Welcome to Trafalgar's New Zealand website. Would you like to visit Trafalgar's US website instead?
Navigation Close Icon
This site is not fully supported in Internet Explorer 11 (and earlier) versions. Please upgrade your browser to Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari or other latest browser.
African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape
Utility Tooltip Icon
You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape
Explore the wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania, crossing the landscapes where thousands of wildebeest make their brave pilgrimage. Navigate lakes in search of resting hippo and savour the spicy flavours of Swahili cuisine - all on this East African adventure of a lifetime. Finish your trip embracing tropical island paradise in Zanzibar. The Spice Island may be best known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear sea, but its rich trading heritage is equally a delight for culture and history buffs.
Internal flights included for 2023 dates only
W T T C Safe Travels Stamp Icon
Trip code
KTZE
African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape
Explore the wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania, crossing the landscapes where thousands of wildebeest make their brave pilgrimage. Navigate lakes in search of resting hippo and savour the spicy flavours of Swahili cuisine - all on this East African adventure of a lifetime. Finish your trip embracing tropical island paradise in Zanzibar. The Spice Island may be best known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear sea, but its rich trading heritage is equally a delight for culture and history buffs.
Karibu! Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in the capital, Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by a Trafalgar Representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening with your fellow explorers and your Driver Guide enjoying a delicious Welcome Reception at the world-famous Carnivore restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Tamarind Tree
This morning Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest Experience at Shangilia Children's Home, a centre for street and orphaned children in Nairobi. A highlight of your visit will be the opportunity to watch Shangilia’s older children go about their daily music, acrobatics and dance practice. Your visit is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and contributes to the home's efforts to transform the lives of these vulnerable children. After lunch, you'll make tracks north to the Aberdare Highlands. For the next two nights, this wildlife sanctuary will be your home – as it is for large herds of zebra, warthog and impala which you’ll often spot grazing nearby. Take advantage of a quiet afternoon and relax at the pool, or join an Optional Experience through the forested ravines and open moorlands that characterise the distinctive landscape of Aberdare National Park.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Aberdare Country Club
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 3
Explore Solio Game Reserve
Embark on a half-day game drive exploration of Solio Game Reserve, a privately-owned wildlife conservancy recognised internationally as the most successful rhino breeding reserve in Kenya. Since its founding in the 1970s, the reserve has been a safe haven for black and white rhino, the reserve being home to the world's largest population of the latter. Trafalgar guests are in for a real treat here. The reserve remains a fairly well-kept secret on the safari circuit and special safari moments will be shared with the resident wildlife, with few other safari vehicles in sight. This is your opportunity to spot large numbers of rhino and other wildlife, such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, leopard and lion. Immerse yourself fully in your natural surrounds and enjoy the iconic savannah views against the backdrop of Mount Kenya. You'll have an afternoon at leisure which you could choose to spend strolling around the beautifully landscaped grounds of your accommodation or on an optional nature walk within its sanctuary.
Two hour game drive to the salient and moorlands of Aberdare National Parks. Search the plains for a plethora of animal activity and capture that perfect photograph to take home.
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Night Eye Game Drive
One hour game viewing experience within the Aberdare Sanctuary. Clients get to watch the various animals within the sanctuary as the night sets in. The game drive is between 1830hrs to 1930hrs.
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Aberdares Horseback Riding Experience
Sit back and relax on a 1 1/2 hour horseback ride within Aberdares Wildlife Sanctuary abundant with wildlife. Accompanied by an experienced guide, this activity is suitable for all levels of rider experience. Safety helmets are provided.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Aberdare Mountain Biking Experience
One hour mountain bike riding experience within the Aberdare Country Club estate.
