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(Driving time: approx 3 hours; game drive times variable) We depart Nairobi after breakfast and head north, driving along the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley to your accommodation at Lake Nakuru just before lunch. After lunch you will head out to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive. The centrepiece of the park is the lake itself. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake which is home to massive numbers of flamingos - up to two million on occasion - and thousands of other birds. It has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle and, at times, the lake is literally a sea of pink. In addition, the park itself also boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck, kudu and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, providing good chances for sightings (although there are no guarantees!). Perhaps we may also be fortunate enough to encounter one of Africa's most endangered animals - the rhinoceros. There is quite a good chance of seeing white rhinos, whilst black rhinos may prove to be more elusive. After spending the day in the park, we return to our lodge for the night.
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning you will enjoy a short game drive on Soysambu Conservancy before departing the park and heading to the East Africa Mission Orphanage, just outside Nakuru. Here we meet the children who call this orphanage home. They love to practice their English skills and also are excited to know more about the world - be warned they will have lots of questions for you! The East Africa Mission Orphanage looks after more than 100 children ranging in age from just a few days old to 15 years years of age. The complete needs of the children, including full school education, are provided for by the orphanage. This orphanage is actually the result of the dream of one family, who arrived in Kenya in 1997 with nothing more than two suitcases each. It is a charitable institution, registered with the Kenyan Government for the purposes of caring for the thousands of homeless orphans, that would end up either dying a premature death through malnutrition, walking the streets in search of food or turning to prostitution as a means of survival. The orphanage is taking up the challenge to reach out to these children before they have to fend for themselves out in the streets. We are proud to help support the efforts of this family and their incredible orphanage, and is excited to be able to take clients right into the orphanage itself! After lunch at East Africa Mission Orphanage, we then make our way to the nearby freshwater Lake Naivasha – the second largest lake in Kenya and the highest of the lakes (1884m) in the Great Rift Valley. We stay overnight in a house that contains much history. 'Elsamere' is the former home of the writer, Joy Adamson. 'Born Free' was written in 1960 and did much to bring the issue of African wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum that dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, and of course there are many photos of Elsa – the lioness that started it all! It's also a great place to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea, with the lake as a serene backdrop. We get to enjoy a boat trip on the lake, where we look out for some of the many resident hippos that live on the waters.
(Driving time: approx 2 hours; game drive times variable) We head south-west to our next destination, the Masai Mara - arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, we may be lucky to observe black-maned lion, leopard and cheetah. These predators find an abundant food supply in the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle that roam the grasslands. We arrive at the park in time to enjoy lunch and settle in. In the afternoon we embark on a game drive, pausing to enjoy sundowners prior to heading back to camp in the early evening. As dusk falls we may see a variety of animals in the vicinity and listen to the sounds of the African night from our lodge. The next day we explore the park on morning and afternoon game drives and witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabit this area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful and, with luck, we may spot the predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephant, giraffe and eland are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life.
