25 Days Kenya Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari (Epic Wildlife, Birding & Beach Tour)
25 Days Kenya Tanzania & Zanzibar tour offers an immersive wildlife, bird-watching and Beach photography safari designed to enhance your skills while capturing the essence of Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Whether documenting wildlife in action or landscapes bathed in golden light, this journey promises to inspire and elevate your craft. This ultimate 25 days Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Wildlife & Beach Safari visits Amboseli national Park, Lake Manyara national Park, Serengeti National Park, Norongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Mikumi National Park & Zanzibar’s coastal beached for water activities.
Detailed Itinerary for 25 days Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Begin Your Adventure
Arrive in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be greeted and assisted to your hotel. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, consider visiting the Giraffe Centre to feed Rothschild giraffes or taking a stroll through Karura Forest for a refreshing start to your adventure. End the day with dinner at the hotel as you prepare for your exciting safari.
Accommodation: Giraffe Manor, Sarova Panafric, or Four Points by Sheraton.
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli – Drive to the Land of Giants
After breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive, spotting elephants, lions, and cheetahs as they roam the open plains. Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening of stargazing.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, or Kibo Safari Camp.
Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli – Wildlife and Landscapes
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park. Begin with a sunrise game drive to see animals in their most active hours. Visit the Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscapes. After lunch, relax before embarking on an evening game drive to catch more wildlife, including buffalo, hyenas, and giraffes.
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, or Kibo Safari Camp.
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Manyara – Cross into Tanzania
Depart Amboseli after breakfast and drive to the Namanga border, crossing into Tanzania. Proceed to Lake Manyara National Park, arriving in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive along the lake, spotting flamingos, hippos, and tree-climbing lions. The park’s lush scenery and diversity of wildlife make for a rewarding day.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Manyara Tree Lodge, or Escarpment Luxury Lodge.
Day 5: Lake Manyara to Serengeti – Journey to the Endless Plains
After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at Serengeti in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge. Witness the expansive plains teeming with wildebeest, zebras, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. Settle in for a relaxing evening under the African skies.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Kati Kati Tented Camp, or Four Seasons Serengeti.
Day 6: Full Day in Serengeti – Wildlife Exploration
Spend the day exploring Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems. Start with a morning game drive to see predators hunting. Visit the Seronera Valley, a hotspot for lions and leopards, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild.
Continue with an afternoon drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species. Conclude with a breathtaking sunset on the savannah.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Kati Kati Tented Camp, or Four Seasons Serengeti.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Descend into the Crater
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the day exploring this unique ecosystem, home to rhinos, lions, and an array of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife before ascending the crater rim in the late afternoon. Relax at your lodge overlooking the dramatic landscape.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, or Rhino Lodge.
Day 8: Ngorongoro to Tarangire – Baobabs and Elephants
Leave Ngorongoro after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, spotting lions, zebras, and impalas in the park’s riverine landscapes. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening.
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire Treetops, or Sangaiwe Tented Lodge.
Day 9: Tarangire to Arusha – Scenic Drive and City Tour
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire before driving to Arusha. Arrive in time for lunch at your hotel, followed by a leisurely city tour. Visit the Maasai Market for souvenirs or learn about local history at the Arusha Declaration Museum. Conclude the day with a relaxing dinner.
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, or Gran Melia Arusha.
Day 10: Arusha to Kilimanjaro – Trekking Adventures
Start your day with a drive to Mount Kilimanjaro. Visit the Marangu or Machame Gate for a short trek into the lush rainforest. Along the way, admire unique vegetation and look for colobus monkeys. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by Kilimanjaro’s majestic beauty. Return to Arusha in the evening.
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, or Gran Melia Arusha.
Day 11: Flight to Zanzibar – Stone Town Discovery
Catch a morning flight to Zanzibar and transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. Spend the day exploring the town’s rich history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace. Stroll through Darajani Market and enjoy a sunset dinner on a rooftop overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Emerson Spice Hotel, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, or Tembo House Hotel.
Day 12: Stone Town to Nungwi – Coastal Escape
Depart Stone Town and drive to Nungwi, a tranquil beach destination on Zanzibar’s northern coast. Relax on the powdery sands, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or visit the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond. Watch the sunset from the beach and enjoy a seafood dinner.
Accommodation: Z Hotel, DoubleTree Resort, or Nungwi Beach Resort.
Day 13: Full Day in Nungwi – Water Sports and Relaxation
Spend the day indulging in water activities like snorkeling, diving, or a dhow cruise to Mnemba Atoll. Alternatively, take a spice farm tour to learn about Zanzibar’s aromatic heritage. Enjoy a lazy afternoon on the beach and savor local cuisine for dinner.
Accommodation: Z Hotel, DoubleTree Resort, or Nungwi Beach Resort.
Day 14: Nungwi to Kendwa – Vibrant Beaches
Drive to Kendwa, a neighboring beach known for its vibrant energy and water activities. Spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the shore. Don’t miss the iconic Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party if your visit coincides. Conclude with a beachfront barbecue.
Accommodation: Gold Zanzibar Beach House, Kendwa Rocks Hotel, or Sunset Kendwa.
Day 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Cultural Excursions
Catch a ferry to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. Explore cultural sites such as the National Museum and the Village Museum, showcasing traditional Tanzanian lifestyles. Visit the bustling fish market and end the day with dinner by the sea.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Slipway Hotel, or Sea Cliff Hotel.
Day 16: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Gateway to the Savannah
Leave Dar es Salaam in the early morning and head west toward Mikumi National Park. The drive is scenic, taking you through small villages and stretches of untouched wilderness. Arrive at the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you’ll encounter elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Mikumi’s open savannahs offer breathtaking views and excellent photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, or Angalia Tented Camp.
Day 17: Full Day in Mikumi – Wildlife and Bird watching
Spend the day exploring Mikumi National Park’s diverse ecosystems. Begin with a sunrise game drive to spot predators like lions and hyenas. Later, visit the Mkata Floodplain, known for its large herds of herbivores, including buffalo and wildebeest. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like bateleurs and lilac-breasted rollers gracing the skies.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi Wildlife Camp, or Angalia Tented Camp.
Day 18: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park – Journey to Remote Wilderness
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote park. Along the way, marvel at the changing landscapes from savannahs to rugged hills. Arrive at Ruaha in the afternoon and enjoy a short game drive as you head to your accommodation. The park’s untamed beauty promises unforgettable encounters with elephants, lions, and wild dogs.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge, Jabali Ridge, or Mdonya Old River Camp.
Day 19: Full Day in Ruaha – Untouched Beauty
Dedicate the entire day to exploring Ruaha National Park. Start with a game drive along the Great Ruaha River, where crocodiles bask and hippos wallow. Venture deeper into the park to spot elusive leopards and the rare sable antelope. Ruaha’s isolation ensures a tranquil experience, with minimal crowds and abundant wildlife.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge, Jabali Ridge, or Mdonya Old River Camp.
Day 20: Ruaha to Arusha – Return to Northern Tanzania
Depart Ruaha early for the long but rewarding drive back to Arusha. The journey offers incredible vistas of the Tanzanian countryside, dotted with baobabs and bustling markets. Arrive in Arusha in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on your southern Tanzania adventure.
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, or Gran Melia Arusha.
Day 21: Arusha to Lake Natron – Flamingos and Waterfalls
Begin your day with a drive to Lake Natron, a serene and remote destination famous for its flamingos and unique landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the lake’s shores to observe thousands of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters. In the evening, hike to the nearby Engare Sero Waterfalls for a refreshing dip in natural pools.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Tented Camp, Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, or Natron River Camp.
Day 22: Lake Natron to Masai Mara – Enter Kenya’s Premier Reserve
Cross back into Kenya and drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. This world-renowned reserve welcomes you with vast plains teeming with wildlife. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge, where you might spot lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, or Ashnil Mara Camp.
Day 23: Full Day in Masai Mara – The Big Five Adventure
Spend a full day immersed in the wonders of the Masai Mara. Begin with a sunrise game drive to witness predators in action. Visit the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos thrive, and if it’s migration season, marvel at the dramatic wildebeest crossings. Conclude the day with a sundowner on the savannah.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, or Ashnil Mara Camp.
Day 24: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Return to the Capital
After a final morning game drive, depart Masai Mara and head back to Nairobi. Arrive in the city in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely visit to the Nairobi National Museum or the Karen Blixen Museum. Celebrate the end of your journey with a special dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel, Villa Rosa Kempinski, or Tamarind Tree Hotel.
Day 25: Nairobi – Drop-Off and Departure
On your final day, explore Nairobi at your own pace before returning the vehicle. Visit the Nairobi Animal Orphanage or shop for souvenirs at the Maasai Market. Depending on your flight time, relax at your hotel or enjoy a farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant. Proceed to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable 25-day safari.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel, Villa Rosa Kempinski, or Tamarind Tree Hotel.
