Ultimate 22-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari Adventure
Embark on a 22-day journey of a lifetime, exploring the best of Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar—a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and tropical relaxation. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through breathtaking landscapes, from Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi, to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, ensuring an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and serenity.
Begin in Kenya, where you’ll explore Nairobi’s top attractions, including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) and Giraffe Center, before setting off on a thrilling safari to Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and the legendary Maasai Mara. Experience the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, from rare Grevy’s zebras to the Big Five, with opportunities for game drives, cultural interactions, and scenic adventures.
Cross into Tanzania, where the wonders of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti await. Witness the Great Migration, explore ancient landscapes, and even catch a hot air balloon ride over the endless plains. Finally, fly to Zanzibar, a paradise of white sandy beaches, rich Swahili history, and thrilling marine excursions.
Detailed Itinerary For 22 Days combined Kenya Tanzania Lodge Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya – The Safari Adventure Begins
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya, the gateway to East Africa’s most thrilling safaris! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a professional guide who will assist with customs and immigration formalities before transferring you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt to relax at your accommodation or take an optional excursion to explore the vibrant capital. You may visit the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the famous Danish author of Out of Africa, or explore the Bomas of Kenya for a taste of traditional music and dance. For food lovers, Nairobi is a melting pot of flavors—consider dining at the Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its exotic meat selections, or enjoy a rooftop sundowner with sweeping views of the city. Rest well tonight, as your epic 22-day safari adventure officially begins tomorrow!
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi
- Luxury: Tamarind Tree Hotel
- Mid-range: Sarova Pan-Afric
Day 2: Nairobi Tour – DSWT & Giraffe Center
After breakfast, your first stop is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), a renowned elephant orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating baby elephants that have lost their mothers to poaching or natural causes. Watch these playful giants feed, interact, and enjoy mud baths, while learning about conservation efforts.
Next, head to the Giraffe Centre, home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Here, you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants, feeding them special pellets from an elevated platform. You’ll also learn about giraffe conservation initiatives in Kenya.
After lunch, explore the city’s cultural and historical sites. Visit the Nairobi National Museum for a deeper understanding of Kenya’s history, or take a short drive to the Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative, where local artisans create stunning handmade jewelry. As evening falls, return to your hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s journey into the wild.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi
- Luxury: Tamarind Tree Hotel
- Mid-range: Sarova Pan-Afric
Day 3: Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve – Into the Wild
Your journey to the remote Samburu Game Reserve begins with an early morning drive, passing through central Kenya’s highlands and crossing the equator. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, nestled in this rugged, semi-arid landscape.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Samburu, known for its unique wildlife, including the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. Unlike other parks, Samburu offers a less crowded safari experience, allowing you to enjoy the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
As the sun sets over the Ewaso Nyiro River, home to large elephant herds, return to your camp for a fireside dinner under the stars.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Saruni Samburu
- Luxury: Ashnil Samburu Camp
- Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Day 4: Full Day in Samburu – Exploring the Untamed Wilderness
Start your day with an early morning game drive, when the predators—lions, cheetahs, and leopards—are most active. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over the acacia-dotted plains, with chances to spot wild dogs, crocodiles, and large elephant herds.
After breakfast, visit a Samburu village to interact with the semi-nomadic Samburu people, known for their vibrant beadwork and rich cultural traditions. Learn about their livestock-based lifestyle, traditional songs, and warrior ceremonies.
In the afternoon, take another game drive or opt for a guided nature walk along the riverbanks, spotting rare birds like the vulturine guinea fowl. Enjoy a bush dinner under the stars, with the distant roar of lions completing the magical African night.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Saruni Samburu
- Luxury: Soroi Samburu Lodge
- Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Day 5: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhino Conservation & Chimpanzees
After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering wildlife sanctuary dedicated to conservation. Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp for lunch before heading out for an afternoon of incredible wildlife experiences.
Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, and you’ll get a chance to visit them up close while learning about global efforts to save the species. The conservancy also houses the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, providing a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees.
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, where you may spot lions, elephants, buffalos, and even the rare African wild dog. As evening approaches, return to your lodge and enjoy an authentic African barbecue dinner by the campfire.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
- Luxury: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Mid-range: The Stables
Day 6: Ol Pejeta – Nyahururu Falls – Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Ol Pejeta early and head toward Nyahururu Falls, also known as Thomson’s Falls. This beautiful 74-meter (243-foot) waterfall offers breathtaking views and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.
Next, proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch. This park is famous for its massive flamingo population, which creates a stunning pink hue across the lake’s surface. In the afternoon, take a game drive to spot rhinos, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, and tree-climbing lions. The picturesque lake, surrounded by woodlands and cliffs, is also a haven for over 450 bird species.
Enjoy a sundowner overlooking the lake, before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: The Cliff Nakuru
- Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
- Mid-range: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara – Entering the Lion’s Kingdom
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. This world-famous reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and is the stage for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya.
In the late afternoon, embark on a game drive across the golden savannah, where predators lurk in the tall grass, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner, with the sounds of the African wilderness in the background.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
- Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Mid-range Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Day 8: Full-Day Exploration of Maasai Mara – Witnessing the African Wild
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and set off for a full-day safari in the Maasai Mara, one of the most spectacular wildlife reserves in the world. After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, where you’ll have a high chance of spotting the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The Mara is also famous for its cheetahs, which can often be seen sprinting across the savannah in pursuit of prey.
Drive deeper into the park with a picnic lunch in the open plains, offering breathtaking views of the endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees. If visiting during the Great Migration season (July to October), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving the crocodile-infested Mara River in a heart-pounding crossing. In the afternoon, explore the Mara Triangle, an area known for high predator activity, and visit the Mara River to observe hippos and basking Nile crocodiles.
As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner under the starlit African sky, with the distant roars of lions adding to the wilderness experience.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
- Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Mid-range Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Day 9: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – A Cultural and Scenic Journey
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Maasai Mara, giving you one last chance to spot any elusive wildlife. Afterward, bid farewell to the Mara and embark on a scenic drive back to Nairobi. En route, stop at a Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience—learn about their nomadic lifestyle, traditional dances, and beadwork, and listen to fascinating stories passed down through generations.
Arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before heading for a farewell dinner at a top-rated restaurant, such as Tamarind Nairobi for seafood lovers or Carnivore Restaurant for a unique Kenyan nyama choma (grilled meat) experience. After dinner, transfer to your hotel for a restful night before the next leg of your adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
- Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi
- Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Day 10: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – The Land of Giants
Today, drive south towards Amboseli National Park, a stunning landscape framed by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of elephants wandering the plains with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive, where large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes roam freely. The park is also home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and over 400 bird species. Visit Observation Hill, a high vantage point offering breathtaking views of Amboseli’s vast plains, swamps, and wildlife. As the sun sets, return to your lodge and unwind with a sundowner while listening to the distant trumpeting of elephants.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Elewana Tortilis
- Luxury: Ol Tukai Lodge
- Mid-range: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 11: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli – Unforgettable Wildlife Moments
Start your morning with an early game drive, where you can witness the golden sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro while watching the wildlife awaken. Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large elephant herds up close, and their interactions make for incredible photography opportunities.
Mid-morning, visit a Maasai village to experience their culture and learn about their co-existence with wildlife. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Enkongo Narok Swamp, a year-round water source attracting hippos, buffaloes, and a variety of birdlife.
The afternoon is dedicated to more game drives, exploring Amboseli’s diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs to seasonal lakes and dense woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings of wild dogs, caracals, and serval cats. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and dinner under the African sky.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Elewana Tortilis
- Luxury: Ol Tukai Lodge
- Mid-range: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Day 12: Amboseli to Arusha, Tanzania – A Cross-Border Adventure
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga, where you’ll complete immigration formalities before entering Tanzania. Continue to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, arriving in time for lunch.
