Itinerary

Day 1 - Nairobi And Lake Nakuru National Park
We depart Nairobi at 10.00am to Lake Nakuru National Park. This journey travels via the Masai escarpment, which provides spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. 

Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its large population of pink flamingos, which featured in the movie “Out of Africa”. As well as flamingos Lake Nakuru boasts a sizeable population of rhinos, both black and white. The more sociable white rhino is a common sight - often seen grazing on the open plains. However its less sociable cousin, the black rhino, tends to remain hidden in the dense bush. Although not native to this park, rhinos were introduced because the park offers good security from poachers. The rhinos are being used in a breeding program to maintain and improve the overall population and gene pool. 

This park also has lion, leopard, buffalo, plains game (gazelle, antelope, and giraffe) and a large diverse bird population. The rich birdlife in this area was the reason for the park being established in 1968. 

We camp inside the park, which gives us the thrill of hearing the night sounds of some of Africa’s famous wild beasts!

Day 2 - 3 - Naivasha
Next we head south to Lake Naivasha, which was briefly Kenya’s airport as flying boats from southern Africa stopped to refuel on their way north. At Lake Naivasha there are lots of optional excursions you can enjoy. You may wish to visit Elsamere, named after the lioness in “Born Free”. This was the home of Joy Adamson who, along with her husband George, was the inspiration for the movie “Born Free”. You also have the option of going trekking or cycling in Hells Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Africa where it is possible to do walking safaris. For the less energetic, Crescent Island (actually the rim of an old crater still attached to the mainland) is a much more leisurely walk and you are almost certain to come within metres of giraffe, wildebeest and several species of gazelle.

Days 4 - 6 – Masai Mara
Leaving Naivasha we have an early start for our drive to the Masai Mara. The last one and half hours of the journey find us on bumpy, dusty, dirt road as we drive across the Loita Plains. The scenery is spectacular and makes up for long journey. Before entering into the game reserve there is the opportunity to visit a Masai village. Not only can you see inside a traditional Masai hut, but also try your hand at the age-old tradition of bartering for souvenirs. The village is slightly commercialised but still gives a good idea of how the Masai people live.

The Masai Mara is the most famous and prolific wildlife area in Kenya. It covers an area of 1672 square kilometres and is classified as a Reserve as opposed to a National Park since the Masai people are also able to use the area to graze their cattle. A highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration around 1.5 million of these beasts meander north from the Serengeti in search of good grass for grazing.  

In most National Parks area, including the Masai Mara, it is forbidden to drive at night so all game viewing is done as early and as late as possible to get the best conditions. Looking for game in a wildlife area is not always easy. However one of the advantages of travelling by overland truck is that its superior height makes it easier to see over the long grass. Hopefully we should be able to spot prides of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebra and hippo as well as other more common animals such as wart hog, giraffe and baboon. Almost every conceivable species of East African wildlife can be spotted here. The Mara is one of those places where the enthusiastic use a lot of camera film so it’s advisable to have some extra and plenty of charged batteries!

We will camp on the edge of the reserve where there are some optional activities to enjoy. In the evening there is the opportunity to learn more about the Masai and their way of life with a talk about their rich culture and a chance to join them in traditional dancing. Early the next morning hot air ballooning is also offer - subject to availability/weather conditions. This truly an amazing experience, as you float above the plains, viewing wildlife for approximately an hour before enjoying a full breakfast with champagne under the shade of a tree

Day 7 - Nairobi
After a final morning watching wildlife we will return to Nairobi for the night. In Nairobi there is the opportunity to visit Karen Blixons House, the giraffe centre or the animal orphanage. This is also a good time to persuade your tour leader to take you to the famous Carnivores restaurant (optional)......

Day 8 - 9 - Amboseli National Park & Arusha
In Nairobi, we will have met up with new travellers who will be joining us for the next two weeks. With the truck restocked with food and fuel we will travel south towards Tanzania.  

Our destination today is Amboseli National Park. On a clear day the park gives stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro which make a wonderful backdrop for photographs. Kili measures 5895m and is Africa's highest mountain.  

Amboseli is very much elephant country and huge herds, many still with relatively large tusks, can be seen at most times of year. Also present in the park are small numbers of lions, hyenas and jackal as well as abundant populations of zebra, giraffe and many species of plains antelope.

The following day we cross over the border into Tanzania. Tanzanian visas will be required by most nationalities and can be purchased at the border. Please note: USD$ cash will be needed for visas. When we arrive at the border be ready to be swamped by Masai ladies selling jewellery, you can pick up some great bargains from them whilst we clear customs and immigration formalities. 

Our route to Arusha takes us through the Masai tribe lands and along the western slope of Mt Meru. Arusha is situated on the southern slopes of Mt Meru and was originally a coffee town. Today safaris have taken over as the town's primary industry and it is now the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. In town you will find an excellent market and bakery, along with a post office, banks and e-mail facilities and we will have an opportunity to indulge in some curio shopping here.

