12 Days Maasai Mara - Serengeti and Zanzibar Luxury Fly-In Safari

Xtreme Republic

Overview

This 12-day luxury East Africa safari and beach holiday delivers an exceptional combination of premium wildlife experiences, seamless regional travel, and tropical relaxation. Beginning in Nairobi, the journey takes you through Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara, across the border into Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti, and concludes with an indulgent beach escape in Zanzibar.

Designed for travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and unforgettable adventure, this itinerary combines fly-in transfers, luxury accommodations, expertly guided game drives, and world-renowned wildlife reserves. Guests experience the best of the Great Migration ecosystem, Big Five encounters, luxury tented camps, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches all without the fatigue of long overland travel.

This safari is ideal for honeymooners, luxury adventurers, wildlife photographers, and high-end travelers who want a seamless multi-country East African experience.

Safari highlights

Luxury Fly-In Safari Experience Travel effortlessly between Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Arusha, and Zanzibar via scenic regional flights, maximizing comfort and reducing travel time.

Maasai Mara National Reserve Explore one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations with exceptional Big Five sightings, Mara River crossings, luxury tented camps, and optional hot air balloon safari

Serengeti National Park Adventure Experience Tanzania’s endless plains, abundant predators, and breathtaking wildlife spectacles in one of the world’s greatest safari ecosystems.

Premium Luxury Accommodation Throughout Stay in carefully selected high-end properties, including Hemingways Nairobi, Entim Mara Luxury Camp, Ole Serai Luxury Camp, and Zanzibar Beach Resort.

Zanzibar Beach Escape Relax on the turquoise shores of Zanzibar with white sandy beaches, luxury resort amenities, water sports, and tropical island serenity after your safari adventure.

Tour snapshot

Duration:
12 Days

Group Size:
6 persons

Location:
Kenya

Tour Type:
Safari Tours

1 / 11

Itinerary

Day 1 :

ARRIVE IN NAIROBI

Our representative will meet you at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to facilitate your transfer to Hemingway's hotel for a well-deserved overnight rest. If your flight arrives in the morning, we will offer a complimentary day tour to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center.

Day 2 :

NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Early morning breakfast followed by a transfer to Wilson airport to catch your mid-morning departure flight to Maasai Mara. The flight to the Maasai Mara takes about an hour. Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver guide who will pick you up from Maasai Mara airstrip and drive you to Entim Mara Luxury Camp. You will enjoy a short en-route game drive on your way to the camp; arrive at camp on time for your lunch, a brief afternoon siesta, followed by an evening shared game drive till dusk. Return to camp for dinner and overnight. Maasai Mara Reserve is the most popular tourism destination in Kenya. Located in the Great Rift Valley, in primarily open grassland. Wildlife is most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment. It’s regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeest migration alone involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November. Hardly can a visitor miss spotting the big five.

Day 3 & 4 :

EXPLORE MAASAI MARA RESERVE.

Enjoy two relaxed days in the Masai Mara with morning and evening shared game drives. While at the Maasai Mara, you will get a chance to explore the Mara, which involves visiting various river crossing points to witness and capture the wildebeests crossing the great Mara River in numbers, along with predator-prey action. Explore the vast tree-studded reserve in search of wildlife. Some of the famous wild animals in the park you are likely to encounter include: lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, leopard, cheetah, many kinds of birds, antelopes, and elephants. Also, on one of the fine mornings, you may take an optional early morning balloon ride over the Mara plains that will be crowned with a champagne bush breakfast. Also, you may have an optional one-hour visit to the Masai village for a cultural encounter and souvenir shopping.

Day 5 :

MAASAI MARA- SERENGETI.

Early morning breakfast, check out, and depart to the airstrip to catch your 08:15 flight to Serengeti. This is an inter-connecting flight (Mara- Tarime- Serengeti). You will arrive at Seronera airstrip in Serengeti at 12:10 pm, where you will be met by our representative for your transfer to your camp. Arrive for your lunch, afternoon siesta, followed by an evening game drive till dusk. Serengeti National Park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, Buffalo, zebras, Wildebeest, Eland, wild dogs, Gazelles, crocs, and more. A lot of birds include the Eurasian migrants.

Day 6 & 7 :

EXPLORE SERENGETI

Spend two days exploring Serengeti National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. Serengeti is very large, and your guide knows very well how to locate animals within the park. Serengeti means endless plains in the Maasai language. In the central plains, there are carnivores like leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. This park is normally the scene of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra that occurs between the Kenyan Mara and the Serengeti. Varied bird species can be seen here, including eagles, ducks, geese, egrets, vultures, secretary birds, ibis, stork, herons, kites, pelicans, cranes, and guinea fowl.

