African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure

African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure 57 Days

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African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure
African Culture And Wildlife Viewing on Addis to Zanzibar Adventure

Overview
Itinerary
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 57 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 128355
Start Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
End Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Guaranteed:
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Primary Activities: Safari, Trekking
Other Activities: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, bungee jump, museum, whitewater rafting, biking, Wildlife, national parks, caves, boat, Camping, Horse Riding
Activity Level: Basic, Basic

Journey to Africa and travel through some of the continents greatest highlights on an overland adventure. From the fun-loving atmosphere of Addis Ababa, through the traditional tribal villages of the Omo Valley and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Nairobi, to the beach paradise and spice plantations of Zanzibar, this trip is sure to expose you to all the wonders Africa has to offer.

Taste authentic cuisine, search for the Big Five on game drives, interact with the local culture and kick back on pristine beaches. And that's just the beginning!

Trip Information:

Start: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Finish: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Group size: Min 4 , Max 22

Ages: Min 18

Included activities:

Awassa Children's Project, Chimpanzee trekking, Dairy farm visit, Elsamere Conservation Centre, Game drive, Game Drive, Lake Nakuru National Park, Guided visit of Lake Abiyata, Guided walk, Kariandusi School Project Visit, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Kigali - Genocide Memorial, Launch trip, Masai Mara - Game drive, Mountain gorilla trek & permit, Ngorongoro Crater - Game drive, Samburu - Game Drive, Serengeti - Game drive, Usambara Village Education Project visit, village walk & lunch, Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project, Zanzibar Spice tour

Notes:

1. This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit ( AUD1000, USD900, EUR650, NZD1000, GBP500, CAD900, ZAR6500, CHF900 ) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking. Please see trip notes (Important notes) for more details.

2. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.

3. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund and overseen by travellers and the crew. It helps fund accommodation, camp meals and some included activities. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa: The trip begins with a group meeting at 6pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

After the meeting, why not take the chance to head to one of the city's many restaurants for the chance to eat some local food and perhaps listen to some traditional music. Referred to more commonly as "Addis", Addis Ababa lies amongst wooded hills at an altitude of about 2300 metres, giving it a pleasant climate. Addis has many sights to offer visitors. Get a fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's many tribal groups at the Ethnological Museum, see the stunning fossil collection at the National Museum, and don't miss the chaotic bustle of the Merkato (local market). All manner of arts and crafts can be found in the souvenir shops on Churchill Avenue.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 2: Guided visit of Lake Abiyata: This lake is one of the shallowest in the Rift Valley and is a soda lake. Grass and acacia woodlands surround its crystallized white shoreline. The lake is home to vast flocks of flamingos, which from a distance create a pink carpet effect across the lake. This is an excellent place to look for birdlife, as many species come to feed on the prolific algae found in the lake's waters. Usual species include greater and lesser flamingos, white pelicans, white necked cormorants, herons, stocks, ibises, spoonbills and terns. It also has a resident population of fish eagles as well as a few antelope and smaller mammals around the shore.

Leaving the city behind we travel to Lake Abiyata (215 km, approx 5 hours). Just north of the town of Shashemene are two of the most beautiful of the Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Abiyata and Lake Shala. These two lakes make up the Rift Valley National Park. We spend tonight in a bush camp right in the midst of this stunning setting and visit Lake Abiyata with a guide.

Included Activities
Guided visit of Lake Abiyata

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Days 3-5: Guided trek or mule trek in Bale Mountains National Park: From Lake Abiyata we drive on towards the Bale Mountains National Park (250 km, approx. 12-13 hours). We will drive high onto the plateau in search of the Simien fox and, time allowing, you may be able to hire horses and follow the riding trails.

In the Bale Mountains we stay in a lodge. Bale Mountains National Park is situated on a high plateau surrounded by mountain peaks which soar to over 4000 metres in height. As you climb into the hills the terrain changes from forest on the lower slopes through junipers and heather to the exotic moorlands of the plateau, criss-crossed by fast-flowing streams. This beautiful park is home to three species unique to Ethiopia; the Simien red fox, Menelik's bushbuck and the mountain nyala. There are some 200 species of bird within the park including 13 of Ethiopia's 23 endemic species.

