Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Zanzibar - The Masai Mara
100% customisable for you
It’s time for your African adventure to begin. Head to the airport in time for your overnight flight from London to Nairobi, a non-stop journey of around nine hours. All that’s left to do is sit back, enjoy the in-flight entertainment and try to catch some shut-eye.
Hello from Nairobi! You won’t be on the ground for long after landing, as you’ll transfer straight to a small aircraft for a short and scenic flight across the savannah to the Mara North Conservancy. With its strict limit on visitor numbers, this 74,000-acre area is an absolute gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Unlike the Maasai Mara itself, cattle are allowed to graze here, so grass remains short and lush – perfect for spotting game.
As you land, you'll be warmly welcomed by your guide and driven for half an hour to your glorious safari camp. With bags unpacked, head out on your first afternoon game drive. Kick off your wildlife spotting and start snapping photos as you drink in the landscape. After a cooling sundowner, return to camp for a spectacular star-lit supper and a restful night's sleep.
Wake to the sounds of dawn in the African bush, grab your binoculars and head out on your early morning game drive. It won't be long before you encounter some of the Mara's wilder residents – keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, hyenas and giraffes, as well as increasing numbers of lions, cheetahs and leopards (thanks to recent conservation efforts). Your highly experienced guide will point out tracks and vegetation changes, helping you recognise the huge variety of species on your drive.
After a hearty breakfast back at camp, take some time to relax in the sunshine and admire the view from your veranda before embarking on an afternoon game drive. If you fancy another excursion, we can arrange a visit to a nearby Maasai village where you can learn about Maasai culture and traditional crafts, including the stunning beadwork that you'll see adorning their traditional red robes.
Rise and shine for another early game drive. Will this morning's drive bring you face-to-face with a family of lions, a herd of grazing gazelles, or perhaps a solitary leopard, watching the action from a treetop vantage point? Or perhaps you’ll head to a waterhole for a chance to glimpse bathing elephants, sly crocodiles or pods of hippos, not to mention the wide variety of birdlife around here.
After lunch – and once the midday heat has subsided – you may want to take a bush walk with your guide. Strolling through the grasslands offers a new perspective on size, from lofty giraffes and elegant zebras to stocky warthogs and tiny insects.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxing supper under the starry sky as you share more stories of your day's adventures around the campfire.
If you're visiting during the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests from the Serengeti (generally between July and October), you'll need a full day to make the most of your chances. Your guide knows exactly where to find the best view of the river crossings, where animals gather to drink and cross to more fertile grazing lands. With a picnic lunch, binoculars and a camera on hand, you'll have all the elements for a fantastic final day of animal sightings.
If you’re travelling outside of the window to witness the Great Migration crossings, don’t worry – we’ll organise some equally exceptional game drives to satisfy your every wildlife watching wish.
There may be time for one last game drive this morning to bid farewell to the African bush. After breakfast, wave goodbye to the wonderful team at your camp who've helped make your time here so special. Then you'll be transferred back to the Mara landing strip for a short flight to Nairobi, where you'll hop onto an onward flight to Stone Town in Zanzibar.
Touching down this evening, you'll be met at the airport on arrival and driven by private transfer to your enchanting beachside retreat. After the excitement of the Mara, it's time to wind down and chill out for the remainder of your holiday.
This morning, wake up to the gentle sound of the sea lapping against the shore. Stepping out of your luxurious accommodation, catch your first glimpse of the turquoise ocean, glinting in the sunlight and dotted with traditional wooden dhows. Sink your toes into the powder-soft sand as you feast your eyes on your castaway paradise.
Spend the day however you like, whether lounging on the beach, enjoying the spa facilities or practising yoga: the resort is designed with your total relaxation in mind. Fancy something a little more adventurous? Away from this sanctuary, you can enjoy diving and snorkelling, head out on a sunset dhow cruise or visit a local spice market.
No visit to Zanzibar is complete without learning about its history and culture. This morning, you'll be collected from the resort and driven to Stone Town for a guided tour, beginning in the city’s vibrant market laden with tropical fruits, exotic vegetables, fish and aromatic spices. Then, wander down picturesque alleys lined with ancient, stone-built houses to reach the Anglican Church of Christ, built on the site of slave auctions from colonial days.
The 19th-century Sultan's Palace Museum and the House of Wonders are next up on your route, followed by the Arab-built Old Fort. End your tour with a glass of refreshing sugarcane juice as you watch the sun go down at Forodhani Park, before being driven back to your resort in time for supper.
It’s time to get out on the water today. This morning, you'll be driven to Fumba, around 25 minutes from Stone Town. Here, you'll be welcomed aboard a hand-built dhow as you set out with your fellow passengers to explore the exquisite Menai Bay.
Look out for dolphins frolicking in the crystal-clear ocean, swim out from one of the dazzling white sand banks and tiny islands, and don a snorkel to admire the impressive coral reefs beneath the waves. At high tide, you can visit the secret mangrove lagoon on Kwale Island for a refreshing dip. Skim across the water in a traditional ngalawa (dug-out canoe), and at lunchtime, devour succulent barbecued lobster, fish and calamari, washed down with a cooling drink.
After an unforgettable day, head back to Fumba, where a car will be waiting to take you back to the resort in time for a relaxing dinner.
It’s the last full day of your holiday, so make the most of relaxation time before it’s back to reality. Enjoy strolls along the pristine beach, watch fishermen hauling in the day's catch or stretch out beneath a swaying palm tree with a good book. It’s also your final chance to indulge in the hotel’s spa facilities, so why not book in for a massage? We could think of worse ways to wrap up your holiday…
This evening, take your pick from the resort's restaurants for your last supper in Zanzibar, or enjoy a candle-lit dinner under the stars, right on the beach. Bliss.
Sadly, your trip has come to an end. Enjoy one last leisurely morning before taking a private transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight. There are no direct flights home, so you’ll need to catch a connecting flight before arriving back in the UK the next morning. With a full camera roll to keep you entertained, time will fly by…
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
