Descend into the Ngorongoro caldera to view the wildlife on the crater floor. The crater is roughly 20 km/12 mi wide and 600 m/2,000 ft deep, once you've reached the top of the caldera it takes about 45 minutes to descend to the crater floor. The floor is home to a rich and highly concentrated wildlife. Some 20,000 mammals of size live there, including about 20 black rhinoceros, making the crater the best place in Tanzania to see the rhino. The crater floor also has one of the highest carnivore densities in the world. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals are commonly seen, while leopards, servals and bat-eared foxes may be seen with some good luck. You'll spend most of the day in the crater.

  Accommodation: Serena Safari Lodge Ngorongoro
• • Zanzibar
  • Ras Nungwi

  Day 9: Ngorongoro - Manyara - Zanzibar

  Your guide will transfer you between the hotel and the Manaya airstrip. This drive takes approx. 45mins to 1hr.

  Flight from Manyara to Zanzibar, and takes approximately 1hr and 55mins.

  Transfer between airport and your beach resort with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Ras Nungwi

  Ras Nungwi lies at the north side of Zanzibar Island, a breezy beach escape on the spiciest island in Tanzania. The 32 rooms and suites are each delicately woven and laced with local and eastern contemporary designs. Meals are a healthy mix of Indian and African, buffet and service, as the country’s variety of cultures fuse together to provide guests with a genuine taste of local colors. An air of relaxation emanates from every pore of the hotel’s skin, welcoming all to join in on the educational and active games and water sports, including diving and snorkeling.

• • Kayaking at Zanzibar Islands

  Day 10: Zanzibar

  Time permitting, there are many optional activities. If you would like, you can book tours in advance. Half day tours include: Swahili Cultural Tour, Spice Tour, Stone Town Tour, or even Spice Tour and cooking lesson. Full day tours include: Dolphin Sandbank Picnic, Prison Island & Mangapwani Beach, Spice & Stone Town or our Stone Town, Slave Market, Spice Farm and Cultural Village. Ask your travel consultant for more details and pricing.

  If you prefer, sign up for activities on the ground through your lodging (not included in tour price). Activities range from cultural, historical (slave trade and spice route), visit forests and ruins, enjoy deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swim with dolphins and more! Simply speak to your accommodations upon check-in to sign up the tours, activities and excursions of your choice.

  Accommodation: Ras Nungwi
• • Stone Town

  Day 11: Zanzibar

  Today head out on your private tour of historic Stone Town and spice route. A visit to a spice farm village gives you an insight into local life and the opportunity to try some Swahili dishes, taste the fruits in season and try some spiced tea. Walk through the spice farm with your guide. Touch, smell and taste different spices and tropical fruits. Try to guess which is which, from the crushed leaves, the fruit, shoots and vines and creepers crawling up the trees.

  Then follow the trail of the sultans, slaves and explorers in the winding streets of Stone Town. Your guide will tell you about the events that shaped Zanzibar, leading you through the buildings where it all happened, such as the former Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders and the Sultans’ Palace Museum, the Old Arab Fort and Dispensary.

  This tour is very flexible and can be adapted suit your interest and time frame. If you’re a shopaholic, culture vulture or history buff, just let your guide know and they will adjust the tour for you. If you want to hunt for antiques and souvenir shop, follow David Livingstone’s time in Zanzibar, or walk the path of the slave trade, your guide can recommend and develop routes and itineraries that will optimize your time and get the most out of your trip. (Lunch included)

  Please bring:
  • Sun hat and sun cream.
  • Comfortable closed walking or hiking shoes and pants.
  • Please dress conservatively when walking through Stone Town. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers in respect to local customs.

  Tour operates from Stone Town. Transfer time will vary depending on what part of the island you are coming from. Time in transit could be 30min to 1.5hrs each way. 

  Accommodation: Ras Nungwi
• • Masai Market, Nairobi

  Day 12: Zanzibar - Nairobi

  (Note: an extra departure tax of $30 must be paid on departure).

  Transfer between airport and your beach resort with private vehicle and driver.

  Take your flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Nairobi (NBO) today. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hr.

  Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs.

