15 Day Rwanda Kenya Tanzania And Zanzibar – 1 night Kigali | 2 nights Volcanoes National Park | 1 night Nairobi | 3 nights Masai Mara | 2 nights Serengeti | 2 nights Ngorongoro Crater | 3 nights Zanzibar
Overview
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Trip Highlights
- East African Extravaganza
- Golden Monkey Trekking
- Wildebeest Migration
- Migration Camp Experience
- Big Five Safari
- Rwandan Mountain Gorilla Trek
- Magical Masai Mara
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar Beach Bliss
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Kigali airport you will be welcomed and transferred to your overnight accommodation in the city.
Transfer time: Kigali International Airport to hotel: approx. 25 minutes
Kigali was founded in 1907 as small colonial outpost by Dr. Richard Kant, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda. The city has made tremendous progress since 1994 genocide. Considered one of the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate. It is inhabited by approximately 1 million people who now enjoy the benefits of peace. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it feels to be among the gentle people of Rwanda who will be delighted to welcome you to their beautiful, exceptionally friendly country.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a morning city tour of Kigali. After the tour, you will be transferred by road to the Volcanoes National Park in the north western part of the country; the area commonly known for the home of the Mountain Gorillas. The drive is through beautiful rolling hills, awesome landscape, bypassing coffee and banana plantations on a comfortable paved road and is approximately 3 hours from Kigali to your lodge. Upon arrival to your lodge you will check in, have lunch and the remainder of your day at leisure enjoying the beautiful nature of the surroundings of the Lodge.
Transfer time: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and your lodge – approx. 3 hours
Volcanoes National Park is situated along the border with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The international boarder stretches across the whole Virunga Range, The park’s boundary in Rwanda extends over some 65 km from the Congo border near Gisenyi all the way near Uganda border near Kisoro. The Volcanoes National park covers an area of 16000 hectares and is the home for the famous habituated Mountain Gorillas where 10 Gorilla families are available for trekking and 3 Families are for research.
After an early morning breakfast at around 7am, you will go on a morning tour to see the Golden Monkeys. It is normally an easy trek which might take between 1 – 2 hours. After the Golden Monkey Trek you will return to your lodge, refresh a bit, have lunch and later transfer to the airport in Kigali for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Transfer time: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali International Airport – approx. 3 hours
Flight time: Kigali, Rwanda to Nairobi, Kenya – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Transfer time: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi to hotel – approx. 40 minutes
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met and assisted through customs and immigration before being transferred by road to your overnight accommodation in the city. You will be given a short briefing of your safari routine for the next few days.
Today after breakfast, you will traverse the Rift Valley and ascend its western rim into the Masai land. Red-clad, with spear Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. The Maasai Mara, is the northernmost extension of the Serengeti and a gem in itself. You will enjoy lunch at the camp and thereafter set off on your first game viewing drive.
Transfer time: Nairobi to Tipilikwani Mara Camp – approx. 5 hours
Possibly the most famous of the reserves and arguably the greatest wildlife destination in Africa the Masai Mara has become synonymous with the safari and is currently being featured in the BBC’s new series Planet Earth Live.
Nature doesn’t recognize borders and the 700 square miles of the Masai Mara Reserve effectively continue the northern sweep of neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, thus forming one huge ecosystem. The Mara lands are famous for the annual Wildebeest migration which occurs from June to October when the Mara becomes host to an almost unimaginable half a million wildebeest seeking the grasses raised by the spring rains of April and May. Having exhausted the grazing in the northern Serengeti the wildebeest head north en masse. This is an awesome sight in the true meaning of the word which, when coupled with the sound of thousands upon thousands of hooves pounding the earth, makes it an unforgettable spectacle.
The Wildebeest are not the only tenants of the land. The Mara is also the home to among others, zebra, elephants, and to the big cats; cheetahs, lions and leopards. Hyena, jackal, buffalo, eland, topi, impala, gazelle, warthog add to this huge diversity of wildlife.
This morning after an early breakfast you will be transferred to Mara Ol Kiombo Airstrip for your flight on Air Kenya Aviation to Serengeti via Tarime. At Tarime you will go through customs and immigration. Your onward flight departs Tarime for Kogatende in Serengeti National Park.
