Complete East Africa

22 Days - from $2910

Covering four countries over an enthralling 22 days, this safari is a combination of our 'Tanzanian Trails' and 'Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas' adventures. Tanzania's two main drawcards are the celebrated grasslands of the Serengeti and the outstanding Ngorongoro Crater. Both are so well known that they need little introduction. The Serengeti Plains/Masai Mara ecosystem is one of the largest in Africa, covering some 15,000 square kilometres (about a quarter of the size of the Australian state of Tasmania and three times the size of Wales). It supports the largest concentration of plains animals anywhere in the world, along with plenty of predators. Nearby is the ancient crater at Ngorongoro, measuring 20 kilometres in diameter and the largest unbroken, intact and unflooded caldera (collapsed cone of an ancient volcano) in the world. Often described as a 'natural zoo', the crater offers outstanding opportunities for seeing a large variety of wildlife, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros. Before venturing into these wonderful wildlife arenas, we first spend time at a very inspirational school and learn how one Australian woman's dream of fighting poverty through education has become a reality. Seeking out the poorest of the poor and providing the support required to help these children to complete primary and secondary education, this school hopes to set the foundations for the future success of Tanzania as this generation move forward into adulthood.

The Masai Mara is an area of incredible natural beauty and also home to a plethora of flora and fauna, making it one of the greatest natural wildlife theatres in the world. It is a great place to begin our safari and to get our first taste of game viewing African style. From here two of Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes await - the freshwater Lake Naivasha and the alkaline Lake Nakuru. Camping on the shores of Lake Naivasha we quickly become aware of the immense numbers of hippos and variety of bird life that resides here. There are a great range of optional activities available here and time is set aside to enjoy these. Nearby Lake Nakuru forms the centrepiece of Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for the millions of flamingoes that carpet the lake with a soft pink colour. This park is excellent for white rhino sightings and is also home to the usual array of grazing animals. Gecko's is proud to support the work of the East Africa Mission Orphanage (EAMO) and we get to experience the daily life at this very special project. Sharing dinner with the children and spending time with them at school will provide us with many touching memories.

Uganda, often referred to as 'The Pearl of Africa', offers many treasured highlights and memories. Our exploration begins in Jinja, located at the point where the Victoria Nile River flows out of Lake Victoria. Here we have our chance to get our adrenalin fix by participating in some optional adventurous activities, but the more cautious amongst us can just explore some neighbouring villages and get a taste of Ugandan life. Our close relatives at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provide some interesting insights into our own human behaviour and the trip out to the island also incorporates some superb scenery. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true wildlife haven that we explore in-depth on game drives and also on an awesome afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Leaving Uganda we then spend time with the majestic mountain gorillas on the slopes of Parc National des Volcans. Coming face to face with endangered gorillas in their own environment is a real privilege and an experience that will be indelibly etched in our minds. There is no real way to describe the intimacy of getting close to these giants - for many, it is a deeply moving experience. Quite simply trekking to visit mountain gorillas is one of those 'must do' things and Rwanda offers the best opportunity to achieve this. Unlike most other companies Gecko's pre-purchases gorilla permits from the Rwandan authorities to ensure that we are able to offer them for each departure. When you have paid the trip deposit and the gorilla permit fee in full and have provided Gecko's with the necessary information, then your gorilla permit is guaranteed. Please note that the Rwandan government may revoke or change permit conditions at any time (including after purchase) without prior notice. Gecko's Adventures does not accept responsibility for loss of enjoyment or compensation resulting from any changes beyond our control. Our final stop is the Genocide Museum, a sobering but extremely moving experience where we learn of the recent atrocities in Rwanda, but also gain respect for the way the people have chosen to move forward.

Highlights

• School of St Jude
• Masai Village
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Lake Naivasha
• East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Nile River
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel Launch Trip
• Gorilla Trekking Parc National des Volcans
• Genocide Museum

Itinerary:

1 Nairobi2 Nairobi - Arusha3 School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu4-5 Serengeti National Park6 Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area7 Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha8 Arusha - Nairobi9-10 Masai Mara National Reserve11 Lake Naivasha12 East Africa Mission Orphanage 13 Lake Nakuru National Park14 Kericho Tea Estates15-16 Jinja, Nile River, Uganda17 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary18-19 Queen Elizabeth National Park20 Ruhengeri, Rwanda21 Gorilla Trekking, Parc National des Volcans22 Visit Genocide Museum. End in Kigali.

Included: An experienced safari leader whilst on safari; local specialist guides join us for Ngorongoro Crater excursion and Gorilla Trek; all park fees; one pre-purchased gorilla permit; 17 nights camping, 2 nights budget hotels, 2 nights tented camp; transport by custom-built safari vehicle, boat and on foot.
Not Included: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Meals: Please allow an extra US$80 for meals not included.
Valid From: 1/11/2008
Starts/Ends: Nairobi/Kigali
Notes: • A non-refundable payment is due at time of booking to secure gorilla permit. Gecko's pre-purchases all gorilla permits to ensure that you will have a confirmed gorilla permit.
Trip Reference: GACE