Optional Activities
Guided hike, Bale Mountains National Park - USD15.00
Horse/mule trek, Bale Mountains National Park - USD15.00

Accommodation
Lodge (3 nts)
Day 6: Relax in Hot springs of Wendo Genet: We head back down the mountains and spend the night at Wendo Genet (280 km, approx. 10-12 hours) where we can spend time relaxing in the hot springs. We will camp tonight in the grounds of the Hot Springs Hotel.

Wendo Genet (also known as Wondo Genet) is a resort town in Ethiopia. Located southeast of Shashemene in the Sidama Zone of the Southern Nations. Wendo Genet is known for its hot springs and is surrounded by primary Ethiopian forests. The Wendo Genet hotel was established in 1964, on land used as recreation site for the royal family until 1975. Emperor Haile Selassie bequeathed its name, meaning "Wondo Paradise", in reference to the beautiful panorama with a rich endowment of forests, wildlife and abundant water.

Optional Activities
Hot springs, Wendo Genet - USD5.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 7: Visit Awassa Children's Project: Today we will head to Awassa to visit the Awassa Children's Project which is an organisation dedicated to housing, feeding, educating, providing health care and AIDS Education to children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Africa. After visiting the project we will stop in Awassa town for shopping before heading back to our camp in Wendo Genet and more time for relaxing in the hot springs.

Awassa (also spelled Hawassa) is a city in Ethiopia, on the shores of Lake Awasa in the Great Rift Valley where fishing is it major local industry. Awassa was capital of the former Sidamo Province from about 1978 until the province was abolished with the adoption of the 1995 Constitution. This city is home to Hawassa University, Awasa Adventist College, and a major market. Important local attractions include the St. Gabriel Church and the Awassa Kenema Stadium.

During our time in Awassa we will visit the Awassa Childrens Project. The Awassa Children's Project (ACP) promotes sensible, culturally responsible relief work aimed at assisting children primarily orphaned by AIDS, educating people in Africa's Sub-Saharan region about AIDS prevention, and offering a proactive and immediate approach towards the resolution of serious health and social issues facing the region. Formed in 2001, ACP supports several organisations in Awassa, Ethiopia: a children’s centre that provides housing, food and education for over 60 children orphaned by AIDS; One Love Theater (OLT), an AIDS education theatre company; and, the Awassa Youth Campus, a community centre in downtown Awassa which features (free to all Awassa children), aikido, sports, tutoring, art, music and a library, among other activities. These organizations continue to grow and dramatically improve the lives of Awassa children and the community in which they live.

Included Activities
Awassa Children's Project

Accommodation
Lodge (1 nt)
Days 8-9: Many optional activities to explore the city of Arba Minch: The following day we drive to Arba Minch (305 km, approx 7-8 hours). Meaning 'forty springs', Arba Minch takes its name from the streams found between the two Rift Valley lakes of Abaya and Chamo. The town has stunning views over the lakes and surrounding forested areas, and also has an excellent and vibrant market.
We spend time here to allow exploration of the area. Options include a five-hour boat trip into Lake Chamo National Park to the Crocodile Market.

Lake Chamo National Park is home to what the locals refer to as the 'crocodile market'. This is a place on the shores of the lake where vast numbers of crocs congregate, some of which reach over seven metres in length. The lake is home to the Guji and Ganjule people who traditionally hunt hippos and are famed for their 'ambatch boats', which resemble the boats carved in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians.

For those who prefer a less strenuous day, you can hire bikes and ride around the local area, or perhaps visit the local government-run crocodile farm. In Arba Minch for two nights we stay in a hotel.

Optional Activities
Bicycle hire, Arba Minch - USD5.00
Crocodile Farm, Arba Minch - USD5.00
Lake Chamo boat trip and Crocodile Market, Arba Minch - USD65.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 10-12: Bush camp in Omo Valley Region and some tribesmen: In the far south of the country lies the Omo Valley area. We drive down through this remote region (110 km, approx 2-4 hours) to the settlement of Turmi which is our launch point for the Omo Valley. From here we will spend 3 nights and 4 days visiting a combination of markets and small tribal settlements in the surrounding region.