On arrival at Kogatende at approximately 12h30, you will be met by your camp driver/guide at the Airstrip and taken on a short game drive en route to the camp for lunch. The vast grasslands of the renowned Serengeti National Park provide what many consider to be the quintessential African game viewing experience.
Transfer time: Camp to Mara Ol Kiombo Airstrip – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Flight time: Mara Ol Kiombo to Tarime – approx. 1 hour 55 minutes
Flight time: Tarime to Kokatende – approx. 1 hour
Transfer time: Kokatende to Camp – approx. 1 hour
Meaning ‘endless plains’ in the language of the Maasai, this land of immense open spaces is home to literally millions of large herbivores, as well as the accompanying carnivores. The Serengeti is renowned for having the largest concentration of migratory animals in the world, and is also famous for its large lion population. The Serengeti National Park forms part of a huge conservation area, encompassing the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. With no fences or man-made barriers, huge numbers of wildlife move freely throughout this area. After your afternoon game drive, you will arrive back at camp at sunset to enjoy your dinner and retire for the night.
After breakfast, depart with a picnic lunches and drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands to your lodge situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro crater. The crater covers over 102 square miles (250 square kilometres) of land and is the home of the rare black rhino, prides of lion, elephant, cheetah and great herds of buffalo, antelope and wildebeest. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon at leisure to enjoy the sunset.
Transfer time: Camp to Ngorongoro Crater – approx. 5 hours
“It is impossible to give a fair description of the size and beauty of the Crater, for there is nothing with which one can compare it. It is one of the Wonders of the World” quote by the late Professor Bernhard Grzimek – famous and respected naturalist. Spanning roughly 8,300 sq kms (3,192 sq miles), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a perfect microcosm of East Africa: it combines spectacular scenery and valuable archaeological sites with mountains, forests, grassland plains, extinct volcanoes and a staggering profusion of wildlife. Central to the Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the floor of which covers an area of 260 sq kms (100 sq miles). The road meanders along the rim of the crater affording breathtaking views and descends 2,000 feet to the crater floor. Ngorongoro Crater is really a caldera, the sunken or collapsed cone of a volcano. It is the largest inactive, unbroken and unflooded caldera in the world. Living on the floor of the crater are bull elephants, lions, hyena, zebra, wildebeest among others living on the grasslands and acacia forests. The crater also has a soda lake – Lake Magadi, the word magad translates to salt water in Maasai. The lake attracts greater and lesser flamingo and other water birds. The crater is best known as a highly successful sanctuary for the endangered black rhino. The settings in which you watch the animals are beautiful; the crater is an outstanding place for photography as well as direct observation. The ground water springs are said to be highly nutritious and the Maasai bring their cattle into the crater daily to drink as they have done for centuries.
Today you will enjoy your final breakfast on safari. You will be picked up from your lodge and transferred by road to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport you will be met and transferred to your resort.
Transfer time: Lodge to Arusha – approx. 4 hours
Flight time: Arusha to Zanzibar – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Transfer time: Zanzibar Airport to Resort – approx. 1 hour
The “spice island” of Zanzibar, located 26 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a prime location from which to enjoy the Indian Ocean’s clear turquoise waters. Combine this with the stirring slave-trade history that comes alive in Stone Town, and you have the perfect complement to your African safari adventure.
Your days on Zanzibar will be leisurely ― you can enjoy snorkeling, swim with dolphins, try your hand at windsurfing, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment or two, walk through a forest filled with monkeys, or simply relax on the beautiful white-sand beaches. Enjoy the many amenities of your beautiful Indian Ocean beach resort.
Optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and enjoying the full-service spa (some activities are at additional expense). Embark on and exciting excursion to Kizimkazi where it is sometimes possible to swim with the dolphins.
Your morning is at leisure before you are transferred by road to Zanzibar Airport for your flight home.
Transfer time: Resort to Airport – approx. 1 hour
Rwanda | Kigali | The Onomo Hotel
ONOMO Hotel Kigali is located in the Nyarugenge district, a few minutes from the city center and a short 9kms drive to the international airport. The hotel features 109 modern and comfortable rooms, All rooms offer a comfortable work space, complimentary broadband wi-fi access, electronic lap top sized safes, separate shower and toilet, flat screen TV and a wide choice of DSTV and Canal+ channels to choose from.
