This journey moves from Laikipia’s conservation heart and the quieter Mara plains into Ngorongoro’s crater drama, finishing on Zanzibar’s southeast coast. Bush flights keep the route smooth, with a private guide in Tanzania, riverbank wildlife, picnic lunches in the crater, and candlelit dinners by the beach.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy rhino country, Ngobit River wildlife watching, last two northern white rhinos, lion tracking in Laikipia, Olerai Conservancy exclusivity, lion and cheetah hunting plains, Leopard Hill sundowners, bush breakfasts and savannah lunches, private guide and 4x4 in Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater descents, black rhino country, picnic lunches on the crater floor, eastern rim views toward Lake Magadi, southeast Zanzibar reef walks, candlelit beachfront dinners, Swahili-style beach retreat.
Meet and greet on arrival
~ 20 mins
This is a brief layover to recoup post your international journey before heading out into the bush. Emara Ole-Sereni sits in Nairobi with a rare split view of city life and Nairobi National Park. It is well placed for a one-night layover, around 12 km from JKIA and 6 km from Wilson Airport, with the city centre also close by. If you have energy after arrival, head up to the Sky Lounge for rooftop views and an easy, open-air dinner before an early start.
Accommodation Overview
The Superior Room is a calm, well-sized base for a quick Nairobi reset, with premium bedding and either a king bed or twin beds. Expect air conditioning, soundproofing, and a small dining area that works for a late snack or room service. The private bathroom includes bathrobes and slippers, plus a bath or shower setup.
Highlights & Activities
Fast layover access near JKIA and Wilson Airport, Superior Rooms with soundproofing and a small dining area, Sky Lounge rooftop views over Nairobi National Park, alfresco dining and cocktails, infinity pool setting at Sky Lounge, Acacia Restaurant dining, Karibu Café coffee and baked treats, Maskaan Lounge drinks, 24-hour in-room dining
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, bed and breakfast
~ 20 mins
~ 75 mins
~ 60 mins
The River Camp sits in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in Kenya’s Laikipia region, on the banks of the Ngobit River with Mount Kenya in view. This is not just a safari stay, it is a conservation-led base in one of the country’s most important wildlife areas. Days can move easily between game drives, night drives, lion tracking, and quieter hours back in camp, watching animals gather along the river in front of you.
Craig's personal notes:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, which gives a stay here a level of rarity very few safari areas can match.
The conservancy also protects one of the continent’s most important black rhino populations, so rhino sightings here come with real meaning
What makes Ol Pejeta stand out is the mix of Big Five wildlife, endangered species protection, and community impact, all within one beautifully run conservancy.
Accommodation Overview
The River Camp has six en-suite luxury guest tents and two two-bedroom deluxe suites, keeping the overall scale very small, private, and intimate. All overlook the Ngobit River and come with private decks, day beds, and both indoor and outdoor showers. The tents can be arranged as doubles or twins, while the deluxe suites work especially well for families wanting extra room without losing the feeling of staying close to the river and wildlife.
Property Overview
The River Camp feels polished but not overdone, and that balance suits Ol Pejeta well. With only eight accommodation units and a maximum of 20 guests, the atmosphere stays private and unhurried. Shared spaces include a swimming pool, bar lounge, library, dining tent, spa treatment tent, and an outside deck that looks over the river and towards Mount Kenya. Dining is one of the camp’s strengths, with freshly prepared meals served in open-air settings and, when weather allows, on the outside deck with river views. This is also a camp that leans into the conservancy around it, with game drives, night drives, lion tracking, and community visits all shaping the stay beyond the tent itself.
Area Overview
Ol Pejeta feels different from many Kenyan safari areas because wildlife viewing and conservation sit so closely together. The conservancy lies between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, on the equator in Laikipia, and holds a notably varied mix of species, including black rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and other endangered wildlife. The Ngobit River adds another layer, with thicker vegetation and a natural draw for birds and animals along its banks. For guests, that means the safari does not begin only when the vehicle leaves camp. The surrounding area stays active and watchable in its own right. What makes Ol Pejeta especially compelling is that the stay comes with both strong game viewing and a genuine conservation dimension.
Experiences and Highlights:
Experiences
Daily game drives, night game drives, lion tracking, guided walks, cultural visits to local Samburu villages, bush dining, open-air deck meals, conservation-focused learning, slower wildlife watching from camp.
