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Rwanda to Victoria Falls

Tour Overview

Travel from Kigali to Victoria falls experiencing some of the continents most incredible destinations. Get up close to both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda, spot an abundance of Africa’s wildlife in the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Zanzibar. Experience Kruger Nature Reserve before ending at Victoria Falls – the world’s largest waterfall.

About this tour

  • Group Size: Normally 4-19. Average 10.
  • Recommended Age: 18-65
  • Physical Rating: Africa3
  • Accommodation:14 night(s) in hotels, 2 night(s) in a rondavel, 7 night(s) in lodges, 2 night(s) in tented camps
  • Transportation:Overland Truck, Private Vehicle, 4WD, Foot, Travel by 3 flight(s), Taxi
  • Meals:25 Breakfast(s), 10 Lunch(es), 8 Dinner(s)
  • Country:Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa

What should you expect?

This is a group tour ranging in size from 4 to 19, with an overall average of 10 people. Please read more below for what to expect on a group tour.

You will be travelling onboard our custom-built overland truck for the majority of the trip.

This tour includes the Gorilla Trek in Uganda. Please be aware that the gorilla trek can be a very physical hike, in some cases taking up to 8 hours through dense vegetation and steep slopes and sometimes muddy terrain. We therefore advise you to take the option of employing a Porter to help you carry your day-pack, snacks, cameras and other heavy gear, as well as giving you a helping hand during the trek. A porter is hired at the start of your trek for approx. U$20 for the duration of the trek (you are free to add an additional tip should you wish). Employing a porter is a great way of helping the local community – portering is a source of income for school fees, food, and general support for their families.

We use a mixture of accommodation styles including permanent tents. You will not need to bring a sleeping bag on this tour as all the tents have bedding.

We adopt a #ThisisAfrica approach – go with the flow and appreciate sometimes things differ than what you are used to and you will have the trip of a lifetime!

A yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling to/from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission in Africa; this includes transiting through a yellow fever risk country. The majority of our tours in Africa aside from Morocco, require a yellow fever certificate therefore we highly recommend that you obtain this prior to travel. Please make sure that on arrival you have a valid yellow fever certificate ready for inspection by local customs or health authorities, otherwise you could be refused entry or quarantined.

It is possible to book a single room for this trip, but this must be arranged in advance. Please speak to your Adventure Specialist.

This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour.

Essential Information

  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
  • International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes  
  • Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.  
  • Optional excursions – On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone’s taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask your tour leader.

Your joining location is:

Step Town Hotel
KN 1 Ave
Kigali

Tel: +250 785 005 662 
http://step-town.com/

Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out especially in the evening. It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major African cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety. Crime in Africa is not as bad as its reputation but you must be sensible and alert.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.

If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact details below if you are likely to be delayed.

One of the exciting elements of travelling in Africa, is the different styles of accommodation stayed in whilst on tour. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.

Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.

Important notes on African Accommodation

Travelling in Africa is about the experience. Many of the countries we travel through are still developing and therefore accommodation is likely to differ to what you may be used to. In remote locations, many lodges and camps rely on generators for electricity and power shortages are not uncommon. All of the accommodation we use includes bedding and real beds – so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag at any point of this tour. Please note, that some accommodation includes a shared bathroom and shower facilities. WI-FI is available in most locations however it can be very unreliable, especially in the national parks. Expect to be offline for a few days and if you are able to connect – it’s a bonus!

Permanent Tents – This tour includes stays in permanent tents which will be equipped with beds and mosquito nets. In some locations the tents will have an en-suite bathroom whilst others have a shared bathroom.

Rondavels – Rondavels are round, African-style huts which make for wonderfully unique accommodation. They have real beds and basins in the huts, however toilets and showers are shared in near-by abolition blocks.

Lodges – Lodges will vary depending on the location.

Alternative Accommodation

The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.

Twin Share

Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to a single occupancy room. If you are a solo passenger you will be sharing a room with another group member of the same sex. If you are travelling with a partner and wish to book a double bed, please advise your Adventure Specialist upon booking.

Check-in Time

Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.

