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SAFARI INFORMATION
- Safari Series: Itinerary
- Countries Visited:
- From (per person): 0
- Days:
Testimonials
- G&C Moore, Australia, August 2012
- The Browning Party, Australia, December 2012
- R Carter, USA, January 2012
Sabi Sand – Phinda
Safari Highlights
On the fifth day we will transfer southwards from Sabi Sand to Phinda using a local vehicle, then light aircraft from the nearby airstrip to the Phinda Reserve. The flight usually takes about 1 and a half hours. You will be met on arrival and transferred overland to Phinda Mountain Lodge on the crest of a mountain.
At Phinda Mountain Lodge lunch is usually served on one of the shaded terraces, patios or in the dining room. The lookout deck at the lodge is particularly good for relaxation. There are so many activities to consider participating in while staying here that you may need to just sit down and contemplate the next few days over a delicious dinner in the lodge's open-air boma looking over the Lebombo Mountains. Whatever you decide to do whilst you are here, an early evening walk to watch the sun setting over the South African plains would finish any day off nicely.Phinda Mountain Lodge Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where we will meet you and transfer you to your nearby boutique guesthouse for a welcome drink and a briefing on your Uganda primate safari.
Boma Guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Arrive in Kigali and drive 3 hours to the Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Kigali
We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for a briefing on the rest of your Rwanda primate safari.
Kigali has been the capital of Rwanda since independence in 1962, and the city is attractively spread out across several hills. The ‘downtown’ city centre is located on one hilltop, and the government/diplomatic quarter on another.
The city offers its fair share of colourful African bustle and energy, but on the whole is very clean and orderly when compared to most African capitals, and its wide, tree-lined streets are a pleasant place to take a stroll.
Kigali Serena
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Kigali
We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for a welcome drink and briefing on the rest of your Rwanda gorilla safari.
Kigali Serena
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport we will meet you for a welcome drink and a briefing at your hotel.
The Boma Guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Entebbe – Kampala
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport we will meet you for a welcome drink and a briefing at your Kampala hotel.
Serena Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Nairobi
Today you will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena
Meal Plan: Breakfast -
Day 1 Arrival – Nairobi
You will arrive into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be met and transferred to your hotel where you will stay for one night before embarking on your family adventure.
Hemingways Nairobi
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
On arrival into Entebbe International Airport we will meet you and transfer you to your nearby boutique guesthouse for a welcome drink and a briefing on your Uganda gorilla safari.
Your accommodation for the night, Boma Guesthouse, is a rustic 16-room hotel about 5 minutes drive away from the airport. Owned by the Wood family, and located in a leafy suburb of Entebbe, the guesthouse is itself endowed with an extensive garden which hosts a phenomenal array of birdlife. A cosy dining room and bar by the poolside completes the welcome that Boma offers.
Boma Guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Nairobi
We will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where you begin your Kenya safari.
In the afternoon, we will visit the neighbouring David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and enjoy a tour of the elephant orphanage. As part of our conservation efforts, we include an elephant foster experience at DSWT for all our guests, as long as their time in Nairobi allows it. This allows you to learn about their important conservation work and watch the baby elephants at the orphanage, as well as contribute directly to their survival and rehabilitation.
Hemingways Nairobi
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Selous Game Reserve
You arrive at Dar es Salaam Airport where we meet you for a shared transfer to the domestic terminal for your scheduled flight at 0830hrs (flight time 45mins) to Kiba airstrip in the Selous. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Sand Rivers Selous and transferred to your camp to settle in.
The camp’s location in the heart of the Selous, one of the wildest parks in Africa, is right on the banks of the Rufiji River in the middle of a diverse and exciting array of different habitats, giving guests the opportunity to see a variety of game by vehicle, on foot, or by boat.
The reserve is home to all the larger mammals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, the elusive black rhino and a large population of African wild dogs. Along the Rufiji one can also enjoy antelope, crocodiles and hippos in plentiful numbers, as well as other species visiting the river to drink.
Accommodation: Sand River Selous
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 1 Arrival – Zanzibar Island
You will arrive at Zanzibar International Airport, situated just south of Zanzibar town and be met and transferred to your accommodation for the next five nights.
Zanzibar – the name alone evokes all the sense – the feeling of the cool trade winds bringing respite from the hot African sun, the lingering scent of spices in the air, the taste of fresh seafood served up on a white sandy beach, the sound of traditional Swahili songs drifting across courtyards, and the pleasing sight of a traditional dhow sailing across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Baraza Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania we will meet you and transfer you to the nearby Arusha Coffee Lodge where you can relax after your journey and enjoy dinner.
The lodge is found within a coffee plantation, overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro, the peaks of which are often shrouded in cloud. Spend your time here enjoying the views, and be sure to order a coffee – it’s the house speciality!
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
We will meet you at Entebbe International Airport and the JDA Guest Relations Representative will accompany you to your nearby guesthouse for the night.
Accommodation: Boma Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival- Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by a The Far Horizons representative for meet and greet. Afterwards, transfer to Hotel de Mille Collines for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meal Plan: Dinner
-
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer 10mins to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: The Boma Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve
We will meet you on your arrival into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and brief you on your safari. We then transfer you to the domestic terminal where you board a scheduled flight to Kiba Airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve.
Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge and then taken on a gentle game drive en route to Sand Rivers, a beautiful lodge situated on the banks of the meandering Rufiji River.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Nairobi
Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to Hemingways Nairobi. You will stay here for one night before adventuring into the wild tomorrow on the first full day of your safari honeymoon.
Hemingways Nairobi
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Nairobi
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant which is located in a beautiful tranquil garden setting for lunch.
After lunch, enjoy a private visit to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage which is dedicated to the protection of Africa’s wildlife. Orphaned animals, particularly elephant and rhino, are hand-raised with the intention of reintroducing them back into the wild. Here, you will be able to interact with the small elephants and learn about this worthwhile project and the importance of the elephant in Africa’s conservation efforts. There is also the possibility to adopt one of the baby elephants and become ‘foster parents’ of the same.
Later, we transfer to Hemingways Nairobi for one night before embarking on the safari tomorrow.
Hemingways Nairobi
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by our representative and drive 10mins to your guest house for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: The Boma Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Dinner
-
Day 1 Arrival – Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport we will meet and transfer you to your nearby hotel for dinner.
Onsea House
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Addis Ababa
We will meet you at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, where you begin your Ethiopian safari. We will transfer you to your first hotel for one night.
Sheraton Addis
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Victoria Falls
We will meet you at Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe, where you will stay for two nights before we start the Botswana portion of your safari.
Over the next two days, we experience the power of the ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls. The Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and are a mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles. There is a lot to do in the area, from white water rafting to bungee jumping, game viewing, and sedate sunset cruises on the Zambezi.
Ilala Lodge
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Windhoek
We will meet you at Windhoek International Airport and transfer you to your luxury boutique guest house.
Olive Exclusive
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Lusaka – South Luangwa
On arrival into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka, you will board an internal flight to Mfuwe Airport where we will meet you and transfer you by road to the camp in South Luangwa.
Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Victoria Falls
We will meet you at Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe, and transfer you to Victoria Falls town, where you will stay for two nights before we start the Botswana portion of this safari.
Over the next two days, we experience the power of the ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls. The Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and are a mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles. Tthis evening you enjoy a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi
Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 1 Arrival – Livingstone
We will meet you at Livingstone International Airport in Zambia, and transfer you to our lodge, where you will stay for two nights before we start the Botswana portion.
Activities at Tongabezi include guided canoeing excursions, guided walks with lunch on one of the islands, fishing, a visit to the Victoria falls on the Zambian side, a game drive to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a walk in the gorges below the falls, a cultural visit to the local museum, a visit to Livingstone town and sunrise and sunset boat trips on the Zambezi. Other activities on offer at an additional cost are white water rafting, horse riding, elephant back safaris, lion walks and bungee jumping – these activities can be booked prior to your arrival if you wish. The camp also has its own croquet lawn (African rules apply!), a jetty, tennis courts and a school for the local children.
Tongabezi Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Windhoek
We will meet you at Windhoek International Airport and transfer you to your luxury boutique guest house.
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, we will meet you and take you to the InterContinental hotel for one night.
InterContinental Johannesburg
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg
On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will take the shuttle bus to the elegant Emporers Palace complex only 10 minutes away. Here you will stay in a superior room at the 4-star Peermont Mondior Hotel for one night as you get ready for tomorrow’s journey into the luxurious wild.
Peermont Mondior Hotel
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Lusaka – South Luangwa
After taking the internal flight from Lusaka Airport to Mfuwe we will be met and driven through colourful African scenes of villages and bush to reach the peaceful Nkwali Camp on the edge of South Luangwa National Park, where we will stay for one night.
Elephants can often be spotted crossing the Luangwa River which is overlooked by the camp. Leopards, giraffes and buffalo are also no strangers to the area.
Nkwali Camp
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Lusaka – South Luangwa
On arrival at Lusaka Airport you will be met and transferred by internal flight to Mfuwe Airport where you will be taken to your first lodge, Chinzombo Camp, by road. Relax and unwind after your journey with a drink on your villa deck or in your private plunge pool overlooking the Luangwa River. We will stay in this plush Norman Carr Safaris lodge for two nights.
Chinzombo Camp
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg
On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will take the shuttle bus to the elegant Emporers Palace complex only 10 minutes away. Here you will stay in a superior room at the 4-star Peermont Mondior Hotel for one night as you get ready for tomorrow’s journey into the luxurious wild.
Peermont Mondior Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Kilimanjaro – Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to Onsea House in Arusha, just 30 minutes away. Onsea House is the perfect setting to start your honeymoon and get acquainted with the enchanting Tanzanian culture.
Onsea House Country Inn
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg
On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will take the shuttle bus to the luxury Johannesburg hotel where you will stay for one night.
D’Oreale Grande Hotel
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Port Elizabeth – Kariega
On arrival at Port Elizabeth, you will be met and privately transferred to Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The transfer takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Spend three nights at the stunning Kariega Settlers Drift in a tented suite.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport we will meet you and transfer you to your nearby boutique guesthouse for a welcome drink and a briefing on your ultimate primate safari.
Your accommodation for the night, Boma Guesthouse, is a rustic 16-room hotel about 5 minutes drive away from the airport. Owned by the Wood family, and located in a leafy suburb of Entebbe, the guesthouse is itself endowed with an extensive garden which hosts a phenomenal array of birdlife. A cosy dining room and bar by the poolside completes the welcome that Boma offers.
Boma Guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Maun – Moremi
We meet you on arrival at Maun Airport, Botswana and assist you on to your scheduled flight. You will be met by your guide on arrival at Xakanaxa airstrip. Your first three nights will be spent camping in the Xakanaxa region and exploring the surrounding wilderness on game drives during the day. On the open plains large herds of Buffalo and Lechwe can be seen and in the waterways rafts of Hippopotami are a common sight.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Windhoek
On arrival we will meet you at Windhoek International Airport and transfer you to your luxury boutique guest house.
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Meals Included: None -
Day 1 Arrival – Arusha
On arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport you and your spouse will be met and transferred to Onsea House in Arusha where you will stay for one night.
Onsea House
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Arusha
We will meet you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for dinner.
Onsea House
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Arusha
We will meet you on your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your nearby hotel for dinner. A hearty meal is in order before beginning day one of the Kilimanjaro challenge in the morning.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet and is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. It is not a mountain in the traditional sense, but actually a giant volcano.
There are seven approach routes and three routes to the summit. We are taking the Shira route. Taking a longer time to climb is advised because it allows you to acclimatise more easily to the altitude – 8 days is a good amount of time.
Onsea House
Meals Included: Dinner -
Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will proceed to your hotel in preparation tomorrow’s flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Intercontinental Hotel
Meals Included: None -
Day 2 Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer back to Entebbe Airport for a scheduled flight to Kasese. Met by the lodge vehicle, you will enjoy a private transfer to the stunning Kyaninga Lodge, a fairy-tale-like construction perched on the edge of a cobalt-blue volcanic crater lake. The entire lodge is constructed in the style of log cabins, and is the result of six years of labour by master carpenter and owner Steve Williams.
After lunch at the lodge, set out on a guided crater hike. Choose from following the rim of the crater, on tracks that pass through local community land using for traditional crops such as maize and matoke bananas, offering panoramic views of the lake; or take the lakeside option, passing through forest and spotting butterflies, monkeys and ancient volcanic lava tubes as you go. At the end of your walk, there is the invigorating option of wild swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake from the lodge’s private swimming pontoon.
Kyaninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Volcanoes National Park
The Gorillas in Rwanda are part of a worldwide population of just 720 individuals. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of seven habituated family groups. These groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day.
The gorillas are not tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of who have been involved in the habituation process themselves. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits to locate the group’s whereabouts.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 2 Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we will depart on a city tour of Kigali, taking in visits to the craft markets and the genocide memorial. After lunch at a city restaurant, we will enjoy a scenic drive into the mountains as we transfer to your lodge located minutes away from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park.
The park was established in the 1920s, after mountain gorillas were first discovered by early explorers – it was in fact the first national park in Africa. Today, the experience of coming face to face with a gorilla on the lush slopes of the Virungas is as thrilling as ever – and is one of the truly unique highlights of an East African safari.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Entebbe – The Nile River
After breakfast, we will be met by our guide for our drive to Jinja. We will arrive in time for lunch at the lodge – the beautifully constructed Wildwaters Lodge, built on a forested island in the middle of a set of rapids on the Nile itself. Later this afternoon, we will go for quad biking.
Wildwaters Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Kampala
We spend a relaxing morning ambling around Kampala’s boutiques, art galleries and craft markets, with a spa treatment this afternoon. In the evening, we can enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Khana Khazana, Kampala’s famous North Indian restaurant.
Kampala Serena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today we drive south to Nyungwe Forest, stopping first at Nyanza for an informative visit to the Royal Palace. Nyanza was once the capital of Rwanda from 1958 to 1962, and the palace was built for King Mutara III Rudahigwa. The King sadly passed away before he had the chance to reside in it, and it has since been converted into an Art Museum.
After our palace visit, we continue to the town of Butare for lunch and a short visit to the National Museum of Rwanda, before completing our scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, and our five star safari lodge, located on the edge of this vast forest and a verdant tea plantation.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the largest, most primal and biodiverse forests in all of Africa. This rich mosaic of habitats ranges from bamboo groves, open marshes, tracts of giant lobelia and dense jungle vegetation. It is the primary water catchment area for the region, and Nyungwe contains the famous Congo-Nile Divide.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Nairobi Day
After a leisurely breakfast, we will visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre and the Kazuri Beads Factory. Following lunch at Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden restaurant, we will enjoy a private visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch the parade of baby elephants revel in their daily mud bath and to learn about the work of the trust. The elephants are rather playful, have quite a mischievous side, and are not afraid to spray unsuspecting tourists, so you are best advised to leave your best safari linens behind! Return to your hotel.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch -
Day 2 Nairobi – Matthews Range
After staying for one night in Nairobi we will transfer to Wilson Airport for our flight to Samburu. On arrival at Samburu Airport we will be transferred to Kitich Camp to begin the family safari of a lifetime.
Without wanting to waste any time, in the afternoon we will go straight into a safari activity of bush walking being led by our guide, and maybe take a dip in one of the refreshing rock pools.
In the evening relax by the open fire on the slopes of Matthews Mountain Range.
Kitich Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Entebbe – Bwindi
This morning we transfer you to the airport for your scheduled flight to Bwindi. You are met at the airstrip and transferred to your camp for a relaxing lunch.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Nairobi – Meru National Park
After breakfast we transfer you to Wilson Airport in Nairobi for a scheduled flight to Meru National Park. On arrival at the airstrip in Meru, we will be met and transferred to the lodge.
After a delicious lunch at the camp, relax before departing on an afternoon game drive. Meru consists of a mixture of open grasslands, interspersed with woodland and palm-fringed waterways. The park offers a sound chance of sighting the Big 5 African safari animals, but is particularly unique in presenting an opportunity to see both black and white rhino in the wild – an increasingly rare occurrence. It is also known for its ‘dry-country’ specials such as the reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx and the elegant, long-necked gerenuk.
Elsa’s Kopje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Selous Game Reserve
During your time at Sand Rivers Selous, you can enjoy a variety of wildlife viewing activities – whether on foot, by boat or with a vehicle. Meandering along the Rufiji River in a boat trip, a glass of something cold in one hand, is an excellent ways to enjoy close encounters with a myriad of river life.
Game drives across the wide open savannahs and through patches of riverine forest will immerse you in a vast wilderness where, chances are, you may not see another car all day. The wild dogs of Selous roam large areas, so a game drive will be the best way to track them, as they traverse the boundless woodlands and savannahs of the reserve.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Selous
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 2 Zanzibar Island
In between relaxing sojourns on the beach, guests here can also expand their minds. Why not consider the option of taking part in a Swahili language or history class, given under the palm trees by the resident Mwalimu, or perhaps try your hand at cooking a classic Swahili dish, learning about the role of local spices in their traditional cuisine.
All activities described today are available for an extra charge.
Baraza Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Arusha – Serengeti National Park (Mobile Camp)
After an early breakfast, we will transfer you to Arusha airport for a scheduled flight to an airstrip near the Serengeti. Depending on the time of year it will either be Grumeti, Moru or Kogatende, as the camp which will be your home for the next three nights moves with the herds.