Spend the afternoon exploring Arusha’s cultural and historical sites, including the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, known for its incredible collection of African art and crafts. Alternatively, relax at your lodge, enjoying stunning views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
- Mid-range: Venus Hotel
Day 13: Tarangire National Park – Tanzania’s Elephant Paradise
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife. Arrive in time for a game drive en route to your lodge, where you will check in and have lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River, where large herds of elephants gather to drink. Keep an eye out for big cats such as lions and leopards, as well as wildebeests, giraffes, and hartebeests. Tarangire is also home to rare species like the fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening around the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Tarangire Treetops
- Luxury: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Mid-Range: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Day 14: Tarangire to Lake Manyara – Exploring the Great Rift Valley
Depart Tarangire in the morning and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park, a picturesque reserve nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its tree-climbing lions, this park also boasts over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and hornbills.
Enjoy a game drive through the dense groundwater forest, where troops of baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants roam. Visit the lake’s shores to see hippos and water birds, and explore the Maji Moto hot springs, a fascinating natural feature of the park.
After lunch, proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will check in at your lodge located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering breathtaking views of this wildlife-filled caldera. Enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
- Mid-Range: Tortilis Camp
Day 15: Ngorongoro to Serengeti – Journey to the Endless Plains
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa. The caldera, formed millions of years ago, is home to over 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and cheetahs. Drive across the crater floor, stopping at Lake Magadi, a seasonal alkaline lake where flamingos and hippos thrive. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot before ascending the crater rim in the afternoon.
Next, embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through Maasai villages and vast open plains. Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, is famous for its abundant wildlife and is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move in search of fresh pastures. Arrive in time for a sunset game drive, then check into your lodge or camp for dinner under the African stars.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Melia Serengeti Lodge
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Camp
- Mid-Range: Torilis Camp
Day 16: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti – A Wildlife Spectacle
Wake up to the sounds of the wilderness and set off for an early morning game drive, a prime time to see predators like lions and cheetahs hunting in the golden light. The Serengeti is home to Africa’s largest populations of lions and hyenas, as well as herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Mid-morning, return to camp for breakfast before continuing your adventure through different landscapes, from the iconic kopjes (rocky outcrops) to vast acacia-dotted savannahs. Visit the Grumeti River, a hotspot for massive crocodiles and hippos, and explore the central Serengeti, where wildlife activity is at its peak.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, followed by an afternoon game drive to spot elusive leopards lounging in trees and herds of wildebeest crossing the plains. As the sun sets, return to camp and enjoy a traditional bush dinner under the stars, listening to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Melia Serengeti Lodge
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Camp
- Mid-Range: Torilis Camp
Day 17: Serengeti to Arusha – Fly to Zanzibar for Island Bliss
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive in Serengeti before transferring to Seronera Airstrip for a domestic flight to Arusha. From Arusha, catch a connecting flight to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s idyllic island paradise. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your beachfront resort.
Spend the rest of the day unwinding on the white sandy beaches, sipping fresh coconut water as you soak in the tropical beauty. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner under the stars, followed by an optional beach bonfire.
Accommodation Options:
- Top[ Luxury: Baraza Resort & Spa
- Luxury: Blue Bay Resort
- Mid-Range: ocean Paradise Resort and Spa
Day 18: Zanzibar Island – Stone Town & Spice Tour
Start your day with a walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Swahili, Arab, and European influences. Explore narrow alleys, vibrant markets, and historical sites like the House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace, and the Old Fort. Visit the former Slave Market, a poignant reminder of Zanzibar’s history, before heading to the spice farms.
