East Africa Safari

15 days - from $1436

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

• Dawn game drives in Masai Mara
• East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Night Game Drives in Kenya
• Sundowners by Lake Nakuru
• Tented camps and tall stories around the campfire
• The black-maned lions of The Mara
• The great mammal migrations of the Masai Mara National Reserve
• The hippos of Lake Naivasha
• Dawn game drives in the Serengeti
• Safari through the Serengeti plains
• The African Eden of Ngorongoro Crater
• Visit the School of St Jude

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi2: East Africa Mission Orphanage - Nakuru3: Lake Nakuru National Park4: Lake Naivasha5-6: Masai Mara National Reserve7-8: Kenyan Highlands - Lake Victoria9-11: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater12: Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu13: Arusha14: Arusha - 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: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Nairobi to Arusha or Nairobi
Trip Reference: GAEA