Welcome to Nairobi!

After your airport pickup, you’ll settle into the historic Fairmont Norfolk Hotel and enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure.

Early afternoon, we’ll visit a vibrant West African market nearby perfect for browsing textiles, jewelry, and crafts.

Later, you’ll explore the Murumbi Gallery and Nairobi Gallery, home to one of Africa’s richest collections of art and cultural heritage.

 

After some time to refresh at the hotel, you’ll enjoy an elegant dinner at Embark Dining, followed by optional drinks at Cin Cin Bar, a stylish finish to a cultured, restful day in the city.

The following morning will start early, with your driver collecting you from the Fairmont Norfolk at 5:30 AM for a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. You’ll explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife until around 11:00 AM, with breakfast served in the park surrounded by nature.

 

From there, you’ll proceed to Wilson Airport, where your 12:00 PM private charter flight will be ready to fly you north to the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI), a truly unique destination at the edge of the Great Rift Valley.

 

Upon arrival at TBI, you'll be met by the local team who will host you for the next three nights. The experience here is immersive and one-of-a-kind, offering a chance to engage with the landscape, people, and ongoing scientific and conservation work in this remote and strikingly beautiful region.

The TBI team will take care of all day-to-day activities, curating experiences based on your interests—whether that’s exploring the area’s natural history, visiting nearby communities, or simply soaking in the vast desert views and starlit skies.

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, the TBI team will transfer you to Meru National Park, where your guide from Elsa’s Kopje will be waiting.

You’ll enjoy a short game drive en route to the lodge, offering your first glimpse of this remarkable park  known for its lush landscapes, thriving rhino sanctuary, and the setting of the legendary story of Born Free.

 

Perched on Mughwango Hill with panoramic views over the park, Elsa’s Kopje is an intimate and award-winning lodge celebrated for its blend of understated luxury, warm hospitality, and connection to Meru’s conservation legacy.

 

Arriving in time for lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax by the infinity pool, soak in the sweeping vistas, or indulge in the lodge’s tranquil atmosphere before heading out on an extended afternoon game drive.

As the day cools, the park comes alive , expect sightings of elephant herds, graceful giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive leopard, all set against the golden light of the African savannah.

After your time in Meru, a private flight directly to the Maasai Mara will take you into one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas. As you descend into the Mara, you’ll start to see the sweeping savannahs, winding rivers, and wildlife that define this world-renowned ecosystem.

Upon landing, you’ll be met by the Angama Mara team and transferred to your lodge, perched high above the Great Rift Valley with breathtaking views across the Mara Triangle.

 

Nestled on the banks of the Njageteck River in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy, Richard’s River Camp offers a blend of understated luxury and authentic safari charm. With only a handful of spacious, beautifully furnished tents, the camp ensures privacy and personalised attention, while its remote location guarantees an unhurried, intimate experience.

 

Wildlife is abundant here, with sightings often right from camp, and days are tailored to your pace — from private day and night game drives to guided bush walks and alfresco dining under the stars. It’s the perfect base for experiencing the Maasai Mara at its most exclusive and serene.

On your final day at Richards Camp, you’ll have time to enjoy one last unforgettable morning in the Maasai Mara. Whether it’s an early game drive, a leisurely breakfast overlooking the savannah, or simply taking in the sunrise from your suite, the morning is yours to soak in the magic of this extraordinary place.

In the early afternoon, you’ll board your private charter flight departing around 3:30 PM, flying directly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi for a smooth and efficient transition to your onward journeys.

Upon arrival at JKIA:

• The group continuing on to Zanzibar will check in for their 6:55 PM flight, where they’ll be met on arrival by our trusted driver and transferred to their hotel in Stone Town for the night.

• For those returning home, there will be the option to enjoy an early dinner in Nairobi before returning to the airport for your international departures.

 

Whether you're heading to the spice-scented alleys of Stone Town or wrapping up your journey with one last Kenyan sunset, we’ll be on hand to ensure a seamless, comfortable transition every step of the way.

Your time in Zanzibar begins with a guided walking tour through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors and coral stone buildings, you'll step into centuries of rich history and cultural fusion.

Your guide will lead you to some of Stone Town’s most iconic landmarks:

• The imposing Old Fort, a 17th-century fortress built by the Omanis to defend against Portuguese invaders

• The House of Wonders, once the grandest building in East Africa and a testament to Swahili coastal elegance

• The Sultan’s Palace, filled with artifacts that offer a glimpse into Zanzibar’s royal past

As you continue, you’ll explore the vibrant local markets, where the scent of spices fills the air and daily life pulses through every corner. A visit to the former slave market offers a moment of solemn reflection, standing at the heart of one of East Africa’s most painful yet important histories.

In the evening, you’ll dine on a rooftop terrace, with sweeping views over Stone Town’s rooftops and the Indian Ocean—a perfect setting to enjoy Zanzibari cuisine as the sun melts into the horizon and the city begins to glow.

Your final day in Zanzibar begins with a morning boat trip to Prison Island, just a short sail from Stone Town. Known locally as Changuu Island, this peaceful escape offers a chance to visit the island’s famous giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, and explore the remnants of colonial-era buildings that once served as a quarantine station. With turquoise waters lapping at the shore, it’s a tranquil start to the day.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a choice between two quintessential Zanzibari experiences:

• Embark on a guided spice tour, where you’ll stroll through lush plantations, learning about the island’s storied history as the “Spice Island” while tasting and smelling cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla straight from the source.

• Or opt for an excursion to Nakupenda Sandbank, a pristine stretch of sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing under the sun.

As the sun begins to dip, enjoy a quiet evening at your leisure, or take in the sounds of traditional taarab music, a soulful blend of Swahili, Arabic, and Indian influences, performed live in one of Stone Town’s historic venues.

Later in the evening, you’ll transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back to Nairobi, where you'll connect to your international flight to New York, bringing your East African journey to a close—rich with memories of wild landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable moments.