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

• Game drives in the Masai Mara
• Lake Naivasha's hippos
• Masai Mara's mammal migrations
• Tented camp stays
• The children of East Africa Mission Orphanage
• The flamingos of Lake Nakuru
• 'Fighting Poverty through Education' - meet the students of the School of St Jude
• Game drives in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti
• The 'Garden of Eden' of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi2: Nakuru - East Africa Mission Orphanage3: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage4: East Africa Mission Orphanage School - Lake Naivasha5-6: Masai Mara National Reserve7: Kenyan Highlands8: Lake Victoria9-10: Serengeti National Park11: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area12: Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu13: Masai Village - Arusha14: School of St Jude - Arusha15: 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:

• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.

• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking local site guide in the Ngorongoro Crater.

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).

• 11 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: a 'bush camp' on the farmland of the East Africa Mission Orphanage; on a tea plantation; by Lake Victoria - Africa’s largest lake; in the middle of Serengeti National Park; and on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

• 2 nights in a tented bush camp located on Masai Mara park boundary.

• 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park; 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve; and 4 days in the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

• Game drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park.

• Visit to a Masai village with a specialist guide from the Masai Community Cultural Tourism Program.

• Visit to the School of St Jude which is 'Fighting Poverty through Education'. Guided tour of the school, visiting the children in class and joining them for morning tea, lunch and weekly assembly.

• Dinner and time in the classroom with the children of the East Africa Mission Orphanage.

• Free time to explore Lake Naivasha, the fishing village of Musoma and market town of Mto Wa Mbu.

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).