Complete East Africa - Reverse

22 days - from $3415

Covering four countries over an enthralling 22 days, this safari is a combination of our 'Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas - Reverse' and 'Tanzanian Trails' adventures. We begin with 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. 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 we 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 for the gorilla permit fee in full and have provided us 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. We do not accept responsibility for loss of enjoyment or compensation resulting from any changes beyond our control.

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.

We are 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. From here two of Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes await - the alkaline Lake Nakuru and the freshwater Lake Naivasha. 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. Camping on the shores of nearby 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. We finally reach the Masai Mara, 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.

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.

Highlights

• The children of East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Naivasha's hippos
• Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans
• Game drives in the Masai Mara
• Masai Mara's mammal migrations
• The flamingos of Lake Nakuru
• Tented camp stays
• Kigali's Genocide Memorial - a monument to the courage and resilience of the Rwandan people
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse habitats
• Game drives in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti
• Ride the Nile at Jinja
• 'Fighting Poverty through Education' - meet the students of the School of St Jude
• The 'Garden of Eden' of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater
• Get cheeky with chimps, Ngamba Island
• Drink waragi – Ugandan banana gin

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kigali2: Kigali - Ruhengeri3: Parc National des Volcans (Gorilla Trek) - Kisoro4-5: Queen Elizabeth National Park6: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Entebbe7: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Jinja8: Jinja - Nile River9: Kericho - Kenyan Highlands10: Kericho - East Africa Mission Orphanage11: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage12: East Africa Mission Orphanage - Lake Naivasha13-14: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara National Reserve15: Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi16: Nairobi - Arusha17: School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu18-19: Serengeti National Park20: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area21: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha22: 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 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.

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).