The Omo Valley region is unusual in that it is home to so many different tribes all living very close to one another in such a small area. Anthropologists believe that this is because thousands of years ago this area of Africa acted as a kind of ethnic crossroads, as different groups of people migrated between north, south, east and west. Exploring the many small communities and settlements here will give you a fascinating insight into the different tribes, their cultures, traditions and way of life.

We travel with a local guide, who will be able to introduce us to the Hamer, Arbore and Dascensch tribes, among others. There are also other tribal groupings throughout the area and our guide will point out the different tribes and their customs. Life is distinctly tribal throughout the region, with few modern amenities. You should be aware we will be travelling through very remote areas where road and sanitary conditions will be rough. We will staying in basic camp sites.

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts)
Days 13-14: Travel towards Konso and meet Konso people: We travel on towards Konso (145 km, approx 5 hours), home to the local Konso people. We will have time to explore the local market and perhaps take a tour of some traditional houses. In the far south of Ethiopia on the banks of the Sagan river is Konso, gateway to the Omo Valley. The whole way of life in the villages here has changed little over the centuries and old traditions are strongly upheld. Due to the nature of this route the following day has been allocated in the itinerary as a spare day which will be used where necessary.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Day 15: Enter Northern Kenya and head straight for the market town of Moyale: Today we make our grand entrance to northern Kenya. We travel to the Moyale border (320 km, approx 7-8 hours), where we set up camp. The market town of Moyale splits the countries of Kenya and Ethiopia. There is a nice atmosphere that runs throughout the town and more of this can be discovered through exploring. Due to security issues in this particular area we will be accompanied by a police escort.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 16: Pass through a black lunar landscape on the way to Marsabit: We travel on to Marsabit (265 km, approx 7-9 hours). We will travel through the black lunar landscape and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters, watercourses, bush country and termite mounds. Marsabit lies on the extinct volcano of Mount Marsabit. Surrounded by forests on the hills, it is a contrasting image to the deserts in the background. At the heart of the forest is Lake Paradise. This gorgeous site attracts animals such as elephants and buffaloes to the spot and this and the Bongole Crater create a fascinating location for people all over to come and gaze at the beauty of the town.

Accommodation
Camp site (1 nt)
Days 17-18: Samburu National Reserve game driving and visit tribal community and project: We travel on to Samburu National Reserve (225 km, approx 7-8 hours). The Samburu region has hardly been touched by tourism and its pristine wilderness is home to a fascinating mix of Kenya's nomadic tribes who still retain their traditional ways of life. These tribes include the Samburu, Rendille, Turkana, and Kalenjin. The Samburu National Reserve is famous for its reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, graceful gerenuks and Beisa oryx, while crocodiles are often seen in the river. You may also see lions or leopards here, if you're lucky.
We'll take a game drive into the park and also visit the Samburu Cultural Centre outside Samburu National Reserve.

Similar in appearance to the Masai but lesser known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Here we watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The project is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community. The camp is in the heart of the park. Facilities are drop toilets and cold showers.

Included Activities
Samburu - Game Drive
Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project

Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts)
Days 19-20: Explore Naro Moru and Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Leaving the park early this morning, we travel through the fantastic scenery as we travel to the slopes of Mt Kenya. We will spend 2 nights here camping in the grounds of one of the many lodges that are dotted around the area. You will have the opportunity to explore nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy (formerly known as Sweetwater Game Reserve) or take the opportunity to explore the lower slopes of Mt Kenya.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, formally known as the Sweetwaters Game Reserve, is home to an amazingly diverse range of wildlife including the endangered black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Grevy's zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, Thomson's gazelles, black-back jackals, ostriches, Grant's gazelles, baboons, waterbucks, oryx, elands and several hundred bird species. It's also home to over 40 chimpanzees. While not indigenous to the area, the conservancy is the only place you can see wild chimps in Kenya.

Optional Activities
Game drive, Ol Pejeta Conservancy - USD100.00
Horse riding, Naro Moru, Naro Moru - USD15.00
Nature trails, Naro Moru, Naro Moru - USD10.00
Nayaroi caves (Mau Mau) & waterfalls, Naro Moru - USD15.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Days 21-22: Nakuru National Park game driving and dairy farm visit: Leaving the mountain early this morning, we travel through the fantastic scenery of the Great Rift Valley to our campsite near to Nakuru town (75 km, approx 1-2 hours). The following day we head to Nakuru National Park for a game drive in Jeeps.

