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Day 1: Nairobi-Baringo
Depart Nairobi for L. Baringo with picnic lunch en route. Arrive
in the afternoon and set the camp.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Baringo-Maralal- South horr
After breakfast leave Baringo for Maralal with lunch en route.
Dinner and overnight in South Horr.
Day 3: South horr-Lake Turkana
After your morning breakfast, depart for Turkana arriving in
time for lunch at El Molo campsite on the shores of L.Turkana.
Leisure at the Jade Sea with dinner and overnight included.
Day 4: Lake Turkana
Visit the El Molo village with lunch at the campsite. Afternoon
spent on leisure- swimming (if crocodiles permit), fishing, or
relaxing. Overnight at the camp.
Day 5: Lake Turkana
Whole day spent exploring the lake for more fun. All meals
included
Day 6: Lake Turkana-Maralal
After breakfast leave Turkana for Maralal. With picnic lunch en
route. Night spent in Maralal.
Day 7: Maralal-Samburu
Leave Maralal for Samburu Game Reserve. Game viewing as you
drive to the camp. Afternoon game drives returning to the camp
for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Samburu game reserve
Pre-breakfast game drive returning to the camp for breakfast.
Another game drive may be available before lunch at the camp.
Dinner and overnight camp.
Day 9: Samburu-Nairobi
After your morning breakfast, leave Samburu for a journey back
to Nairobi with lunch served en route. Drop off in Nairobi.
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Day 1: Nairobi-Lake Nakuru
National Park
We will depart from the Boulevard Hotel and leave the hustle and
bustle of Nairobi behind. We arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park
late afternoon. Lake Nakuru is famous for the thousands of
flamingo that inhabits the Lake's edge. The numbers vary
depending on the level of the lake, and are more numerous when
the water level is low.
The Park has also been established as a sanctuary for black and
white rhino, which are frequently seen in the Park, along with
buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, various antelope, leopard and the
occasional hippo. We will do a late afternoon game driving
before sitting down for our first dinner together around the
camp fire.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru National Park-Lake Naivasha
Moving further east, we drive to Lake Naivasha where we make
camp in peaceful surroundings beside the lake. The highest of
the Rift Valley lakes, Naivasha lies at about 1880m again the
lake is home to a multitude of bird life, pride of place must go
to the African Fish Eagle.
The afternoon is spent at leisure here and you have the
opportunity (time permitting) to enjoy some optional excursions,
such as a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary,
Hell's Gate National Park or Elsamere, the retirement home of
Joy Adamson ("Born Free").
Day 3: Lake Naivasha-Masai Mara National Park
Today we are up early and enter Masai land. These habitual
pastoralists are seen quite regularly on the side of the road as
they tend their cattle. We will arrive at our campsite – Acacia
Camp - early evening in time to enjoy sunset on the Masai Mara
.
Day 4: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Game drives through the Mara find us looking for the infamous
big 5 as well as giving us the opportunity to see this ‘garden
of Eden’ in a state nature intended it to be, huge plains,
rolling hills and an abundance of game matched no where else on
earth.
Elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck just to name
a few of the animal that inhabit this wonderland. Sitting around
a campfire and watching the sunset is the perfect way to finish
a Day’s game viewing in the Mara.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Kisii
After breakfast we head out of the Masai Mara Game Reserve and
head to the town of Kisii, where we will stock up before heading
into Tanzania the following Day.
Day 6: Serengeti game reserve
A long Day’s drive takes us to the border of the Serengeti
National Park where we will set up camp for the night before
entering the park the following Day. Our excursion into the
Serengeti / Ngorongoro National Park is conducted in locally
operated Land Rovers, which are specially adapted for safari
use.
Day 7: Serengeti National Park
The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding.
After setting up camp in the midst of the national park for the
night, the afternoon will be spent game viewing. With some luck
we will be able to listen to the night time noises of the
wildlife!
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater National Park
An early morning start sees us game driving through the
Serengeti National Park to our camp for the night, which is on
the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. We suggest you bring your
winter woollies as it can get very cold at night.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater National Park-Arusha
This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600
metre walls and 20-kilometre width is a natural wonder, and
offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this
caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and the
abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent.
