Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari

The Safar starts in Nairobi, Kenya and finishes in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Our first stop after departing Nairobi is the Masai Mara National Park, Kenya's top NP and home to Africa's "Big 5".

We then cross the border in search of the Mountain Gorilla's of Uganda. From Uganda its back to Kenya in search of wildlife in several other National Parks before we head South Arusha in Tanzania gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

We leave the shores of Tanzania to the Island of Zanzibar with its white sand beaches and rich Arab / African Cultural life.

From Zanzibar we head South to the shores of Lake Malawi for some down time before continuing out journey across Zambia to the mightly Victoria Falls, the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa.

Its then a short journey across the Botswanan Border to Chobe NP, and the spectacular Okavango Delta.

We then head South across the South African border to South Africa' premier Reserve, the Kruger National Park.

Our Safari ends in Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of the African continent.

DAY 1 - From Nairobi to the Masai Mara, Kenya (Lunch / Dinner)

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 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 and DAY 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - At Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today is for resting and re-energising after being more or less on the go for 50 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 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - In Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we make our way back to the city of Nairobi.  Our stop in Nairobi is the Hotel Boulevard, where we deliver the passengers who'll be ending their trip here. We then head for our campsite for the night.

DAY 15:  Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (Lunch / Dinner)

This morning some additional travellers will join us for the next section of our adventure.   From Nairobi we cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga and head in a Southerly direction. We will spend the evening at a great campsite on the outskirts of Arusha at a place called Meserani. We will plan for our optional excursion into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

DAYS 16 to 18 - 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 19:  Arusha to Pangani (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We spend the morning in Arusha checking out the various markets in the town before we start our journey southward to Dar es Salaam, the Capital City of Tanzania. We will pass through the town of Moshi, gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro which will give us the opportunity to view this beautiful Mountain. One of the World's Seven Peaks.( Thats if the weather plays along)! Along the way we travel through many sisal plantations which are surrounded by the Para Mountain Range and the Usambara Mountain Range. We will spend the night at a campsite between these two great Mountain Ranges which is about half way between the town of Arusha and Dar ( As Dar es Salaam is affectionatly known).

DAY 20:  Pangani to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

In the early morning we continue our journey towards Dar, we will travel through some amazing scenery along our journey. On reaching Dar we head towards our campsite which is located on the warm Indian Ocean where we will make preperations for our trip to Zanzibar the next day.

DAY 21 - 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 22 and 23 - 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 24 - 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 25:  Dar es Salaam to Iringa (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam continue our journey in a Southerly direction.  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. We travcel to the town of Iringa where we overnight in the rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite located in Iringa which is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, both treats worth savouring.

DAYS 26 to 30:  Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We continue our journey in a southerly direction where we will travel through the Tukuya banana and tea plantations which are a beautiful site. We ender Malawi through the Songwe Border post. Welcome to the land of Africa' friendliest people!

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 31:  Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we will set up camp in a great little campsite just over the border (10km's to be precise).

DAY 32:  Chipata to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Chipata, we begin our journey to our next campsite which is located on the outskirts of Zambia's Capital, Lusaka. If your lucky you will spot some wildlife at the campsite including Eland, Africa's largest Antelope.

DAY 33:  Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Once again its an early morning wake up where we start our journey heading to the Town of Livingstone.  Victoria Falls is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya locally, which means "the Smoke that Thunders" . the falls is spectacular is is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's longest waterfall, and is simply magical to behold!  The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia  which allows for great photographic oppurtunities. If you feel up to it, you can decide to take an optional dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY 34:  Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

This morning we cross over the Victoria Falls Bride into Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. Vic Falls town is the undisputed heavyweight Adventure Capital of Southern Africa! Our campsite is located in the centre of the town. In Zimbabwe you can view the falls from the Victoria Falls National Park which has several viewpoints from where you can take some awsome photographs of the Falls. During the afternoon you can explore the town of Vic falls or simply choose to relax at the campsites swimming pool.

DAY 35 and DAY 36 - 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 37:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  This morning we enjoy breakfast before we make our way across the Botswana border to the town of Kasane where we set up camp along the banks of the Chobe River keeping an eye out for the resident hippos! The Chobe river is the border between Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Chobe National Park is regarded as one of Botswana's top National Parks and is perhaps best known for its large heards of elephants.

DAY 38:  Chobe National Park to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 39 - From Maun to the Okavango Delta, Botswana (OPTIONAL) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The Okavango Delta boasting exotic islands is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and animals. This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains.           

Day 39 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.  This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or even playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 40 - The Okavango Delta, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On day 40 we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing before we continue on our exciting Delta adventures. You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a moor on the waters.

DAY 41 - From the Okavango Delta to Maun, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Last chance to take a game walk before we head back to Maun.  We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over The Delta at sunset.

DAY 42: Maun to Francistown (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early start sees us head for a late afternoon arrival in Francistown. Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s. Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here we stock up on our supplies for the next few days.

DAY 43: Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we cross into South Africa. We cross the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane. This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on our way to the Kruger National Park.

DAY 44: Polokwane to Hazyview (Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Polokwane we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. We return to our camp, just 8 km the Kruger's Numbi Gate. Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 45: Hazyview (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we re-visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that eluded us on our first visit.

DAY 46: Hazyview to Johannesburg (Breakfast)

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination, Egoli, the place of gold. On arrival in Johannesburg we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!