(65) Day AFRICA Adventure 2014

Day 1: Milwaukee January 24th Drive to Chicago Fly from OHare to London
Day 2: London January 25th Fly from London to Nairobi-Kenya

GUIDED TOUR BEGINS

Day 3: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Kenya   January 26th This Gorillas & Nairobi to Vic Falls Safari departs from Kenya's capital, Nairobi, in the morning; travelling up the Escarpment and stopping at a viewpoint to admire the vistas over the spectacular Great Rift Valley. We then descend to the floor of the Rift Valley in Kenya entering Masai country, where these habitual pastoralists are frequently seen tending their cattle on the roadside. Driving south through the town of Narok, we may sight some wildlife along the way to our first overnight campsite. In the late afternoon we arrive at our safari camp overlooking the Meguarra Hills and a meandering stream that forms a natural border with the Masai Mara National Reserve.   

DAY 4: Masai Mara – Kenya January 27th Departing shortly after sunrise we embark on our first exhilarating game drive in Masai Mara Reserve. Kenya's Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best Game Parks and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. The Mara Reserve is most famous for the Annual Wildebeest Migration, also called the Great Migration. This wildlife spectacle occurs when impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. Masai Mara is popular all year round because huge herds of herbivores search for fresh grazing. These grazers in turn attract Africa’s predators, often seen at kill during the migration. Our game drive takes us through a section of the Mara Park in search of Africa's ‘Big Five’ - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this wilderness area. After our game drive in Masai Mara, we have the option of visiting one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – traditional hamlets where the Masai Tribe still live in their customary way. In the evening we relax around the camp fire, watching the sun set over this African “Garden of Eden”. The Masai Mara Reserve covers 1510 sq km of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers. Wherever you go in the Masai Mara you will see an abundance of wildlife! The ultimate wildlife action here is without a doubt the annual wildebeest migration when millions of these grazers move north from the Serengeti Park in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October. A hot-air balloon trip may be an outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife of Masai Mara.

DAY 5: Masai Mara to Eldoret – Kenya January 28th In the early morning we leave the Masai Mara Game Reserve, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau. We travel to Eldoret, located south of the Cherangani Hills in western Kenya.

DAY 6: Eldoret to Kampala – Uganda January 29th Crossing the border from Kenya we travel into the striking African country of Uganda. We stay in the capital city, Kampala, for our first night in Uganda. Uganda is a small country, covering diverse terrain. Habitats vary from fertile areas of greenery in the northern area around the shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountain peaks in the west and the captivating semi-desert region in the north of Uganda. The political instability in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialization. The current administration has devoted considerable efforts and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring travel destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialization than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.

DAY 7 - 10: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni – Uganda January 30th, January 31st, February 1st, February 2nd On day five we depart from Kampala early in the morning heading west into the heart of beautiful Uganda. Our next overnight base is located at the picturesque Lake Bunyoni, “place of many little birds”. Around 200 bird species have been recorded at this tranquil lake dotted with islands. From Lake Bunyoni we will participate in an exciting Gorilla Trekking excursions. The gorilla treks take place in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo), or Ruhengeri National Park (Rwanda); depending on the availability of gorilla trekking permits and safety. Gorilla Trekking Procedures: With only about 700 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking is an extraordinary opportunity to encounter these gentle primates in the wild. On these unforgettable treks we get to watch the mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), one of our closest living relatives, in its natural habitat – a rare and unique wildlife experience. From Bunyoni we wind our way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, travelling to Kisoro town, our next overnight base. (If we are gorilla trekking in Rwanda our overnight stay will be in Ruhengeri). The next morning, we pack a picnic lunch and transfer to a ranger’s station, the starting point for our trek. The rangers lead you through cultivated lands and onwards into the dense rain forest in search of a family of gorillas. Gorilla trekking can take up to 8 hours depending on how easy the gorillas are to locate. Trekking can be fairly strenuous; therefore it is necessary for participants to be reasonably fit. We get to spend a maximum of one hour with the mountain gorillas, to ensure that the animals do not get too accustomed to humans and to protect them from any of our diseases. The visit allows for ample time to observe the gorillas from close range and take photographs of them. Our ranger will be able to give us the background on the particular gorilla family that we encounter. When our visit comes to an end we will trek back through the rain forest to the meeting point, from where we are transferred back to our Lake Bunyoni base. The increase in daily gorilla trekking plays a vital role in the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas. After years of being ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, to be sold as ashtrays and lampshades, tourism is helping to ensure the survival of this threatened species. Large numbers have also been killed while attempting to stop poachers from stealing baby gorillas to sell to zoos, where their lifespan is never long. The entire cost of the gorilla trekking permits is used by the National Park authorities to protect the gorillas. The gorilla permit fee is used to fund patrolling, key to protecting the gorillas from poachers and deadly snares, as well as to promote awareness of these unique animals. Lake Bunyoni: Lake Bunyoni, a nature lover’s delight, is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa. There are a number of activities to enjoy at Lake Bunyoni, while we wait for our turn to go gorilla trekking. These activities include: hiking in the hills of this beautiful area, canoeing on the lake or going on a bird watching walk in this birding paradise. Or we can experience the local culture by visiting a nearby village or church or exploring the local markets of Kabale. We could also choose to take it easy, simply relaxing on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyoni or taking a dip in its clean waters.