Highlights
Ngobit River frontage, Mount Kenya backdrop, Ol Pejeta Conservancy setting, just eight accommodation units, max 20 guests, strong Big Five potential, endangered species focus, last two northern white rhinos in the conservancy, riverbank wildlife from camp, refined small-camp atmosphere.
Home to the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos and a sanctuary to over 165 Black Rhinos
What makes this so special!
Set on the Ngobit River with Mount Kenya beyond, the camp has a calm, beautifully open feel from the moment you arrive.
With just six guest tents and two family suites, it stays private, quiet, and very personal.
Wildlife is part of the setting here, with animals moving naturally through the river area around camp.
Ol Pejeta gives the stay real depth, especially through its rhino story, lion tracking, and wider conservation work.
The experience goes beyond standard game drives, with night drives, walks, and time with local Samburu communities.
The suites are spacious and well judged, with private decks, day beds, and indoor and outdoor showers that keep you close to the landscape.
Open-air dining by the river is a real highlight, making lunch, sundowners, and dinner feel like part of the safari rather than a pause from it.
Private Alfresco Dinner
Behind the Scenes - Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
11:45 am - 1245 am - feeding time starts around 11:45 am
Enjoy a unique opportunity of viewing chimpanzees behind the scenes and learn more about the day-to-day care of the chimpanzees in the care of the sanctury.
No physical contact is allowed between chimpanzees and visitors.
A safe distance of 7 meters from the chimpanzees is maintained throughout.
Quick Facts Summary:
6 en-suite guest tents
2 two-bedroom deluxe suites
Maximum 20 guests
Double or twin bed setup
Private river-facing decks
Day beds on each deck
Indoor showers
Outdoor showers
En-suite bathrooms
Main pool
Bar lounge and library
Dining tent
Spa treatment tent
Outside dining deck
Mount Kenya views
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (curated spirit brands, house wines, beers and soft drinks), sundowner excursions, safari activities (game drives, night game drive, behind the scenes with Chimpanzees at Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, guided bush walk), bush dining, park, private alfresco dinner, conservation, and conservancy fees, laundry, airstrip transfers.
~ 60 mins
~ 75 mins
~ 25 mins
Lerai sits in the 5,000-acre Olerai Conservancy, where it is the only permanent safari camp. That matters because the setting feels genuinely private, while still being within easy reach of the wider Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems. The camp is reached by bush flight. Once there, days unfold across open plains, marshy grasslands, and quieter wildlife corridors with far fewer vehicles than the busier Mara circuits.
Craig's personal notes:
The area is known for lions and cheetahs using the plains as hunting grounds.
The camp’s remote setting allows experiences that are not possible in the busier Mara reserve, including night drives, guided walks, and quieter game viewing with far fewer vehicles; it feels genuinely wild!
Food and setting are a big part of the stay, with bush breakfasts, bush lunches, and Leopard Hill sundowners adding real atmosphere to your experience here.
Accommodation Overview
Lerai has just eight tented suites, which immediately gives the stay a more private feel than many Mara camps. The suites are designed as spacious canvas rooms with king or twin beds, surrounding decks, indoor and outdoor lounging, and private plunge pools. Bathrooms are especially generous, with separate indoor bath and shower space as well as outdoor bathing options, while details like tea and espresso stations, curated minibars, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and room service keep the comfort level high.
Property Overview
Lerai has a more cinematic feel than many Mara camps, but it avoids becoming theatrical. The camp was built slowly to respect its surroundings, and that quieter approach still comes through in the atmosphere. Shared spaces include a bar and lounge overlooking the seasonal river and plains, a swimming pool, and dining areas that lean into the landscape rather than hide from it. Dining is an experience on its own here, with bush breakfasts, lunches in the savannah, sundowners on Leopard Hill, and delicious dinners back in camp. The guiding also gives the stay real depth, especially on night drives and walks, where the conservancy setting allows far more flexibility than the main reserve.
