Gorillas & Tanzanian Safari

15 days - from $7410

Our journey begins in the tiny nation of Rwanda, deep in the heart of Africa, where we spend a day trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans - an overwhelming experience. A further free day allows us to choose between a series of optional treks, including another one to see the gorillas, one in search of rare golden monkeys or one to Dian Fossey's grave and research station. We return to Kigali before continuing briefly to Nairobi for a night and on to Tanzania, a country that boasts some of the most impressive national parks in Africa that are home to some of the most astonishing diversity of wildlife found anywhere in the world.

Staying in a private mobile camp with ensuite toilets, our journey is fully backed up with a support vehicle and safari crew. Our days in Tanzania are spent in the great game parks of Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, whilst our evenings are spent in private campsites, surrounded by the ambient starlit night skies of the African bush. At Lake Eyasi we meet the Hadzabe bush people, the most ancient tribe in Tanzania who are sure to surprise us as much with the timeless simplicity of their daily lives as with the warmth of their welcome.

This unforgettable safari culminates in three nights spent in the Serengeti National Park where we have the unique flexibility to set up camp near the path of the migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra, as they follow their cyclical journey throughout the park.

Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking Parc National des Volcans
• Kigali City Tour & Genocide Museum
• Tarangire National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Lake Eyasi
• Masai Village
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Hadzabe Bushmen
• Serengeti National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Tue) Arrive in Kigali and transfer to Ruhengeri (Musanze).2 Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans.3 Optional treks - second gorilla trek, trek to Dian Fossey's grave or trek to see golden monkeys. Drive to Kigali.4 Morning city tour including Genocide Memorial, then fly from Kigali to Nairobi (flight not included).5 Private transfer from Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania's Safari Capital.6 Game drive in Tarangire National Park - known for its elephants and giant baobab trees. Overnight at Lake Manyara. 7 Full day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. 8 Morning visit to Masai village. Afternoon departure to Lake Eyasi. 9 Spend morning with the nomadic, hunter-gatherer Hadzabe Bushmen. Visit Oldeani village and bomas.10 Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stay in private wilderness tented camp. 11 Visit to the unique Ngorongoro Crater - Africa's 'Garden of Eden'.12-14 Travel to Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season we set up camp in Western Corridor, Lobo, Seronera or Serengeti Plains region of the park. 15 Fly from Serengeti to Arusha where tour ends on arrival (Tue).
Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader, camp assistant (Tanzania), arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals, game activities, one gorilla trekking permit, entrance fees and flight from Serengeti to Arusha.


Not Included: International flights including flight from Kigali to Nairobi, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 14 breakfasts,11 lunches,11 dinners
National Parks: This trip includes 2 days in the Parc National des Volcans area, 1 day in Tarangire National Park, 1 day in Lake Manyara National Park, 2 days in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and 3 days in Serengeti National Park.
Valid From: 12 Jan 08
Notes: At time of booking, an additional gorilla trekking permit or hike to Dian Fossey's grave or trek to see golden monkeys may be booked at additional cost and are subject to availability. Please note that the roads in Africa can be quite bad at times. The tarred roads are badly pot-holed in sections and the dirt roads can be very dusty and corrugated. We need to be prepared for a fair bit of bouncing around, on these roads. Infrastructure is also unpredictable and electricty may fail or be turned off at times. Lodges generally have back up generators in these situations. The roads between Nairobi and Arusha are very rough and dusty on both the sides of the border (Tanzania and Kenya) due to the construction work of new roads. The journey between Nairobi and Arusha at the moment takes approximately 7hrs - 8hrs, including boarder clearing, washroom stops and possible traffic jams. At this stage we have not been advised how long the upgrade of this road will take. Luggage weight is restricted to a maximum of 15kg for the Tanzanian section of this trip, including hand luggage. 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.
Starts/Ends: Kigali to Arusha
Trip Reference: PFGT