Highlights

• • Samburu Game Reserve
• • Lake Nakuru National Park
• • Kampala
• • Lake Bunyoni
• • Great Rift Valley
• • Lake Naivasha
• • Masai Mara Game Reserve
• • Zanzibar

ITINERARY

Nairobi to Nanyuki

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we head north, crossing the equator, before reaching the market town of Nanyuki. Founded in 1907 by English settlers, Nanyuki is home to the main base of Kenya's Air Force. It's popular amongst tourists because of it's proximity to impressive Mount Kenya, Kenya's highest peak at 5199 m. It's also home to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, now a hotel, but in the 60's an exclusive club whose members included Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Overnight: Campsite

Nanyuki to Samburu National Reserve

Leaving this old frontier town, we head north-west through the Kikuyu area around Mt Kenya to the Samburu National Reserve. We'll encounter the Masai's distant relatives, the semi-nomadic proud Samburu, tending their cattle along the way. The Samburu National Reserve is a relatively small reserve at just 104 km2. It is a remote, hence unspoilt, reserve and attracts a wide range of animals because of the Ewaso Ng'iro River (brown water) that runs through it.

Overnight: Campsite

Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve is made up of a mixture of scrub, desert and open Savannah plains interspersed with small rugged hills. It is home to most of the Big 5 (except the rhino, which has been decimated by poachers). What makes this reserve unique is its populations of Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and Somali Ostrich and we'll spend the day searching for these unique animals.

Includes: Samburu National Reserve
Overnight: Campsite

Samburu National Reserve to Nakuru

Leaving the unique Samburu National Reserve, we head west towards the Great Rift Valley and the 4th largest town in Kenya and the capital of the Rift Valley Province, Nakuru. We overnight here before entering Lake Nakuru National Park tomorrow.

Includes: Samburu National Reserve
Overnight: Campsite

Lake Nakuru National Park

Today we head into Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake's edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it's low, the lake almost turns pink. A truly spectacular sight! The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way.

Includes: Lake Nakuru National Park
Overnight: Campsite

Nakuru to Kampala

Today, we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert parts of the north facing the border of Sudan.

Overnight: Campsite

Kampala to Kisoro

After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base in Kisoro.

Kisoro is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependent on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you'll never forget.

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Acitivites: Gorilla Trekking Permit, between US$375.00 & US$ 500

Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni

A short drive through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa brings us to Lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and is home to a large number of bird and fish species as well as otters.

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Canoe trips, village visits, hikes

Lake Bunyoni

The next two days are spent at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni. There are the options to swim, canoe, hike, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. Well deserved rest days!

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Acitivites: Canoe trips, village visits, hikes.

Lake Bunyoni to Kampala

After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala for the next two nights stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife. Today we will cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing.

Overnight: Campsite

Kampala

Today is spent at leisure in Uganda's capital and can be spent exploring the local markets and museums, or taking a trip to the nearby Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. The political instability that haunted Uganda over a period of years has had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to regain Uganda's former glory as one of Africa's most prosperous and, from a tourist's point of view, one of the most appealing and interesting countries to visit.

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Local market and museum visits, Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary

Kampala to Jinja

After a short drive to the Lakeside town of Jinja, you have the option over the next day and a half to raft the Nile, visit the local community project or take part in a quad bike trip along the riverbank. Our overnight camp is right on the edge of the Nile River where there is an abundance of resident bird life and some truly amazing photo opportunities from right outside your tent!

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Visit Softpower Community Project, White Water Rafting on The Nile, Quad Bike Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Jinja to Nakuru

Today will be a full day driving back to Kenya with an overnight at a campsite in Nakuru.

Overnight: Campsite

Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

This morning we have the option to take a game drive in the Lake Nakuru National Park or head into Nakuru town. In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Naivasha where we make camp in peaceful surroundings beside the lake.

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive , Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Sanctuary, Elsamere High Tea.

Lake Naivasha

Moving south-east, we head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Time permitting; we spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy and George Adamson of "Born Free" fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell's Gate National Park.

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive , Lake Naivasha - rescent Island Sanctuary, Elsamere High Tea

Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

We depart from Lake Naivasha and enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp. Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Overnight: Campsite

Masai Mara Game Reserve

We spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. We keep an eye open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. If travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle in their Annual Migration. Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day's game viewing in this "Garden of Eden."

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Masai Mara to Nairobi

After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival, we head to the Hotel Boulevard, where we deliver the passengers who'll be ending their trip here, before heading to our campsite for the night.

Overnight: Campsite

Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania)

This morning we collect the passengers who'll be joining us on the next leg of our trek. We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Overnight: Campsite

Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL)

Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights.

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

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa - including the elusive Black Rhino. Those on the 1 night option will transfer back to Meserani after the game drive.

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

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

Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Masai Cultural Museum visits to the surrounding villages, craft markets.
1 Day Ngorongoro Crater Excursion (Min 2 People) - US$ 200 3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion - US$ 380

Arusha to Pangani

After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain's snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Overnight: Campsite

Pangani to Dar es Salaam

Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

Overnight: Camping

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island," where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that'll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

Please note: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. Accommodation per person per night is from US$ 20.

Overnight: Own arrangements

Zanzibar

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

Overnight: Own arrangements

Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

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

Tour ends

Optional Gorilla Trek

The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice - currently they are priced between US$375 and US$500 depending on where we trek. There is a local transport fee of US$20 to US$25 per person. For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry. Please budget accordingly.

Trekking Procedures: The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting can not be guaranteed. In the unlikely event of these creatures managing to completely elude us, the authorities usually allow us a second opportunity to trek them. However, this is purely at their discretion and subject to the availability of permits, and they will not confirm this in writing. We have had a high success rate of procuring gorilla permits and then of actually seeing these beautiful animals.

As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old.

We depart from our camp in the early morning and after border formalities are transferred to a ranger's station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family.

Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour.

You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point.

You needn't feel like you're exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long.

Special Interest

100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.

Transport

Vehicle - we use custom-built Safari trucks. These are designed for the African roads and good for game viewing. There are some long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".

Local Payment

A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. A large part of this tours local payment is used for the National Park entrance fees.

Participation

An essential part of your OzBus African Safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it's all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!

What's Included

• Samburu Game Reserve
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Kampala
• Lake Bunyoni
• Great Rift Valley
• Lake Naivasha
• Masai Mara Game Reser
• Dar Es Salaam
• Zanzibar Ferry
• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle
• All cooking and camping equipment
• Meals
• Game park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
• Trip leader, driver and safari cook unless stated otherwise

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Sleeping bag and mat on camping trips
• Personal travel insurance
• Visas
• Items of a personal nature
• Optional excursions which are detailed on the trip page
• Restaurant meals and drinks