Embark on an unforgettable adventure through East Africa, starting in Nairobi, Kenya. Explore some of the continent's most renowned destinations, such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience multiple game drives to spot the Big Five and other majestic animals. Marvel at the vastness of Africa's biggest lake and immerse yourself in the culture of the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes. Learn about their ancient customs and modern ways of life from their wise elders. End the trip with some down time on the beach in Zanzibar where you will snorkel with tropical fish on a dhow cruise in the transparent waters of northern Zanzibar. This truly is the best that East Africa has to offer! 

Please be aware that you must be able to walk up to 3 miles and be able to manage your own luggage up steps if need be.

Want to see more? Join us on our Premium trip that starts just two days after this trip. Learn more here https://tri.ps/FtByl

We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements?
Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit.   Therefore proof of up to date COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Need a passport? Click here -> U.S. Passport

Need to renew your passport? Click here -> Renew U.S. Passport

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.

Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.

Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. 

By making a deposit you agree to above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want.  You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required for all of our trips. We recommend and use World Nomads.  If you are over 70 we recommend using Insure My Trip.

To ensure smooth operations for our trips, we kindly ask that all payments are made on time. If a payment is 15 or more days past due, a $50 late fee will be applied to your balance.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to adjust your payment plan or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at [melissa@pennypinchingglobetrotter.com]. 

We’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya’s buzzing capital city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. Once you've met your new travel buds, join them for an optional group dinner. 

Accommodation- 

Hotel Boulevard Nairobi or similar    http://www.hotelboulevard.co.ke/

Looking for something to do today. Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours. Viator  & Getyourguide 

Special information - We recommend arriving a day or two early to overcome jet lag. Additional  nights can be added at booking. 

Enjoy breakfast, then check out, and head to Maasai Mara. Along the way, visit the local village of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. Tepesua Village is known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. You are welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance, then your host will explain the details of Maasai warrior training. Take a walk to the community village which was founded to alleviate the poverty of Maasai widows, who traditionally are not allowed to inherit 

property. The village offers support, safety, and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project.’ 

Drive on to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. On arrival, proceed to your camp, arriving in time for lunch. Afterward, head out for an afternoon game drive in a 4 x 4 cruiser. The Masai Mara is the quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies, and some of the world's most incredible animals. Here lies arguably one of the finest game reserves on the continent. This is the land of the famed and fated annual migration of wildebeest which we will hopefully see! 

Included Activities 

•  Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit 

•  Afternoon Maasai Mara game drive in 4 x 4 cruiser

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation

La Maison Royale Masai Mara https://lmrhotel.com/mara/

Rise a little before dawn to begin your morning game drive. As the sun rises, you shouldn't have any trouble spotting wildlife, as this is often one of the most active times of the day for animals. After what is hopefully an exciting morning's drive, you will return to the camp for lunch and to relax during the heat of the day. Set off again in the afternoon for another game drive – this time you can expect to return to the camp at around sunset. Depending on wildlife movements, you may not return to the camp in the middle of the day, making for one full game drive instead (in this case you will stop for a picnic lunch). Once you return to the camp there is an option to go back out and visit a Maasai Village. These visits can be fascinating to learn about the different culture and way of life of traditional Maasai people. 

Included Activities

· Morning 4 x 4 game drive

· Afternoon 4 x 4 game drive

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

La Maison Royale Masai Mara https://lmrhotel.com/mara/

Say goodbye to the Mara and head to the shores of Lake Victoria – Musoma (a long drive day to the border). This is not only Africa's largest lake – it's the largest tropical lake in the world. Its shores are shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. There are plenty of activities to choose from while you're here. You can visit an African marketplace for a chance to interact with the people of Musoma or visit a Butiama village or the Mwalimu Nyerere Museum all free of charge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Matvilla Beach Lodge Musoma https://matvillabeach.co.tz/

Enjoy Breakfast at the lodge then enjoy a morning boat cruise on  the shore of Lake Victoria. The early morning hours are alive with birds, giving you the opportunity to experience the ornithologically unique beauty of this area. And hopefully catch sight of the Shoebill bird. Depending on the bird movements, this activity can also be done on Day 4 as a sunset cruise. (Please note you’ll be advised on this once you’re at the lodge).

Afterwards head to the Serengeti National Park (approximately 3 hours) in time for lunch.  These 'Endless Plains' span some 14,700 square kilometers, but their main claim to fame is 3 million or so animals. The game most likely to be seen in the Serengeti are the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo, and ostrich. Watch the landscape change within the park from the vast treeless central plains to thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops. In afternoon enjoy a game drive. 