Area Overview
Olerai feels different from the main Mara reserve because it gives wildlife more room and guests more space. The conservancy was created to expand wildlife ranges and migration routes, and the mix of open plains, marshland grasses, and quieter bush supports a strong spread of species. It is especially notable for giraffe and eland, while lion and cheetah are often seen using the plains as hunting grounds. The area also functions as an elephant corridor and feeding zone, which adds another layer to game drives. For guests, that means the safari is not only about ticking off sightings. It is about being in a part of the Mara ecosystem that still feels open, lightly used, and deeply connected to how wildlife moves.
Experiences and Highlights:
Experiences
Daily game drives, evening game drives, guided safari walks, hot air balloon safaris, Maasai cultural immersion, bush breakfasts, bush lunches, Leopard Hill sundowners, birdwatching, poolside relaxation.
Highlights
Only permanent camp in Olerai Conservancy, 5,000-acre private conservancy, open plains and marshland wildlife corridors, strong giraffe and eland area, lion and cheetah hunting ground, elephant feeding and dispersal zone, just eight suites, private plunge pools, seasonal river outlook, Out of Africa style atmosphere.
Alfresco and Unique Food Experiences
Quick Facts Summary:
8 luxury tented suites
Maximum 16 guests
King or twin bed setup
Maximum 2 guests per suite
Private plunge pools
Surrounding decks
Indoor and outdoor lounging
Large indoor bathrooms
Indoor bath and shower
Outdoor bath and shower
Air conditioning and ceiling fans
Tea and espresso station
Curated minibar
Swimming pool
Wi-Fi
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (curated spirit brands, house wines, beers, and soft drinks), sundowner excursions, packed picnic breakfasts, safari activities (game drives, night game drives, guided walks, cultural visit), bush dining, park, conservation, and conservancy fees, laundry, airstrip transfers.
Camp pick up and drop off - early morning start with pickup at 5 am
Refreshments at the launch site
Hot air balloon over the Masai Mara, approximately 1 hour
Landing celebration, toast your flight with bubbly
Lavish alfresco bush breakfast cooked fresh out on the Mara plains
~ 25 mins
~ 75 mins
~ 75 mins
Collected by your private safari guide and safari vehicle for your full days out exploring the Ngorongoro Crater in the coming days.
~ 2 and a half hours
Kitela sits high in the Ngorongoro Highlands, on a valley hillside with views over coffee fields and a waterfall on the east face of the crater. For guests heading into the Conservation Area, it works especially well as a softer overnight base close to Lolduare Gate. Days here usually feel restorative rather than busy, early crater departures, then time back for a swim, a massage, or a quiet sundowner before dinner.
Private guide and vehicle for Ngorongoro days
Private guide and vehicle throughout the journey to give you flexibility across your Ngorongoro exploration days.
Your dedicated vehicle is a traditional Tanzania safari 4x4, with open windows and a pop-up safari roof for 360-degree views.
Mini fridge to keep drinks cool and charging ports available throughout the vehicle for phone or other photographic equipment.
Picnics on board to give you full days out exploring this beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Accommodation Overview
Kitela has 20 chalet-style rooms set at ground level, each with a private terrace or balcony looking over the gardens and or coffee plantation. Rooms can be arranged as double or twin, and all have a bathroom with both bath and shower. For families, the interconnected setup links two rooms together. Inside, the comforts are well judged, with tea and coffee trays, mineral water, mosquito nets, a fan, and room service.
Property Overview
Kitela is best understood as a country lodge in safari country rather than a classic bush camp. Its strength lies in space, ease, and the sense of being on a working highland estate. The main building sits at the centre of the property and brings together the restaurant, lounge, and a large terrace with wide views over the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. An outdoor swimming pool and massage cabin make the stop feel more restorative, especially after long drives. Food is a real part of the appeal here too. The restaurant leans into market-style dishes using produce grown on the farm, which gives meals a fresher, more grounded feel than a standard transit stop. The whole place feels calm, capable, and well set up for a one or two-night pause.
Area Overview
The Ngorongoro Highlands have a very different feel from the crater floor itself. Around Karatu, coffee estates, working farms, wooded slopes, and broad valley views create a gentler and greener base before or after a day inside the Conservation Area. It is useful as a stop on the route, but it never feels purely functional. You still feel closely tied to the protected landscape, with the crater nearby and the highland setting shaping the mood from the moment you arrive. The area works well year-round, which suits travellers building longer northern Tanzania journeys. What makes it especially appealing is the balance. You get access to one of East Africa’s great safari regions, but you return to a calmer and more settled environment afterwards.
