Best of Kenya Safari
OVERVIEW
Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in Nairobi, where you will be welcomed by an African Adventure Specialist representative. From Nairobi, you’ll travel through Kenya’s scenic highlands and descend the Rift Escarpment, with a chance to view the historic chapel built by Italian POWs. En route, admire the Longonot Earth satellite station and the expansive wheat and barley fields. Arriving in Maasai Mara, check into your camp, Mara Kimana Camp, in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive exploring the Maasai Mara’s diverse wildlife before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Over the next three days, immerse yourself in the Maasai Mara’s incredible wildlife, including the Big Five and the annual wildebeest migration. Optional activities include hot air balloon safaris and cultural visits to local Maasai villages. Then, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park to witness its famous flamingos and rhinos. Proceed to Amboseli National Park for breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife. After an enriching safari experience, journey to Diani, where you’ll relax at Diamond Leisure Resort, enjoying beachside tranquility and a range of activities. Your trip concludes with a leisurely morning at the resort, followed by a transfer to Mombasa for your flight back home via Nairobi.
Detailed Itinerary
Your Kenyan safari adventure begins in Nairobi, where you will be met at the airport by African Adventure Specialist representative upon arrival. Leaving Nairobi, you’ll travel towards Kenya’s fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Look for the charming chapel they built at the foot of the escarpment. You’ll pass the impressive Longonot Earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok and travel across acres of wheat and barley before you reach the Maasai Mara and your camp in time for lunch. There will be an afternoon game drive before returning to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Mara Kimana Camp Bed & breakfast (Drinks not included)
Spend a full day exploring the park in search of the Big Five and take full advantage of the Mara’s offerings. Enjoy activities like the optional hot air balloon safari and cultural visits to local Maasai villages, available at an extra cost. The Maasai tribe’s rich, unchanged culture significantly contributes to wildlife protection and cultural tours. Bird enthusiasts can explore over 570 bird species, including more than 50 birds of prey such as eagles, vultures, and storks. With over 450 recorded animal species, the Mara is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including lions, rhinos, hippos, and more. Witness the dramatic migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from July to October. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Mara Kimana Camp Bed & breakfast (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, you will head to Lake Nakuru National Park which is regarded by avid birders’ as the greatest world ornithological spectacle on earth. Later in the afternoon you will leave for a game drive. The Park is famous for its millions of pink flamingoes lining on the shore. It is the sanctuary to the Black Rhino and the Rothschild giraffe. Later in the evening drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Sarova Lionhill Hotel (standard room) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
After breakfast, proceed to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you’ll search for the park’s impressive wildlife, including large herds of African elephants, cheetahs, lions, gazelles, and the elusive eland. If the weather permits, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your evening game drive offers another chance to spot the park’s diverse animals. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters and the stunning scenery
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge ( Standard room) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
Day spent viewing game starting with a morning game drive. Weather permitting, the clouds will shear off, leaving you with a mesmerized by the majesty of Mt. Kilimanjaro and its gleaming snow-capped peaks offering a good photographic scenery coupled with animals on the ground. Drive back to the hotel for lunch and in the afternoon you shall have a conference meeting. Amboseli is not a big park but supported by swamp vegetation. It harbors elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, gazelles, wildebeests, warthogs. Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge ( Standard room) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinks not included)
Wake up early for a pre-breakfast game drive, witnessing the park’s wildlife come to life. Return to your lodge for breakfast before checking out and leaving the park. Head to the nearby Emali train station where your guide will assist with tickets and transfer to the Madaraka Express, a new high-speed train to Mombasa. Enjoy the comfort of your first-class, air-conditioned compartment as you travel through Tsavo East. The elevated train route offers panoramic views through large windows, and the buffet car provides drinks and snacks. In just under two hours, you’ll reach Mombasa’s modern train station. Transfer to your hotel or resort in Diani is included for a seamless continuation of your journey.
Overnight: Diamond Leisure Resort (Ocean Front) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(Drinks not included)
Breakfast at the hotel and later spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities and unwinding at the beach. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool, exploring the local village, or taking part in one of the many activities offered which you can arrange directly with the hotel (e.g., snorkelling, scuba diving, spa treatments, swimming with dolphins, etc.).
Your stay at your premium accommodations includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you decide to eat outside the beach resort you will be responsible for any costs incurred.
Overnight: Diamond Leisure Resort (Ocean Front) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(Drinks not included)
Spend a relaxing morning at the resort, enjoying the serene environment and facilities. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Mombasa for lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights. After lunch, you’ll be dropped off at the airport for your connecting flight to Nairobi. From Nairobi, you’ll catch your flight back home, reflecting on a memorable journey filled with diverse wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes. Safe travels and we hope you carry fond memories of your trip with you!
Package Includes and Excludes
- Meet and greet services with assistance at the airport or hotel
- All transport and game drives will be in a safari 4X4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing
- Services of a Professional English/ Spanish-speaking driver-guide on private basis.
- FULL BOARD accommodation whilst of safari
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- All Park fees and government taxes
- 2 ½ litter bottles of water per day
- Flying doctors cover
- Visas, international flights and Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
- Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance.