Adult Price: $15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park
Keep your camera ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Thomson's Falls. Connect with the soul of Africa's Great Rift Valley as you journey to Lake Nakuru National Park. Renowned as a bird watcher's paradise with more than 400 species recorded here. Lake Nakuru National Park's secrets are revealed by your expert Driver Guide who will help you spot some of these this afternoon, along with searching for lion and leopard. Your overnight stay is in the National Park with views of the lake.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Nakuru Lodge
Rise with the birds and join your Driver Guide at sunrise on the lake shore to spot pink flamingos, pelicans and several other species of water birds. Look out for rhino, zebra and buffalo which may be grazing nearby. As you continue with your 4 x 4 game drive, you'll navigate more of Lake Nakuru National Park's landscapes. Immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the bush – the damp scents of the surrounding savannah and cheery calls of birds provide a stirring backdrop for an unforgettable safari experience. Journey to Lake Naivasha for lunch and enjoy a boat ride in search of the resident hippo. Next up, head over to Crescent Island and join a Local Specialist to walk among wildlife such as zebra, impala and giraffe.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Naivasha Country Club
Venture across the Great Rift Valley to the savannah wilderness of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, whose promise of some of the best game viewing in the world attracts safari enthusiasts the world over. Your home for the next two nights is in the heart of the National Reserve, ensuring you'll have the opportunity to see wildlife from the moment you head out on your safari game drives.
Get close to the wildlife that find sanctuary in Maasai Mara's wilderness, on a full-day safari to seek out the Big 5. Dive Into Culture during a visit to a Maasai village, where you'll watch the warriors display their jumping prowess, then tour the village to gain in-depth insights into the daily life of this colourfully clad tribe. Your visit to the village is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, indulge in a bush picnic – the sounds of the bush the perfect accompaniment while you keep your eyes peeled for the flash of resident Bee-eaters, Rollers and Hoopoes flitting from tree to tree, before continuing your game drive in one of the worlds' most famous safari destinations.
Dining beneath the stars against the background of the African bush is a unique and unforgettable experience. A gentle stroll along lamp-lit paths takes you to the bush dining area where tables, chairs, campfire, hurricane lanterns, bush bar and bush kitchen will already be set up. Relax around the campfire whilst your selection of meat and fish is freshly prepared by the chef on the glowing charcoal stoves. Your accompaniments of salads, vegetarian options and your desserts are plentiful. During this special dinner, Maasai dancers will be on hand to demonstrate some traditional dances.
Adult Price: $66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Continue to Serene Lake Victoria
Bid Kenya a fond kwaheri (goodbye) along with your Kenyan Driver Guide as you arrive this morning at the Kenya/Tanzania border crossing. After immigration formalities, your Tanzania Driver Guide is waiting to welcome you for the second part of your trip. Board your Tanzania 4 x 4 vehicle and travel on to Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, where your accommodation is located on the shoreline. Make sure you take the short stroll down to the waters' edge tonight to see the spectacle of a beautiful sunset over the lake.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Serenity on the Lake
Take a stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria this morning. It's the perfect way to start another soul-stirring day in Africa, which will see you head to the UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park. The endless and vast plains of the Serengeti provide an exquisite backdrop for a 4 x 4 safari game drive. Keep your eyes on the bush and follow the tracks of lion, leopard and cheetah - sometimes difficult to spot because they love to laze beneath the shade of trees and in between the tall grass. After lunch at your accommodation, you'll have a second opportunity to discover the many secrets of this spectacular National Park.
The Serengeti's reputation for wildlife viewing is second to none. This is the home of the greatest annual wildlife spectacle on earth - the Great Migration. Embark on your full-day game drive with your Driver Guide who will tell the story of how over a million wildebeest cross the Mara River annually in search of green pastures. Keep your eyes peeled for flashes of wildlife across the plains dotted with shady Acacia trees. You'll gain a true sense of the vastness of this national park and the diversity of its ecosystems and landscapes along the way.
Leaving the Serengeti behind this morning, we'll journey to the neighbouring UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descending hundreds of metres down to the floor of the vast Ngorongoro Crater, you'll have an opportunity to explore its forests and grass plains in search of elephant, lion, zebra and wildebeest, among other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before beginning your climb back to the crater rim. Your overnight accommodation is nestled within lush green farmlands offering spectacular panoramic views.