Experiences and Highlights:
Experiences
Ngorongoro stopover stays, farm and coffee plantation walk, massage treatments, cultural visits, sundowners, pool time, relaxed terrace dining, easy onward access for crater days.
Highlights
Valley hillside setting in the Ngorongoro Highlands, views over coffee fields and a waterfall, east face of the crater, close access to Lolduare Gate, 20 colonial-style chalets, large terrace with Conservation Area views, market-style dining from farm produce, calmer country-lodge atmosphere, open all year, strong family suitability.
Quick Facts Summary:
20 chalet-style rooms
Ground-level layout
Private terrace or balcony
Garden and coffee plantation outlook
Double or twin room setup
Family option with 2 interconnected rooms
Bathroom with bath and shower
Tea and coffee tray
Mosquito nets
Fan
Room service
Swimming pool
Massage cabin
Wi-Fi
24-hour electricity
Laundry service
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, all meals and house drinks, private vehicle and guide.
Set out with your private guide and traditional 4x4 Tanzania safari vehicle for a full day exploring one of East Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas.
Travel at your own pace throughout the day, with the flexibility to spend longer at sightings, pause for photographs, and shape the experience around what interests you most.
Your vehicle is built for safari comfort, with a pop-up roof for clear game viewing, charging ports for cameras and phones, and a fridge stocked with refreshments for the day.
Drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend the crater walls in the cool morning light, with the landscape opening out into wide grasslands, marshes, woodland, and soda lake shoreline below.
June is an excellent time to visit, with cooler temperatures, fresh post-rain scenery, and very good wildlife viewing across the crater floor.
Expect a rich mix of wildlife through the day, often including lion, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, hippo, gazelle, and large elephant bulls in the forested areas and along the crater roads.
Ngorongoro is also one of the better places in northern Tanzania for a chance of seeing black rhino, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Birdlife adds another layer to the day, especially around the wetlands and Lake Magadi, where flamingos may sometimes be present depending on water levels.
Pause for a picnic lunch in a designated crater site, surrounded by one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings.
After a full afternoon of game viewing, make your way back up the crater wall and return to camp in the evening, with time to freshen up and reflect on a day that usually feels full from start to finish.
Lion’s Paw is perched on the eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater, in the Lemala area, with a clear view toward Lake Magadi and a real head start for crater mornings. For guests using it as a stop before or after the Conservation Area, it works beautifully. You are only around 10 minutes from the descent route, so early starts feel easy, and time on the crater floor comes before the main flow of vehicles builds.
Accommodation Overview
Lion’s Paw offers a mix of executive double and twin suites, two interconnecting family suites, and a honeymoon suite, all positioned for privacy on the eastern rim. The standard suites are around 60 square metres, with the honeymoon suite at 80 square metres and the family setup significantly larger. Inside, the feel is warm and comfortable, with mosquito nets, hot showers, flush toilets, bathroom amenities, charging points, mineral water, Wi-Fi, room service, and enough space to settle in properly after a long crater day.
Property Overview
Lion’s Paw feels purpose-built for crater days, but it does not feel like a rushed transit stop. The camp is arranged as a true rim retreat, with a lounge and bar that look out toward the crater, and shared spaces that encourage guests to slow down once they are back from game drives. The atmosphere is warmer and more intimate than many larger crater lodges, which helps after an early start and a full day out. Food is an important part of the stay as well. There is room service, private dining, and the option of crater breakfasts, bush lunches, and sundowners, which gives the camp more range than a standard lodge routine. It works especially well for guests who want comfort, efficiency, and a real sense of place.
Area Overview
Ngorongoro is one of East Africa’s great natural theatres, and its scale is part of what stays with people. This vast volcanic caldera holds grassland, swamp, lake edge, woodland, and forest in one enclosed wildlife system, which makes game viewing unusually rich for such a compact area. It is one of the few places in Africa where the Big Five can all be seen, including black rhino, although sightings are never guaranteed. Lion, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, hippo, and large elephant bulls are all part of the wider draw, while birdlife runs from raptors to flamingos when water levels suit. The crater works year-round, with dry months often giving cleaner visibility and the greener months bringing softer light and fresher scenery.
