Zanzibar, Serengeti & Luxury stops along the way
If Africa has ever been on your bucket list… this is your sign to stop thinking about it and just go.
I’ve just returned from what I can only describe as a once-in-a-lifetime East Africa safari adventure, paired with luxury stopovers and a little tropical reset (because balance, right?). And honestly? I’d go back in a heartbeat.
This itinerary is the perfect mix of luxury travel, cultural immersion, beach time, and unforgettable wildlife experiences and I’m taking you through it all.
Trip Overview: The Ultimate Luxury Meets Adventure Journey
- 2 nights Dubai (stopover)
- 5 nights Zanzibar (Tanzania)
- 14-day East Africa safari (Tanzania & Kenya)
- 2 nights Dubai (round two!)
- 4 nights Bali (relax & reset)
Think: bucket-list safari + beach escape + luxury city stopovers all in one.
Dubai is the ultimate stopover city and we made the most of every second.
On our first stop over which was for 3 nights we made the most of the time with a traditional abra boat ride on the lake while the Dubai Fountains danced around us to watching the incredible La Perle show, this stopover was anything but a layover.
Our first few days we filled with:
- A full Dubai city tour taking in both old and new Dubai, the spice markets and gold souks. With a stop at the mosque. After the city tour was finished we stopped at this amazing restuarant called Al Khayma house - highly recommend! Check it out here
- The second evening we went to downtown Dubai and headed into watch the La Perle show which was such a wonderful show and I highly recommend seeing this wile you are in Dubai.
- Museum of the future, this one is sure not to be missed. it is incredible.
- Dubai mall again an amazing experience. Definitely go through the aquarium if you get the chance.
- Mall of Emirates - test yourself out on the ski loped at Ski Dubai.
Zanzibar was our next destination on the trip and it was the perfect contrast before safari life began.
We stayed in Stone Town at the Serena Hotel, then moved up north to Kendwa and stayed at The Gold Zanzibar which was pure relaxation.
In Stone town we spend our days getting lost in the streets and taking in all the different doors and carvings, each one of them tells a story about the history and slave trade of Zanzibar.
We did a cultural walking tour which walked us around the town and through all the major historical sites and even through the markets which used to be the old slave trade markets. Now days it is used as a food market, spice market and house goods.
The afternoon we headed into the Freddy Mercury museum. A visit to the Freddie Mercury Museum in Zanzibar is such a fun and unexpected highlight, especially if you’re even slightly a Queen fan. It is a small but meaningful museum that celebrates the life of Freddie Mercury who was actually born right there in Zanzibar. Opened in 2019, it takes you through his journey from Farrokh Bulsara, a boy growing up on the island, to becoming one of the greatest performers of all time, with photos, stories, and memorabilia along the way.
Our last day in stone town we ventured out with Safari Blue for a snorkeling tour. The Safari Blue snorkelling trip in Zanzibar is one of those must-do experiences that completely lives up to the hype. Picture this: cruising across crystal-clear turquoise waters on a traditional dhow, stopping at hidden sandbanks, and snorkelling in some of the most vibrant coral reefs you’ll ever see. The water is warm, the marine life is incredible, and the whole day has this relaxed, tropical vibe that just screams holiday mode. One of the highlights? A freshly prepared seafood lunch on a secluded island with everything from grilled fish to tropical fruits. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and laid-back island life and honestly, one of my favourite days in Zanzibar.
The last two days at the Gold we spent relaxing by the pool and enjoying those incredible Zanzibar sunsets.
We joined the Highlights of East Africa safari — a small group tour covering some of the most iconic wildlife regions in the world.
👉 View the full tour here: https://benchafrica.com/experiences/highlights-of-east-africa/
🌍 Where We Went
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park
- Masai Mara
- Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru
- Amboseli
Our first stop was Ngorongoro Crater and wow it did not disappoint. Within the first half hour of entering the park we saw the tail end of a kill and the lions all feeding on what remained. We saw the big 5 all in the space of a day and were left wondering how the rest of the safari could top our first day.
Every day added new experiences, different landscapes and views of animals that completely take your breath away. Serengetti was everything I thought it would be and more the abundance of wildlife was beyond belief.