A short drive this morning brings us to the village of Mto wa Umbu. Rub shoulders with the locals as you Dive Into Culture and embark on a walking tour to soak up the community spirit. Stroll through farmlands, past the local school and market, learning all about village life along the way. There’s time to catch a glimpse of how the tasty local banana beer is made and a chance to sample some yourself, before heading up the dusty road for lunch. The local ladies have been cooking up a storm of traditional dishes and will gladly explain how each one is made. You’ll hear how by simply savouring this local meal, you’ve contributed to the livelihood of their families. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Manyara Safari Camp
Our first stop today is Tarangire National Park. Arriving in time for lunch at our lodge, enjoy a short siesta or one-on-one encounter with the tree hyraxes that cling to the lodge's trees. We've left the best for last. On this final game drive of the trip, you'll encounter a natural landscape so entirely different from anything you've seen so far in Tanzania. Giant baobabs, flat-topped acacias and termite mounds dot the unusual landscape. Tarangire is renowned as one of the best places to view elephants and your Driver Guide will scout for the vast herds that roam these plains so you can admire these gentle giants as they plod their way along in search of the juiciest vegetation. Tonight, as the sky radiates red, yellow and orange, enjoy a bush sundowner and take some time to contemplate the incredible sights you've encountered during your East Africa adventure.
Travel to Arusha this morning. The rich aroma of local coffee lingers in the air as you savour lunch at one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations. Then it’s time to say a sad farewell to your new friends and Driver Guide, as you transfer to Arusha Airport for your afternoon flight over to Zanzibar. Touching down in island paradise, you'll be transferred to your hotel in time to settle in to your resort and then enjoy dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Blue Bay Beach Resort
What better way to connect with your multi-cultural surrounds than embarking on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town with a Local Specialist? Peel back the layers of Zanzibar’s colourful history as you wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors distinctive of this Swahili coastal trading town. Visit the former slave market, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort, unearthing the soul-stirring history of this former trading hub. Later, discover Zanzibar’s reputation as the 'Spice Island', embarking on a Dive Into Culture visit to a shamba (spice farm) with a local guide. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they’ve been cultivated and used for centuries.
Kick off your shoes and let the warm sand sink between your toes on Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches. Wade into the clear, warm turquoise waters and immerse yourself in the latest bestseller under swaying palm trees. Make the most of your day in paradise and join an Optional Experience full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. Set sail from a traditional fishing village, keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of the tropical fish beneath the water’s surface. You’ll pause on a sandbank where you can cool off in the ocean, and swim or snorkel to see the colourful marine life (all equipment is provided). Feast on a traditional Zanzibar seafood lunch before returning to the shore relaxed and revived.
Traditional Dhow Sailing and Snorkelling Trip - Full Day
Board a traditional 'Dhow' boat and set sail to tour the crystal clear waters of Menai Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins which are regularly sighted in the bay, and the beautiful scenery of uninhabited islands and sandbanks you'll sail past. Your crew will moor up on one of the sandbanks where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel the islands' pristine waters, accompanied by guides (all equipment is provided and inflatable snorkelling vests are available). Back on board you'll gently sail over to a second sandbank where a delicious al fresco lunch of traditional Swahili seafood has been prepared for you. The menu includes lobster, grilled fish, calamari, rice and traditional sauces. Round off lunch with tasting a wide selection of tropical fruits and wash down with coffee and Amarula liqueur. Against the spectacular backdrop of an African sunset return to the fishing village where you boarded your Dhow boat. Please Note: There will be a per person cost payable for transfers to and from this activity in addition to the advertised activity price. The return transfer is a fixed price for the vehicle, with costs split between the number of guests who have signed up to the Optional Experience. Please speak to your local representative for further information and accurate pricing.