This tour uses a mixture of flights, private vehicles and the Tucan Travel Overland Truck. You can read more about them here. The overland truck is a Mercedes-Benz custom built for us! Each is named after a past Tucan Travel colleague and they are some of the biggest and brightest overland vehicles on the road. Each truck tackles tough Africa terrain in its stride, and towers above the ground. They are equipped with big windows to open – perfect for wildlife spotting.

The truck is equipped with the following features.

  • Mostly forward-facing seats & seat belts
  • Water tanks & storage for bulk supplies
  • Access to the drivers compartment
  • Plenty of headroom to store your daypacks
  • Large external compartments for your rucksacks
  • Power sockets & adaptors to charge your gadgets
  • Panoramic, tinted & sliding windows for epic views
  • A safe for passports & valuables
  • A fridge to keep your food fresh
  • A library filled with board games & books
  • Two tables, great for playing games

It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. Please limit yourself to one piece of luggage per person plus one smaller day bag.

Flights

There are a total of 3 flights included on this tour so you should pay particular attention to the weight limit of your luggage. Tucan Travel tours have a checked luggage restriction of up to 20kg in total. This tour includes domestic flights which are also subject to the local carrier conditions of booking and have their own luggage restrictions which may be a maximum of 15kg. Any excess luggage must be paid by the customer.

Approximate travel times on this trip

The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day. This is especially apt for Africa and we like to think it’s all part of the adventure!

Unless otherwise specified, the transport below will be on the Overland Truck.

  • Kigali to Kabale – 4 hours
  • Kabale to Kibale Forest – 8 hours
  • Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park – 3 hours
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kigali – 6 hours
  • Kigali to Nairobi – 1.5 hour flight
  • Nairobi to Naivasha – 3 hours
  • Naivasha to the Masai Mara – 4.5 hours
  • The Masai Mara to Nairobi – 5 hours
  • Nairobi to Karatu – 6 hours overland truck followed by 2.5 hours by private vehicle
  • Karatu to the Serengeti – 2 to 3 hours by private vehicle
  • The Serengeti to Karatu – 2 to 3 hours
  • Karatu to Arusha via the Ngorongoro Rim – 2.5 hours by private vehicle
  • Arusha to Zanzibar – 1.5 hour flight
  • Zanzibar to Johannesburg – 1h30 by private vehicle followed by 4h flight
  • Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – 6 hours by private vehicle
  • Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls – 1h30 by private vehicle followed by a 1h45 flight

Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer. Colours are important if you are embarking on a safari drive. Opt for muted colours that will blend into the bush – such as browns, khaki and beige. Remember that the roads are dusty and you’re clothing might get dirty so don’t take expensive items.

What essential items should I bring to Africa?
    • A lightweight and waterproof jacket.
    • Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
    • A small daypack – This should have enough room to carry food and snacks for long hikes and treks and space to carry belongings.
    • Layers- We recommend packing lightweight and durable clothes. On the Gorilla Trek you will need to wear long trousers and sleeves to protect yourself within the jungle.
    • Sun protection- It can get very hot in Africa, especially on days with walking safaris out in the African sun. Ensure you have a sun hat and sunscreen to keep you safe.
    • Insect Repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream – Malaria is rife in Africa. As well as taking malaria tablets, ensure you are protecting bites with insect repellent.
This trip includes the Gorilla Trek & Chimpanzee Tracking

Proper walking boots are essential – ideally waterproof with good grip for muddy terrain. You will also need to ensure you have loose, long clothing that covers your arms and legs. You will be walking through the bush and branches/trees may scratch you. Thick socks are also essential so that you can tuck your trousers into them – no one wants fire ants getting in. Ideally, also bring a pair of gardening style gloves so that you can easily grab onto branches. The gorilla trek is undoubtedly one of the most incredible animal encounters in the world and it’s important that you are prepared and comfortable so that you can enjoy the activity as much as possible.

Clothing
  • A lightweight and waterproof jacket
  • Jeans/trousers
  • Underwear and pyjamas
  • T-shirts/tops/shirts
  • Shorts/dresses/skirts
  • Trainers or walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Jumper/cardigan/fleece
  • Swimwear/sarong/coverup
Electronics
  • Phone and charger
  • Camera and charger
  • Worldwide adaptor
  • Portable battery pack
  • Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)
Toiletries
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
  • Antibacterial hand gel
  • Insect repellent and bite cream
  • Sun cream and lip balm
  • Shampoo/conditioner/body wash – ideally in bar form
  • Antiperspirant/deodorant
Other
  • One small day bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cloth bag for shopping
  • Ear plugs and sleep mask
Documents
  • Passport
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Printed copy of your passport
  • Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers
Laundry

Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.

