13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028
Samburu • Masai Mara • Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Zanzibar
What is the best 13 days Kenya Tanzania Big Five luxury safari with Zanzibar?
A 13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari combines Samburu, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and a Zanzibar beach stay, offering exclusive Big Five game drives followed by relaxation on the Indian Ocean.
The 13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari Tour is a refined high-end safari-and-beach journey designed for travelers seeking Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences combined with a tranquil Zanzibar beach escape. This itinerary spans Samburu National Reserve, Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, before concluding on the palm-fringed shores of Zanzibar.
Carefully curated for 2026, 2027, and 2028, this tour is led by expert local guides, uses hand-picked luxury lodges and tented camps, and follows a seamless cross-border route that maximizes wildlife viewing while minimizing travel fatigue. Unlike mass-market packages, this safari is locally operated, flexible, and conservation-focused—supporting community conservancies and eco-certified properties.
From rare species in Samburu (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe), Big Five action in Masai Mara, predator-rich plains of the Serengeti, and the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, every safari day delivers exceptional encounters. The journey ends in Zanzibar, where turquoise waters, coral reefs, and Swahili culture provide the perfect contrast to the safari adventure.
Explore related journeys:
Kenya Safari Tour Adventures
Tanzania Safari Tours
Official conservation reference:
https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz
13-Day Kenya–Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Luxury Welcome
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you are met by your private safari representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening or optional city highlights. Overnight in Nairobi.
Day 2: Nairobi → Samburu National Reserve
Fly or drive north to Samburu National Reserve, a rugged and remote wilderness. After lunch at your luxury lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu is home to unique species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. Overnight in Samburu.
Day 3: Full Day in Samburu
Spend a full day exploring Samburu with morning and afternoon game drives. Spot elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare “Samburu Special Five.” Learn about local Samburu culture and conservation initiatives. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the river before returning to your lodge.
Day 4: Samburu → Masai Mara
After breakfast, fly or drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. The Mara offers exceptional Big Five viewing and dramatic open savannah landscapes. Overnight at a luxury tented camp.
Day 5: Full Day Masai Mara – Big Five Safari
Enjoy a full day of luxury game drives in the Masai Mara. Morning and afternoon safaris focus on lions, elephants, cheetahs, and, seasonally, the Great Migration. Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari or Maasai cultural visit. Picnic lunch or fine dining back at camp.
Day 6: Masai Mara → Serengeti National Park
Depart the Mara early and cross into Tanzania en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way. Arrive at your luxury camp for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the endless plains, home to vast herds and big cats.
Day 7: Full Day Serengeti National Park
Spend the day tracking wildlife across the Serengeti with your expert guide. Morning and afternoon game drives explore migration routes, kopjes, and predator territories. Midday relaxation at camp allows time to enjoy luxury amenities and panoramic views.
Day 8: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final Serengeti game drive en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend into the crater highlands and check in at your lodge overlooking the crater or in Karatu. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife areas. Enjoy a half-day game drive on the crater floor, spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. Picnic lunch near a hippo pool. Return to your lodge in the afternoon.
Day 10: Ngorongoro → Arusha
Depart Ngorongoro after breakfast and drive to Arusha. Arrive by early afternoon and relax at your lodge or hotel. Prepare for the Zanzibar beach extension.
Day 11: Arusha → Zanzibar Island
Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar. On arrival, transfer to your luxury beach resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on white-sand beaches or enjoying the resort’s facilities.
Day 12: Zanzibar – Beach Leisure & Optional Excursions
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Zanzibar. Optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, spice tour, Stone Town exploration, or a sunset dhow cruise. Relax by the ocean or indulge in spa treatments.
Day 13: Zanzibar – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. Your 13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari concludes with unforgettable memories.
Inclusions (13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach)
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Meet & greet on arrival + private airport transfers (Nairobi + Zanzibar, and Arusha if used)
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Private 4×4 safari vehicle(s) with pop-up roof for all safari sectors (or fly-in sectors if your package includes flights)
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Professional, English-speaking driver-guide(s) (Kenya + Tanzania specialists)
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Luxury accommodation as per itinerary: Samburu, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro area, Arusha (if included), and Zanzibar beach resort
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Meals on safari (Full Board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Zanzibar meal plan as booked (BB/HB/FB/All-Inclusive—clearly state on your quote)
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All scheduled game drives in Samburu, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
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Bottled drinking water during game drives
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All inter-destination transfers as per itinerary
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Kenya–Tanzania logistics support (border assistance if road route is used)
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Domestic flight(s) to Zanzibar if included in your package price (state clearly on the invoice)
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24/7 on-ground support from Paradise Africa Safaris operations team
Exclusions
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International flights to/from East Africa
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Visas for Kenya and Tanzania + visa processing fees
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Tips/gratuities (guides, camp staff, porters)
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Optional activities: balloon safari, cultural village visits, night drives (where permitted), horse riding, spa treatments, Zanzibar excursions (unless stated included)
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Alcoholic beverages / premium drinks (unless All-Inclusive and explicitly included)
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Laundry (unless included by the property)
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, extra snacks, medications)
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Anything not clearly stated in “Inclusions”
FAQs
1) What does the 13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari include?
