GORILLAS, KENYA, TANZANIA, AND ZANZIBAR – 31 DAYS
NAIROBI TO DAR ES SALAAM

This very comprehensive trip offers the opportunity to observe rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat - spending time sitting with them in the forest - as well as exploring East Africa's most popular game parks.  The Masai Mara and Serengeti offer superb game viewing on the vast plains while elephants may be seen in the lesser known Samburu Game Reserve and large flocks of flamingos at scenic Lake Nakura.   The trip ends with a few days on the tropical island of Zanzibar where the intriguing alleyways of Stone Town can be explored and there will be time to relax on the gorgeous beaches.  The trip departs from Nairobi early on Sunday morning.  Passengers wishing to explore Nairobi should plan an earlier arrival - accommodation may be booked through Amanzi Travel.

	Location:	NAIROBI TO DAR ES SALAAM	Dates:	Departs twice a month
	Fees:	£875 - 31 days USD 685 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT025	Special Offer:	Join the 3 day Masai Mara Safari with this trip - 160 USD local payment only

Highlights

Included Highlights:

• Samburu National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Lake Bunyoni
• Kampala
• Great Rift Valley
• Lake Naivasha
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Dar Es Salaam
• Zanzibar Ferry
  

General Information

Start and finish points:   Nairobi/Dar Es Salaam
Countries visited:   Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
Departure Point:   Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi
Check-in Time:  8.45 am (departure 9.30 am)
Pre-Departure Meeting:  5.00 pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Nairobi to Nanyuki (L / D)

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi the expedition will head north, crossing the equator, before reaching the market town of Nanyuki.  Founded in 1907 by English settlers, Nanyuki is home to the main base of Kenya’s Air Force.  It is popular amongst tourists because of its proximity to the impressive Mount Kenya, Kenya’s highest peak at 5199 m.  It is also home to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, now a hotel, but in the 1960s an exclusive club whose members included Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

DAY 2: Nanyuki (B/L/D)

The day will be spent exploring the Ol Pajeta Conservancy, a 750 square metre wildllife sanctuary in the Laikipia district of Kenya.  Ol Pajeta is home to the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa, and a wide variety of other wildlife species including elephant, cheetah, lion and the rare Grevy's zebra.  A visit will also be made to the Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a rescue centre for orphaned and absued chimpanzees from across East and Central Africa.

Day 3:  Thompsons Falls (B/L/D)

To-day the group will leave Nanyuki with Mount Kenya in the background, to head south-west to the foothills of the Abedare Ranges and the Abedare National Park where camp is set up at the base of the Falls.  The afternoon is free to explore the nearby nature trail through a gorge that provides refuse to the endangered Colobus monkey, baboons and a wide variety of colourful birdlife.  The Falls themselves are an impressive sight with the column of water stretching up 72 metres, and were formed when the Ewaso Narok River plummeted over a ledge of volcanic rock.  A dip in the pool at the base of the Falls is very refreshing!

Day 4:  Thompsons Falls to Nakuru (B/L/D)

To-day the group will leave the Abedare region to head west towards the Great Rift Valley and the 4th largest town in Kenya and the capital of the Rift Valley Province, Nakuru where an overnight stop is made before entering the Lake Nakuru National Park.

DAY 5: Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)

Today the expedition heads into 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.

DAY 6: Nakuru to Kampala (B / L / D)

Today, the border into Uganda is crossed and the lakeside town of Jinja (the source of the Nile)  visited before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay.  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-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert parts of the north facing the border of Sudan.

DAYS 7 - 8: Kampala to Kisoro (B / L / D)

After an early morning departure from Kampala the group will drive west into the depths of Uganda to the base in Kisoro, from where the optional Gorilla trek takes place.  The trek will take place in 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 - dependent on where trekking permits are available at the time.   The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced at $500/$600 depending on where the trek takes place.  There is a local transport fee of US$65 to US$75 per person which covers the return transfer and Wildlife Authority's booking fee.  For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, it is also 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 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.  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.   The departure from camp is early in the morning and, after border formalities, the group is transferred to a rangers' station where the trek commences.  The rangers will lead the party 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 are therefore able to catch man's diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is one hour.  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, there will be the return trek back out of the rain forest to the meeting point.  Participants  need not feel that they are exploiting these animals.  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 poachers stealing them for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long.  One hundred percent of the gorilla permit cost is used 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 9: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)

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

DAYS 10 - 11: Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)

The next two days are spent at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni. There are the options to swim, canoe, hike, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. Well deserved rest days!

