24
Day Zanzibar, Game Parks & Gorillas
Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi
(Trip Code: DN24 - 2009/10) Departs every 2nd Thursday
Rate till 30 Sep
2010 Tour Price: R11 120 & Local payment:
US$555
24
Day Zanzibar, Game Parks & Gorillas
Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi
(Trip Code: DN24 - 2009/10) Departs every 2nd Thursday
Rate till 30 Sep
2010 Tour Price: R11 120 & Local payment:
US$555
This trip starts in Dar Es Salaam and travels through Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, finishing in Nairobi, Kenya.In order to view the Gorillas we may do so in one of the countries bordering Uganda, I .e.. Rwanda or The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Please note that this trip departs Dar Es Salaam on a Thursday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked through your agent.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check In Time: 8:45amHIGHLIGHTS
Zanzibar - "Spice Island"
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzanian
Masai Mara game Reserve
Kampala
Lake Bunyoni
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake NaivashaDAY 1: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.
Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own. thereforee accommodation and food is for client’s own account whilst on Zanzibar.
DAY 2 & 3: 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 still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and 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 - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.
DAY 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills) and where the goods are made on-site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket. (D)
DAY 5: Dar es Salaam to Arusha
From Dar es Salaam we travel through the countryside with its vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way we pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (optional Excursion)
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.
If you take up the two night/three day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes us through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. With some luck we will be able to listen to the nighttime noises of the wildlife! (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a full morning game drive in the Serengeti we will return to pull down camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. Enroute we will have the option of a visit to Olduvai Gorge, known as the cradle of civilisation (time permitting), or a visit to a Masai village to learn a little more about these unique and intriguing people. From here we travel up to Ngorongoro craters edge for our campsite for the evening.
For those taking the one night/two day option you will be collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
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 return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Arusha to Namanga
After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at our campsite in Arusha we will take some time in Arusha for our last Tanzanian stop. Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch will be just outside town as we head the last 120 kms north to the Tanzania / Kenya border town of Namanga. After competing formalities we will camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Namanga to Nairobi
This morning we travel the final 180 kms north to the capital city, Nairobi, arriving in the morning. On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel to allow passengers to disembark there, and will then drive to our campsite to overnight. (B)
DAY 11: Nairobi to Masai Mara game Reserve
We will depart from the Boulevard Hotel and leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and climb the escarpment to our first viewpoint stop over looking the Great African Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift valley we enter Masai land, and 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. (L, D)
DAY 12: Masai Mara
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 13: Masai Mara to Nakuru
Departing the Masai Mara early we will pass through the third largest town in Kenya, Nakuru, where we will stop for the night to re supply and shop. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Nakuru to Kampala Today, we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. 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 covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi desert parts of the north facing the border of Sudan.
The political instability that haunted Uganda over a period of years has 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 regain Uganda's former glory 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. (B, L, D)
DAYS 15 & 16: Kampala to Kisoro
Please note that your travel agent is not in control of the price of gorilla permits and thereforee cannot be held responsible for any increases in fees levied by the relevant authorities. National parks usually allow clients who fail to see the gorillas, a second chance to re-trek the next day if time and availability allows or they may refund your trekking fee. This is purely at their discretion. Although this is the general situation, the respective National Parks authorities will not put this in writing to any tour operator. Again the respective park authorities say that you are paying to trek the gorillas, not view them. Africa Travel Co is considered to be the main tour operator within the overland industry and we have a very high success rate of getting in and actually seeing these magnificent animals.
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive further west on into the depths of Uganda and arrive at our base in Kisoro. (B, L, D) From our Kisoro base, depending on where the gorilla permits are available, and where the gorillas are located, we will be viewing them in either the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the DRC or at Ruhengeri in Rwanda. Due to the nature of the gorillas and their habits, viewing cannot be guaranteed. The gorillas themselves can tend to move around the locality quite a distance and the trek can be quite arduous. The cost to trek the gorillas differs from park to park and can range from US$275 to US$375, per 1-hour viewing.
There is usually a park entry fee as well of approx. US$15. There is also a cost for the local transport to take you to & from the starting point to trek the gorillas. This cost is normally US$10 to US$15 per person.
Please note: This is an optional excursion and visas to the DRC and Rwanda can be obtained at the border.
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei) of whom only about 600 still exist, is one of our closest living relatives, yet ironically, it is mankind that poses the greatest threat to its survival. To visit these noble creatures in there own environment is an experience you will never forget. Accompanied by a park guide and a bush cutter, we track these gorillas through the rain forest. The gorilla families have been habituated to tourists and their whereabouts are monitored daily by the guides and park officials.
