26-27 day safari Entebbe to Zanzibar Safari through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
From the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, the stage of the world famous migration of the Wildebeest, zebra and Thomason's gazelle, zig-zagging across the equator, to discover the charm of the lush tropical world of Uganda and it's Mountain Gorillas and finishing on the exotic Spice Island of Unguja, Zanzibar.
Includes a chimpanzee reserve, white water rafting, helping in a school, Kilimanjaro base camp hike, a dolphin boat trip, snorkelling and scuba diving. Safari through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to discover the charm and beauty of the lush tropical world of Uganda.
Zig zag across the Equator to safari on the sweeping savanna plains of the Serengeti each month, as well as the Masai Mara (13th May to 5th Oct departures only), the Serengeti and Mara being the combined stage for the world famous migration of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle, finishing on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar.
Travel on day one across Lake Victoria by Sesse canoe to come face to face with Ngamba Island's cheeky chimps. There are 32 chimps currently living on the island. We can find out more about this primate during our stay whilst watching their antics at the supplementary morning meal of fruit.
It is a perfect opportunity as well to get some great photos from the viewing platform and a traditional village meal is provided for us during our visit. Leaving Entebbe we are on our way to the Virungas, and our trek to see the endangered mountain gorilla, a species on the verge of extinction, threatened by poachers, the effects of civil war and loss of forest habitat.
Our journey takes us through the frontier town of Kisoro or alternatively via Kigale, the capital of Rwanda. During our stay in Rwanda time can be allowed to visit the Genocide Museum and to reflect on the horrors of the hundred days of killing that took place in 1994 which tragically left up to a million people dead. We can also visit a local orphanage.
We spend a night by Lake Bunyoni, 'the place of little birds' nestled into the Mfumbiro Hills, then on to Jinja and the Source of the Nile, stopping over at the Royal Drum Makers on the way. Outside the months when the migration is in the Mara we also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Then to the Nile to enjoy the thrill of white water rafting, quad biking through local plantations or horse riding by the river. Visit in a village and help out in a local school. Journey through the Rift Valley to visit Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for black and white rhino, and take afternoon tea at Elsamere by the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Cycle through Hells Gate National Park and spend time in a Maasai village, before our game drives on the plains of the Mara from departures 13th May to 5th October in the hope of seeing the world famous migration.
Arriving in Nairobi we visit the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Park before heading further south into Tanzania for game drives in the ancient caldera of Ngorongoro Crater and on to the Serengeti. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word 'Siringet' referring to an 'endless plain', the vast grassy plains being a distinctive feature of this large park. The Serengeti, is part of the stage for the famous migration, the largest single movement of wildlife on earth, as well as home to great concentrations of plains animals, with giraffe, elephant, rhino as well as lion and leopard.
It is a day's drive to the Tanzanian coast as we head south, with Kilimanjaro to be seen rising high above the surrounding savanna on a lucky day. On departures 17 June to 22 October we allow an extra day here for those who wish to trek to the mountain's base camp.
Reaching Zanzibar wander the winding, narrow streets and colourful bazaars of traditional Stone Town for a taste of Swahili culture. Take a spice tour for a glimpse of the history of the island's spice trade.
Enjoy fresh sea food in the evening food markets and a sundowner at Africa House as the traditional dhows sail into the harbour against the colours of sunset. Snorkel amongst colourful fish and corals in tropical waters , finishing your safari relaxing on the palm fringed white beaches of the Indian Ocean.