East Africa in Extraordinary Style: Sixteen Days of Safari, Wilderness & Island Luxury

Sample day

Nairobi: A Refined Welcome to East Africa

• 12:30 - Arrive in Nairobi and arrange a pre-booked transfer to your selected luxury hotel, enjoying your first impressions of Kenya’s vibrant capital.
• 14:30 - Check into your accommodation, settle in and take time to refresh after your journey.
• 16:00 - Enjoy a relaxed introduction to the neighbourhood surrounding your hotel, discovering its gardens, cafés or nearby boutiques depending on your location.
• 17:30 - Unwind on a hotel terrace or in the gardens, enjoying a refreshing drink and a first taste of East African hospitality.
• 19:00 - Enjoy a welcome dinner at a carefully selected restaurant, exploring contemporary Kenyan cuisine and regional ingredients in an elegant setting.
• 20:45 - Return to your hotel and rest ahead of the wildlife experiences to come.

Sample day

Nairobi: Wildlife, Conservation & Kenyan Culture

• 07:00 - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out for an early wildlife experience or a pre-arranged conservation visit.
• 08:00 - Discover Nairobi National Park on a guided game drive, looking for wildlife against the distinctive backdrop of the city skyline. Sightings depend on conditions and luck.
• 11:00 - Continue with a pre-booked conservation experience, such as an authorised visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, subject to its current visitor arrangements and availability.
• 12:45 - Enjoy lunch at a well-regarded restaurant or your hotel, taking time to relax after the morning’s activities.
• 14:15 - Explore a cultural attraction such as the Karen Blixen Museum, if open and suited to your interests, or enjoy a curated visit to a local artisan studio.
• 16:30 - Return to your hotel for downtime, packing and preparation for the safari leg of your journey.
• 19:00 - Enjoy a final Nairobi dinner featuring Kenyan ingredients and contemporary regional cooking.
• 20:30 - Return to your accommodation and rest before travelling towards the Maasai Mara.

Sample day

Maasai Mara: Into the Wild

• 07:30 - Enjoy breakfast and complete check-out at your Nairobi hotel, preparing for your journey into the Maasai Mara.
• 08:30 - Depart towards the Maasai Mara by your selected transfer arrangement, allowing for the route, road conditions and any planned stops.
• 13:00 - Arrive at your selected safari camp or lodge, enjoy lunch and take in the surrounding wilderness.
• 14:30 - Check into your accommodation and settle into your safari suite or tented retreat, appreciating the views and peaceful setting.
• 16:00 - Set out on an afternoon game drive with an experienced guide, looking for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope and, with luck, larger predators.
• 18:30 - Return to camp for sundowners in a designated safe area, following your guide’s instructions and camp rules.
• 19:30 - Enjoy dinner at your lodge, with a menu and setting that celebrate the flavours and atmosphere of the African bush.

Sample day

Maasai Mara: A Private Safari Experience

• 05:45 - Wake early for tea or coffee before setting out for a sunrise game drive, when the cooler conditions can offer rewarding wildlife-viewing opportunities.
• 06:15 - Explore the reserve with your guide, observing wildlife and learning about animal behaviour, habitats and conservation.
• 09:00 - Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, or enjoy a pre-arranged bush breakfast in a permitted location if offered by your lodge.
• 10:30 - Relax at camp or enjoy an optional guided nature experience arranged by your accommodation.
• 12:30 - Enjoy lunch at the lodge and take time to rest during the warmer part of the day.
• 15:30 - Head out on another guided game drive, exploring different areas in search of wildlife and memorable photographic opportunities.
• 18:15 - Return to camp for sundowners in an approved location, taking in the changing colours across the savannah.
• 19:30 - Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening at the lodge, with an optional astronomy or storytelling experience if offered by your camp.

Sample day

Maasai Mara: Sunrise, Culture & Wilderness

• 05:00 - If booked in advance, prepare for an optional hot-air balloon safari, following your operator’s meeting instructions and weather-dependent departure arrangements.
• 06:00 - Experience the Mara from above on a sunrise balloon flight, followed by the operator’s arranged landing celebration where offered. This experience is subject to availability and weather conditions.
• 09:00 - Return to camp for breakfast and a relaxed morning after the early start.
• 10:30 - Enjoy time at your lodge, taking in the views, relaxing in your suite or making use of available facilities.
• 12:45 - Savour lunch at camp, with time to rest before the afternoon’s activities.
• 14:45 - Take part in an optional, locally organised cultural visit that is arranged with community consent and fairly supports local hosts. Learn about Maasai traditions and contemporary life without treating the experience as a staged spectacle.
• 16:30 - Enjoy a final game drive in the Maasai Mara, exploring the landscape with your guide and looking for wildlife you have yet to encounter.
• 18:30 - Return to camp for sundowners and time to refresh.
• 19:30 - Enjoy a special dinner at your lodge, reflecting on your time in Kenya’s remarkable wilderness.

