Travellers embarking on this popular trip will experience the varying faces of Africa, from gorilla viewing in the rain forests to the island paradise beaches of Zanzibar. The opportunity to observe the gorillas in their ever-diminishing habitat is something that will never be forgotten as will travel through the game parks of east Africa which are renowned for their unspoiled natural beauty and prolific game - the predatory lion and cheetah and the magnificent African Elephant. The island of Zanzibar is steeped in tradition - full of places to be explored during the day whilst the nightlife in the restaurants and bars is something to be experienced.
Duration & Fees
- £845 - 24 days
USD 645 - Local Payment
Start Dates
2012 Start Dates: 1 Jan | 15 Jan | 29 Jan | 12 Feb | 26 Feb | 11 Mar | 25 Mar | 8 Apr | 22 Apr | 6 May | 20 May | 3 Jun | 10 Jun | 17 Jun | 24 Jun | 1 Jul | 8 Jul | 15 Jul | 22 Jul | 29 Jul | 5 Aug | 12 Aug | 19 Aug | 26 Aug | 2 Sep | 9 Sep | 16 Sep | 23 Sep | 30 Sep | 7 Oct | 14 Oct | 21 Oct | 28 Oct | 4 Nov | 11 Nov | 18 Nov | 25 Nov | 2 Dec | 9 Dec | 16 Dec | 23 Dec | 30 Dec
Payment
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure
What's Included
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Pre-trip night dorm room accommodation
- Fully equipped expedition vehicle
- Cooking and camping equipment (sleeping bags/matts not provided)
- Meals as indicated
- Park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Pre-departure pack and support and advice from Amanzi Travel staff and trip leaders
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Visas
- Optional excursions
- Restaurant meals and drinks
Start and Finish Points: Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam
Countries visited: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Departure Point Nairobi: Acacia Camp, Magadi Road (off Langata Road), Nairobi
Check-in time: 8.45 am (departure 9.30 am)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5 pm the day before at the departure point
Passengers are recommended to arrive the day before their trip departs. Airport pick up on arrival and one night's pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in the trip fee.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Lunch / Dinner)
Leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and drive up the escarpment to the first stop, a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, Masai land is entered where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. The town of Narok is passed before arriving at the campsite, Acacia Camp, which looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
DAY 2: Masai Mara (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
The second day is spent driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched nowhere else on earth. Eyes are kept open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. If travelling between July and October, it may be possible to witness the impressive herds of over one million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual Migration. Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day’s game viewing in this “Garden of Eden.”
DAY 3: Masai Mara to Kisumo (B / L / D)
Leaving the Masai Mara early in the morning, the group will pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau on the way to Kisumo - Kenya's harbour town on the banks of Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria where the night will be spent and supplies replenished.
DAY 4: Kisumu to Kampala (Uganda)(B / L / D)
Today, the border into Uganda is crossed and an overnight stay is made in the capital city, Kampala. 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 capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semidesert region in the north. The political instability that has haunted Uganda in the past has actually 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 returning Uganda to its former status 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.
DAYS 5 - 8: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
The group will depart early in the morning from Kampala and drive west into the depths of Uganda to the base in Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large number of beautiful birds, and from where the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, treks may be made to the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice. They are currently priced at USD 500. There is a local transport and handling fee of USD 65 to USD 75 per person which covers the return transfer and the Wildlife Authority's booking fee. For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, it will also be necessary to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, although holders of British, American, Canadian and German passports do not have to pay for visas to Rwanda. Please budget accordingly as the government often increases the permit and transfer costs without prior notice.
Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are only about 700 remaining, is one of man's closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one never to be forgotten. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are at any time. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of man's DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years of age.
Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors, small groups will depart from camp in the early mornings over 3-4 days, depending on the overall group size. Each group will travel through some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa and head towards the town of Kisoro where the night will be spent. If the trek is in Rwanda, the overnight camp will be in Ruhengeri. The following morning the group will transfer to the rangers' station where the trek commences. Trekking can take anywhere from forty-five minutes to eight hours and as it can be quite strenuous, a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of man's genes (and therefore able to catch his diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is one hour. However this is plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide a background to the family being visited. Once the hour is up, the group will trek back out of the rain forest to the meeting point and transfer back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite. Participants do not need to feel that they are exploiting these animals in any way. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day plays a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to protect their babies from the poachers who sell them to zoos, where they have never lived long. One hundred percent of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.
Whilst awaiting the day of the gorilla trek, everyone will have the opportunity to join other activities such as visits to a local village or church, a hike in the surrounding hills, a bird watching walk, a canoeing trip, a visit to a local market or just spending the time relaxing or swimming in the lake.
DAY 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)
After the fantastic experience of the gorilla encounter and time spent at Lake Bunyoni, today the group will drive back to Kampala, crossing the Equator for the second time and a stop for the "one foot in each hemisphere" photo opportunity. Overnight is spent in Kampala with the opportunity to sample the night life.
DAY 10: Kampala to Jinja (B / L / D)
Today there is the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to transferring to Jinja to enjoy adventure activities such as white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or helping out at a community project. The afternoon is free to relax on the river bank or watching the many water birds to be found in the area.
DAY 11: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (B / L / D)
Today the group will head back to Kenya, stopping en route for lunch and supplies. Overnight will be spent in Nakuru, Kenya's 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province.
DAY 12: Nakuru and Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
This morning the group will begin the exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park - famous for thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake's edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level and when the water is low, the lake almost turns pink. A truly spectacular sight! This park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino and the day will be spent searching for these beasts as well as the elusive leopard. Buffalo, giraffe, antelope and the occasional hippo may be seen along the way.
DAY 13: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha (B / L / D)
Moving south-east, to head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Time permitting the afternoon will be spent enjoying optional excursions such as Elsamere (former home to Joy and George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. Tonight is spent in a lovely campsite on the banks of the lake.
DAY 14: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (B)
After breakfast, the group will head back to Nairobi and on arrival head to the Hotel Boulevard, where some passengers will be ending their trip, before heading to the campsite for the night.
DAY 15: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)
This morning the new passengers joining the next leg of our trek will come on board to travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. The night is spent in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on the 'Optional Excursions' to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
DAYS 16 - 18: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)
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. The excursions are conducted in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use.
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion travels via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. The evening is spent at a pleasant campsite in Karatu and the following morning sees an early departure for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Following the game drive in the Crater, the group will head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on its way to the Serengeti National Park. There the vast plains will be crossed during the game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. This evening the camp will be in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, there will be another game drive and exploration of the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’ may be seen. After the morning drive, the group will head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to the truck at Arusha, where the evening will be spent musing over the thrilling wildlife experience.
DAY 19: Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)
After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, head south towards Dar es Salaam driving through the town of Moshi en route.. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting it may be possible to catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s
snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! Vast sisal plantations are passed, surrounded by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching the lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
DAY 20: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)
Today the group will continue on to Dar es Salaam, travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam the group will make its way to the lovely seaside campsite to prepare for departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
DAY 21: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)
A ferry ride is taken from Dar es Salaam to the "Spice Island,” where there is the option to spend the next three nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join the group to replace those that will leave at the end of the excursion to Zanzibar.
Please note: Accommodation and meals are not arranged whilst on Zanzibar, as it has been found that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader can help to arrange accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
For those passengers not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar Es Salaam.
DAYS 22 - 23: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. To-day 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 famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire for anyone who would like to 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 - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 24: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar, the group will return to the mainland where addresses are exchanged and everyone parts ways. having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Please note that this itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions. All prices and local payments are subject to change with prior notice and due to tourism laws in some of the countries visited, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
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The trips are camping trips, and spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet are provided. Most nights will be spent in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool. Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion there may be the choice, at extra cost, to upgrade to a bed if required. Occasionally, when it is not possible to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, it may be necessary to bush camp. The vehicles used are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.
