Please Note:

Ensure you have received (and read) a copy of the Information Guide for this trip. 

Travel Insurance is compulsory for this trip.

We make use of various forms of public transport on this trip and travellers are advised that they make use of these at their own risk.

Standards of accommodation vary from place to place.

Meals are only included where specified.  (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner and NM = No Meal)

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

DAY 1:  Nairobi (NM)

We spend today in Kenya’s capital city, making the final preparations for our adventure.  We have the option of visiting the Giraffe Manor in Langata (where we can feed the graceful Rothschild giraffes), the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant and Rhino Nursery (where we can view the feeding of orphaned elephant and rhino babies) or of spending a half day exploring Nairobi National Park.  We can also spend the day wandering around the local city markets.

DAY 2:  Nairobi to Mombasa (NM)

After packing up, we make our way to Nairobi’s train station where we board the overnight train bound for the coastal city of Mombasa.  Accommodation on board the train is in shared cabins.  Travelling at night doesn’t afford us much opportunity of taking in the Kenyan landscape we pass through.  However, we’ll get a glimpse of the local villages and inhabitants in the evening and early morning and we’ll even have the chance of spotting some of Africa’s magnificent game grazing beside the railway.  As we near Mombasa, the landscape changes from the desert brush we wake up to, to lush tropical palm trees and increasing heat and humidity.  We’re also afforded the opportunity of meeting some of the locals who use this route to travel between Kenya’s 2 largest cities.

DAYS 3 to 5:  Mombasa (NM)

Colonised by the Portuguese in the mid 1600s because of its vital role in the trade of gold, ivory and spices, as Kenya’s largest port, Mombasa is still a major centre of trade today.  Situated on the warm Indian Ocean and blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches, it is also the centre of Kenya’s coastal tourism.  We spend two nights in bandas (traditional huts made of wood and covered in palm fronds) on a picturesque stretch of coast just north of Mombasa.  Here we have the option of participating in a variety of activities like snorkelling, diving or a cruise on a traditional dhow.  There is also the option of visiting the restored quarry at Haller Park.  This park is home to a Crocodile Farm and Reptile Park as well as a group of hippos and Rothschild giraffes.  Watch the hippos being fed or feed the giraffes yourself!  Alternatively you can wander around the “Old Town” where the Arabic influence is clearly evident or visit Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century, which houses various archaeological finds and an exhibition depicting the culture and history of the coastal people.

DAY 6:  Mombasa to Arusha (Tanzania) (NM)

Today we bid farewell to Kenya and its sunny beaches and head across the border to Tanzania.  On the way to our next stop and if the weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.  The next two nights will be spent at a lovely campsite in the small village of Meserani, a few kilometres outside of Arusha.

DAY 7:  Arusha (NM)

Situated at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is best known as the safari capital of Tanzania.  Today we’ll explore the local markets and visit the local Masai Cultural Museum to learn a little more about these amazing people.  Those doing the optional excursion to the Serengeti/Ngorongoro area will prepare for their departure tomorrow. 

DAY 8 - 10:  Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (D; B / L / D; B / L)

The Serengeti (Masai for “endless plains”) is famous for its enormous concentration of game (especially the big cats) and for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles.  The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera.  The area teems with game throughout the year as the lush crater floor is able to sustain its population making it unnecessary for them to join their Serengeti cousins on the annual migration.

For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.

After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!

After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our camp at Meserani, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

DAY 11:  Arusha to Dar es Salaam (NM)

Leaving Arusha behind us, we head south towards Dar es Salaam.  On the way we pass through the town of Moshi.  Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit.  We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our traditional banda on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean.  New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

DAY 12:  Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (NM)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 5 nights.  Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.

PLEASE NOTE:  Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own.  The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

DAYS 13 to 16:  Zanzibar (NM)

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor.  Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade.  The island is still famous for its spices and an optional excursion around a spice plantation can be organised.  Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow.  Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island.  Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise.  Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality.  Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.

DAY 17:  Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam (NM)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note    

- these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- Where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursions, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.

FREE TRIP

When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari the Thursday before your trip begins. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip.  This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip.  Conditions apply.

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

“Safari Njema”

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.