Signature Big Five Safari + Indian Ocean Retreat

Duration: 13 Days

Overview

Our signature class of itinerary for one of our signature destinations, this itinerary is a timeless East African journey designed for travelers who want the best of both worlds: legendary wildlife in Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, followed by languid days on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores. This itinerary blends private-conservancy exclusivity, intimate big-cat encounters, and high-touch guiding with a finale of barefoot luxury in the Indian Ocean.

Expect sweeping savannas, lion-filled horizons, rhino conservation success stories—and then warm trade winds, turquoise lagoons, and slow, unhurried island living.

Trip Highlights

Unrivaled big-cat viewing in the Mara Triangle & private conservancies

Immersive rhino conservation and diverse activities in Laikipia

Handpicked luxury lodges, each with world-class guiding

Walking safaris, horseback and camel excursions, night drives, & cultural visits

Indian Ocean bliss: white-sand beaches, dhow sailing, snorkeling & spa days

Ideal For

Honeymooners • First-time safari travelers • Couples • Luxury seekers • Adventure + relaxation

Preferred Properties

Nairobi: Hemingways Nairobi (Alt: Giraffe Manor)

Masai Mara: Angama Mara (Alt: Mara Plains, Bateleur Camp)

Laikipia: Lewa Wilderness (Alt: Segera Retreat, Ol Malo)

Zanzibar: Zuri Zanzibar (Alt: &Beyond Mnemba Island, Baraza Resort)

DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN

Days 1–2 — Nairobi (Giraffes, Orphaned Elephants & Gentle Exploration)

Arrive in Nairobi with a private airport meet-and-greet and settle into a luxury hotel in Karen. Spend your first full day exploring at an easy pace: meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, visit the Karen Blixen Museum, browse artisan studios, or enjoy Nairobi’s thriving culinary scene.
Overnights: Hemingways Nairobi or similar

Days 3–5 — Masai Mara (Big Cats, Vast Plains & Sunrise Ballooning)

Fly into the Masai Mara, touching down in one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense landscapes. Spend three days tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs across sweeping savannas, with golden-hour sundowners overlooking the plains. Enjoy flexible game drives, guided walks, private photographic sessions, and (highly recommended) a sunrise hot-air balloon flight with a champagne bush breakfast.
Overnights: Angama Mara; Mara Plains; or Bateleur Camp

Days 6–8 — Laikipia (Rhino Conservation, Walking Safaris & Rugged Beauty)

Continue north to Laikipia’s private conservancies—Kenya’s conservation epicenter. Spend your days encountering black and white rhino, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and diverse wildlife with expert guides. Activities include camel walks, horseback safaris, night drives, community visits, and optional helicopter excursions over Mount Kenya or the Suguta Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience.
Overnights: Lewa Wilderness; Segera Retreat; or Ol Malo

Days 9–12 — Zanzibar (White Sands, Turquoise Lagoons & Slow Island Living)

Fly via Nairobi to Zanzibar for your Indian Ocean finale. Settle into a beachfront luxury resort and spend your days as you choose: beach relaxation, snorkeling or diving over coral reefs, spa treatments, sunset dhow sails, or cultural excursions to Stone Town and spice farms. Add an extra day for deeper exploration or pure leisure.
Overnights: Zuri Zanzibar; &Beyond Mnemba Island (upgrade option); or Baraza Resort

Day 13 — Depart Zanzibar

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.

Pricing

Beginning at $14,000 per person