Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach vacation

Planet

As with all of our luxury vacations, this itinerary has been crafted to ensure that it positively effects the local communities and environments visited. We show our commitment to conservation through the parks we include on our itineraries, as well as the accommodation providers and suppliers we use, so travelers can be assured their trip is in line with responsible values.

This itinerary includes trips to some of Kenya and Zanzibar's protected areas of natural beauty, including national parks and diving/snorkelling sites. By visiting these sites (all entrance fees are included in your luxury tour), you are supporting the preservation and conservation of these areas, and indicating to authorities that tourists are interested in protecting both Kenya and Zanzibar's incredible natural environments.

Kenya's Masai Mara is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, home to Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), as well as the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, which takes place in a annual cycle between the Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti. A chance to witness this natural phenomenon is breathtaking.

Whilst out on safari, please ensure that you don’t leave any litter – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife. Do not disturb the animals by calling out or waving to an animal to get their attention. Stay quiet, mute any devices you have and ask your guide before taking a photo, as clicks or flashes can disturb wildlife. Don’t get too close to animals, as wild animals are unpredictable and can move very quickly when threatened. Never touch or feed a wild animal, and don't bring any food or drink on a game drive with you, except for water.

Never purchase items made from endangered species, such as coral, turtle shells, eggs, ivory, fur or bone. Instead, support the local communities by purchasing locally-made products as souvenirs, such as jewellery, wooden carvings and Maasai blankets.

In terms of protection of marine life, we advise against joining an excursion to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar. Although these trips have replaced the island’s traditional dolphin hunts, there are no regulations for dolphin tourism in the region and tours are run by operators with no interest in animal welfare. If you're looking to swim with whale sharks during kaskazi season, make sure to leave some distance and not to touch these beautiful animals, for their own protection.

We also make a special effort to recommend accommodation providers which have responsible and sustainable initiatives. For example, luxury safari camp Saruni Mara participates in fantastic community-led conservation initiatives with local tribes, such as the Maasai, which aims to put local people at the forefront of land and wildlife conservation. Saruni is also amongst the founding members of Mara North Conservancy and part of Northern Rangelands Trust, which has reduced the number of elephants illegally killed and set up community-led sanctuaries for elephant, black rhino, hirola and giraffe. What's more, from an environmental perspective, Saruni Mara runs on solar power which provides electricity (220V) 24 hours a day and each cottage has a solar panel for water heating. In Zanzibar, Pole Pole Lodge eco-resort was built using locally-sourced materials and makes use of re-purposed wooden furnishings.

Kenya's government has recently introduced a ban on plastic bags. Travelers are also expected to adhere to the ban, therefore we encourage visitors to either travel with a cotton shopping bag or purchase one from a local market in Kenya.

People

All the local guides referred to in this itinerary are paid a fair wage. We believe that using local guides is important, as it helps generate local incomes and creates jobs, plus it offers a more authentic travel experience.

We recommend independent local hotels, lodges, guesthouses and campsites, rather than international chain hotels, which helps support local communities and allows you to experience true East African hospitality. For example, Saruni Mara employs 80% local people, with many coming from traditional backgrounds, and can therefore offer a local's perspective on the wildlife and the land during safari excursions. The Saruni group also participates in the amazing Pack for a Purpose initiative, which invites guests to use extra luggage space to bring donations of supplies for local communities, such as schools.

This luxury Kenya and Zanzibar vacation includes the option for cultural experiences learning about local traditions with trips to local villages, where you can buy authentic souvenirs. We believe getting to know the destination and the people who live there means that you will have a more authentic and meaningful travel experience.