Travel Information
Destination Location
Lake Manyara National Park covers 330 sq km (127 sq mi), 70% of which is a lake. Along with its western boundaries is the Rift Valley’s western wall. The park is famous for its birdlife – almost 400 different species – and for its elephant population and tree-climbing lions, who have a large variety of tree species to choose from. The short game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.
One of nature’s true wonders and a photographer’s paradise, Ngorongoro is the largest intact crater in the world, covering 265 square kilometers (102 sq mi). The 2,000-foot deep crater is home to an abundance of wild game including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, serval cats, jackals, pushbacks, elands, waterbucks, wildebeest, many antelope, and a large variety of birds. This is a sight that you will always remember!
Tarangire National Park covers 6,734 sq km (2,600 sq mi) and includes two large plains and a seasonal swamp in the south. This is a beautiful park filled with Baobabs and Acacias with a large variety of game such as zebras, elephants, giraffes, and waterbuck. All the animals enjoy the water coming from the Tarangire River. The animals are best viewed during the dry season, including elephant herds, elands, oryx, lesser kudo, rhino, leopards, lions, and cheetah. The birdlife is varied and plentiful. You can also see the very rare Roam Antelope in this park.
Is This Trip For You?
Zara Tours has been working successfully with visitors in the region since 1986 as a tour operator.
We were established in 1987 as an official Agent of ZaraTours organising Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and National wild parks safaris and have guided Safely, Reliably and Professionally many visitors anywhere from the plain of Serengeti to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Our years of experience and knowledge as qualified climbing guides and safari tours operation in Tanzania, Assures you an experience you can remember a life time. Safety, efficiency and reliability have earned us the reputation for being one of the best-valued and most reliable operators in the region.
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure and on top of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves or joining you on your climb on the many routes to the top of magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Travel Companions
The maximum group size for this trip is 16. If you are interested in organizing a group with Zara we offer great incentives! Please inquire if you are interested.
Guide(s)
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure. Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves
Safari Tips for guide and cook:
$15/day for driver/guide and $10/day for cook (basic camping) for the whole safari group.
Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items just for this purpose.
Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to the Springlands Hotel for drinks and/or dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.
Expectations
Tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
Transportation
With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This does not include transfers to and from the aiport to the hotel or the equipment for all activities listed.
Money
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter
Safari Packing List Notes
- You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
- You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferrably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Clothing
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack
Sleeping, for camping safaris
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
- Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge
Other
- Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier
- Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana (for dust, etc.)
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Maps, guidebooks
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travellers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
Toiletries
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
- Small towel
Soap - Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
Documents
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
First Aid
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
- Throat losenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
Gifts for Guides, Locals
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
Packing for your flight to Africa
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
Springlands Hotel
Pembo Road
Moshi
Tanzania, United Republic of
The following locations are available:
| We Accept: |  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category: | Safari | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Destination: | Tanzania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Theme: | Culture and Sightseeing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skill Level: | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adventure Matrix: |
|
Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by ZaraTours Inc. as follows: Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by ZaraTours and the balance of the package price refunded. If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc. and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.
However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the canceling party. ZaraTours Inc. and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Payment:
- A 20% deposit is due at time of reservation.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
- We accept Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard.
- You can also wire transfer your money directly to our bank.
- Please review our Cancellation Policy.
Price Increases:
- Price increases are permitted when an itinerary is changed at the request of customer(s)
- Prices will remain quoted unless otherwise add-ons and or other changes are requested and availed by customer(s) and such requests are provided by Zara Tours Inc.
Forms and Other Documents Required by all Passengers:
- VISA (as detailed below)
- All passengers must sign the waiver form and return to us.
- Your passport must be valid for six months.
- Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and or travel documents are complete
VISA:
- Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport and the border posts of Namanga, Tunduma, Taveta and Holili.
- All Canadian Citizen who hold Canadian Passports are required to pay US$50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All United States Passport holders are required to pay US$100.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All Passport holders with EU Citizenship are required to pay US$50.00 or €50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- For additional information on obtaining a VISA to Tanzania please go to https://reveccs.com/resources/
Living Standards:
- Living Standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found universally.
Insurance:
- In order to obtain travel Insurance coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and or other travel insurance related matters, kindly follow the link to reach World Nomads, who provide such insurance coverage services
Cancellation Policy:
- Zara Tours Cancellation policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.
Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Zara Tours as described below:
- Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Zara Tours and the balance of the package price refunded.
- If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Zara Tours.
- If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Zara Tours and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
- Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party.
- Zara Tours and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at the discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Refund Processing Fee:
- While processing a refund, a 3% credit card fee is charged to the client's Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard.
- When a refund is processed using a Bank Wire payment, bank charges apply.
Disclaimer of Liability:
Kindly check the details of your trip. Please contact us directly for any questions you may have at zara@zaratours.com or at 1-866-550-4447.
Thank you for choosing Zara Tours and you are most welcome again to adventure with us!
TICO Registration No. 50020519
Package Includes and Excludes
- All Meals
- All ground and plane transportation
- All accommodation
- Full trek guide and staffs
- All trek pack and equipment
- Alcohol or Beverage
- Camera and other non trek accessories
Let's Plan your Trip
Our sample itineraries are fully adjustable and can be tailored to perfectly suit your unique preferences and interests.
