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Country: KENYA, UGANDA
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| Africa Travel Co |
P.O Box 50425
Waterfront
South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
8001
Phone: 0027 21 3851530
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Program description: |
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Undoubtedly one of your lasting memories from this trip will be the unforgettable experience of meeting with mountain gorillas in their own habitat. These magnificent gentle vegetarian giants inhabiting rain forests allow us an ever diminishing opportunity to view them in their natural surroundings. This memorable safari takes in the awesome scenery of “The Pearl of Africa”, Uganda, as well as the unforgettable scenes of wildlife which abounds in the lakes and game parks of Kenya. From the safari capital of the world we visit the two most renowned game parks in Africa, namely the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park. The diversity of the game in between these two sanctuaries is amazing with black and white rhino, flamingo and leopard being seen in Lake Nakuru and the more plains game the like of lion, buffalo, giraffe and the ever present wildebeest in the Masai Mara.
This trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels to Uganda before heading back in to Kenya and ending in Nairobi.
This trip departs from Nairobi early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked through your agent
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
Local Payment: US$330
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 Masai Mara (L / D)
Leaving 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 2: Masai Mara (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 3: Masai Mara to Kisumu (B / L / D)
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 4: Kisumu to Kampala (Uganda) (B / L / D)
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 5 & 6: 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 7: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
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 8: Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
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 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)
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 10: Kampala to Jinja (B / L / D)
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 11: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (B / L / D)
Today we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route. We overnight in Nakuru, Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province.
DAY 12: Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
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 13: Lake Nakuru National Park to 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. Tonight is spent in a lovely campsite on the banks of the lake.
DAY 14: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (B)
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival 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.
Kenya, Masai Mara - Masai Village Cultural Visit US$ 5
Uganda, Jinja - Softpower Community Project US$ 25
Uganda, Jinja - White Water Rafting on The Nile US$ 95
Uganda, Kampala - Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary US$ 50
Uganda, DRC or Rwanda - Gorilla Trekking Permit Between US$375.00 & US$ 500
Kenya, Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Sanctuary US$ 25
Kenya, Lake Naivasha – Elsamere High Tea US$ 10
FREE TRIP
When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari the Thursday before your trip begins or 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. Conditions apply.
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
“Safari Njema”
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: over 18's
Travel to site: Varies
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 2-27
Living arrangements on the program: Tents/Rustic Accommodation
How long does the program last?: 1-2 weeks
What are the dates of this program: guaranteed departures throughout the year, let us know the time of year you want to travel and we will find a date that suits you best.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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1/. We are an African based company and therefore very “hands on” with what is happening in the countries we travel through.
2/. We are the ONLY overland tour company to have 3 operational bases in Africa: Nairobi, Victoria Falls and Cape Town. Therefore we have unparalleled support to our passengers and crew, should it be required.
3/. All our African safaris have 3 crew members being, The Driver, Trip Leader and Safari Cook.
4/. We have an enormous frequency of guaranteed, scheduled departure dates operating in a Northbound and Southbound direction.
5/. We have over 30 scheduled trips to choose from, ranging from 3 days to 63 days. Therefore we have something that will suit every persons needs when it comes to adventure travel.
6/. We offer excellent incentives for clients booking our trips. Eg: Book any trip 10 days or longer starting or finishing in Nairobi and receive the TOUR PRICE of the 3 day Masai Mara Safari for FREE .. or book any trip 10 days or longer starting or finishing in Victoria Falls and receive the TOUR PRICE of the 3 day Hwange Community Experience for FREE... or book any trip 10 days or longer and receive the TOUR PRICE of our 3 day Cape Town City Package for FREE, local payment applies to all these offers.
7/. We do not have an upper age limit and will happily carry any client suitably fit for adventure travel and camping.
8/. Our trips are great value for money with out giving away quality.
9/. We use custom built overland trucks, self-contained with 300 – 400 liter tanks of drinking water, long-range fuel tanks, tents, camping equipment, tools and spares.
10/. All our drivers come from a strong mechanical background.
11/. We employ local staff on the road and in our offices, thus contributing to the local economy of the countries we operate in.
12/. All our vehicles have full passenger and company liability insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
13/. Besides our scheduled brochure trips we co-ordinate charters for agents and clients. Therefore we can design any itinerary that will suite your needs.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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GBP375 Local payment U$330
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Typical person for this program: |
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Our clients are an eclectic mix of world travelers, spanning all ages and nationalities, they are independent and adventurous, united by a desire to explore and learn about a countries customs and culture. They enjoy getting out and "doing" things with adventure activities being high on the list, but can be equally content to simply watch the tide come in or the sun set over the mountains. "Age is often more a number in the passport, than the condition of the body".
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