The African Dream with Stone Town

Description

Program

Day 1:
Arrival in the capital of Kenya, where you will be met by your RATPANAT guide to begin your safari.
We depart from Nairobi and set our sights on the Great Rift Valley, descending into its depths to reach the shores of LAKE NAIVASHA. Sheltered by a forest of yellow fever trees (yellow acacias) that seem almost enchanted, we will spend the night in this singular location.
In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip on the lake, home to several pods of hippos and a myriad of bird species; along the shore, it is common to spot giraffes, antelopes, or even buffaloes. The farm where we are staying offers the opportunity to take a nature walk or enjoy a horseback safari (optional), which is highly recommended: you hear only the sounds of the animals with nothing but nature surrounding you—a unique experience that allows you to get closer to zebras and giraffes than would be possible any other way.

NAIVASHA SIMBA LODGE or similar
www.simbalodges.com

Day 2:
After a good rest, we will head toward Maasai lands. This noble tribe of herders has inhabited this part of Africa since ancient times and continues, even in the 21st century, to hold fast to its traditions and way of life.
Our first contact with the Maasai people will be at the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, one of several conservation areas on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Spanning over 2,000 hectares, it is a key location in the heart of the Mara ecosystem, forming part of the extensive migratory corridor that stretches from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the northern Mara. This makes it a vital wildlife sanctuary alongside neighboring conservation areas.
Nashulai is one of the few community-owned and operated conservation areas in Kenya—a bold model for conservation in a 21st century facing major challenges such as species loss, cultural extinction, and global climate change. It demonstrates that humans and wildlife can coexist once again for the benefit of the land, the wildlife, and the people.
It is here that our tented camp, OLENGOTI ECOSAFARI CAMP & COTTAGES, is located, situated on a beautiful meander of the Talek River, a tributary of the Mara River.

OLENGOTI ECO SAFARI CAMP & COTTAGES
www.eastafricacamps.com

Day 3:
After a full breakfast at the camp, the day begins with a departure into the savannah. At this hour, the Maasai Mara awakens: nocturnal predators retreat while herbivores begin to move. It is the ideal time to spot lions, hyenas, and perhaps even a cheetah in action!
The morning safari is conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by expert local guides. We will traverse key areas of the park in search of the "Big Five": lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. You can also spot giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, and a vast variety of birdlife.
At midday, we will stop at a safe and scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature. Surrounded by the landscapes of the Maasai Mara, this break allows you to recharge while continuing to soak in the wild surroundings.
The safari continues in the afternoon as the golden light of sunset transforms the landscape. It is an ideal moment for photography and for observing animals that become active in the cool of the evening. With luck, you may see elephants bathing or hippos emerging from the water.
Upon returning to the lodge, an intimate and cozy dinner is served—the perfect setting to share the day's excitement with fellow travelers. After dinner, those who wish can enjoy a drink around the campfire, accompanied by the sounds of the African night. An unforgettable experience in the heart of Africa!

OLENGOTI ECO SAFARI CAMP & COTTAGES
www.eastafricacamps.com

Day 4:
The adventure begins before dawn, as travelers are transferred to the launch site in the heart of the savannah. While the sky is still dyed a deep blue, the crew prepares the balloon, and hot coffee or tea is served to warm you up.
As the sun begins to rise over the horizon, the balloon lifts gently into the air. From the heights, an unparalleled natural spectacle unfolds: herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the savannah, giraffes wandering among the acacias, elephants moving with elegance, and—with a bit of luck—a lion resting after the night's hunt.
The flight lasts approximately one hour, offering a unique, silent, and magical perspective of the Maasai Mara. The golden light of dawn bathes the landscape, creating ideal conditions for photography and reflection.
Upon landing, travelers are greeted with a safari breakfast in the middle of the savannah, served under an acacia tree or in a safe area, complete with white linens, freshly brewed coffee, fresh fruit, and hot dishes. It is an experience that perfectly combines adventure, luxury, and a deep connection with nature.
Later, we begin our journey toward Tanzania. The trip is made by road, crossing savannah landscapes, small hamlets, and agricultural areas. Along the way, it is possible to make brief stops to rest, take photographs, or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree.
The route offers ever-changing views: from rolling hills and solitary baobabs to cultivated fields that signal the proximity of water. The journey takes several hours, depending on road conditions and the weather.
As we reach the shores of Lake Victoria, the landscape transforms. The lake stretches out like a vast mirror, dotted with fishing boats and riverside vegetation. It is an ideal place to relax, walk along the shore, and enjoy the sunset.
Using this route allows us to be positioned just two hours from the Kenya-Tanzania border—the shortest path between the Mara and the Serengeti. Once in Tanzania, in just three hours, we descend to Lake Victoria, traveling through landscapes filled with kopjes (whimsical granite rock formations) and a multitude of traditional hamlets and lively small towns.
Today we stay at Serenity on the Lake, our exclusive accommodation on the Tanzanian shore of Lake Victoria, also known as Ukerewe. This is the largest tropical lake in the world, situated in a depression between the western and eastern arms of the Great Rift Valley.