It usually includes private safari transport, expert local guides, luxury lodges/tented camps, full-board meals on safari, game drives in Samburu, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, plus Zanzibar beach accommodation and transfers. Park fees and domestic flights may be included or listed separately depending on your chosen package option and will be confirmed on your invoice.
2) When is the best time to visit for Big Five and great weather?
Year-round wildlife viewing is excellent. June–October is popular for dry-season game viewing and (seasonally) migration action. January–March can be great in Tanzania for calving areas (routing dependent). Zanzibar is enjoyable year-round, with drier months generally preferred for beach time.
3) What is special about Samburu compared to other parks?
Samburu is known for its rugged landscapes and the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx—species rarely seen in southern Kenya.
4) Is this safari private or shared?
This is designed as a private luxury safari, meaning your group has its own vehicle and guide(s), with flexible timing and longer wildlife sightings.
5) Will we see the Big Five on this itinerary?
You have strong chances in Masai Mara and Serengeti, and Ngorongoro often delivers high-density sightings. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this routing is designed for excellent Big Five probability.
6) How do we get from Tanzania to Zanzibar?
Most guests fly into Zanzibar from Arusha or another convenient air hub. The flight can be included or quoted separately depending on your package.
7) How many nights are in Zanzibar and what can we do there?
Most guests enjoy 2–3 nights in Zanzibar for beach relaxation and optional experiences like Stone Town, spice tours, snorkeling/diving, a sunset dhow cruise, and sandbank excursions.
8) Are park fees and Ngorongoro Crater fees included?
They can be included in luxury packages or listed separately for transparency because tariffs change. Your quote and invoice confirm the exact inclusions.
9) What should we pack for safari + Zanzibar?
Neutral safari clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, closed shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, swimwear, sandals, and lightweight beachwear for Zanzibar.
10) What are the booking and payment terms?
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before travel as stated on your invoice. Confirmation documents include clear payment timelines and cancellation conditions.
What Makes This Tour Unique
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Combines rare northern Kenya wildlife + classic Big Five parks
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Luxury lodges & hand-picked tented camps
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Seamless Kenya–Tanzania cross-border safari
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Perfect balance of wildlife adventure & beach relaxation
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Ideal for honeymooners, couples & photographers
Price Comparison Table (Indicative)
| Package Level | Accommodation Standard | Price (USD pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Luxury | Premium lodges & camps | From $6,900 |
| Luxury | High-end lodges & resorts | From $8,600 |
| Ultra-Luxury | Exclusive camps & fly-ins | From $11,500 |
Rates vary by season (2026–2028) and accommodation choice.
Eco-Green & Responsible Luxury
This safari partners with eco-certified lodges, supports community conservancies in Samburu and Maasai regions, and follows responsible wildlife tourism principles.
Trust Badges & Social Proof
✔ SafariBookings ★★★★★
✔ TripAdvisor ★★★★★
✔ Licensed Local Operator
✔ 24/7 Luxury Safari Support
Ready to experience the Big Five in luxury and unwind in Zanzibar?
Book Your 13 Days Kenya Tanzania Big Five Luxury & Zanzibar Beach Safari
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Traveller Reviews
★★★★★ “Samburu was wild and unique—then Mara and Serengeti delivered the Big Five.”
We loved seeing the Samburu special species first, then moving into the classic safari scenes of Masai Mara. The guiding was excellent—great positioning and patience for photography. Serengeti was unbelievable for big cats, and Ngorongoro was packed with wildlife. Zanzibar was the perfect finish: white sand, warm ocean, and total relaxation.
— J. Carter (Verified Guest) • Traveled: 2025-08
★★★★★ “Luxury from start to finish, with smooth Kenya–Tanzania planning.”
Everything ran on time: transfers, flights, and lodge check-ins. The vehicle was comfortable, and the guides were knowledgeable. We had lions daily and close elephant sightings in Samburu. Zanzibar resort staff were fantastic and helped organize a snorkel trip and Stone Town tour.
— D. & Lina (Verified Guest) • Traveled: 2025-07
★★★★★ “Perfect honeymoon safari + beach itinerary.”
We wanted a private trip with comfort and great wildlife—this was it. Masai Mara and Serengeti were the highlights, but Ngorongoro exceeded expectations. Zanzibar gave us a few slow days to enjoy the sea, spa, and sunsets. We felt looked after throughout.
— Priya S. (Verified Guest) • Traveled: 2025-05
★★★★★ “Top-tier guiding—especially in Serengeti.”
Our guide knew where to find big cats and explained behaviors in a way that made the sightings even better. The pace was good: early drives, then relaxed lodge time. Zanzibar was calm and beautiful, and the spice tour was a nice cultural touch.
— Aisha K. (Verified Guest) • Traveled: 2025-03
★★★★★ “The ideal Big Five + Zanzibar combo for families.”
We travelled with older kids and loved the variety of parks. Samburu felt different and less crowded. The Mara had incredible wildlife, and Zanzibar was an easy way to unwind after safari. Strong communication before and during the trip.
— E. Martin (Verified Guest) • Traveled: 2024-09