The hotel also has a fitness room with a variety of equipment for use as well as an outdoor swimming pool, or simply relax by the pool or on the terrace area and enjoy an afternoon tea.
The Hotel has an open reception, meeting and food and beverage area where design and concept combine to offer the ONOMO urban village, a place to relax, meet and enjoy a cocktail as well as a choice form our ‘ONOMOtaste’ menus offering pan African ingredients prepared in a modern and tempting style.
Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | Ingagi Park View Lodge
Ingagi Park view Lodge is Private Rwandan owned facility located on a panoramic angle of the five peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes in northern Rwanda; the Home to the Mountain Gorillas. This unique style of Eco lodge is placed on a strategic landscape in the foothills of the Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi, one of the volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massif. The lodge is about 5 minutes to the park ranger station and on about 10 minutes’ drive to the main entrance of the Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking starts. It is placed in an area of around 3 hectares and due to its privacy, it has only 8 spacious chalets in a form of your own natural house.
Kenya | Nairobi | Southern Sun Mayfair
Situated in the Westlands suburb, the hotel bustles with activity and captures the charm and crisp service of an English country inn. It has a quaint charm and the lobby and reception glow with brass figures, wood paneling and Kenyan marble underfoot. Light flows into the hotel through louver window which allow views of the gardens.
The hotel has 171 rooms and is built in several wings rambling under mature trees. The central garden areas are traversed by pathways. All rooms are ensuite with a telephone, TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, safari boutique, casino, business centre, conference centers, and hair salon and health club.
Kenya | Masai Mara | Tipilikwani Mara Camp
This uniquely situated luxury camp on the banks of the Talek River overlooks the mottled plains of the Maasai Mara, where vast herds of wildlife co-exist with the colourful Maasai people. Between June and October the Maasai Mara plays host to one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on earth the great annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra as they enter the Mara ecosystem from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. Tipilikwani’s 20 tents enjoy river frontage and are decorated with warm, rich Maasai colours. The family tents have a stand alone bath tub in addition to showers. Excellent food, personalized service and traditional Kenyan hospitality further compliment the prime location.
Game drives offer the unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the diversity of animals and birds living permanently in the Masai Mara, as well as many migratory species. Guests can also learn more about the Masai people, proud pastoralists and warriors, many of whom still retain their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Tanzania | Serengeti National Park | Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp
At Nasikia Mobile Camp, 8-12 tents remain mobile throughout the year, depending on seasonal reservation requirements and location of the wildebeest migration. They endeavour to retain the uniqueness and intimacy of the camp, whilst being directed by the location, wildlife and other factors of responsible tourism. From June to October, it is located at Kogatende, in the far northern areas of the Serengeti. The game drives can easily get to the Kogatende and Mara Rivers in the hope of gaining a view as the herds run the gauntlet of crocodiles as they cross the rivers. This is typically ideal, especially between mid-July and mid-September each year.
Each tent is 12m long by 4m wide made from well-known heavy duty safari rip-stop canvas made locally at Morogoro, southern Tanzania, plus the additional cooling feature of shade-clothing over the entire tent. You are met at the entrance (on the longest side of the tent) by a patio area with chairs and a table for relaxing when you have a moment. The front of the tents zips fully open, including a layer of mosquito netting and the rip-stop canvas (which zips completely closed) with both layers. Once you step into the tent into the bedroom area, you will see an arrangement of unique furniture like a desk and chair, storage chest (with extra blankets), matting, wardrobe with robes, slippers, an umbrella and laundry bag, luggage racks, torch/whistle/camp information folder, bedside tables, bed footers and beds (depending on room configuration). All the fittings depict colours in natural tones to adhere to the intrinsic area we are located. Each bed is fully netted for custom made protection from mosquitoes and insects. The beds are fitted with imported cotton sheets, double pillows, duvets and bed runners for your comfort. The tents have netted windows down each side of the tent which you can fully open with the mosquito netting stitched strongly into the actual tent.
