Birqash Camel Market Temple of Ramses II

Best of East Africa

17 days (Nairobi)

Destinations visited: Kenya, Nairobi, Rwanda, Tanzania

Grading:

Adventure touring

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

from
USD$7,690

Book now

Journey through Kenya and northern Tanzania and view the elusive Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda

Our journey includes vehicle based excursions that return each night to superb permanent tented camps and lodges. From Nairobi we explore Nakuru National Park known for its myriads of pink flamingos, among other wildlife, before making our way to the renowned Masai Mara. We journey to Tanzania and visit Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, before travelling to the rim of the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. We spend a day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater then continue west to the world famous Serengeti National Park where we have a chance to view vast herds of grazing animals and the magnificent predators that follow them. The undoubted highlight of the journey is our time in the rainforest of Rwanda where we trek following remote trails in the mist shrouded forests of the 'Volcanoes National Park', near Ruhengeri, in search of the famous mountain gorillas. This is a truly unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Naivasha
Tarangire National Park
Viewing wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Parks
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Golden Monkey tracking

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi on Day 1, you will be met at the airport and taken to the the Panafric Hotel. (Please note that additional charge applies for arrival transfers on any day other than Day 1; please ask for details.) Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and the commercial capital of East Africa. Our comfortable, well located hotel is in a lovely residential suburb. Please ask at reception for details of when to meet your Kenyan safari guide the next morning.

Day 2 To Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we meet our safari guide and travel to Lake Nakuru for a game drive and lunch (approx. driving time to Lake Nakuru is 3 - 3.5 hours). Lake Nakuru National Park is a fenced park on the floor of the Rift Valley consisting of a shallow soda lake, teeming with millions of flamingos and pelicans, surrounded by acacia forest and lush riverine plains. This afternoon we make our way to Lake Naivasha - by contrast Lake Naivasha is a fresh water lake and is located in the shadow of the dormant volcano, Mt Longonot. Tonight we stay at the beautiful Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

Days 3-4 Masai Mara

This morning we drive southwest to the outstanding Masai Mara National Reserve. The road into the Mara can be particularly bad so be prepared for a journey of 5 - 6 hours. In the late afternoon we explore this amazing nature reserve on a game drive. The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most renown game reserve; the wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure that animals are never far from sight. Famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, the wildlife year round is plentiful. On our second day here, we go out for early morning and late afternoon game drives to make the most of the times when wildlife is most active. We have opportunity to witness all kinds of wildlife in their natural habitats. Our accommodation is the Mara Sopa Lodge.

Day 5 Return to Nairobi

This morning we begin early for the drive back to Nairobi, and overnight at the Panafric Hotel. In the afternoon there is opportunity to have a rest at our comfortable hotel, shower, wash clothes, have a swim or look around town.

Day 6 Transfer to Arusha

After breakfast we are picked up from our hotel and taken to the shuttle bus which will transfer us to Arusha in Tanzania. We catch the public shuttle bus and cross the border into Tanzania before continuing to Arusha. This journey takes 4 - 6 hrs, depending on the border crossing. Upon arrival in Arusha we are greeted by our Tanzanian representative and taken to our beautiful lodge near the town.

Day 7 Tarangire National Park

We depart from our lodge for Tarangire National Park, which is approx 3.5 hour's drive. This area has the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, with many thousands sighted along the river at certain times of the year. In the dry season, (July–November) most of the wildlife in the Tarangire ecosystem migrates to the permanent water of the Tarangire River. The lush green shores of the river are a big attraction to many varieties of wildlife, offering fantastic game viewing. Dry baobab and acacia trees are scattered widely throughout the National Park and these provide an ideal home to over 500 species of birds. We will spend time game viewing in Tarangire National Park before travelling on to Lake Manyara National Park. Lunch will be a picnic somewhere en route. Tonight we stay at the Migunga Tented Camp, which is nestled in a quiet corner on the northwest of Lake Manyara.

Day 8 Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Lake Manyara National Park is situated at the base of the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. It supports an abundance of animals within only 25 square miles (two thirds of which is the lake itself). Wildlife is attracted by the permanent water in the lake and associated small rivers. The surrounding forest is jungle-like with giant trees and snaking lianas. Often called Tanzania’s water wonderland due to the large number of birds, particularly falmingos, and animals the lake supports, Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for its’ tree-climbing lions. In the early morning we will search for some of this incredible wildlife on a game drive. Later we travel up the Rift Valley escarpment and on to the small town of Karatu. We overnight nearby on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at Crater Forest tented camp.

Continue reading ...

Day 9 Ngorongoro Crater

At nearly 2300m, the highlands around Ngorongoro Crater has brisk mornings and low cloud sometimes covers the area. Please bring some warm clothing as it can be cold here. After breakfast we drive for about an hour to the Ngorongoro Crater and make our way down into it for some truly incredible game viewing. The Crater is one of the last refuges for the endangered black rhino in northern Tanzania; the rhino population here is carefully protected and they are quite commonly seen. With over 30,000 animals, the Ngorongoro Crater can be regarded as a “Garden of Eden”. The 100 sq km caldera also has the highest density of lions anywhere in Africa and forms a natural enclosure for all its inhabitants. We will spend many hours in the Crater before enjoying a short wildlife walk (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours) on the crater rim in the late afternoon, which adds a unique dimension to our time here. Tonight we are spoilt with spectacular views from our accommodation at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.

