8-Day Kenya-Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Combine Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Zanzibar on an 8-day Kenya-Tanzania safari and beach holiday with wildlife, Big Five opportunities and Indian Ocean relaxation.

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Maasai Mara, Serengeti & Zanzibar in One East African Journey

Combine classic East African wildlife with an Indian Ocean beach escape on an 8-day Kenya-Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday.

This itinerary takes you from the open grasslands of Maasai Mara National Reserve to the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, before ending with two nights in Zanzibar. It is designed for travelers who want to experience wildlife, landscapes, culture and beach relaxation within one carefully planned holiday.

The safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya, crosses into Tanzania, continues through the Serengeti to Arusha, and then connects by air to Zanzibar. This creates a practical route for travelers who want to combine a Kenya safari, Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday without returning to Nairobi between each stage.

The itinerary is particularly suitable for couples, honeymooners, families and travelers celebrating a special occasion. It can also be customized with upgraded accommodation, additional Zanzibar nights or optional activities.

Safari Highlights

Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve
Experience game drives across the Serengeti
Cross from Kenya into Tanzania
Search for lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs and other wildlife
Enjoy two safari nights in the Serengeti
Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar
Relax on Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean beaches
Optional snorkeling and diving
Optional Stone Town and spice experiences
Ideal combination of safari and beach relaxation
Professional safari guide during the safari portion

Detailed 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Your 8-day Kenya-Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday begins with a morning departure from Nairobi.Travel through the Great Rift Valley toward Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey offers changing scenery as you leave Nairobi and continue into the western Kenya countryside.Arrive around lunchtime, check in and have lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.The Mara ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife. Depending on the season and location, you may see:LionsElephantsBuffaloZebrasGiraffesWildebeestAntelopesHyenasReturn to your lodge or camp after the afternoon game drive.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara.Morning and afternoon game drives provide time to explore different parts of the reserve and follow recent wildlife activity.The Mara is particularly known for its large predator population and open grassland habitat. Possible sightings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and hyenas.If your travel dates coincide with the seasonal movement of wildebeest from the Serengeti, you may also encounter migration activity.River crossings, however, are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.Optional Hot-Air Balloon SafariA hot-air balloon experience can be added for travelers who want a different perspective of the Mara. Balloon flights are subject to availability, weather conditions and applicable operating requirements.Overnight: Maasai Mara

Day 3: Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border.Complete the required border and immigration procedures before continuing into Tanzania.The journey then continues toward Serengeti National Park.Depending on the route, border timing and arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti.The landscape changes as you enter Tanzania, eventually opening into the extensive plains and savannah habitats associated with the Serengeti ecosystem.Overnight: Serengeti National Park

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park.Spend the day on game drives, following wildlife activity and exploring different areas of the park according to seasonal conditions.Possible sightings include:LionsLeopardsCheetahsElephantsBuffaloWildebeestZebrasGiraffesHyenasHipposNumerous bird speciesThe Serengeti is also central to the annual wildebeest migration. Depending on your travel dates, you may encounter migrating herds in the area.The location of the migration changes throughout the year and is influenced by rainfall, grazing conditions and water availability.Overnight: Serengeti National Park

Day 5: Serengeti to Arusha

Enjoy a morning game drive before leaving the Serengeti.The morning provides another opportunity to observe wildlife before beginning the journey toward Arusha.Travel through the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania and arrive in Arusha later in the day.Arusha serves as the transition point between the safari and Zanzibar portion of your holiday.Overnight: Arusha

Day 6: Arusha to Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Arusha to Zanzibar.Upon arrival in Zanzibar, meet your transfer representative and continue to your beach accommodation.The rest of the day is free to relax.Depending on your resort location and arrival time, you may enjoy your first afternoon by the Indian Ocean, take a walk along the beach or simply settle into your accommodation.Overnight: Zanzibar

Day 7: Full-Day Zanzibar Beach Experience

Enjoy a full day in Zanzibar.You can spend the day relaxing at your beach resort or choose from a range of optional experiences.Optional Zanzibar ActivitiesSnorkeling: Explore coral reefs and coastal waters where conditions permit.Scuba Diving: Diving excursions can be arranged for certified divers through suitable local operators.Stone Town: Explore Zanzibar's historic old quarter and its Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences.Spice Farm Visit: Learn about Zanzibar's long association with cloves and other spices.Dhow Sailing: Enjoy a traditional sailing experience along the Zanzibar coastline.Your day can be as active or relaxed as you prefer.Overnight: Zanzibar

Day 8: Zanzibar Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight.Your 8-day Kenya-Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday concludes with the option to continue to another destination or connect with your international departure flight.Additional Zanzibar nights can be added if you would prefer a longer beach stay.

What’s Included

Nairobi pickup
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof during the safari
Professional safari guide
Game drives as outlined
Applicable park entry fees
Accommodation during the safari
Zanzibar beach accommodation
Meals as specified
Arusha-Zanzibar flight
Airport and hotel transfers
Drinking water during safari drives
Kenya-Tanzania border transfer assistance

What’s Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities
Items not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Who Is This Safari Best For?

Honeymooners and Couples

The combination of wildlife and Zanzibar beach time provides a natural balance between adventure and relaxation. Accommodation can be upgraded for honeymoon or anniversary travel.

Families

Families can enjoy the wildlife-focused safari before moving to a beach resort where the pace becomes more relaxed.

First-Time East Africa Visitors

For travelers visiting East Africa for the first time, this itinerary combines two major safari destinations with an Indian Ocean island experience.

Photographers

The Mara and Serengeti offer varied wildlife and landscapes, while Zanzibar adds coastal and cultural photography opportunities.

Plan Your Kenya-Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Experience the contrast of East Africa in one journey, from Maasai Mara and Serengeti wildlife to Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean beaches.

Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation level and whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion, and Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris can tailor the safari and Zanzibar stay around your plans.

Your journey, your way.

Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred accommodation level and whether you want a private or shared safari, and Horizon Explorer Africa Safaris can tailor the itinerary around your plans.

Your journey, your way.

Get Free Safari Quote