Sample day

Serengeti: Across the Tanzanian Wilderness

• 06:30 - Enjoy an early breakfast at your Maasai Mara camp and prepare for the onward journey into Tanzania.
• 07:30 - Depart for the planned border crossing and onward transfer, following the entry requirements and arrangements confirmed for your nationality and route.
• 12:30 - Continue towards your selected Serengeti accommodation, allowing flexibility for border formalities, road conditions and travel time.
• 14:00 - Arrive at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy lunch if available and take time to settle into the Tanzanian wilderness.
• 15:30 - If arrival time and conditions allow, enjoy an introductory game drive with your guide, discovering the surrounding landscape and looking for wildlife.
• 18:00 - Return to camp, refresh and enjoy the changing light across the plains.
• 19:15 - Savour dinner at your lodge and prepare for a full safari day in the Serengeti.

Sample day

Serengeti: The Great Plains & Wildlife Encounters

• 05:45 - Enjoy an early tea or coffee before heading out on a sunrise game drive across the Serengeti.
• 06:15 - Explore the plains with your guide, looking for lions, elephants, giraffes, antelope and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• 09:00 - Pause for breakfast at camp or enjoy a pre-arranged breakfast stop in a permitted area, depending on your lodge’s arrangements.
• 10:45- Continue exploring a different area of the Serengeti, with your guide adapting the route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
• 12:45 - Return to camp for lunch and time to rest during the warmer part of the day.
• 15:45 - Head out for an afternoon game drive, enjoying the vast landscape and opportunities for wildlife photography.
• 18:30 - Return to camp and enjoy sundowners in an approved area, following your guide’s safety instructions.
• 19:30 - Enjoy dinner at your lodge and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.

Sample day

Serengeti: Sunrise Safari & Wilderness Luxury

• 06:00 - Begin the morning with a guided game drive, enjoying the cooler hours and the changing colours of the Serengeti at sunrise.
• 08:45 - Return to camp for a leisurely breakfast and time to appreciate the views from your accommodation.
• 10:30 - Enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, perhaps with wildlife watching from a designated viewing area or a little time to unwind on your private deck.
• 12:30 - Savour lunch at camp, with a chance to rest before the afternoon’s activities.
• 14:30 - Set out on a tailored safari drive with your guide, focusing on the areas and wildlife of greatest interest while respecting park rules and animal welfare.
• 17:00 - Return to camp and enjoy a refreshing drink as the afternoon light softens over the plains.
• 18:35 - If offered by your lodge, enjoy a pre-arranged private dining experience in a designated safe setting, or settle in for a relaxed evening at camp.
• 20:05 - Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure, taking in the sounds and atmosphere of the wilderness from the safety of your accommodation.

Sample day

Ngorongoro: Journey to the Crater Highlands

• 07:00 - Enjoy breakfast at your Serengeti camp and prepare for the journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• 08:00 - Depart with your arranged driver and guide, travelling through Tanzania’s changing landscapes towards the crater highlands.
• 12:30 - Pause for lunch at an arranged stop or your selected lodge, depending on the route and travel arrangements.
• 14:00 - Continue to your accommodation near the Ngorongoro highlands, allowing time for any necessary park or conservation formalities.
• 15:30 - Check in and enjoy the surroundings, taking in the cooler highland air and expansive views where available.
• 17:00 - Spend a little time relaxing at the lodge or enjoying a guided briefing about the following day’s crater excursion.
• 18:40 - Enjoy dinner at your accommodation, confirming the next morning’s departure arrangements with your guide.

Sample day

Ngorongoro Crater: A Remarkable Wildlife Sanctuary

• 06:00 - Enjoy an early breakfast or arrange a packed breakfast with your lodge before setting out for the crater.
• 06:45 - Travel towards the authorised crater access route with your guide, following current entry arrangements and conservation rules.
• 07:30 - Begin your guided game drive on the crater floor, exploring the landscape and looking for wildlife such as zebras, buffalo, elephants and, with luck, lions or the endangered black rhinoceros.
• 10:00 - Continue wildlife viewing with your guide, allowing time to observe animals from a respectful distance and enjoy the crater’s varied scenery.
• 12:00 - Pause for a pre-arranged picnic lunch at an authorised site, following all local guidance and keeping a safe distance from wildlife.
• 13:00 - Resume the game drive, exploring another part of the crater before beginning the return journey.
• 15:00 - Leave the crater area according to the permitted schedule and return towards your accommodation.
• 16:30 - Enjoy downtime at the lodge, taking in the highland scenery after a full day outdoors.
• 18:45 - Savour dinner at your accommodation and enjoy a restful evening.

Sample day

Zanzibar: Island Arrival & Indian Ocean Calm

• 07:30 - Enjoy breakfast at your Ngorongoro accommodation and prepare for the next stage of your journey.
• 08:30 - Begin the arranged transfer towards your departure point, allowing adequate time for the onward journey and required travel procedures.
• 13:00 - Continue with your pre-arranged journey to Zanzibar and organise your transfer to the selected resort, depending on your actual transport arrangements.
• 15:00 - Arrive at your accommodation, check in and settle into your beachfront room or suite.
• 16:30 - Enjoy your first relaxed afternoon on the island, whether that means a gentle beach walk, time by the pool or simply taking in the Indian Ocean views.
• 18:00 - Find a comfortable spot to enjoy the changing evening light over the coast.
• 19:35 - Savour a welcome dinner featuring Swahili or Indian Ocean-inspired cuisine at your resort or a carefully selected nearby restaurant.