DAY 11: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala – Uganda  February 3rd After the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience and soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala. We then cross the Equator for the second time on our African camping safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo. We overnight in Kampala and have the option of sampling the nightlife.

DAY 12: Kampala to Jinja – Uganda  February 4th Today we have a choice between visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities. In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project. In the afternoon we can relax on the riverbanks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area.    

DAY 13: Jinja to Lake Nakuru – Kenya February 5th With Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', behind us we return to neighboring Kenya, pausing along the way for supplies and lunch. Back in Kenya we sleep at a lovely campsite on a farm just outside of Nakuru, one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province. The town of Nakuru is located next to the compact and wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park.    

DAY 14: Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya  February 6th This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before exploring the Lake Nakuru National Park. This Kenyan game park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to the edge of its soda lake. The size of the flamingo flocks at Lake Nakuru may vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low. We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The Nakuru Park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope species and sometimes hippos too. After our game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, we head back to our campsite in the late afternoon.

DAY 15: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Kenya  February 7th On day 13 of our African Safari we travel to the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. Lake Naivasha is home to a multitude of birds, among them the African Fish Eagle. Today we participate in optional excursions near Lake Naivasha, such as visiting Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), taking a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.

DAY 16: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Kenya February 8th, 2014 On day 14 of this Gorillas & Nairobi to Vic Falls Safari we share breakfast and return to the camp in Nairobi, arriving in the capital of Kenya by the early afternoon.

DAY 17: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania  February 9th This morning we depart from Nairobi we travel south, crossing into Tanzania at Namanga border post. We stay at a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha for the night. Tomorrow we will be embarking on our memorable Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater trip.    

DAY 18: Arusha to Karatu – Tanzania  February 10th Arusha town is located at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway for excursions to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara Park and the Serengeti Park. These game viewing excursions are run in locally operated 4WD safari vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives. We can explore the thriving town of Arusha in the morning if we like, browse the vibrant craft markets, go shopping or stop in at the art gallery near our camp to see the brightly colored Tinga Tinga paintings typical of Tanzania. We may visit the interesting Masai Cultural Museum to learn about these tribal people and tour the Meserani Snake Park to see the snakes and other reptiles up close. Heading back to our base camp at Meserani we have lunch and prepare for our departure to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park Trip. We stay at a pleasant campsite in Karatu overnight, departing early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater.  

DAY 19: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip – Tanzania February 11th Driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we head deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife. This crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Ngorongoro Crater game viewing opportunities include seeing the shy Black Rhino. We explore the Crater floor on a game drive before ascending out of the crater and down the crater rim, passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti Park. Then we camp in the heart of the untamed bushveld surrounded by the sounds of Africa's wildlife at night.