The safari cook does all the cooking on the trip, although volunteers may have to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis. Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but three healthy square meals a day on the road are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables from market stalls are purchased, supported by a bulk purchase of supplies prior to departure. In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.
Tanzania
Why visit Tanzania
Tanzania is unsurpassed for its magnificent scenery: from the snow-capped heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Crown of Africa", to the exquisite floor of the Ngorongoro Crater; the jewel-like coastal islands of Zanzibar to the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley, the natural splendours set the stage for the astoundingly diverse wildlife. Within the space of several hours it is possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches and diving on exquisite coral reefs to exploring the narrow alleys of Arabian influenced Stone Town, from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by spear-carrying Masai warriors. Turtle season is between December and May, and these prehistoric creatures can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches.
Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has predominantly managed to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals, and this makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.
Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled. Wild animals roam in vast uncrowded and unspoilt areas. The magnificent collection of game sanctuaries to the north of the country, near the border with Kenya, is referred to as the Northern Circuit. This is the most popular and accessible wildlife safari route in Tanzania, and is considered as one of the finest game viewing areas anywhere in the world. Arusha, a city of northern Tanzania is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Beautifully situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, it has a pleasant climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Highlights of Tanzania
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
- Bordered by Africa's three largest lakes - Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria.
- Zanzibar Island, exploring bustling Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, and idyllic beaches, snorkelling, and picturesque fishing villages on Mnemba Island.
- Ngorongoro Crater - the largest intact caldera in the world, where wildlife are specifically protected.
- Olduvai Gorge - said to be the birthplace of man.
- The 20-million-year-old Great Rift Valley.
- The vast game-filled plains of the Serengeti and hot air balloon safaris.
- The annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores is a once-in-a-lifetime experience can be viewed between Tanzania and Kenya.
- More than twenty-five percent of Tanzania is dedicated to conservation areas.
- Possible to view the elusive "Big 10" in Tanzania - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hippo, zebra and giraffe - plus the famous chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- Tanzania boasts over 1,000 bird species, with Lake Manyara National Park alone being home to over 400.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (November -May) |
31 °C |
20 °C |
| Winter (June – October) |
22 °C |
15 °C |
| Rainfall: March - May (Long Rains “Masika”), November - December (Short Rains “Vuli”) |
Tanzania has a generally comfortable, tropical climate year-round, where temperatures rarely fall lower than 20°C. The coolest months countrywide are from June to October (15–20 °C), when it is also dry, and the warmest from December to March (25–31°C), although there are significant regional variations:-
- Along the warmer and humid coast, the average daily temperatures hover in the 30°C range, and only go as low as 25°C due to sea breezes from June to September. The climate here is determined in large part by the monsoon winds, which bring rains in two major periods. During the “masika” (long rains), from mid-March to May, it rains heavily almost every day, although seldom for the whole day, and the air can get unpleasantly sticky. The lighter “vuli” (short rains) fall during November, December and sometimes into January. July and August have the lowest rainfall.
- Inland, altitude is a major determinant of conditions. The central plateau is somewhat cooler and arid, while in the mountainous areas of the northeast and southwest, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C during cold and hot seasons respectively, and it can rain at any time of year. In the Kilimanjaro area, temperatures vary from 15°C in May-August period to 22°C over December - March. As one heads to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop to below freezing, especially at night. The best climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is surprisingly easy, is from August to October and from January to March.
Key Facts
Population – 43.7 million
Capital – Dodoma is the political capital, and Dar Es Salaam is the principal commercial city
Currency – Tanzanian shilling
Language – Swahili is the most widely spoken language, although English is the official language
“karibu tena” – welcome again
Peoples and Culture: there are over 120 tribes in Tanzania. However, the majority of people on Zanzibar follow the Muslim faith. Dress code to them is of particular importance and it is suggested that women try to dress fairly conservatively in order not to offend the local people. An Arabic influence is also evident in the people, who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and Bantu from the mainland. The official language of Zanzibar is Kiswahili. Most residents have a good knowledge of English, Italian and various Arabic dialects.