Landing at the airstrip nearest to the camp, you will be met by your guide and vehicle and transferred to your camp.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
This morning, after breakfast at your guesthouse, we will transfer back to Entebbe Airport with picnic lunches for a scheduled flight (1230hrs/1435hrs) to Kasese where we will be transferred to the stunning Kyaninga Lodge, a fairy-tale-like construction perched on the edge of a cobalt-blue volcanic crater lake. The entire lodge is constructed in the style of log cabins, and is the result of six years of labour by master carpenter and owner Steve Williams.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 2 Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kigali including a visit the Cocoki Coperative, a women’s sewing co-op. After lunch, visit the Gahaya links, a women’s handcraft company, who train and teach rural women how to weave, how to enhance their weaving skills with new design techniques and how to work together by looking beyond their ethnic differences.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 2 Selous Game Reserve
The Selous is the largest game reserve in all of Africa and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, due to its vast tracts of unspoiled habitat, and high biodiversity. The reserve was originally named for Sir Frederick Selous, a famous big game hunter and conservationist from the early 20th century. Today it is best known for its sense of remote wilderness and vast populations of wildlife – elephants, hippo, buffalo and crocodile can be found here in larger numbers than anywhere else on the continent. It is also one of the last remaining strongholds for the rare and endangered African wild dog.
Despite such incredible wildlife, surprisingly (and rather pleasingly), the Selous gets few visitors. Your lodge is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding area with game drives in 4×4 open-sided vehicles and daily walking safaris accompanied by an experienced bush guide and armed scout. Bush lunches are served on request – dining beneath the shade of a large acacia tree in the middle of the African savannah is the perfect way to while away the heat of the day.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Nairobi – Loisaba
In the morning we will take an internal flight from Wilson Airport to Loisaba. We will then transfer you from the airstrip to Loisaba Tented Camp taking in some game viewing en route.
Loisaba is renowned for containing species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, as well as its giant igneous outcrops, called ‘inselbergs’. During your stay here, you will also have the opportunity to meet the colourful, local Samburu people, who make up one of the most famous pastoral tribes in Kenya.
Take your first journey out into the wilderness with a trained guide. In the evening you can bask in the warmth of your fireplace as you look out over the vast landscape from your luxury suite high on the hill top.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Nairobi – Amboseli
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the domestic Wilson Airport for our transfer flight to Amboseli. We are met at the airstrip on arrival and transferred to our camp.
Tortilis Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
This morning after breakfast at your guesthouse, we will meet you and proceed to Kibale Forest, a 7 hr drive along scenic roads with our picnic lunches.
We will then continue to the stunning Kyaninga Lodge, a fairy-tale-like construction perched on the edge of a cobalt-blue volcanic crater lake. The entire lodge is constructed in the style of log cabins, and is the result of six years of labour by master carpenter and owner Steve Williams. Later this afternoon, we will a crater walk around Lake Kyaninga.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 2 Arusha – Tarangire
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Tarangire National Park. After entering the park, we will game drive our way to our camp, arriving in time for lunch.
Less well known than the Serengeti, Tarangire feels more ‘raw’ and remote. There are fewer camps here, and much less traffic. It’s concentrations of big game, though, are not far behind that of the Serengeti, with huge herds of elephant and buffalo that congregation around the Tarangire river, particularly in the dry season. There is a large variety of plains game as well – zebra, eland, giraffe and impala, which means that predators are also to be found in abundance.
Kuro Tarangire Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
This morning, we drive 8 hours north through the Ethiopian Highlands to Bahir Dar, on the shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is the third largest city in Ethiopia, and the capital of the Amhara region.
Avanti Blue Nile Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 2 Victoria Falls
Access to Victoria Falls is within easy walking distance from the town centre. Water flow over the falls varies throughout the year. The river’s annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, making it spectacular from above but very difficult to see at ground level. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October – December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island.
Ilala Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 2 Windhoek – Namib Rand Nature Reserve
We transfer to Eros Airport and fly to Wolwedans headquarters, from where we transfer for an hour by road to our camp. This afternoon, we will begin our exploration of the reserve.
Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 South Luangwa
Today we will venture out on game drives to explore this stunning part of South Luangwa.
The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the parks 9,050 square kilometres. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. There are 60 different animal species and 400 different bird species. One special mammal is the Thornycroft giraffe which is found only in the Luangwa Valley. Some magnificent trees grow in the valley and among the more common are the mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, baobab, large ebony forests, vegetable ivory palm, marula and the tamarind tree.
Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Victoria Falls
Access to Victoria Falls is a short walk from the lodge. Water flow over the falls varies throughout the year. The river’s annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, making it spectacular from above but very difficult to see at ground level. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October – December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island. You will take a guided tour of the falls this morning from the Zimbabwe side.
There is a wide variety of additional optional activities on offer here, which are chosen and paid for on arrival.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 2 Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial town most famous for its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The town has experienced a revival in the last decade with the old colonial style buildings which line the shaded main avenue being renovated, and now housing shops, cafes and a variety of local businesses. Livingstone offers a wide range of activities from the challenge of white water rafting and bungee jumping, to the awe-inspiring elephant back safaris and sunset cruises. Livingstone has something for everyone.
The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the largest sheet of falling water on earth – a spellbinding and mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles – hence the local name ‘mosi oa tunya’ meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’. Water flow over the Falls varies throughout the year. The river’s annual flood season is February to May when the spray can reach a height of over 400m, this is spectacular from above but it makes it very difficult to see the Falls at ground level as it is under a heavy shower/mist. Water levels start dropping in August and are at their lowest October – December when much of the rocky face becomes dry. At times of low water, the falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side or from Livingstone Island.
Tongabezi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Windhoek – Sossusvlei
After the morning activities and breakfast, we fly to Sossusvlei, arriving at our next camp in time for lunch. This afternoon, we begin our exploration of the Sossusvlei area.
Sossusvlei is a valley surrounded by high sand dunes. Local guides say that ‘sossus’ means ‘place of no return’. Vlei in Afrikaans means ‘marsh’. Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Johannesburg – Kruger National Park
We will collect you from the hotel for a private vehicle transfer to OR Tambo International Airport and from there we fly to Kruger National Park. This flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Our game ranger at Singita Lebombo will meet you and transfer you by road to the lodge. This afternoon we will enjoy our first game drive.
Singita Kruger National Park is situated at the confluence of two rivers in an exclusive game rich 15 000 hectare concession in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The Singita Kruger National Park concession boasts the highest concentration of wildlife in the entire park, including the Big 5 as well as a wealth of plant and animal species. The area is known for its Euphorbia trees and is home to the majestic mountain pride of 26 lions.
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 South Luangwa
An early breakfast means we will take a remote 90km drive north to the Mupamadzi River, a major tributary of the Luangwa, and arrive at the mobile camp ready for lunch. The camp will already be set up with well-equipped walk-in tents. After a relaxing afternoon we will take in the camp’s surroundings on foot before returning for a well-earned dinner under the African sky.
Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 South Luangwa
On the first full day available for an expedition we take a drive with an expert guide into South Luangwa National Park or we can embark on a walking safari, one of the specialisms in this particular park. Nearby, a refreshing drink and an alternative view of the Luangwa River is available from the lagoon at the luxurious Kapani Lodge, also part of the legendary Norman Carr Safaris portfolio.
Other activities include a night time game drive and excursions to discover the Thornycroft giraffe which is only found in the Luangwa Valley.
Chinzombo Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Johannesburg – Sabi Sand
After breakfast at the Peermont Mondior Hotel you will transfer back to Tambo Airport via shuttle bus for an internal flight to Skukuza Airport. You will be met at Skukuza by the game ranger from your next destination, Kirkman’s Kamp in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
We will travel by road to the camp which was originally the legendary Harry Kirkman’s private homestead in the 1920s. It has been beautifully restored and radiates timeless elegance throughout.
The beautifully manicured lawns are the perfect place to unwind after the last few days of travel. We will venture out on our first safari tracking the big game of Africa. On our return you can sink into the generous claw-foot bath tub in your room.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 2 Johannesburg – Kruger
After an early breakfast you will transfer back to the Johannesburg Airport by bus for an internal flight to Skukuza Airport. You will be met here by a representative of Jock Safari Lodge who will transfer you for approximately 30 minutes by road to the lodge.
Once settled in at this 5-star lodge and after a spot of lunch it will be time for the first safari adventure of the trip.
One of the unique highlights of the visit to this part of Kruger National Park is the opportunity to see the rock art of ancient tribes travelling through this area. The art depicts the spiritual beliefs and lives of the San. The various sites that were chosen for the art were very symbolic. Rock was the medium where three worlds met: the world as we know it, the world above and the world below.
In the evening you can relax in the Victorian claw-foot bath or have a night cap under the stars in your personal ‘sala’ (thatched viewing deck).
Jock Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Arusha – Selous
After breakfast we will depart from Onsea House with a picnic and transfer to Sand Rivers Selous in the Selous Game Reserve via road and internal flight.
Selous Game Reserve was named after Englishman Sir Frederick Selous, a famous big game hunter and early conservationist. The Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 2 Johannesburg – Sabi Sand
After breakfast you will take the shuttle bus ten minutes to the airport where you will board a flight to Skukuza Airport. This is where you and your family meet your game ranger for the next few days of safari and he will transfer you by road to the lodge. Spend three nights in this beautifully restored homestead in a family cottage.
There is no time to waste as we take our first outing into the wild of Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the afternoon to track the game of South Africa.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 2 Kariega
We will be going for daily game viewing activities in Kariega Game Reserve using open 4×4 safari vehicles. Also on offer are daily river cruises on the Kariega River.
The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, and incorporates five ecological zones – ranging from lush evergreen forest to rugged mountain and dry savannah.
Kariega Game Reserve is situated in Frontier Country, the historical heartland of the Eastern Cape. This inland area embodies the spirit of many cultures which currently form part of South Africa’s Rainbow Nation, including the 1820 Settlers, the Khoi, the Xhosa and the Boers. The Eastern Cape Province is also the birth place of many prominent South Africans including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 2 Entebbe – Kibale National Park
We move west to Kibale National Park near the Congo border. Travelling by air from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip, we stay at Kyaninga Lodge for a total of three nights.
Kibale Forest is the natural habitat for an amazing 13 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of any area on earth. Some of the trees are 50 to 60 metres (150 to 180 feet) in height, and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species.
Whilst here, you are likely to see numerous bird species as well as black and white colobus, red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey.
Kyaninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve is all about searching for big game; where the habitats are as diverse as the wildlife itself. Water-adapted antelopes and wary-eyed buffaloes spill out into floodplains, behind towering woodlands where leopards hide on the high branches. Dead trees cast silhouettes over elephant-filled savannas a stone’s throw from papyrus-fringed channels stretching out to the delta beyond.
When you arrive in the Moremi Game Reserve, it’s anyone’s guess what you’ll find lurking in the long grass. From wild dogs stalking waterbucks to long sunsets by a hippo-filled lagoon, the scenes will live on in memory long after the journey home.
Kick up sharp smelling clouds of dust on a morning drive, disturbing pockets of warm air in the reeds as you splash through water crossings in pursuit of a distant lion’s call. Pause by the edge of large lagoons, squinting to catch mischief making hyenas as they emerge from the trees to drink.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Windhoek – Keetmanshoop
On day 2 you will collect your rental vehicle and travel south from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop. The journey is very straightforward with stunning scenery along the way and is about a 7 hour drive. In Namibia driving is on the left and this is the perfect opportunity to get used to this if you’re from a right-hand drive country.
Hardap Dam is halfway through your journey and about 20 minutes off the main road. There is the opportunity here to do a spot of fishing and observe a variety of bird life and game including pelican, spoonbill, zebra and rhino. Alternatively you can visit Hardap Dam as part of your return journey north on day 8.
Central Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 2 Arusha – Serengeti
After an early breakfast, we will fly to drive to the Serengeti, depending on where the wildebeest herd is. After entering the park, we will game drive our way to our camp, arriving in time for lunch.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Arusha – Katavi
On day 2 of the Tanzanian safari we will transfer to Arusha Airport in the east by road and board an internal flight to Katavi in the west. We arrive for lunch and will stay at this camp for three nights.
We are straight into the activities after a relaxing afternoon at camp with a night drive into the bush.
Chada Katavi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2 Arusha – Mount Kilimanjaro
Following an early breakfast and briefing from our guide we will be taken to the western side of Kilimanjaro where we begin our trek from 11,800 feet. This will be a gentle hike as we don’t begin ascending yet, maintaining the height of 11,800 feet. We spend the first night at Simba Camp.
This trek will take between 2 and 4 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 2 Johannesburg – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This morning, we board a flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport we will be met and transferred by private road transfer to our hotel where we will stay for two nights. From the camp we will have the opportunity to visit the Victoria Falls area, starting with a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi this evening.
Victoria Falls Hotel: Bed and Breakfast
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Day 3 Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is the natural habitat for an amazing 13 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of any area on earth. Here, we will spend a full day with the chimpanzees in a unique chimpanzee habituation experience, watching these fascinating primates from dawn to dusk. Some of the trees are 50 to 60m (150 to 180 feet) in height, and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species.
On your tour, you are likely to see numerous bird species as well as black and white colobus, red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey.
Kyaninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Volcanoes National Park
Today we have the option of another Gorilla track or a Golden Monkey track. Alternatively, a visit to Karisoke, Dian Fossey’s Former research centre, is also an option.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 3 The Nile River
Today we enjoy the adrenalin rush of white water rafting on the mighty Nile, an experience you will never forget.
Wildwaters Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park
On day 3 we will travel westwards to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch at the lodge, we will head out for an afternoon nature walk in the park.
The national park is home to 68 mammal species, including zebra, impala, buffalo, as well as 315 species of bird, one of which is the rare shoebill stork. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lake shore has a varied mosaic of habitats – forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife.
Mihingo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Volcanoes National Park
Today we enjoy an encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas are part of a worldwide population of just 880 individuals, and the gorillas we track today belong to one of several habituated family groups. Experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves.
The time taken to track the gorillas varies from half an hour to 9 hours before we return to camp, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the very special kinship that exists between them and us.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Nyungwe Forest National Park
This morning we will depart the lodge early to go chimp trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. This small forest was historically connected to Nyungwe, and is rich in bird species typical of the Albertine Rift Valley system. It also has a resident habituated chimpanzee group, and with the compact size of this forest, sightings are usually better here than for those trekking chimps in Nyungwe Forest itself.
We return to the lodge and later on visit the nearby tea plantation to learn all about the process of producing world class tea – a speciality in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Nairobi-Solio Ranch
After an early breakfast, drive north of the country to The Peaceful Home for Children in Kianyaga. Here, you will be warmly received and entertained by Kikuyu traditional dancers, enjoy a guided tour of this place conducted by one of the Managers Joe or Agnes or both at the same time and interact with the children of this place. Thereafter, continue with your road journey and drive to Solio lodge arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon game viewing drive.
Accommodation: Solio Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 3 Matthews Range
After an early breakfast we go out into the bush together with our expert guide once more for a shared experience of learning to track animals. We will look for the Melanistic leopard, also known as the ‘black panther’, giant forest hogs, Grevy’s zebra, and discover some of the 150 different species of butterfly in the area, and 350 bird species.
Kitich Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The mountain gorillas in Uganda are part of a worldwide population of just 800 individuals. The gorillas we are permitted to visit belong to either one of ten family groups, habituated for gorilla trekking.
For up to five years each, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allow a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, and will help us locate the group’s whereabouts. The time taken to track the gorillas can vary enormously – from one to seven hours.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Meru National Park
Enjoy more game drives exploring the park on day 3, in the morning and afternoon. Take time to enjoy one of the many optional activities included in your stay here. Spend some time fishing in one of the park’s many rivers, armed with afternoon refreshments, with the chance of catching catfish and barbel and being surrounded by herons, monitor lizards and spectacular kingfishers. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bush walk to learn how to appreciate the finer details of the African wilderness; or dine in the bush for a romantic dinner with a difference, surrounded by glowing lanterns, as night falls across the landscape.
Elsa’s Kopje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Selous Game Reserve
A day of more excitement beckons, with more shared game drives and boat trips available. Why not pack a picnic lunch and take a trip to the Hot Springs, or nearby Stiegler’s Gorge, for a grand day out against the backdrop of some amazing scenery.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Selous
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 3 Zanzibar Island
During your time on the coast, you will have plenty of opportunity to relax by the water. But for those who fancy a more active Zanzibar beach holiday, there is plenty of choice. The resort Watersports Club is on hand for all manner of optional activities (at additional charge) with a great selection of new equipment. Choose from a dazzling array of watersports activities with professional guidance or instruction including kite surfing/buggying, land boarding, snorkeling, sailing, reef walking, windsurfing, sea kayaking and paddle-boarding.
It is quite simply, the perfect place to experience the Indian Ocean.
Baraza Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Serengeti National Park (Mobile Camp)
During your time at Serengeti Safari Camp you enjoy game activities in shared vehicles.
