58 Day Best of Africa South

Day 20:Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

We spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Our route is dependent on the movement of the game and sightings.

Day 21:Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Today we explore more of the Serengeti and make our way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We drive down to the bottom of the Crater, where we try and see as many animals as possible.

Route: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Places: Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Day 22:Arusha

We return from the Serengeti and re-united with our truck and crew in Arusha. A welcome shower awaits us on our return and tonight we share a meal in camp as we prepare for tomorrow’s travel.

Route: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Day 23:Bagamoyo

We head out early this morning as we journey south to our overnight stop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Formerly a centre point of the East African slave trade, Bagamoyo lies just north of the port of Dar es Salaam and is a perfect launching point for our upcoming Zanzibar Excursion. While today is primarily a travel day, we experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Road travel in Africa is an experience in itself and the bustling markets, villages and scenic backdrops that line the routes give a window into the lifestyle of rural Africa. This evening we will prepare for our Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning.

Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo

Day 24:Nungwi (Zanzibar)

We complete the short journey into Dar es Salaam this morning and board our ferry for the two hour trip to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port we board make our way to Nungwi on the northern shores of the island, we take the opportunity to visit the spice farms of Kidichi and Kizambani on our way this afternoon. Zanzibar is renowned for its spices and fragrances and we have the chance to experience this first-hand today. There are a number of excursions that can be arranged for the coming days in Nungwi and your guide will be on hand to assist.

Route: Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam; Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry; Stone Town to Nungwi Beach

Included Activities: Spice Tour and City Tour

Activity Package: 3-Day Zanzibar excursion

Day 25:Nungwi

Today is a free day for enjoying some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Optional Activities:

• Jozani Forest
• Village Tour
• Turtle Sanctuary Visit
• Scuba Diving
• Fishing
• Snorkelling

Day 26:Stone Town

Our visit to Nungwi comes to an end today as we travel back to Zanzibar Town in the afternoon. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes, we spend our final night on the island on the beaches south of the port city.

Route: Nungwi Beach to Stone Town

Places: Stone Town

Day 27:Lake Malawi

Amongst the myriad of optional activities to fill your days, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Optional Activities

• Community Volunteering
• Livingstonia day trip (hike)
• Snorkelling Lake Malawi
• Included Activities
• Local Village Visit

Day 28:Lake Malawi

This morning we set aside some time for a visit to Karonga, this interesting town has a turbulent history as a centre Malawi’s slave trade. Home to a museum that boasts a dinosaur amongst its displays, we learn more of the rich history of both people and the natural world. We return for a final afternoon of relaxation and a final sundowner on the shores of this great lake.

Included Activities

• Museum Visit
• Karonga Town

Optional Activities

• Community Volunteering
• Livingstonia day trip (hike)
• Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Day 29:Tanzania – Iringa

Today as we leave Malawi, we ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa.

Route

• Northern Lake Malawi to Iringa

Day 30: Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing.

Route

• Iringa to Mikumi

Activity Package

• Mikumi National Park game drive

Day 31:Dar es Salaam

Today we continue onwards to the bustling port of Dar es Salaam, tonight we have an opportunity to dinner out on the town as we prepare for our upcoming excursion to Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam grew from a humble fishing village and today is one of the largest cities in Africa.

Route

• Mikumi to Dar es Salaa

Day 32:Zanzibar Excursion

Boarding the ferry to Zanzibar this morning we make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. On arrival we will partake in a Spice Tour before reaching Nungwi on the northern point of the island. Our home for the next two nights, Nungwi offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer.

Route

• Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry – transfer to Nungwi

Optional Activities

• Snorkelling
• Sunset Sailing Trips

Included Activities

• Spice Tour and City Tour

Activity Package

• 3-Day Zanzibar excursion

Day 33:Zanzibar Excursion

Today is a free day for enjoying some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Optional Activities

• Jozani Forest
• Village Tour
• Turtle Sanctuary Visit
• Scuba Diving
• Fishing
• Snorkelling

Day 34:Zanzibar Excursion

Our visit to Nungwi comes to an end today as we travel to Stone Town this afternoon. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. We overnight here before returning to Dar es Salaam in the morning.

Route

• Nungwi Beach to Stone Town

Day 35:Dar es Salaam – Bagamoyo

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to the border and re-enter Namibia. As we transit through the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent travelling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. We overnight a short distance from the Botswana border as we prepare for an exciting day of activities in Chobe National Park tomorrow.

Route

• Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry; Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo

Places

• Stone Town

Day 36:Arusha

Heading north this morning we travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, our destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha which is our launching point for the Serengeti. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. This evening we will briefed on the excursion to Serengeti by our local guide as we prepare for the coming days.

Route

• Bagamoyo to Arusha

Day 37:Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to the border and re-enter Namibia. As we transit through the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent travelling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. We overnight a short distance from the Botswana border as we prepare for an exciting day of activities in Chobe National Park tomorrow.

