Johannesburg to Nairobi & Gorillas Safari

This Safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa and ends in Nairobi, Kenya.

We depart from " The City of Gold" Johannesburg and head for South Africa's premier Reserve, the Kruger National Park home of Africa's " Big 5".

From the Kruger we head over the Zimbabwe border and take in several highlights in Zimbabwe including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Antelope Park.

Its then a journey across Zambia to Lake Malawi, home to Africa's friendliest people. After spending a few days on the shores of this amazing lake we head to the Island of Zanzibar off the Tanzanian Coast with its rich African / Arab culture and white Sand beaches.

We then head back to the Tanzanian main land and on to Arusha, gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

From Tanzania we head to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve and across the border to hike for the Mountain Gorilla's in Uganda. We then head back across the Kenyan border whree we visit a few more National Parks in Kenya before your journey of a lifetime comes to and end in Nairobi.

DAY 1:  Johannesburg to Hazyview (Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park.  On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route - famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is just 8 km from the Kruger's Numbi Gate.  We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2:  Hazyview (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park.  Covering 21 497 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species.  23 000 different types of plants have been recorded.  We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these.  There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3:  Hazyview to Graskop (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop.  It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.  The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities.  We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.  Graskop's night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4:  Graskop to Musina (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we'll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines.  However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5:  Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition.  We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.  This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization.  The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means "great stone houses" in Shona.  Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6:  Masvingo to Gweru (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe's Midlands.  Here we stop over at The Antelope Park.  It is said "you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls... and the Antelope Park."  A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope!  We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7:  Gweru (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa's wildlife.

DAYS 8:  Gweru to Bulawayo (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe's second largest city.  Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon.  The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council.  Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9:  Bulawayo (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino.  This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle.  Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.  Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!)  We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10:  Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast / Lunch)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa's adventure capital, we set up camp in the town's centrally located campsite.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAY 11 and DAY 12 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Breakfast)

Victoria Falls is the setting for the next 2 exciting days spent either relaxing or making the most of all the adventure activities available. At Vic Falls, new passengers join the safari travel party as some of our companions head off.

OPTIONAL The excursions include day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round.  The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi river.

DAY 13 - From Victoria Falls to Livingstone, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Leaving Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls Bridge crossing over the mighty Zambezi River, we enter Livingstone town in Zambia. Now we can view Vic Falls from the Zambian banks of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, seizing another superb photo opportunity. Day 23 gives us the chance to participate in some activities only possible from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.  The nightfall brings with it the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise and dinner on the Zambezi River if you so choose.

DAY 14 - From Livingstone to Lusaka, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
On the next day we make an early start and head northwards, passing through southern Zambia to our next campsite. The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, the Zambian capital city. Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, shares the campsite with us.

DAY 15 - From Lusaka to Chipata, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We then move in a northeasterly direction finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.

DAYS 16 to 20 - From Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches, Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next we find out why. We stop in the administrative centre and capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi. Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets. The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in the catch using traditional fishing techniques. You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 21 - From Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We leave lake Malawi utterly relaxed after 5 days and enter Tanzania via the border post at Songwe.  We take in the beauty of the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations of the area as we head for our next night's stop, Iringa. The rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite in Iringa is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, worth savouring.

DAY 22 - From Iringa to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a good night's rest we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside.  The animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing. Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we find our lovely campsite set at the seaside and busy ourselves with preparations for our next leg of the journey. The next morning we embark on the trip into Zanzibar.

DAY 23 - From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry ride to the "Spice Island," where we have the choice of spending 3 nights. Zanzibar has a rich history being one of the major starting points for the bulk of explorations undertaken to discover new territories in East Africa. New passengers may join us, as some travel companions might opt to leave once we return fro the Zanzibar excursion.

KINDLY NOTE:  The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs go onto your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation.

DAYS 24 and 25 - On Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar has a lot to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to pleasant activities. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar have retained traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

An excursion on one of the spice plantation is an interesting experience in Zanzibar, famous for its spices.  Things to do include a trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, home to giant tortoises. A full days outing of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it as is the experience of fishing in a traditional dhow. 

