The most beautiful safaris in Kenya and Tanzania

Stroll through the dusty streets of downtown Nairobi with former street kids Kissmart, Donga, and Cheddaz. These three ‘street kids’ grew up in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s largest slums. Back in the day, they roamed the Central Business District (CBD), begging, stealing, smuggling, and dealing. Now, they’re using their street skills to guide you on a unique tour through the CBD! Thanks to this tour, the boys can build a better life for themselves, their families, and the next generation of street children from their slum.

They’ll show you where they used to sleep as kids, the escape routes they used to evade the police, and share their experiences of time spent in prison. Get ready for intense stories, bizarre encounters, plenty of high fives, cool dance moves, and, above all, a lot of fun. And don’t worry—with these guys by your side, you’re in safe hands!

Make sure to have a hearty breakfast because an active day awaits! You’ll be heading out on a cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park with a guide. Hell’s Gate is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can explore on two wheels.

If the unique landscape looks strangely familiar, there’s a good reason for that. Remember the scene in The Lion King where Simba’s father was trampled by a herd of wildebeest chased by hyenas? Hell’s Gate was the inspiration for that dramatic moment! Luckily, Simba and his friends don’t actually roam here, so you can enjoy a peaceful ride and walk through this stunning scenery.

Lake Naivasha! A stunning lake teeming with wildlife—giraffes, zebras, birds… and of course, hippos. So keep your eyes peeled! In the late afternoon, it’s time for a boat safari on Lake Oloiden. This lake is packed with hippos lazily floating in the water as you glide past. Sometimes, you’ll spot just their ears poking above the surface, and other times, you might find yourself staring straight into a massive, gaping mouth full of teeth!

The Mara is teeming with wildlife, and there’s a chance you’ll spot the Big Five in just one day—fingers crossed! The Masai Mara is famous for the Great Migration: every July and August, 1.5 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebras set off in search of fresh grass, crossing from Tanzania into Kenya. The highlight of this migration is the Mara River crossings, where hundreds of wildebeest and zebras gather, hesitating at the riverbanks before making a mad dash—risking the jaws of lurking crocodiles. Even outside of the Great Migration, the park is renowned for its high concentration of predators and big cats. This is THE place to spot the Big Five—though sometimes, the zebras and giraffes like to steal the show!

The Serengeti—no introduction needed. Just like the Mara (which is essentially the same park, separated only by a border), this vast landscape is teeming with zebras, giraffes, buffalos, wildebeest, and elephants as you navigate the dusty plains of the savannah. Expect to eat some dust, spot incredible wildlife, and, at the end of the day, soak in one of the most breathtaking sunsets Africa has to offer!

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's seven natural wonders. After spending hours in the car, it’s time to stretch your legs. The crater rim is a stunningly lush forested area, perfect for a scenic walk. Here, you’ll find a diverse range of forest birds, wildlife, and indigenous plants. You'll be walking with a ranger, so no need to worry about any giraffes, zebras, or elephants you might encounter along the way. Your guide will not only share insights about the animals but also about the fascinating medicinal properties of the local plants. The absolute highlight of this walk? The breathtaking panoramic view over the crater. On day two, you’ll descend into the crater! A steep 600-metre drop takes you to the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. Though it’s a relatively small park, the unique ecosystem keeps the animals contained within the crater, meaning you’ll spot an incredible variety of wildlife in close proximity.

Mto wa Mbu is a lush, green village situated between the vast Maasai plains, where the local community primarily relies on banana plantations and fishing from Lake Manyara. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in daily village life. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding nature offers plenty of opportunities to explore.

Mto wa Mbu is well known for its banana plantations, and one of the most popular dishes here is Ndizi Nyama—a hearty meal of meat and bananas. Together with a local mama, you'll learn how to prepare this traditional dish. It’s not as easy as it sounds—peeling green bananas is a real challenge, and do you know how to crack open a coconut? You’ll need it for your recipe! Vegetarian? No worries! The meat can easily be swapped for even more delicious vegetables. Eet smakelijk! (Enjoy your meal!)

Jambiani is pure paradise—a place where you don’t have to do anything at all. This charming village has retained its idyllic atmosphere and local feel, making it one of the most peaceful spots on Zanzibar. Picture lush green palm trees, an azure-blue sea so clear that the powder-white sand glows from five metres below the surface. On this dreamy beach, you’ll hardly come across any other tourists. With the gentle sound of waves rolling in, your only task is to turn the pages of your book and make sure the warm sun doesn’t leave you sunburnt.

All good things must come to an end, including this incredible adventure through Kenya and Tanzania. Fully rested, you pack your bags and get ready to board your flight home. With a healthy glow on your cheeks, you settle into your seat, recline, and drift off, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences you've had. As you step through your front door, you’re filled with inspiration and an overload of cherished memories—untamed nature, thriving wildlife, vibrant cultures, and bustling cities. You now have plenty of stories to share by the fire with family and friends. Welcome home! One adventure ends, but you return richer with a lifetime of experiences.