Then comes the bathroom area, which can be accessed directly from the bedroom with a separate doorway. Once inside, there is a bathroom stand with a ceramic wash basin with running water via stylish taps, a mirror, a supply of natural based bathroom products, and linen to suit. This area also displays a woven grass mat and clothes rack. Within this area, there are additional toilet and shower areas for privacy. Inside the toilet area is a ceramic flushing toilet, encased in a wooden frame for stability. Inside the shower area, is a stand for washing behind a shower curtain under a 20 litre PVC bucket erected on a pulley system as required. From the entrance of the bedroom and onto the bathroom, each tent is fitted with an extensive solar lighting system for your convenience.
Tanzania | Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy | Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Facing the always magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a kilometre above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera. Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambience of both warmth and cosiness. Brightly coloured flowers of many species of shrubs border the paved pathways which lead away from both sides of the swimming pool to our guest rooms which are built to the same design.
When you step through your door, you will probably hold your breath while you stare over the two queen size beds, and through the window walling of the lower level, enclosed solarium at the view of the crater beyond. And the luxury doesn’t stop there. Because of its altitude the lodge can be chilly at night so each room has central heating; hot water bottles are placed in every bed during our evening turndown service; and our luxuriously appointed bathrooms have extremely spacious showers under which you can reminisce about the wonders of this awesome, almost magically mystical place called Ngorongoro.
All rooms are equipped with amenities to ensure maximum comfort during your stay with us. Among these are our wake up calls and complimentary coffee and tea, all of which will help to kick start an early morning game drive.
Zanzibar | Bluebay Beach Resort
Situated on the east coast of Zanzibar, Blue Bay Beach Resort is a spacious and luxurious retreat set in over 30 acres of tropical gardens and sparkling white sandy beaches. The resort has long reflected the historical charm and style of its famous island home with its eclectic African style and a rich Indian Ocean heritage that is obvious throughout the resort.
Rooms and suites are located on raised ground overlooking verdant gardens. Guests will enjoy the traditional Zanzibari style furnishings in the 112 rooms. Each offers an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, veranda, mini bar, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe and tea & coffee-making facilities.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Kigali | Half Day City Tour
You will spend the morning taken on a tour of this bustling African city. You will visit places of interest including Natural History Museum, the Genocide Memorial and the Mille Collines Hotel (famous for the movie Hotel Rwanda). Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to 1994 genocide and how Rwanda has dealt with that past. You will also get a chance to visit one of the city’s craft markets where you get a chance to see some traditional Rwandan arts and crafts (as well as do a bit of souvenir shopping).
INCLUDED IN PRICE Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast you will head out with your guide to the Kinigi Park Headquarters. On arrival, you will be allocated guides and briefed before heading int the forest to track one of the 8 habituated Gorilla groups in Rwanda. Only 8 people are able to track each habituated group. The tracking of these magnificent animals can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla groups (their territory can range up to 40km). The park rangers and guides will clear the way and assist you through the forest. Once the gorilla group is located you will spend an hour with them as they feed, rest and play.
Habituation of a gorilla group takes a minimum of two years, with daily visits to allow the gorilla group to tolerate human presence. It is only when the gorillas are completely comfortable with human presence that tourists are allowed to share the daily hour of contact with them.
Sitting with the mountain gorilla is one of the most amazing wildlife experiences you will ever have. A dominant male silverback can weigh over 200 kilos and is the largest living primate. He will control our meeting as well as deciding when his group will eat, sleep and move on. His females care for their young with affection and playfulness but also with discipline. They are very curious, and are capable of making over 25 different vocalizations, including chuckling and purring. Communication also includes posturing, chest beating and if all else fails – the charge! The privilege of spending an hour with this family group is an experience that will never leave you. After your hour is up, you wind your way slowly out of the forest and back to the camp to swap stories about your amazing experience.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Volcanoes National Park | Golden Monkey Trek
The golden monkeys are the rare species of old world monkey now found only in the Virunga mountain range. Now endangered it is one of the species on the endangered red list. It lives in social groups of up to 90 individuals usually led by one adult male. There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey, one group comprises around 80 – 100 members and has its home at the foot of Mt Sabyinyo. As with treks to see the Mountain Gorillas, treks to see the Golden Monkeys take place in the mornings and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Masai Mara Game Reserve | Daily Safari Programme at Tipilikwani Mara Camp
Early Morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s best and most scenic game park. At the northern extremity of the unique Serengeti ecosystem, blessed with a permanent water supply, the Masai Mara has a thriving, permanent population of plains game, augmented in the dry season by the migration of two million gnus and zebras from the vast, parched Serengeti plains. Of the hunter’s “big five,” elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard are quite common, while even the much rarer rhino might come out of the thicket for you. Hyenas are plentiful and the cheetah, a 60-miles-per-hour daytime hunter, is often seen.