Tonight you have a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience with modern comforts.

Included Activities

· Morning cruise on Lake Victoria

· Afternoon Serengeti game drive

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Pure Camp purecamps.co.tz

Start around sunrise for a  Serengeti morning game drive, keeping an eye out for the hoofed animals and predators that call this place home. Return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where you will enjoy a hearty meal, relax, and maybe take a siesta.  In the afternoon enjoy another game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day.  The seemingly endless Serengeti Plains capture the essence of Africa. They are home to massive numbers of grazing animals and various predators, and the interaction between the many species often provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, the drive may continue through lunch and last all day. In this case, you will return to the camp in the late afternoon.

Included Activities

· Morning game drive – Serengeti National Park

· Afternoon game drive – Serengeti National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation-Pure Camp purecamps.co.tz

Exit the park this morning and cross over to the Ngorongoro Conservation area where you'll descend to the Ngorongoro's crater floor for a 4WD excursion. If all goes to plan, you'll see some or maybe even all of the Big Five animals that reside here and better yet, the vehicle has an open roof so you can really feel like a part of the action. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles and as a result it's easier to watch them from up close. Take in the spectacular views from the rim of the crater as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino, as well as the colorfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here.

In the afternoon, we leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu, a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.

Included Activities

· Ngoro Ngoro Crater – 4 x 4 game drive

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Castle Karatu

After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi, a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life today. You’ll have the opportunity to meet members of the community and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day for a chance to put your feet up and relax.

Included Activities

· Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe bushmen visit.

· Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Castle Karatu

After breakfast head out for Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s more intimate parks. The lake shore teems with birds and the park is famous for its elusive tree-climbing lions. There is also a surprising number of large mammals and the striking cliffs of the Rift escarpment form a dramatic backdrop to our first experience of the region's magnificent wildlife.

In the afternoon, we head to Arusha.

Included Activities

· Lake Manyara game drive

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Goldcrest Hotel Arusha or similar www.goldcresthotel.com/arusha/

After breakfast head to Kilimanjaro Airport for the included flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar's rich history involves everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast invokes images of what the island was like back in the days of Livingstone. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town. The best way to see this exotic port town is on foot, so why not throw yourself into the midst of Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets – every twist and turn alive with an enticing mix of fragrant bazaars, enchanting mosques and charming ruins. Perhaps head to one of the bars on the seafront and soak up the salty ocean air with a cocktail in hand. 

Included Activities

· One way flight Arusha - Zanzibar

· Arrival transfer in Zanzibar

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Dhow Palace https://dhowpalacehotel.tanzania-hotel.top/en/

Check out of your Stone Town hotel after breakfast and visit the spice plantations. Here you will receive a guided tour, during which you can learn all about the history of this town's renowned spice trade. Take the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices – such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger – then sample some delicious teas! After lunch, head to the northern beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await for an afternoon at leisure. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Included Activities

· Spice farm tour

Accommodation

Mnarani Beach Cottages or similar www.lighthousezanzibar.com/

Wake up in paradise and enjoy a full day of freedom to indulge in the beautiful island. Take the opportunity to swim in the transparent waters, walk the stretch of powder white sand or paddle in the bath-like Indian ocean, this is your day!

Alternatively you add an optional village visit and swim with sea turtles. Swimming with turtles in Zanzibar is a magical experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. Turtles are known for their curious and playful nature, and they often approach swimmers to say hello. This costs an additional $135 and can be added at check out. 

Accommodation

Mnarani Beach Cottages or similar www.lighthousezanzibar.com/

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning take the opportunity to walk along this pristine coast before a beach side breakfast. Today is an included snorkelling trip in the transparent waters among the incredible tropical fish. The late afternoon is free to dine on freshly caught sumptuous seafood or simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book.

Included Activities

· Zanzibar - Snorkeling

Meals-Breakfast

Accommodation

Mnarani Beach Cottages or similar www.lighthousezanzibar.com/

After breakfast you are free to leave.  There are no activities planned as your incredible African excursion has come to an end.

Want to see more? Join us on our premium trip which starts two days later. Learn more here https://tri.ps/FtByl

Special information

From Stone Town the easiest option is to fly out of Zanzibar Airport. However, if you have arranged to fly out of Dar es Salaam Airport ferries depart Zanzibar at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. It's important to allow enough time to get back to the mainland if you need to catch your departing flight from Dar es Salaam. 

Meals-Breakfast