Tanzanian Wildlife & Kenyan Coast: Arusha, Ngorongoro, Nairobi & Mombasa - 10 Days

Day 2: Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Relax at Leisure

After a restful night in Arusha, set off on a 2.5-hour transfer to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, perched at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is often called the "eighth wonder of the world." When you arrive, check into The Highlands, a luxury safari camp whose perch on the slopes of the Olmoti Crater affords breathtaking views all the way to the edge of the Serengeti. You could stay at the lodge, enjoying its amenities, or book a tour of a nearby Maasai village to learn more about the locals' way of life.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be welcomed with spirited songs and dances. Wander through the village and engage in activities that have defined the tribe's culture for centuries, such as listening to age-old stories from village elders, herding cattle, making jewelry, and sharing a traditional meal. After eating, watch the warriors train, then follow your guide on a nature walk to learn about indigenous flora and fauna. At the end of the tour, thank the villagers for their time and return to your lodge to rest.

Day 3: Hot-Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, Full-Day Game Drive

Get ready for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—a hot-air balloon ride over the conservation area at sunrise. Wake up before dawn and head to the launch site as the first light begins to illuminate the horizon. Watch as the balloons slowly inflate, then jump into the basket and rise above the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. As you float above the biodiverse landscape, keep an eye out for the wildlife that's just waking up and moving across the crater, like herds of elephants or groups of buffalo.

After an hour in the air, touch down and celebrate your flight with a champagne toast and breakfast under the shade of an acacia tree. The adventure continues with a full-day game drive next, looking out for the Big Five game animals as you traverse the rugged terrain and descend into the crater. Once in the caldera, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, where you can relax and take in the wilderness around you.

The safari continues to different parts of the crater, stopping at tranquil lakes to spot large flocks of flamingoes, zebras, and wildebeests or hippos lazing in the water. Flamingoes aren't the only birds you'll see, as the conservation area is also home to birds like kori bustards, crowned cranes, and secretary birds. In the late afternoon, begin the journey back up the crater rim, enjoying a final panoramic view of the lush landscape before returning to the lodge. End your action-packed day with a drink while you watch the sunset.

Day 4: Transfer to Arusha, Visit the Serval WildLife Sanctuary

After breakfast at the lodge, it's time to return to Arusha on a 2.5-hour transfer. Look out at the rolling hills dotted with charming villages and expanses of farmlands. You may even spot Maasai herders tending their cattle on the drive. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and refresh, then head straight to Serval WildLife, a sanctuary almost two hours outside of the city. Although the sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of servals (graceful wildcats native to Africa), you'll also find animals like Maasai giraffes, elands, ostriches, lions, and monkeys.

Wander through the well-maintained grounds covered in 3,000 hand-planted endemic flora species to get an up-close look at some of these creatures. On a clear day, you can also enjoy mesmerizing views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. After meeting some of the sanctuary's animals, feeding them, and petting them when possible, sit down for lunch before returning to your hotel to unwind with a drink overlooking Lake Duluti. When you get hungry, head inside to the on-site restaurant to choose from an array of Tanzanian and international dishes.

Day 5: Transfer to Nairobi (Kenya), Visit Nairobi National Park

Say goodbye to Tanzania for now as you set off on a 4-5 hour transfer to Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Watch the urban landscape transform as the route takes you through the scenic savannas of the Great Rift Valley, where expansive plains and acacia-dotted horizons welcome you. Stop in charming towns and villages, like Namanga, which straddles the border, to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. When you arrive, refresh at your hotel, then head to Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the city center.

Follow your guide down one of the well-manicured paths to look for wildlife like lions, giraffes, and zebras. The park is also a bird lover's paradise, as it's home to over 500 species, including sooty falcons, white-bellied bustards, and grey-crowned cranes. After three hours in the park, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the amenities, like the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, or bar. When you get hungry, stroll to the Lavington district, home to a mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants serving both local and international food, to find somewhere for dinner.

Day 6: Fly to Mombasa, Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Trade the city for the ocean this morning as you head to the airport for a one-hour flight to Mombasa, Kenya's coastal gem. Try to snag a window seat to watch the bustling city and Kenyan countryside transform into white sandy beaches and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. When you land, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your resort on the coast. After settling in and refreshing, venture out on a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the underwater world without even getting wet. As the boat glides over the reefs, look down at the exotic fish and intricate coral formations.

You're sure to see plenty of clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, but you may also spot turtles, rays, and, on rare occasions, dolphins. When the two-hour tour is complete, return to land and transfer back to your resort, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Lie by one of the five pools, wander to the nearby beach, or book a treatment at the on-site spa to truly unwind. When you get hungry, you have your choice of a delicious buffet or fine dining al fresco amid the towering palms and expansive ocean. End the night with a crisp drink at the beach bar, listening to the sound of the waves.

Day 7: Guided City Tour, Swahili Cooking Class

Join your guide for a tour of the second-largest city in Kenya, starting at the entrance to the city, the towering Mombasa tusks that were built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1952. Head to the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus next, an iconic military stronghold built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. Step through the imposing gates and explore the well-preserved battlements, stopping in the museum to learn more about the fort's history. Climb to the ramparts for panoramic views of the ocean before continuing to the Old Town's winding streets.

Day 8: Full-Day Snorkeling Excursion in Mombasa

One of the best ways to see Mombasa is from the water, so today's adventure is a snorkeling tour down the coast. Jump in a boat around 8:00 am and cruise for 30 minutes to your first snorkeling site. When you arrive, don your gear, then jump in the water to discover the coral gardens below. Look for tropical fish, like parrotfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish, while you swim above the coral.

You may even spot sea turtles or rays swimming below you. Continue to various snorkeling sites along the coast, stopping for a fresh seafood lunch onboard when you get hungry. After a full day on the water, return to your hotel to dry off and relax with a drink at the resort's beach bar. In the evening, visit the buffet or fine-dining restaurant to sample Swahili curries or fresh seafood.

Day 9: Fly to Nairobi, Transfer to Arusha, Explore on Your Own

Bid farewell to Mombasa today as you return to Nairobi on a one-hour flight. When you touch down, meet your driver outside the airport and start the 4-5 transfer back to Arusha. After a long day of flying and driving, you may just want to relax at the hotel, but those who want to explore a bit more can visit the National Natural History Museum to dive into the country's geology, paleontology, ethnography, and archaeology. Step inside and browse the fossilized remains, botanical specimens, and geological formations, helping you learn more about the evolution of life in the region.

Then, head to the Tanzanite Experience, the only Tanzanite museum in the world, to learn about the history and allure of this rare gem. If you want to take home a unique souvenir, a piece of Tanzanite jewelry may be the perfect option. When you get hungry, wander down to Boma Road, a bustling thoroughfare in the central business district lined with an array of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Find an international restaurant or sit down for a local meal, like pilau, a flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, meat, and vegetables.

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Tanzania? Check out these other Tanzania itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in East Africa, or discover the best time to visit Tanzania.