Embark on an Unforgettable 8 Day 7 Nights Nairobi | Masai Mara | Nairobi | Zimbabwe | Big Five Safari in Kenya and Zimbabwe. This 8-day, 7-night private safari adventure is the perfect itinerary for those seeking an exceptional wildlife encounter in East and Southern Africa. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of Kenya’s Masai Mara and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, all while searching for the magnificent Big Five!
Your unforgettable adventure commences in Nairobi with a morning pick-up at your hotel or airport. Embark on a scenic five-hour drive to the Masai Mara, witnessing the majestic escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and a potential glimpse of a traditional Maasai village. Upon arrival, check in to your luxurious safari camp, the Entim or Ilkeliani, and savor lunch. As the afternoon ignites the savannah, embark on your first thrilling game drive with an expert guide, searching for the Big Five and a multitude of other captivating creatures. As day fades to dusk, return to your camp for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the African wilderness.
Rise with the first light for an exhilarating early morning game drive in the Masai Mara, witnessing the magic of the savannah awakening under a golden sunrise. Refuel with a delicious breakfast back at your luxurious camp before embarking on a full-day adventure with a packed lunch. Join your expert guide and explore the park’s diverse landscapes, searching for the celebrated residents: wildebeest (during migration season, July-September), zebras, impalas, topis, giraffes, and Thomson’s gazelles. Be on the lookout for elusive predators like leopards, lions, cheetahs, jackals, and even the curious bat-eared foxes. With a stroke of luck, you might spot a shy black rhino in the distance. The Mara River itself teems with life, housing a population of both massive Nile crocodiles and abundant hippos. As day winds down, return to your luxurious Entim or Ilkeliani camp for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, enveloped by the magic of the African night.
After your exhilarating morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, choose your adventure! Re-explore the vast plains on another thrilling game drive, or opt for a cultural immersion (optional) by visiting a Maasai Mara conservancy and learning about their fascinating traditions and conservation efforts. As the day draws to a close, return to your luxurious Entim or Ilkeliani camp for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay beneath the captivating African sky.
Savor a final early morning breakfast at your luxurious Masai Mara camp before checking out. Embark on a scenic journey back to Nairobi, departing around 10:00 am. The five-hour drive provides one last opportunity to witness the beauty of the Kenyan landscape. Upon arrival in Nairobi, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at the famed Carnivore Restaurant, renowned for its all-you-can-eat meat experience. After refueling, transfer to your comfortable accommodation, the Nairobi Serena Hotel, where you can enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Buckle up for an early start! A pre-dawn wake-up call at 4:00 am ensures you arrive at the Nairobi Airport in time for your flight to Zimbabwe. Soar through the skies, touching down in Victoria Falls by 12:40 pm. Your friendly driver-guide will be waiting to whisk you away to your luxurious home base, the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Check in, savor a delicious lunch, and then unwind in the afternoon. The hotel’s prime location, just an 8-minute stroll from the Victoria Falls’ entrance gate, makes it the perfect spot to relax and prepare for awe-inspiring adventures. Dinner awaits at the lodge, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
After a refreshing breakfast at your Ilala Lodge, prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, often referred to as the “Smoke That Thunders.” Enjoy a leisurely 10-minute stroll from the lodge, allowing you to savor the majesty of the falls at your own pace. Alternatively, visit the lodge’s activity center to arrange a guided tour with experienced personnel who can ensure a memorable experience. Victoria Falls, Africa’s adventure capital, offers a variety of activities. Thrill-seekers can choose from bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge or white-water rafting down the mighty Zambezi River. For a more relaxed pace, opt for a scenic Ra-Ikane river cruise or try your luck fishing in the nearby waters. As the day concludes, return to the luxurious Ilala Lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, with the echoes of the cascading falls lulling you to sleep.
Savor a delicious breakfast at your Ilala Lodge before embarking on a thrilling 25-27 minute helicopter tour. Soar above the majestic Victoria Falls, marveling at the cascading waters and the vastness of the Zambezi River from a breathtaking aerial perspective. The bubble windows on the helicopter ensure you won’t miss a single detail, offering glimpses of wildlife like elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, and more roaming freely in Zambezi National Park below. In the afternoon, unwind with a relaxing experience on the Classic Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, departing at 4:00 pm. This family-friendly outing provides the perfect way to end an adventurous day. As you cruise along the river, sip on complimentary sundowner drinks and light snacks, taking in the stunning African sunset painting the vast waterbody with its golden hues. The knowledgeable guides and crew onboard will share fascinating stories about the river’s diverse wildlife and local culture, enriching your journey. As the day draws to a close, return to the luxurious Ilala Lodge for a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
After a satisfying breakfast at your Ilala Lodge, it’s time to bid farewell to Zimbabwe. A convenient transfer awaits to whisk you comfortably to Victoria Falls Airport, ensuring you connect seamlessly with your flight back home. Take with you the unforgettable memories of your African adventure – the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the captivating wildlife sightings, and the warm hospitality you experienced.