Besides being the setting for the ancient and often tragic spectacle of the Great Migration, other marvels of the Masai Mara include giraffe, elephant, red-tailed monkeys and a host of antelope. Twice-daily interpretive game-drives led by our highly trained and experienced rangers, bird watching with resident guides and naturalists reveal the wonders of the Mara.
SUGGESTED Masai Mara | Hot Air Balloon Safari
Some things are worth getting up early for and this is certainly one of them. Rising before the birds and heading out in the silence of the pre-dawn towards the launch-site is all part of the anticipation. Perhaps one of the Serengeti’s more elusive inhabitants will be caught in the headlights on this nocturnal game drive.
Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing ahead of your flight as the sky begins to lighten and the crew inflates the balloon – an envelope of savannah gold and acacia green billowing into the cool morning, lit by the flames of the burners. You climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn.
Each flight is a different journey dictated by the direction of the wind, where the sights and sounds rise from the ground to meet you. We know where we’ve started but we don’t know where we will return to earth. This is part of the adventure. Sometimes the basket will be gently brushing the tips of the grass and then climbing, climbing through the layers of air until you’re high enough to see the curve of the horizon, painted gold and pink by the early sun. Our pilots not only have years of experience in harnessing the African wind, but are also interpreters of the wild lives in the ebb and flow of the landscape below. Around an hour or so after you lift into the sky, the basket will return to the plains of the Serengeti. But it’s not over yet.
“The Winds have welcomed you with softness. The Sun has blessed you with its warm hands….” The balloonist’s tradition is to toast the flight with bubbly. A short walk or drive from your landing spot will find you raising a glass to your time in the skies. We then seek to take care of earthly concerns and whisk you off by safari car to our special Serengeti breakfast spot.
Serengeti National Park | Daily Safari Programme at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp
As dawn breaks over the Serengeti, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out our specially designed 4×4 safari vehicle in the company of your guide.
Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options. If you prefer, you can take a packed breakfast and prolong your morning game drive. There’s time for a quick siesta before lunch, which is served in the main restaurant
Head off in search of the wildlife in the cooler late afternoon. The herds head out to drink before settling down for the night, while the predators are warming up for the night’s hunting. Stop at a scenic spot for sundowners as the sun sinks beneath the endless plains before returning to the lodge for a mouth-watering dinner and discussions of the adventures of the day.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Ngorongoro Crater Conservancy | Full Day Crater Tour
Breakfast at the lodge, on both days you will descend 2000 feet (0ver 600 meters) to the floor of the crater for a full day crater tour with picnic lunch. Explore the forest areas that are inhabited by monkey and elephant, the lake area, where you may see the flamingos and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food. Return to the lodge at sunset to enjoy an African sundowner.
The crater floor of Ngorongoro; the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera in an exceptional geographical position, forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometers with sides up to 600m deep, the stalking ground of around 20,000 to 30,000 wild animals at any one time.
The crater floor consists of a number of ecological environments that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat, a central soda lake filled by the Munge River. All these various habitats attract various wildlife to drink, wallow, graze, hide or climb. Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain here throughout the year.
SUGGESTED Zanzibar | Beach Activities
A range of activities are offered at Blue Bay Beach Resort – the most popular include snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and diving in the spectacular waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort also features a fitness centre, spa and tennis court. Those who would rather sip cocktails and catch the sun can do so by the pool or on the resort’s beaches. Otherwise, set off and explore the tropical island of Zanzibar on a tour of a spice plantation or the intriguing capital, Stone Town.