East Africa Safari
Trip Length |
Trip Code |
| 15 days | GAEA |
Activities |
|
| Wildlife (Moderate) | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 24 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Kenya, Tanzania | |
Start City |
End City |
| Nairobi | Arusha or Nairobi |
The vast open grasslands of East Africa support the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. Massive herds of wildebeest and zebra roam through the Serengeti Plains and the Masai Mara, along with elephant, giraffe and various predators. Ngorongoro Crater is considered by many to be Africa’s ‘jewel in the crown’ and is home to a marvellous variety of wildlife, including the highly-endangered black rhinoceros. We spend six days in parks and conservation areas, ensuring that our game viewng experiences are incredible and diverse. We also allow time to take in further game activities - by foot or on mountainbikes. There is the opportunity to interact with some special children, both in a Kenyan orphanage and at a Tanzanian school, as well meeting various tribal groups. We travel deep into spectacular wildlife arenas, up and down the Great Rift Valley, through highlands and tea estates, along lakeshores and into traditional tribal communities. We also take time to visit some worthwhile community projects that we support. By participating on this tour you are already assisting two worthy causes - the East African Mission Orphange in Kenya and the School of St Jude in Tanzania.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. A pre-departure meeting takes place at 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 Nairobi has to offer (own expense).
Day 2: Nakuru - East Africa Mission Orphanage
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 3 hours) We depart Nairobi at approximately 8am and reach the East Africa Mission Orphanage, just outside Nakuru, 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 2 to 20 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, that 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 is excited to be able to take clients right into the orphanage itself!
Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(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 4: East Africa Mission Orphanage School - Lake Naivasha
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we spend time with the children of the orphanage in their classrooms. 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. 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. Time may be reduced according to road conditions and hours of daylight (season).
Day 5-6: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 2 hours; game drive times variable) We head southwest to the rolling grasslands of the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve, where our tented camp is located right on the park boundary. 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.
Day 7: Kenyan Highlands
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We leave the Masai Mara and head up to the western highlands, which is the agricultural heartland of Kenya. 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 8: Lake Victoria
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
C(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We depart early this morning and head towards the border. Although we travel along a sealed road, this is Africa and it’s still a fairly bumpy ride. Crossing the border into Tanzania there is quite a change in the landscape and we catch our first glimpses of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, which straddles the borders of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Reaching our campsite by the lake, there is time to relax and watch the sun go down before dinner is served, with the sounds of the waves in the background as they gently lap the shores.
Day 9-10: Serengeti National Park
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) We have a leisurely morning to further explore the fishing village of Musoma. Leaving Lake Victoria around lunchtime we game drive our way through to our next campsite, located in the middle of Serengeti National Park. We travel on dirt roads that are in quite poor condition, so there are plenty of bumps and bounces along the way! We reach our campsite in the late afternoon and, depending on the season, we may see a great variety of plains animals in the area. Our campsite provides the opportunity to hear the night time serenade of the African savannah and provides an ideal base to explore the astounding open 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. Please note that the campsites in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are national park campsites. These are the only public campsites available and the facilities are basic in the extreme. There are no fences surrounding the campsites and wildlife is free to roam at leisure. The toilets are pit toilets and are not cleaned regularly. There is no water for showers or for washing up. As a result the water tank on the vehicle will be required for cooking. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. However the opportunity to camp in the middle of the Serengeti Plains and on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater are real highlights and incredible experiences that you are unlikely to forget.
Day 11: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We enjoy a final early morning game drive, before heading back to break down camp. We then traverse the southern part of Serengeti National Park and then cross over into the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We arrive at our campsite on the rim of the crater in the early evening – be warned that it gets very cold up here! This campsite is another government campsite and has equally primitive facilities, but is often frequented by buffalo, elephant and zebra.
Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area 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 transfer into Land Rovers and head down to the crater floor, where we spend the morning 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 animal. (National Parks Regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) After an exciting morning in the crater we head through Karatu to Mto Wa Mbu to set up camp. This afternoon is at leisure to take a stroll in the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market. Alternatively you may choose to relax by the pool at the campsite and indulge in the luxury of hot showers and cold drinks, after your three nights of primitive campsites!
