Eastern Rhythms

22 Days - from $3775

This tour combines our 'Gorilla Express' tour with our 'Kenya Unveiled' and 'Tanzania Trails' safaris. Travelling from Entebbe into the south-wester corner of Uganda, we spend time with mountain gorillas on the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Seeing these endangered animals in their own environment is a real privilege and an experience that will be indelibly etched in your mind; there is no real way to describe the intimacy of contact with these giants. Quite simply, visiting mountain gorillas is one of those 'must-do' things in your life and Uganda offers an incredible opportunity to achieve this.

Unlike most other companies Gecko's pre-purchases gorilla permits from the Ugandan authorities to ensure that we are able to offer them for each departure. Please note that the Ugandan 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.

The safari then hits big game territory. Three incredible game areas are visited in Kenya and another two parks in Tanzania, providing a feast of wildlife viewing opportunities. The alkaline soda Lake Nakuru is carpeted in a swathe of pink feathers, as millions of flamingos trawl the water for food. The Serengeti/Masai Mara eco-system supports the largest concentration of plains animals anywhere in the world, along with plenty of predators. The nearby ancient crater at Ngorongoro measures just 20 kilometres in diameter and offers outstanding opportunities for viewing a large variety of wildlife, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros.

We also financially support and visit the remarkable School of St Jude in Tanzania. The children of St Jude are sure to provide many smiles and great memories, as we share with them some very special times together.

Highlights

• Mountain Gorilla Trek
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Forest
• Bushara Island
• Samburu National Reserve
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Thompson's Falls
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• School of St Jude
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Ngorongoro Crater

Itinerary:

1 Entebbe 2-4 Entebbe - Kabale - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi - Uganda)5-6 Bushara Island Camp - Lake Bunyoni7-8 Entebbe & Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary -Nairobi9 Nanyuki10 Samburu National Reserve 11 Samburu National Reserve - Thompson's Falls12 Lake Nakuru National Park13 Lake Nakuru National Park - Masai Mara National Reserve14-15 Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi16 Nairobi - Arusha17 School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu18-19 Serengeti National Park20 Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area21-22 Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha - Nairobi

Included: An experienced driver/guide (Days 1-8) and an experienced driver, safari guide and a camp cook (Days 9-15); local specialist guides join us for the gorilla trek and in Ngorongoro Crater; park fees and one confirmed gorilla permit; 5 nights budget hotels, 2 nights island camp, 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights bungalows, 10 nights camping; plane from Entebbe to Nairobi; transport in custom-built safari vehicle, 4WD vehicles, motorboat 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 US$100 for additional meals not included.
Valid From: 1/11/2008
Starts/Ends: Entebbe/Arusha or Nairobi
Notes: • From the 16th April up to (and including) 16th May 2008, we are offering Free Gorilla permits on any new booking which has a Gorilla Trek included in the itinerary. This is for any departure prior to 30th September 2008. (*for Full Terms and Conditions please see here).

• 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: GAER