This
trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi
and Zambia, before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
This
trip departs from Nairobi early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore
Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the
day before your departure.
Departure Point: Hotel Boulevard, Harry Thuku Road,
Nairobi.
Check-In Time:
08h45
Departure Time: 09h30
Please Note:
This
itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending
on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All
prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice. Due to Tourism
Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change
during the trip.
DAY 1: Nairobi to Nanyuki (L / D)
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we head north, crossing the equator,
before reaching the market town of Nanyuki. Founded in 1907 by English
settlers, Nanyuki is home to the main base of Kenya’s Air Force. It’s popular
amongst tourists because of it’s proximity to impressive Mount Kenya, Kenya’s
highest peak at 5199 m. It’s also home to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, now a
hotel, but in the 60’s an exclusive club whose members included Winston
Churchill, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
DAY 2: Nanyuki to Samburu National Reserve (B / L / D)
Leaving this old frontier town, we head north-west through the Kikuyu area
around Mt Kenya to the Samburu National Reserve. We’ll encounter the Masai’s
distant relatives, the semi-nomadic proud Samburu, tending their cattle along
the way. The Samburu National Reserve is a relatively small reserve at just 104
km2. It is a remote, hence unspoilt, reserve and attracts a wide
range of animals because of the Ewaso Ng’iro River (brown water) that runs
through it.
DAY 3: Samburu National Reserve (B / L / D)
The
Samburu National Reserve is made up of a mixture of scrub, desert and open
Savannah plains interspersed with small rugged hills. It is home to most of the
Big 5 (except the rhino, which has been decimated by poachers). What makes this
reserve unique is its populations of Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated
Giraffe and Somali Ostrich and we’ll spend the day searching for these unique
animals.
DAY 4: Samburu National Reserve to Nakuru (B / L / D)
Leaving the unique Samburu National Reserve, we head west towards the Great Rift
Valley and the 4th largest town in Kenya and the capital of the Rift
Valley Province, Nakuru. We overnight here before entering Lake Nakuru National
Park tomorrow.
DAY
5: Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
Today we
head into Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for the thousands of lesser and
greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge. The numbers vary
depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink. A
truly spectacular sight! The park was established as a sanctuary for black and
white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these
pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering
buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way.
DAY 6: Nakuru to Kampala (B / L /D)
Today, we cross the
border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the
Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda
is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the
fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the
snow-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert parts of the
north facing the border of Sudan.
DAYS 7 & 8: Kampala to Kisoro (B / L /D)
After an early
morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our
base in Kisoro.
Kisoro is the base
from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking
permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in
Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the
Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and
may change without prior notice – currently they are priced between US$375 and
US$500 depending on where we trek. There is a local transport fee of US$20 to
US$25 per person. For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to
purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our
Ugandan visa upon re-entry. Please budget accordingly.
Trekking
Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are
still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A
visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and
wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the
gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are.
However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting can not be
guaranteed. In the unlikely event of these creatures managing to completely
elude us, the authorities usually allow us a second opportunity to trek them.
However, this is purely at their discretion and subject to the availability of
permits, and they will not confirm this in writing. Africa Travel Co is a major
supplier of gorilla trekkers to each park and as such have a high success rate
of procuring gorilla permits and then of actually seeing these beautiful
animals. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest
cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also
only open to people over 16 years old. We depart from our camp in the early
morning and after border formalities are transferred to a ranger’s station where
the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and
then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take
anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a
reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too
used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and
therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with
them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to
take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to
the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the
rain forest to your meeting point.
You needn’t feel
like you’re exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists
trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have
been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as
ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst
trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have
never lived long. 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks
authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas
from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.
DAY 9: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni (B / L /D)
A short drive
through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa brings us to
Lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and is home to a
large number of bird and fish species as well as otters.
DAY 10 & 11: Lake
Bunyoni
(B
/ L /D)
The next two days
are spent at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni. There are the options
to swim, canoe, hike, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy
the tranquil surrounds. Well deserved rest days!
DAY 12: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L /D)
After enjoying the
peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala for the next two nights
stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife. Today we will cross the
equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at
the Equator crossing.
DAY 13: Kampala (B / L /D)
Today is spent at
leisure in Uganda’s capital and can be spent exploring the local markets and
museums, or taking a trip to the nearby Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. The
political instability that haunted Uganda over a period of years has had the
positive effect of leaving the country free of the over-commercialism so common
in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni
has devoted considerable effort and funds to regain Uganda's former glory as one
of Africa's most prosperous and, from a tourist’s point of view, one of the most
appealing and interesting countries to visit.
DAY 14 & 15: Kampala to Jinja (B / L /D)
After a short drive
to the Lakeside town of Jinja, you have the option over the next day and a half
to raft the Nile, visit the local community project or take part in a quad bike
trip along the riverbank. Our overnight camp is right on the edge of the Nile
River where there is an abundance of resident bird life & some truly amazing
photo opportunities from right outside your tent!
DAY 16: Jinja to Nakuru (B / L /D)
Today will be a
full day driving back to Kenya with an overnight at a campsite in Nakuru.