(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We leave the Masai Mara behind and cross into Tanzania before heading for the shores of Lake Victoria. This lake is immense; at around 70,000 square kilometres, it is Africa's largest lake and borders three countries - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Scattered throughout the lake are more than 3000 islands, many of which are inhabited, some of which are now wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The lake plays a pivotal role in supporting the millions of people who live around its shores in one of the most densely populated regions on earth, as the local economy is almost entirely on fishing and tourism. Lake Victoria is also widely thought to be the main source of the Nile with rivers from western Kenya, northern Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda all gathering here to begin the long journey through Uganda, Sudan and Egypt.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours; game drive times variable) We drive to Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti, which means 'endless plains' in Masai, is Tanzania's largest park, covering an area of 14,700 square kilometres. Its main claim to fame lies in the fact that it is home to over three million animals including a multitude of plains animals that provide for the greatest wildlife spectacle in the world. A unique phenomenon is the annual migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra trek the route annually, in some places simply grazing, in other places rushing madly across rivers and plains. The game most likely to be seen in the Serengeti in addition to the wildebeest and zebra are gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo and ostrich. In all there are more than thirty-five species of plains animals, as well as a great profusion of bird life. The landscape changes within the park from the vast treeless central plains to thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops. Perhaps the ultimate way to go game viewing, a hot air balloon safari over the great plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara is an unparalleled experience. Shortly before sunrise you take off and rise slowly into the air to drift along in near silence, carried by the breeze. You'll watch the sun climb over the edge of the earth and turn the grasslands golden, at times climbing high to clear the tree canopy, and the view will open up to reveal the vastness of the savannah stretching away on all sides. Sometimes you'll descend to get a close-up look at the wildlife, passing silently above the herds as they graze on undisturbed. Hot-air ballooning in east Africa offers an unforgettable way to see a truly spectacular part of the world. Your tour leader will be able to give you information on how to book this activity. We enjoy a further full day of game drives on Day 8.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours; game drive time variable) After an early morning game drive we depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival we check into our accommodation on the rim of the crater, overlooking arguably the world's greatest natural theatres.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours; game drive time variable) In the morning we descend to the crater floor, where we hope to see some, if not all, of the 'Big Five'. Ngorongoro Crater is indisputably one of Africa's most beautiful nature reserves and is certainly one of the most spectacular settings found anywhere. It is the largest intact crater in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978. Geologically, Ngorongoro is the remnant of a volcano that blew apart, leaving a flat plain area ringed with steep walls. The Ngorongoro volcano, before it exploded and collapsed 2 million years ago, was one of the world's tallest mountains. Unlike the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the migration in the Ngorongoro Crater is scant, as it has an abundant year-round food and water supply, and the walls of the collapsed volcano discourage migration. Animals within the Ngorongoro Crater are less shy of people and safari vehicles, so it's easier to view the animals up close. Views from the rim of the crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and hills. The Masai are permitted to water their cattle at the permanent lake and can be seen leading their animals in and out of the crater. The most commonly seen animals are lion, wildebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck, cheetah, jackal, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle and black rhinoceros. In the afternoon we travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands to the quaint town of Mto Wa Mbu. Here we embark on a cultural program with local guides. We explore nearby villages and learn about the various aspects of life here, with plenty of chances to interact with the local people along the way. There is a chance to try your hand at some Masai dancing! We then continue to Lake Manyara where our lodge awaits. The lodge is perched on the top of the escarpment, with unparalleled views overlooking Lake Manyara National Park.
(Driving time: approx 3 hours) In the morning we enjoy a game drive around Lake Manyara National Park. Departing Manyara, we make a short stop in the 'safari capital' of Arusha. Arusha is a bustling regional city located right in the heart of Africa - its claim to fame is that it is halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town! We then drive to Moshi at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, to spend the night. Set at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers spectacular views of the mountain, particularly at sunset. Melt water from 'Kili' ensures the surrounding land is fertile and coffee is grown on the lower slopes of the mountain. With an open-plan layout, tree-lined avenues and abundant greenery, Moshi has a pleasantly laid-back feel to it. It's used as a base for many safari companies in the region and, as a popular tourist destination, there are many good bars, cafés and restaurants to choose from. Traditionally nomadic pastoralists, a series of skirmishes with the Maasai led to the Chagga tribe settling in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro roughly 300 years ago, where they practice small-scale subsistence farming, growing maize, bananas and beans on plots of land called Shambas. The fertile volcanic soil is ideal for coffee and the Chagga produce much of Tanzania's crop for export. As a tribe they tend to be fairly well-educated, probably because of the mission schools set up in the region in the 19th century, and they also have a strong entrepreneurial streak – Chagga can be found working in businesses throughout Tanzania. Nevertheless, opportunities in the Kilimanjaro area are limited, so many make their living acting as guides and porters on the mountain.
