Africa Encompassed

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)

Today is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6.00pm. If you have not been to Cape Town before, we would recommend that you arrive a few days before the tour starts and book a couple of nights pre-tour accommodation in order to enjoy the many attractions of this great city. Not-to-be-missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent part of his 27 year imprisonment , and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.

Day 2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg Region (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) This morning we depart the heart of Cape Town for a short drive to Langa township. In 1923 the Urban Areas Act was passed, forcing black Africans to live in set locations. Langa, the first planned township to be created in the Cape Town region, was radically different to others in that it was planned to allow for maximum visibility of its residents by authorities, thereby enabling better scrutiny and greater control. We tour the township on foot and visit a variety of community projects, including a pottery/metalwork initiative framing; and music which gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. Another place we visit is a small migrant labourers' quarters, which house up to three families per room. All these give us incredible insights into modern black township living that so many of South Africa's people still endure on a daily basis. We enjoy lunch at bloubergstrand against the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain. This is where you can take the iconic mountain shot that all travellers to South Africa must have. We also have the opportunity to purchase locally-made arts and crafts, where 10% of all proceeds are reinvested back in the community. Leaving the township we head north to the Cederberg Region to set up for our first night of camping. We camp at either Ceres or Clanwillian, depending on the season.

Day 3: Orange River (South Africa)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Travelling north, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. After stopping for supplies at the mining town of Springbok we wind our way across a mountainous plateau to reach the Orange (Gariep) River, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is situated on the banks of this river on the South African side, where we enjoy great views across to Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) This morning we have the option to take a canoe trip on the river and experience the harsh and arid scenery of the region. After lunch we cross the border into Namibia and travel to our campsite at Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least-visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.

Day 5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 5, and approx 2 hours on Day 6) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dunefields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We drive from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, along the way we are given an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 7-8: Swakopmund (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the dunes we journey through canyons as we continue our way through the Namib Desert. This desert stretches 100 kilometres inland along the 2000 kilometre long Namibian coastline and provides a unique buffer between the harsh Atlantic coastline and the arid interior. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered since Cape Town. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding and quadbiking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.

Day 9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Driving north from Swakopmund we reach Cape Cross, where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Leaving behind the coast and the Namib Desert we reach our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high Spitzkoppe, a granite isleberg, is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the Bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.

Day 10: Twyfelfontein - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Today we head north into Damaraland, an incredibly picturesque region with open plains, grasslands, rocky outcrops and distant mountains. Along the way we skirt around the base of the Brandberg Massif (2573 metres) - the highest peak in Namibia. We may also see several free-roaming wild animals that are living outside of the national parks, including desert elephant, black rhinoceros, ostrich and springbok. At the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein, we stop to view some of the hundreds of rock engravings and imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago. Some of these etchings actually date back to the early Stone Age and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Some 2000 figures are engraved here into the rocks and they have helped archaeologists to uncover more information about the traditions, rituals and beliefs of local tribes. It is a bit of a climb up the rocks to reach some of the best etchings, but well worth the effort. We then continue a short distance towards Kamanjab, where we stay at the Otjitotongwe Lodge and Cheetah Park. Many cheetahs are being persecuted in Namibia by farmers because they pose a threat to livestock, so this centre helps to protect them and provide them with a home. A drive in a truck around the large enclosed areas out the back enables us to meet several cheetahs. We may also get a very close-up encounter with lodge's tame cheetah near the house.

Day 11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 6 hour on Day 11 and 5 hours on Day 12; game park drives variable) Leaving our cheetah friends we stop to visit the Himba people in their village. Descendants of Herero herders, they are semi-nomadic people and are unique in that they have rejected modern ways in favour of traditional beliefs and methods. The women have elaborately plaited hair and incredibly smooth skins, due to an ointment that they make purely from natural products. The struggle for the Himbas will be to retain their identity in the face of a modern world that is fast encroaching, bringing with it the inevitable changes. We then continue to Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park in our Gecko's truck on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, gemsbok, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip.

