Masai Mara & Zanzibar

This safari and beach holiday combines 3 nights on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve with 7 nights in a boutique hotel by one of Zanzibar’s pristine beaches.

The large numbers of predators, the huge abundance of wildlife and the dramatic rolling plains make Kenya's Masai Mara one of the most popular and spectacular safari areas in Africa.

When the Wildebeest Migration rolls in (between July and early November) the game viewing becomes even better.

From the Masai Mara, travel on to Zanzibar and relax in one of the best small boutique hotels on Zanzibar.

Zanzibar has some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean, a rich local culture and some superb snorkelling and diving.

This itinerary is perfect for first time safari visitors, couples, honeymooners and families and is a great way to combine a Kenya safari with a relaxing Indian Ocean beach holiday.

As with all of our Kenya Safari Holidays, this one can be tailor made to suit your interests and budget, so just let us know your preferences.

What Camps & Lodges do you use in Kenya?

We're careful with our choice of safari camps and lodges in Kenya but luckily there is plenty of quality choice.

Your Kenya safari accommodation options include boutique, luxury safari camps, eco-camps, permanent tented camps and mobile or adventure camps.

Safari Lodges in Kenya are generally something akin to a mid-range hotel room, with similar facilities. Many have swimming pools.

Kenya's boutique lodges and camps can be very stylish and smart in terms of design and decor, often with very spacious rooms. Some feature private plunge pools.

Safari Camps in Kenya normally consists of heavy canvas luxury tents with fixed roofs and en-suite facilities with shower and flush toilets.

Eco-camps and smaller tented camps also have insect-proof tents, with beds, bedding, en-suite bathrooms and safari showers.

The atmosphere is usually very convivial with communal dining and camp fires in the evening. The focus is on the wildlife viewing.

Camps often have 'safari showers' which are private cubicles in the tents. Water is heated by the staff who will then let you know your shower is ready and fill your bucket. You control the flow of water.

Adventure camps are much more basic, with smaller, mobile dome-tents with mattresses on the floor. There is no en-suite. It's akin to summer camping in the UK. You'll need your own sleeping bags and towels. There is some degree of 'roughing it' with the camping but otherwise the safari facilities are the same - so it's a great way to save if you're happy campers!

This particular itinerary is based on staying in luxury safari accommodation.

What about taking bags on Safari Flights?

Luggage should be kept to a minimum, especially if you will be travelling via light aircraft.

In East Africa the limit is typically 15 kg per person. This should be in soft bags as opposed to hard suit cases in order to fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft.

On road safaris the weight and size allowance is not as important but you should still try to bring as little as possible.

What Clothing is Suitable on Safari?

For game viewing it's best to wear grey, brown, khaki or green coloured clothing so the wildlife is not alerted to your presence.

Camouflage clothing is not permitted in some countries so bear that in mind.

A complimentary laundry service is offered at many camps and lodges so bear that in mind when deciding what to take with you.

We have a more detailed 'packing suggestions' in our Travel Essentials section.

Which Airlines do you use for your Kenya Holidays?

We work with all the major airlines flying to the Kenya.

Typically for Kenya we will use Kenya Airways or British Airways for direct flights.

There are currently daily flights from Heathrow to Nairobi, departing in the morning and arriving the same day late in the evening.

The Kenya Airways flights are also direct but offer an overnight option meaning you'll arrive in the morning in time to connect with a safari flight.

The flying time for direct flights is about 8.5 hours.

We also commonly use Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Etihad via Abu Dhabi. These all allow stopover options in the Arabian Gulf to create a multi-centre holiday.

Regional connections from across the UK are available.

What about Safari Flights in Kenya?

Safari flights in Kenya operate from Nairobi Wilson Airport.

We usually use Safari Airlink who are Kenya's premier safari flight operator, flying to most safari destinations as well as Zanzibar, using Dash 8 and Cessna Caravan aircraft.

The Cessna's are the workhorses of safari flights and have large windows and overhead wings, meaning better views on your flight.

Luggage should be kept to a minimum on safari flights.

For safari flights in Kenya, the limit is typically 15 kg per person. This should be in soft bags as opposed to hard suit cases in order to fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

If you're travelling on British Passports, a visa is required for stays of up to a month.

These can be obtained on arrival but to avoid queuing at the airport on arrival it's better to organise these in advance.

Please always check visa requirements as they can change at any time.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Kenya & Tanzania Holidays are completely tailor made and we can combine different hotels and airlines to create your ideal Kenya Safari & Beach holiday.

We have many other options for boutique resorts in Zanzibar, so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.