The various restaurants offer a fantastic variety of the fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals enjoying dinner at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 26 - From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Dinner)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to Tanzanian shores and spend the night in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 27 - From Dar es Salaam to Arusha, Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Dar es Salaam we pass through expansive sisal plantations reaching Arusha.  We pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through Moshi town.  Moshi is a great place from which to catch a glimpse and photo of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear enough day. The town of Moshi forms the base for climbing expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro slopes to its snowy summit. The night is spent camping in scenic Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha. We then have the option of taking an excursion to the Serengeti and legendary Ngorongoro Crater.

DAYS 28 to 30 - Arusha / Ngorongoro Crater (optional) / Serengeti Trip (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The pleasant town of Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru and serves as the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. The excursions are run in locally operated 4WD vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.

If you choose not to visit the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater various options are available to you. The town of Arusha lies nearby for those wishing to explore. You can also explore the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next 2 days.

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) lying adjacent to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, which is a higher lying village with spectacular views over the surrounding hills. Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its idyllic scenery. After a pleasant night at the campsite in Karatu we depart early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. We drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area and deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater with its rich wildlife. The crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Excellent game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.

We take a game drive in the Crater, and move on down the rim of the crater passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti park. We camp in the heart of the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night. Next morning, we take a morning game drive and get to explore the surrounding landscape on the look out for game in the area. If we are lucky we get to see the famous 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) of Africa on our game drive. After the morning drive, we retrace our steps crossing over the plains and across the lush Ngorongoro Crater rim. Back in Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of wildlife encounters on the plains.

DAY 31 - From Arusha to Namanga, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The morning is set aside for exploring the city centre of Arusha with its bustling and vibrant craft markets. For lunch we head just out of town and after that we travel 120 km to reach the Tanzanian border with Kenya. We camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border after completing the formalities.

DAY 32:  Namanga to Nairobi, Kenya (Breakfast)

Still heading north this morning we travel 180 km to the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi.  Upon arrival, some passengers leave the group at the Hotel Boulevard, while the rest of us move on to our campsite for the night.

DAY 33 - From Nairobi to the Masai Mara, Kenya (Lunch / Dinner)

Next morning we collect the new passengers, joining us on the last part of our safari trip. Leaving the bustling streets of Nairobi behind us we climb the quiet slopes of the escarpment.  Our first stop overlooks the splendid Great Rift Valley.  We descend into the Rift Valley, entering Masai territory. In the past the Masai, habitually pastoralists, often tended their cattle in this area.  We pass through Narok, before arriving at Acacia Camp, outside of town. Acacia Camp looks over the Meguarra hills and the meandering stream that is a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 34 - The Masai Mara, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On the road early we spend the day game driving through the natural wilderness of this African region of vast plains, gently rolling hills and abundant game. The Masai Mara offers an awesome wildlife experience difficult to compete with.  We look out for the Big 5 of Africa.  Between July and October, we may get to witness the Great Migration of massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle reaching to numbers of over 2 million. At night we recollect our highlights from the annual migration or the game-viewing spectacle at the camp's fireside.

DAY 35 - From the Masai Mara to Kisumu, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The early morning sees us departing the Masai Mara, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau. We head for Kenya's harbour town, Kisumu, located on the banks of Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa's lakes.  Here we stock up on supplies and rest up.

DAY 36 - From Kisumu to Kampala, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala.  Uganda is a small country with landscapes of striking physical beauty.  The terrain varies from fertile green areas in the northern parts around the shores of Lake Victoria to Ruwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks in the west.  Even the semi-desert region in the north is captivating to behold.  The political instability seen in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialisation. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialisation than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.

DAY 37 and DAY 38 - From Kampala to Kisoro, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Departing from Kampala early in the morning we drive westwards to our Ugandan base of Kisoro town. 

