East Africa - Gorillas, game parks & beaches, 29 days Nairobi to Dar es Salaam
Adventure Details
Be amazed by the astoundingly diverse beauty of east Africa's landscapes: verdant highlands, steamy rainforests, tropical beaches and waving grasslands that sprawl into the horizon. Travel into this breathtaking scenery and try to spot the animals that make it their home, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, chimpanzees and, excitingly, the rare mountain gorillas of the Rwandan rainforest. What's more, meet local people whose friendly welcomes and sense of community are inspiring. The wonders of East Africa will remain vivid in your memory long after this adventure ends.
Meet Rwanda's gentle mountain gorillas, Spy on Kibale's resident chimps, Contribute to a rural community project, Spot the Big Five in the legendary Serengeti, Experience bliss on Zanzibar's tropical beaches, Embark on game safaris around the lush African Lakes, Meet the kids at Amani Children's Home, Discover the scenic sights of Tanzania's secluded Usambara Mountains.
*Important - This trip departs fortnightly and costs £1435 for 2011 departures. It has a local kitty payment of approx US$2020 (depending on departure date). You also need to budget seperately for USD$290 for meals not included.
Day 1: Nairobi
The adventure begins in East Africa's biggest city.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru
Visit a rural school and help local families on construction or learning projects. Watch graceful flamingos flocking to Lake Nakuru.
Day 3-4: Eldoret/ Jinja
After a dawn safari head to Eldoret, Kenya's cheese-making capital.
Day 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park chimp visit
Discover jungle chimpanzees on walks through the hilly rainforest.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
A leisurely cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a relaxing way to observe the park's birdlife and lazy hippos. Back on land, game safaris offer exciting encounters with elephants, big cats, buffaloes and antelope.
Day 8: Lake Bunyoni
Soak up the scenery lakeside or perhaps hit the water in a traditional dugout canoe.
Day 9-11: Gorilla Trek
After a tough trek through steep, muddy rainforest get a face-to-face encounter with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 12: Lake Mburo
Explore the acacia woodland forests and try and spot a gigantic eland antelope.
Day 13-14: Jinja
Watch the Nile River tumble over Bujagali Falls, and perhaps try some white-water rafting before camping on the grassy riverbank.
Day 15-16: Eldoret/ Nairobi
Travel back through Kenya's tea-growing country to Nairobi.
Day 17: Mto Wa Mbu
Spend time in bustling Arusha before being welcomed into pastoral life in Mto Wa Mbu. Tour the village and meet the friendly locals.
Day 18-20: Serengeti National Park
Search for the Big Five in the endless grassy plains.
Day 21: Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the crater's floor to spot Africa's most iconic animals.
Day 22: Amani Home/ Marangu
Experience life with the Chagga people who tend crops on Mt Kilimanjaro's slopes. Meet the kids at the Amani Children's Home.
Day 23-24: Usambara Mountains
Get to know these remote mountains and the friendly locals.
Day 25: Dar es Salaam
Pass by the snow-dusted summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Day 26-28: Zanzibar
Explore the idyllic palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and charming Arabic, Oriental and Indian-inspired architecture.
Day 29: Dar es Salaam
End the adventure in this sultry beach city.
Group size: Minimum 4, Maximum 21
* This adventure also runs in reverse from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi. The deposit for this adventure is slightly higher due to large portions of this itinerary requiring non-refundable advance purchase. Please enquire at time of booking for more info.