Zanzibar's most world famous musician is Freddie Mercury! He was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5th 1946 in Zanzibar, to parents Bomi and Jer Bulsara, who were Parsees - members of the Zoroastrian faith.
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 255
Uganda
Why visit Uganda
In 1907, pioneering tourist, Winston Churchill, called Uganda the Pearl of Africa. The country is small but the physical beauty is striking and the national parks are much quieter than other neighbouring countries. Its landscape varies from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria, to the snow-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west, the highest mountain range in Africa, to the white-water rafting mecca of Jinja, the source of the mighty Nile, and the semi-desert parts of the north. It has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the majestic mountain gorillas, one of the rarest animals on the planet. This is a unique opportunity to encounter these contemplative creatures at close quarters, hidden among the bamboo and dense jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Highlights of Uganda
- Stunning, varied scenery of mountains, lakes and desert.
- The Mount of the Moon, Ruwenzori Mountains, the highest range in Africa.
- Endangered Mountain gorilla encountered at close quarters.
- Source of the River Nile at Jinja.
- Lake Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa, perfect for swimming, hiking, canoeing or simply sitting back and enjoying the tranquil surrounds.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (December to May) |
29 °C |
16 °C |
| Winter (June to November) |
26 °C |
14 °C |
| Rainfall: March to May, October to November |
The majority of the country has a tropical climate, where temperatures average 26°C during the day, and 16°C at night; however this can vary according to altitude. The hottest months are December to February where temperatures can reach 29°C. The wettest months are April and May where rainfall is heavy. The dry season from mid-May to mid-October is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills are barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season. Peak season for gorilla tracking is July and August - travelling outside this time means it is easier to arrange a permit.
Key Facts
Population – 32.4 million
Capital – Kampala
Currency – Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Language – English, Swahili
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 256
Rwanda
Why visit Rwanda
Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, as it is a lush country of endless mountains and stunning scenery, and nowhere are the mountains more majestic than the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. In the Parc National des Vulcans, the volcanoes form a natural frontier with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Hidden among the bamboo and dense jungle of their forbidding slopes, are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Here there is a unique opportunity to encounter these contemplative creatures at close quarters.
Highlights of Rwanda
- Stunning mountains and scenery.
- Endangered Mountain gorilla encountered at close quarters.
- Kigali is the first city in Africa to be awarded the Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in the recognition of its “cleanliness, security and urban conservation model”.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (mid-October to mid-May) |
25 °C |
14 °C |
| Winter (mid-May to mid-October) |
22 °C |
10 °C |
| Rainfall: March to May, October to December |
Rwanda has a temperate, tropical, highland climate, with lower temperatures than other equatorial countries due to its high altitude, ranging from 25°C during the day to 14°C at night. The average daytime temperature is around 24°C, except in the higher mountains, which take up a lot of the country, where the range is 10°C to 15°C, and which experiences twice as much rain. Expect frost in the high mountains.
Wet season is March to May, and October to December, particularly wet in April.
The dry season from mid-May to mid-October is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills are barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season. Peak season for gorilla tracking is July and August - travelling outside this time means it is easier to arrange a permit.
Key Facts
Population – 10.7 million
Capital – Kigali
Currency – Rwanda franc (Rfr)
Language – French, English, Kinyarwanda
Time difference – GMT +2 hours
Telephone – country code 250
Kenya
Why visit Kenya
For a country of its size, Kenya really does pack a lot in: mountains and deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches and idyllic islands such as Lamu, by way of Mount Kenya National Park, the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with the Rift Valley, home to millions of breeding flamingos on Lake Nakuru and spectacular birdlife and hippo families on Lake Naivasha, cleaving a massive gash through it all.