Day 8 :

SERENGETI- ARUSHA-ZANZIBAR

After breakfast at the lodge, drive to Seronera airstrip to catch your 2-hour flight to Kilimanjaro (10:00 am - 12:05 pm) to catch your PM departure flight to Zanzibar. Arrive and be picked up from the airport for transfer to Zanzibar Beach Resort

Day 9,10 & 11 :

FULL DAY RELAXATION AT THE BEACH

Full day relaxing at the hotel or enjoying resort facilities and watersport activities and excursions organized and paid directly to the hotel.Dinner and overnight at Zanzibar Beach Resort

Day 12 :

ZANZIBAR- HOME

Breakfast at the resort and thereafter transfer to the Zanzibar airport to catch your departure flight back home. End of Tour

Map

Tour Route

Stops: 5

Route: Active

Important Information

✓

Included

✓
All airport/ airstrip transfers
✓
1 Night accommodation in Nairobi on Bed and Breakfast basis
✓
6 Nights’ accommodation during safari on a full board Basis
✓
4 Nights’ accommodation in Zanzibar on full board basis
✓
3 meals per day during Safari tour
✓
One way flight- Nairobi- Maasai Mara
✓
One way flight- Maasai Mara- Serengeti
✓
One way flight- Serengeti- Arusha
✓
One way flight- Arusha- Zanzibar
✓
Shared use of a customized safari 4X4 Land cruiser Jeep in Kenya and Tanzania with a pop up roof for easy game viewing and photography- (Morning and evening game drives)
✓
All park entrance fees in all parks in Kenya and Tanzania
✓
Bottled water in the car.

Not Included

✕
Gratuities and tips
✕
Drinks e.g. alcohol
✕
Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara @ $450 per person
✕
Visit to Maasai Village @ 30 USD per person (optional)
✕
Travel or Medical Insurance
✕
Drinks and Meals not specified as included
✕
Visa fees. International flights.

FAQs about 12 Days Maasai Mara - Serengeti and Zanzibar Luxury Fly-In Safari

What is the best time to go on an East African safari?

East Africa offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. For the Great Migration and dramatic river crossings, July to October is often considered peak season in Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Green-season travel from November to May offers fewer crowds, lush scenery, and excellent photography opportunities.

Will I see the Big Five on safari?

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, Maasai Mara and Serengeti are among Africa's best safari destinations for seeing the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Experienced guides significantly increase your chances of successful sightings.

Are fly-in safaris better than road safaris?

Fly-in safaris save substantial travel time, reduce fatigue, and allow more time for wildlife viewing. They are particularly beneficial for luxury travelers, honeymooners, photographers, and guests combining multiple destinations in one trip.

What should I pack for a safari?

Essentials include neutral-colored clothing, a light jacket for early morning game drives, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra memory cards and batteries, and your travel documents. Avoid bright colors and camouflage clothing, as military-style attire may be restricted in some countries.

Is a safari safe for families, couples, and solo travelers?

Yes. Reputable safari operators maintain strict safety standards, use trained guides, and follow park regulations. Luxury camps and lodges are designed to host families, honeymooners, solo travelers, and senior guests comfortably and safely.

How close do safari vehicles get to animals?

Guides follow wildlife-viewing regulations that prioritize animal welfare and guest safety. In many cases, vehicles can get remarkably close to animals while maintaining a respectful distance. Some sightings, particularly of lions, elephants, and giraffes, can occur just a few meters away.

Do I need visas or vaccinations for an East African safari?

Requirements depend on your nationality and itinerary. Travelers visiting multiple countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania, should check visa requirements before departure. Many visitors are advised to consult a travel health professional regarding vaccinations and malaria prevention before traveling.

What is the difference between Maasai Mara and Serengeti?

Although they form one connected ecosystem, they offer different experiences. Maasai Mara is known for dense wildlife concentrations and famous Mara River crossings, while Serengeti is larger and offers vast open plains, abundant predators, and diverse migration patterns throughout the year. Many safari enthusiasts consider visiting both parks the ultimate East African wildlife experience.

How much spending money should I bring on safari?

Most major expenses are usually prepaid. However, guests should budget for guide and staff gratuities, optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages where not included, and personal purchases.

Why do many safari itineraries end with a beach destination?

After several days of early-morning game drives and wildlife activities, many travelers enjoy relaxing by the ocean. Destinations such as Zanzibar provide a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, offering beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, cultural experiences, and luxury resorts.