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Country: KENYA, TANZANIA, 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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From gorilla viewing in the rain forests to the island paradise beaches of Zanzibar. The memory of the gorilla trek and viewing these amazing creatures as they meander and feed in their ever-diminishing natural habitat will remain with you forever...
This trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, before ending in Dar Es Salaam.
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$515
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 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. Tonight is spent in a lovely campsite overlooking the lake.
DAY 14: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (B)
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 15: 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 16 - 18: 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. (B,L,D)
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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22 & 23: 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 24: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where 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
Kenya, Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Sanctuary US$ 25
Kenya, Lake Naivasha – Elsamere High Tea US$ 10
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
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
*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 Thursday before your trip begins. 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: Independent Travel
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?: 2-4 weeks
What are the dates of this program: guaranteed departures throughout the year in both a North and South direction, 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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GBP645, local payment US$515
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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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