Route

• Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Places

• Serengeti National Park

Optional Activities

• 4-Day Serengeti camping excursion

Day 38:Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

We spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Our route is depending on the movement of the game and sightings.

Day 39:Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Today we explore more of the Serengeti and make our way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We drive down to the bottom of the Crater, where we try and see as many animals as possible.

Route

• Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Places

• Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Day 40:Arusha

Returning to Arusha tonight we share out experiences of the Serengeti and prepare for the trip to Nairobi tomorrow.

Route

• Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Day 41:Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi.

Route

• Arusha to Nairobi

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Day 42:Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve

We leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty. The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials.

Route

• Nairobi to Masai Mara

Route

• Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion

Day 43:Masai Mara National Reserve

The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the other animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today we will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals.

Highlights

• Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 44:Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, here we will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of Flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.

Route

• Masai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park

Places

• Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 45:Jinja

This morning we not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning we cross the Equator on our way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.

Route

• Lake Nakuru to Jinja

Included Activities

• Crossing of the Equator

Day 46:Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park

After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and are located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day.

Route

• Okavango Delta to Caprivi Region

Day 47:Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning we will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps. We will also enjoy a game drive through the park in search of the great diversity of wild animals. Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.

Activity Package

• Chimp Trekking Murchison Falls

Included Activities

• Visit to Murchison Falls lookout
• Game drive (half day)

Day 48:Kampala

While we spend the night in the bustling capital city of Kampala, this morning we have the opportunity to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. These majestic animals are in a literal fight for their survival. Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) was formed as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in 1997 and is tasked with overseeing its aim of reintroducing Rhinoceros, a highly endangered species across the globe, back into the National Parks of Uganda through a breeding and release program. Out of this emerged the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, 7000 hectares of imminently suitable savannah and native woodlands.

Route

• Masindi to Kampala

Activity Package

• Ziwa Rhino walk

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Day 49:Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

Crossing the Equator once more we travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyoni. With eager anticipation we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.

Route

• Kampala to Bunyonyi

Day 50:Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

On your free day in Bunyoni you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Route

• Lake Bunyonyi National Park to starting point of the gorilla trek (in safari or smaller vehicles)

Optional Activities

• Gorilla Trekking
• Highlights
• Mountain Gorilla

Day 51:Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)

Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour. Today we will enjoy a visit to the Nyombi Village, a Pygmy village which is reached by motor boat from Bunyonyi Resort. We will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Pygmies and how they live.

Activity Package

• Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer)

Day 52:Lake Bunyonyi – Kampala

This morning we set off on our return journey to Kampala and make a third crossing of the Equator along our way. Tonight your guide will brief you on the activities available in Jinja so that you can plan your day tomorrow. We overnight in Kampala and enjoy an optional dinner out.

Route

• Lake Bunyonyi National Park to Kampala

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Day 53:Jinja

A short distance from Kampala, Jinja offers many exciting activities and your guide will assist you to plan for this day. Most activities are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river. While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land.

Route

• Kampala to Jinja

Day 54:Kenya – Eldoret

Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.

Route

• Jinja to Eldoret

Day 55:Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi.

Route

• Eldoret to Nairobi

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Activity Package”. On this particular tour, it is compulsory that this package is purchased as it includes essential activities that can not be excluded from the itinerary. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind when booking your tour.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Chobe National Park game drive
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Vic Falls National Park entry
• Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Mikumi National Park game drive
• 3-Day Zanzibar excursion
• Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
• Chimp Trekking Murchison Falls
• Ziwa Rhino walk
• Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer)

Day 56:Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi.

Route

• Eldoret to Nairobi

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Activity Package”. On this particular tour, it is compulsory that this package is purchased as it includes essential activities that can not be excluded from the itinerary. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind when booking your tour.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Chobe National Park game drive
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Vic Falls National Park entry
• Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Mikumi National Park game drive
• 3-Day Zanzibar excursion
• Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
• Chimp Trekking Murchison Falls
• Ziwa Rhino walk
• Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer)

Day 57:Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi.

Route

• Eldoret to Nairobi

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Activity Package”. On this particular tour, it is compulsory that this package is purchased as it includes essential activities that can not be excluded from the itinerary. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind when booking your tour.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Chobe National Park game drive
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Vic Falls National Park entry
• Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Mikumi National Park game drive
• 3-Day Zanzibar excursion
• Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
• Chimp Trekking Murchison Falls
• Ziwa Rhino walk
• Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer)

Day 58:Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi.

Route

• Eldoret to Nairobi

Optional Activities

• Dinner

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Activity Package”. On this particular tour, it is compulsory that this package is purchased as it includes essential activities that can not be excluded from the itinerary. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind when booking your tour.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Chobe National Park game drive
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Vic Falls National Park entry
• Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Mikumi National Park game drive
• 3-Day Zanzibar excursion
• Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
• Chimp Trekking Murchison Falls
• Ziwa Rhino walk
• Pygmy village visit (including motor boat transfer)