From Kisoro, set at the foot of the Mufumbiro hills, members of our safari group can choose to take a memorable Mountain Gorilla trek. For those who decide to take up this amazing opportunity, we trek into the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks of Uganda, the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda or the Virunga National Park in the DRC, depending on the availability of trekking permits. The prices of trekking permits in the region change slightly over time and are subject to fluctuations without notice. The permits currently cost around 500 US$ depending on which area the trek takes place in. Over and above the permit fee is a local transport fee of between US$20 and US$25 per person. In addition to the trekking and transport fees we will have to purchase visas for entering the Congo or Rwanda to trek.  We will also have to renew Ugandan visas when re-entering the country. Please note the costs and budget accordingly.

The following are the Trekking Procedures that are to be followed:
The mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are amongst our closest living relatives. Only about 700 mountain gorillas remain. Visiting these gentle primates in their natural habitat is a unique experience worth cherishing and certainly remembered forever.  On a daily basis the park rangers monitor the gorillas giving them a fairly good idea of where the gentle giants are.  They are however free roaming wild animals, which means that sightings are not always guaranteed. In the unlikely event of the gorillas completely eluding us, the authorities generally allow for a second trekking opportunity.  This is purely at the discretion of the authorities and subject to the availability of permits, and as such this will not be confirmed in writing. 

As a major supplier of gorilla trekkers to each park, we have a high success rate in obtaining gorilla permits and ensuring sightings.  Several rules and conditions apply for health and safety reasons. We leave camp in the early morning and after the necessary border formalities we are transferred to a ranger's station where the trek begins. The trek rangers lead you through the cultivated lands, into the dense rain forest and on to see a family of mountain gorillas. The Gorilla trek can take between 45 minutes and 8 hours. Trekking can be relatively strenuous, requiring a reasonable level of fitness.  In order to prevent the gorillas from catching diseases carried by people or becoming overly familiar with humans, the maximum time permitted with the gorillas is 1 hour.  This allows for ample time for viewing the gorillas' activities and taking photographs.  Rangers provide background information on the gorilla family being visited.  Once the hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest back to your meeting point.

The animals are not being exploited as the increasing number of tourists trekking them plays an important role in their survival. Park authorities use 100% of the gorilla permit cost paid by tourists to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas. Money is used to protect these primates from poachers and the lethal snares they set and on promoting these precious animals.

DAY 39 - From Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We drive through what is arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, arriving at Lake Bunyoni.  This is the deepest crater lake in Africa and Lake Bunyoni is home to a large number of various beautiful birds.

DAY 40 - At Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today is for resting and re-energising after being more or less on the go for 39 days. We spend the whole day taking in the beautiful Lake Bunyoni. Options for the restless and curious include visiting the local village or church, simply taking it easy, and canoeing or swimming in the tranquil Bunyoni. Yet more energetic amongst us can enjoy a hike in the surrounding hills.

DAY 41 - From Lake Bunyoni to Kampala, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.  We then cross the Equator for the second time on our safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo.  We overnight in Kampala, possibly for a sample of the nightlife it has to offer.

DAY 42 - From Kampala to Jinja, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities. In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project.  We then spend the afternoon relaxing on the river's banks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area.

DAY 43 - From Jinja to Nakuru, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

With the 'Pearl of Africa' behind us we return to Kenya. Back in Kenya we sleep over in one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province, Nakuru.

DAY 44 - In Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before beginning our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to the edge of its soda lake. The flamingo numbers vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low. We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope varieties and occasionally hippos too. We spend the night at a bush camp inside the Lake Nakuru Park.

DAY 45 - From Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Heading further east, we reach the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. If time allows we spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions. Excursion choices include visits to Elsamere (the former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a bike ride in Hell's Gate National Park or a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Our last night is spent on the banks of Lake Naivasha in a lovely campsite.

DAY 46 - In Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya (Breakfast)

On the last day, after sharing breakfast we head back to Nairobi, meeting in the early afternoon at Hotel Boulevard.  We exchange contact details and bid farewell to the friends and travel companions who shared the safari trip of a lifetime taking with us the precious memories!

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