Experiences and Highlights:
Experiences
Crater game drives, crater breakfasts, bush lunches, bird watching, sundowners, private dining, room service evenings, guided crater exploration, family-friendly stays, easy stopover nights before or after the crater.
Highlights
Eastern rim position, only around 10 minutes from the crater descent, panoramic crater outlook, views toward Lake Magadi, rare early access advantage, strong black rhino area, Big Five potential, cooler highland climate, intimate suite layout, one of the most efficient crater bases for full-day descents.
Positioned for a unique crater setting
Quick Facts Summary:
Executive double suites
Executive twin suites
2 interconnecting family suites
1 honeymoon suite
Hot showers
Flush toilets
Bathroom amenities
Mosquito nets
Mineral water
Wi-Fi
Room service
Charging facilities in rooms
Laundry service
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (local spirits and brands, house wines, beers, and soft drinks), packed picnic breakfasts and lunches, full day across crater ecosystems, conservation and conservancy fees, laundry, airstrip transfers.
Enjoy another full day with your private guide and dedicated safari vehicle.
Travel entirely at your own pace, giving you the freedom to linger at sightings, stop for photographs, and shape the day around your interests.
The crater’s wetlands and soda lake also bring strong birdlife, adding colour and movement between the larger game sightings.
Stop for a picnic lunch
Continue with afternoon game drives before climbing back out of the crater and returning to camp for exquisite views on the camp terrace.
~ 2 hours
Via Arusha
~ 3 hours
~ 90 mins
Breezes sits on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, reached in about an hour from the airport, right on a white sandy beach. Its location is important because this side of the island is quieter and more open than busier parts of Zanzibar, and the beach remains a real part of the stay rather than just a view. Days here often move with the tide, from reef walks and water activities to slower lunches, time by the pool, and candlelit evenings back at the hotel.
Accommodation Overview
Breezes offers three main room categories, Garden Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Suites, all done in a polished Zanzibari style rather than a generic beach-hotel look. Every room is air-conditioned and en-suite, with tea and coffee facilities, a refrigerator, safe, telephone, and a third bed that works as a sofa. Garden Rooms have terraces and garden outlooks, Deluxe Rooms sit on the ground floor of the bungalows, and the Suites occupy the upper floor with larger bathrooms, walk-in dressing rooms, and broad balconies with sun beds.
Property Overview
Breezes feels like a classic Zanzibar beach retreat rather than a sleek modern resort, and that is exactly its appeal. The style leans into Swahili character, candlelight, and a more personal atmosphere, with several distinct places to eat and drink rather than one single all-day space. Lunch at Breakers Grill is right on the beachfront under palms, dinner can range from buffet and table service at Salama to a more intimate meal at The Tides, and the Safari Bar brings a softer close to the day before dinner. The Frangipani Spa adds another layer, and the wider setup, from bars to water sports centre, keeps the stay feeling rounded rather than repetitive.
Area Overview
This part of Zanzibar works especially well for guests who want a beach stay that still feels tied to the island rather than cut off from it. The southeast coast is quieter, the beach is wide and tidal, and the rhythm of the day changes naturally with the water. Low tide opens the reef for guided walks and close-up marine life viewing, while higher water suits snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, and dhow trips. Beyond the shoreline, Zanzibar adds depth through Stone Town, spice farms, and Swahili cultural experiences, so the stay can be as active or as slow as you want it to be. What makes this stretch of coast special is that it feels spacious, relaxed, and genuinely of the island.
Experiences and Highlights:
Experiences
Snorkelling trips, guided reef safari at low tide, sailing, kayaking, kite surfing, dhow excursions, spa treatments, Swahili cooking classes, Stone Town visits, spice farm visits, beach walking, private beachfront dining.
Highlights
Quiet southeast coast setting, white sandy tidal beach, classic Zanzibari décor, upper-floor suites with sun-bed balconies, beachfront lunch under palms, romantic dining at The Tides, candlelit Safari Bar evenings, Swahili dhow-inspired bar, Frangipani Spa, more relaxed and personal atmosphere than a standard island resort.