Days 10 – 12 - Serengeti National Park And Ngorongoro Crater
It is not possible to take large trucks into the Ngorongoro Crater, so for the next few days we will be using a local operator with four wheel drive vehicles.

Starting early we begin our journey to the Serengeti, en route stopping at the village of Mto Wa Mbu (Mosquito Creek), where there is a good curio market for more purchases. Prices here are quite expensive so be prepared to haggle for a good deal. Further along the road we pass Lake Manyara, the largest soda lake in East Africa, where we will stop briefly to enjoy the magnificent views from the escarpment. Driving through the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area we skirt our way around the rim of the crater itself, before heading down onto the short grass plains, arriving at the gate to the Serengeti National Park mid-afternoon. The Serengeti is the oldest and largest National Park in Tanzania, its name coming from the Masai word meaning “endless plains”. The landscape here varies from the long and short grass plains in the south, to the central savannah, the hilly wooded areas in the north, and extensive wooded areas in the west. This park is world renowned for its immense concentration of game, in particular its lion and zebra populations and the annual wildebeest migration which commences in July. July is generally the beginning of the dry season and the time when the wildebeest herds and some Zebra move north towards the Masai Mara in search of better pasture. The migration is a time when you will see the full circle of life for these animals sometimes called “the clowns of the plains”. The migration journey is hazardous and many of the older and weaker animals will lose their lives to predators such as lions and crocodiles. The migration also coincides with the annual rutting season, the calves being born at the beginning of the rains when there is plenty of fresh grass for feeding.

After crossing into the park, we game drive through the long grass plains to our campsite in the Seronera Valley at the very heart of the national park. Campsite facilities here are very basic.  

The following morning an early start finds us game driving in search of big game. There is also an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride over the fabled Serengeti plains. After approximately an hour ballooning, smartly dressed waiters serve a full English breakfast, together with continental pastries, accompanied by champagne and fruit juice on long white clothed tables in the middle of the plains.

We return to camp for lunch before making our way back across the plains to the Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight we camp right on the rim of the Crater, where, weather permitting, we enjoy a spectacular view into this ‘Garden of Eden’. Camping facilities are again basic.

Early the next day we descend onto the crater floor for a morning game drive in one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. Measuring 19kms across and 600m deep this is the 5th largest crater in the world. It is a World Heritage site and boasts a unique eco system. The crater itself reflects a mini Rift Valley. It has a soda lake with flamingos, fresh water, open plains and a forest area. There is a high concentration of animals here and it is also a home to a small population of black rhino. We spend around 4½ hours game driving around the crater, before heading back to camp for lunch. Watch out for the black kites - renowned for stealing many a Kumuka passenger's lunch!

In the afternoon we journey back to Arusha and rejoin our truck for the onward journey to Dar es Salaam and the exotic island of Zanzibar.

Day 13 - 14 - Segera And Dar Es Salaam
The next few days are spent covering the distance between Arusha and Dar Es Salaam. En route we have another chance to see snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro. We also pass through large sisal plantations and a number of small villages and towns. The temperature becomes noticeably hotter as we get to the port city of Dar Es Salaam, (translated from Swahili as ‘Haven of Peace’). This predominantly Muslim city is an absolute hive of activity. It started off as a humble fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming the capital in 1891. It is a city with most of its colonial character intact, though like most African cities there are stark contrasts between the harbour fringed with palms and mangroves with Arab dhows and dugout canoes dotting the horizon, to the busy and dusty streets with their colourful and exotic atmosphere.

Days 15 - 18 - Dar Es Salam And Zanzibar
Day 15 is camping in Dar - but for anyone who wishes to have additional time in Zanzibar then can take ferry on Day 15 - accommodation will be at own expense. Our ferry crossing from Dar Es Salaam takes us 1½-2 hours and soon we are stepping ashore on the ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar. The name promises to take your senses to another world and has lured travellers to its shores for centuries. Many different cultures have made a home here: Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Dutch, Omani Arabs and the English all have contributed to, and influenced, Zanzibar. It is easy to see the strong Arabic influence as you listen to the Muslim prayer chanting and see the traditional dress. Hidden among the narrow winding streets of Zanzibar are countless bazaars, mosques and palaces. Marvel at the whitewashed, coral-rag houses, with over-hanging balconies and the richly detailed carved brass-studded doors.

We stay in the historic Stone Town in a local Zanzibari inn. There are many options to enjoy in your leisure time. Take a trip to Prison Island to see the ruins of the old prison and the giant tortoises thought to have originated in the Seychelles. Most people will take the opportunity to enjoy a Spice Tour of the island. On the Spice Tour your local guide will show you a variety of different spices and fruits grown locally, as well as explain more of its fascinating history. Zanzibar was a major centre for the slave trade in the 19th Century and at its height 50,000 slaves a year passed through before being sent overseas or to local plantations. Your guide will take you to the site of the old slave market and you can visit one of the chambers where the slaves were imprisoned upon their arrival on the island.  