Sample day

Zanzibar: Stone Town & Swahili Heritage

• 08:00 - Enjoy breakfast at your resort before travelling towards Stone Town for a day of cultural discovery.
• 09:30 - Meet a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour through Stone Town’s historic streets, learning about the island’s trading history and layered cultural heritage.
• 11:00 - Discover the architecture and carved wooden doors that distinguish the historic centre, with time to browse selected artisan shops and local boutiques.
• 12:30 - Enjoy lunch at a restaurant serving Swahili cuisine, with dishes inspired by the island’s spices, seafood and coastal traditions.
• 14:00 - Continue exploring the historic centre, visiting suitable cultural landmarks or museums according to opening hours and your interests.
• 15:30 - Enjoy a refreshing drink or a relaxed waterfront stop before leaving the town.
• 17:00 - Return to your resort and unwind after the cultural excursion.
• 19:00 - Enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a carefully selected restaurant, sampling more of Zanzibar’s distinctive island flavours.

Sample day

Zanzibar: Spice Heritage & Island Flavours

• 08:30 - Enjoy breakfast at your resort before setting out for a guided experience exploring Zanzibar’s spice-growing traditions.
• 09:45 - Visit a reputable spice farm with a local guide, learning about the cultivation, aromas and uses of ingredients such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla.
• 11:30 - Continue the experience with a closer look at seasonal tropical fruits and local agricultural practices, where available.
• 12:45 - Enjoy lunch featuring Swahili-inspired dishes and the island’s distinctive use of spices and fresh produce.
• 14:15 - Return to your resort and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the pool or spending time beside the Indian Ocean.
• 16:30 - Take a gentle walk around the property or enjoy a refreshing drink in a shaded outdoor setting.
• 18:15 - Enjoy sunset views from your resort or a suitable nearby coastal spot.
• 19:30 - Savour a memorable dinner featuring fresh seafood or island-inspired cuisine, with a focus on the flavours you have discovered throughout the day.

Sample day

Zanzibar: A Private Island Escape

• 08:00 - Enjoy breakfast at your resort and prepare for your chosen coastal experience, confirming weather conditions, departure arrangements and any equipment required.
• 09:15 - Meet your pre-arranged boat operator or guide and travel towards the selected coastal departure point.
• 10:00 - Set out on a private or small-group dhow or boat excursion, depending on availability, exploring suitable coastal scenery and nearby waters.
• 11:15 - Enjoy time on the water and, where conditions and local rules permit, take part in snorkelling or another guided marine activity.
• 12:45 - Enjoy a pre-arranged lunch or refreshments as part of your excursion, checking in advance what is included in the price.
• 14:00 - Continue the coastal experience or visit an authorised beach stop, following local conservation guidance and respecting marine life.
• 15:30 - Return to your resort and enjoy time to unwind after your excursion.
• 17:30 - Spend the late afternoon relaxing by the sea or pool, taking in the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
• 19:45 - Enjoy dinner at a beachside restaurant or your resort, choosing a setting that suits your preferred level of privacy and indulgence.

Sample day

Zanzibar: Barefoot Luxury & Total Relaxation

• 09:00 - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort, taking time to savour the tropical setting and plan a relaxed day at your own pace.
• 10:30 - Indulge in an optional spa treatment or wellness experience at your resort, checking available treatments, prices and booking requirements in advance.
• 12:30 - Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring fresh island ingredients, whether at your resort or a carefully selected nearby restaurant.
• 14:00 - Spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach, relaxing beside the pool or enjoying a quiet moment with a book and an ocean view.
• 16:00 - If you wish, enjoy a gentle walk along an accessible stretch of coastline, checking local tide conditions and respecting any beach access guidance.
• 17:30 - Return to your accommodation to refresh and prepare for your final full evening on the island.
• 19:00 - Celebrate the journey with a special dinner at a beachfront restaurant or your resort, with an optional private dining arrangement if available and within budget.
• 20:45 - Enjoy a final evening beneath Zanzibar’s tropical skies before returning to your accommodation.

Sample day

Farewell East Africa: A Final Island Morning

• 08:30 - Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort, taking in the ocean views and reflecting on your journey through Kenya and Tanzania.
• 09:45 - If your onward arrangements allow, enjoy a final walk along the beach or spend a little time relaxing in the resort’s outdoor spaces.
• 11:15 - Return to your accommodation, complete check-out and collect your luggage. Ask about luggage storage if you have extra time before departure.
• 12:00 - Enjoy a final island lunch or refreshments at your resort or a nearby restaurant, depending on your onward travel arrangements.
• 13:30 - Collect your luggage and arrange your transfer to your departure point, allowing sufficient time for the journey and any required travel procedures.
• 15:00 - Continue with your onward travel arrangements, bringing your sixteen-day Ultra-Luxe Journey through Kenya and Tanzania to a close.