East Africa In 18 Days

Karibu, Jambo, Habari Gani, Hakuna Matata, Greetings we will hear. We are warmly received in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and transferred to your hotel. The Swahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix the vernacular with English words. Balance of the day is free. 

Overnight: Eka Hotel, Nairobi (1 night)

*Upgrade to Nairobi Serena Lodge available for US$ 70/CA$ 95 per person, per night

Our day begins with an exploration of vibrant Nairobi. Witness the grand Parliament House, then dive into Kenya’s rich heritage at Nairobi National Museum. Next, get up close with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and experience the Karen Blixen Museum, celebrating the famous author of Out of Africa.

After a hot lunch, our safari adventure begins as we travel to Amboseli National Park, a photographer’s paradise. Amboseli is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest stand-alone mountain. On clear days, we have the chance to snap photos of Amboseli’s vast herds of elephants against the majestic backdrop of Africa’s tallest peak. During our afternoon game drive, our expert guides lead us to the best spots for wildlife sightings before we savor one of Kenya’s famously beautiful sunsets.

Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives exploring one of Kenya’s most scenic national parks. Sightings of scores of big-tusk elephants is almost guaranteed, but we’ll also have the chance to spot wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, hyena and some of the parks more than 370 species of birdlife. Amboseli also offers a hot air balloon safari just like The Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

We also have the option to meet the unique Masai people, a proud warrior tribe who have managed to preserve much of their traditional culture and lifestyle. Visits to the Masai village must be booked in advance.

A picturesque rural drive takes us to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake with shores filled with flower farms, traditional villages and a great range of game life. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffalo wallow in the swamps and colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the lake’s large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows. Naivasha is also a true haven for bird lovers. Time permitting, take a one-hour optional boat safari to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha (1 night) (B, L, D) 

Today, we embark on a full day of adventure, exploring the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park. The park supports a wide range of ecological diversity, including greater and lesser flamingos, as well as more than 80 species of bird—a highlight for any birdwatcher! The lake is also known for the black and white rhinoceros who call it home. We experience morning and afternoon game drives through this wildlife haven, with a stop for lunch at our lodge in between.  

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru (1 night) (B, L, D)

Today, we journey to the iconic Masai Mara, one of the world’s most well-known game reserves. Thousands of animals make their home here, from elephants to giraffes to countless species of antelope. Scores of predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena, roam the plains, providing ample opportunities for unforgettable encounters. Upon arrival at our lodge, we will be treated to a hot lunch before embarking on our first game drive at the Mara through this unforgettable wildlife haven.

Overnight: Mara Serena Lodge, Masai Mara (2 nights) (B, L, D)

An adventurous day ahead as we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the spectacular Masai Mara Game Reserve. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a year-round population of diverse and abundant game. All of the Big Five animals – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – are quite common on this scenic grassland, as well as cheetah, hippo, zebra and giraffe (rounding out the Big Nine!). Additionally, the Mara is yet another perfect place to experience a balloon safari. During this unforgettable hour-long balloon floating we take in the beautiful birds-eye view of the vast Mara followed by a delightful champagne breakfast at the center of the park. Because of the popularity of balloon safaris, it is highly advisable to book well in advance. Let Hospitable Africa Tours and Travel know at the time you book the tour, so that your spot can be secured. After our two extraordinary game drives at the Mara, we drive back to our lodge in time to freshen up for a sumptuous dinner.

We embark on a scenic drive from Masai Mara to Tanzania’s potion of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh-water lake. We first make our way to the Isebania border crossing in the Kenyan county of  Migori, where we cross into Tanzania. Here, it’s time to say goodbye to our Kenyan safari guide and meet our equally experienced guide for Tanzania. We also switch transport to a Tanzanian-registered vehicle. We then proceed to the Speke Bay area of Lake Victoria. About the size of the country of Ireland and best known as being the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria offers a tranquil combination of lakeside charm and traditional villages. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy beautiful views of the lake, or take in local village life, complete with fishing boats, children playing and bustling local markets.

Overnight: Serenity Eco Resort, Lake Victoria (1 night)

For early risers, there is a unique opportunity to participate in optional activities such as boating or canoeing on Lake Victoria, or visiting a local fishing village (advisable to pre-book). After an early lunch, we continue to the majestic Serengeti National Park*, entering via the Ndabaka Gate located on the western side. As soon as we cross the gate, we will see huge numbers of game as we safari along the western corridor towards the center of the park. Serengeti is the prime place to witness the Great Migration, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle of more than two million wildebeest and other large mammals crossing the plains and the Grumeti River, followed by thousands of predators. Serengeti experiences the Great Migration several times during the year. Dinner is savored at our lodge in the heart of Serengeti.

Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Enjoy a full day at the world-famous wildlife sanctuary of Serengeti National Park*. Serengeti is home to the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale which has no parallel anywhere in the world. The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, topi, buffalo and hartebeest, to name just a few. Serengeti is also famous for its predator population, including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena, as well as a wide variety of birdlife, believed to be in the realm of 500 species.The park is well known for its thriving lion population. Throughout the day, our experienced guide and driver will ensure we explore areas teeming with a wide variety of animals, birds and vegetation. 

Here too, we get the opportunity to take part in a hot air balloon safari combined with a champagne breakfast, providing an incredible overhead view of the park and its animal residents. Pre-booking this optional activity at the time you book your tour is highly advised.