DAY 20: Serengeti National Park to Arusha – Tanzania February 12th In the morning we take an exhilarating game drive in Serengeti Park, admiring the surrounding landscape as we search for game in the area. With some luck we get to sight the famous 'Big Five' of Africa (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) on our Serengeti game drive. After the morning game drive, we retrace our steps crossing the vast plains and lush Ngorongoro Crater rim. Back in Tanzania's Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of the wildlife encounters on the plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro.

DAY 21: Arusha to Pangani – Tanzania  February 13th The Gorillas & Nairobi to Vic Falls Safari takes us into Arusha this morning to stock up on supplies before driving south towards Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania. We travel through Moshi, a town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi serves as the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain’s snowy summit from the town. The views of towering Kilimanjaro from Moshi offer fantastic photo opportunities! Passing through vast sisal plantations flanked by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges we continue south on our safari adventure. Our lovely overnight campsite tucked between the mountains, lies halfway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.         

DAY 22: Pangani to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania February 14th Travelling via lush countryside landscapes with palm trees, we reach our next safari destination, Dar es Salaam. The pace of our drive to the warm Indian Ocean slows as we enter the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, taking in the interesting sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs as we go. Arriving in Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Africa we head to our pleasant seaside campsite and have time to prepare for our trip to Zanzibar Island the following morning.

DAY 23: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago  February 15th On day 21 we travel to Zanzibar on our island excursion. From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island" where we spend three nights. Zanzibar has a colorful past, as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa, in times gone by.      

DAYS 24 & 25: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania February 16th and 17th Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities. We may explore one of the spice plantations, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its exotic spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans. Other interesting activities on Zanzibar Island include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional sailing dhow. There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular specialty. We may mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available. D

DAY 26: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania  February 18th Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our exciting beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. We spend the night catching up with fellow travelers at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 27: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania February 19th On the morning of day 25 we set off from coastal Dar es Salaam making our way further south. En route we drive through the inland Mikumi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife in Mikumi is quite accustomed to the passing traffic, which makes sighting the animals easier as we drive through the game park. We continue to Iringa, our next overnight stop on this Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!

DAYS 28 to 30: Iringa to Lake Malawi – Malawi  February 20th , 21nd and 22nd We follow the winding road through the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations admiring this beautiful region of Tanzania as we travel. Next, we cross into Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ via the Songwe border post. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi. Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoiled beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets. The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so we can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. We can explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen's boats twinkle out on the lake at night. You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the lakeside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.             

DAY 31: Lake Malawi to Chipata – Zambia February 23nd Leaving lovely Lake Malawi and its friendly people behind, we drive to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. This small city has a distinct old town and a new administrative centre. We replenish our supplies before travelling into neighboring Zambia - the next stop on this African Safari. We make our way to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km from the Malawi and Zambia border, where we stay overnight.

DAY 32: Chipata to South Luangwa Park – Zambia  February 24rd On day 30 we visit the untamed South Luangwa National Park of Zambia. South Luangwa is Zambia's leading game park, known for its wildness and incredible beauty. Located along the Luangwa River this remote national park hosts about 60 animal species and 420 bird species. The game park is home to large elephant herds, as well as an abundance of buffalo, hippo, crocodile and various antelope species. The park is also home to good numbers of zebra, giraffe and leopard, among others. The most southern of three national parks in the Luangwa Valley, Luangwa Park covers some 9050 km² of the most fertile part of Luangwa Valley. Here we are immersed in the wild bush, enjoying excellent game viewing.

Day 33: Luangwa National Park to Eastern Zambia   February 25th Driving south from Luangwa National Park along the Great East Road we head towards Lusaka and our overnight campsite in Eastern Zambia. Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and established extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. After a subsequent decline in the copper industry, Zambia is once again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. Some of the local wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys and monitor lizards can be seen at the safari campsite set along the Luangwa River.

