| So you're thinking about chucking it all in for a bit and embarking on one of those incredibly fancy, utterly ridiculous, and frankly, somewhat life changing safaris? Specifically, a seven day all inclusive dash from the majestic Masai Mara all the way to the sun drenched shores of Zanzibar? Consider me your slightly envious guide to this opulent escapade. First off, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the very well catered for rhinoceros. This isn't your bog standard "tent with a zip" kind of holiday. We're talking seriously plush lodges where the welcome cocktails are poured by people who genuinely look thrilled to see you, and the only thing you'll be roughing it with is perhaps a mild case of overwhelming awe. Day one and two will find you deep in the Masai Mara. Forget rumbling Land Cruisers where you're practically spooning your neighbour. Here, you'll have your own private vehicle, a guide who knows every blade of grass and the migration patterns of every wildebeest like the back of their hand, and chances are, a personal chef will be whipping up a five course meal under a canopy of stars. Expect dawn game drives where the air is crisp and the lions are just stretching after a night's work. You’ll see more giraffes than you thought existed and possibly witness a cheetah in full flight – a sight that’ll make your usual commute feel rather… pedestrian. The humour here is in how utterly spoilt you'll become, eyeing up that sunrise with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee, thinking, "Is this what actual royalty does?" Then, the transition. A rather civilized hop onto a small plane, because frankly, who has time for long car journeys when there are cocktails and wildlife to be experienced? You’ll land in Zanzibar, a world away from the dusty plains. Think azure waters, the scent of spices wafting through the air, and resorts that redefine the meaning of 'beachfront'. Days three to seven are your pure indulgence period. Your villa probably has its own plunge pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can spend your mornings learning to cook authentic Zanzibari cuisine with a renowned chef, or perhaps don a snorkel and explore vibrant coral reefs populated by fish that look like they’ve raided a rainbow’s dressing up box. Evenings are for sunset dhow cruises, sipping something bubbly as the sky bleeds into an impossible array of colours. You might even get serenaded by local musicians. It’s the sort of place where you can happily spend an entire afternoon reading a book on a sun lounger, only occasionally interrupted by a waiter discreetly refilling your drink. Self reflection? Oh, there will be plenty. As you’re being massaged with local oils while listening to the gentle lapping of waves, you might ponder the sheer, unadulterated luck of it all. You’ll probably also have a moment where you question whether you can ever go back to washing your own dishes or battling supermarket crowds after experiencing this level of effortless luxury. The sheer contrast between the raw wildness of the Mara and the refined tranquility of Zanzibar is what makes this trip so special. It’s a taste of the extraordinary, a reminder that life can be exceptionally, wonderfully, and ridiculously good. So, pack your most glamorous safari gear and your most relaxed attitude, because this adventure is about to blow your mind, and probably your budget, but oh, it will be worth every penny. |


