Day 13: Masai Village - Arusha
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 3 hours) This morning have the option of joining a specialist guide from the Masai Community Cultural Tourism Program to visit a Masai village, who will be able to offer us further information involving the culture and history of the proud Masai people. We explore a small traditional village to gain an insight into the daily life of the Masai. A Masai woman shows her into her house and we learn how the Masai women actually build their houses. Leaving Mto Wa Mbu we stop en route at a local camp in Meserani for lunch. This camp has a comprehensive snake park, which you can visit on an optional guided tour. There is also an excellent Masai museum and the opportunity to purchase crafts from the local Masai women. We then make our way to Arusha for our final two nights of camping. Arusha is truly the safari capital of Tanzania where 4WD vehicles actually outnumber cars.
Day 14: School of St Jude - Arusha
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 1 hour) This morning we 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 brightest 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 morning tea and lunch. We also get to sit in on the weekly assembly - a beautiful opportunity to share time with the children and gain an insight into the school's culture. We may hear some singing and see some of the children displaying special skills. This is a morning that is certain to touch our souls and fill us full of optimism.
Day 15: Arusha - Nairobi
Meals included: 1 breakfast
(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) This morning our tour officially ends in Arusha. You may choose to take a free transfer with the safari vehicle, as it continues back to our Nairobi hotel. Alternately you may join our Mount Kilimanjaro trek in Marangu today. If climbing a mountain is not the challenge you are after, then you may choose to join our 'Zanzibar Revealed' tour which begins in Zanzibar today. These additional tours should be pre-booked with us to ensure availability. Linking flights and transfers to join these tours can also be pre-booked and arranged through us. If you are travelling with the vehicle back to Nairobi you will arrive in there in the late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at the downtown hotel. Flights out of Nairobi tonight should not be booked before 9.00pm. Transfers to Nairobi Airport are at an additional cost.
About Gecko's
Sharing the adventure is all part of the fun. Our groups are large enough to remove the hassles of go-it-alone travel, yet small enough for you to enjoy the benefits and freedom of independent travel. The average tour has nine people, with a maximum of sixteen. The exception is Africa which has a maximum of 24 and an average of 17. On group trips you travel with a highly-trained local tour leader, who was raised in the region and can show you a side of their homeland that other travellers miss out on. We include the 'must see' sights, and on many trips we venture off the beaten track for some unforgettably unique and unusual experiences.
Nuts and Bolts
• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.
• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking local site guide in the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).
• 11 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: a 'bush camp' on the farmland of the East Africa Mission Orphanage; on a tea plantation; by Lake Victoria - Africa’s largest lake; in the middle of Serengeti National Park; and on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
• 2 nights in a tented bush camp located on Masai Mara park boundary.
• 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park; 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve; and 4 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).
• Game drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Visit to a Masai village with a specialist guide from the Masai Community Cultural Tourism Program.
• Visit to the School of St Jude which is 'Fighting Poverty through Education'. Guided tour of the school, visiting the children in class and joining them for morning tea, lunch and weekly assembly.
• Dinner and time in the classroom with the children of the East Africa Mission Orphanage.
• Free time to explore Lake Naivasha, the fishing village of Musoma and market town of Mto Wa Mbu.
Not Included
International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Optional Extras
- Arusha - Masai museum visit
US$15 - Arusha - Snake Park
US$10 - Lake Naivasha
US$8 (per hour) - Masai Mara Balloon Safari
please contact us for price - Nairobi - Half Day Tour
US$65 - Serengeti Balloon Safari
Local Payment
Visas and Permits
KenyaAustralians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Kenya. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Kenya visas are easily obtained at the airport or border crossing at a cost of US$50 for most nationalities based on single entry. For some nationalities a single entry Kenya visa allows the person to enter Kenya more than once provided travel is only between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda within a 30-day period.
TanzaniaAustralians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Tanzania. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Care must be taken to ensure that your visa does not expire before your proposed date of entry to Tanzania (visas are usually valid for three months from the date of issue). It is recommended that visas should be obtained before departure. A visa fee of US$50 is charged to most foreign nationals. A visa fee of US$100 is charged for US citizens.
About this Information
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
3 November 2011