On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about this tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included and lunch and dinner may be included on long travel days. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of African cities, there is a decent choice of both local and international restaurants.

If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.

Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.

Currency

Below are the currencies which are used on this tour:

  • Kenyan shilling
  • Rwandan franc
  • Ugandan shilling
  • Tanzanian shilling
  • Zimbabwean dollar

As you travel through Africa you will be able to exchange either USD or other African currencies so you do not need to bring local currency for each destination before the tour.

Most optional excursions are listed in US dollar. While many of the more expensive excursions, such as hot air ballooning, can be paid in USD you will need local currency for most excursions.

Local Payment

The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.

The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.

The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.

Cards

The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card. In more remote locations, you should always ensure you have a supply of cash.

Spending Money

We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. On long travel days, lunch will sometimes be served by your tour leader from the truck. Details of this can be found in the itinerary. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.

Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.

Tipping

Tipping is generally a part of life in Africa. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.

Budget

Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.

Backup Funds

Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.

Emergency Contact Number

If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+263) 77225 2457.

Safety in Africa

Africa is a vast continent and crime does exist in many areas. However, it is generally not as bad as the reputation it is perceived to have and most travellers enjoy trouble free visits. Here are a few precautions which you should always take.

    • Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
    • Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
    • When in crowded areas keep your bag on your front.
    • Do not walk alone after dark.
    • Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
    • Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
    • Do not take photos of military, police or border control.

The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.

Pack a Medical Kit

A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.

Vaccinations

It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. You may need several vaccinations and/or malaria tablets and you should be aware that some vaccinations require more than one visit and can take several weeks to administer. Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with your passport. For areas with malaria, make sure you pack sufficient prophylactics for the duration of your tour and the incubation period after. Most countries in Africa prevent entry for travellers without a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This must be acquired before departure and takes ten days for your body to build up a resistance. This certificate must be taken with you on your tour with a photocopy stored somewhere safe.

Horse Riding

All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.

Age Restrictions

Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.

As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.

You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.

Included/Excluded

  • Visit to Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial
  • Visit Kigali Genocide Museum
  • Guided Gorilla Trek (including permit)
  • Guided Chimpanzee Tracking
  • Traditional Local Lunch
  • Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
  • Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve
  • Full Day Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve
  • Visit to a local Masai Village
  • Afternoon Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park
  • Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park
  • Morning Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour
  • Afternoon Game Drive in Kruger National Park
  • Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrive Kigali

Welcome to Kigali and the start of your African adventure! Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and the main cultural and commercial hub.

You are free to arrive today at your leisure - there will be a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6pm so we do ask that you arrive in time for this. Please look out for information on reception.

Kigali has a turbulent past and was the scene of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. You will learn more about this tomorrow with a visit to the Genocide Museum and Peacekeepers Memorial. The city has been slowly transforming over the years and now houses delicious restaurants, bars, galleries and parks. Why not explore the Kimironko Market - one of the best for picking up Rwanda agaseke baskets or other unique gifts.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Step Town Hotel or similar

Day 02 Kabale

After breakfast we hop on the overland truck and start making our way to Kabale in Uganda. On route, we make a stop at the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and Kigali Genocide Museum to learn about the horrors that occurred in Rwanda between April and July of 1994 and that mass execution of the Tutsi population. The Belgian Peacekeepers memorial pays tribute to the ten UN workers who were murdered by the Hutu extremists which resulted in the full scale unfolding of the genocide.

We then cross the border and arrive in Kabale early afternoon, where you have a free afternoon to spend as you wish. Driving into Kabale you will see the unique Ugandan landscape and rolling plantations flash before your eyes where you’ll start to appreciate the underrated beauty of this corner of Africa.

Included Excursions

Visit to Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial,Visit Kigali Genocide Museum

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Cephas Inn Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 03 Kabale & The Gorilla Trek

Kabale is our base for our excursion to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There are believed to be less than 800 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, and about half of that population live in this forest. To watch them in their natural habitat is a heart-stirring experience.

