Gorillas, Safari & Zanzibar

Day 1: Kigali (Rwanda)

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. Accommodation for the duration of the tour is based on twin share, so you will also meet your 'room mate' today. Those who have booked a single room for their pre accommodation will now be transferred to a twin room. A pre-departure meeting will take place 6pm at the hotel. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Kigali has to offer (own expense). It is vital to re confirm any flights in to Rwanda. These schedules change regularly and often by more than a few hours. These must be checked to save any problems with your arrival.

Day 2: Kigali - Ruhengeri (Rwanda)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we visit the Genocide Memorial which opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst the genocide occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at this memorial will be an emotionally moving and important way to understand the sheer courage and resilience of people of this beautiful, tiny nation. Leaving the Genocide Memorial we take a two hour drive through the verdant, rolling hills of Rwanda, travelling north-west to Ruhengeri. We set up our first camp in the shadow of the volcanoes that are home to mountain gorillas and prepare for our gorilla trek.

Day 3: Parc National des Volcans - Gorilla Trek (Rwanda) - Kisoro (Uganda)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) This morning we check in at the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans for our gorilla trek. The Parc National des Volcans cover an area where a chain of volcanoes link to form a natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bamboo and rainforest covers the slopes of the park, providing the perfect sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. After a brief safety talk we set off with our guide in search of these magnificent apes. Our guide is fluent in English and will pass on information to us that will ensure we understand more about the gorillas and how they live. The gorilla families may either be close or further afield and they may also be on the move, whilst we are trekking. Be prepared for what can be a long and tough climb in damp and humid conditions, and our guides may have to use their machetes to cut paths for us to pass through. We are likely to get within metres of the family we are tracking and will be able to spend an hour observing these magnificent primates. Please note that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases and you should advise your guide if you are suffering from a cold or anything similar. It would be irresponsible to risk the health of even one of the last 700 remaining mountain gorillas that are still living in their natural habitat. Returning to base we travel to the border, where we exit Rwanda and enter Uganda. Our campsite tonight is in Kisoro, where we have the chance to relive the events of the day over a well-earned meal and a celebratory drink.

Day 4-5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours; game drive times variable) From Kisoro we travel to Kabale and on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our drive to Kabale reveal glimpses of rural Ugandan life and we are sure to be greeted by many waves from the children on the roadsides along the way. This drive is only 80 kilometres, but takes about three hours as we have to negotiate two mountain passes. On arrival we embark on an afternoon game drive in search of some of the 100 different types of mammals and over 600 different species of birds that have been identified in the park. This national park certainly has one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world! We spend two nights camped in the Mweya area, located on the edge of the Kazinga Channel. The following morning is spent game driving, whilst our afternoon is set aside for enjoying a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Whilst rhino, giraffe, zebra and impala are not encountered here, the other main species are all present along with some rare ones such as Ugandan kob, sitatunga, giant forest hog and topi. The afternoon's boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a highlight for all, but especially so for birdwatchers. Many species can be sighted including the bizarre looking shoebill (or whale-headed) stork, which stands over one metre in height! The Kazinga Channel is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippoptamuses, but interestingly not many crocodiles!

Day 6: Entebbe (Uganda)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) Leaving Queen Elizabeth National Park we travel to Entebbe. Our drive takes us back south across the equator, although we cross again back into the northern hemisphere before reaching Entebbe. We pause at the equator for a photo opportunity and to learn all there is to know about being equidistant from the earth's poles. We arrive to our campground at Entebbe in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Jinja (Uganda)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) From Entebbe we travel by boat to Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria, where we visit a chimpanzee sanctuary. Covered by rainforest, this island is home to 39 orphaned chimpanzees and here we have the opportunity to observe these cheeky primates close to their natural habitat. We suggest you take a packed lunch, as only drinks and dry snacks are available on the island. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and swimming gear. After leaving Ngamba Island we return northwards to Jinja and nearby Bujagali Falls, our campsite for the following two nights.

Day 8: Jinja - Nile River (Uganda)

Jinja is located at the point where Lake Victoria empties into the Victoria Nile, which merges with the Albert Nile to later become the White Nile River. John Hanning Speke proclaimed Jinja to be the source of the Nile in 1858, but this was disproved in 2004 and the true source of the Nile is now accepted to be a small stream in Nungwe, Rwanda. Our campsite at Bujagali Falls is on the banks of the river, a spectacular spot, situated on a section with raging rapids, forested islands and an abundance of bird life. These falls have become east Africa's adventure centre and we can be enticed by optional activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, horse riding and quad biking.

Day 9: Kericho (Kenya)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) A long drive covering 350 kilometres takes us from the Nile River to the Kenyan Highlands. Leaving Jinja we pass lush banana and tea plantations before reaching Busia border post - one of the busiest in east Africa. From here we cross again into the southern hemisphere and pass through Kisumu and get our final glimpse of Lake Victoria. The road then continues into Kenya's western highlands, the agricultural heartland of the country. Vast tea plantations cover the region around Kericho and our campsite is located in the midst of an actual plantation. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to learn more about the tea industry in Kenya and how the crop is cultivated. Please note that the tea tour will be included if time permits. Time may be reduced according to road conditions, hours of daylight (season) and tour times of the tea factory.

Day 10: Nakuru - East Africa Mission Orphanage (Kenya)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Today we travel down to the town of Nakuru to stock up on supplies before reaching the East Africa Mission Orphanage, where we camp on its grounds. This afternoon we will be able to meet the children and this evening we share dinner with them at the orphanage. They love to practice their English skills and also are excited to know more about the world - be warned they will have lots of questions for you over dinner! The East Africa Mission Orphanage looks after more than 200 children ranging in age from just a few days old to 18 years of age. The complete needs of the children, including full school education, are provided for by the orphanage. This orphanage is actually the result of the dream of one family, who arrived in Kenya in 1997 with nothing more than two suitcases each. It is a charitable institution, registered with the Kenyan Government for the purposes of caring for the thousands of homeless orphans, who would end up either dying a premature death through malnutrition, walking the streets in search of food or turning to prostitution as a means of survival. The orphanage is taking up the challenge to reach out to these children before they have to fend for themselves out in the streets. We are proud to help support the efforts of this family and their incredible orphanage, and are excited to be able to take clients right into the orphanage itself!

Day 11: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage (Kenya)

(Driving time: game drive times variable) This morning we travel to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day of game driving. Lake Nakuru is particularly noted for its populations of white and black rhino, Cape buffalo and the elusive leopard. Many other animals abound here including the Masai giraffe, which is often sighted quite close to the many roads in the park. Lake Nakuru is one of several soda lakes in the Rift Valley. Rich in algae, it attracts large quantities of flamingos and at times the surface of the lake resembles a moving carpet of pink feathers. In the evening we return to our camp in the orphanage.

Day 12: East Africa Mission Orphanage - Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we spend time with the children of the orphanage in their classrooms. The East Africa Mission Orphanage looks after more than 200 children ranging in age from 2 to 20 years of age. We get to sit in on class with the children and join some of them in their lessons. The children are taught by paid, qualified local teachers, according to the curriculum of the Kenyan school system. However they also receive the additional benefit of having all their classes conducted in both English and Swahili, which assists them to learn English fluently. After packing up camp, we bid farewell to the children of the orphanage and head to the nearby freshwater Lake Naivasha, where we set up camp on the banks of the lake. Tonight we can fall asleep to the sound of grunting hippos! This afternoon is at leisure to take in one of the optional activities of the area. You may choose to visit Elsamere, the former home of writer Joy Adamson of 'Born Free' fame, and learn about her life and work, before enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea. Alternatively you can take a cycling tour into Hell's Gate National Park, to try game viewing on two wheels! Another great option is a nature walk in Crescent Island Sanctuary to see just how close you can get to the resident animals such as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest, on foot. Please note that these activities will be offered if time permits and are at additional expense. Time may be reduced according to road conditions and hours of daylight (season).

Day 13-14: Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we travel to the town of Narok and onto the Masai Mara region, where we spend two nights in a comfortable tented camp on the edge of the reserve - a welcome break from pitching our tents! As dusk falls we may see a variety of animals in the vicinity and listen to the sounds of the African night from our camp. We explore the park on morning and afternoon game drives and witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabit this area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful and, with luck, we may spot lion or cheetah keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephant, giraffe and eland are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. Whilst in the region, we also have time to experience some of the Masai culture and you may choose to visit a local village, where you may experience the dancing and singing for which the Masai are renowned.

Day 15: Nairobi (Kenya)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours plus) Leaving the beauty of the Masai Mara behind we travel back through the Great Rift Valley and up the escarpment towards Nairobi. We pause at one of the viewpoints to gain a perspective on the size of the valley before continuing to Kenya's capital, Nairobi. If time allows you may wish to make an optional visit to one of its many attractions. The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the home of the Danish writer who wrote an autobiography which was turned into an award-winning film, 'Out of Africa'. The Langata Giraffe Centre enables you to feed endangered Rothschild's Giraffe and the recently opened National Museum is excellent and considered among the best on the continent. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Nairobi has to offer (own expense).

Day 16: Arusha (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) Starting early this morning we traverse the 'wildlife corridor' between Nairobi and Arusha, also known as the 'safari capital' of Tanzania. This town buzzes with activity, and you can expect to see several safaris heading off – or returning after a week in the bush. On arrival we set up camp on the outskirts of town and enjoy our surrounds. Our campsite is located at Meserani Snake Park and Masai Museum. The snake park is home to a variety of snakes common to east Africa, from the black mamba to the African python, as well as monitor lizards, tortoises and crocodiles. The adjoining Masai Museum centres on the culture, customs and dress of the Masai tribes. The Meserani Project works closely with the local community, providing antidote treatment for snake bites and other basic health service, free of charge, to the local Masai communities.

Day 17: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Taking a break from our overland vehicle and bidding farewell to our driver and cook for the next three days, we transfer into 4WD vehicles for our expedition to Serengeti National Park. We stop on the top of the Rift Valley escarpment for an incredible view out over Lake Manyara before continuing westward to our next destination - the great plains of the Serengeti. These massive grasslands seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, and even beyond! Over a million wildebeest roam through the park, along with a multitude of antelope species and significant populations of lion and cheetah. We spend two days exploring the plains on game drives as well as checking out the rocky outcrops, or 'kopjes', which are a favourite resting spot for the predators. We spend two nights camping inside the park - perfectly situated for the opportunity to hear the night time serenade of the African savannah. Please note that the campsites in Serengeti National Park are run by the national park administration and are the only public campsites available. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. The facilities are quite basic, but the opportunity to camp in the middle of the Serengeti Plains is a real highlight and an experience that you are unlikely to forget.

Day 18: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

(Game drive times variable) Home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, Serengeti National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Today we will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. We will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where we get to enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, our drive could sometimes be a continuous one that last all day and involves returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 19: Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours; game drive times variable) Departing Serengeti National Park, we head back eastward to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At the heart of this is the crater, which is a volcanic caldera some 20 kilometres wide that contains an abundance of wildlife and bird life. Ngorongoro is often referred to as a microcosm of Africa, with forest and grasslands, as well as freshwater and soda lakes. We head down to the crater floor, where we spend time exploring this outstanding wildlife sanctuary. The crater is home to several black rhinos and, with luck, we may have the opportunity to seeing some of these highly endangered animals. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) After an exciting visit to the crater we continue to the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. There is a nearby Masai village that you may visit (own expense) to learn more about the unique culture and traditions of this proud tribe. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market which you can wander through. Alternatively you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the campsite.

Day 20: School of St Jude - Arusha (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We head back to our Arusha campsite where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook. We then visit a very special school in Arusha. The School of St Jude was founded in 2002 by Gemma, a young Australian woman, for orphans and very poor children of Arusha. The school was founded on Gemma's belief that not only was a good and accessible education a right for all children in the world but without it, Africa's rate of development would continue to lag behind the rest of the world. Under the banner of 'Fighting Poverty through Education' the school provides a totally free education to over 90% of the pupils, including supplying transport, uniform, stationery, snacks, water and a hot meal. The opportunity for sponsorship at St Jude is given to the brighest and most ambitious children of extremely poor families, after a series of tests designed to measure potential and poverty levels. Whilst on a guided tour of the school we are given more information on how it operates and the success that it has achieved. We have time to visit children in class, before joining them for tea. Our time here is certain to touch our souls and fill us full of optimism.

Day 21: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 11 hours) From Arusha we travel past Mount Kilimanjaro which, on a clear day, may give us a splendid view of the snow-capped Uhuru peak. We cover a lot of ground today, through changing mountain and coastal scenery, as we make our way toward Dar es Salaam - the former capital of Tanzania. With over 2.5 million people, it is still the country's largest city and main administrative centre. We spend a night here at a beachside camp - a chance to experience a large African city before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.

Day 22: Stone Town - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We say goodbye to our overland vehicle for four days and catch a ferry for the 1½ hour crossing to the famous spice island of Zanzibar, where we spend our first night in the evocative and historic Stone Town.

Day 23-24: Nungwi Beach - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next two days are spent on the idyllic north coast near the beachside village of Nungwi. This is located at the northern tip of the island and is a major place for construction of dhows (traditional Arabic sailing vessels). Here we also experience white sandy beaches and a warm tropical sea, making it a great place to chill out and relax. Our days in paradise are sure to prove a most welcome break in the midst of our long overland adventure.

Day 25: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour; ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We spend a final morning on the beach which allows us an opportunity to grab some last minute bargains, such as the colourful Zanzibari 'katanga'. Similar to a sarong, 'katangas' can be used as a scarf, towel, wrap or blanket. We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland and spend our final night back in Dar es Salaam.

Day 26: Dar es Salaam

Our tour finishes after breakfast in Dar es Salaam. Transfers to Dar es Salaam Airport and/or post-tour accommodation are available at an additional cost.

Tour Grade: Wildlife

Take your pick: hunt for tigers in northern India, listen to monkey chatter and birdsong in the jungles of Costa Rica and Peru or gawp at the Galapagos’ diversity. And of course, there's the big one: Africa. The names alone evoke images of wildlife: the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger. And the reality’s even better. Africa’s got the lot, so go beyond the Big Five by hiking to close encounters with gorillas in Uganda’s forests, walking with lions at Zimbabwe’s Antelope Park, or canoeing past crocs on the Okavango Delta. From the Cape’s loveable penguins to Egypt’s loping camels, Africa’s animals await.