 Kenya, Tanzania
Download and print the relevant pages for this safari from our brochure (PDF)
|
 |
KENYA
Day 1 - 5
We meet you in Nairobi on the departure date before traveling to Sheldricks Animal Orphanage, famous for its work with orphaned rhino and elephant. Over the years Daphne Sheldrick was the first to develop husbandry techniques and essential milk formulas to keep young traumatised elephants alive through to adulthood. Arriving about 11 am we can view a morning feeding session and all the fun of the elephant play session which is also an essential part of the program for these very social animals. In the afternoon we travel to Kembu, a working upcountry farm, nestled into the Mau Escarpment with sweeping views across the Rift Valley where we spend a night.
Nakuru National Park is our first big game park and we head out very early the next morning for game drives. The park is famous for flocks of greater and lesser flamingo, as well as black and white rhino which have been relocated here for sanctuary. It is also home to zebra, giraffe, hyena, hippo, lion, different species of antelope including water buck, as well as bats, colobos monkeys, otter and springhares. On a lucky day we might also spy a leopard lounging in a tree. Apart from the lake which is fringed by swamp the park is comprised of dry savannah and forested areas. We game drive into the late afternoon.
This morning we head for Lake Naivasha to visit the aptly named Crescent Island, a section of a partially submerged volcano for guided game walks or spend a day in Hells Gate National Park. Cycling or on foot we can view volcanic plugs and dramatic cliffs of columnar basalt as well as zebra, buffalo, hartebeest and gazelle congregating at the water holes in this otherwise waterless region. The Maasai Cultural Centre in the park is also worth a visit. We camp on the grassy lawns at Fisherman's Camp by Lake Naivasha. At night hippo come ashore to graze by the waters edge. This is also the setting for George and Joy Adamson's home, Elsamere, where we view a video about Joys life. Morning and afternoon tea is served in the gardens under huge yellow acacia trees overlooking the lake. A troop of black and white colobos monkeys keep us company.
Day 6 - 8
It is a dusty drive through to our camp in the Masai Mara in search of the herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomsons gazelle and other antelope that usually drift into the park on migration from mid to late June through to mid October. Elephant and all the wildlife for which Africa is famous also live on the rolling plains of this beautiful park. We also visit a Maasai village after our game drives.
TANZANIA
Day 9 to 13
We travel now across the Athi Plains to Arusha, the gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Here, on the Serengeti Plains in the western wooded grasslands amongst the ghostly grey whistling thorns from May to September the big herds can be found mowing down the grasses. It is the crossing of the Grumeti River usually between May to July, that is one of the high points of the wildebeest migration sequence, and a bonanza for crocodiles! This is also the time for courtship when the famous rut occurs. Calves, just a few months old, can also be seen amongst the herds, the prodigy from last years mating. We camp the night at Seronera village deep in the park often surrounded by herds of up to 10,000 animals at certain times of the year.
The following day we are up early to observe all we can in this most extraordinary environment, often surrounded by herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomsons gazelle, impala and topi who are followed by the local predators lion, leopard, cheetah, jackals, bat eared foxes and spotted hyena. The park is also home to warthog, baboons, giraffe, some elephant and a small population of black rhino.
Our morning game drive takes us across the famous Serengeti plains where from December to May during the wet the herds disperse and then mass preparing for the migration west and north. Heading south you will see the famous rock kopjes of granite where lions can be often found basking in the sun and on the look out across the plains. Cheetah also may be seen pacing through the grasslands around Simba Hills and leopard lounging in the acacia and sausage trees around Seronera.
Leaving the park at Naabi Gate we head for the Olduvai Gorge Museum which records the work of Louis Leakey who uncovered here the traces of early man. The finding of a 1.75 million year old Australopithecus jawbone in 1959 was the first conclusive evidence that hominids had existed for over a million years and that they had evolved in Africa. Next stop is a visit to the Longooku Masai boma (homestead) where we can also watch traditional Maasai dances. This Nilo-Hamitic tribe whose origins are said to be in the Sudan is probably the best-known outside East Africa.
We break camp early and utilise small safari vehicles to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. The name comes from the Maasai word, Ilkorongoro, the name of a particular group of warriors who defeated the previous occupants in the area, the bells worn to battle, sounding like koh-rohng-roh.
Game in this park is concentrated. The edge of Lake Magadi can be pink with flamingo, hippo lounge in the mud and in the pools, flocks of crested crane gobble seed from the grasses. Across the plains rhino, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, Thomsons and Grants gazelle as well as zebra browse. You may also see ostrich and hyena. Lions sit around nonchalantly keeping a watchful eye on all who pass.
After lunch we head for Mto Wa Mbu and some haggling for bracelets and carvings in the extensive curio markets before driving through to Arusha to enjoy a barbecue meal in the grounds of the Meserani Snake Parks large entertainment area.
It is a full days drive south to bustling Dar es Salaam, Tanzanias largest city and commercial centre. The landscape has become increasingly green since we left Arusha. Watch from the truck the world coming and going by the road side, women carting water, children herding goats, men cycling over laden bikes, vendors selling chickens, coal, fruit, samosas, carvings and jewellery.
We arrive at the Tanzanian coast to enjoy a seafood buffet then fall asleep with the waves of the Indian Ocean lapping nearby.
ZANZIBAR ISLAND
Days 15 - 19
We travel now by ferry to the Spice Island of Zanzibar to stay for four nights. During our time on Zanzibar we stay in a lodge in the capital, traditional Stone Town and then at beach cottages at Kendwa Beach to the north.
Zanzibar offers some great scuba diving and snorkelling amongst beautiful coral reefs teeming with large numbers of tropical marine life. Wander Stone Town, Zanzibars historic old quarter and explore the markets. Enjoy dinner in the evening food markets. A spice tour allows you to enjoy the tastes and smells of the islands fruits and spices as well as experience some of the islands colourful history with visits to Mtoni Palace and the Marahubi Palace. A walk in Jozani Forest Reserve allows you to visit red colobus monkeys in one of their last remaining sanctuaries. Visit Prison Island with its giant tortoise. Swim with the dolphins. Relax on the long white beaches and unwind.
We return to the mainland on the late afternoon ferry on the 5th day of our stay on the island. When arranging flights do remember to check with the office in regards to arrangements on the final days of your safari to ensure you have time to make your flight.
Please note this safari description is given as a guide only and you would be wise to assume some overrun of at least a day with this safari. Your crew can arrange any transfers you might need to the airport, or overnight accommodation for the following day/s after the safari.
ast remaining sanctuaries. Visit Prison Island with its giant tortoises. Swim with the dolphins. Snorkel and scuba dive amongst the corals and tropical fish at Mnemba Atol. Cruise on a traditional dhow at sunset and enjoy a game of beach volley ball. Relax on the long white beaches and unwind.
We return to the mainland by ferry on the last day.
Please note: Please note due to poor road conditions we currently regularly double back into Nairobi after visiting the Masai Mara to travel through to Arusha. This way we can use smaller four by fours and local guides in both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to ensure the best game viewing in the Tanzanian parks.
|
|
|
|