Wildlife safaris have been hugely popular in Kenya for decades, with legendary personalities such Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen highlighting their appeal, and films such as Out of Africa and Born Free portraying the romance, thrill and excitement of the country. Kenya has over twelve national wildlife parks, being among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. The Masai Mara is famous for its annual Great Migration of more than two million wildebeest and thousands of Thomson's gazelle, zebra and impala. Aside from the Migration, game-viewing is excellent throughout the year. Large herds of elephant are common sights in the dry, ancient lakebed of Amboseli National Park, as are buffalo, gazelle, giraffe and zebra. In addition to the wildlife in Tsavo National Park, the Mzima Springs are popular, where millions of litres of cool, crystal-clear water flow out of the ground through porous volcanic rocks. The Samburu Game Park is a narrow plain giving way to rocky hillsides which are home to leopard. A highlight of these Parks is watching large numbers of elephant bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River. The possibilities of trekking the glacial ridges of Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean are all very real in Kenya.
Highlights of Kenya
- Kenya immortalised the safari with legendary personalities such as Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen, and films such as Out of Africa and Born Free.
- Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for the annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores – one of the seven new wonders of the world.
- Masai and Samburu tribes-people live and tend their livestock alongside the resident wildlife.
- The country abounds in diverse landscapes, including the spectacular Great Rift Valley.
- It is one of the best countries in Africa for seeing large concentrations of animals throughout the year.
- Kenya is a birdwatcher's dream destination, with more than 1,000 species recorded.
- Lake Nakuru is a breeding ground for flamingo - up to two million birds can be found, and greater and lesser flamingos also migrate along Lakes Magadi, Elmenteita, Bogoria and Turkana.
- Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and features a number of permanent glaciers. The best view of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro is from Kenya's Amboseli National Park.
- The coastline is beautiful, particularly the Lamu Archipelago, featuring the islands of Lamu, Manda and Pate. Old Lamu Town is a World Heritage Site.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (September - April) |
34 °C |
20 °C |
| Winter (May - August) |
25 °C |
11 °C |
| Rainfall: April - June (long rains), October - Mid December (short rains) |
Kenya is divided by the Equator and its diverse geography means that temperature, rainfall and humidity vary widely. However, there are effectively four distinct zones:
The hot, rainy plateau of western Kenya has rainfall throughout the year, the heaviest usually during April when as much as 200mm may be recorded, and the lowest in January, with an average of 40mm. Temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C to a maximum of 36°C throughout the year.
The temperate Rift Valley and Central Highlands have perhaps the most agreeable climate in the country. Average temperatures vary from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 28°C. Rainfall varies from a minimum of 20mm in July to 200mm in April, falling in essentially two seasons – March to the beginning of June (the ‘long rains’) and October to the end of November (the ‘short rains’). Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range are the country’s main water catchments, with falls of up to 3000mm per year recorded in these places.
In the semi-arid bush-lands of northern and eastern Kenya temperatures vary from highs of up to 40°C during the day to less than 20°C at night. Rainfall in this area is sparse and, when it does occur, is often in the form of violent storms. July is usually the driest month and November the wettest.
The consistently average temperatures of the humid coast region vary little during the year, ranging from 22°C to 30°C. Rainfall is dependent on the monsoon, which blows from the north-east from October to April and from the south-west for the rest of the year. Its rainfall averages from 20mm in February to around 300mm in May.
Depending on when the rains come, the Great Migration normally reaches Kenya around July. Hundreds of thousands of herbivores then disperse onto the plains of the Masai Mara for the next couple of months.
Key Facts
Population – 39 million
Capital - Nairobi
Currency – Kenya shilling
Language – Kiswahili, English, tribal languages
Nairobi, from the Masaai "enkare nyarobi" means "Place of Cool Waters"
“jambo rafiki” – hello friend
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 254, international code 00
The overland trip was excellent - really well run. The guides were fantastic, the campsites great, and the food excellent. This has got to be the best way to see Africa in a short period of time ...
Amanzi Travel are excellent - professional, informative but with a real personal service ... The cheetah volunteer project was an absolutely fantastic experience, and the Overland trip was brilliant.