Day 10 To Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge

Today will be a long but fulfilling day. We depart for Serengeti National Park via the world famous Olduvai Gorge where our earliest ancestors were discovered by Professor Richard Leakey. The hills and plains en route are home to wildlife as well as the Masai people and we are likely to see both on our journey. We will visit a Masai village (or manyatta) to gain some insight into the traditional way of life of these nomadic people. We stay this evening at Osupuko Serengeti Camp , which is located in the midst of an incredible savannah inside the park. At night the skies stretch beyond the horizon and the calls of nocturnal wildlife will mingle with our dreams.

Days 11-12 In Serengeti

We spend two full days days in the Serengeti National Park, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage area for its wildlife and natural beauty. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife spotting, as the animals retreat to the shade of trees to escape the heat of the day. We will follow this pattern to make the most of the time when wildlife is most active. We will wake with the sun and generally return to camp after sunset with time in the middle of the day to relax. Depending where we find most game, we may take a picnic lunch and stay out all day or return to camp over lunch for a siesta before going out again in our 4WD safari vehicle to explore the different habitats found within the park. Famed for its annual migration, the Serengeti offers amazing game viewing at any time of the year: herds of buffalo, groups of elephant and giraffe, zebra, eland, topi, kongoni, impala and gazelle, among other wildlife. We hope to experience a blazing Serengeti sunset, with silhouetted acacia trees, to top of each magical day.

Day 13 Fly from Serengeti to Kigali

This morning we will have one last game drive in the Serengeti before transferring to the airstrip at Seronera in time for an early afternoon flight to Kigali (Rwanda). Please note that flights are subject to availability and schedules can change without notice. It is necessary to be flexible and keep an open mind today as these things are beyond our control. On arrival at Kigali airport (early evening) we will be met by our Rwandan guide and transferred to our hotel in Kigali. Evening at leisure.

Day 14 Kigali city tour and drive to Ruhengheri

This morning we will take a short city tour of Kigali including a visit to the genocide museum, a poignant and moving tribute to the hundreds of thousands of victims of the 1994 massacre. From Kigali we will travel to Ruhengheri at the foot of the beautiful and pristine Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, a visit to an ex-poachers' village makes an interesting stop. The Ruhengeri region is where Dian Fossey amazed the world with her research of the magnificent mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Following Dian Fossey's work and David Attenborough's famous documentaries, the mountain gorillas have inspired travellers from all over the world to experience possibly one of Nature's greatest interactions. Anyone who has witnessed the mountain gorillas of East Africa will strongly agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Tonight we sleep in a comfortable lodge in the foothills and prepare for our gorilla tracking the following day.

Day 15 Gorilla tracking

Today we will trek deep into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. While gorilla tracking you will be accompanied by a local National Park guide and usually two trackers. We are allowed no more than one hour with our allotted gorilla family. To find the family group the guide will lead us to where the gorillas were sighted on the previous day and then literally track them through the forest. The terrain is very rough, often over steep slopes covered with matted vegetation. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. It will be necessary to take your own water and snacks ( eg: biscuits or sweets) with you in case you have to trek for a while before finding the gorillas. The treks can be as short as half an hour and as long as eight hours, but three hours is the average. Please remember that Mother Nature is unpredictable, and no gorilla or golden monkey sightings can be guaranteed. Under no circumstances are refunds given if you do not see these primates.

Day 16 Golden Monkey tracking and return to Kigali

Today we track the equally rare and endangered Golden Monkey, unique to this region of East Africa and the Volcanoes National Park. There is a troupe numbering about 40 primates in the region we visit. Little is known about these rare and beautiful monkeys and experts are only recently able to put together the basic details about their routines and lifestyles. Again with our expert local guides and trackers we search for them. Unlike Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys spend much more time in the bamboo and are more difficult to spot. After our walk in the forest, we travel from Volcanoes National Park back to Kigali. Today can again be a very long but exciting day. (PLEASE NOTE: Days 15 & 16 may be swapped around depending on gorilla permit availability.)

Day 17 In Kigali, trip concludes

After a full few days in Rwanda, this morning is at leisure in Kigali for shopping or relaxing. It is also kept free in case of the need for contingency plans. Road conditions and circumstances beyond our control can sometimes delay travel in Rwanda so it is necessary to remain flexible. If flying from Kigali today you MUST book a flight after 14.00hrs. (Departure transfer to airport included on Day 17 only.) Trip arrangements end on arrival at Kigali airport.

Additional Information

Inclusions

16 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners
accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels (Kenya & Rwanda)
permanent tented safari camps (Tanzania)
3 nights Sopa lodges (Kenya)
comfortable lodges (Tanzania & Rwanda)
National Park and Conservation Fees (including Golden Monkey and Gorilla Permits) valued at US$1660
shuttle bus between Nairobi and Arusha
flight from Seronera (Serengeti) to Kigali valued at US$660
services of driver-guides throughout safaris in Kenya & Tanzania
private safari transport
arrival and departure transfers on Days 1 & 17 only

Summary

17 day trip
4 nights hotels
4 nights safari lodges
3 nights luxury lodges
5 nights permanent campsites

Trip Main Activities

Adventure Touring
Wildlife Safari
Day Walking
4WD

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site