Africa Travel 10 Day Best of East Africa

Experience some of the best game parks in east Africa. From Lake Nakuru National Park, world famous for the greatest bird spectacle on earth where thousands of fuchsia pink flamingos flock in the lake, to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, home of the “big five” and the Masai – a semi nomadic people whose culture and ways have changed little over the centuries. We travel along the vast plains of the Serengeti, destination to thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle in their spectacular annual midyear migration, as well as experiencing the Ngorongoro Crater Reserve. The game parks in east Africa are renowned for their unspoilt natural beauty and prolific game. Come join us on a wildlife treat of a life time!

Please note that this trip departs Nairobi on a Sunday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.

Departure Point: Nairobi, Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road.
Check In Time: 8:45am

Departure Time: 9:30am

HIGHLIGHTS

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Naivasha

Masai Mara

Great Rift Valley

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crate

ITINERARY

DAY 01: Nairobi to 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. (L,D)

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"). (B,L,D)

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. (B, L, D)

DAY 04: 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)

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. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Serengeti area

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. (B, L, D)

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! (B, L, D)

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. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Ngorongoro Crater National Park to 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 to 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)

Local Payment: US$400 (2008/9)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip.

Departure Point: Johannesburg, Backpacker Ritz, 1A North Rd, Dunkeld West

Check in Time: 7.00am

Departure Time: 8.45am

Please note that this trip departs Johannesburg on a Thursday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.