The definitive East African journey — three countries, six iconic ecosystems, and a Zanzibar finale. The journey of a lifetime.
Eighteen days spanning three countries and some of the most extraordinary wildlife ecosystems on Earth — this is the benchmark safari experience.
Begin in Tanzania's legendary Northern Circuit — Tarangire's elephant herds, three days tracking the Great Migration across the Serengeti's endless plains, and a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater. Then fly north to Kenya's Samburu National Reserve and on to the world-famous Maasai Mara for three days of river crossing drama. Finally, trade your safari boots for sandals and spend five luxurious nights on Zanzibar's pristine beaches.
This is the itinerary for travellers who don't want to choose between the Serengeti and the Mara, between Tanzania and Kenya, between the bush and the beach. This journey has it all — and our team ensures it flows seamlessly, even across borders.
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Samburu, Maasai Mara + Zanzibar
Great Migration, Mara crossings, Kenya Special Five, Zanzibar beaches
All internal flights handled — seamless multi-country travel
Bucket-list travellers, safari enthusiasts, milestone celebrations
Eighteen extraordinary days — from Tanzania's Tarangire to Kenya's Mara River, ending on Zanzibar's turquoise shores.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to your Arusha lodge for a welcome dinner and trip briefing. Overnight: Arusha lodge. Meals: Dinner.
Drive to Tarangire for your first afternoon game drive among ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds. Overnight: Tarangire camp. Meals: Full board.
Morning drive in Tarangire, then drive north through the Ngorongoro highlands, stopping at Olduvai Gorge, and descend into the Serengeti. Afternoon game drive on the iconic plains. Overnight: Serengeti camp. Meals: Full board.
Full day tracking wildebeest herds, lion prides, and cheetahs on the hunt across the vast Serengeti ecosystem. Bush picnic lunch in the field. Overnight: Serengeti camp. Meals: Full board.
A second full day to explore the Serengeti's different zones — from the central plains to the northern Mara corridor where migration herds gather before crossing into Kenya. Overnight: Serengeti camp. Meals: Full board.
Drive to Ngorongoro and descend into the ancient caldera for a full day of extraordinary game viewing. The black rhino, dense lion prides, and flamingo-filled soda lake make this unlike any other place on Earth. Overnight: Ngorongoro crater-rim lodge. Meals: Full board.
Morning at leisure, then drive to Arusha and take a scheduled flight to Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Connect to a light aircraft flight north to Samburu National Reserve, arriving in time for a late afternoon game drive. Overnight: Samburu camp. Meals: Full board.
Full day in Samburu's rugged semi-arid landscape, tracking the region's unique endemic species — Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. River drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro at sunset. Overnight: Samburu camp. Meals: Full board.
Morning drive in Samburu, then fly south to the Maasai Mara. Arrive in time for a hot lunch and your first afternoon drive across the world's most famous wildlife reserve. Overnight: Maasai Mara camp. Meals: Full board.
Full day exploring the Mara's iconic plains — tracking lion prides, cheetah families, and resident elephant herds. The Mara is remarkable year-round for predator action. Overnight: Maasai Mara camp. Meals: Full board.
Spend the day at the Mara River crossings (Jul–Oct) or exploring the Mara Triangle. Optional hot air balloon safari at dawn — one of Africa's most celebrated experiences. Overnight: Maasai Mara camp. Meals: Full board.
Morning drive in the Mara, then fly to Nairobi and connect to Zanzibar. Arrive at your beachfront resort in the evening. The air is warm, scented with spice, and the Indian Ocean awaits. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Explore Zanzibar's UNESCO-listed Stone Town with its labyrinthine alleys and Swahili-Arab heritage, then tour a traditional spice farm in the afternoon. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
A half-day dhow excursion to Mnemba Atoll — one of East Africa's finest snorkelling sites, with sea turtles, dolphins, and vibrant coral. Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
A completely free day — swim, snorkel, kayak, read under a palm tree, or book a spa treatment at the resort. This day belongs entirely to you. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Morning dolphin swim at Kizimkazi, then a lazy afternoon. In the evening, glide across the Indian Ocean on a traditional dhow sunset cruise with canapés and drinks. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
A final full day to savour Zanzibar's magic — optional scuba dive, cycling tour through spice plantations, or simply soaking up the sun. Farewell seafood dinner by the water at sunset. Overnight: Zanzibar resort. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight home. Eighteen extraordinary days — a lifetime of memories. Meals: Breakfast.
18 days, three countries, bush and beach — here's everything you need.
For the Grand Safari, July–October is the golden window — migration crossings in both the Serengeti and Mara at the same time.
Both the Serengeti and Mara are in peak season simultaneously. River crossings are active, predators are concentrated, and Zanzibar's ocean is at its calmest.
Fewer tourists, calving season in Tanzania, good conditions in Kenya, and Zanzibar's ocean at its clearest. Significant value advantage for this window.
The Grand Safari is our most popular multi-country itinerary. Peak season availability — especially at specific camps — books up 10–14 months in advance.
The Grand Safari demands expert logistics. Our specialists handle every cross-border detail so you can focus entirely on the experience.
We manage Tanzania, Kenya & Zanzibar logistics seamlessly — visas, flights, handoffs, all arranged for you.
Peak season availability fills 12–14 months ahead. Contact us now to secure your preferred dates and camps.
A comprehensive personalised proposal delivered within one business day.
East Africa Grand Safari — 18 Days