Day 13: Bagani (Namibia)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head northeast into a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. We camp for the night at a riverside lodge near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and on the banks of the Okavango River, which itself separates Namibia from Angola. The river is full of hippos and home to various water birds. Optional boat trips can be arranged at the lodge.

Day 14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next three days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. This excursion is operated through the Okavango Polers Trust, whose aim is to preserve and maintain the traditional lifestyle of the Batswana people who inhabit the delta region. This trust ensures that all members of the community are given the opportunity to become polers, which allows them to earn money through tourism. Poler and guides fees are set by the trust and additional income earned by the trust is used to assist various community projects in the area. Be sure to bring some cash along for souvenirs as there are some top-quality handicrafts available for sale here. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa where we are reunited with our vehicle and set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River to the sounds of the hippos wallowing in the waters. For the two nights overnighting in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.

Day 17-18: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 7 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) We cross back into Namibia and continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana, where we camp in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. We then head into the park with our local tour guides, travelling in open 4WD vehicles. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we take a magical sunset boat trip along the Chobe River and watch for elephants and other animals as they come down to drink – a great way to end our day! We also have the option staying a night in a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - at own expense).

Day 19-21: Livingstone (Zambia)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) We exit Botswana and take a short ferry ride across to the Zambian border, where we complete immigration formalities. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. Here your tour guide can assist you in arranging some of the many optional activities that are available in the area. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, elephant riding safaris, and game drives. In addition there is also be time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. No trip to southern Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute!

Day 22-23: Lusaka - Chipata (Zambia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving times: approx 7 hours on Day 22 and 8 hours plus on Day 23) We leave Livingstone and travel to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia). Lusaka actually replaced Livingstone as capital of the then-colony in 1935. It is a cosmopolitan city with a population of just over a million people. After our overnight stop here we continue to Chipata, a good place to stock up on our supplies before heading out into the wilderness. There is a supermarket here and also a few places to change money. There is also an impressive mosque in town (entry is restricted to Muslims) and a collection of shops and markets. A popular buy is 'chitenje', which is a colourful traditional cloth wraparound similar to a sarong.

Day 24-25: South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) Our next stop is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa - South Luangwa National Park. Covering an area of 9050 square kilometres, it is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife. Its terrain includes dry shrublands, mopane forests and oxbow lakes, but the main feature is the Luangwa River. As we enter the park we cross the Luangwa River and will be immediately astounded by the incredible numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Our two nights here are spent camping at the Flat Dogs campsite and we enjoy two game drives (one morning and one evening) in open 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife. If we are very lucky, we may even see leopard. This park is off-the-beaten-track, so we are some of the privileged few as not many travellers get to explore this hidden 'gem'. One day that will change!

Day 26: Lilongwe (Malawi)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) After our wildlife sojourn we drive back to Chipata and continue to the border, where we cross into Malawi - a hilly country with the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. Our first destination here is the capital, Lilongwe, for an overnight stay. This is again a chance to replenish our supplies, change money, perhaps send some postcards and enjoying a taste of African city life in our first night in a new country.

Day 27-29: Lake Malawi (Malawi)

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

(Driving times: approx 5 hours) Previously known as Lake Nyasa, this lake is the southernmost part of the Great Rift Valley and is the third largest as well as the second deepest in Africa. It is also home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world. The lake is a relaxing spot to stop at and a good place to partake in a range of optional activities. There is also a large curio market here where we can test our bargaining skills (essential!) and buy some of the famous Malawi chairs and other wood carvings. In some places, we may also be able to see hippos as well as some of the numerous waterbirds. Our itinerary here is flexible and we may stop at more than one place along the lake, so please understand that the driving times mentioned may vary significantly.

Day 30: Iringa (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We leave Malawi and enter Tanzania - our first Swahili-speakingcountry - before continuing to Iringa, where we camp at an old farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in the southern highlands. This campsite was voted as having the best showers in all of Africa! The area is fertile and hilly and is known for its vast tea estates and banana plantations.