Adult Price: $104.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 17
Farewell Zanzibar
A leisurely start to the day will see you enjoy a few precious hours soaking up final fond memories of Zanzibar. Then it’s time to bid farewell to the Spice Island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your return journey home.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
Aberdare National Park Game Drive
Two hour game drive to the salient and moorlands of Aberdare National Parks. Search the plains for a plethora of animal activity and capture that perfect photograph to take home.
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Night Eye Game Drive
One hour game viewing experience within the Aberdare Sanctuary. Clients get to watch the various animals within the sanctuary as the night sets in. The game drive is between 1830hrs to 1930hrs.
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Aberdares Horseback Riding Experience
Sit back and relax on a 1 1/2 hour horseback ride within Aberdares Wildlife Sanctuary abundant with wildlife. Accompanied by an experienced guide, this activity is suitable for all levels of rider experience. Safety helmets are provided.
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Aberdare Mountain Biking Experience
One hour mountain bike riding experience within the Aberdare Country Club estate.
Adult Price: $15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Bush Banquet with Maasai Entertainment
Dining beneath the stars against the background of the African bush is a unique and unforgettable experience. A gentle stroll along lamp-lit paths takes you to the bush dining area where tables, chairs, campfire, hurricane lanterns, bush bar and bush kitchen will already be set up. Relax around the campfire whilst your selection of meat and fish is freshly prepared by the chef on the glowing charcoal stoves. Your accompaniments of salads, vegetarian options and your desserts are plentiful. During this special dinner, Maasai dancers will be on hand to demonstrate some traditional dances.
Adult Price: $66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 16
Traditional Dhow Sailing and Snorkelling Trip - Full Day
Board a traditional 'Dhow' boat and set sail to tour the crystal clear waters of Menai Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins which are regularly sighted in the bay, and the beautiful scenery of uninhabited islands and sandbanks you'll sail past. Your crew will moor up on one of the sandbanks where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel the islands' pristine waters, accompanied by guides (all equipment is provided and inflatable snorkelling vests are available). Back on board you'll gently sail over to a second sandbank where a delicious al fresco lunch of traditional Swahili seafood has been prepared for you. The menu includes lobster, grilled fish, calamari, rice and traditional sauces. Round off lunch with tasting a wide selection of tropical fruits and wash down with coffee and Amarula liqueur. Against the spectacular backdrop of an African sunset return to the fishing village where you boarded your Dhow boat. Please Note: There will be a per person cost payable for transfers to and from this activity in addition to the advertised activity price. The return transfer is a fixed price for the vehicle, with costs split between the number of guests who have signed up to the Optional Experience. Please speak to your local representative for further information and accurate pricing.
Adult Price: $104.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
16 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
45 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Welcome Reception, 16 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 14 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Meet the orphaned and street children, cared for by Shangilia Childrens' Home, who will capture your heart through music, dance and acrobatics. Enjoy lunch at the Home and learn about their work.
Dive into Culture
Meet the farming community of Mto Wa Umbu to learn about their way of life and enjoy Swahili cuisine.
Dive into Culture
Join a Local Specialist and explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, the heart and soul of Zanzibar.
Dive into Culture
Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits that helped Zanzibar earn it's title of 'The Spice Island'.
Dive into Culture
Visit a Maasai village for an in-depth perspective into the daily life of this colourful tribe.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Support a local Maasai tribe with a visit to their village to learn about their traditions and ways of life
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Help the orphaned and abandoned children who find sanctuary in Kenya's Shangilia Childrens Home. Your visit will help support the home's efforts to transform the lives of these children
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Thomsons Falls in Nyahururu
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Solio Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Game Reserve, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Stone Town
Shared Rooming: Room Share and Triple Rooms are not available on this trip.
Please Note: Days 1 - 14 of this itinerary are operated by a 4 X 4 safari vehicle, including all road travel and safari game drives. The trip will travel over a variety of terrains, resulting in some rough and bumpy journeys. Guests must travel with a soft sided bag or medium size suitcases due to limited space in the safari vehicles.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
Navigation Close Icon
What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.