Quick Facts Summary:
Fully air-conditioned rooms
En-suite bathrooms
Refrigerator in all rooms
Tea and coffee facilities
Personal electronic safe
Garden Rooms with terrace and garden view
Deluxe Rooms on bungalow ground floor
Suites on upper floor
Suites with large balcony and sun beds
Beachfront location
About one hour from Zanzibar airport
Inclusive of:
Accommodation, half-board (breakfast and dinner), airport transfers
~ 90 mins
Accommodation, bed and breakfast
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (curated spirit brands, house wines, beers and soft drinks), sundowner excursions, safari activities (game drives, night game drive, behind the scenes with Chimpanzees at Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, guided bush walk), bush dining, park, private alfresco dinner, conservation, and conservancy fees, laundry, airstrip transfers.
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (curated spirit brands, house wines, beers and soft drinks), sundowner excursions, packed picnic breakfasts, safari activities (game drives, night game drives, guided walks, cultural visits), bush dining, park, conservation, and conservancy fees, laundry airstrip transfers.
Traditional Tanzania 4x4 safari vehicle, pop-up roof, charging ports, and refrigeration for picnics and drinks en route.
Accommodation, all meals and house drinks, private vehicle and guide.
Accommodation, all meals and drinks (local spirits and brands, house wines, beers, and soft drinks), packed picnic breakfasts and lunches, full day across crater ecosystems, conservation and conservancy fees, laundry, airstrip transfers.
Accommodation, half-board (breakfast and dinner), airport transfers
Includes specialized guidance across your journey locations, packing list, and live digital itinerary in your pocket on your mobile, even when offline.
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - $30 USD
Note, travelling from Kenya to Zanzibar requires yellow fever vaccination proof
Bush flights and luggage rules
Small aircraft have limited space, so soft bags are the golden rule. Please avoid hard suitcases.
Soft bags are the priority. Please avoid hard suitcases, wheeled bags, or bags with rigid frames.
Your strictest allowance is Safarilink in Kenya: 15 kg per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment, in soft bags.
Auric Air in Tanzania does allow 20 kg per person, including hand luggage, but given the 15 kg Kenya limit, this is your maximum.
Suggested duffle dimensions are about 25 cm wide x 32 cm high x 62 cm long.
Keep hand luggage small and squishable. A camera backpack is usually fine if it is not overstuffed.
Liquids, batteries, medications, and valuables stay with you in hand luggage.
Laundry is included at The River Camp, Lerai Safari Camp, and Ngorongoro Lions Paw, excluding undergarments. This is provided on Safaris due to restrictions on bush-plane luggage.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar in June, temperature and climate
Early June is the start of the long dry season, just after the main rains. Landscapes are often green, with clearer days becoming more common as the month moves on.
Ol Pejeta and Laikipia sit at a higher elevation. Expect cool mornings around 8-12°C, with daytime highs often around 22-23°C, and can be up to 26-27°C at that time of the year.
The Greater Masai Mara is generally cool early in June, then sunny and mild, roughly 12-13°C in the morning and around 25°C during the day.
Ngorongoro is high and can feel genuinely cold at the rim, especially before sunrise. The crater floor is often around 20°C by afternoon, while nights on the rim can drop to around 6°C, sometimes colder.
Zanzibar is warmer and more humid, usually around 22°C at night and 29°C by day, with occasional showers and a light breeze in June.
Layers are the key. Start warm on safari, then peel off as the day warms up.
Clothing and packing suggestions
Neutral colours work best, including khaki, green, beige, and other earth tones.
Avoid camouflage or military-style clothing.
Light long sleeves and long trousers are useful for sun, dust, and insects.
Pack a fleece, hoodie, or light down jacket for early mornings, especially in Laikipia, the Mara, and Ngorongoro.
Bring a light rain jacket or windbreaker. It is useful for early June showers, windy drives, and the crater rim.
Closed shoes are best for safari days, plus slip-ons or sandals for camp and the beach.
For Zanzibar, pack swimwear, light resort clothing, and a modest cover-up for villages or local markets.
Essentials to pack
Passport and copies of key documents, plus travel insurance, Kenya eTA, Tanzania eVisa and Zanzibar insurance QR code.
Binoculars, camera, spare memory cards, and a small dry bag or zip pouches for dust, showers, and beach days.
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, after-bite cream, and personal medications.
Small first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, and rehydration salts.
Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturiser and a reusable water bottle.
Power bank (depending on your electronic needs, more for transfer days), charging cables, and a universal travel adaptor. Kenya uses Type G plugs, while Tanzania and Zanzibar commonly use Type D and Type G.