SERENITY ON THE LAKE or similar
www.serenityecoresort.co.tz

Day 5:
After a hearty breakfast, we will depart directly from the lodge in a traditional boat. Following the shoreline, we head to the fishing village of Mwabulugu—a spot far off the typical tourist path—to experience firsthand what daily life is like on the lake.
During the boat ride, it is common to see monitor lizards, cormorants, fish eagles, and even the occasional hippo. Once at the village, we can visit the market where women sell the catch brought in by the men during the night. We will witness the bustle of the beach, the shops along the main street, the fruit and vegetable stalls, and the mills used to grind maize flour... without a doubt, a total immersion into local life and an authentic glimpse into the day-to-day rhythm of the Tanzanian people.
From our accommodation, we are only half an hour away from the entrance to SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK. This legendary park is the natural extension of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Every year, nearly 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of antelopes lead the Great Migration in search of fresh pastures, minerals, and vast plains to give birth to thousands of calves. Closely following them are lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas... undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the world—an endless circle of life and death.
The Serengeti welcomes us for the next two nights at our PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP, located in the heart of the park in the exclusive Nyabogati area, east of Seronera. This is one of the areas with the highest concentration of lions and sits directly in the path of the Great Migrations.
The feeling of being at the center of it all, yet completely remote, is the key appeal of our camp. Here, elephants and buffaloes might wander peacefully between the tents at night, or a hyena might venture from the darkness to lie nearby and listen to the stories told around the campfire. The tents are spacious with private bathrooms, providing the highest level of privacy and a sense of true exclusivity that evokes the Africa seen in the movies.
Enjoy a hot shower to rest from the safari, followed by the ritual of a campfire toast before an exquisite dinner. Later, we return to the embers of the fire to gaze at the stars or simply enjoy a conversation with a gin and tonic to season our safari tales. During the night, the tranquility of the environment is interrupted only by the symphony of roaring lions or the passing of the Great Migration.

PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP
www.eastafricacamps.com

Day 6:
Dawn breaks at PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP, and a second day of safari begins in the legendary SERENGETI National Park.
For those seeking an extra touch of romance, an optional hot air balloon safari is available at dawn. You will glide silently over the herds as the sun rises. Upon landing, a champagne breakfast awaits you on the savannah, in the most authentic Out of Africa style.
The best safaris—or at least the highest probability of witnessing hunting scenes—take place at dawn, when the savannah rouses itself and nocturnal animals are still active. We will dedicate these moments to finding the "Big Five": lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Beyond these undisputed protagonists, the park teems with life, always dotted with herds of herbivores—and the felines that stalk them.
We will spend a second night in the heart of one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. Its landscapes perfectly mirror the mythical image of Africa: vast open spaces, deep blue skies dotted with clouds, crisp dawns, and fiery sunsets—followed by a unique display of stars at night.