Day 31: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We continue towards the coast and to Dar es Salaam, the former capital of Tanzania before it was officially moved to Dodoma in 1996. 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 lovely beachside camp just south of the city and welsome our first sighting of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.

Day 32: Stone Town - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(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. In Stone Town allow yourself time to wander through the many cobbled laneways, take in the architecture and appreciate the famous Zanzibar doors. The market is a sea of colour and noise and offers a great insight into the lives of the friendly local people. An optional Spice Tour starts with a brief tour of the historical sights in Stone Town, before visiting the Slave Museum, the ruins of the Sultan's Palace and then travelling inland to the famous spice plantations. Here you learn about the many spices and fruits grown on the island, as well as their medicinal and culinary uses. A traditional lunch caps of this great half-day tour. Another great option in Stone Town is getting out to Prison Island. A local motorised dhow is hired and you are taken to the nearby Prison Island, where you enjoy excellent views back to Stone Town. Stone Town also offers great shopping and eating opportunities. Craft markets sprawl out of doorways and down alleyways. Wooden products, paintings and soapstone carvings are just some of the wares on sale. There are many little restaurants that are worth a try and the Night Market offers a great (and cheap) dining experience – the Zanzibari pizzas are quite unique and the banana and chocolate pizza is a real treat.

Day 33-34: Nungwi - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next two days are spent on the idyllic north coast at 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 welcomed break in the midst of our long overland adventure.

Day 35: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland, where we are reunited with our truck and have another day to experience city life. With its mix of African, Muslim and Indian influences, as well as busy markets and historic buildings, it is quite an interesting city to explore. This is also a great place to get our last taste of the coast before heading inland.

Day 36: Arusha (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 11 hours) From Dar es Salaam 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 Arusha. Arusha, also known as the 'safari capital' of Tanzania, throbs with activity and you can expect to see several safaris heading off – or returning after a week in the bush. 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 37: School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: 2 hours) In the 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 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 morning tea. 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. Leaving Arusha, we travel to our campsite at Mto Wa Mbu.

Day 38: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Taking a break from our overland vehicle once more, and bidding farewell to our driver and cook for the next three days, we transfer into 4WD vehicles for our expedition into Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Serengeti National Park. Departing Mto Wa Mbu, 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. 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 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 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 39: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(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 40-41: Arusha (Tanzania) - Nairobi (Kenya)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus on both days) We enjoy an early morning game drive, before heading back to break down camp. We then traverse the southern part of Serengeti National Park, before heading back to our Arusha campsite, where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook. A last evening in Tanzania presents an opportunity to go check our some of the bars and pubs of Arusha. Crossing the border into Kenya, we make our way to its busy capital - Nairobi.

Day 42: Nairobi (Kenya)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We spend a day in the cosmopolitan capital of Nairobi. Here we have free time to make optional visits to some of its fine attractions. The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the home of the Danish writer who wrote an autobiography was turned into an award-winning film, 'Out of Africa'. The Langata Giraffe Centre enables you to feed endangered Rothschild's Giraffe. The National Museum tells the Kenyan story. 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. The famous 'Carnivore' restaurant is certainly a place of pilgrimage for all meat-lovers! (own expense).

Day 43-44: Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 7 hours; game drive times variable) Leaving Nairobi we travel down into the Great Rift Valley and 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 can experience the dancing and singing for which the Masai are renowned.

Day 45: Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) This morning we depart the Masai Mara 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. Time may be reduced according to road conditions and hours of daylight (season).

Day 46: Lake Naivasha - Nakuru (East Africa Mission Orphanage) (Kenya)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we have time for another optional activity in Lake Naivasha before lunch. We then travel to the town of Nakuru to stock up on supplies before reaching the East Africa Mission Orphanage, where camp on the 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, 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. Gecko's is 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 47: Lake Nakuru National Park - Nakuru (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 48: East Africa Mission Orphanage School - Kericho (Kenya)

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 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.

Day 49-50: Jinja - Nile River (Uganda)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) A long drive of 350 kilometres takes us from the Kenyan Highlands to the Ugandan Riverina. Leaving Kericho we cross the equator into the northern hemisphere before passing through Kisumu and getting our first sighting of Lake Victoria. From there the road continues onto Busia border post - one of the busiest in east Africa. We then continue past lush banana and tea plantations before reaching Jinja, 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. We spend two nights camped at Bujagali Falls, on the banks of the river. This is 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 51: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Entebbe (Uganda)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) We leave the Nile River and retrace our path to Lake Victoria before circling part way around the lake to Entebbe. At 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 arrange a packed lunch from your hotel the night before, as only drinks and dry snacks only are available on the island. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and swimming gear. After leaving Ngamba Island we head on to our campground at Entebbe.

Day 52-53: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) From Entebbe we journey on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a stunning reserve that covers almost 2000 square kilometres and includes an array of habitats. 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 enjoying a safari drive, whilst our afternoon is set aside for enjoying a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Although 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 hippopotami, but interestingly not many crocodiles!

Day 54: Ruhengeri (Rwanda)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) This morning we leave Queen Elizabeth National Park for the long drive to Rwanda. Our drive to Kabale reveals glimpses of rural Ugandan life and we are sure to be greeted by many 'waves' from the children on the roadsides along the way. The drive from Kabale to Kisoro is only 80 kilometres, but takes about three hours as we have to negotiate two mountain passes. From Kisoro we reach the border and cross into Rwanda, the 'Land of 10,000 Hills'. After completing immigration formalities we enter a new world, switching to driving on the right hand side of the road and hearing French being spoken, as it is the predominant language in Rwanda. Travelling to our campsite we catch glimpses of the endless mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking views, which the country is renowned for. We spend the next two nights on the outskirts of Ruhengeri.

Day 55: Gorilla Trek - Parc National des Volcans (Rwanda)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

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 back to our campsite, where we have the chance to relive the events of the day over a well-earned meal.

Day 56: Kigali (Rwanda)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Leaving Ruhengeri we begin our two-hour drive through verdant, rolling hills of Rwanda as we travel south-east to the capital - Kigali. Our final activity is a visit to the Genocide Memorial, recently opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst this disaster 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. Our tour comes to an end after our visit to the memorial. Please note that accommodation for tonight is not included, but can be booked separately If you are flying out of Kigali today, you should not book your flight to depart prior to 1:45pm. It is also vital to re confirm any flights out of Rwanda. These schedules change regularly and often by more than a few hours. These must be checked to save any problems with your departure. Transfers to Kigali Airport are also available at additional cost.

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Your Trip

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

An experienced driver, safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; park fees; one pre-purchased gorilla permit; local specialist guides in Sossusvlei, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park; all camping equipment; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, mokoros, boat and on foot.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• 4WD vehicle
• Boat
• Custom-built safari vehicle
• Ferry
• Houseboat
• Mokoro
• On foot
• Open 4WD vehicles

Accommodation

• 44 nights Camping
• 2 nights Houseboat
• 2 nights Tented bush camp
• 2 nights Bungalows
• 5 nights Hotel

Meals

• 55 breakfasts
• 44 lunches
• 44 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• sleeping mat

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 - Camel Ride
  from US$75
• Arusha - Snake Park
  US$10
• Bujagali Falls community project
  US$25
• Bungee Jump and White Water rafting
  US$195
• Bungee Jumping
  US$80
• Dolphin Tour - half day
  US$110
• Entebbe/Kampala - Zoo entry
  US$10
• Gariep River - Half day canoeing
  ZAR 175
• Lake Naivasha - mountain bike
  $20USD
• Lake Naivasha - Nature walk on Crescent Island
  US$15 (maximum 7 passengers) US$50 per hour
• Livingstone - Bungy jumping
  US$120
• Livingstone - Elephant back safari
  US$160
• Livingstone - Entry to the falls
  US$30
• Livingstone - Full-day white water rafting
  from US$155
• Livingstone - River boarding
  US$160
• Livingstone - Walk with the Lions
  from US$140
• Masai Mara Balloon Safari
  please contact us for price
• Nairobi - Half Day Tour
  US$65
• Ngorongoro - Masai village and cultural walk
  US$20
• Nile River White Water Rafting - Full day
  US$125
• Nile River White Water Rafting - Half day
  US$115
• Omatako Valley - Gathering Veld Foods
  10 Rand
• Omatako Valley - Guided Village Tour
  25 Rand
• Omatako Valley - Guided walk
  50 Rand
• Serengeti Balloon Safari
  
