Overland trips africa Kenya Uganda Tanzania East Africa Africa overland tours Gorillas, game parks and Zanzibar

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

Dates:

Departs twice a month

Fees:

£765 - 24 days
USD 555 - Local Payment

Payment:

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

Reference:

AT026

Special Offer:

Join the 3 day Masai Mara Safari with this trip - 160 USD local payment only

General Information

Please note: This tour operates in both directions

Start and Finish Points: Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam or Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi
Countries visited: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Departure Point Nairobi: Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi
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 time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5 pm the day before at the departure point

The trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania before ending in Dar Es Salaam. The trip departs from Nairobi early on Sunday morning and passengers wishing to explore Nairobi should arrive in time to do so. The reverse trip begins in Dar Es Salaam and travels through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda before ending in Nairobi. This journey departs from Dar Es Salaam early on Thursday morning and passengers wishing to explore Dar Es Salaam should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation in either Nairobi or Dar Es Salaam can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (L / D)

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 (B / L / D)

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 US$500. There is a local transport and handling fee of US$65 to US$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)

To-day 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.

Optional Excursions

Kenya:

Masai Mara Village Cultural Visit -$5

Masai Warrior Dancing - $4

Masai Mara Balloon Safari (when available) - $435

Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Tour - $20

Elsamere (Home of Joy Adamson) - $10 + transfer fee

Nakuru National Park Game Drive - $180

Naivasha Hells Gate National Park - $45 including transfer, bike and guide

Naivasha Boat Hire (maximum 7 persons) - $50 per hour

Naivasha Horse Riding - $15 per hour

Uganda:

Gorilla Trek (excluding transfer and booking fee) - from $500

Jinja Softpower Community Project - $25

White Water Rafting on The Nile - $125

Chimpanzee Sanctuary (5 - 8 persons) - $50 - $70 + transfer approximately $125

Bungee Jump - $65

Jet Boat - 30 minutes - $75

Quad Biking - 2 hours - $70

Horse Riding - 2 hours - $50 + transfer approximately $20

Tanzania:
3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * - $410
Zanzibar - Accommodation from $20 - $50 per person per night
Zanzibar - Spice Tour (including lunch) - $20
Zanzibar Fast Ferry Return - $10
Transfer to Nungwi - $8
Prison Island Snorkelling Trip - $20
Dolphin/Jozani Forest - $30/$8
Diving, Snorkelling and Fishing - From $30
Dhow Sunset Cruise - $25
Motorbike/Car Hire - $25 - $30/$50 - $70 + local drivers licence/insurance at $5

*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 or Dar Es Salaam (reverse trip). 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