PUMZIKA LUXURY SAFARI CAMP
www.eastafricacamps.com

Day 7:
We will dedicate our final morning in Serengeti National Park to tracking the wildlife that we surely heard close by the previous night. We will carefully explore another unique feature of the landscape: the kopjes—rocky islands in a sea of grass where lions and leopards love to rest and scout from the heights.
After lunch at Naabi Hill, and shortly before leaving the "endless plains" behind, we will begin to encounter Maasai herders again with their livestock and colorful shukas (Maasai blankets) grazing near the Oldupai Gorge. This area is one of the cradles of humanity, where fossils and artifacts of the earliest hominids were discovered. We have now entered the NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA. We will stop at one of the Bomas (Maasai villages) to get an up-close look at their way of life.
As with the rest of our route, we will enjoy another exceptionally privileged accommodation located right on the rim of the Ngorongoro Caldera, another signature RATPANAT property. We arrive at PAKULALA SAFARI CAMP after another day of safari filled with contrasts and shifting landscapes, settling by the campfire to watch the sunset over the caldera.
The tents at Pakulala are spacious, featuring all the comforts of a fine hotel. It is, without a doubt, the modern experience that most closely resembles the first expeditions of the pioneering adventurers who explored an unknown Africa. There is a palpable sense of unpretentious authenticity, with large beds covered in exquisite down duvets to protect against the chilly nights in the Ngorongoro highlands, and a large en-suite bathroom featuring a truly original shower.
The RATPANAT team is dedicated to offering guests all the comfort of the safaris of yesteryear: a campfire—a powerful symbol of life on the African savannah—rises against the pink sunset as a sign that the long day of safari has come to an end. It is time to relax! Hot water is carefully brought to each tent for a well-deserved shower, followed by a formal dinner with meticulously set tables, crystal, and porcelain, all lit by candlelight and, of course, seasoned with safari stories.
The camp becomes even more spectacular at night, illuminated by dozens of lanterns and the clinking of ice as you enjoy a drink while the sun sets or simply take in the marvelous African skies around the fire.

PAKULALA SAFARI CAMP
www.eastafricacamps.com

Day 8:
With the first rays of sun, we descend in 4x4 vehicles into the heart of the Ngorongoro Caldera for a stunning morning game drive.
No other reserve offers a spectacle as grand as the Ngorongoro Crater. This volcanic caldera, 600 meters deep and over 20 kilometers in diameter, holds the highest "permanent" concentration of wildlife in Africa. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a spectacular landscape inhabited by thousands of Maasai herders and dominated by the Rift Valley and the nine volcanoes that emerged over four million years ago. The only one currently active is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred Mountain of God for the Maasai. The Ngorongoro Caldera—a giant volcano that in its time may have been even taller than Kilimanjaro itself—is home to thousands of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, lions, and rhinos. Unlike in the Serengeti, these animals practically do not migrate, thanks to the constant presence of water that ensures their year-round sustenance.
After our unique and exclusive experience inside this "Garden of Eden," we make our way to the charming village of Mto wa Mbu, on the northern shore of LAKE MANYARA. This community of low houses scattered among banana plantations offers an interesting craft market. After some shopping, we will walk through the plantations to be welcomed by a local family into their home. Nestled among the banana trees, they will invite us to enjoy a dinner in the purest African style.

AFRICA SAFARI MANYARA ESCARPMENT or similar
https://beachsafari.com/accommodation/africa-safari-manyara-escarpment

Day 9:
Very early in the morning, for the early risers, we have an optional cycling safari ready! The itinerary is adapted based on the water level of Lake Manyara, which can vary substantially depending on the time of year or recent rains. Typically, the route takes us through the streets of Mto wa Mbu—at that hour when the town is slowly waking up and children are heading to school—before leaving the village behind. We will ride through yellow fever tree forests until we reach the open grasslands near the lake, where we may encounter various antelopes, wildebeest, vervet monkeys, baboons... and perhaps even a giraffe or a hyena! Near the lakeshore, we can admire the beauty of the surroundings: flamingos, pelicans, and local fishermen going about their daily work to supply the market, all set against the backdrop of the impressive Rift Valley escarpment.
After a hearty breakfast, we will head to the local Arusha airport to catch the flight that will take us to the "Spice Island": ZANZIBAR.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred to our beachfront hotel. The TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar is a 5-star resort located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, in the Pwani Mchangani area. Its architectural design is inspired by Arabic palaces, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and situated directly in front of a beach of white sand and turquoise waters.

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar 5* or similar
www.tui-blue.com

Day 10:
True to our principle of offering our travelers an authentic vision of Zanzibar, we have chosen the east coast of the island, allowing you to enjoy one of the few corners of the island that remains "untouched" by mass tourism.
You will be able to stroll peacefully through nearby villages, observing the friendly nature of the local people, whose way of life leaves no room for stress. It is also the perfect place to enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside dolphins, visiting the Jozani Forest—a sanctuary for the unique and endemic Red Colobus monkey—or diving among crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the fine white sand beaches and sunsets that will surely stay with you forever.