Amboseli National park was one of my favourite stops and highlights of the trip. Firstly because it was my birthday and secondly who could not love it with the view of Mt Kilimanjaro from my tent! Elerai Camp spoilt me for my birthday they made me a cake and sung to me it was so special. Amboseli was incredible the difference in landscape being a national park on wetlands everything was lush and green and there were elephants galore!
Crossing the border between Tanzania and Kenya was quite the experience before heading into Lake Navashi. Unfortunately the drive was delayed and we missed our boat ride on the lake so didn't get to see the hippos up close but the hotel we stayed at was incredible with Zebra and bucks all around the grounds.
Onto Masai Mara. What a highlight. We went to visit a Masai tribe and their village and saw their homes and how they lived, met their families and hugging the little kids filled my heart. The tribes dances for us and welcomed us into their homes. Then we did the hot air Balloons. WOW! If you get the chance to do the balloons in Masai Mara absolutely take it! the early morning isn't fun but the experience when you are up there an the sun is rising and you can see herds of buffalo moving down below it is absolutely incredible. Such a special memory.
🐾 What to Expect on Safari
- Daily game drives in 4WD vehicles
- Early mornings
- Incredible wildlife sightings (Big Five & beyond)
- Cultural experiences and iconic locations like Olduvai Gorge
- Intimate group sizes (max 7 per vehicle — a big win)
The Reality Check
You think you’ve seen animals before… but during migration?
The sheer volume of wildlife is insane.
Thousands upon thousands of animals moving across the plains — it’s something you truly can’t comprehend until you’re there.
This trip was a perfect blend of wild adventure and serious luxury.
Where we stayed:
- Bulgari Dubai – Amazing place with special little touches like personalised beach bags & luggage tags waiting for us
- Serena hotel - Stonetown Zanzibar
- Gold Hotel Kendwa - Zanzibar
- Four points by Sheraton - Arusha
- Ngorongoro farm house - Ngorongoro Crater
- Kati Kati camp - Serengeti
- Elerai camp - Amboseli
- Lake Navashi Sopa Lodge - Lake Navashi
- Sarova Mara game camp - Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge - Lake Nakuru
- Burj Al Arab – absolute bucket list, beyond over-the-top
- Bali Mandira – the perfect wind-down at the end
On safari accommodation ranged from lodges to tented camps where…
yes, animals roam freely around you.
And no — nothing prepares you for that.
One of the most memorable meals?
Al Khayma Heritage house Dubai was one of the best traditional meals I ate. The cheese bread is delicious.
The sundowner desert safari dinner in Dubai — traditional Emirati flavours under the stars.
But across the entire trip, the food was consistently incredible, from safari lodge dining to luxury hotel experiences.
We wrapped up the trip with two nights in Dubai and honestly, what a way to finish.
We stayed at the iconic Burj Al Arab and wow… this place is on another level. Our room was a two-bedroom suite that felt bigger than most houses, split-level, with HUGE spa baths in each bathroom, Hermès products, a full bar, kitchen, living and dining space… it was pure luxury from start to finish. But what really made it special were the little touches, every time I left the room, I’d come back to a new gift waiting for me. It’s those details that make a stay truly unforgettable.
For our final days, we soaked up the fun at Wild Wadi Waterpark (so much fun and perfect for all ages), then wandered through Souk Madinat for some last-minute shopping and special finds before heading out to our final dinner as a Sundowner dune dinner safari. The perfect ending to an already incredible trip ✨
After the pace of safari life, Bali was exactly what we needed.
Four days of:
- Pool time
- Sunshine
- Cocktails
- massages
- Shopping
- And absolutely no alarms
The perfect way to end an epic trip.
I LOVED this trip.
It’s one of those journeys that completely shifts your perspective. The landscapes, the wildlife, the people… it stays with you long after you leave.
And yes — I would 100% go back.
Ready to Experience East Africa for Yourself?
If Africa has been sitting on your bucket list… consider this your sign.
I’ve done it, I’ve experienced it, and I know exactly how to tailor it to you.
👉 Contact me to plan your own East Africa safari adventure with Roast & Roam
Let’s make it happen ✨