Outstanding game viewing in the Masai Mara Comfortable safari staying at intimate bush camp with en suite facilities and walk-in tents Four nights on the exotic island of Zanzibar Independent family trips available

The Masai Mara and exotic Zanzibar are undoubtedly two of East Africa's highlights. The Kenyan wildlife is outstanding, and we can enjoy abundant birdlife at Lake Elementaita, the lakeshore is only a short walk from our lodge. In the Masai Mara the game is usually bustling around our luxury camp which is in the east of the conservation area. The name Zanzibar conjures up images of spices, palm-fringed beaches, slave trading and the narrow streets of Arab bazaars. It's a place to stroll through the town or along the beach, to explore the colourful reef offshore, or to simply relax and soak up the sun!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Air Kenya Terminal, Wilson Airport, Nairobi, arrival by 0830, for a 1000 flight. After a short (1 hour max) flight to the Mara, we transfer to our camp. 2-3 Two full days in this remarkable game area. The game drives normally take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as this is the best time for viewing game. They last approximately 3-4 hours. You can choose whether to have a packed breakfast out on the plains or whether to return to camp. If you fancy a lie-in one day or an optional nature walk, this can easily be arranged. Meal times are a delight taken in the shade or under the stars in the evening. During time off you can relax in your private tents, the lounge or viewing tower. However it is the game and scenery that make this area so incredible: huge prides of predators feasting on an abundance of plains game. Once a year the plains darken with the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. This is an astonishing spectacle of almost two million plains game searching for the best grass. It is impossible to predict the scale or the exact timings of the migration into the Mara as this varies from year to year but it occurs some time between July and October. At this time the plains game are relentlessly pursued by the big predators, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. As a climax, there is the also the option of taking a sunrise balloon ride over the African plains (subject to the weather conditions and availability). 4 We head off early for a long and bumpy journey (approximately 6 hours) to Lake Elementaita. This is one of Kenya's famous lakes and home to many thousands of flamingos. A picnic lunch will be taken en-route and you will arrive mid-afternoon in time to relax by the pleasant hotel swimming pool with views down to the lake. 5 Early start for a full day's game drive at Lake Nakuru, about 30 minutes away. The National Park (285 km sq) is world-renowned for its teeming flamingo population made famous by Denys Finch Hatton's flight over it in the film 'Out of Africa'. Nakuru is also the best place in East Africa for white rhino and it is not unusual to see at least a dozen in a day. Coupled with this, there is a healthy buffalo population, many other plains game and frequent leopard sightings. A picnic lunch is taken at one of the picturesque picnic sites within the Park. We head back to Elementaita as the sun sets and enjoy dinner at the lodge. 6 The morning is free to relax and swim. Alternatively there is time for a morning optional game walk (recommended) on which you might see plains game including gazelle, impala and sometimes giraffe as well as plenty of bird life. After lunch we head back to Nairobi (3 hours) and check into our hotel. Many groups enjoy a meal (at your expense) at the Carnivore. Here you can sample a variety of meats including ostrich and camel. (the other game meats are no longer available due to licencing restrictions). 7 In the morning we fly to Zanzibar. The rest of the day is free to discover more of Stone Town, exploring the twisting, narrow streets, buying some souvenirs, and visiting the former slave market, and taste some of the delicious food from Zanzibar. It is also possible to arrange for an optional guided city walk. Please note that, while you will be met and briefed by an individual on arrival, you are not escorted at any stage on the Zanzibar portion of the tour. 8-10 Two free days at Fumba. There is a snorkelling and diving center on site, so both can be easily arranged and is a wonderful way to experience the underwater world with its array of multicoloured fish. A day excursion with snorkelling, sunbathing and a picnic lunch on a secluded island is highly recommended. During the excursion there is a very good chance to see the resident dolphins in Menai Bay. Alternatively you could simply relax by the swimming pool. Another option is a spice tour; much of inland Zanzibar is dominated by the production of exotic spices and we can visit several farms with a professional guide, with the chance to taste and buy! If a romantic or even just a relaxed, dinner is appealing, childminders are available. 11 A final morning to relax by the beach. After an early lunch we transfer back to Stone Town. Those not flying back with the group leave us after lunch in Stone Town.

Mode of travel: Flights via Nairobi with Kenyan Airways. Transport minibus and internal flight.
Group size: Min. 4, max. 12, plus guide and driver(s). Local rep ONLY on Zanzibar.
Accommodation: 3 nights luxury bush camp, 2 nights lodge, 4 nights hotels.
Food: Full board on safari, breakfast and 3 dinners incuded on Zanzibar.
Optional Single Supplement: from $480.00
Trip Reference: FAL
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.