Curator’s statement
Kenya is a wonderful destination for a safari - you'll feel like you're in the Lion King with the open fields, trees, landscape, and abundance of animals. It's hard to miss the big five in the Masai Mara, and the number of lions alone was incredible. Make your time in Kenya more worthwhile by starting or ending your time here in Nairobi and explore all the city has to offer. On your way home, be sure to stop in Zanzibar, for some relaxation with pristine beaches and accommodations, and even mix in some adventure by diving or snorkeling.
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Where to stay in Kenya & Zanzibar
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Things to do in Kenya & Zanzibar
Masai Mara
Most lodges have two game drives daily, which are optional, but my recommendation is go to them all! Every time we went out we saw new animals or something super exciting, like hunting, mating, or battling for food. It's WELL worth the early morning wake up call!
Most lodges also have spas - we stayed at Angama Mara and spent an afternoon getting a massage in our tent on the balcony and it was a glorious way to relax between game drives.
Have a picnic! At Angama Mara we were treated to a private picnic on the cliff that overlooks the mara where they filmed Out of Africa and it was the perfect way to relax in between game drives.
Go for a dip in the pool or use the gym with one of the best views out there at Angama Mara.
Nairobi
Spend a day exploring the Giraffe Center & the Elephant Sanctuary - Feed 10 giraffes, stroll through the bird watching trail, and learn the history behind how the center started by trying to up the population of the Rothschild Giraffe sub-species. Afterwards, stop by the elephant orphanage to learn about how they are trying to work to release the elephants and rhinos back into the wild, while getting to watch the baby elephants play.
Zanzibar
Explore in stone town, home to Freddie Mercury's childhood home, either on your own if your accommodation is close by, or with a tour guide if you want a more in depth experience.
Go diving or snorkeling in crystal clear waters and get up close and personal with sea horses
RELAX! Home to beautiful beaches and resorts, I highly recommend saving a day or two for keeping things low key and enjoy the surroundings whether that be a resort pool, at the beach, or getting a massage outdoors. Can't sit still? May resorts offer water sports!
Places to eat & drink in Kenya & Zanzibar
Masai Mara
Angama Mara: All of the food there was incredible. There are options to set up your own private dinner on your balcony, have dinner in the lodge, picnic, and lastly, you can't miss the Boma where you get to have an amazing group dining experience with all of the other guests next to a fire
Nairobi
Lunch at CULTIVA: The restaurant is set on a farm with a casual yet beautiful atmosphere complimented with 5 start fine dining and killer cocktails!
Hemingways Resort & Spa: Lunch or dinner here is beautiful and the quality of both food and service is great!
Zanzibar
Baraza Resort & Spa: With multiple options to choose from, you can't go wrong. They have everything from buffet to fine dining and everything in between. Made to order pasta to the pool? I think so!
Travel Advisor
Kaitlan Leonard
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For more travel tips, check out my guide, A Mix of Luxury & Adventure in Kenya & Zanzibar.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kenya.