Today can be quite a long day so make sure you pack enough water in your day bag to keep hydrated on your trek. To reach the trekking starting point, we will be picked up early in the morning to head for the national park. Expect to trek for up to eight hours today as specialist guides go ahead of you, early in the morning and track the gorilla spoor and look for signs of the gorilla's last movements. The distance you trek is unpredictable and varies depending on how active the gorillas are. Some will not move far from where the trackers left them the day before while others will travel long distances in the search for food.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a series of rolling hills with heavy foliage and trekking to the gorillas can often involve steep uphill or downhill climbs, sometimes on uneven and wet terrain. Hiking boots are important and you can rent walking sticks at an extra cost to stabilise your feet. The altitude in the forest is varied, with the highest point being 2607m above sea level and 60% of it being over 2000m. With this in mind, you might find hiking through the terrain slightly more difficult than at sea level. Your guides will give you a detailed safety briefing before you depart on the hike and will reiterate key points shortly before getting close to the gorillas.

Your time with the gorillas is restricted to one hour. This is to safeguard the gorilla families and prevent excessive human contact. You can admire the animals and take photos so make sure your batteries are charged and your memory cards empty. Once your hour is up, you will begin the climb out of the forest. Your guides will take you to the nearest road where a 4WD should be waiting to take you back to camp.

You can read more about the gorilla trek here.

Included Excursions

Guided Gorilla Trek (including permit)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Cephas Inn Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 4 Kibale Forest

Today we will journey through Uganda to reach Kibale Forest National Park - one of the best reserves in the country and the base for the next wildlife based excursion - chimpanzee tracking.

Kibale Forest encompasses just under 800km2 of lush forest and houses 13 species of primate. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon and you can enjoy a free evening taking in the surroundings before tracking chimpanzees tomorrow.

Optional Excursions

Guided Swamp Walk - community development programme ($20) • Guided Nocturnal Forest Walk ($30 plus National Park Entry Fee)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a rondavel at Kibale Guest Cottages or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 5 Kibale Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking

Today you’ll enjoy the chimpanzee tracking experience. There are two slots today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Depending on the group size, you will be split into various, smaller groups for the excursion. First off, the group will hop on the overland truck and drive for a short twenty minutes to reach the start of the excursion. Meet your local guide and learn about what’s ahead before walking for around 2 to 3 hours to see the cheeky primates. You’ll likely spot a few other animals on route including other primates such as the grey cheeked mangabey or the red tailed monkey. Make sure to be looking up, chimpanzees are almost always moving through the trees. It’s also likely you will hear them before you see them - they are noisy creatures!

Upon returning to your accommodation, the remainder of the day is free to relax.

Included Excursions

Guided Chimpanzee Tracking,Traditional Local Lunch

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a rondavel at Kibale Guest Cottages or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 6 Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast we have a short three hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western region of Uganda. The reserve is known for African buffalo, hippos, African bush elephants, leopards, lions and chimpanzees. Overall, it’s home to 95 mammals and over 500 birds, yet unlike many of Africa’s more known national parks, it’s much less visited and quieter making for a unique experience.

Upon arrival in the afternoon we enjoy a cruise down the Kazinga Channel. This passage of water connects Lake George and Lake Edward within the reserve and offers a unique perspective of the wondrous surroundings. Keep an eye out for animals lurking both in and out of the water!

Included Excursions

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Irungu Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 7 Kigali

Today we return to Kigali for the evening before our flight to Nairobi tomorrow. The journey to Kigali will take around six hours, again passing fantastic scenery along the way. We will stop for lunch from the truck before arriving at Kigali in the afternoon where you’ll have the remainder of the day free.

Perhaps visit the Presidential Palace, once home to President Habyarimana. The remains of the presidential plane can still be seen on the grounds - it was this crash that is thought to have started the genocide.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Step Town Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 8 Fly to Nairobi

Today we will travel to the airport to catch a short flight to Nairobi where we continue the adventure. Upon arrival to the capital city we will check in and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore.

Optional Excursions

The Flip Flop Recycling Company – free (excluding transportation) • Karen Blixen Museum coffee garden & cottages – KES2000 and free entrance to the bar (excluding transportation).