DAY 34: Eastern Zambia to Livingstone – Zambia February 26th Continuing our journey south through Zambia, we pass through southern Zambian farming and agricultural towns en route to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Vic Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and around 100 m high. Seeing Vic Falls is a highlight of any African Safari! We can witness this spectacular natural wonder from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia - a superb photographic opportunity. In the evening we can enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY 35: Livingstone to Chobe National Park – Botswana  February 27th Saying goodbye to truly African Zambia we head into one of Africa's top Safari Countries, Botswana, at the Kazangula Ferry crossing. Once in Botswana we drive to the northern town of Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe River, home to hippos and other wildlife, forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. After lunch we take a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, the main source of water in Chobe National Park. Returning from our boat cruise we prepare for our overnight Chobe National Park trip. Then we make our way into this top Botswana game reserve for our overnight experience in the African wilderness of Chobe National Park. Chobe Park is one of the premier game parks in Botswana, renowned for its large herds of migratory elephants. In the afternoon we explore Chobe on a game drive en route to our safari camp inside the game park. On the game viewing drive rare Sable and Roan Antelope are often sighted, we will keep an eye out for their distinct backward slanting horns, or watch the numerous swooping Lilac Breasted Rollers! We spend the evening musing over our wildlife encounters in Chobe Park and listening to the night sounds of nearby wildlife, interspersed by the silence of the African bush. Getting up early after our night in the Botswana bush, we set off on a morning game drive in search of Chobe's wildlife. After our rewarding game drive we pack up camp and travel back to the town of Kasane.

DAY 36: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (Brunch) February 28th Back at the Kasane camp we transfer to our safari truck and take the short drive to the Zimbabwe border. Border formalities behind us, we cover the last bit of ground to nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities. A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

DAY 37: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe March 1st On the final day we are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls. Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! Flights over Vic Falls in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective of this magnificent World Heritage Site, all year round. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the Zambezi riverbanks. Overnight in Victoria Falls and completion of our guided safari. The tour provided this itinerary as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, dangerous political situations and group decisions.

SELF TOUR BEGINS

Day 38: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg South Africa March 2nd Flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Stay over night at Airport B&B Re Group to start back half of trip.

Day 39: Johannesburg March 3rd Pick up car rental and begin our self tour of Botswana and Namibia - Africa. Head to Mokolodi Backpackers in Gaborone, Botswana. There we will explore a game park and stock up for our three day journey across the Kalahari Desert.

Day 40 and 41: Botswana March 4th and 5th Go to Kalahari Rest Stop which is 25KM from Kang Botswana. There we will stay at a large game farm and explore the ranch's massive area for animals. The game farm is also a popular destination for hunters.

Day 42,43 and 44: Botswana March 6th, 7th and 8th Go to Thakadu Bush Camp in Ghanzi Botswana. We will go on several game drives and visit the SAN (Bushman) Kalahari tribal people and surrounding area.

Day 45,46: Namibia March 9th and 10th Go to Windholk which is the capitol of Namibia. The area is German Colonial with a European air. There we will be staying at Nawa Nawa and strolling the area to experience the small town feel.

Day 47,48,49 and 50: Namibia March 11th,12th,13th and 14th Travel to Outjo to visit the Esosha National Park known as the best park in Namibia for game viewing. We will stay at Mamselle Nature Camp very near the camp.

Day 51: Namibia March 15th We will travel to Tsumeb and then to Minen Lodge to re stock and charge up since the last place was of the grid.

Day 52,53 and 54: Namibia March 16th,17th and 18th Located in Divundu which is on the Okavango River. We will stay on the river at the Mobola Lodge.

Day 55 and 56: Botswana March 19th and 20th Travel down the road to Maun which is in the Okavago Delta. There we will stay at the Tshima Bush Camp which is on the Nhave River known for birds and large herds of elephants.

Day 57 and 58: Botswana March 21st and 22nd We now explore the area outside of Nata Village and stay at the Nata Lodge in Makgadikgadi which is the largest area of salt water pans in the world. Situated close to the entrance of the Nata Sanctuary.

Day 59 and 60: Botswana March 23rd and 24th Located in the Tuli Block which is an area that has hunting, game drives and guided walks. We will stay at Begro Game Farm known for their large variety of animals to view.

Day 61, 62 and 63: South Africa March 25th, 26th, 27th Soutpansverg - this mountainous area host Madke Reserve where we will explore native Bushman rock art and the vast mountain area. This will be our time to chill and reflect on our trip before leaving.

Day 64 and 65: South Africa March 28th and 29th Drive to Johannesburg flight to London - Chicago - HOME SWEET HOME!