The Serengeti Safari Camp will not move whilst you are in it, but this camp covers hundreds of miles every year, along a route which the herds have travelled for centuries. In June it is found in the western corridor, where great columns of wildebeest move north as one, and between July and October it is more likely to be occupying a quiet corner of the northern Serengeti, close to the rivers for dramatic river crossing experiences. Come November, it will be occupying a secluded spot in the Moru area, a savannah landscape peppered with rocky kopjes. Wherever we locate the camp, it is sure to be tucked away in a peaceful area of this magnificent park, with stunning views across the plains.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Kibale Forest National Park
This morning, we enjoy chimp trekking in Kibale Forest. Kibale Forest is the natural habitat for an amazing 13 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of any area on Earth. We wil have an opportunity to track chimpanzees. Some of the trees are 50 to 60 meters (150 to 180 feet) in height, and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species. We will return to the lodge for lunch
After lunch at the lodge, we will set out on a guided crater hike. Choose from following the rim of the crater, on tracks that pass through local community land using for traditional crops like maize and matoke bananas, offering panoramic views of the lake; or take the lakeside option, passing through forest and spotting butterflies, monkeys and ancient volcanic lava tubes as you go. At the end of your walk, there is the invigorating option of wild swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake from the lodge’s private swimming pontoon.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 3 Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today after breakfast, we drive approx. 5hrs to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En-route visit the Kings Palace in Nyanza and National Museum in Butare where you will learn about Rwandan history in the pre-colonial period with a stopover for lunch. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to Nyungwe Forest Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 3 Selous Game Reserve
During our time at Sand Rivers, the more adventurous may be interested in the optional extra activity of overnight fly camping. We will enjoy a short walking safari to a secluded location in the bush, where we will find a simple fly camp. Here we spend a night beneath the stars, with nothing between us and the wilderness but a thin mosquito net. The camp staff will be on hand to serve us a three-course candle-lit dinner in the bush, with a small but well-stocked bar available for that ice-filled sundowner moment.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Loisaba
Loisaba Tented Camp is located in the Loisaba Conservancy, a beautiful 56,000-acre private wilderness area and working ranch in Laikipia with abundant wildlife. Perched on the edge of an escarpment, the camp has breathtaking and unhindered views across Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mount Kenya. Loisaba has an African-themed sophistication and style – its six spacious and airy tents are custom-built with large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, high ceilings and polished wood floors.
Adorned in chic Africana furniture with a modern European twist, each en-suite tent has an inside lounge area and veranda sitting area. Trek through the bush with camels, mountain bike down the escarpment, raft, ride on horseback or drive through the wild canyons of the two great rivers that span the vast property.
In the evening enjoy a starlit dinner under the African sky with your loved one.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Amboseli National Park
We spend the day exploring the park with morning and afternoon game viewing drives. You will also visit a traditional Maasai village to learn more about their ancient culture and traditions, which they still practice today. Meet the elders of the village, the warriors and the women and children who love to entertain with song and dance.
Tortilis Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Kibale Forest National Park
This morning, we will transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before heading out to man’s closest relative, the Chimpanzee, in his natural habitat. Kibale Forest harbours as many as 13 different primate species, including Chimps, so we are likely to encounter some other wildlife along the way, including Black & White Colobus and Red Tailed Monkeys.
Later this afternoon, we enjoy a walk at a nearby wetlands conservation project, run by the Bigodi community. More monkeys and bird life abound – see if you can spot a Great Blue Turaco – a common sight on this guided walk.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 3 Tarangire
Our camp is located on the Tarangire River near the Silale Swamp. This being a wildlife corridor, there is plenty to see and do on game walks and game drives through the area. game viewing from the camp itself is easy and rewarding, as it is located in an area with almost no other human traffic.
Kuro Tarangire Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
More a stop-over to Gondar, Bahir Dar, on the shore of Lake Tana, grew around a Jesuit settlement in the 16th century, and the Pedro Paez building in the town dates from this time. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, and the falls at Tiss Abay, 35km south east of Bahir Dar are well worth a visit. On the lake itself, you can enjoy a boat trip to one or two of the monasteries. Some of these do not admit women, but your guide will steer you around this.
Avanti Blue Nile Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 3 Namib Rand Nature Reserve
We spend the day exploring the southern part of the vast, open spaces of the Namib Rand Game Reserve. Options for the day include a full day or half day scenic drive, walking safari, 1 hour balloon trip (seasonally available), horseback safari or a village tour.
Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Victoria Falls – Chobe National Park
Following breakfast and a leisurely morning, we will be transferred by private road transfer to Chobe Game Lodge in the Chobe National Park, where we will stay for two nights.
Chobe Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 South Luangwa
Today we will spend time exploring the park by foot on a guided walking safari. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a night game drive.
Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Victoria Falls – Kwando Concession
An early morning transfer takes you to Kasane Airport, where you board your light aircraft flight to Kwando Concession, in Linyanti. You will spend two nights at Kwando Lagoon Camp.
Lagoon Camp is located on the banks of the Kwando River, which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Set beneath towering ebony and marula trees, the forested site is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals withelephant and hippo often visible from the camp.
The Kwando river attracts large herds of buffalo and elephant, especially in the dry winter months, when hundreds are drawn to the river to slake their thirst. There are also plenty of predators, drawn by the abundant prey species.
At Lagoon, you will be able to enjoy both game drives and boat rides.
Lagoon Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Livingstone – Selinda
After breakfast, we will be transferred by shared road transfer from Tongabezi Lodge to Kasane Airport for an onward transfer to Zarafa Camp, where we will stay for three nights.
Zarafa Camp opened in June 2008 with a beautiful new design and spectacular location to rave reviews and critical acclaim. In its November 2008 edition, National Geographic Adventure magazine honored the lodge as one of the world’s top 50 eco-lodges, and Tattler Magazine has recognised Zarafa Camp as one of its top 101 hotels & lodges anywhere.
Zarafa Camp is blessed with an extraordinary location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve, overlooking the vast savannahs and floodplains of the Zibadianja Lagoon under shady jackalberry and red ivory forests. The uninterrupted views from every part of the camp over these productive floodplains are truly breathtaking.
Activities offered at Zarafa include game drives, night drives, and walks, which can be arranged on request.
Zarafa Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Sossusvlei
Today we explore the magnificent Sossusvlei area, with its gigantic red dunes, salt pans and preserved trees. We will take a picnic and spend the day in discovery with our knowledgable guide.
During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab River will fill the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy ‘lake’ holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.
In the early evening we can take a trip down to the Sesriem Canyon to watch the sunset and then make our way back to the lodge for dinner.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Kruger National Park
Spend three nights at Singita Lebombo in a luxury suite. We will enjoy two safari activities per day while staying at the Singita.
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 South Luangwa
Up at sunrise for a morning walk, we will explore the remote environment by the Mupamadzi River, home to wild game and birds. Lions have been known to be seen in this area. The mobile camp will be packed and moved to the second campsite and lunch will be ready on our return where we will then enjoy a relaxed afternoon at camp.
Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 South Luangwa
After breakfast and a morning activity we will transfer by road to the next destination in South Luangwa National Park, Mchenja Bush Camp, where we will stay for two nights.
Lion and other predators often frequent the area around the camp and we may spot them along the river bed or on game drives during the day and night.
Mchenja Bush Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Sabi Sand
Kirkman’s Kamp offers the chance to take part in two safari activities per day. We take advantage of this and get up before sunrise for an early morning game drive, then back to the lodge for breakfast and lunch followed by your choice of activity.
For a leisurely pace, allow yourself to be drawn into the fascinating Kirkman library or while away a few hours in front of the roaring fireplace in the guest sitting room.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Kruger
A walking safari is encouraged, after breakfast, moving through the bush enjoying views of unsurpassed beauty. The diversity of fauna and flora in this area truly comes alive when viewed on foot.
At dusk, a vantage point can be chosen overlooking one of the many breathtaking vistas of the Kruger National Park. Sundowners can be enjoyed while tales of the bush are told and a glimpse of what this wilderness has to offer is seen while watching the beautiful sunset. En route back to the lodge, nocturnal animals such as leopard, hyena and lion are often seen.
Jock Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Selous
Days at Sand Rivers can be spent exploring the bush around the nearby lakes, or the wide sandbanks of the river itself. Set off on foot, by vehicle, or by boat – the choice is yours. The lodge offers trips to nearby Stiegler’s Gorge, a well-known spot for leopard sightings, as well as some nearby hot springs.
Despite such incredible wildlife, surprisingly, and rather pleasingly, the Selous gets few visitors. The lodge is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding area with game drives in 4 wheel drive open-sided vehicles and daily walking safaris accompanied by an experienced bush guide and armed scout. Bush lunches are served on request – dining beneath the shade of a large acacia tree in the middle of the African savannah is the perfect way to while away the heat of the day.
One of the most exciting opportunities at Sand Rivers is ‘flycamping’. (Highly recommended but at a small extra cost – book before arrival to avoid disappointment). Sleeping out in the wild, with an armed guard, flycamping will give you an entirely authentic safari experience away from modernities.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Sabi Sand
This is our first opportunity for a full day of safari activities. We take a stunning morning game drive as the sun comes up over the plains and search for leopards, which are seen frequently in Sabi Sand.
After lunch on an open air deck overlooking the Sand River we will venture out once more. We can take an afternoon drive or go for a walk with our ranger who will share his knowledge of the smaller animals, and flora and fauna in the area. Alternatively the family can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the lodge playing tennis, croquet and swimming in the pool.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Kariega
Choose two activities per day whilst staying at Kariega Settlers Drift – options are two game viewing excursions, two river cruises, or one of each.
Kariega Game Reserve is home to lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Close-up viewing of these and other wildlife is common. Other species abound such as hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of other antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species including the nesting crowned eagle, martial and fish eagles.
In the evening, sit back and relax in luxury alongside your friends after a few days of safari activity and enjoy the gentle sound of Bushman’s River flowing past the camp.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Kibale National Park
This morning we will set off for some chimpanzee trekking and return to the lodge for lunch, after which you are free to relax for the afternoon in luxury surroundings.
Kyaninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Moremi Game Reserve
When you tire of game drives, discover the channels by boat while Squacco herons fly alongside you into the wind. Watch a lazy sunset with the blue-cheeked bee eaters before returning to dry land for more hardcore bush exploration.
As Moremi Game Reserve is bound by national park rules, activities here are limited to game drives during hours of daylight with no off-roading, and boat cruises on the permanent channels.
While most of the reserve is open to the public, two private lodges sit in the Mombo Concession to the north of Chief’s Island, surrounded by the waters of the Okavango Delta. Boating isn’t possible here, instead the area offer the ultimate in dry-land game viewing. Hailed as Botswana’s predator capital, this exclusive corner is closed to outsiders and home to the big five, where the invitee list fills up years in advance.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Keetmanshoop – Fish River Canyon
After a restful night in Keetmanshoop you will drive a shorter distance to the ultimate destination of Fish River Canyon. You arrive at Fish River Lodge where you will stay for one night and again on returning from your guided five day hike. In the evening your guide will brief you on your forthcoming canyon adventure.
You can get ready for the first day of hiking tomorrow by organising what you will take with you. We suggest a small soft bag with your personal belongings that will be transported into the canyon by the team, (your other luggage will be kept safe at the lodge until you return) and a small backpack for water and a lunch pack (supplied by the lodge).
You will also need comfortable hiking boots, a bathing suit, hat, sun block and camera/binoculars. Please bring clothing for temperatures varying from hot to chilly.Fish River Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 3 Serengeti
Our mobile camp follows the herd year round, and in any given month, you could be expereincing any one of the aspects of the Migration. These include the calving season in Late February to March, when 750,000 female wildebeest drop their calves, with attendant predator activity; July to October is when the herd is in the northern Serengeti, and when some of the famous river crossings happen, and the rest of the year is when the herd is in transition as part of their ancient annual cycle.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Katavi
After a hearty breakfast we will venture into Katavi National Park, a true untamed wilderness. This is Tanzania’s third largest national park, lying on a beautiful section of the Rift Valley that ultimately ends in Lake Rukwa. However, the main focus for game viewing is the Katuma River and associated seasonal lakes Katavi and Chada. In the rainy season these lakes attract a variety of animals and bird life including hippo, crocodile and water birds.
Chada Katavi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3 Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 2 of our climb will be another fairly gentle day as we ascend only slightly higher than the previous day, allowing our bodies to begin acclimatising to the increase in height. We hike from Simba Camp to Shira Camp 2.
This hike will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 3 Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls town lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the eastern end of the Victoria Falls. It is easy to explore on foot and offers a wide range of activities from the challenge of white water rafting and bungy jumping, to the awe-inspiring sunset cruises. It has something for everyone.
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the largest sheet of falling water on earth – a spellbinding and mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles – hence the local name ‘mosi oa tunya’ meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’.
You will be taken on a guided tour of the falls in the morning, followed by lunch. This afternoon is open for any optional activities you may want to take part in.
This evening, you will join the Bushtracks Express for a dinner steam safari. your train will pause on the Victoria Falls Bridge for sundowners, run to Jafunta for dinner and return to the Victoria Falls Station. The train runs on Tuesdays and Fridays only.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Bed & Breakfast -
Day 4 Volcanoes National Park-Bwindi National Park
A breathtaking drive into Uganda (clocks go forward 1 hour) brings you to the Kigezi Highlands and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 4 Volcanoes National Park
Today we go up the mountains for a second gorilla tracking expedition.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 4 Nile – Lake Mburo National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Mburo National Park enjoying game viewing on our way to the park. We will have lunch at the lodge and later this afternoon, we enjoy a game drive in the park.
Mihingo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Lake Mburo National Park
We will enjoy a horseback safari across the rolling plains of the park in search of the wildlife that abounds here. For novice riders, shorter rides are available, or perhaps a game walk is more your style.
This afternoon, we enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Mburo to view the area’s hippo and birdlife population, or laze by the pool overlooking the plains far below.
Mihingo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 4 is spent hiking forest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The national park hosts a rich floral diversity, and is home to a staggering number of Albertine Rift endemic bird species, as well as 13 different types of primate. This includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, as well as the largest troops of black and white colobus found anywhere on the continent – a habituated group of up to 400 individual members are resident in the forest.
This morning, we will enjoy a hike to Nyungwe’s most famous attraction – East Africa’s only canopy walk – a suspended walkway that hangs above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of forest life. After lunch, we can return to the forest for a guided hike along one of the many trails, to enjoy birding, butterflies, waterfalls and forest scenery.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Kibale Forest National Park
This morning we reconvene at Kibale Forest headquarters for another opportunity to go chimp tracking. Our guides will help us try to find the chimps, and if we are lucky, we will spend up to an hour observing a chimpanzee family feeding, playing and resting amongst the trees.
After lunch at a nearby lodge, we will drive through a beautiful area of crater lakes and rolling hills to the small village of Rubona, where we will visit the basket weaving association for a demonstration of how they use natural pigments to dye the grasses used in their colourful creations. The ladies will also demonstrate their weaving techniques and there are always some excellent examples of their work in the association gift shop. Over the road, we can also pop into a local honey co-operative, where a tour of the premises explains the process of harvesting honey – if it’s season you may get the chance to taste fresh honeycomb. Those with a creative bent, may fancy trying their hand at molding their very own beeswax candle to take home.
Kyaninga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Solio – Mugie Wildlife Conservancy
After breakfast, depart for Mugie Wildlife Conservancy arriving at Mutamaiyu House in time for lunch. This will be followed by an afternoon game viewing drive.
Accommodation: Mutamaiyu House
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 4 Matthews Range
On our final full day in Matthews Mountain Range we will take a picnic into the bush, sit back and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of remote central Kenya.
We also have the opportunity to encounter authentic Kenyan village life in Ngalai, meeting the local people and visiting the market and school.
Kitich Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today we enjoy a second day of gorilla trekking, setting out once more to the briefing point after an early breakfast. Once the gorillas are located, our small group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Gorilla trekking is one of the world’s truly memorable wildlife experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us. The hour is often over all too quickly, and we slowly make our way back to our lodge to recount the day’s adventures.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Meru National Park
Day 4 constitutes another day of adventure and activity in Meru. The park is located in northern Kenya and covers an area of 870 square kilometres. Thirteen permanent rivers originate from the high hills which fringe the western boundary of the park, creating a mosaic of different habitats. Birdlife is abundant, with more than 400 species resident in the area.
On our morning game drive, we will look to find some of the park’s predators – the elusive lion, leopard, spotted hyena and cheetah. After spotting wildlife, we can enjoy breakfast served in the bush – an excellent way to appreciate the sights and sounds of the African wilderness – before heading back to the lodge for rest and relaxation.
Elsa’s Kopje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Selous Game Reserve
On your final day in the Selous, explore more of the reserve by boat or car, or take a short walking safari for an incredible experience. Travelling through the African bush on foot – even for just an hour or two – is an excellent way to bring all your senses alive. Your observation skills will become acutely tuned to the smallest details that are usually missed by vehicle or boat – a great way to heighten your understanding of the complexities of life in the African bush.
Accommodation: Sand Rivers Selous
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 4 Zanzibar Island
Another day in your tropical beach paradise beckons. Today, you may want to explore the option of taking a scuba dive (at extra cost) with the resort’s professional PADI dive centre. The only PADI 5* Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Centre in Zanzibar, it caters for both beginners and experienced scuba divers. With over 12 years of experience, the dive centre offers the highest levels of customer care and instruction whilst prioritizing the conservation and protection of the pristine marine environment around Zanzibar. With a maximum of six divers per guide, you can escape the crowds and get the most of your underwater experience.
Baraza Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Serengeti National Park (Mobile Camp)
Set your own pace and enjoy as much, or as little, wildlife viewing as you like. Head out before dawn for long days traversing the savannah, armed with delicious picnics and thermos flasks of coffee, or linger in bed and enjoy a relaxed morning at camp before making shorter forays into the bush for game drives closer to camp.
Another great activity on safari is the art of enjoying a sundowner. Pack some drinks and head out to to a rocky kopje and enjoy the changing colours of the savannah – an excellent way to end the day.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Kibale Forest NP – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, take picnic lunch from the lodge and drive to Ishasha (6hr). We will have a stop at the Rwenzori Art Centre and visit the Sculpture Gallery and Foundry. We will proceed with picnic lunch en route. Arrive at lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 4 Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today, we will depart early from the lodge with packed breakfast and drive approx 1 hr to Cyamudongo Forest for the start of your chimpanzee tracking experience. This small forest was historically connected to Nyungwe , and is rich in bird species typical of the Albertine Rift Valley system. It also has a resident habituated chimpanzee group, and with the compact size of this forest, sightings are usually better here than for those trekking chimps in Nyungwe Forest itself.