DAY 12: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)

After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni the group will drive to Kampala where they will stay for the next two nights - perhaps with the chance to sample the nightlife.  The equator will be crossed for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the crossing.

DAY 13: Kampala (B / L / D)

Today is spent at leisure in Uganda’s capital, exploring the local markets and museums, or taking a trip to the nearby Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary.  The political instability that haunted Uganda over a period of years has 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 regaining Uganda's former glory 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 14 -15: Kampala to Jinja (B / L / D)

After a short drive to the Lakeside town of Jinja, there will be the option, over the next day and a half, to raft the Nile, visit the local community project or take part in a quad bike trip along the riverbank.  The overnight camp is right on the edge of the Nile River where there is an abundance of resident bird life and some truly amazing photo opportunities from right outside the tent!

DAY 16: Jinja to Nakuru (B / L / D)

Today will be a full day driving back to Kenya with an overnight at a campsite in Nakuru.

DAY 17: Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (B / L / D)

This morning there is the option to take a game drive in the Lake Nakuru National Park or head into Nakuru town, followed in the afternoon by a drive to Lake Naivasha where camp is made in peaceful surroundings beside the lake.

DAY 18: Lake Naivasha (B / L / D)

To-day move 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.

DAY 19: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara (B / L / D)

To-day the group will depart from Lake Naivasha and enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road.  The town of Narok will be 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 20: Masai Mara Game Reserve (B / L / D)

To-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  should be 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 21: Masai Mara to Nairobi (B / L)

After breakfast, the expedition will head back to Nairobi to the Hotel Boulevard, to drop off the passengers ending their trip here, before heading to the campsite for the night.

DAY 22: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)

This morning new passengers will join the next leg of the trek 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 23-25: 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. These excursions use 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.  After the game drive in the Crater, the group will head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ towards the Serengeti National Park where vast plains will be crossed during the game drive through the southern and central areas in the park.  Tonight 's camp is in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness followed by a second game drive the next morning to explore the landscape in search of the resident game.  With some luck, some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’ may be seen.   Following 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 26: Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)

After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, the group will 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 - before passing through vast sisal plantations 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 27: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)

Today head on to Dar es Salaam tavelling through lush scenery and palm trees, towards the warm Indian Ocean and the lovely seaside campsite to prepare for the departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

DAY 28: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes travellers 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 here to replace those leaving at the end of the excursion to Zanzibar.  PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and meals are not included whilst on Zanzibar, as it is felt that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own.  The Trip Leader will be available and can arrange accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 29 - 30: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor.  Today 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 those wishing 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 31: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)

Leaving Zanzibar, the group returns to the mainland where addresses are exchanged and goodbyes said, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Optional Excursions

Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Permit - From $500 excluding transfer and booking fee
Softpower Community Project - $25
White Water Rafting on The Nile - $125
Quad Bike (2 Hour) - $70
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (5 - 8 persons)  - $50-$70 + transfer approximately $125
Bungee Jump - $65
Jet Boat - 30 mins - $75
Horse Riding - 2 hours - $50 + transfer approximately $20

Kenya
Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Tour - $20
Elsamere Visit - Home of Joy Adamson - $10 + transfer fee
Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive - $180
Masai Village Cultural Visit - $5
Masai Mara Balloon Safari (when available) - $435
Masai Warrior Dancing - $4
Hells Gate NP Biking  - $45 including transfer, bike and guide
Naivasha Boat Hire (maximum 7 persons) - $50 per hour
Horse Riding - $15 per hour

Tanzania
3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * - From $410
Masai Village Visit - $10
Olduvai Gorge - $5
Zanzibar Fast Ferry Return - $10
Transfer to Nungwi - £8
Zanzibar - Accommodation from $20 - $50 per day
Spice Tour including lunch - $20
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 and 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 the 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 base, there may be an additional transfer cost. 

Support

Support and advice is available from the 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 expedition 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, there will be a full orientation at 5.00 pm at the departure point by the project coordinator.  The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet 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 desired.   Occasionally, when it is impossible 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 it may be necessary 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 will be provided.    Fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased from market stalls, supported by a bulk buy of goods bought 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.  Visitors should ensure they allow 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 the destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Fees

What is included

• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle

• All cooking and camping equipment

• Meals as indicated

• 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

• Restaurant meals and drinks