Embark on a guided spice tour, where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s famous cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations. Taste fresh tropical fruits and witness how these spices are grown and harvested. After lunch, return to your beach side resort and relax with an ocean swim or a sunset dhow cruise, an enchanting experience on a traditional wooden boat.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Baraza Resort & Spa
- Luxury: Blue Bay
- Mid-Range: Amaan Bungalows
Day 19: Zanzibar – Snorkeling, Dolphin Watching & Jozani Forest
Head to Mnemba Atoll, one of the best snorkeling spots in East Africa. Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and starfish. Continue with a dolphin-watching tour in Kizimkazi, where you may spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit Jozani Forest, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. Walk through the lush tropical forest, learning about its diverse flora and fauna. Return to your resort for a relaxed evening, enjoying a beachfront dinner under the stars.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar
- Luxury: The Sands Beach Resort
- Mid-Range: Paje Beach Apartments
Day 20: Zanzibar – Prison Island & Beach Relaxation
Today, take a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island), known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. Learn about the island’s history as a former prison and quarantine station, then enjoy a relaxing time on the pristine white beaches with opportunities for snorkeling.
Return to your hotel for a lazy afternoon on the beach, indulging in spa treatments or simply soaking up the sun. As the trip nears its end, celebrate with a private beach dinner, complete with a Swahili cultural performance.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Essque Zalu Zanzibar
- Luxury: Nungwi Beach Resort
- Mid-Range: Warere Beach
Day 21: Zanzibar – Free Day for Leisure & Water Sports
Spend your final full day in Zanzibar at leisure. Choose from an array of water sports, such as kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, or paddleboarding. You can also explore the beautiful beaches of Kendwa, Nungwi, or Paje.
Alternatively, take a cycling tour through rural villages, where you’ll meet friendly locals and learn about traditional Swahili culture. End the day with a sunset horseback ride along the beach, followed by a farewell dinner.
Accommodation Options:
- Top Luxury: Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
- Luxury: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Mid-Range: Kendwa Rocks
Day 22: Zanzibar to Nairobi – Departure Home
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the beach, taking in the last moments of Zanzibar’s beauty before transferring to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Board your flight to Nairobi, where you can either connect to your international flight home or spend a few hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s lounges, reflecting on your unforgettable Kenya & Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach retreat.
As you fly home, you’ll carry cherished memories of epic wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and tropical paradise, making this 22-day adventure a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey.
This itinerary is packed with diverse experiences, from Kenya’s wildlife safaris to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro and Serengeti plains, and finally Zanzibar’s exotic beaches.
Safari Per Person (Top – Luxury)
2 Pax = USD $26135 Per Person Sharing
4 Pax = USD $24015 Per Person Sharing
6 Pax = USD $22570 Per Person
Safari Per Person Luxury
2 Pax = USD $15975
4 Pax = USD $13280
6 Pax = USD $11700
Safari Per Person Mid-Range
2 Pax = USD $12050
4 Pax = USD $9999
6 Pax = USD $8600
OPTIONAL
BALLOON RIDE IN MASAI MARA USD$440 PER PERSON
BALLOON RIDE IN SERENGETI USD$580 PER PERSON
Tour price includes:
– Courtesy Nairobi-hotel pick up/drop off airport transfers
– 2 Nights Nairobi Hotel on bed and breakfast
– Tour in a customized pop up top Toyota safari 4×4 jeep
– Services of an experienced English language speaking driver/ guide.
– Stay in Luxury safari lodges / tented camps
– Game viewing drives
– Entrance fees.
– Meals on safari.
– Bottled drinking water in a safari vehicle.
– Boat ride at Lake Naivasha
– The flying doctors medical, emergency and rescue cover.
– Pick up Hotel and drop-off at airport
– 4 Nights in beach Hotel at half board basis
– 2 Nights in Stone House on bed and breakfast
– Flight from Seregenti/Zanzibar back to Nairobi
– Government taxes and local levies
Not included in the tour price
– Other bottled drinks.
– Items and services of a personal nature.
– Tips or gratuities