In the evening we can enjoy a ‘sundowner’ watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean before sampling the delights of the local restaurants or maybe a trip to the night food markets to savour the myriad of fresh seafood available. Try a Zanzibari Pizza - not a pizza at all, but well worth a try!

From Stone Town we travel to the northern beaches. Here you can enjoy a boat ride in a traditional Arabic sailing dhow, go snorkelling or even dive in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean. Its coconut palms, white sands and clear blue sea make it a peaceful tropical setting for the final part of our tour.

Day 19 - Dar Es Salaam To Nairobi
After bidding a fond farewell to Zanzibar we catch our return ferry to mainland Dar Es Salaam. Enjoy a last opportunity to shop for souvenirs at the nearby markets, where you can watch the tradesmen handcrafting their wooden carvings. If you wish to leave the tour in Dar Es Salaam please advise at time of booking, and we will be able to advise on flight connections from here. 

The last two days of our safari are spent on our return journey to Nairobi arriving at approx 5.30pm on the last day of the tour. 
NO accommodation is included on Day 21.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; for example, whilst we always try to use the best campsites, there is a big difference between those found in Eastern Africa to those found in Southern Africa, which are generally better. 

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. We make a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. 

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Included

Fully Escorted Tour
Tour Leader
Driver and Cook
All Activities and Sightseeing
Entrance Fees as per Itinerary
All Meals Whilst Camping
Zanzibar Ferry
All Tolls and Taxes

Accommodation
Camping (17 Nights)
Hostel (Zanzibar Only) (3 Nights)

Transport
Overland Truck - maximum 20 passengers
Ferry
Safari Vehicle
On foot

Excluded

All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Optional activities
Kenya
Masai Mara - Masai Dancing & Cultural Talk - $10
Masai Mara - Masai Village - $10
Masai Mara - Hot Air Ballooning - $425
Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Boat - $35
Lake Naivasha - Horse Riding - $5
Hells Gate National Park - Entrance Fee - $35
Nairobi - David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Visit - $65
Nairobi - Langatta Giraffe Centre Entry - $15

Tanzania
Serengeti - Morning Hot Air Balloon - $500
Zanzibar - Spice Island Tour - $25
Zanzibar - Prison Island Snorkelling - $25
Zanzibar - Swimming with Dolphins - N/A
Zanzibar - Transport to North/East Beaches - $15
Zanzibar - Accomm costs on Zanzibar Approx - $35pp/pn
Zanzibar - Budget for Zanzibar option - $300pp

Departures

Starts: Nairobi - Finishes: Nairobi
Sat 07 Jan 12    -    Fri 27 Jan 12
Sat 14 Jan 12    -    Fri 03 Feb 12
Sat 28 Jan 12    -    Fri 17 Feb 12
Sat 18 Feb 12    -    Fri 09 Mar 12
Sat 10 Mar 12    -    Fri 30 Mar 12
Sat 14 Apr 12    -    Fri 04 May 12
Sat 21 Apr 12    -    Fri 11 May 12
Sat 05 May 12    -    Fri 25 May 12
Sat 26 May 12    -    Fri 15 Jun 12
Sat 09 Jun 12    -    Fri 29 Jun 12
Sat 16 Jun 12    -    Fri 06 Jul 12
Sat 30 Jun 12    -    Fri 20 Jul 12
Sat 21 Jul 12    -    Fri 10 Aug 12
Sat 28 Jul 12    -    Fri 17 Aug 12
Sat 11 Aug 12    -    Fri 31 Aug 12
Sat 01 Sep 12    -    Fri 21 Sep 12
Sat 15 Sep 12    -    Fri 05 Oct 12
Sat 22 Sep 12    -    Fri 12 Oct 12
Sat 20 Oct 12    -    Fri 09 Nov 12
Sat 10 Nov 12    -    Fri 30 Nov 12
Sat 08 Dec 12    -    Fri 28 Dec 12
Sat 29 Dec 12    -    Fri 18 Jan 13

2013
Sat 19 Jan 13    -    Fri 08 Feb 13
Sat 26 Jan 13    -    Fri 15 Feb 13
Sat 16 Feb 13    -    Fri 08 Mar 13
Sat 16 Mar 13    -    Fri 05 Apr 13
Sat 06 Apr 13    -    Fri 26 Apr 13
Sat 27 Apr 13    -    Fri 17 May 13
Sat 04 May 13    -    Fri 24 May 13
Sat 25 May 13    -    Fri 14 Jun 13
Sat 22 Jun 13    -    Fri 12 Jul 13

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