RWANDA

Days 1 - 3

The following morning we spend in the Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving stark reminder of the brutal slaughter of up to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus, as well as an affirmation and commitment to ensuring such horrors never recur, the focus of the memorial being reconciliation.

We then take the drive through to Ruhengeri close to the gorilla park, the Parc Nacional de Volcans, situated in the far northwest of Rwanda. The Parc des Volcans protects the steep, heavily forested Virunga ranges and the mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

A gorilla trek sets off through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas, with stirring views in all directions, then abruptly heads into the thick jungle of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds, and the chattering of the rare golden monkey. Nothing can prepare you for the impact of encountering a gorilla family munching bamboo, dangling from the trees, and tumbling down the thickly vegetated slopes. Time with the gorillas is the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had on the planet.

During our stay there is also time to visit in a local orphanage.

Optional excursions: Gorilla trek, golden monkey trek

TANZANIA

Days 4 – 9

We are then on the drive to Tanzania, beside Akagera National Park. Crossing the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, we are travelling through regions of Tanzania well off the beaten track, allowing us time to get a feel for rural life off the main drag as we stay over in small towns on route.

Arriving into Arusha we enjoy a hot shower again and make preparations for our first big game drives into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, our next wildlife adventure in the Africa bush, Tanzania having beautiful nature reserves, rich in wildlife. Balloon rides can also be booked to sail over the plains of the Serengeti whilst you are here. Our time here in the two parks give us the chance to see all the wildlife for which Africa is famous.

The Serengeti plains are home to the big herds of migratory wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra for at least half the year, the herds usually been found on the volcanic open plains below the Ngorongoro Crater where the grass growth is most productive and nutrient contents high from December to June. It is here that the calves are born usually from February. Calving season is short and hungry predators track the herds watching out for a feed amongst the vulnerable young. With such a sudden surge of food the predators though cannot make a dent in the new-borns.

Then with the cessation of the monsoon rains stop in June, the plains start to dry out and the wildebeest then move west towards Lake Victoria in search of pasture and rains. The plains become a harsh and dry semi-desert, a harsh environment for the wildebeest who then continue north, using the widespread resources of the ecosystem, in time moving into the Mara.

Following our game drives here we also take a guided game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, stopping over in a traditional Maasai village on route.

Please note Ngorongoro Crater is included in the optional game park kitty including a Maasai village visit.

Optional excursions: Serengeti National Park

TANZANIA

Days 10 - 16

We are then on our way to the bustling city of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean coast, on a lucky morning a clear day allowing views of snow capped Kilimanjaro.  Camping up by the coast we enjoy ocean breezes in the coconut palms, warm ocean waters and a bbq on the beach of fresh seafood.

Zanzibar awaits you.

On a dolphin excursion to Kizimkazi on the south west coast enjoy the antics of pods of dolphins, whilst the protected Jozani Forest is home to the rare Zanzibar duiker and the red colobos monkey. A snorkelling trip to Prison Island is also a favourite excursion, the hundred year old giant tortoise being an appealing attraction. The island, which is approximately one kilometre long and 1/4 wide, offers swimming and snorkelling in pristine crystal clear waters.

Diving and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll is spectacular. This stunning coral atoll was declared a marine conservation area in XXXXXXX, offering a unique opportunity to both divers and snorkellers to experience the best of Zanzibar’s underwater world. The surrounding waters are teeming with an overwhelming number of tropical reef fish, and a wealth of marine creatures, from the majestic whale shark to rare gem-like species of nudibranchs.  

Kendwa Reef and Kendwa Gardens, are located just 800 meters out from the dive base at our beach cottage accommodation, a couple minutes by boat. Kendwa Reef, in particular is a good training dive site for novices with a maximum depth of 12 metres with many corals and reef fish.

We can arrange accommodation in affordable beach bungalows for you so you can relax on miles upon miles of picture perfect white beach, enjoy beach volley ball, a massage under the palms, a beach barbecue, fruit cocktails, and watch the waves roll in on white sands..........

Optional excursion: Zanzibar Island. Talk with us the special arrangements we can make for your stay in beach cottages and in the exotic capital, historic Stone Town.  As well as, a snorkelling excursion to Prison Island and to Mnemba Atoll, dolphin boat trip, Jozani Forest visit to see the red colobus, scuba diving.

TANZANIA/MALAWI

Days 17 – 23

We leave the heat of the coast to head inland through the southern Tanzanian highlands, travelling through Mikumi National Park and Baobab Valley on our way to Malawi, “the warm heart of Africa.”  

Arriving in north Malawi we can have another chance to experience untouched rural Africa at its best, set in the most astonishingly beautiful scenery, camping up on golden sandy beaches, amongst banana palms and papaya trees, and visiting season pending in the nearby great highlands.  

Malawi is a great chance to stretch your legs, in particular hiking Livingstonia Plateau to visit the Livingstonia Mission which dates from 1894. Sited high above Lake Malawi at 3000 feet (900m) there are views of incredible beauty across the lake to Tanzania.

During our time by the lake we can also snorkel and canoe, as well as horse ride in the lake.  The villages welcome us for a traditional meal, music and dancing and we can visit local schools and orphanages on route. Enjoy as well as a game of foot ball with the locals. Curio shopping too during our time in Malawi is a huge highlight in one of the many markets on route.

After a few days by the lake we head for the capital situated in the centre of the country, Lilongwe, where we often post home any goods we might have acquired in the markets. We also can visit the Lilongwe Wildlife shelter whilst here. On the way we often stop over at Nkhotakota Pottery to see some of the famous potters at work.

Optionals: Water sports, horse riding, school and hospital visits, village meals and dancing, plateau walks, houseboats.

ZAMBIA

Days 23 – 33

Leaving Malawi during dry season we head to South Luangwa National Park, a park centred around the Luangwa River. Famous for its leopard population as well as huge concentrations of elephant we take game drives during the evening with spot lights as well as during the day, hoping to see the elusive cat. Elephant also frequent the campsite where we stay as well as the usual African wildlife…

Please note South Luangwa is included in the optional game park kitty.

We are now on the way to Lusaka where we can shop and catch up on email and banking before heading to Lake Kariba for a houseboat cruise. Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, a large, man-made lake and reservoir located on the Zambezi river. Here we can relax on the deck of the boat, in the splash pool as well as take game walks on Chete Island and some fishing as well.

Arriving into the historic colonial city of Livingstone, at The Victoria Falls, we have time to enjoy a range of adventure sports as well as to visit in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park over the last few days of the trip. Enjoy the spectacle of the Falls which at night when the sky is clear can throw up huge rainbows through the mist. The Zambezi River and the mighty Falls are also the focus of many adventure sports including white water rafting on grade 5 rapids, jet boating, a leisurely canoeing trip and the sunset cruise. “Flights of the Angels” over the Falls are a fabulous way to experience stunning views of this natural wonder of the world and other activities for an adrenalin rush are the gorge swing, bungee jump and tandem sky dive. For your final close bush encounter with Africa’s wildlife head out with a local guide on a rhino trek, an elephant ride, or the always popular lion walks. Enjoy the busy Maramba Market in town, and the fun of a traditional drumming session. The Falls is a truly awe inspiring destination to spend your last nights on safari.  

Optionals: White water rafting, 'Flight of the Angels', gorge swing/abseil, sunset cruise, township tour, rhino trek, lion walks, horse and elephant rides, interactive drumming and many other activities at Victoria Falls.

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