It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers
a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African
mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and
plain’s game. After spending the full morning in the crater you
will head to Arusha for our last dinner together. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Arusha-Nairobi
A long Day’s drive sees us cross the border once again into
Kenya arriving late afternoon in Nairobi where our safari will
end. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Nairobi to Masai Mara
This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on
the final leg of our trek. We leave the hustle and bustle of
Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint
overlooking the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into
the Rift Valley, we 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 12 - Masai Mara
We depart early and spend the day game driving through this
natural wilderness – with huge plains, rolling hills and an
abundance of game; the Masai Mara offers a spectacular wildlife
experience.
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 2
million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual
Migration. Tonight we recollect our highlights around the
campfire.
Day 13 - Masai Mara to Kisumu
Leaving the Masai Mara early in the morning, we pass through the
scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift
Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on
the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. We replenish
our supplies and overnight here.
Day 14 - Kisumu to Kampala
(Uganda)
Today, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the
capital city, Kampala. 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
capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert
region in the north.
The political instability that has haunted
Uganda in the past has actually 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
return Uganda to its former status 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.
Days 15 & 16 - Kampala to Kisoro
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 at 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, 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. 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.
Day 17 - Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni
A short drive, through arguably some of the most picturesque
scenery in Africa, brings us to awesome Lake Bunyoni. Lake
Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa and is home to a
large and varied number of beautiful birds.
Day 18 - Lake Bunyoni
Today we have the whole day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of
Lake Bunyoni. There is the option to visit a local village or
church, hike in the surrounding hills, canoe or just spend the
day relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake. A well deserved
rest day!
Day 19 - Lake Bunyoni to Kampala
After enjoying peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to
Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for
the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We
overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its
night life!
Day 20 - Kampala to Jinja
Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island
Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for a selection of
adventure activities including white water rafting at the source
of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community
project. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the
river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this
area.
Day 21 - Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya)
After our engaging trip through the ‘Pearl of Africa’, we head
back to Kenya. We overnight in Nakuru, Kenya’s 4th largest town
and capital of the Rift Valley Province.
Day 22 - Lake Nakuru National
Park
This morning we head in to Nakuru Town to stock up on supplies
before beginning our exploration of the 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. We
overnight at a bush camp within the Park.
Day 23 - Lake Nakuru National
Park-Lake Naivasha
Moving further 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. Our last night is spent in a lovely
campsite on the banks of the lake.
Day 24 - Lake Naivasha-Nairobi
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi, arriving at the Hotel
Boulevard in the early afternoon. We exchange addresses and
part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
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.
Tanzania, Zanzibar -
Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$ 20
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 25
Tanzania, Arusha - 3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater
Excursion * US$ 380
Kenya, Masai Mara - Masai Village Cultural Visit US$ 5
Uganda, DRC or Rwanda - Gorilla Trekking Permit US$ 500
Uganda, Kampala - Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary US$ 50
Uganda, Jinja - White Water Rafting on The Nile US$ 125
Uganda, Jinja - Softpower Community Project US$ 25
Kenya, Lake Naivasha - Elsamere US$ 10
Kenya, Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Sanctuary US$ 25
*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro
Excursions, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.
FREE TRIP
When you book this
trip, you are entitled to receive a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari
the Sunday after your trip ends. The Local Payment is still
applicable for the trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up
at the same time you book this trip. The staff and management
look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will
enjoy your trip with us.
Pre Departure
Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before
your departure.
Departure Point: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni.
Check-In Time: 07h30
Departure Time: 08h30
Local Payment: US$515
Included in
the tour price:
Itinerary as specified, fully equipped safari vehicle, services
of trip leader and driver, all accommodation as specified, all
catering equipment and scheduled National Park entrance fees.
Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D), No Meal (NM) where
specified. Meals not shown will be to the clients account.
Occasionally breakfast and lunch may be combined into a brunch
where necessary e.g. mornings with early game drives.
Excluded in
the tour price:
International airfares, arrival and departure transfers, travel
and medical insurance, personal spending money, visas,
passports, vaccinations, personal taxes (including departure and
border taxes) all optional activities, unscheduled or optional
National Parks / Reserves entrance fees, gratuities, restaurant
meals and all other items of a personal nature. All drinks, even
on days with full board basis.
Pre-departure Meeting:
The pre-departure meeting provides you with a chance to meet
your fellow travellers and get to know your guides. The meeting
will cover all the aspects of the trip. Please bring your
passport with relevant visa’s and evidence of medical and
personal insurance with you to this meeting. If you are unable
to attend the pre-departure meeting, please let us know at least
one week prior to your arrival in the country so the message can
be passed on to all relevant parties.
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.
Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may
be a vehicle and crew change during the trip.