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The leopard is an agile and graceful predator. Although smaller than the other members of Panthera, the leopard is still able to take large prey given a massive skull that well utilizes powerful jaw muscles. One of many spotted cats, a leopard may be mistaken for a cheetah or a jaguar. The leopard has rosette rather than cheetah's simple spots, but they lack internal spots, unlike the jaguar. The leopard is larger and less lanky than the cheetah but smaller than the jaguar. The leopard's black, irregular rosettes serve as camouflage. They are circular in East Africa but tend to be square in southern Africa.

• Culinary Delights

  Just because you are on safari doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your palate. Enjoy a fusion of exotic and classic dishes such as traditional African and Cape Malay delicacies, fresh seafood served on the beach, Pan-African cuisine and authentic Indian curries.

• Pampered Indulgence

  After a hectic day of game drives, gourmet picnics, and leopard sightings, pull up a canvass chair around the fire, put your feet up on the old tree-stump stool in front of you, and indulge in the great old African tradition of the 'sundowner'. A sundowner consists of having a cocktail of your choice usually perched on a raised area (e.g., an escarpment, hill, rocky outcropping of rocks) as you marvel at the amazing African sunset.

• • Serena Hotel Poolside

  Serena

  The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, excelling in quality, service, and comfort beyond expectations. Its vibrant tropical gardens and skyline offer a range of views from its 184 rooms and suites, each decked with pan-African themed influences. Two stylish restaurants, offer both a la carte and/or buffet, and serve an international selection of fine cuisine amidst mesmerizing settings. Take advantage of the local attractions and, following a demanding full day, relax in the hands of an expert masseuse at the Maisha Serena Health Club. Gym, spa & pool at the hotel.

  • More information
• • Mara West Outdoor Dining
  • Mara West Chalet View

  Kensington Mara West

  Kensington Mara West Camp has been revamped and relocated to what is surely one of the best views in East Africa. Perched elegantly on the Ololoolo escarpment, forming the western boundary of the Masai Mara Reserve itself. This is the authentic Out of Africa experience where much of the original film itself was filmed & produced. The camp borders the remote and beautiful western edge of Masai Mara National Reserve. Kensington Mara West provides nature lovers with deluxe accommodations while experiencing the sights and sounds of an unforgettable African safari. Tents offer rustic charm surrounded by grassy fields. Chalets are perched in secluded spots on an escarpment edge overlooking the vast plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, giving tremendous views and a sense of private exclusion.

  • More information
• • Kensington Serengeti Exterior
  • Kensington Serengeti tent

  Naurei Serengeti Camp

  Naurei is a classic tented wilderness camp located just outside the Serengeti park gate. This camp offers an intimate connection to nature in this world famous park. With a maximum of 6-10 tents, staff are attentive to guests' needs and eager to please. Three main meals are served each day in the large canvas dining tent overlooking the plains. The classic safari tents feature campaign furniture and canvas wardrobe. Located in the Grumeti area, the camp is ideally situated for game drives along the river or head out into the park for the whole day and visit central Serengeti, known for its population of lion, leopard and cheetah. This is a rare opportunity to experience a classic tented camp experience. Fall asleep to the sound of animals outside; enjoy drinks by the fire as you watch the sun set over the plains.

  • More information
• • Serena

  Serena Safari Lodge Ngorongoro

  Seated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serena Safari Lodge faces this unique biodiversity-rich area head on. There are 74 guest rooms and suites, each decorated with brass lamps and leather headboards & Afro- Arabian artifacts. Dining combines international & Pan-African fare, often served in the bush where barbeque cuisine is a delight. Take part in game drives and hikes around the rich Ngorongoro Crater, full of life and discoveries. Serena Lodge is situated to provide one of the world's most spectacular panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • More information
• • Ras Nungwi

  Ras Nungwi

  Ras Nungwi lies at the north side of Zanzibar Island, a breezy beach escape on the spiciest island in Tanzania. The 32 rooms and suites are each delicately woven and laced with local and eastern contemporary designs. Meals are a healthy mix of Indian and African, buffet and service, as the country’s variety of cultures fuse together to provide guests with a genuine taste of local colors. An air of relaxation emanates from every pore of the hotel’s skin, welcoming all to join in on the educational and active games and water sports, including diving and snorkeling.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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