Later this afternoon,we enjoy the exhilarating canopy walk, the first of its kind in the East African region.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 4 Selous Game Reserve
Today we can enjoy more game drives or bush walks, or alternatively take advantage of the boat cruises and fishing trips offered; cruising along the Rufiji River, seeing the hippo, antelope and other animals which congregate along the shoreline, not to mention the rich variety of birdlife, is a serene and pleasant way to view the wildlife.
The lodge also offers fishing trips for those who want to spend more time on the river, or we can request a picnic lunch for a day trip to the dramatic Stiegler’s Gorge – a nearby beauty spot where the Rufiji River runs at its fastest through a narrow gorge. Here the water echoes with the grunts of hippo and otherworldly screeches from the hyrax in the forest-clad rocky walls either side. The wildlife viewing here is excellent – with plentiful hippo pods, wonderful birdlife, and the occasional leopard sighting.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Loisaba
Loisaba is located in Northern Kenya. We will be looking for five rare and endemic animals to this ecosystem. They are the Gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe, greater kudu, the Grevy’s zebra, and the the Somali ostrich. The Conservancy has an abundance of other rare species, such as the leopard, striped hyena, the civet cat and African wild dog. Community rangers patrol the conservancy to ensure the protection of these important and beautiful creatures.
Shared sundowners are called for in the evening, perhaps after a night time drive with a guide.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Kibale Forest National Park – Kilembe
This morning, we will go for a crater hike. Choose from following the rim of the crater, on tracks that pass through local community land using for traditional crops like maize and matoke bananas, offering panoramic views of the lake; or take the lakeside option, passing through forest and spotting butterflies, monkeys and ancient volcanic lava tubes as you go.
After lunch at the lodge depart (3hrs) to Kilembe. Transfer to your hostel for relaxation.
Accommodation: Trekkers’ Hostel
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 4 Amboseli National Park
Today we spend a second day exploring the park and conservancy.
Amboseli lies at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340ft). The mountain dominates every aspect of the park and you can get the best views of its snow-capped peak from Amboseli. The park’s fragile ecosystem supports a variety of game and is famous for its large herds of elephant. Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow, offer a watering place for the wildlife and birds during the dry season.
Tortilis Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Tarangire
We enjoy a second day of game viewing in the park.
Kuro Tarangire Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Bahir Dar – Gondar
Today, we drive 3 hours north around Lake Tana to Gondar, an ancient royal city that has existed since the 12th century. A complex of castles and palaces here collectively make up Gondar Castle, that includes such fascinating buildings as the Debre Birhan Selassie church, the Iyasu palace, and the Fasilides castle and baths. We will explore for the rest of the day, before retiring to our hotel, which overlooks Gondar.
Goha Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 4 Namib Rand – Sossusvlei
After the morning activities and breakfast (time permitting), we transfer 2 hours north by road to Sossusvlei, arriving at our next camp in time for lunch. This afternoon, we begin our exploration of the Sossusvlei area.
Little Kulala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Chobe River Front
The Chobe River Front is a remarkable wildlife area due to the permanent water source of the Chobe River. Although it is busier than the Okavango, the spectacle of the wildlife coming to drink and frolic at the water’s edge is outstanding, particularly in the dry season (May – Oct) where water is scarce away from the river. It is an area famous for its abundance of elephants and buffalo, a variety of predators and possibly even rare roan and sable antelope. In the rainy season (Nov – Apr) the game is much less concentrated at the river due to availability of surface water from nearby pans. This assists the vegetation on the river banks to recover. The summer rains bring beautiful wild flowers, exquisite scenery, impressive bird life and an abundance of young animals usually born around November/December.
Chobe Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 South Luangwa – Lower Zambezi
After a morning activity and breakfast we will transfer by road to Mfuwe Airport for an internal flight to Lusaka and on to Jeki Airstrip. We are met and transferred by road to our next camp.
Sausage Tree Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Selinda
The Selinda-Linyanti area lies to the north-east of the Okavango Delta where the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers meet at right angles, forming a swamp area within this triangle. The area’s relative remoteness makes it a favoured safari destination. The wildlife in the area is spectacular and the region is famous for its enormous herds of elephant and buffalo which move down to the area at the start of the winter months and only move back inland once the summer rains arrive in November.
We spend the day exploring in the company of our guides.
Zarafa Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Sossusvlei – Damaraland
We fly from Sossusvlei to Damaraland. We arrive at our luxury camp for lunch and our afternoon exploration.
Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region that offers travellers a more adventurous challenge. Here there are prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges.
Damaraland is home to desert elephants, magnificent creatures which have adapted to the harsh conditions of this area. We will have the opportunity to track the elephants on the full day in Damaraland tomorrow.
Camp Kipwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Kruger National Park
Today we enjoy a variety of exciting wildlife encounters in the reserve.
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 South Luangwa
Based at the same camp we will venture out on foot again to learn about the many facets of the bush; from ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion. This national park boasts 60 different animal and 400 different bird species, not to mention the rare Thornycroft giraffe, only to be found in the Luangwa Valley.
Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 South Luangwa
A morning walk to the Kakuli Bush Camp downstream from Mchenja is an excellent way to start the day, and there are three wildlife-rich ebony groves to explore in the area. Mchenja offers a great opportunity to explore the national park on foot.
Mchenja Bush Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Sabi Sand
Impeccable and gracious service completes the old world atmosphere at Kirkman’s, as the spirit of safari comes alive at this evocative camp, set in one of the most renowned wildlife regions in the world.
If you can peel yourself away from this incredible lodge we will take you out to look for game on day and night time drives. A number of lion prides have territories in Sabi Sand and are regularly spotted on these drives. As the cheetah is not nocturnal we are most likely to see this beautiful animal during the day, although they are less prevalent than the lions and leopards in this area.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 Kruger – Sabi Sand
Day 4 of the South Africa Explorer takes us to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, on the border of Kruger National Park. After a 3 and a half hour (approx) journey by road we will reach Savanna Private Game Reserve where we will spend three nights. Friendly staff will make you feel right at home with their personalised service and each guest regarded as a valued friend.
Savanna Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Selous
The Selous is best known for its sense of remote wilderness and vast populations of wildlife – elephants, hippo, buffalo and crocodile can be found here in larger numbers than anywhere else on the continent. It is also one of the last remaining strongholds for the rare and endangered African Wild Dog.
Sand Rivers Selous
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Sabi Sand
We venture into the game reserve for another day of wildlife tracking and creating memories for you and your children.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa, and is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. It has only ever been a wilderness area and is home to a vast wildlife population. You can hope to see all manner of mammals, reptiles, birds and trees here, including lion, elephant and giraffe.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Kariega – Port Elizabeth – Harkerville
Following breakfast at Kariega Settlers Drift we will collect you for your private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport. Here you will be met by your driver/guide for your private travel and touring along the Garden Route for the next five nights.
We depart Port Elizabeth for Harkerville and your next lodge with sightseeing en route at the Tsitsikamma National Coastal Park, Storms River Village and a Canopy Tour, time permitting.
Arrive at Tsala Treetop Lodge and sink into a sumptuous Treetop Suite with your friends. Ideally situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Tsala is a wonderful location from which to explore the beauty the celebrated Garden Route or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 4 Kibale National Park – Kisoro
After an early breakfast, we drive to Kasese Airstrip and board a flight to Kisoro. We are transferred by road to our lodge.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Khwai Community Area
Today we drive north 3-4 hours from Moremi to Khwai. Looking at a map of Botswana, you’d miss Khwai completely if you didn’t know it was there. Wedged between the big-ticket attractions of Chobe National Park to the east and Moremi Game Reserve to the south, Khwai exists as a significant big game destination of its own.
Lying on the eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta with a rich wildlife population and no borders drawn around it on the map, Khwai is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, though in the winter months it can hold its own for the quality of big game viewing.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch -
Day 4 Fish River Canyon
Having arrived on the edge of Fish River Canyon yesterday you will now embark on your hiking adventure. The first day hiking will include a steep 3 hour, 14km decent into the canyon, where you may see kudu, oryx, springbok and even the elusive mountain (Hartmann’s) zebra. Passing through a stunning gorge and along the riverbed with natural rock pools, there should be time for a dip in the water to cool off.
Tents will be set up for you ahead of your arrival at the first camp site with camp beds, mattresses, comfortable duvets, a bucket shower and toilets.
You will spend your first night dining by the light of the campfire, your meal prepared by a private chef.
Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Northern Serengeti
After a morning activity we board an internal flight or drive to the northern section of the Serengeti National Park. We land at Kogatende in time for lunch at the next accommodation, the beautiful and remote Lamai Serengeti.
An incredible concentration of predators lie in this section of the Serengeti. From July to the end of October the migrating herds are resident here with animals crossing the Mara River almost daily. However, a visit to the northern Serengeti at any time of year will yield sightings of all forms of game.
The guides at Lamai are second to none and will really make the experience personal for you and your spouse.
Lamai Serengeti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Katavi
When the floodwaters retreat in the dry season Katavi really comes to life. It’s easy to spot wildlife in the national park at this time as there are few places for the animals to find drinking water – once we find these places, such as the Katuma Lake, we won’t need to look much further for hippo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo. Sometimes there can be around 4,000 elephants converging in one space at these times.
Enjoy drinks round the campfire after a fulfilling day in the wild documenting all we have seen and experienced.
Chada Katavi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Mount Kilimanjaro
After an early breakfast we embark on our longest walking day yet. From Shira Camp 2 we will spend 5 or 6 hours ascending to Lava Tower where we stop for lunch and a chance to acclimatise to the rising height of 15,190 feet. Following this we will descend for 2 hours to reach Barranco Camp.
This is a great day for photo opportunities, especially if there are sheets of ice covering the great Barranco Wall, and of course, a stunning sunset. It is also a day where you need to pay attention to your body and notify your guide if you notice signs of altitude sickness.
Today’s climbing (without breaks) will take approximately 8 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 4 Victoria Falls – Okavango Delta, Botswana
Following the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will transfer to Kasane Airport for our onward air transfer to our camp, where we will stay for four nights.
The Okavango wetland encompasses Moremi Game Reserve and surrounding regions divided into areas known as private concessions. These concessions are wildlife management areas, carefully administrated to balance the growing community’s development and conservation, whilst empowering citizens through sustainable tourism.
Kwando Splash Camp or Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4 Kwando Concession
We explore the northern Kwando Concession
Lagoon Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Nkuringo Walking Trail
An early start today for a 6-hour hike along the Nkuringo Walking Trail. This hike will allow you to fully experience this UNESCO World Heritage Park at a relaxed pace. After lunch we transfer by road to Ishasha.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 5 Lake Mburo National Park
In the morning we go for a guided nature walk and in the afternoon we will enjoy a horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park, riding out amongst the wildlife found there, including zebra, buffalo, eland, topi and impala. The horse riding takes approximately 4 hours, giving us a great amount of time to get acquainted with the horses and take in the scenery.
We will have dinner in the bush and sleep out under the stars at a fly-camp.
Bush Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Lake Mburo – Bwindi National Park
On day 5 we drive into the scenic Kigezi Highlands of south western Uganda and make our way to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is ancient and breathtakingly beautiful. The lodge is owned by the local community, but is run to a very high standard, making it one of the best lodges in East Africa, and a fitting base for our gorilla adventure. Later this afternoon, we can relax at the lodge.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Nyungwe Forest – Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
This morning, we will transfer by road back to Kigali. After lunch at a city restaurant we drive north to Volcanoes National Park. Straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, the Virunga Volcanoes are one of the most stirring sights in East Africa.
This rugged chain of eight peaks rises as high as 4,500 metres in places, and five of these mountains are protected in Rwanda. The slopes of each mountain are covered with thick rainforest, which gives way to montane grassland and alpine moorland higher up.
Five Volcanoes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Kibale Forest – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive to Kasese Airstrip and board our scheduled flight to Bwindi. We are met at the airstrip and transferred by road to our lodge, climbing through the Kigezi Highlands that form part of the eastern wall of the Albertine Rift. We pass small villages, plantations and fields on the way, through one of Uganda’s most densely populated regions. As we near the end of our climb, we will begin to see the mountainous, mist covered forest of the park, located more than a mile above sea level. Our base will be Gorilla Forest Camp, widely acknowledged to be the best camp in the northern section of Bwindi.
The 331 square kilometre (128 square mile) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is comprised of both montane and lowland forest. The forest is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa, with some 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, and over 27 species of reptiles and amphibians. Bwindi is amongst the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.
Once we reach the lodge, we enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing, preparing for tomorrow’s great adventure with the gorillas.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Mugie Wildlife Conservancy
Spend a full day in Mugie Wildlife Conservancy with game viewing drives. During your stay here, you will be introduced to the Pokot and Samburu traditional ways of life.
Accommodation: Mutamaiyu House
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 5 Matthews Range – Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, we will transfer to the airstrip with the lodge vehicle for the scheduled flight to the Mara North Airstrip and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
On arrival in the Mara, your family will be reunited with your safari guide who meets you off the plane and transfers you to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon, we will set off for our first game drive through the Maasai Mara.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Bwindi – Entebbe – Out
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the camp this morning, reflecting on the adventures of the last few days. Transfer to the nearby Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to a boutique guesthouse in Entebbe to enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.
Later on, transfer to the international airport for your departure flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 5 Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Out
This morning, we set off to track the equally rare golden monkey. A whole new primate encounter – these small but charming monkeys live in bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virungas. They have been habituated to the presence of daily visitors, and observing them feeding and moving nimbly through the bamboo is a unique experience.
After lunch back at the lodge, we return to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your international flight out this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 5 Tarangire – Ngorongoro
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Lake Manyara National Park where we enjoy our first game drive. The elephants of Lake Manyara were immortalised by Ian Douglas-Hamilton in his book Amongst the Elephants, and the park still has a reputation for having some pretty large tuskers. It is also known for its tree-climbing lions and excellent birding, with around 400 species recorded in the area.
After our morning game viewing, we enjoy a picnic lunch. Later on, we will continue on our journey through the Rift Valley, enjoying breathtaking views as we climb the escarpment that leads to the Ngorongoro Highlands and our lodge near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Located 180km west of Arusha in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ngorongoro Crater holds the record as the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and is home to some of the most dense populations of big game in Africa.
Plantation Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Selous – Pemba Island
After breakfast at the lodge, we will transfer to the airstrip for our scheduled flight at 0945hrs (flight time 2hrs) to Chake Chake airstrip on Pemba Island. Here we will be met and transfered by road and boat to our hotel.
Fundu Lagoon is situated in a peaceful and remote setting on a stunning tropical beach located on the south west coast of Pemba Island. Offering simple yet stylish accommodation, the resort embraces a Robinson Crusoe shipwreck chic and is the perfect spot to wind down and recharge after a dusty safari on the Tanzania mainland.
Utilising the rustic simplicity of local materials and a beach setting, Fundu Lagoon blends seamlessly into its natural environment. Eighteen makuti thatch tented rooms on wooden platforms nestle in the forested hillside or along the beachfront, each with an excellent view of the lagoon. These are all connected to the main building by wooden walkways that wind through indigenous forest.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 5 Zanzibar Island
Today is the last full day at Baraza Resort and Spa. Optional activities offered by the resort include trips on a Swahili dhow boat to explore the mangroves, or trips to the nearby local village of Bwejuu, where guests can visit the local school, dispensary and mosque as well as enjoying a wander through a typical Zanzibar fishing village.
All activities described today are available at an extra charge.
Baraza Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today we will spend the whole day exploring the game tracks around Ishasha. This morning’s drive will culminate in a bush breakfast in a secluded spot, before returning to the lodge for lunch. Later, after an afternoon spent searching for tree-climbing lions and some of the large elephant herds that frequent this sector.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 5 Nyungwe Forest National Park
This morning, take a guided walk into the forest searching for colobus monkeys. On your walk, you will also have many things interest including tree species, butterflies and different bird species.
This afternoon after the morning activity, spend time in the nearby tea plantations learning and interacting with the local farmers.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 5 Selous Game Reserve – Ruaha National Park
This morning, after breakfast, we transfer to nearby Kiba Airstrip for a scheduled flight departure for Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival at Msembe Airstrip, we are met and taken on a relaxed game drive to Kigelia Camp, arriving in time for lunch.
Ruaha National Park is the largest park in all of Tanzania. Its remote location ensures it receives fewer visitors than it deserves – but it never fails to impress those intrepid enough to venture this far south.
Your time here will be spent on shared game drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles exploring pristine African bush. Guests enjoy excellent wildlife viewing in Ruaha. The park is second only to the Serengeti-Mara when it comes to big cat encounters – there are over 20 large lion prides spread across the park and sightings of leopard and cheetah are also reasonably common.
Kigelia Ruaha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Loisaba – Maasai Mara
On day 5 of the honeymoon we transfer you from Loisaba to the Maasai Mara via light aircraft. We will transfer you to your next accommodation with more game viewing on the private drive there.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Amboseli National Park – Maasai Mara
After breakfast we will be transferred to the airstrip for the scheduled flight to the Maasai Mara. On arrival at the Mara North Airstrip, we will be met and transferred to Elephant Pepper Camp with game viewing en route.
For those travelling between July and November you will be able to observe the spectacle of the migration, classified among the Seven Wonders of the World, when over 1.3 million wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti in search of greener pastures.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Kilembe- Mt Rwenzoris National Park
Today, we start our six day Rwenzoris trek. The hike today, you will pass through the Afro Montane Forest Zone with multitudes of birds and a chance of seeing a wild chimpanzee or blue monkey scampering off through the forest. You may also have an opportunity of seeing troupes of 15 to 20 Colobus monkys scampering through the tree tops.
Accommodation: Sine Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 5 Gondar
We enjoy a second day in Gondar, exploring and absorbing the atmosphere.
Goha Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 5 Sossusvlei
Today we explore the magnificent Sossusvlei area, with its gigantic red dunes, salt pans and dead trees.