Lake Nakuru National Park's small and compact area, based around a flamingo-filled lake, makes it a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts.

Included Activities
Dairy farm visit
Game Drive, Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Day 23: Visit Elsamere Conservation Centre at Lake Naivasha: We drive on to our camp on the shores of Lake Naivasha (100 km, approx 1-2 hours), one of the most beautiful of the Great Rift Valley bodies of water, to relax by the lakeside. One of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha has floating islands of papyrus reeds and a border of flat-topped acacias. It's also home to a healthy population of hippos and a tremendous variety of birds. There is an option here to take an afternoon boat trip along the scenic shallow waters for a closer look at the hippos. Our campground has showers and flush toilets.

Included Activities
Elsamere Conservation Centre

Optional Activities
Big game walking safari, Lake Naivasha - USD40.00
Hippo spotting boat trip, Lake Naivasha - USD20.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 24: Pass by the stunningly dressed Masai tribes on journey to Nairobi: Drive to Nairobi where we will have a group meeting at 10am and meet any new travellers joining us for the next leg of the trip. Nairobi - which takes its name from a Maasai phrase meaning 'place of cool waters' - has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, while markets and shops have most things you could want or need, as well as various arts and crafts from the region.

There will be time after the meeting to explore Nairobi before we meet back at the hotel and head off in the truck to our well equipped campsite in the suburb of Karen. Tonight there is the option of going out for a group meal. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, meet your new fellow travellers, and collect the next part of your kitty.

Optional Activities
Bomas, Nairobi - USD10.00
Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - KES2000.00
Karen Blixen museum, Nairobi - USD14.00
National Museum, Nairobi - USD10.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 25: Visit Kariandusi School Project and Saida orphanage at Gilgil: We leave Nairobi early this morning and head north to the small town of Gilgil (approx 185 km). We will first make a stop at the Saida Children's Home project, where we will learn about the work that is being done to help support orphaned children in and around Naivasha and Gilgil. Saida Children's Home works to improve the lives of AIDS orphans and other disadvantaged children in Gilgil and the surrounding area. As part of our visit we make a direct donation to help fund the project.

After lunch we then make our way to our second project visit at the Kariandusi School Trust project. Kariandusi School Trust was started with the aim of improving rural schools and the educational opportunities for disadvantaged rural children. We will visit one of the schools and get involved in small construction or learning projects, and meet the children and their families within the local community. We make direct payments for each visit which help to fund the project. Tonight we will camp close by to one of the schools we are involved with.

Included Activities
Kariandusi School Project Visit
Saida orphanage visit & donation

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 26: Second visit to Kariandusi School Project Visit, journey to Kericho: This morning we continue our involvement at the Kariandusi School Trust Project before having lunch and heading on to Kericho (approx 150 km). Tonight we stay at a well equipped campsite with the opportunity of an optional tea plantation tour.

Included Activities
Kariandusi School Project Visit

Optional Activities
Tea plantation visit, Kericho - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 27-28: Option for bungee jump and whitewaterrafting at Jinja: Leaving Kenya behind, we cross the border into Uganda as we travel towards its adventure capital - Jinja (approx 360 km). Jinja is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda. Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, this is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller who wants to do something really worthwhile in a beautiful area.

We base ourselves for two nights at a well equipped campsite with stunning views of the White Nile. It is from here that we can organise optional activities such as white water rafting.

Optional Activities
Bungee Jump, Kampala - USD95.00
White water rafting, Jinja - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Day 29: Join a local ranger and observe these impressive beasts in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: We head approximately 220 km north of Kampala today to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, close to the town of Nakitoma. Tonight we will stay at the campsite within the Rhino Sanctuary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created to reintroduce rhinoceros to Uganda, which had been extinct since 1982. The sanctuary is currently home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda and their goal is to build a sustainable rhino population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat. In addition to the rhino breeding program, Rhino Fund Uganda also runs community engagement and education programs in the surrounding villages.

During our stay one of the trained rangers will introduce you to the sanctuary and provide you with information about the rhinos. Depending on where our rhinos happen to be when we arrive, we will drive to the closest location and then approach the rhinos on foot. You will then have the opportunity to observe the rhinos in their habitat at a very close, and very safe, distance. The tracking excursion lasts on average about 1-2 hours.

Optional Activities
Rhino trekking, Nakitoma - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 30: Kaniyo Pabidi Forest Chimpanzee trekking: Today we spend the morning at the sanctuary where there is the option to go rhino trekking and learn more about the program. After lunch we head to Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest for an afternoon of chimpanzee trekking. The Kaniyo Pabidi Forest covers an area of about 8 km within the heart of Kichumbanyobo gate of Murchison Falls National Park.

Kaniyo Pabidi is an eco tourism site, which is part of the Budongo Forest Reserve. The terrain is flat, allowing for good on-foot travelling conditions for the average tourist and the campsite is located on the edge of the chimpanzees' home range, significantly diminishing the risk of a long trekking excursion before contact is made with the group. The site is managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, who ensure appropriate development of the site for eco tourism, while ensuring that the chimpanzee communities are not put at risk. All profits from the venture are returned back into the protection of Budongo Forest Reserve. Tonight we camp at an eco tourism campsite.

Included Activities
Chimpanzee trekking

Optional Activities
Rhino trekking, Nakitoma - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 31-32: Murchison Falls National Park game drive: If we could not all do the trek the day before, the rest will go this morning. Afterwards we'll cross to the north of the river for an afternoon game drive in the delta. Depending on timing tonight we will either bush camp in the delta or head to an established campsite at Paraa on the southern banks of the Nile, at the heart of the Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda's largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park is named for the dramatic waterfalls which result from the Nile exploding through a narrow gap in the escarpment and plunging 43 metres below. Wildlife populations are healthy, having largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s, and elephants, buffalo, giraffes and antelopes are regularly seen, while lions are becoming increasingly common.

The next day we head off for another game drive in the morning. After lunch we embark on a launch cruise on the Nile to Murchison Falls - the main attraction of this part of Uganda. After the cruise we meet back with the truck and head to the outskirts of the park to camp at the Murchison River Lodge.

Included Activities
Game drive
Launch trip

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Day 33: Head south and camp in the heart of the great outdoors: It is an early start today as we have a rather long drive ahead of us. We are aiming to get as close to Queen Elizabeth II National Park as possible. Along the way we will find somewhere to camp for the night.

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Day 34: Kazinga Channel boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park: Today we travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George, undertaking a game drive on our way to the camp. Queen Elizabeth National Park is beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George. During our time in the park we hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks.

This afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for its birds such as pelicans and eagles, as well as its healthy population of hippos. Tonight we camp. The campground is basic and has drop toilets and simple showers.

Included Activities
Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 35: Make tracks to Lake Bunyonyi - home to some of the most picturesque scenery in Uganda: Today we travel on to Lake Bunyonyi (approx 250 km). Located in the south-west of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi - meaning 'place of many little birds' - is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. If time allows, one of the best ways to admire the landscape is from on the lake itself by hiring a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). They can be hard to master at first but great fun.

Optional Activities
Mokoro hire (per day), Lake Bunyonyi - USD12.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 36-38: Kigali and Ruhengeri mountain gorilla trek: Leaving Uganda behind, we cross the border, entering Rwanda, and travel toward Ruhengeri (approx 220 km), the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park. Along the way we will stop in at the capital, Kigali, where we will organise a visit to the very moving Genocide Memorial. Ruhengeri is our base for the next three nights, however if all the trekking permits are issued for the group to trek on the same day, we may use our third night to stay in Kigali, in which case the visit to the Genocide Memorial will take place then instead.

We allow two days for gorilla visits as you are assigned a trekking group/time on your permit. The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day, or even over two days, depending on the time of permit issue and group size. There is a maximum group size of eight on each gorilla visit. This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour.

While you are waiting for, or have completed your gorilla visit, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you may wish to spend your time in the area around Ruhengeri. While in Ruhengeri we stay in dormitories at a local church mission.

Included Activities
Kigali - Genocide Memorial
Mountain gorilla trek & permit

Optional Activities
Village walk, Ruhengeri - USD20.00

Accommodation
Hostel (3 nts)
Day 39: Lake Mburo National Park wildlife viewing: Today we travel to the border with Uganda where we will complete the border formalities. Please check before travelling whether you need a multi-entry visa. We will then head to Lake Mburo (approx 420 km). Tonight we will camp on the shores of the lake at a stunning location surrounded by wildlife. While tonight's campground is beautifully located, it is very basic, with drop toilets and basic showers.

The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 40: Travel to Jinja, via Kampala, stopping at the equator: Before breakfast today we have a two-hour guided walking safari through the Lake Mburo National Park, allowing us to see some of the animals and the spectacular birdlife. After breakfast we travel from Lake Mburo to Jinja, via Kampala, stopping at the equator. We camp tonight at a scenic riverside retreat with showers and flush toilets.

Included Activities
Guided walk

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 41: Cross back into Kenya and visit Eldoret: Today we leave Uganda behind as we head back over the border into Kenya, and to the cheese town of Eldoret. One of Kenya's fastest growing towns, Eldoret is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners due to its high altitude. We stay tonight at the Naiberi River campsite. It is created on a hilly tribal land which was once home to members of the ancient Sirikwa tribe. Preserved on the site are excavations with stone sides, commonly called Sirikwa holes, which are believed to have been roofed and occupied by the inhabitants of the time. The campsite is Indian owned so tonight we will feast on an included Indian banquet.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 42: Frolic around a flamingo-filled lake and camp overnight on a dairy farm in Nakuru: After breakfast we make our way to Nakuru, approximately 200 km from Eldoret. Lake Nakuru National Park's small and compact area, based around a flamingo-filled lake, makes it a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts. Tonight we will stay at a beautiful campsite located on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Nakuru town. Depending on what time we arrive we may have the option of a farm visit.

Included Activities
Game Drive, Lake Nakuru National Park

Optional Activities
Dairy farm visit, Lake Nakuru National Park - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 43: Head back to cosmopolitan Nairobi: We are up very early this morning as we head out in safari vehicles for an early morning game drive of Nakuru National Park. After lunch the truck will meet us again and we'll head back to our campsite in Nairobi, arriving early evening.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 44-46: Head straight into the wilderness of the Masai Mara: This morning we will head off in our Land Cruisers to the Masai Mara for the next 2 nights. A huge area of woodlands and open plains backed by the striking Esoit Oloololo Escarpment, the Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five. Keep an eye out for prides of lions, herds of elephants and, if you are lucky, a stealthy cheetah or leopard. In the rainy season this area is flooded by over a million wildebeest on their annual migration.

The following morning we have an early breakfast before setting off in the Land Cruisers again for a full day of game driving. On our third day here we start with an early morning game drive after breakfast, before heading out of the Masai Mara and returning to Nairobi for the night.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, meet your new fellow travellers, and collect the next part of your kitty.

Included Activities
Masai Mara - Game drive

Optional Activities
Bomas, Nairobi - USD10.00
Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - KES2000.00
Karen Blixen museum, Nairobi - USD14.00
Langata Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi - KES1000.00
National Museum, Nairobi - USD10.00

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Day 47: Enter Tanzania and head for Arusha: Back on the truck today and we have a full day's drive of approximately 300 km as we cross the Tanzanian border on our way to Arusha. Tonight we'll stay in a well equipped campsite on the outskirts of Arusha where we will prepare ourselves for heading into the Serengeti. Situated at the base of Mt Meru, Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania and there's plenty to see and do. There are lots of good bars and restaurants. Markets and shops have most things you could want or need alongside various arts and crafts from the region.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 48-49: Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater wildlife viewing: Today we are up very early, leaving our truck behind, putting our camping and personal gear into 6-person jeeps and heading out for our three day excursion. While here we stay at one of the camps within the National Park. The camp where we stay is very simple but is located right in the middle of the plains, surrounded by animals and the nocturnal noises. Your leader will outline the basic safety rules to be followed when camping in an unfenced location where wild animals are present.

The wide, open plains of the Serengeti - green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators - are perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses and dotted with acacia trees, the plains get their name from the Maasai word Siringitu - 'the place where the land moves on forever'.

The following morning we are up very early as we set off in our jeeps for an early morning game drive. There is also the option this morning of a hot air balloon flight, which must be pre-booked at the time of booking.
For an unforgettable experience, you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and must be arranged in advance. Please enquire when booking your trip to secure this optional activity.

If you have pre-booked this activity, you'll be picked up and driven to the launch site where you receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You'll then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity and sometimes descending to tree height for amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast before being returned to your accommodation.

We exit the Serengeti around lunchtime and head back through the conservation area to our campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Again our campsite is very basic. It can often be quite cold on the crater rim so it is recommended that you take warm clothes for this night.

Included Activities
Serengeti - Game drive

Optional Activities
Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - USD500.00

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nts)
Day 50: Mto Wa Mbu game drive to Ngorongoro crater: We are up with the sun this morning as we make an early descent into the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, where we will spend approximately 3 hours game driving in the crater. A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled.

Departing the crater we will return to Mto Wa Mbu and participate in a community village project before finally heading back to camp for an evening relaxing at the campsite's bar, reliving our safari experience.
A small village community, Mto Wa Mbu offers an excellent way to get a close-up look at life in an African town away from the main tourist trail.

Responsible Travel Note -
You will notice some Masai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro crater. While it is of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as businesses. You will be charged an entry fee of USD20 and the Masai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We would very much prefer that Intrepid clients choose to bypass this activity as we feel it negatively impacts the Masai culture and your perception of this culture. This is why we stop by Mto Wa Mbu on the way to the crater so that you may experience some culture in a more authentic environment.

Included Activities
Ngorongoro Crater - Game drive

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 51: Visit Usambara Village Education Project, Marangu: If we didn't get the chance yesterday, then after breakfast this morning we will participate in the local community village program before getting back on board our truck to head high onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and to the village of Marangu (approx 230 km). Our camping area is the grounds of a beautiful colonial hotel with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The small village of Marangu is located on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The fertile fields are irrigated by streams that are fed by Mt Kilimanjaro's glaciers.

Included Activities
Usambara Village Education Project visit, village walk & lunch

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 52-53: Options of dhow trip or fishing at Dar es Salaam: Leaving the cool slopes of Kilimanjaro behind we have a long travel day today as we travel further south towards the coastal city of Dar es Salaam (approx 560 km). Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's old capital, means 'Haven of Peace'. Many of its buildings display Arabian influence and the port area is fascinating to visit with its ocean-going dhows and inshore ngalawas (out-rigger fishing canoes).

Once in Dar es Salaam we set up camp on a balmy beach outside of the city. The camp is in the grounds of a hotel and has flush toilets and showers. Feel free to jump in the ocean and have a swim before dinner!
The following day is free for optional activities, or you may simply like to relax on the beach.

Optional Activities
Dhow trip, Dar es Salaam - Free
Fishing, Dar es Salaam - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Days 54-56: Sail to the 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar to explore the winding cobblestone alleyways: Today we catch a ferry to the 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar (approx 90 minutes). Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town in a basic inn. Filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar's rich history involves everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast invokes images of what the island was like back in the days of Livingstone.

The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town. The best way to see this exotic port town is on foot, exploring the bazaars, shops, mosques, palaces, courtyards and myriad intricate alleyways. When the sun is setting, why not enjoy a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront before trying one of the island's local seafood curries at one of the town's many restaurants. The following day we'll embark on a spice tour. Drive to the spice plantations where you'll receive a guided tour and the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, as well as teas made with these spices. At the end of the day there will also be an opportunity to buy some of the locally grown spices. We will also head to the northern beaches where there is plenty of time for optional activities and relaxing on the beach.

Included Activities
Zanzibar Spice tour

Optional Activities
Prison island tour, Zanzibar - USD25.00
Scuba diving, Zanzibar - USD90.00
Snorkelling, Zanzibar - USD40.00

Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts)
Day 57: Return to Dar es Salaam, departure: Today we transfer back to Dar es Salaam by ferry and return to our campsite by the beach. Our trip finishes on arrival at our campsite in Dar es Salaam at approximately 4pm. If you are departing today, please don't book flights until the evening.

There's no accommodation included tonight but we are able to organise additional nights' accommodation - please enquire at time of booking.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

All meals when camping

Trip Excludes

Trip Kitty ‡ USD$3,320.00

Trip ID#: 128355

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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