Savor our last Serengeti game drive this morning as we explore the areas of Moro Kopjes and Gol Kopjes. The extensive grasslands in this area are interspersed with kopjes, rocky outcrops resembling islands on the flat plain that each host their own wildlife communities. We also discover the Seronera River, meandering through the park and offering a vital habitat for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Afternoon, we proceed to Nabi Hill gate and enjoy a lovely picnic lunch. Next, journey on to the renown Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important Paleolithic sites in the world. An optional stop at the site and museum is available for pre-booking. Home to the first early human species Homo habilis  approximately 1.9 million years ago, this site provides invaluable insight into human evolution.  Continue to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we spend our evening.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro (1 night) (B, L, D)

Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which spans vast expanses of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests. Its crowning jewel is the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera. We descend to the famous crater for a day of game-viewing like no other. The crater is a haven for an estimated 30,000 large mammals, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hyena, hippo, wildebeest, baboon, gazelle, the endangered black rhino and many more species.

After a day of game-viewing, we drive to Lake Manyara. As we approach the lake, we’ll be greeted by the beauty that inspired Ernest Hemingway to call Manyara “the loveliest I have seen in Africa”. For those seeking a unique experience, there is an option here to take part in a thrilling night drive, where we track predators and other animals that only emerge after dark (pre-booking advised,

Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara (1 night) (B, L, D)

Lake Manyara is another one of the finest parks in Tanzania. We take a morning safari which will be the last of our safaris – enjoy the views of the enchanting Lake Manyara. En-route to Arusha, we will have our packed lunch after we proceed to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for our flight to Entebbe in Uganda. Here we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Karibu Guest House/ Protea Hotel by Marriott, Entebbe (Luxury) (1 night) (D)

After breakfast, we start on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, with a great beautiful enroute view of the rolling landscape, pull over and take some pictures as you proceed to the park for a short game drive, later head to your lodge, for lunch. You will do a game drive in the park in search of the little and big ones, before heading for a boat ride on Lake Mburo, which rewards you with great aquatic wildlife sightings such as hippos and crocodiles, and a number of bird species. Evening, we retire at our lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Rwaboko Rock Camp/ Kigambira Lodge (Luxury)

After breakfast, we head for another game drive before a hot lunch at Mbarara. The excitement continues as we are now off to what is one of the major highlights of this safari – the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on the edge of the western branch of the East African Rift Valley, at elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 meters. Balance of the day is free. Bwindi is home to 350 species of birds, 310 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species. Floristically, the park is among the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 200 species of trees and 104 species of ferns. The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many birds such as hornbills and turacos. It is most notable for the 400 Bwindi gorillas, half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas.  The park’s thick forest makes for an exciting and immersive adventure, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury) (1 night) (B, L, D)

We start early morning at 06:30hrs to prepare for the gorilla trekking briefing at the park headquarters. Enter the jungle with your packed lunch to search for the shy mountain gorillas and enjoy their lifestyle in their real home. After meeting the gorillas, we sit around these great apes for an hour watching their social life and take pictures. On a gorilla safari, a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as walking shoes, packed snacks and mineral water, insect repellent, sunscreen and hut. The gorilla trekking experience takes almost 2 – 6hrs depending on the movements of these primates and pace of your trekking group. After the gorilla trek we bid farewell to Uganda and take a 2.5hours drive to Musanze in Rwanda. Musanze is located in the Volcanoes region where the best gorilla trekking is experienced in Rwanda. We have an easy evening at this place. 

Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (luxury) (2 nights) (B, L, D)

After an early morning breakfast, we meet with our ranger who will brief us about the code of conduct while with the gorillas. The gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes is relatively less strenuous and could take 2 – 6hours depending on the movement of the gorillas in the jungle. Meet and stay with the gorillas for a maximum of one hour.  After a great experience, we are transferred to our lodge for lunch. Balance of the day is free. An optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey and learn about her great work towards gorilla conservation can be arranged. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, L, D)

A relaxed day. Morning is free or you can add an optional exciting activity. This time it is the golden monkey trekking. Just like the gorilla trekking experience, golden monkey trekking is equally exciting but much less hectic. Details found in our “Notes” section. After a hot lunch at our lodge we take the 3-hours’ drive to Kigali International Airport for our flight back home. Departure flights should be after 17:00hrs. You may want to consider adding sometime in Kigali to see the Genocide Museum, visit the famous Hotel Rwanda, the Kimironko local market and art gallery. Our remarkable East African safari now comes to an end and we bid farewell with memories and memories of an incredible time – one never to be forgotten. (B, L)

Notes 

Luggage allowance is 15 kg per person in a soft bag.

Please note that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes 

• 17 Nights’ accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
• 48 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All game safaris/transfers by 4 x 4 loose top/pop up roof jeeps
• Game park fees (ranging from US$ 1650 to US$ 1900 per person, INCLUDED in the tour cost – Park fees are subject to change)
• Services of an accompanying local English-speaking guide-drivers for each country
• Window seating for each full paying passenger
• 1 liter water per person per day during safari
• Shared electrical outlets in some safari vehicles

Not Included

• Any airfare (Within tour air sector Arusha/Entebbe currently is priced at US$ 200 per person)
• Travel Insurance – highly recommended
• Tips/gratuities/visas
• Gorilla Viewing permits for Uganda & Rwanda – US$ 700 & US$ 1500 respectively
• Supplement for the luxury option for the Uganda/Rwanda portion of US$ 1295 per person sharing/Single Supplement US$ 550 for the 5-nights/6-days (days 13-18)