Little Kulala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Chobe River Front – Savute
Following a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred to Kasane Airport for our onward air transfer to Savute Safari Lodge, where we will stay for two nights.
Historically the Savute Channel has flowed erratically, but the area is currently in a period of transition at the start of what appears to be another ‘wet cycle’. The channel began flowing again in 2009 for the first time in nearly 30 years, the last active period being from 1950-1981.
The Savute area offers a harsh and desert-like landscape in the dry season when the wildlife is supported by the now flowing Savute Channel. This contrasts dramatically with the rainy season where the seasonal pans fill with water and the Savute Marsh and surrounds are covered with lush green vegetation that attracts an annual migration of zebra and wildebeest, as well as an abundance of birdlife.
Savute Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Meru – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
After breakfast we drive 3 hours around the north of Mt Kenya.
Lewa re-invests all the profits generated from tourism (including profits from Lewa Safari Camp) into its core programmes. By visiting Lewa, you help thousands of people from different cultures improve their lives, and give their children a future, at the same time as ensuring Africa’s wildlife has a stable home.
After lunch, we enjoy the facilities at camp before our afternoon game drive.
Lewa Safari Camp Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi is still relatively undeveloped, and its beauty is a result of this. The opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are manifold. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife sanctuary. While at the camp, we have access to the finest game viewing possible.
Sausage Tree Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Serengeti National Park (Mobile Camp)
Today you will continue to enjoy the wildlife action that is going on all around you. As well as being famous for its large herds of wildebeest and zebra, the Serengeti is a great place for spotting predators. Not surprisingly, with a ‘moveable feast’ all around them, lions thrive and it is not uncommon to see several prides on a single game drive alone. Cheetah are also regularly sighted, and if you are out and about early in the day, you may be lucky and spot a leopard, serval, or African wild cat.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Selinda
We spend another day exploring this incredible wildlife area with the camp guides, who are trained and experienced in tracking and master bush craft.
The Selinda-Linyanti is known as one of the best wild dog areas in Africa. The dogs start denning anytime from June onwards after which they can usually be found with relative ease for 3-4 months afterwards as they hunt from their den. An abundance of cat species also frequent this area and the birdlife is rich with the best birding months being between October and January.
Zarafa Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Damaraland
We explore this fascinating part of Namibia, with the opportunity to track desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife, visit the San rock art at Tywelfontein or explore some of the geological oddities that abound. You might also want to visit the ‘fairy circles’, whose origins continue to baffle, or visit with the local Damara people and learn about their way of life.
Camp Kipwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Kruger National Park – Sabi Sand
Check-out of Singita Lebombo and transfer by road the short distance to the Singita airstrip for your seat-in charter flight to Singita Boulders. Your game ranger at Singita Boulders will meet you and transfer you to the lodge. This afternoon you will enjoy your game drives at Boulders.
Singita Boulders Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 South Luangwa
The mobile camp will follow us down river and be set up as we explore the banks of the Mupamadzi. The Mupamadzi River is clear and shallow; a tributary of the Luangwa, it rises in the mountainous escarpment within sight. In the area there are foothills, open plains, thickets, wooded parklands, reed beds and forest – it is amazing how many terrains and habitats you can walk through in one day.
Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 South Luangwa – Lower Zambezi
On day 5 of the safari we transfer by road and air to the next destination, Sausage Tree Camp in the Lower Zambezi. We travel by road from the Bush Camp to Mfuwe Airport and take an internal flight to Jeki Airstrip. From there we will transfer to Chongwe River Camp Camp on the banks of the Chongwe River.
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers the spectacular opportunity to get up close to the game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels. Herds of elephant and water buffalo are common in the area and birdlife along the riverbanks is exceptional.
Chongwe River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Sabi Sand – Phinda
On the fifth day we will transfer southwards from Sabi Sand to Phinda using a local vehicle, then light aircraft from the nearby airstrip to the Phinda Reserve. The flight usually takes about 1 and a half hours. You will be met on arrival and transferred overland to Phinda Mountain Lodge on the crest of a mountain.
At Phinda Mountain Lodge lunch is usually served on one of the shaded terraces, patios or in the dining room. The lookout deck at the lodge is particularly good for relaxation.
There are so many activities to consider participating in while staying here that you may need to just sit down and contemplate the next few days over a delicious dinner in the lodge’s open-air boma looking over the Lebombo Mountains.
Whatever you decide to do whilst you are here, an early evening walk to watch the sun setting over the South African plains would finish any day off nicely.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Sabi Sand
Wake up under 5-star canvas, nestled amid beautiful indigenous trees that attract a variety of birds.
We will enjoy two safari activities each full day we are here at Savanna. The best trained and most experienced team of game rangers and trackers have been assembled to ensure the most diverse and complete safari experience available.
Savanna Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Selous – Pemba
After breakfast, we will transfer by air from Kiba airstrip to the peaceful island of Pemba and our accommodation for the next five nights, the award winning Fundu Lagoon. Once on Pemba Island, Funda Lagoon is only accessible by speed boat – all part of the experience.
Arrive for lunch and then relax with a romantic stroll along the peaceful shores of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the first night here sharing in a sumptuous dinner, watching the sun set over the water, perhaps even on a dhow sunset cruise.
Fundu Lagoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Sabi Sand – Timbavati
On day 5 we check out of Kirkman’s Kamp and transfer by road from the Sabi Sand Reserve into Timbavati Game Reserve to stay at the sophisticated Ngala Tented Camp for a further three nights.
This reserve is home to the illusive white lion and every so often visitors are treated to glimpses of these beautiful creatures on excursions. Look carefully and you may be one of the lucky few to encounter the white lion.
Ngala Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Harkerville
Spend two nights at Tsala Treetop Lodge in a Treetop Suite.
This day will include sightseeing at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness and Rehabilitation Centre. There is also the option to go on a sunset cheetah walk.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 5 Bwindi National Park
Today we will have our first day of gorilla tracking. Once the gorillas are located, our small group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Gorilla trekking is one of the world’s truly memorable wildlife experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us. The hour is often over all too quickly, and we slowly make our way back to our lodge to recount the day’s adventures.
The mountain gorillas in Uganda are part of a worldwide population of just 1,000 individuals. The gorillas we are permitted to visit belong to either one of ten family groups, habituated for gorilla trekking.
For up to five years each, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allow a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, and will help us locate the group’s whereabouts. The time taken to track the gorillas can vary enormously – from one to seven hours.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Fish River Canyon
A gentle 17km meander constitutes day 2 of the hike. Along the riverbed where you will be walking, a variety of water birds are often spotted including heron, goshawk and fish eagle. After a short ascent to the upper level you reach your second camp on the edge of a gorge with spectacular views of the river.
Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Northern Serengeti
Game found in this area include but are not limited to zebra, topi, gazelle, impala, buffalo and giraffe, all frequenting the area throughout the year. Lion are rarely far away and leopard, ever present, but always elusive, stalk the rocky kopjes and river lines.
At Lamai, you can take game drives and walks, or relax together overlooking the Serengeti from your room or the swimming pool.
If you would like even more quality time with your spouse, private vehicles and guides are available at an extra cost and must be pre-booked.
Lamai Serengeti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Katavi – Mahale
Day five sees us travelling north west to the border of Mahale National Park. We travel by air and boat to our next destination, the beautiful Greystoke Mahale lakeside camp.
Greystoke Mahale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Mount Kilimanjaro
We spend today at Barranco Camp for some much-needed altitude acclimatisation. You can explore the area and make memories taking photos amongst the spectacular scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 5 Okavango Delta
Game viewing in the dry season at Kwara is a dramatic experience as the vast open grasslands are often isolated from the mainland by deep waterways, thus creating the perfect hunting ground. Thousands of buffalo are hunted almost daily by up to four different lion prides and the area is famed for the clashes between these great animals seen regularly on game drives.
Kwando Splash Camp or Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5 Khwai Community Area
The Khwai River forms a boundary between the reserve and the community area. We spend three nights camping at an exclusive campsite in the community area, exploring the Khwai floodplains on game drives both during the day and at night. Night drives offer you an opportunity to find nocturnal animals that are rarely encountered during the day.
We will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot. Night drives and guided walks are conducted outside the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Khwai community area. Activities include day and night game drive, walking safaris (conditions permitting).
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch -
Day 5 Kwando Concession
On Day 5, we enjoy a three-hour game drive transfer to Kwando Lebala Camp, in the southern part of the concession.
At Lebala, the habitat is markedly different from that of Lagoon. The southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast Linyanti marshland to the east, outside of the Kwando Reserve. Lebala sits on the floodplain of the Kwando River and the resultant ecosystem, a mix of wetlands, savannah, open woodland and thick mopane scrub is a wonderland for the wildlife that lives here.
Lebala Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Ishasha
This is a remote part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a sense of exclusivity. A highlight of Ishasha is its large lion population, and the frequency of sightings is higher here than elsewhere in Uganda. An added bonus is that they climb trees to escape the midday heat.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 6 Volcanoes National Park
Today, we enjoy the highlight of our trip, tracking the gentle giants of Africa, the mountain gorillas. Experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of who have been involved in habituating the gorillas themselves.
The time taken to track the gorillas varies, and once the gorillas are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us.
Five Volcanoes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The day’s tracking of mountain gorillas is sure to be a highlight of your trip. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of six habituated family groups. For up to five years each, these groups have undergone a delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day.
The time taken to track the gorillas can be up to several hours and once they are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Along with the numerous primate species and endangered chimpanzees, the most notable inhabitants of the park have to be the 408 critically endangered mountain gorillas, which live in family groups of between seven and 25 individuals. A number of these families have been habituated over a period of five years each to tolerate human presence for a brief period every day. Only eight visitors per day are allowed to track each gorilla family.
On each morning we go gorilla tracking, we will have an early start to get to the briefing point at park headquarters, where we receive information about our gorilla trekking experience and select our porters for the day. Then we’re off to the trailhead nearest our appointed gorilla family – the drive to the trailhead can take anything from 10 minutes to 2 hours – before we start our hike to find the gorillas. The walking can be strenuous because of the steep slopes and the high altitude. Initially, we will hike along established paths, our ranger coordinating with the advance trackers by radio to guide us in to the gorillas last know location. As we get to where the gorillas are, we will leave the paths and begin hacking our way through the slippery underbrush. Our porters will stay back as only our privileged party of 8 and our ranger approach the gorillas to spend our magical hour with them. The hour passes all too quickly, and then it’s time to reluctantly make our way back to our waiting vehicles.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Mugie Wildlife Conservancy-Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, we will depart for the Great Rift Valley, stopping briefly at Thompson Falls, en-route to Mugunda Farm. On arrival at the farm, we will enjoy a tour followed by a talk on tea and coffee farming in Kenya. After a sumptuous country lunch, we will continue our journey to Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation: Loldia House
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 6 Maasai Mara National Reserve
We will spend two full days in the Maasai Mara enjoying family-friendly game drives with opportunities to enjoy bush walks (minimum age restrictions may apply) and visits to a traditional Maasai village.
Alternatively, on one of the days, you are welcome to enjoy a hot air balloon safari (at extra cost) for an epic flight over the savannah – certainly a memorable way to mark a family birthday or anniversary.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Pemba Island
Over the next six days, we will have the option to unwind and enjoy the facilities at our hotel or engage in some of the available or optional leisure activities. Fundu Lagoon allows each guest to choose how active, or how relaxed, they want to be.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 6 Zanzibar Island
After a relaxed breakfast, we will transfer you to your next destination – the Emerson Spice Hotel.
Watching the sun set from the hotel’s rooftop tea house is an incredible experience, with all of Stone Town laid open around you – from this position you can see a Hindu temple, a mosque and a cathedral – a testament to the island’s melting pot of religions.
Emerson Spice Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 6 Serengeti National Park – Kigali
This morning, after a relaxed breakfast and lunch, we depart for nearby Kogatende Airstrip, carrying picnic lunches, for the afternoon scheduled flight to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Kigali Serena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Queen Elizabeth National park
Today, we will spend the whole day exploring wildlife in the park with morning and afternoon game drives. You will have an opportunity of see more wildlife including elephants and tree climbing lions. At the and of the day’s activity, we will have a sun-downer as you enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 6 Nyungwe Forest NP – Gisenyi
Today after breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic drive approx 8hrs through the local communities of Rwanda to Gisenyi. Enroute enjoy lunch and a short tour in Kibuye.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Full board
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Day 6 Ruaha National Park
The rocky slopes of Ruaha surround vast open plains and seasonal wetlands that turn into a mini Okavango Delta in the wet season.
The most common ungulates are buffalo, zebra, giraffe and various relatively common antelope – with sightings of lesser kudu, the greater kudu and Grant’s gazelle not uncommon and also the rare roan and sable antelope. Elephant numbers in Ruaha are larger than any other national park in Tanzania with superb sightings of up to hundreds congregating by the river in the late dry season.
The birding is also excellent – with a count of nearly 600 species – with a variety of southern and northern birds including several noteworthy species.
Kigelia Ruaha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Maasai Mara
Spend three days exploring the Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives. Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are abundant with wildlife and an array of birdlife. Game viewing is spectacular year round; you may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, observe a herd of elephant and their fascinating social structure, or see pods of hippo wallowing in the rivers.
The Mara plays host to one of the natural wonders of nature – The Great Wildebeest Migration. An estimated two million animals migrate in a year-round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya, following the rain. Around July/August each year, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra begin making dramatic river crossings and the grasslands of the Mara are covered by a mass of moving wildebeest as far as the eye can see, offering easy opportunity for crocodile and predators that are never far away.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Maasai Mara
We spend our time here enjoying morning and evening game drives and game walks, both in the Mara North Conservancy and the Mara Triangle. Both of these are community owned conservancies that allow you to enjoy the Mara away from the crowds associated with the main reserve.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Mt. Rwenzoris National Park
Trekking starts at 8.30am and you soon enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo area is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow. However the atmosphere and the forest is beautiful as you climb 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone where you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp.
Accommodation: Mutinda Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 6 Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today, we will depart our lodge early, using the nearby access road to descend quickly into the Ngorongoro Crater valley floor some 600m (200ft) below.
Ngorongoro Crater supports the densest concentration of predators in all of Africa, and is an excellent spot to look for some of the continent’s largest old elephant bulls – the natural sanctuary provided by the surrounding crater walls means it is home to some of the longest tusks you will see on safari in Africa. Ngorongoro is also renowned for its population of black rhinos, and sightings are reasonably reliable – a poignant rarity in East Africa these days. It is also an excellent spot for birdwatchers – with large flocks of flamingo and other water birds usually resident or passing through, as well as a significant number of birds of prey.
We return to our lodge for lunch, with the afternoon at leisure.
Plantation Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Gondar – Axum
This morning, we fly to Axum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend the day exploring. Once again, there are numerous ancient buildings and monuments here, the most notable being the Church of St Mary of Zion, the Northern Stelae Field with its giant obelisks, and the tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.
Consolar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 6 Sossusvlei – Skeleton Coast
We fly from Sossusvlei to Doro Nawas via Swakopmund, and then from Dora Nawas to the Skeleton Coast near the Hoanib River. We arrive at our camp for lunch, and begin exploring this afternoon.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Savute
Unlike the vast majority of the country, Savute is not a totally flat landscape: large outcrops of volcanic rock reach up out of the Kalahari sands towering over the endless savannah. These hills provide a habitat for a completely different array of small wildlife, birds and plants. The sand ridge, Ghoha Hills, and the dead trees on the Savute Marsh, offer some spectacular photographic opportunities.
The Savute Marsh has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. The wide open country, good ungulate populations and particularly strong prides of lion and hyena clans make for dramatic wildlife interaction and excellent viewing opportunities. The marsh is prime cheetah country and it is not unusual to see wild dog hunting in the Savute in the wet season.
Savute Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
We spend the day exploring Lewa and enjoying its wildlife and landscapes.
Lewa is especially good for spotting rare desert-adapted species such as oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Lion and elephant are also prevalent, as are special bird species such as vulturine guinea fowl.
Lewa Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Lower Zambezi
The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, while further inland is a flood plain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees. The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 square kilometres, but most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. This gives us a variety of activities through which to explore, including game drives (both day and night), walking safaris, canoeing and boating. Fishing for tiger fish is also an option, with fly-fishing, bait and spinning being the three most successful methods of fishing practiced. With personalised guiding, we can decide exactly what activity we would like to take and when.
Sausage Tree Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Selinda – Okavango Delta
Following the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by air to Duba Expedition Camp, where we will stay for three nights.
Duba offers both land and water based activities, principally nature viewing in varied habitats in open 4×4 vehicles, nature walks (on request and requiring a special guide), mokoro trips and boat excursions. Whilst exploring the spectacular ecology of this area, one can enjoy close-up viewing of lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah and buffalo along with all the abundant plains game. Birding is fabulous here with immense species diversity and mind-boggling numbers.
What makes the concession so unique is its position on the extreme north of the Okavango. This position encompasses such a wide variety of habitats and species that it has representatives of just about every animal that occurs in the Okavango biome.
Duba Expedition Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Damaraland – Etosha
We depart our camp and fly to the border of Etosha National Park. With no time to waste we will indulge in an afternoon or early evening game drive.
The Etosha Pan is a major feature of the national park and is so big it can be seen from space. It covers almost a quarter of the park and is the largest salt pan in Africa. The pan was originally a lake but over time the earth’s climate forced the rivers that once fed the lake to change course and flow into the Atlantic Ocean. If one were to try find where the lake once lay today, only the dry baked alkaline clay marks would give you a clue.
Ongava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Sabi Sand
Spend three adventurous nights at Singita Boulders in a luxury suite. Inclusive of meals, drinks, two safari activities per day, return airstrip transfers and laundry.