We spend today walking through superb forest on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated south of the equator with a summit at 19,340 feet (5895 metres), Kilimanjaro is usually snow-capped despite the tropical location. This is Africa's highest mountain and the highest 'free-standing' mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the peaks and spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are found at the summit. The foothills around the mountain have lush forests to explore where monkeys can sometimes be seen in the canopy. After our walk we descend back into Moshi for the night.
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Travel to Lushoto in the Usumbara Mountains, where we visit a local farm and sample some of their produce. We have time to explore this seldom-visited part of Tanzania. Stretching for over 100 kilometres across the Eastern Arc chain of Tanzania, the granite Usumbara Mountains jut out of the savannah, rising to a peak of 2440 metres. Thickly forested on the lower slopes, the mountains are home to some unique species such as the Naduk eagle owl and the Usumbara weaver. Lushoto is the main settlement in the area, with a pleasantly cool climate due to the altitude. Tanzania was a German colony and Lushoto became the unofficial summer capital - the main street almost resembles an alpine settlement, but with an African cast.
A free day to enjoy the wealth of activities that are available here. The Usumbara Mountains form a biologically distinct area and are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, where flora and fauna has been isolated from other pockets of rainforest and developed uniquely. You have the option to take hikes in the forest, visit local villages and spot some of the unusual mammal and bird life that lives here. All optional activities can be booked directly wtih the hotel on our arrival
We take catch a flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar, known for its trade in spices, and in bygone days, slaves. Our hotel is situated in the atmospheric and historic centre of Stone Town. Only 40 kilometres off the mainland coast of Tanzania lies this beautiful spice island, known to the locals as Ungudya. It has an area of 1400 square kilometres and a population of about 100,000, of whom more than half reside in the capital, Stone Town. Steeped in history, this old town is a maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and magnificently carved, brass studded teak doors, quaint shops and bazaars. The market and bazaars are fascinating and are ideal spots for topping up your spice collection at home or souvenir shopping. Zanzibar was also one of the headquarters for slave trading and the starting point for many of the famous explorers such as Speke, Livingstone, Burton and Grant. From here they ventured into the vast interior of east Africa. Reports from early European explorers and missionaries led to the Sultan Baighash of Zanzibar being forced to outlaw slavery in 1873. Along the coastal regions however, it continued illegally until well into colonial times. Our first two nights in Zanzibar is spent in evocative Stone Town. Please note the flight from Dar es Salaam and the time spent in Zanzibar is unescorted.
(Driving time: approx 1 hour) In the morning we transfer to our hotel on the north coast of Zanzibar. The interior of the island is covered with clove and spice plantations as well as groves of tropical fruit tree, and the coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangrove and coastal forests are home to rare and endangered species such as the red colobus monkey, the green sea turtle and the blue duiker. Heading to the coast we encounter pristine beaches and a wealth of marine life in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There are several optional excursions that you can take part in, including scuba diving and snorkelling, boat trips, excursions into the forest, and dhow safaris, amongst others. We have two full free days to enjoy Zanzibar's gorgeous beaches. There are many options on offer here, from dolphin cruises to snorkelling and diving. Alternatively just relax and wind down after an active trip. Optional Activities Spice Tour - Take a trip to the farmlands just outside Stone Town and see the herbs and spices which give Zanzibar the name of 'Spice Island'. A unique opportunity to visit local farms and villages at Kizimbanie or Kindichi, and smell or taste cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and the many other spices grown on the island. A lunch of pilau rice and curry will be taken in a local home followed by sweet Arabic coffee (tour cost: US$20). Dolphin tour - Head to the coast through the tropical forest and board a boat that will take you searching for dolphins. Although it cannot be guaranteed there is a high probability of sighting them (80%) and with a bit of luck you might even swim amongst them (tour cost US$40).
After three nights on the coast, our tour ends after breakfast in Zanzibar. If you would like to extend your stay in Zanzibar, additional accommodation and transfers can be pre-booked. Flights departing Zanzibar are not included.
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