Malaria, bites, and tsetse flies
This route includes malaria-risk areas, especially lower and warmer areas, and Zanzibar. Risk varies by altitude, but bite prevention matters throughout.
Chat with your doctor or travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis options.
Use repellent daily, especially at dusk and dawn, and wear long sleeves in the evenings.
Tsetse flies can be present in some safari areas. They are day biters, so wear neutral colours, avoid dark blue and black, and use slightly thicker fabrics where practical.
Keep tent or room doors closed and use nets, screens or fans where provided.
Passports, visas, and transit rules
Passport validity should be at least six months from entry, with blank pages for immigration stamps.
Australian passport holders need a Kenya eTA before travel. Apply through the official portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/
Australian passport holders need a Tanzania tourist visa. Apply online before travel through the official portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
A Tanzania visa covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, so no separate Zanzibar visa is normally needed when the Tanzania visa is valid for the full stay.
Zanzibar has mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors, separate from your NOMARA-required travel insurance. Purchase before arrival and keep the QR code: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Keep proof of flights, accommodation, visa approvals, insurance, and vaccination records easily accessible on travel days.
What is included in your NOMARA safari
All accommodation, meals and drinks at your camps and lodges as per your confirmed itinerary. Beach inclusions at Breezes follow the meal plan and arrangements listed in your itinerary.
Safari activities and guiding are included by each camp, including game drives and conservation experiences where specified.
Park, conservancy, and crater fees, plus scheduled transfers connected to your itinerary, are all included.
Internal flights and transfers between Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are built into your final itinerary.
Optional extras such as spa treatments, premium drinks, private tours, cultural visits, or Zanzibar excursions are included only where specifically listed.
Currency and tipping
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES), and Tanzania/Zanzibar use Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). For tips, USD cash is the easiest and most accepted in safari camps.
Bring clean, newer USD notes and smaller denominations. Older or damaged notes may be refused.
Cards are accepted in many places, especially hotels and resorts, but do not rely on them in remote areas as connectivity can be unreliable.
A simple tipping guideline is around USD 30 to 40 per day for your guide, plus USD 10 to 15 per day for the wider camp team.
On Zanzibar, small USD or local currency is useful for porters, drivers, and casual tips.
WiFi, power, laundry, and eSIMs
WiFi is often available, but safari camp speeds can be variable and are not designed for heavy streaming. Zanzibar resort WiFi is usually stronger.
Charging points are usually available, often with USB, but bring a power bank for flight and transfer days if you are a heavy user.
Laundry is included at The River Camp, Lerai Safari Camp, and Ngorongoro Lions Paw, excluding undergarments and always weather dependent.
Breezes Beach Club & Spa offers laundry at an extra cost, so it is still worth packing light for the safari portion.
To avoid expensive roaming, consider an eSIM app. Options we use include Saily, Jetpac and AloSIM.
Download key documents, music, books, maps, and messaging apps before arrival.
Travel insurance and vaccinations
Travel insurance is required for all NOMARA guests, including medical evacuation. We will ask for proof before you travel. Zanzibar inbound insurance does not replace this.
Vaccinations are your responsibility to confirm with your travel clinic or doctor, ideally at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel.
For Kenya, Australian guidance notes yellow fever risk in many areas. Travel with your vaccination certificate.
For Tanzania and Zanzibar, a valid yellow fever certificate will be required if arriving from a yellow fever risk country. As you are travelling from Kenya to Tanzania, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Common travel vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus/diphtheria, and measles may be recommended depending on your personal history.
That is it. Pack light, bring layers for the safari mornings, keep your beach clothes simple, and get ready for a beautiful June journey from Kenya’s high country and Mara plains to Ngorongoro and Zanzibar.
NOMARA Africa Travel creates personalized journeys into Africa's wildest, most breathtaking corners, where adventure meets elegance, with every detail purposefully curated. From the golden plains of the Serengeti to the misty peaks of Rwanda and the wild waterways of the Okavango Delta, our handpicked journeys unlock Africa's most extraordinary landscapes in comfort and style.
Every experience is crafted around our clients, meticulously planned, deeply personal, and grounded in purpose.
Web: www.nomaraafricatravel.com
Email: travel@nomaraafricatravel.com