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Corat Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 9 Naivasha

Today we head to Lake Naivasha where we will spend two nights. After a short three hour journey you will have a full free afternoon to explore the area and choose from many of the optional activities on offer.

Due to our location at Lake Naivasha you may awake to some unusual sound effects in the morning as the wildlife roam.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Fish Eagle Inn or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 10 Naivasha

Today is another free day to enjoy the area. We recommend exploring the nearby Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle on a half day tour. With no predators present this is one of the few parks in Africa where you can enter on foot and walk beside wildlife such as giraffes, zebra, gazelle and warthogs, to mention a few, while taking in the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Don’t miss a walk through the beautiful and impressive Hell’s Gate Gorge and see why it inspired the stampede scene in Disney’s Lion King.

You can also visit Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, who became famous for her relationship with the lioness Elsa in the film Born Free.

Optional Excursions

Lake Naivasha boat trip – KES6000 (price dependent on number of passengers) • Elsamere visit – US$10 (transport not included) • Green crater lake hike half day – US$45 • Hells Gate National Park bicycle tour– US$55. The national park has no animals dangerous to man making it a safe place to go hiking rock climbing and cycling.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Fish Eagle Inn or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 11 Masai Mara National Park

We depart Naivasha early and head to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve. On arrival at the lodge we will enjoy lunch before we get straight into our first game drive in one of the world's most famous and expansive wildlife reserves.

Covering over 1,500 square kilometres and providing habitat for thousands of animals, the Masai Mara Nature Reserve is deservedly one of Kenya’s most popular safari spots. Animals present in the reserve include the big five (lions, elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards and rhinoceros), various grazing mammals which attract carnivores such as cheetahs, hyenas and jackals, and over 500 recorded species of birds.

Included Excursions

Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve

Accommodation

1 night(s) in tented camps at AA Masai Mara Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 12 Masai Mara National Park

This morning we leave camp early for a second game drive, which will last the full day, visiting the mighty Mara River and other corners of the reserve. During the annual Great Migration, this is the setting for the thunderous display of thousands of wildebeest crossing the river while canny crocodiles lie in wait. At any time of year, the river is vitally important to the ecosystem and a good spot to view animals. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local Masai village, learning about the vibrant, semi-nomadic herders’ way of life and join them in a local dance.

Included Excursions

Full Day Game Drive in the Masai Mara Nature Reserve,Visit to a local Masai Village

Optional Excursions

Hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve – US$450 per person

Accommodation

1 night(s) in tented camps at AA Masai Mara Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 13 Nairobi

Today we leave the incredible Masai Mara behind and head back to Nairobi where you have the rest of the day free at your leisure.

Optional Excursions

The Flip Flop Recycling Company – free (excluding transportation) • Karen Blixen Museum coffee garden & cottages – KES2000 and free entrance to the bar (excluding transportation).

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Corat Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 14 Karatu

This morning we travel onto Karatu - a town in northern Tanzania which makes for the perfect base to explore the Serengeti Nature Reserve and Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival you are free to relax before the exciting game drives tomorrow. Karatu is a charming small town that’s bursting with safari vehicles and keen safari goers. There is a great selection of restaurants and bars to spend the evening in too.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Farm Of Dreams Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 15 Serengeti National Park

A place that needs no introduction, the Serengeti National Park is the most famous safari destination in Africa. We’re picked up after breakfast and taken by 4WD to the national park.

The afternoon is spent game driving to our lodge, located inside the national park to maximise our time and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Included Excursions

Afternoon Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Seronera Wildlife Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 16 Serengeti National Park

Our second day in the park is a full morning of game driving, trying to spot the more elusive members of the animal kingdom before heading back to Karatu.

Every safari is unique and you will never know what’s in store for you until you arrive. Among the hundreds of species in the park, you may encounter zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, hippopotamus, hyena, elephant, vulture, monkey, warthog, gazelle and impala. Each season offers a different highlight.

