Essential Info

Duration: 15 Nights

Dates:

• 6 – 22 September 2019

Start: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Maximum Group Size: 8 people

Minimum Age: 18

Physical Level: Moderate

Cost: £1,995 £1,895 (limited time only) + $1,000* (local payment paid on arrival)

Deposit: £200 (non-refundable)

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your accommodation for the night.

Relax and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome meal and a beer or two at out lovely campsite! Your Rock My Kenya & Tanzania Adventure starts here. Karibu Kenya!

*  If you have the time and can arrive earlier, we can organise any other activities you wish to do. Additional accommodation and activities charged separately.

We’ll spend our first full day getting into life in Kenya and getting on Nairobi time.

In the morning, we’ll take a visit to see the baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

In the afternoon, we’ll go on a city tour with a group of former street boys. They’ll share their personal stories with us and show you a side to Nairobi that very few tourists get to experience. You will come away from the experience with a whole mix of emotions and lots of inspiration.

In the evening we’ll go for dinner at a great local restaurant.

Early in the morning, you’ll have the chance to feed and kiss a giraffe at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre (don’t worry, their spit is anti-septic)

We’ll then depart Nairobi and head towards the world famous Masai Mara for our safari. On the way we’ll take in the views of the magnificent Great Rift Valley and stop for lunch in the town of Narok, before heading to our lovely camp just a few kilometres outside the Masai Mara gate.

In the evening, we’ll relax around the campfire and under the stars at our campsite.

On day 4 we’ll jump in our safari vehicle and spend a full day looking for the Big 5.

We’ll have a lunchtime picnic in the wild under the shade of an acacia tree.

In the evening we’ll head back to  camp to wash off the safari dust and enjoy an amazing bbq dinner of nyama choma and other traditional Kenyan dishes.

Early in the morning, those who want to can take an optional hot air balloon ride (additional cost) over the Masai Mara. This is a wonderful chance to see the epic landscape from the air and you may even see a few animals too! This activity is followed by a champagne breakfast by the Mara River.

When the ballooners return, we’ll spend the day with Helen’s Maasai friends, going on a guided hike (not available to the ballooners), visiting the local school (term time only), playing with the children and having lunch in the village. This is always a super fun day and one that you’ll never forget.

That evening we’ll head out for dinner and some drinks in one of the restaurant/bars in the nearby township of Sekenani. You won’t find any other tourists here!

Following a leisurely breakfast and a lot of sad goodbyes as we leave the Mara (believe me, EVERYONE loves it here), we will make our way back to Nairobi, again passing over the incredible Great Rift Valley as we go.  

The evening will be free to rest or those who want to can head out to some of the cool bars/restaurants in town.

Today we’ll make our way across the border to Tanzania and the bustling town of Arusha. Karibu Tanzania!

In the afternoon there will be a little bit of free time, before we head out for dinner. Tonight is party night in Arusha so those who want to can head out to a local open air nightclub playing the latest Tanzanian music.

We’ll spend the next few days on a camping safari to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, 2 of the most spectacular places in the world and the perfect place to look for the ‘Big Five’.

We’ll leave Arusha early, arriving in the Serengeti in the afternoon. As we drive into the park, there will be plenty of opportunities to spot some wildlife! Believe me, you’ll be singing Circle of Life all the way in!!

You’ll go to sleep to the sounds of hyenas cackling and maybe even hear the odd lion roar or elephant trumpet in the distance (or possibly nearby).

It’s not uncommon for animals to wander through the campsite at night so it’s always an adventure!

We’ll be up and out early for another game drive in the Serengeti looking for animals who are usually very active in the morning before it gets too hot.

You’ll likely see zebras milling about the camp as you go to brush your teeth and we’ll share stories of the noises we heard in the night over breakfast.

The Serengeti has an abundance of wildlife so you won’t be disappointed! We’ll keep our eyes peeled for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and all the other animals you could ever hope to see on safari.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Ngorongoro Crater, where we’ll set up camp on the crater rim. When the sun goes down, we’ll relax around the campfire and under the stars.

After another early start, we’ll head down into the Ngorongoro Crater for another day on safari.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact crater in the world, formed 3 million years ago when a volcano (reportedly higher than Kilimanjaro) collapsed. The result is one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.

Inside the crater is filled with animals and if we’re lucky we might see an endangered black rhino or two.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Moshi, where we’ll freshen up aka have a good wash and scrub off the safari dust. The evening is free, so you can either head out on the town or rest at our lovely guesthouse.

Today we’ll visit a village on the foothills of Kilimanjaro. We’ll take a  hike through beautiful rainforest, visit a stunning waterfall and meet and learn about the Chagga people who live in Moshi and the surrounding areas.

After hiking, you will enjoy a local lunch at Mama Agnes’s house, try banana beer and learn how to make coffee in the traditional Chagga way. The coffee making process is fun and interactive and accompanied by traditional songs and dances.

In the afternoon we’ll visit a local women’s co-operative before heading out into town for dinner.

Today is a travel day as we make our way down to Dar es Salaam, ready for our trip over to Zanzibar the following morning.

The scenery on the drive down is incredible as we pass the Usambara Mountains.

There will be some free time in the evening to rest at our lodge or you can head out to see the city.

Today is an exciting day as we’re heading to Zanzibar.

When we arrive, we’ll check into our stunning, traditional Zanzibari hotel and then grab some lunch at a great local restaurant.

Fed and watered, we’ll explore Stone Town with the best guide on the island and learn all about the history (and all the gossip) of this incredible place.

In the evening we’ll take a trip to Forodhani Gardens, the awesome nightly food market. Where you can pick up some local delicacies such as seafood kebabs, samosas, fruit, grilled maize, sugar cane juice and my favourite, the Zanzibar pizza!

I like mine filled with mango, cheese, onion, avocado and egg – the Helen Special. Mmmmm!

Today is a free day to take one of the many day trips from Stone Town (Prison Island, spice tour), take a cooking lesson, shop at your leisure or simply wander the maze and absorb the magic that is Stone town.

In the early evening we’ll head to one of Stone Town’s top rooftop restaurants for a true Zanzibari experience with great food and local Taarab music. Pure magic!

Today we’ll head to Paje on the south east coast, but not before spending the day sailing on a traditional dhow.

We’ll start in a small village on the south coast and sail towards Menai Bay where conservation efforts have allowed dolphins to flourish. By mid-morning we’ll arrive on a sandbank where we can snorkel and explore the reefs.

Our crew will prepare a seafood buffet for lunch, including lobster, fish and calamari as well as chicken and vegetarian options. Drinks are also included in the trip.

In the afternoon we’ll explore Kwale Island, see an ancient baobab tree and relax on a beautiful beach. Then it’s straight up to the stunning beaches of Paje.

The evening is free to do as you please and those who still have the energy later can continue the party – Friday night is party night in Paje!

Today is a free day, however you may want to use this day to go for lunch at the world famous Rock Restaurant. This is a lovely experience and the perfect place for your holiday photoshoot – so get your outfit ready!

Or you could take a paddle boarding trip through the mangroves (tides permitting).

In the evening, we’ll say goodbye on a fun sunset cruise, with swimming and snorkelling, in stunning Chwaka Bay (drinks and snacks included).

When we return to Paje, we’ll head out for a goodby dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.

Today is always a sad day as we say goodbye to our new friends (there’s usually a few tears, I will warn you), but the memories and shared experiences of Tanzania & Zanzibar will last a lifetime!

We can arrange your transfer to Zanzibar Airport or you can continue your Africa travels from there.

If you need any support with your pre or post-tour Africa travels, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service!

• Optional activities.
• Transport for optional activities
• Tips for local guides.