GORILLAS, GAME PARKS, AND ZANZIBAR – 24 DAYS
NAIROBI TO DAR ES SALAAM / DAR ES SALAAM TO NAIROBI

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 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. 

 

	Location:	NAIROBI TO DAR ES SALAAM / DAR ES SALAAM TO NAIROBI	Dates:	Departs twice a month
	Fees:	£695 - 24 days USD 565 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT026

General Information

Please Note: This trip operates in both directions

Start and Finish Points: Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam or Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi
Countries visted: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Departure Point Nairobi: Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road
Check-in time: 8.45 am (departure 9.30 am)
Departure Point Dar Es Salaam: Kipepeo Beach Camp, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check in time: 7.30 am (departure 8.30 am)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5 pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

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

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 Kisumu

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 Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria.  The night is spent here and supplies are replenished. 

DAY 4: Kisumu to Kampala (Uganda)

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 - 6: Kampala to Kisoro

The group will depart early in the morning from Kampala and drive west into the depths of Uganda to the base in Kisoro, 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 – currently they are priced at US$500 depending on the trek.  There is a local transport fee of US$20 to US$25 per person.  For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, it will also be necessary to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing the Ugandan visa upon re-entry.  Please budget accordingly.

Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are only about 700 remaining, are 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.  In the unlikely event of these creatures being completely elusive, the authorities usually allow a second opportunity to trek them. However, this is purely at their discretion and subject to the availability of permits, and is not confirmed in writing.  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. The group will depart from camp in the early morning and, after border formalities, will be transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. The rangers will lead the group through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. 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. Participants do not beed to feel that they are exploiting these animals in any way.  The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play 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.

DAY 7: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni

A short drive, through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, brings the group to awesome Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds.

DAY 8: Lake Bunyoni

Today is day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni.  There is the option to visit a local village or church, hike in the surrounding hills, canoe or just spend the day relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake. A well deserved rest day!

DAY 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala

After enjoying peaceful Lake Bunyoni, the drive back to Kampala is begun.  The Equator is crossed for the second time and a stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity is made.  An overnight stop is made in Kampala with the opportunity to sample its night life!

DAY 10: Kampala to Jinja

Today there is the the option to visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transfer to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project.  Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area.

DAY 11: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya)

Today the group will head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route and overnighting in Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province.

DAY 12: Lake Nakuru National Park

To-day head in to Nakuru Town to stock up on supplies before beginning the exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park - famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink.  A truly spectacular sight!  The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen.  The day is spent searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way.  An overnight stop is made at a bush camp within the Park.

DAY 13: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha

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

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. 

DAY 15: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania)

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)

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 aredconducted  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

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

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

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.

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!

Optional Excursions

Kenya, Masai Mara - Masai Village Cultural Visit - $5
Kenya, Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Sanctuary - $25
Kenya, Lake Naivasha – Elsamere High Tea - $10
Uganda, Jinja - Softpower Community Project - $25
Uganda, Jinja - White Water Rafting on The Nile - $125
Uganda, Kampala - Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - $50
Uganda, DRC or Rwanda - Gorilla Trekking Permit - $500
Tanzania, Arusha - 3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * - $380
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation from $20 pp, pn.
Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour - $25
*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.

All prices are in US dollars.  For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after your trip, please email or call Amanzi Travel on 0117 904 1924. 

Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change, and where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost. 

Support

Support and advice is available from your Trip Guides whilst on the expedition and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support.

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent upon booking the placement and our staff are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure.  The day before the trip begins, a full orientation will be provided at 5.00 pm at the departure point by the project coordinator.  This meeting is optional but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet your trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

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.

Getting There

The most convenient airport to fly into for this trip is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.  Participants should make Make sure they arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays.  Amanzi Travel can offer help with organising local accommodation if required. 

(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Project Fees

What is included

• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle

• All cooking and camping equipment

• Meals

• Game park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

• Trip leader and safari cook

What is excluded

• Sleeping bag and mat

• Personal travel insurance

• Visas

• Items of a personal nature

• Optional excursions which are detailed below

• Restaurant meals and drinks