Included Excursions

Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park

Optional Excursions

Olduuvai Gorge – 27000TS or US$18 • Hot Air Ballooning with champagne breakfast – US$650 (cash payment) or US$685 (credit card payment)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Farm Of Dreams Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 17 Ngorongoro Crater & Arusha

This morning we will experience the stunning vista overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. The vast 300 square kilometre crater stretches out in front of you in a kaleidoscope of blues and greens and it’s not until you spot the barely discernible grey speck of an elephant that you truly grasp its scale. We will also enjoy a game drive within the crater itself before continuing onto Arusha.

Included Excursions

Morning Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Lush Garden Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 18 Fly to Zanzibar & Stone Town

Today we are bound for the enigmatic, intoxicating Isles of Zanzibar. We will transfer to Arusha Airport to take our flight to the paradise island. Arriving in Zanzibar we head to Stone Town where we will spend our first night on the Island.

On arrival at our hotel in Stone Town you are free to explore the labyrinth of walled streets, winding alleys, bustling markets and grand crumbling architecture. This UNESCO-listed Stone Town has changed little over the past 200 years. If you enjoy shopping then there are plenty of crafts and colourful souvenirs to be purchased here. Admire the intriguingly decorated doors before sitting down to watch the sun set with a fresh juice, cold beer or cocktail. If the thought of fresh seafood gets the taste buds tingling, make sure you check out the excellent night market on the promenade which serves a feast not to be missed!

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Safari Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 19 Zanzibar North Beach & Spice Tour

Today we head to Nungwi Beach. On the way we will stop at one of the many spice plantations where we can discover the abundant plants that flourish in this verdant, tropical environment and sample spices picked straight from the source. We will also visit a small village, having the chance to interact with the locals and experience their kind hospitality; here we will enjoy a traditional lunch cooked by the community.

We will arrive in Nungwi early afternoon and start enjoying this sun kissed paradise. Indulge in a cocktail or two while we watch the sunset over the crystal clear Indian Ocean.

Included Excursions

Zanzibar Spice Tour,Traditional Local Lunch

Optional Excursions

Dhow sunset cruise – US$25 (depending on numbers) • Snorkelling – From US$45 • Scuba diving – From US$60

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Nungwi Inn or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 20 Zanzibar North Beach

Today you are free to relax on the white coral sands or enjoy one of the many water based activities on the island. Snorkel with colourful marine life or simply kick back and soak up the sun. This beautiful setting will certainly provide you with a chance to relax and unwind!

Optional Excursions

Dhow sunset cruise – US$25 (depending on numbers) • Snorkelling – From US$45 • Scuba diving – From US$60

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Nungwi Inn or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 21 Fly to Johannesburg

After breakfast we will head to the airport, where we will leave behind our paradise island and fly to Johannesburg in South Africa. This four hour flight connects east Africa with southern Africa. After arrival you will have the remainder of the day free.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Safari Club Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 22 Kruger National Park

We have an early morning start to get to Kruger National Park where we search for the big five. The journey will take around six hours. Upon arrival we will immediately enjoy an afternoon game drive to start viewing the animals that call the reserve home.

Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier game reserve, regarded as one of the finest in Africa. Here you'll have the chance to experience the vast diversity of wildlife as we explore some of the two million hectares of the park. The big five game animals of Africa are richly represented here – lion, leopard, African buffalo, African elephant and the white rhino in large numbers.

Included Excursions

Afternoon Game Drive in Kruger National Park

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Sabie River Bush Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 23 Kruger National Park

This morning you will enjoy another game drive spotting more animal action in the national park. Learn all about the history of the park and animals and why conservation of these fantastic creatures is so important.

Included Excursions

Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park

Accommodation

1 night(s) in lodges at Sabie River Bush Lodge or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 24 Fly to Victoria Falls

We will depart Kruger National Park and take a flight to one of Africa’s greatest attractions and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. With a length of over one kilometre and a height of over one hundred metres this magnificent natural wonder of cascading water defines the border separating Zimbabwe & Zambia. Depending on the wind direction you can hear the roar from the falls up to 4km away as it surges into Africa’s fourth biggest river, the mighty Zambezi.

Tonight we will stay close to the action in the town of ‘Victoria Falls’

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at N1 Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 25 Victoria Falls

You have a full free day to enjoy Victoria Falls and its activities.

Optional Excursions

White Water Rafting • Helicopter Ride • Microlight – All prices vary depending on number of people and season

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at N1 Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 26 Depart Victoria Falls

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Tour Map

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