8-Day Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Escape
8-Day Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Escape
There are few travel experiences as enchanting as combining the wild beauty of Kenya’s savannas with the idyllic tranquility of Zanzibar’s turquoise shores. An 8-Day Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Escape is the ultimate blend of adventure and relaxation — an intoxicating journey that lets you chase lions across the Maasai Mara and then unwind on a sun-drenched Indian Ocean island steeped in history and charm.
This itinerary captures the essence of East Africa in perfect harmony. You’ll traverse Kenya’s iconic national parks where the Big Five roam freely, witness endless horizons dotted with acacia trees and herds of elephants, and end with the soft sands and swaying palms of Zanzibar, where culture, spice, and serenity meet.
From the raw power of African wildlife to the peaceful rhythm of island life, this journey is both exhilarating and restorative — a dream escape for those who seek the best of both worlds.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to East Africa
Your adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital and the safari hub of East Africa. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your representative from Moreen Tours & Travel, who will brief you about the upcoming adventure.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour to discover some of Nairobi’s highlights — visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for and rehabilitated, or stop at the Giraffe Centre to feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. If you’re a history or literature enthusiast, the Karen Blixen Museum, home of the Out of Africa author, is a charming stop surrounded by lush gardens.
Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Nairobi, resting for the exciting safari that begins the next day.
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Beneath Kilimanjaro’s Shadow
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive south to Amboseli National Park, a journey of about four hours through open plains and Maasai settlements. Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most photogenic parks, is set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, whose snow-capped peaks rise dramatically above the golden grasslands.
Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen strolling gracefully across the plains with Kilimanjaro in the background — a classic image of Africa. The park also shelters lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, as the setting sun casts a fiery glow over the mountain’s summit.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli’s diverse landscapes, from its swampy wetlands and open savannas to its acacia forests. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals are most active when the temperatures are cooler.
Your morning game drive offers the chance to photograph elephants in soft dawn light and watch predators on the move. After a picnic lunch in the park, continue your exploration, keeping an eye out for elusive leopards and spotted hyenas.
Amboseli also offers unique cultural experiences — you may visit a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll learn about the customs, dances, and daily life of the Maasai people who have coexisted with wildlife for centuries.
Return to your lodge for dinner, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal animals as night settles over the plains.
Day 4: Amboseli to Maasai Mara National Reserve – The Heart of the Wild
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, with a stop for lunch along the way. Alternatively, a short flight from Amboseli to the Mara can be arranged for a more relaxed journey.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge or luxury tented camp nestled in the heart of the savanna. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Mara, where you’ll encounter the magic of Africa’s wild kingdom.
The Maasai Mara’s vast plains are home to an astonishing array of wildlife — prides of lions resting under acacia trees, herds of wildebeest and zebra grazing across the horizon, and graceful cheetahs scanning the grasslands for prey. If your visit coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically from July to October), you may witness the dramatic river crossings — one of nature’s most thrilling spectacles.
As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge for dinner, followed by storytelling and stargazing by the campfire.
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in the Maasai Mara
Spend the entire day immersed in the wonders of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Begin with a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators hunting and the savanna bathed in golden light.
Your guide will lead you across diverse habitats — rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and rocky escarpments — each teeming with life. Elephants move in family herds, giraffes stretch high into the trees, and hippos lounge in the Mara River.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Later, continue your game drive until sunset, when the landscape glows with hues of orange and gold.
Optional: For an unforgettable perspective, you can take a hot air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise — floating silently above herds of wildlife and watching the world awaken beneath you.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar – The Spice Island Awaits
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Mara and transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. From there, connect to a short flight to Zanzibar, the fabled “Spice Island” lying off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.
Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, you’ll be met by a Moreen Tours & Travel representative and transferred to your beach resort. The warm ocean breeze and scent of cloves in the air welcome you to a world of relaxation and history.
Spend the rest of the day unwinding on the pristine white sands, taking a dip in the turquoise sea, or enjoying a sunset cocktail as the waves lap gently at your feet. Dinner and overnight at your beachfront resort.
Day 7: Explore Zanzibar – Culture, Spice, and the Sea
Today is dedicated to discovering Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin with a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and vibrant markets tell tales of centuries of trade and cultural fusion.
You’ll visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Former Slave Market, gaining insight into Zanzibar’s complex history. Later, head to a spice plantation for a “spice tour” — a sensory experience where you’ll touch, taste, and smell cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cardamom straight from the source.
In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time at the beach or take an optional excursion: go snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, or visit Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys.
Return to your resort for a candlelit dinner under the stars, the sound of ocean waves completing the perfect evening.
Day 8: Leisure in Paradise and Departure
Your final day in Zanzibar is yours to savor at leisure. Spend the morning swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, indulging in a spa treatment, or simply relaxing by the pool with a book in hand.
If time allows before your departure, enjoy one last stroll through the palm-fringed beaches or browse the local shops for handcrafted souvenirs — spices, woven baskets, and colorful fabrics that carry the soul of Zanzibar.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable 8-day journey through Kenya’s wild heart and Zanzibar’s serene beauty.
The Magic of the Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Escape
This 8-day itinerary captures the rhythm of East Africa — from the roar of lions echoing across the savanna to the gentle whisper of waves on Zanzibar’s shores. It’s a journey that begins with adventure and ends with peace, a reminder that the same continent that thrills also soothes.
You’ll traverse the raw wilderness of Amboseli and the iconic Maasai Mara, where nature still rules and time feels infinite. Then, as your safari closes, Zanzibar offers the perfect contrast — a place of warmth, history, and rejuvenation. The scent of spices, the sound of the ocean, and the smiles of the island people leave an impression that lingers long after you’ve returned home.
Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel
A journey this special deserves the care and expertise of a trusted travel partner. Moreen Tours & Travel is a premier East African tour operator specializing in tailor-made safaris, beach escapes, and cultural adventures across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
With years of experience and a deep passion for East Africa’s landscapes and people, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures that every journey is seamless, authentic, and unforgettable. From carefully selected lodges and expert driver-guides to personalized itineraries that match your style, they handle every detail so you can focus on living the moment.
Their commitment to sustainable tourism supports local communities and wildlife conservation, ensuring your travel leaves a positive footprint. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the Maasai Mara or sipping coconut water on Zanzibar’s beaches, Moreen Tours & Travel promises not just a trip, but a lifelong memory.