Free day on an All-Inclusive basis.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar 5* or similar
www.tui-blue.com

Day 11:
Scuba diving, snorkeling, coastal walks… or simply total relaxation: a free day on an All-Inclusive basis. Another alternative we suggest is taking the day to visit Stone Town, the historic center and UNESCO World Heritage site of Zanzibar's capital. You can explore its labyrinth of narrow streets, its countless historic buildings with exquisitely carved large wooden doors, its fort, the seafront promenade, and more.

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar 5*
www.tui-blue.com

Day 12:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Stone Town. Exploring Stone Town is to immerse yourself in a crossroads of culture and history. Its narrow alleys reveal intricately carved doors, ancient balconies, and vibrant markets.
The visit includes iconic landmarks such as the Darajani Market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Slavery Museum. Throughout the day, you can enjoy local gastronomy on terraces overlooking the sea while discovering the history of the spice and slave trades. At sunset, the atmosphere transforms at the Forodhani Gardens, where you can dine outdoors on typical Zanzibari dishes. It is a day filled with aromas, colors, and memories that make Stone Town an unforgettable stop in Zanzibar.

4* HOTEL LOCATED IN STONE TOWN

Day 13:
After breakfast and one last moment to enjoy the Indian Ocean and the Stone Town atmosphere, we bid farewell to this magical island as we fly over the Zanzibar Channel. Night on board.

Price includes

- Detailed and accurate travel documentation and information.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Spanish-speaking guide or bilingual English-Spanish or Italian-Spanish speaking guide, depending by the group composition
- Transport by truck specially prepared for safari.
- Driver-mechanic, cook and safari assistant during the whole trip by truck.
- Balloon safari over the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Luxury accommodation without losing the spirit of your adventure.
- Hotel Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa 5* in Zanzibar Beach, All Inclusive.
- Air transfer from Arusha to Zanzibar.
- Transfers in Zanzibar.
- 4x4 vehicles for safaris in Maasai Mara and Ngo-rongoro Caldera.
- Fly Camp infrastructure or exclusive wilderness camping on the banks of the Mara River, in double tents 2.5 metres wide by 1.9 metres high, and camping equipment, including down duvets, sheets, pillows etc.
- Accommodation at Maasai Mara, Seren-geti, Ngorongoro and Lake Victoria - Extra AMREF Flying Doctors medical aircraft rescue insurance.
- 4x4 rescue truck at PUMZIKALUXURY SAFARI CAMP in Serengeti.
- Boat trip on Lake Naivasha.
- Visit to a Maasai village.
- Activities on Lake Victoria as described in the itinerary.
- Walking tour in Mto wa Mbu and dinner at an African mama's house.
- Full board for the entire trip - Fresh food products.
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari.
- Some accommodation during the tour, outside the national parks.
- Entrance fees to some of the National Parks and Reserves.
- Camping fees.
- All safaris and activities described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees, permits and fees to national parks and reserves, as described in the itinerary.

Price does not include

- Airport taxes.
- Local taxes.
- Kenyan visas (50 USD) and Tanzanian visas (50 USD).
- Drinks.
- Optional activities, approximate price per person:
. Horseback riding at Lake Naivasha, 20-40 USD approx.
. Bicycle safari at Lake Manyara, 20 USD approx.
- TIPS. Tipping is an integral part of African culture and workers will always expect a gratuity in recognition of their work well done.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is part of African culture - especially in the tourism, catering, and service sectors - and if we appreciate the service of the teams, it is normal and highly recommended to express our gratitude through a tip, as a token of appreciation for the good work done and the quality of assistance provided during the trip.
The guide will be able to advise you on tipping, but as a reference, between all the teams - the truck and 4x4 car crews, the camps and hotels, the boatmen, the rangers... - the tips can range from 90-100 USD per person in total for the entire trip.
OTHER EXPENSES
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The group usually puts together a common fund to buy alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks, etc. during the truck trip. In general, the amount is usually around 20-30 USD per person for the entire safari. Provider and the guide are completely out of the management of this common fund, being totally voluntary by the traveler and the sole responsibility of the group to manage it.
- Gifts and personal expenses.

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION: PAYMENT ON SITE REQUIRED!