East Africa Safari

15 days - from $1795

The vast open grasslands of East Africa support the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. Massive herds of wildebeest and zebra roam through the Serengeti Plains and the Masai Mara, along with elephant, giraffe and various predators. Ngorongoro Crater is considered by many to be Africa's 'jewel in the crown' and is home to a marvellous variety of wildlife, including the highly-endangered black rhinoceros. We spend six days in parks and conservation areas, ensuring that our game viewng experiences are incredible and diverse. We also allow time to take in further game activities - by foot or on mountainbikes. There is the opportunity to interact with some special children, both in a Kenyan orphanage and at a Tanzanian school, as well meeting various tribal groups. We travel deep into spectacular wildlife arenas, up and down the Great Rift Valley, through highlands and tea estates, along lakeshores and into traditional tribal communities. We also take time to visit some worthwhile community projects that we support. By participating on this tour you are already assisting two worthy causes - the East African Mission Orphange in Kenya and the School of St Jude in Tanzania.

Highlights

• East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Lake Naivasha
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Lake Victoria
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Masai Village
• School of St Jude

Itinerary:

Day 1 Nairobi2 Nairobi - East Africa Mission Orphanage, Nakuru
3 Lake Nakuru National Park4 Lake Naivasha5-6 Masai Mara National Reserve7-8 Kenyan Highlands - Lake Victoria9-10 Serengeti National Park11 Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area12 Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu13 Masai Village Visit - Arusha14 Visit to School of St Jude15 Arusha - Nairobi

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced driver, safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides in Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Village; all park fees; all camping equipment; 11 nights camping, 2 nights tented bush camp, 1 night hotel; transport in custom built safari vehicle, 4WD vehicles 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: Allow US$50 for additional meals not included on safari.
Valid From: 11 Jan 08
Notes: We travel in a custom-built safari vehicle that can take a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board we have useful reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari. The large dome tents are spacious and quick to erect with the sides covered in mosquito netting and foam mattresses provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is also supplied for each passenger. In addition, all communal camping equipment is carried on board together with on-board cool boxes. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and it is also recommended that you bring a pillow or purchase one locally for added comfort. Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping, but sometimes when we stay at a campsite for at least two consecutive nights, there may be the opportunity to do some hand-washing. A special feature of the safari is that in addition to our safari guide and professional driver we have a camp cook who plans, budgets and prepares all included meals. Road Conditions and Infrastructure in Africa Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. The infrastructure in Africa is not always what we are used to and travelling on their roads can sometimes be very bumpy experiences. The travelling times indicated in our Trip Notes is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders.
Starts/Ends: Nairobi to Arusha or Nairobi
Trip Reference: GAEA