Jennie and Stuart, Sweden, 32 and 34 (Cheetah Volunteer Project and Overland Trip)
The tour was amazing and the staff went out of their way to make our time in Africa as fun and memorable as possible for us. Our tour leader told us the history and other interestings facts about each area we visited. The food was really good. I wasn't expecting cooked breakfasts every morning. There was loads of food, no one ever went hungry and the variety was excellent.There was a rota up so everyone had a task to do each day eg. food chopping, washing up, truck cleaning and truck packing, but this only took about 5 minutes every day.
The optional excursions were good, but there was no pressure to do any of them and there were plenty of activities already included. We felt very safe and were generally very well looked after.
Mary & Eleanor, UK, aged 50 & 15
Gemma at Amanzi Travel was extremely helpful, professional and promt in her replies ...
To sum up, voluneering with children in Africa, some of which diagnosed with aids or orphaned, was the most rewarding, life changing thing I have ever done. Seeing the childrens faces light up when I brought in a picture story book was so moving, I don’t think they had had a book read to them before, which was heartbreaking to think. Seeing their pure happiness in the small things in life like a new soccer ball, a new pencil or a piece of fresh bread was made me appreciate my own life so much more and realise all that I take for granted. When faced with a difficulty in my life now, I look to the big picture and shake myself out of it when I realise how pathetic and trivial it may be after spending time with children who may very well not live until their 21st birthday. I think everyone should volunteer at sometime in their life, preferably when they are young, to see how lucky we really are and how easy it is to put a smile on someone elses face. I learnt that the more we get, the more we want and the less happy we are. These children taught me to be happy with life itself, not with how much cash I have in the bank.
Overall I loved the experience and would go back to see the children in a heart beat. I found it so rewarding and put my life in perspective.
Our 5 week overland tour was absolutely amazing I loved every second of it. The food was delicious and our guides/driver were lovely. The truck and tents were fine, that's all part of the experience!
Jess, Australia, aged 21 (Kenya Teaching and Community Volunteer)
Thank you Amanzi Travel for organising the overland trip from Cape Town to Vic Falls for us, I did enjoy it immensely. Was lucky that the group were of varied ages and we had a ball. My daughter is undertaking volunteer work in Africa also with Amanzi Travel and I joined her for this overland trip. I visited her at the Victoria Falls Lion Project in Zimbabwe and was very impressed by the organisation. She is having a wonderful time there and will be staying on for a few more months. I spoke to a few other volunteers whilst I was there and they were all happy with their experiences.
Thank you again Amanzi Travel, I know you are helping alot of people in Africa with your projects and I have certainly told a lot of people who are interested in our experiences about you.
Suzanne, Australia, aged 62 (Southern Sun 21 Day (Northbound))
I really had a fantastic time with both volunteering & overland tours. I have so many stories to share with everybody that sometimes I sit down & wonder if I am making them up....I can't believe all of what I did and saw! I left home feeling both excited and so nervous about spending 9 weeks in Kenya alone on the Teaching & Community Volunteer project, but on arrival I was met by one of the Amanzi Travel guys and felt welcome and safe immediately. After that I was never 'alone' and was welcomed by all age groups and nationalities on the volunteer programme and overland trip. The cottage we stayed in in Limuru was brill and it had everything there to make you feel right at home. The variety of food was great and the staff were wonderful. Working with the kids was amazing and I felt as though as I had a good amount of time to spend in both the orphanage and the primary school. My six weeks was split half and half and by the time I left I felt as though I had seen real changes in the kids I gave extra help too who were usually left behind in the back of the class.
The overland trip was an awesome end to my time in Kenya. The truck was surprisingly comfortable and the staff brilliant. Be prepared to do your duties, cleaning, cooking etc but it's all part of the fun. Most places we stayed in were lovely and had bars for a fun evening. The drive through all the different places was lovely and seeing all the wildlife was amazing. From lions walking in front of you in the Masai Mara, to leopards crossing the road in Lake Nakuru and the magniciant gorillas in Bwindi are only a patch of what I saw. Memories I will have forever and the most fantastic 9 weeks of my life. Thanks for guiding me the right direction Amanzi!
Michelle, Ireland, aged 30 (Kenya Teaching and Community Volunteer, Gorillas and Game Parks 14 Day)