• Swakopmund - 1 hour Quad Biking
  N$300
• Swakopmund - 2 hour Quad Biking
  N$500
• Swakopmund - Sandboarding
  N$350
• Swakopmund - Sandboarding & Quad Biking
  N$600

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Local Payment

Visas and Permits

Botswana

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Botswana. For other nationalities that do require a visa to enter into Botswana, this is no longer able to be purchased upon arrival. Visa will need to be pre-arranged - please contact your travel agent for assistance.

Kenya

Australians, 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.

Malawi

Visas for Malawi are not required for citizens of Commonwealth countries, the USA and most European nations (except Switzerland). Visas are limited to 30 days although extensions are easy to obtain.

Namibia

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Namibia. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. For those nationalities that do require a visa these need to be obtained prior to arrival in Namibia.

Rwanda

Australians and New Zealanders and Canadians currently require a visa for Rwanda. No visas are required for British or American passport holders for stays up to one month. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Rwandan visas may be obtained at the border or prior to departure from your home country. A single entry visa can by purchased for US$60 for most nationalities. USD cash is the only accepted form of payment for visas and please note that the cash must be 2006 series notes or later. All tourists requiring paid visas are to pre-register for their visa prior to arrival in Rwanda. Details such as name, passport number, arrival port and arrival details need to be submitted on a form over the web. A pre-registration acceptance letter is then emailed to you which you need to print out and take with you to present on arrival in Rwanda. The online form is called the ‘Entry Facility Application Form’ and is found on the following website: www.migration.gov.rw Please note that there are many forms on this site so it is important to find the correct ‘Entry Facility Application Form’. The link to this form is: http://www.migration.gov.rw/singleform.php You MUST print out a copy of your submission in case your copy is not at the visa counter when you arrive. This will provide a hassle free and quick entry into Rwanda.

South Africa

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for South Africa. Upon arrival you will be given a free three-month multi-entry visa stamp. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Please note that you require six blank pages and your passport needs to have a minimum of six months validity to enter South Africa. Also note that to enter South Africa you may be required to show proof of onward travel plans and a valid yellow fever certificate (especially if entering or re-entering from East African countries).

Tanzania

Australians, 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.

Uganda

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Uganda. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Ugandan visas may be obtained at the border or prior to departure from your home country. In some cases you will be entering twice, so please ensure it allows a double entry. A single entry visa can by purchased for US$50 for most nationalities. PLEASE NOTE: All British passports are required to have at least 1 year of validity remaining from the date of entry into Uganda.

Zambia

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently do require a visa for Zambia. A visa can be purchased at the airport or on the border on arrival. The visa must be paid in cash in USD. If you are entering Zambia more than once it is suggested that you request a multiple entry visa. The cost for a single entry visa is US$50 and a double entry visa is US$80. A multiple entry visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A day visa is US$20. If obtaining the visa on arrival, please check that you have been given enough days to cover your stay in Zambia. If you overstay the dates on your visa, then you will be charged an additional US$250 per person, per day. Please ensure you have US dollars cash and that the notes are series 2001 or later in issue.

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Important Information

Gorilla Permits - Gecko's Adventures pre-purchase gorilla permits. Your gorilla permit MUST be pre-paid for and will be confirmed in your name once your trip deposit and gorilla permit money has been received and the trip is guaranteed to depart. This is the only way permits can be guaranteed. Once purchased the permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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

14 February 2012

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