Singita Sabi Sand offers rare solitude and the ultimate in safari luxury on 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres) of prime game viewing land in an exclusive private sanctuary adjoining the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Singita Boulders overlooks the Sand River, allowing you to interact with nature in a lavish milieu that has earned Singita the highest international accolades for exceptional standards in accommodation, service and cuisine.
Singita Boulders Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 South Luangwa
The national park is over 9,000km square and on day 6 we will continue to explore the habitats around the Mupamadzi with an experienced guide.
Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Lower Zambezi
Whether it’s canoeing, a spot of fly or spin fishing, or just an easy morning watching the wildlife that comes into the camp, today we can take the day in our stride after yesterday’s travelling.
Chongwe River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Phinda
The Phinda Private Game Reserve is a hive of activity where wildlife, game and bird life are concerned. As well as having reintroduced the cheetah into the area after a 50 year absence, andBeyond have also nurtured the black rhino back from the brink of extinction in the reserve. While the less endangered white rhino favours water holes, the black rhino takes on a more contemplative nature in constant solitary rambles.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 Sabi Sand
The trackers and rangers have a lifetime of knowledge of the African bush and have all undergone extensive training in the art of tracking Africa’s wildlife, ensuring that Savanna provides its guests with a comprehensive check list of sightings.
Reflect on paths well-trodden as we spend our last night here. The library adjoining the public lounge provides wifi, and allows for the transferring of digital photo memories of the days so far.
Savanna Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Pemba
Fundu Lagoon offers the chance to unwind after the last few days of safari and travel. The Fusion Spa has a range of exclusive treatments using specially formulated blends of local spices.
This fabulous resort consists of just 18 canvas and thatch rooms, and is the epitome of the Swahili chic that characterises the East African coast. Sparkling white sandy beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean lead to some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities in the world.
Fundu Lagoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 Timbavati
We take the family into Timbavati Nature Reserve, next to Kruger National Park. Timbavati is teeming with wildlife and boasts over 40 species of mammals including lion, hippo, zebra, rhino, leopard, buffalo and elephant. This is a bird lovers paradise with over 360 species abounding – you would be hard pressed to find such a variety of birds anywhere else in South Africa.
Ngala Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 Harkerville – Oudtshoorn
We continue our touring inland to Oudtshoorn. En route, we can visit the Knsyna Elephant Park and art galleries. On arrival in Oudtshoorn, we will spend the latter half of the day visiting the fantastic Cango Caves.
Make the most of the one night staying at Rosenhof Country House by abandoning yourselves to the jacuzzi and sauna after the day of activity.
Rosenhof Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 6 Kisoro – Volcanoes National Park
For the next stage of our tour we travel by road across the border to Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park.
The Virunga Volcanoes, a rugged chain of eight peaks, rise as high as 4,500 metres in places, and five of these mountains are protected in Rwanda. The slopes of each mountain are covered with thick rainforest, which gives way to montane grassland and alpine moorland higher up.
Five Volcanoes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Fish River Canyon
Descending back down into the riverbed, day 3 is another 17km hike along the floor of the canyon where enchanting geological features line this extraordinary landscape. In the evening, enjoy your last night dining under the magnificent African sky by candlelight.
Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Northern Serengeti
You’ve plenty of time to relax at Lamai and you don’t need to rush into game drives every day – pace your time together with short guided walks. Take a picnic into the bush to make the most of the stretches of time here.
Lamai Serengeti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Mahale
We will enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Tanganyika and, when sightings of the local chimps have been confirmed, take a trek into the forest behind the camp to find them.
In Mahale the dry season starts in June, when the long rains have stopped, and goes through to October. At this time of year the temperatures increase and the skies are quite hazy, the lake has never been more appealing for a cooling dip. As the dry season progresses, the chimps are more usually found in the lower slopes due to their favourite fruits being found lower down.
Greystoke Mahale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Mount Kilimanjaro
On day 5 of the climb we reach Karanga Camp which stands at 13,780 feet, but not before we’ve got over the hurdle of the Barranco Wall – don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it may at first appear. This will take a 1 – 2 hour scramble.
The Karanga Valley is the last place for the porters to collect water and they will gather it here for the rest of the ascent. After lunch you can spend time relaxing or doing some exploring.
The hike to Karanga Camp will take approximately 4 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 6 Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari basin. This oasis in the middle of the desert is a rich yet fragile ecosystem, providing a life source for an incredible variety of wildlife. A wealth of species have adapted to the contrasting conditions created by living in the harsh Kalahari desert which is transformed annually with the arrival of the delta flood waters originating in Angola.
If water levels permit we will go out for water-based game viewing activities or open 4×4 drives.
Kwando Splash Camp or Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Lake Mburo National Park
Whilst out in the bush on the morning of day 6, we have the luxury of being served breakfast in the wilderness, after which we return to our lodge. In the afternoon we can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo.
Mihingo Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 6 Khwai Community Area
As Khwai lies outside the parks, it offers the freedom and flexibility normally only possible with the heavier price tag of a private concession. Go off-road for a closer look at sightings, night drive in search of nocturnal species, and, with a little advance planning, head out on game walks to track wildlife on foot.
Khwai is also home to a village community where people live side by side with the resident wildlife. Some camps will offer village visits for a dose of cultural insight to go with your safari. For those not visiting the water camps of the delta, many camps in Khwai offer the chance to get out on a mokoro (traditional canoe), although excursions are less traditional in nature, skirting the riverbanks, rather than open delta floodplains.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch -
Day 6 Kwando Concession
We explore the southern part of Kwando Concession.
Lebala Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Ishasha – Kibale Forest National Park
We continue our journey north on a 6 hour drive through the western branch of the Great Rift Valley.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 7 Lake Mburo – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On day 8, after an early breakfast, we will have our last game drive as we move out of the park. We enjoy a scenic 8 hour drive to our lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After the journey we can have a relaxing evening at the lodge.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
We will have the opportunity of gorilla tracking in the forest once more.
The park comprises 331 square kilometres of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. In addition to the incredible gorillas, the park is also a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds such as hornbills and turacos.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Volcanoes National Park – Kigali – Out
This morning we will meet at the park headquarters to be briefed on today’s primate activity – golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of the Virungas.
This little known primate offers a chance to track an equally fascinating endangered species. You will set off on your trek to find them, accompanied by experienced rangers, in a small group of no more than eight people. The monkeys have been habituated to the presence of the rangers and guests, and once we locate them, you will spend up to an hour observing their charming antics, as they leap from branch to branch.
We will drive back to Kigali and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 7 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this, our last full day we will enjoy a second encounter with the mountain gorillas. No two visits to these gentle giants are the same. There are up to eleven habituated groups currently available to track in Bwindi, with five of these situated in Northern Bwindi: Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare, Oruzogu and Bitukura. Each will have their own territory, in a slightly different location, with its own variety of ages and individual characters, giving every family its own unique group dynamic.
Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Lake Naivasha-Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast at the lodge, we will then depart for Masai Mara Game Reserve arriving at your camp in time for lunch. This will be followed by an afternoon game viewing drive. Our camp is located on the private Koiyaki conservancy, which boasts panoramic views stretching miles across the plains.
Accommodation: Ol Seki Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 7 Maasai Mara National Reserve
Whatever the time of year, all visitors to the Mara are rewarded with exceptional game viewing, and if you are a fan of the big cats, you will definitely not be disappointed. We will also visit the bank of the Mara River, a prime spot for hippo and crocodile and some beautiful birdlife.
All in all, this is the perfect park for a family safari as it offers so much variety of wildlife. There is so much to see, that neither the children nor the adults will be in danger of getting safari fatigue.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Pemba Island
The main lodge buildings at Fundu Lagoon are built under thatch, overlooking the sea, and is the perfect spot to enjoy meals at this resort. Enjoy breakfast in the main dining area or at the stunning jetty bar, but consider taking a dinner in a romantic setting on the white sandy beach one night. There are also several bar lounge areas, one of which is situated along the long jetty which stretches way out into the crystal waters of the bay.
During the day, you can pick between a range of included activities. Why not take an unguided mangrove creek safari in a canoe? Or spend the afternoon wind-surfing or kayaking on the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. For a colourful insight into Pemba’s underwater riches, why not enjoy a snorkeling excursion amongst the coral and colourful exotic fish.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 7 Zanzibar Island
Day 7 is your chance to explore every nook and cranny of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can spend an hour getting lost in its warren like alleyways but we recommend you book a guided tour (at extra cost) to make the most of the fascinating sites that lie deep within the ravine-like streets of this historic coastal trading town.
Sites include museums featuring artefacts from the early days of the sultanate, ancient Arabic forts, former homes of merchants and slave traders, Persian bathhouses and traditional spas and Palace ruins.
Emerson Spice Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 7 Queen Elizabeth NP – Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Today, you will have a game drive as you leave the park and proceed to Bwindi. You will have lunch at the camp. Relax at the camp in the afternoon. You also have an optional community walk that will take you through the villages learning more about people and the ways of lives.
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 7 Gisenyi
Kivu Coffee Experience introduces the coffee growth process ‘from crop to cup’. You will start in Gisenyi with a boat trip to Nyamirundi Island to visit the plantation of a local coffee cooperative. The volcanic soils of the island give the coffee a full bodied, yet non-acidic flavor, and some of the best coffee in the world is grown in this area. The coffee cooperative, Ingoboka, has a total of over 2,000 members, all of whom own small coffee farms on the shores of the lake and its surroundings.
From the island, the journey will continue to the nearby washing station where you can enjoy an introduction to the washing process that involves over 20 sophisticated steps. In the end, you can roast your own coffee on an open fire and have a personal coffee tasting experience. In the afternoon if time permits, visit a Batwa community near Gisenyi town and have the unique experience of their culture which is quite unique and more interesting. Their famous traditional skills of pottery, singing and the willingness to share their culture with foreign visitors make the dancing pots a colorful cultural tour experience.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 7 Ruaha National Park
Every day we are at Ruaha, there is the chance to get out of the vehicle and head out on daily forays into the bush on foot. Our trained and experienced guides will ensure our safety and enjoyment in these awe-inspiring natural surroundings.
Whilst on safari, there is nothing better than marking the beginning or end of another day in the bush with a breakfast or sundowners served in a secluded corner of the savannah. Imagine enjoying a cold beer at the end of a dusty day, swinging your legs from your perch on a fallen tree, overlooking the never-ending plains as the sun slowly bleeds into the horizon. These moments are what memories are made of.
Kigelia Ruaha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Maasai Mara
Day 7 is another day of exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve with your guide. Whatever the time of year, all visitors to the Mara are rewarded with exceptional game viewing, and if you are a fan of the big cats, you will definitely not be disappointed. We will also visit the bank of the Mara River, a prime spot for hippo and crocodile and some beautiful birdlife.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Maasai Mara
We enjoy a second day of game viewing in the Maasai Mara. The vast, fertile plains of the Mara boast a plethora of wildlife; with over 450 bird species and both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, to name a few, the plains are dense with game.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Mt. Rwenzoris National park
Today, you will continue the ascent and you cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias. You will proceed climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 7 Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park
Following an early breakfast on day 7, we will depart our lodge and drive to our next accommodation in the Serengeti – a semi-nomadic camp that moves several times a year to follow the migration.
From December to April, the Serengeti Safari Camp will be located in the Ndutu area, near the southern Serengeti plains where the herds of wildebeest mass during their calving season. In May and November the camp occupies a spot near Moru, in central Serengeti, as the herds move through this picturesque area typified by rocky outcrops and known for its localised population of black rhinoceros. In June and early July, the camp will move to an idyllic spot in the ‘western corridor’ as the herds start to march northwards and cross the Grumeti River. From July to October, its base will move further north still, near the Mara River. Wherever our destination, our journey will be to a nearby airstrip, where we will be met by our private guide and vehicle and transferred to camp for the next three nights of adventure.
We will enjoy lunch at the camp, followed by our first game drive across the Serengeti plains.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Axum – Lalibela
On day 7 we fly south to Lalibela, a centre of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodoxy, and famous for its 11 monolithic churches hewn from rock. This afternoon, we will visit the most notable of these churches, which were built as early as the 13th century.
Mountain View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 7 Skeleton Coast
We explore this part of the Skeleton Coast and the hinterland.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Savute – Moremi
After an early morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred to Camp Moremi by light aircraft where we will stay for two nights.
Moremi Game Reserve is a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary in the Okavango Delta. The reserve is unfenced and its boundaries are defined naturally by river systems. The vegetation is varied, with dry land complemented by permanent and seasonal swamplands, resulting in an excellent diversity of both wildlife and birdlife. There is a network of game drive routes through the reserve as well as access to the permanent delta waterways in Xakanaxa where boating can be enjoyed.
Camp Moremi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
We spend another day exploring Lewa. Lewa re-invests all the profits generated from tourism (including profits from Lewa Safari Camp) into its core programmes. By visiting Lewa, you help thousands of people from different cultures improve their lives, and give their children a future, at the same time as ensuring Africa’s wildlife has a stable home.
Lewa Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Lower Zambezi – Livingstone
After breakfast, we will be transferred by road to Jeki Airstrip for our internal flight to Lusaka Airport and on to Livingstone Airport. We are met and transferred by road to our next accommodation.
Livingstone is an historic colonial town most famous for its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The town has experienced a revival in the last decade with the renovation of old colonial-style buildings which line the shaded main avenue. Today, we choose from a wide range of activities including white water rafting, bungee jumping or, later in the day, a sunset cruise.
Sussi & Chuma Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Kigali – Mgahinga National Park
Today we enjoy a city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest cities. After lunch, we transfer by road for 5 hours to the lofty peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes. We will cross the border into Uganda and base ourselves at Mt Gahinga Lodge for the next three nights.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Kwando – Kwara Concession
After a morning activity (time permitting) and an early breakfast, we will be transferred to our airstrip for a flight to Kwara concession on the Okavango Delta.
Kwara offers, within the exclusive concession in which it is located, a wide variety of activities. In addition to game drives, both day and night, the camp offers mokoro trips, as well as fishing. Boat trips are on a double-decker boat that visits the Godikwe Lagoon in the waters of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Kwara is known for its consistent sightings of predators, including lion, cheetah and leopard Herds of elephants also frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippo.
The vegetation at Kwara is varied, with dry land complemented by permanent and seasonal swamplands, resulting in an excellent diversity of both wildlife and birdlife. Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season (Apr – Oct) with it becoming very hot in the later months. The rainy season (Nov – Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction.
Kwara Camp (3 nights)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari basin. This oasis in the middle of the desert is a rich yet fragile ecosystem, providing a life source for an incredible variety of wildlife. A wealth of species have adapted to the contrasting conditions created by living in the harsh Kalahari Desert which is transformed annually with the arrival of the delta flood waters that originate in Angola.
The Okavango wetland encompasses Moremi Game Reserve and surrounding regions divided into areas known as private concessions. These concessions are wildlife management areas, carefully administrated to balance the growing community’s development and conservation, whilst empowering citizens through sustainable tourism. Many of the exclusive lodges in Botswana are situated within these concessions in the delta, providing an unparalleled wildlife experience – exclusive and remote, avoiding mass tourism and exploitation.
We explore the area around our camp in vehicles, by boat and on foot.
Duba Expedition Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Etosha
We spend the day exploring the wildlife and landscapes of Etosha National Park.
There is an abundance of game in the park, home to some of the most common and rarest wildlife species. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and even leopard. Lions are camouflaged in the pale-golden colour of the grasslands, while giraffes rise high above most of the dry vegetation. More than 340 bird species have been recorded in the park, including ostrich and the heaviest flying bird, kori bustard. The Etosha Pan is also the only mass breeding ground for flamingo in Namibia.
Ongava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 7 Sabi Sand
Today we enjoy a number of game-based activities at Sabi Sand.
Singita Boulders Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 South Luangwa
On day 7 we transfer to Nsefu Bush Camp where we can take advantage of the variety of activities available from camp; the alternative is to simply relax with a drink on the verandah and enjoy the clear views of the Luangwa River, the most intact river system in Africa.
Nsefu Bush Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Lower Zambezi
While staying at Chongwe River Camp for four nights it becomes easy to feel at home in its sophisticated and opulent surroundings. An early morning game drive followed by lunch overlooking the Zambezi River is a great way to spend the third day here.
Chongwe River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Phinda
For additional costs you can participate in, amongst other things, a photographic safari, specialist birding safari, Indian Ocean scuba safari or enjoy a comfortable night under the stars in the heart of the bush, kept safe by an armed guard.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7 Sabi Sand – Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth
On day 7 we will transfer by private vehicle to Skukuza Airport to take internal flights to Johannesburg and then Port Elizabeth Airport. You will arrive in the evening at Port Elizabeth and be met and transferred to The Windermere.
The Windermere
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 7 Pemba
Pemba Island is also known as The Green Island and there are 988 square kilometres of luscious green to explore at your leisure. As well as this, and for an additional cost, it is possible to travel to the protected Misali Island on a day trip from Pemba Island. Depending on the time of year you visit you can sometimes find turtles nesting on this island.
Fundu Lagoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7 Timbavati
Spend another day adventuring with the family in Timbavati Nature Reserve. The reserve is a conservation area, and although it has set boundaries, restrictive fences were taken away many years’ ago, therefore encouraging natural migration and freedom for the wild animals. The conservation effort is incredible and all land owners in the region are committed to keeping Timbavati as natural a place as possible, not least to preserve the habitats of hundreds of wildlife and bird species.
In the evening, relax together while reflecting on the day’s sights and events.
Ngala Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7 Oudtshoorn – Swellendam
After breakfast and a morning visit to the Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn we will continue along the Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay. Before arriving at Schoone Oordt Country House late afternoon we will visit the Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay.