DAY 17: Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (B / L /D)
This morning we
have the option to take a game drive in the Lake Nakuru National Park or head
into Nakuru town. In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Naivasha where we make camp
in peaceful surroundings beside the lake.
DAY 18: Lake Naivasha (B / L /D)
Moving south-east, we head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life,
the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880
m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Time permitting; we spend the
afternoon enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy &
George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game
Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.
DAY 19: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara (B / L /D)
We depart from Lake
Naivasha and enter Masai land where these habitual
pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We
pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp.
Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on
the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
.
DAY 20: Masai Mara Game Reserve (B / L /D)
We
spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains,
rolling hills and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. We keep
an eye open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard. If
travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds
of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual
Migration. Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect
way to finish a day’s game viewing in this “Garden of Eden.”
DAY 21: Masai Mara to Nairobi (B / L)
After
breakfast, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival, we head to the Hotel Boulevard,
where we deliver the passengers who’ll be ending their trip here, before heading
to our campsite for the night.
DAY 22: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)
This
morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the next leg of our
trek. We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we
stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading
out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
DAY 23-25: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (B / L /
D)
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting
point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We
conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for
safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the
Arusha campsite for either one or two nights
For
those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the
next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai
Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively
the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The
Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa
Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up
the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers
magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat
farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant
campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro
Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World
Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the
elusive Black Rhino. Those on the 1 night option will transfer back to Meserani
after the game drive.
After
our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle
of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains
as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we
camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the
morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search
of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After
our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our
truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife
experience.
DAY 26: Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)
After
a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south
towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi. Moshi is
the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we
may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo
opportunity not to be missed! We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded
by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite
nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
DAY 27: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)
Today
we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm
trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our
way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the
next morning.
DAY 28: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)
A
ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the
option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one
of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for
new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the
end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on
Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island
on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation,
while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
DAYS 29 & 30: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today
the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence,
from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast
empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for
its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating
experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant
tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in
a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the
more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise.
Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean
- crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals
for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious,
inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 31: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.
DAY 32: Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)
This
morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi
National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the
roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa
where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula
Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
DAYS 33 to 37: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B / L / D)
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards
Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful
Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off
at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.
Spend
the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a
bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Malawi’s temperate
climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round.
Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting
their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to
appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The
various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional
Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to
the local village and school.
DAY 38: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)
From
Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little
campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.
DAY 39: Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)
From
Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s
capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including
Africa’s largest antelope – Eland.
DAY 40: Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)
An
early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or
Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of
the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m
high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight
on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National
Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the OPTION of
enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
DAY 41: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)
We
leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering
into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure
capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. The Falls can
be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo
opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or
exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
DAYS 42: Victoria Falls (B)
After
breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip
of a lifetime!
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks,
elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat
cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee
from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the
Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round,
flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters
provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White
water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade
5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic
cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
OPTIONAL
EXCURSIONS
Below
is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip.
Please Note
-
these prices are approximate and are subject to change
-
where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer
cost.
|
Uganda, DRC or
Rwanda - Gorilla Trekking Permit |
Between US$375.00 & |
US$ 500 |
|
Uganda, Jinja -
Softpower Community Project |
US$ 25 |
|
Uganda, Jinja -
White Water Rafting on The Nile |
US$ 95 |
|
Uganda, Jinja – Quad
Bike (2 Hour) |
US$ 60 |
|
Uganda, Kampala -
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary |
US$ 50 |
|
Kenya, Lake Naivasha
- Crescent Island Sanctuary |
US$ 25 |
|
Kenya, Lake Naivasha
– Elsamere High Tea |
US$ 10 |
|
Kenya, Nakuru – Lake
Nakuru National Park Game Drive |
US$ 100 |
|
Kenya, Masai Mara -
Masai Village Cultural Visit |
US$ 5 |
|
Tanzania, Arusha - 1
Day Ngorongoro Crater Excursion (Min 2 People) * |
US$ 200 |
|
Tanzania, Arusha - 3
Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * |
US$ 380 |
|
Tanzania, Zanzibar -
Accommodation p/p/p/n |
From |
US$ 20 |
|
Tanzania, Zanzibar -
Stone Town - Spice Tour |
US$ 25 |
|
Malawi, Lake Malawi
- Village Walk & Meal |
US$ 10 |
|
Malawi, Lake Malawi
- Water Skiing |
US$ 15 |
|
Zambia, Livingstone
- Sunset Dinner Cruise |
US$ 40 |
|
Zimbabwe, Victoria
Falls - Bungee Jump |
US$ 90 |
|
Zimbabwe, Victoria
Falls – White Water Rafting on the Zambezi |
US$ 95 |
*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro
Excursions, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.
**Please
note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in
US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
FREE TRIP
When you
book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari
the Thursday before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari the Monday
after your trip ends. The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip.
This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip.
Conditions apply.
The staff and
management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy
your trip with us.
“Safari Njema”
Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival
Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon
receipt of final payment.
All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
