Gorillas, Gameparks & Beaches
Gorillas, Gameparks & Beaches
Gorillas, Gameparks & Beaches

Gorillas, Gameparks & Beaches

From: 
Regular price
$16,290.00
Sale price
$16,290.00

Uganda - Rwanda - Kenya - Tanzania

Small Group Safari (min 8, max 18 passengers)
31 nights / 32 days

2024 Departures:  09 Jun; 21 Jul (FULL); 01 Sep; 13 Oct
 
2025 Departures:  08 Jun; 20 Jul (FULL); 31 Aug; 12 Oct
 
 

The ultimate East African safari that encompasses four countries and incudes picturesque lake stays, colourful tribes, bustling cities, trekking gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda, game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and ending with a few days relaxing on the island of Zanzibar.

Highlights:

  • Stand on the Equator - one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern
  • See athletic chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Cruise on the Kazinga Chanel packed full of hippos & crocodiles
  • Rwanda – land of a thousand hills with breath-taking natural beauty
  • Trek to the mighty gorillas in the Virunga Mountains
  • Swim, cruise, relax at Lake Bunyonyi
  • Explore the Nile River and surrounds near Jinja
  • Enjoy pure mountain air and unspoilt landscapes in the Kenyan Highlands
  • Farm stay in Nakuru
  • Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Visit ‘Elsamere’ and cruise on Lake Naivasha
  • Game drives in the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara
  • Visit and learn about the Maasai tribespeople
  • Get up close to baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Animal Trust
  • Game drives in the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
  • Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the Chagga tribespeople
  • Zanzibar – history, architecture, spices and beaches

Day 1: Kampala (UGANDA)

Jambo! Welcome to Africa. Be sure to get an East African Visa on arrival. Arrive into Entebbe Airport. Once you have cleared Immigration and Customs, proceed to the Arrivals area and look for a driver holding The Safari Co sign. You will then be transferred to Kampala, Uganda's capital. The rest of the day is at leisure so you can relax after your flight. This evening you can dine at the hotel restaurant or go into the city.

Day 2: Fort Portal (BLD)

Leaving Kampala in the morning, drive west to Fort Portal. This laidback town lies in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in a heartland of lush tea-growing plantations.

Day 3: Fort Portal (BLD)

The Kibale Forest is 766km2 and largely comprises of rainforest where 60 mammal and 335 bird species reside, as well as many different insects and plants. There are 13 primate species, of which the chimpanzees are a star attraction. Today you will be driven deep in to the forest to meet your guides who will escort you through the park to look for these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Sometimes high up in trees, sometimes on the ground playing – wherever you find a chimpanzee community – you will be left in awe of their strong family ties and their amazing agility. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel, or explore the town & surrounds.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)

Your destination today is Queen Elizabeth National Park which is especially scenic, with two lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula. Arrive after lunch and take an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. It is well worth the trip to see the thousands of hippo, abundant bird life and busy fishing village. This evening we dine in the lodge’s scenic restaurant overnight the Kazinga.

Day 5: Kigali (BL)

Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park in the morning and drive through to Rwanda, crossing the border at Gatuna. Once in Rwanda drive to the capital city of Kigali. Your hotel has a popular restaurant for you to sample this evening.

Day 6: Ruhengeri (BLD)

A sobering few hours will be spent at the Genocide Museum in the morning, followed by a visit to the carving and curio markets. In the afternoon you will drive through stunning scenery and steep-terraced farmland to Ruhengeri where you will be based for the next two days. The hotel has a lively rooftop bar and is only 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of town.

Day 7: Ruhengeri (BLD)

Free day to explore the town and surrounding areas. You might like to hike in to The Volcanoes national Park to visit Diane Fossey’s graveside, a canoe trip down the Mukungwa River through rural Rwanda, or a visit to The Gorilla Museum set up by The Diane Fossey Fund.

Day 8: Kisoro (BLD)

A short drive this morning back into Uganda through the border at Cyanika. Afternoon at leisure to relax, have a look around the town and prepare your gear for the gorilla trek tomorrow.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Day (BLD)

You will be picked up early in the morning and taken to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park entrance. From here you will be split into groups of 8 with a guide and park rangers, then begin your hike in the rain forest to see the magnificent mountain gorillas. Expect to trek between 1 – 5 hours through thick forest with overhanging vines, moss covered trees and Giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. Depending on where the gorillas are, you may have to go off the track and climb steeply through thick bush. After all the effort of your climb, you will be overawed when you finally come across a family of gorillas. There are less than 900 mountain gorillas in the world and nothing could be more of a privilege than to spend an hour watching them as they go about their daily routine of feeding, playing, cleaning and resting in their own territory. An unforgettable experience! After the trek you will be taken to Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi (BLD)

The Lake is reputed to be one of the deepest in Africa and is fantastic for swimming in. The surrounding hills are the home of the Bakiga people who are cultivators by tradition. You will spend the morning visiting a local school then back to the truck for lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon boat cruise around the islands.

Day 11: Jinja (BLD)

It is a reasonably long drive through to Jinja where you will spend the next few nights. The luxuriant vegetation covering the river banks, and the diversity of bird life attracted by the multitude of fish, complete a stunning vista as you sip a cold drink in the camp bar overlooking the Nile River.

Day 12: Jinja (BL)

Free day. Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Horse Riding, Village Walks, Birding and Fishing on the Nile are just some of the optional activities available for you to do here.

Day 13: Kenya Highlands (BLD)

Today cross into Kenya where you will stay up in the highlands just outside of Eldoret. The river camp is a laid-back resort with a pool, shady gardens and a very vibrant bar with unique furnishings.

Day 14: Nakuru (BLD)

This morning drive through the very picturesque Eldama Ravine to Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley. Accommodation is in self-contained cottages on a working farm with beautiful gardens and excellent facilities. You can spend the afternoon going on a farm walk and/or visit the Kenana knitters’ project.

Day 15: Lake Nakuru (BLD)

Today enter Lake Nakuru National Park and spend the day game driving. This compact park is packed with wildlife. The soda lake has over 400 species of birdlife - an ornithologist’s paradise. It is also home to both the black and white rhino, and where some scenes from the movie "Out of Africa" were filmed.

Day 16: Lake Naivasha (BLD)

This afternoon arrive at Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride on the lake viewing hippos, fish eagles and birdlife before arriving at Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy & George Adamson. Joy became world famous for her pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her bestselling book and subsequent film, Born Free. After a video presentation on the life of the Adamsons, savour a delicious afternoon tea in the garden.

Day 17: Masai Mara (BLD)

Today drive into the Masai Mara stopping along the way for lunch. As you get closer to the park you will see herds of goats & cows wandering in a cloud of dust the vast plains, dutifully watched by their Maasai owners. Enter the main gate by mid-afternoon and drive through to Sekenani Camp, each tent is situated on a raised platform with ensuite bathroom complete with a full length bathtub!

Day 18: Masai Mara (BLD)

Spend the day game driving around the park through vast herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Hopefully you will also spot some of The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant & buffalo). The Masai Mara is quite simply one of the greatest wildlife attractions in the world and at this time of year (July to Oct) we should see the migration which is spectacular. We will stop at the Mara River for a short guided walk and see what animals might be around the river at the time. In the afternoon you will visit a Maasai village to meet the locals and learn about some of their age-old customs and the way they live their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Day 19: Nairobi (BL)

Today journey through the Rift Valley and up the escarpment where there will be a stop for photo opportunities, before continuing on to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Tonight you might like to eat in the famous Carnivoures Restaurant which is located in the grounds of the hotel.

Day 20: Nairobi (B)

Free day to kick back, catch up on your washing, emails, shopping etc. There is a good choice of restaurants and bars close-by, plus a modern supermarket where you can stock up on personal supplies. Option to visit the nearby elephant orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Day 21: Karatu (BLD)

Today cross into Tanzania via the Namanga border and drive through Arusha and the northern highlands. After climbing the Manyara Escarpment, the vegetation becomes more lush and green, especially around the highlands of Karatu where you will overnight. The extinct volcano of Ol Deani has gentle slopes and is a prominent feature of the landscape.

Day 22: Serengeti (BLD)

You will be picked up this morning in 4WD vehicles and driven to The Serengeti National Park. The largest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti is famous for its migratory herd of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, along with masses of zebra and their predators. This afternoon is a game drive before arriving at your tented camp.

Day 23: Serengeti - Ngorongoro (BLD)

Morning game drive before travelling across the plains to Naabi Hill where a stop will be made for lunch. In the afternoon continue on to Ngorongoro where you will overnight on the edge of the crater rim.

Day 24: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha (BL)

Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera covering 264km2. Measuring over 16km across and 610 metres deep, it is home to many animals including black rhino, hyena, jackal and the densest lion population in the world. This morning descend into the crater for a game drive then after lunch drive back to Arusha where you will overnight.

Day 25: Arusha - Marangu (BD)

Today visit Shanga River House. The Shanga Foundation was set up to provide locals with disabilities the chance to learn a craft and earn a living. You will be impressed with the unique and quality products which have been handmade from recycled materials. You will have lunch there at the restaurant. Later this afternoon arrive in Marangu, which is situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Your accommodation for the next two nights has magnificent views of the mountain.

Day 26: Marangu (BLD)

Today you will learn about the Chagga people – Bantu speaking indigenous Africans and the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania. Take a walk through the village with a local guide, wander through banana and coffee plantations, visit a picturesque waterfall where you are free to have a swim in the refreshing water. Finally explore the caves – an elaborate system of underground tunnels and caves once used to hide the Chagga people and livestock from marauding Maasai.

Day 27: Stone Town, Zanzibar (TANZANIA) (B)

Today you will take a domestic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar and transfer to “Town”. Little has changed in the last 200 years in Stone Town. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. The afternoon is free to explore the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Later watch the sun sink into the sea over a cocktail before dinner.

Day 28: Spice Tour, Zanzibar - Nungwi (B)

Fragrant cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade to Zanzibar. Your half day tour will wow you with the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. Later this afternoon drive to Nungwi Beach at the northern end of the island.

Day 29 - 30: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar (B)

Two free days to relax and unwind at Nungwi Beach. Diving, fishing and sailing on a Dhow are just some of the optional activities you can do here. At the end of the day there are plenty of bars to savours a sunset cocktail and a variety of beachside restaurants to dine in.

Day 31: Nungwi - Stone Town, Zanzibar (B)

Today head back to Stone Town where you will have free time to do some last minute shopping. Your last night together will be spent over a fine meal and refreshments whilst taking stock of your whole adventure.

Day 32: Zanzibar Departure (B)

You will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport today for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 31 nights’ accommodation as indicated
  • Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
  • Sightseeing as indicated
  • Services of experienced driver/guide plus camp/cook assistant
  • Fully equipped safari vehicle, with camping / cooking equipment
  • All road tolls, vehicle taxes, National Park entry fee
  • Airport transfers on Day 1 & Day 32 between 6.00am and 6.00p
  • Domestic flight Kilimanjaro - Zanzibar

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International Airfares
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit (US$840 per person includes booking fee and transport)
  • Chimpanzee Trekking permit (US$280 per person – includes booking fee)
  • Travel Insurance - mandatory
  • Entry Visa to all countries (purchased at border)
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. drinks, souvenirs)
  • Gratuities
  • Any other optional activities you choose to take yourself

Accommodation based on the following or similar

Day 1: Kampala (UGANDA)

Silver Springs Hotel or similar

Day 2: Fort Portal (BLD)

Mountains of the Moon Hotel or similar

Day 3: Fort Portal (BLD)

Mountains of the Moon Hotel or similar

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)

Mweya Lodge or similar

Day 5: Kigali (BL)

Chez Lando Hotel or similar

Day 6: Ruhengeri (BLD)

The Pastoral Centre of our Lady Fatima Hotel or similar

Day 7: Ruhengeri (BLD)

The Pastoral Centre of our Lady Fatima Hotel or similar

Day 8: Kisoro (BLD)

Ikoro Hotel or similar

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Day (BLD)

Bunyonyi Overland Resort – ensuite room or similar

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi (BLD)

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort – ensuite room or similar

Day 11: Jinja (BLD)

Nile Porch – permanent tent with ensuite or similar

Day 12: Jinja (BD)

Nile Porch – permanent tent with ensuite or similar

Day 13: Kenyan Highlands (BLD)

Naiberi River Camp – ensuite room or similar

Day 14: Nakuru (BLD)