You will spend one night at Schoone Oordt Country House in a luxury room. The country house is set in amazing grounds which are well worth exploring in the afternoon, or you are free to wander into Swellendam, a town rich in history.
Schoone Oordt Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 7 Volcanoes National Park
On our first full day in Rwanda we go golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of the Virungas.
This little known primate offers a chance to track an equally fascinating endangered species. You will set off on your trek to find them, accompanied by experienced rangers, in a small group of no more than eight people. The monkeys have been habituated to the presence of the rangers and guests, and once we locate them, you will spend up to an hour observing their charming antics, as they leap from branch to branch.
Five Volcanoes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Fish River Canyon
After a few days of gentler routes, today brings a more challenging 16km hike from the base of the canyon to a beautiful green oasis of acacia trees on the upper level. From there you will be transported back to the lodge to relax before reflecting on your extraordinary adventure over dinner.
Fish River Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Northern Serengeti – Zanzibar
We depart Lamai Serengeti with picnic in hand and transfer back to Kogatende Airstrip to board our flight to Zanzibar for the next six days of this indulgent honeymoon.
Essque Zalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Mahale
We can enjoy a boat trip or take in some fishing, as well as a chimp trek into the forest and after all this, enjoy early evening sundowners on the headland rocks at the charming bar.
Greystoke Mahale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Mount Kilimanjaro
Today we climb from Karanga Camp at 13,780 feet to Barafu Camp at 14,930 feet. Travelling over ridges and valleys, we head in an easterly direction.
You will want to get a good few hours’ sleep when you reach camp as later this evening/very early tomorrow will see us attempting the final push to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Today’s hiking will take us approximately 4 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 7 Okavango Delta
Flood levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, with high water levels peaking in the central Okavango during the dry winter months and water levels at their lowest during the later summer months, contrary to the seasonal rainfall.
Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season (Apr – Oct) with it becoming very hot in the later months. The heronries become active as the migrant birds return to Botswana from September through November, and general bird watching is excellent throughout the summer months. The rainy season (Nov – Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction.
Kwando Splash Camp or Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 7 Khwai – Savuti
After breakfast, we drive a full day north to Savuti.
Unlike the vast majority of the country, Central Chobe is not flat landscape. Large outcrops of volcanic rock reach up out of the Kalahari sands, towering over the endless savannah. These hills provide habitat for a completely different array of small wildlife, birds and plants.
The Savuti Marsh has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. The wide open country, good ungulate populations and particularly strong prides of lion and hyaena clans make for dramatic wildlife interaction and excellent viewing opportunities.
The now dry Savuti Channel runs through this landscape linking the drysand-veld, the waterholes, the hills and the grassland that was the Savuti Marsh.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today we track wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The tracking can take anything from 1 to 8 hours to complete – so be prepared for a long day hiking through ancient rainforest in search of these amazing creatures.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Bwindi – Entebbe – Out
We will transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for a shared flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, we will be met and transferred 10 minutes to Boma Guesthouse for relaxation. (This is dependent on the time of your onward flight.) Later in the day, we will be transferred back to Entebbe airport to check in for our international departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 8 Maasai Mara National Reserve
We will spend two full days viewing the wildlife in the grand Maasai Mara, with game drives and options to enjoy bush walks and optional hot air balloon safaris, as well as an opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village.
Accommodation: Ol Seki Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 8 Maasai Mara – Ukunda
After breakfast, we will depart for our final, early morning game drive. We will return to camp in time for lunch and then transfer to the airstrip for our flight to Ukunda.
Tijara Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Bwindi – Entebbe – Out
After breakfast this morning, we transfer you to the nearby Kihihi Airstrip where you will take the scheduled flight departing for Entebbe. Upon arrival, you are met by our driver and vehicle who will transfer you to a guesthouse in Entebbe, where you can enjoy lunch and some well-deserved relaxation, before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your flight out.
Day rooms are available on request.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 8 Lewa – Maasai Mara
After breakfast we depart for the airstrip for a scheduled departure to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival in the Mara, we will be met and transferred to the camp.
After lunch overlooking the river, enjoy the facilities at camp before our afternoon game drive.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Pemba Island
For those who want to spend their time on Pemba in a more relaxed way, let someone else take the helm on a classic sunset dhow cruise experience. These traditional sailing boats have been used along the Swahili coast for centuries, and your trip to Pemba is not complete without enjoying a cruise on one of these wooden-hulled vessels, watching the sun set over the ocean with a delicious cocktail or cool beer in one hand.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 8 Zanzibar Island – Out
Enjoy breakfast looking out over the rooftops of Stone Town, before being transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Mgahinga National Park
Today we enjoy an encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas are part of a worldwide population of just 880 individuals, and the gorillas we track today belong to one of several habituated family groups. Experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves.
The time taken to track the gorillas varies from half an hour to 9 hours before we return to camp, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of 1 hour with them. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the very special kinship that exists between them and us.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, we will take a guided hike through the forest home of the local Batwa tribe – an ancient forest people who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years but were evicted from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when it was gazette to protect the hunter-gatherers. Proud hunter-gatherers, they will demonstrate the traditional art of making fire, show you how they lived in the forest, showcase their traditional hunting techniques, and keep you entertained all along the way. This cultural experience is part of an ongoing development programme and is of direct benefit to the still much marginalized Batwa community.
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 8 Gisenyi – Volcanoes National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, we will drive approx. 1.5hrs to Kinigi, Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. Later this afternoon, visit the Iby’iwachyu Village, interact with the local community and learn about the Rwandan culture.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 8 Ruaha – Dar es Salaam – Out
This morning, after a relaxed breakfast at camp, we depart for Msembe Airstrip carrying picnic lunches. Here we will board a scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam and met to be transferred to the international terminal for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Maasai Mara – Diani Beach
After lunch in Maasai Mara we will transfer by air to Ukunda where you will be taken to the next destination for three full days of rest and relaxation by the Indian Ocean.
Afrochic Diani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Maasai Mara – Nairobi – Out
After a relaxed breakfast at camp, we will transfer to the airstrip for our scheduled flight to Nairobi. You will be met at Wilson Airport and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International for your international departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Mt. Rwenzoris National Park
Today, we continue on our adventure safari as we climb Weismann’s Peak 4,620 metres and nearby Stella Peak 4,626m. The total distance of today’s hiking is around 9km or 4 to 6 hours, ending at Bugata Camp at 4,062m.
Accommodation: Bugata Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 8 Serengeti National Park
The next two days will be spent exploring the Serengeti for some of the exceptional wildlife viewing this destination offers. After breakfast at camp, we can embark on our game drive. Having a private guide and vehicle allows us the chance to set our own agenda, and we can either make shorter forays away from camp in the morning and afternoon, or spend all day out on the game tracks to enjoy wildlife viewing from dawn until dusk.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Lalibela
We enjoy a second day of sightseeing, and take a drive to the Yemrehanna Kristos church, which was built before the main Lalibela ones, and which is located inside a massive cave. We visit the Na’akuto Le’ab Monastery (also built under a massive rock) before returning to our hotel.
Mountain View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 8 Skeleton Coast – Etosha
We depart our camp and fly to Doro Nawas, and on to the Ongava Game reserve, bordering the Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Moremi
Moremi is amongst the best game reserves in Africa for viewing the endangered African wild dog and Xakanaxa is home to a resident herd of several hundred buffalo whose range covers the territories of at least four prides of lion which may often be seen flanking the ever moving herd. Breeding herds of elephant move between their browsing areas in the mopane forests and the fresh water of the Okavango. Red lechwe are one of the more unusual antelope species commonly found here.
Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season. The heronries become active as the migrant birds return to Botswana from September through November, and general bird watching is excellent throughout the summer months. The rainy season (Nov – Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction.
Camp Moremi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Livingstone
On our final full day we will enjoy game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where Zambia’s only white rhino can be spotted. Also available are early morning or sunset river cruises. In addition we have an option of a cultural tour of Livingstone, including a visit to the Museum and the Simonga Village as well as a guided tour of Victoria Falls and rainforest on the Zambian side. A shopping tour in Livingstone town also provides an opportunity to experience the local flavour.
Sussi & Chuma Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Okavango Delta
Flood levels in the delta fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, with high water levels peaking in the central Okavango during the dry winter months and water levels at their lowest during the later summer months, contrary to the seasonal rainfall. The landscape, activities and game viewing vary considerably throughout the delta depending on your location, the season and flood levels.
Game is more concentrated around the permanent water during the dry season (Apr – Oct) with it becoming very hot in the later months. The heronries become active as the migrant birds return to Botswana from September through November, and general bird watching is excellent throughout the summer months. The rainy season (Nov – Apr) invigorates the lush scenery with wild flowers, dramatic thundershowers, spectacular sunsets and the birthing season brings great predator and prey interaction.
We will spend a second day exploring the area in the company of our guides.
Duba Expedition Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Etosha – Windhoek – Out
In the morning we will take part in our final game drive in Etosha and after lunch we fly back to Windhoek International Airport for onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Sabi Sand – Phinda
Transfer the short distance to the airstrip and transfer by seat-in charter light aircraft to the Phinda Game Reserve. This flight is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will be met on arrival and transferred overland to Phinda Vlei Lodge.
Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 South Luangwa – Lusaka – Out
Upon completion of your walking safari we will transfer you by road to the Mfuwe Airport to take a connecting flight onto the larger Lusaka Airport and onwards.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Lower Zambezi
Chongwe River Camp offers some of the finest game viewing in natural habitats and the Lower Zambezi National Park is in a prime position to fulfil guests’ safari desires as it offers such a variety of environments to explore. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore before leaving for Livingstone on day nine.
We enjoy the final night at this camp with dinner under the stars.
Chongwe River Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Phinda – Johannesburg – Out
Having completed a whirlwind tour of the highlights in the South African wilderness you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your private veranda and go for one more dip in the plunge pool before saying a sad farewell to the Phinda Game Reserve.
We will transfer you from the lodge to Richard’s Bay Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 8 Port Elizabeth – Kariega
After staying for one night at The Windermere on a bed and breakfast basis we will transfer you by private vehicle to the Kariega Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape. This will take approximately 2 hours.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Pemba
From Fundu Lagoon it is possible to enjoy an idyllic dinner on the beach or in the day time, take a picnic down to the white sands.
Fundu Lagoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 Timbavati – Phinda
This morning we will transfer to the airstrip and fly south to Phinda Reserve. The flight is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. We will be met on arrival and taken overland to our final destination.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 Swellendam – Hermanus
On day 8 we will leave Swellendam and travel to Hermanus, via either Cape Agulhas or Stanford if you would like to include a wine-tasting. We arrive in Hermanus in the late afternoon and it is here that you will say goodbye to your guide of the last five days.
For the next two nights you will explore Hermanus and all that this quaint village has to offer. This includes land or boat based whale watching (in season, May – November). These tours are optional and details are provided separately.
Ocean Eleven Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 8 Volcanoes National Park
Today, we track mountain gorillas once more. Experienced guides will accompany us on our tracking, many of who have been involved in habituating the gorillas themselves.
The time taken to track the gorillas varies, and once the gorillas are located, our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creature’s eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us.
In the afternoon we can drive into Gisenyi to explore on the edge of the incredible Lake Kivu.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Fish River Canyon – Mariental
Following another night at Fish River Lodge you will drive approximately 5 – 6 hours north to Mariental for one night.
If you set off early enough from Fish River you can take advantage of a range of activities in the Kalahari including a further hike, mountain biking, game drive or sundown drive (all for an extra cost), or you may simply want to relax and enjoy this desert hideaway.
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 8 Zanzibar
With an incredible four full days staying at Essque Zalu you can take the pace down a notch while on the romantic island of Zanzibar.
Essque Zalu
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 8 Mahale
Another chimp trek is on the cards, followed by optional kayaking or snorkelling in the lake.
Mahale’s green season runs from November through to March and this time of year is a photographers dream. The forest offers varied viewing, although the forest is at its best, full of the colour of wildflowers, birds and butterflies. The lake is also clearest in these months with incredible views of the Congo beyond.
We enjoy our last night here with dinner overlooking the lake.
Greystoke Mahale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 7 of the climb will prove to be our most challenging as we ascend further than we have on any other single day – over 4,000 feet higher, to the summit.
Rising before the new day begins we climb for 6 hours through thick scree, until we reach Stella Point, as the sun is rising. We cannot rest for too long though, and after a short time we move on again – this is important as it is extremely cold at this height. We continue along the rim for another 1 to 2 hours, eventually reaching Uhuru Peak – our ultimate goal, the top of Kilimanjaro.
There is time to take pictures to savour this, your glorious moment of achievement – reaching the pinnacle of Africa.
Following this we will begin our 3 hour descent back to Barafu Camp and then after a short rest, we descend again to Mweka Camp where we stay for the night.
There is a 66% success rate for reaching the summit. Those who reach Stella Point and don’t go any further up still receive a certificate and should be equally proud.
Today’s ascent to the peak of Kilimanjaro is likely to take around 8 hours and the descent will take around 6.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Day 8 Okavango Delta – Johannesburg
After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun Airport for our onward flight to Johannesburg. Here, we will stay overnight in preparation for our flight to Kigali the next day.
Intercontinental Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 8 Savuti
Undoubtedly it is the interaction between lion and elephant that is the most interesting aspect of Savuti. The area is inhabited by a huge pride of lions with numbers fluctuating from 20-30 members.
These remarkable lion have learned over the years how to hunt these massive pachyderms that are supposedly above predation. Launching their attack under darkness and using their numbers, they manage to kill adolescent and even young adult elephant.
The marsh is prime cheetah country and in the wet season it is not unusual to have the wild dog hunting here in Central Chobe.
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 8 Kwara Concession
We explore the Kwara Concession.
Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Kibale Forest National Park – Entebbe
Today we drive back to Entebbe (7 hours) for our international flight out.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 9 Maasai Mara National Reserve
Whatever the time of year, all visitors to the Mara are rewarded with exceptional game viewing, and if you are a fan of the big cats, you will definitely not be disappointed. We will also visit the bank of the Mara River, a prime spot for hippos and crocodiles and some beautiful birdlife.
Accommodation: Ol Seki Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 9 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We will have the opportunity of a second gorilla tracking in the forest. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of six habituated family groups. For up to five years each, these groups have undergone a delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day.
Once the gorillas are located our group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Ukunda
Following our adventures in the bush, we will spend two full days in Ukunda, an hour away from Mombasa, soaking up the sunshine on the beach – the perfect end to your Kenyan family safari holiday.
Tijara Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Maasai Mara
Today we will explore with morning and afternoon game drives.
If you are travelling between July and October, the annual migration of an estimated two million animals will be passing through the Mara. Witnessing the migratory herds is one of life’s greatest wildlife experiences, as the plains of the Maasai Mara are covered with a mass of moving wildebeest and zebra, offering easy opportunities to predators that are never far away.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Pemba Island
In addition to relaxing in spectacular surroundings on the beach, occasionally getting up to participate in one of the included activities mentioned previously, Fundu Lagoon also offers a wide range of optional activities that you can engage in. For an additional charge, you can try your hand at deep sea fishing as well as various other motorized watersports including waterskiing.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 9 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today we drive 90 minutes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second encounter with the gorillas…this time a different family, and one geographically isolated from the family we experienced yesterday.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The day will start early with a briefing at Park HQ, before setting out on your hike to find your appointed Gorilla family. Their location changes every day, so the walk to locate them may take anything from 1hr to the best part of the day – but all thoughts of aching muscles will disappear the moment you are faced with the sight of a massive Silverback, or see a female gorilla cradle her infant.
One of the most amazing wildlife experiences to be found anywhere in the world, your time spent with the mountain gorillas will prove utterly unforgettable.
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 9 Volcanoes National Park
Today will be the highlight of your safari as you will have an opportunity to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.Your day will start with a drive to the park headquarters for the briefing before your gorilla experience.
The park was first established in 1925, after the initial discovery of Mountain gorillas and has always been managed with the conservation of these magnificent creatures in mind. In the late seventies and eighties, gorilla tourism was identified as potentially a crucial part of the species future survival, and researchers habituated gorilla families for short visits by a small, select groups of tourists. Within a few years, one of the world’s most amazing wildlife encounters was made possible for intrepid visitors to these misty mountains on the Rwanda and Uganda border.
The trek to reach the gorillas can vary from 1 to 7 hrs, but once you reach the gorillas, all thought of physical exertion disappears, as you spend a spell-binding hour in the company of these gentle giants.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 9 Diani Beach
There are many things to do and see in and around Diani Beach. Today is for relaxing and some gentle snorkelling in the nearby coral reef – time to unwind after the thrill of game viewing activities in the Maasai Mara.
Afrochic Diani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Mt. Rwenzoris National Park
Today, we continue our descent, passing through scenic lakes and valleys filled with Giant groundsel, with overnight at either Kiharo or Samalira Camp, for our last night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Samalira Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 9 Serengeti National Park
We will enjoy more game drives, searching for predators, following the migratory herds, or enjoying some of the world class birding available in the Serengeti – the choice is yours.
Our vehicle will be equipped with anything we may need for our times on the plains – onboard we will find soft drinks, snacks and biscuits, a bush picnic and tea and coffee making equipment. There will also be a selection of wildlife and other reference books, maps and a pair of binoculars for our use while on safari, in addition to the services of our knowledgeable and experienced safari guide.
On our return to camp at the end of each day, we will be welcomed with hot showers and ice-filled sundowners – and we can relax around the campfire swapping tales of the day with other guests, creating some wonderful memories.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Out
We fly back to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner, and transfer to the airport for international flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 9 Etosha
We explore the wildlife and landscapes of the Ongava Game Reserve and Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Moremi – Makgadikgadi (Boteti River)
Following the morning activity, we will be transferred to Leroo La Tau by a light aircraft where we will stay for two nights.