It may be necessary to trek for quite a while through the dense forest vegetation (up to 5 hrs) in order to reach the family designated for your visit.
As gorillas are sensitive to human diseases, the park authorities will not allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups and children under 15 years of age are not allowed to visit.
You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals - for years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as souvenir ashtrays and lampshades. In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. As a result, the ever-growing number of tourists to see them is an important factor in their survival. The gorilla fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares.
DAY 17: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni
A short drive through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa brings us to lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and is home to a large number of bird and fish species as well as otters. (B, L, D)
DAY 18: Lake Bunyoni
Today we have the whole day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni. There is the option to swim, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. A well deserved rest day! (B, L, D)
DAY 19: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala
After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala for another overnight stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife. Today we will cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Kampala to Jinja
Today we have the option to either white water raft the Nile or visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary. For the adventurous, you will be collected from Kampala and transferred to Jinja where you will experience some of the best white water rafting in Africa. For the less adventurous, you will have the morning at leisure or the option to take a full day excursion to visit Ngamba Chimp Sanctuary before our departure to Jinja.
Our overnight camp is right on the edge of the Nile River where there is an abundance of resident bird life & some truly amazing photo opportunities from right outside your tent! (B, L, D)
DAY 21: Jinja to Nakuru
Today will be a full day driving back towards Kenya, we will cross the border before lunch and stop for supplies en route. Tonight we will overnight again in Nakuru. (B,L,D)
DAY 22: Lake Nakuru National Park
Today we move onto Lake Nakuru National Park, 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. After entering the park in the morning we will spend the rest of the day game driving before we overnight at one of the campsites within the Park. (B, L, D)
DAY 23: Lake Nakuru National Park to 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"). (B, L, D)
DAY 24: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi
After breakfast, we leave Naivasha and return to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon. The truck will stop at the Boulevard Hotel for those staying there, and then continue to our campsite to finish the trip. (B)
Local Payment: US$565
Optional Excursion:
Zanzibar Accommodation US$15p/p
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option (3 day) US$340
Ngorongoro Crater option (1 day) US$200
White Water Rafting, River Nile US$95
Gorilla trek US$275 -375(Prices subject to change)
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 without prior notice.
Free Trips
Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari AND our 3 day Hwange safari. The Local Payment is still applicable for both trips. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip. Please ask your travel agent or the tour operator for details. Conditions apply.
2009/10 DEPARTURES
Gorillas, Game Parks & Zanzibar DN24 - North Bound Price R 11 120 Local Payment U$555 START FINISH DAR NBO THU SAT
12-Oct-08 04-Nov-08 26-Oct-08 18-Nov-08 09-Nov-08 02-Dec-08 23-Nov-08 16-Dec-08 07-Dec-08 30-Dec-08 21-Dec-08 13-Jan-09 04-Jan-09 27-Jan-09 18-Jan-09 10-Feb-09 01-Feb-09 24-Feb-09 15-Feb-09 10-Mar-09 01-Mar-09 24-Mar-09 15-Mar-09 07-Apr-09 29-Mar-09 21-Apr-09 12-Apr-09 05-May-09 26-Apr-09 19-May-09 10-May-09 02-Jun-09 24-May-09 16-Jun-09 07-Jun-09 30-Jun-09 21-Jun-09 14-Jun-09 05-Jun-09 28-Jul-09 19-Jul-09 11-Aug-09 02-Aug-09 25-Aug-09 16-Aug-09 08-Sep-09 30-Aug-09 22-Sep-09 13-Sep-09 06-Oct-09 27-Sep-09 20-Oct-09 11-Oct-09 03-Nov-09 25-Oct-09 17-Nov-09 08-Nov-09 1-Dec-09 22-Nov-09 15-Dec-09 6-Dec-09 29-Dec-09 20-Dec-09 12-Jan-10 3-Jan-10 26-Jan-10 17-Jan-10 9-Feb-10 31-Jan-10 23-Feb-10 14-Feb-10 9-Mar-10 28-Feb-10 23-Mar-10 14-Mar-10 6-Apr-10 28-Mar-10 20-Apr-10 11-Apr-10 4-May-10 25-Apr-10 18-May-10 9-May-10 1-Jun-10 23-May-10 15-Jun-10 6-Jun-10 29-Jun-10 20-Jun-10 13-Jul-10 4-Jul-10 27-Jul-10 18-Jul-10 10-Aug-10