Kembu Farm Cottages or similar

Day 15: Lake Nakuru (BLD)

Kembu Farm Cottages or similar

Day 16: Lake Naivasha (BLD)

Fish Eagle Lodge or similar

Day 17: Masai Mara (BLD)

Sekenani Camp – permanent tent with ensuite or similar

Day 18: Masai Mara (BLD)

Sekenani Camp – permanent tent with ensuite or similar

Day 19: Nairobi (BL)

Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar

Day 20: Nairobi (B)

Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar

Day 21: Karatu (BLD)

Kudu Lodge or similar

Day 22: Serengeti (BLD)

Kati Kati Camp – permanent tent with ensuite or similar

Day 23: Serengeti-Ngorongoro (BLD)

Rhino Lodge or similar

Day 24: Ngorongoro Crater (BLD)

Mr Meru Hotel or similar

Day 25: Marangu (BD)

Marangu Hotel or similar

Day 26: Marangu (BLD)

Marangu Hotel or similar

Day 27: Stone Town, Zanzibar (TANZANIA) (B)

Forodhani Park Hotel or similar

Day 28: Spice Tour, Zanzibar - Nungwi (B)

Amaan Bungalows or similar

Days 29-30: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar (B)

Amaan Bungalows or similar

Day 31: Stone Town Zanzibar (B)

Forodhani Park Hotel or similar

Gorilla & Chimpanzee permit costs are subject to change at any time.

GORILLA TREKKING: A good level of fitness is required. You need to be sure-footed and be able to walk up rough terrain for up to 4 hours. The treks start at around 1500 metres above sea-level and can go up over 2500 metres so the effects of the high altitude often slows trekkers up. The trek will go at the pace of the slowest walker, stop for regular breathers, and at no time will you be made to rush. Walking sticks are provided. If you would like a porter to carry your day-pack, this is possible for a fee of approximately US$10.

 
IS THIS SAFARI FOR YOU ?
  • These safaris are designed for travellers aged 40+  
  • The average age group is 55-65 years of age. If you have a sense of adventure, get on with people from all walks of life, don't mind getting a bit dusty during the day, and have a reasonable level of fitness and health then you are perfectly suited to our safaris!  
  • If you are travelling solo and would like to twin share with same gender, we will endeavour to find you a room mate.
  • If you are aged 75+ we will require a Medical Certificate confirming your fitness for the safari.
TRANSPORTATION:
East Africa:
Scania Series 4 | 260 hp
  • Coach seats for up to 18 guests
  • Air bag suspension
  • Roll up PVC sides for unencumbered views
  • Open air bench seat behind cab for game viewing
  • Secure safe for money and passports
  • 250 litre water tank providing free safe drinking water
  • Cool boxes to keep food chilled
  • Camp stools
  • Charging facilities for NZ or UK plugs
  • PA system
MEALS:

The Safari Company are are renowned for providing wholesome tasty meals using fresh ingredients. We cook outside on charcoal and gas BBQs. Meals are served buffet-style on a main table and we have camp stools to sit on.  

Most days we include 3 meals (specified in itinerary):
B - Breakfast (cereal, fresh fruit, toast, tea, coffee along with cooked options eg. eggs, bacon, sausage)
L - Lunch (cold meat, salad, bread, fruit, juice)
D - Dinner (vegetable soup, meat & vegetables, eg. bbq, curry, stew)

ACCOMMODATION:

Safaris feature a variety of accommodation including upmarket lodges, first class hotels, unique cottages/chalets, permanent tents with ensuites.  

Bush camping is only on our Southern Explorer safari.  Roomy dome tents high enough to stand up in and a 50mm mattress. You will bring your own sleeping bag.

ON THE ROAD:
Africa is huge and we do need to do some long days on the road to get to our favourite destinations. The roads vary between modern bitumen highways to bumpy dusty tracks and everything in between but there's always something interesting to view from your seat high up on the truck. Toilet stops are often roadside behind a bush - Africa is not blessed with a lot of public toilets outside of the cities. The truck is naturally air-conditioned with fresh air blowing in the window.
Getting onboard the truck is via steepish steps but once on-board you are rewarded with fantastic views and the sweet sounds and smells of Africa. On our Eastern safaris there is the opportunity to sit up above the cab in the open air.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country.   Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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