This area is quite different in character to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. To the west of Ntwetwe Pan lies open grassland which is home to a wide range of animals, as it incorporates both desert and riverine habitats. The grasslands give rise to a dense riverine forest on the banks of the Boteti River. During periods of above average rainfall, the Boteti River is one of the few drainage systems that carry the Okavango floodwaters out of the delta into the Kalahari Desert. The Boteti River lies right in the middle of these vast ‘thirst lands’ where water is priceless, attracting some of Africa’s great wildlife populations.
Leroo La Tau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Livingstone – Out
After breakfast we will transfer by road to Livingstone Airport, for your international departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 9 Okavango Delta – Makgadikgadi
Following a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by air from Vumbura Plains to Jack’s Camp, where we will stay for two nights.
Jack’s Camp is located in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest salt pans in the world.
The Makgadikgadi area changes greatly with the seasons and consequently the focus of activities varies throughout the year. The summer rains create a warm shallow layer of water that entices waterfowl and flamingos. After the rains (December to April), there can be enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and springbok – with the accompanying predators – on the open grasslands.
Jack’s Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Phinda
Spend three nights at Phinda Vlei Lodge in a suite.
Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Lower Zambezi – Livingstone
After breakfast we will travel to our airstrip for an air transfer to Livingstone Airport via Lusaka. We will then be met and transferred in a vehicle to the prestigious Tongabezi Lodge in Livingstone where we will stay for the final two nights.
The five unique houses at Tongabezi are constructed using local materials with an open plan bedroom and four poster bed. Each house has its own personal valet. Meals are served in the large dining room or on the deck overlooking the river.
Tongabezi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Kariega
We spend three nights at Settlers Drift in a tented suite. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 settlers as they guided their wagons across the river. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.
Kariega Game Reserve is a private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 9,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. This malaria-free game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa, as well as two abundant rivers – the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers.
Kariega Settler’s Drift
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Pemba
As well as incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities to explore the marine life on the surrounding coral reefs, Fundu Lagoon also offers the chance to kayak, windsurf and wakeboard in the Indian Ocean.
Fundu Lagoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 9 Phinda
Phinda Game Reserve provides a sanctuary for threatened wildlife such as cheetah and the black rhino and it is brimming with other wildlife as well. There are seven distinct habitats in the reserve ensuring that we experience a diverse range of wildlife.
Our highly trained ranger will make the reserve come to life for the children as they encounter animals and birds both large and small.
One of the most memorable things to do here is to visit the nearby coast and view loggerhead and leatherback turtles as they come to the beach to lay eggs.* We are most likely to see turtles between the months of November and February in South Africa’s summer.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*Additional costs apply for turtle viewing trips
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Day 9 Hermanus
Day 9 is open to a full day of sightseeing in and around Hermanus. With pristine beaches, charming village shops, a variety of restaurants, cliff paths and the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, all nestled between an incandescent mountain range and the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, this is a great place to make yourselves at home and enjoy a slower pace.
Alternatively, a host of experiences await the more adventurous among you, from sea kayaking and paragliding to great white shark diving.
You can spend the evening at leisure watching for whales from your luxury suite.
Ocean Eleven Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 9 Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe National Park
We drive 8 hours from Volcanoes National Park to the Nyungwe Forest in southern Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the largest, most primal and biodiverse forests in all of Africa. This rich mosaic of habitats ranges from bamboo groves, open marshes, tracts of giant lobelia and dense jungle vegetation. It is the primary water catchment area for the region, and Nyungwe contains the famous Congo-Nile Divide.
One & Only Nyungwe House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Mariental – Windhoek – Out
You will drive north again, back to Windhoek, drop off your rental vehicle and we will transfer you to Windhoek International Airport from Windhoek Town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 9 Zanzibar
Spend another day relaxing after the thrills of the safari and many game drives of the last week. Drink in hand, you can spend the day by the pool looking out over the Indian Ocean.
Essque Zalu
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 9 Mahale – Arusha – Out
With picnic in hand we will depart from Greystoke after breakfast and take our boat back to Mahale Airstrip for the transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport where you will leave us for your onward flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 9 Mount Kilimanjaro – Out
Our last section of descent will take us on a scenic hike to Mweka Gate which stands at a comparatively low 6,500 feet. Receive your summit certificate here and, if the roads are too muddy for vehicles, you will continue hiking for another hour into Mweka Village in the south. Here you can enjoy a hot lunch and finally, with a sense of immense and justifiable pride, be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 9 Johannesburg – Kigali
This morning we fly to Kigali, arriving at Kigali International Airport in the evening. From here we transfer you to your hotel, about 10km away.
Kigali is an attractive capital city, spread over several hills, with a central position and good links to the rest of the country. The centre is bustling and colourful, but pleasantly clean and safe. Peaceful, tree-lined boulevards stretch out from the city centre, providing visitors the chance to explore the city with a relaxed stroll.
Kigali Serena
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 9 Savuti
Another day of exploring Savuti
Letaka Mobile Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 9 Kwara Concession
We explore the Kwara Concession.
Kwara Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Maasai Mara – Nairobi and Departure
This morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at your camp. Thereafter, check-out and enjoy a game viewing drive en-route to the airstrip for a scheduled (1100/1215hrs) flight to Nairobi. On arrival at Wilson airport, met by our representative and transferred to African Heritage House for day room/s, visit of the house and a Farewell Dinner. Evening transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound departure flight.
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 10 Ukunda
In these final few days of your family vacation you are free to choose whether you relax on the private beach at the base of the resort or venture further afield, taking a day trip to one of the local animal sanctuaries (for an extra cost).
Tijara Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Maasai Mara
We enjoy a second day exploring the conservancy or the game reserve. The reserve is known for its beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife – acacia dotted plains, tree-lined rivers and woodlands are filled with an array of game and bird species. Game viewing is spectacular year-round – we may see a pride of lions stalking their prey, or observe a herd of elephants and the fascinating social infrastructure of their family life.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Pemba Island
Keen divers (experienced or beginners) will be happy to hear they can enjoy some excellent scuba diving in the area. Fundu Lagoon is surrounded by some of the world’s best dive sites, and a fully equipped dive centre on site offers a fleet of boats for excursions to several awesome dive and snorkeling sites (at an additional charge).
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 10 Bwindi Impenetrable NP – Entebbe – Depart
We will have breakfast at the camp and there after be transferred to Kihihi Airstrip (1.5hrs) for your scheduled flight (0945hrs/ 1125hrs) to Entebbe Airport. You will be met by our represenative and drive drive 10mins to Boma for lunch (optional day-use room) and then transfer back to Entebbe International Airport to check in for your onward departure flight.
Accommodation: Boma Guesthouse (day room use)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 10 Volcanoes National Park
Today, you will have an opportunity of second gorilla tracking. The starts with transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. You will be given guides. There are porters available in case you need them of which the contribution goes to community development.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silver back Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 10 Bwindi – Entebbe – Out
We will drive to Kisoro for a shared flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport you will check in for your onward flights.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 10 Mt. Rwenzoris – Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning we finish our six day hike of the Rwenzoris, starting out early to make a final descent through Bamboo and Afro-montane forests until we reach the base camp in Kilembe. Here we are re-united with our safari guide and vehicle, and we will transfer (3hrs) to our safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: Kyambura Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 10 Serengeti – Arusha– Out
This morning, after breakfast at camp, we transfer to the nearby airstrip for a scheduled flight to Arusha. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 10 Etosha
We explore the Ongava Game Reserve and Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Makgadikgadi (Boteti River)
From the Kalahari side on the open plains you may see hartebeest, gemsbok and springbok as well as lion, cheetah, kudu, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest among others.
The timing of our visit is significant as the seasonal movement of wildlife varies throughout the year. Following the annual summer rains from November to April, wildlife tends to disperse away from permanent surface water, moving to richer pastures in the Kalahari where rain-filled pans sustain them during the peak breeding season. The Makgadikgadi becomes the summer headquarters for thousands of zebra and blue wildebeest. However, during the dry winter months after the outlying pans have dried up, the main herds of elephant, zebra and wildebeest (and their accompanying predators) are found in the corridor of the Boteti River.
Leroo La Tau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Kwara – Maun – Out
After an early morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by a seat in plane transfer to Maun Airport, for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 10 Makgadikgadi Pans
Activities are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles custom-designed for the terrain and accompanied by knowledgeable guides. In the dry winter months, all-terrain vehicles (a four-wheeled motorcycle/quad bikes) are available, allowing guests to travel across the salt pans. Walks with a Bushman tracker and a visit to Chapman’s Baobab – the historical baobab tree used by Livingstone, Selous and other early explorers – are activities also on offer. A special highlight of a visit to Jack’s Camp are the local meerkats, as a group has been habituated and is accustomed to human presence allowing for incredible photographic opportunities as well as the privilege to see these lively characters up close.
Jack’s Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Phinda
Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 23,000 hectares (56,800 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 400 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach.
Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Livingstone
On the last full day of our safari we are spoilt for choice with activities in and around the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Choose from a cultural visit to the local museum, a walk in the gorges below Victoria Falls, or for an additional cost the local helicopter flights and horse riding trips are always worthwhile.
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the largest sheet of falling water on earth. Water flow over the Falls does vary throughout the year. The name Mosi-oa-Tunya means ‘the smoke that thunders’, in reference to the spectacular spraying water emanating from the Falls and seen for miles around.
Take time to reflect on the trip of a lifetime by Tongabezi’s naturally landscaped cliff swimming pool.
Tongabezi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Kariega
The 5-star lodge has a spa, library, a boma and a swimming pool. If you can peel yourself away from all this you can enjoy another two safari activities venturing into the bush.
As recently as 20 years ago, the existing Kariega Game Reserve was owned by 20 different farmers and in those years it has been minimally developed to complement the surroundings and provide luxury accommodation and experiences for guests to the area.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Pemba – Dar es Salaam – Out
Following what will prove to be one of the most incredible holidays we will enjoy a final breakfast before departing to Pemba airstrip where you board the scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. You will be met by our representative and transferred to the international terminal for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 10 Phinda
Phinda Game Reserve is also known as the ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’ and part of this is the stunningly fascinating coral reef in the Indian Ocean. Why not leave the children in the capable hands of andBeyond’s WILDchild programme and take some time for yourselves to go diving in the reef?*
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*Additional costs apply
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Day 10 Hermanus – Franschhoek
We will collect you for your private transfer to Franschhoek with sightseeing en route. There are a number of optional touring possibilities on the way including a visit to Theewaters Nature Reserve and a stop off at Villiersdorp in the centre of a flourishing apple-growing region. Theewaterskloof Dam also offers some exciting water sport options.
We will arrive at Mont Rochelle hotel in the late afternoon and spend two nights here.
Mont Rochelle
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 10 Diani Beach
Venture out for some water activities; why not learn a new water sport or simply sunbathe on the beach next to your new spouse.
Afrochic Diani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Nyungwe National Park
On this day we will go on a forest hike. Whilst there we will go on a short canopy walk providing a stunning view of the rainforest below. The canopy bridge hangs 60 metres above the forest floor and is East Africa’s only such walkway.
One & Only Nyungwe House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Savuti – Victoria Falls
After breakfast we drive to Kasane, and then drive on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Bayete Guest Lodge or equivalent
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 10 Zanzibar
Enjoy another day simply relaxing at Essque Zalu or venture out on a spice tour, or to Prison Island where you can snorkel with giant turtles. Make the day what you wish and what will bring you the happiest of memories.
All activities are available at an extra cost.
Essque Zalu
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 10 Kigali – Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
We drive four hours north from Kigali to our lodge.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 10 Mgahinga – Kigali and Departure
Today we will drive back south over the border into Rwanda, and make our way to Kigali for our evening flight out.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 11 Ukunda
You wouldn’t want to leave the Kenyan coast and Indian Ocean without being able to say you had been snorkelling in the ocean; between May and August it is possible to see turtles swimming towards the beach, you will swim with colourful tropical fish, and witness the beautiful reef with your own eyes.
If you want to pay a little extra you can be even more adventurous and choose to go scuba diving, or have a go at wind or kite surfing – why not make incredible lasting family memories on your final full day?
Tijara Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 11 Maasai Mara – Nairobi – Out
This morning, after breakfast at camp, transfer to the nearby airstrip for a scheduled flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Pemba Island
On your final day at Fundu Lagoon, why not end your time here with a little self indulgence before your trip back home. The Fundu Fusion Spa offers a selection of optional massage and beauty therapies, guaranteed to create the perfect mood of tranquility before the end of your Tanzania safari holiday.
Accommodation: Fundu Lagoon
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 11 Volcanoes National Park- Kigali – Depart
After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park HQs for the start of your golden monkeys tracking experience. After the morning activity, we will return for lunch and drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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Day 11 Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, we are up early for a game drive in the park for a chance to spot the early-risers. We will then return to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, we will enjoy a scheduled launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel and shores of Lake Edward, for a chance to spot more wildlife. Large herbivores such as Elephant, Buffalo and Hippopotamus gather at the water’s edge, Nile crocodile stalk the shallows and a huge variety of bird life abounds – this park boasts over 600 species.
Accommodation: Kyambura Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board -
Day 11 Etosha – Windhoek – Departure
This afternoon we fly back to Windhoek International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Day 11 Makgadikgadi – Maun – Out
Following a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast we will be transferred to Maun by light aircraft for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Makgadikgadi – Maun – Departure
After the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, we will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun Airport, for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Phinda – Johannesburg – Out
This morning we will be collected and transferred to Richards Bay Airport (which is the closest airport to Phinda). We arrive for your flight connections to Johannesburg. On arrival you will continue with your onward flight connections and own arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Livingstone – Out
After breakfast we will transfer you by road to Livingstone Airport ready for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Kariega – Johannesburg – Out
After breakfast at Settlers Drift we will transfer by road to Port Elizabeth Airport where you will take a flight to Johannesburg for your onward flight connections.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Phinda – Johannesburg – Out
This morning you and your children will say goodbye to your ranger, have a final dip in the pool and transfer to Richard’s Bay Airport. On arrival into Johannesburg you will continue with your own travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11 Franschhoek
Day 11 is free to explore Franschhoek at your leisure. You can enjoy a picnic on the vast estate at Mont Rochelle and in the evening, have a wine tasting session with Mont Rochelle’s expert or have a pampering session at the spa for an extra cost. A private full day cycling tour through the local vineyards is also an enticing option.
This part of the tour can be much slower paced and gives you space to relax and unwind with the ladies after your time exploring the Garden Route and the Kariega Game Reserve.
Mont Rochelle
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 11 Diani Beach
If you feel like getting out and about the Diani Beach area is plentiful with attractions to visit such as Colobus Conservation Centre, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, or there are numerous adrenaline sports to participate in.
Spend your final night enjoying dinner next to the Indian Ocean, reflecting on the incredible experiences you have shared together.
Afrochic Diani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 11 Nyungwe National Park
Today is spent hiking forest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The national park hosts a rich floral diversity, and is home to a staggering number of Albertine Rift endemic bird species, as well as 13 different types of primate. This includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, as well as the largest troops of black and white colobus found anywhere on the continent – a habituated group of up to 400 individual members are resident in the forest.
This morning, we will enjoy a hike to Nyungwe’s most famous attraction – East Africa’s only canopy walk – a suspended walkway that hangs above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of forest life. After lunch, we can return to the forest for a guided hike along one of the many trails, to enjoy birding, butterflies, waterfalls and forest scenery.
One & Only Nyungwe House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 11 Victoria Falls
One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world. You can enjoy any one of the numerous activities available in or around the falls, which we will decide together at the time you book your safari.
Included in your tour price is one sunset cruise on the Upper Zambezi and one guided tour of the falls.
Bayete Guest Lodge or equivalent
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 11 Zanzibar
This is your final day at Essque Zalu and you may wish to just sit back and recover from the exploits of yesterday by relaxing at the spa retreat before travelling again tomorrow.
Please note that all spa treatments incur an extra charge.
Essque Zalu
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner -
Day 11 Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi
On each of the two mornings we go gorilla tracking, we will have an early start from the lodge, walking to the nearby park headquarters, where we receive a briefing and select our porters for the day. Then we’re off on a drive that may last anything from 10 minutes to 2 hours before we start our gorilla track. The tracking can be strenuous because of the steep slopes and the high altitude. Initially, we will walk along established paths, our ranger coordinating with the advance trackers by radio to guide us in to the gorillas’ last known location. As we get to where the gorillas are, we will leave the paths and begin hacking our way through the slippery underbrush.
Our porters will stay back as only our privileged party of eight and our ranger approach the gorillas to spend a magical hour with them. The hour passes all too quickly, and then it’s time to reluctantly make our way back to our waiting vehicles.
Mt Gahinga Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 12 Pemba – Dar es Salaam – Departure
On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the beach, before transferring by speedboat to the airport in Pemba, where we will take a scheduled flight at 1200hrs (flight time 1hr and 20mins) to Dar es Salaam. Here, upon arrival, you are met and taken an a shared transfer to the international terminal for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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Day 12 Queen Elizabeth NP – Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Today after a relaxed breakfast, we will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (5hrs) via a game drive and picnic lunch in the remote southern sector of QENP, known as Ishasha. This area is known for its large herds of elephant, Topi, Kob and of course, its tree-climbing lions. After exploring the tracks of Ishasha, we will continue to Bwindi.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs
Meal Plan: Full Board
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Day 12 Franschhoek – Cape Town
We will collect you for your transfer to Cape Town with sightseeing and touring en route. We arrive at the final accommodation, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in the late afternoon. Take in the cultural delights and entertainment of the piazza outside and step into the colonial world of the Victoria and Alfred Hotel. You spend three nights in a mountain facing room.
Victoria and Alfred Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast