East Africa Odyssey - Overland Trip
3 ½ weeks: Nairobi - Lake Nakuru to Dar Es Salaam (IMT-KTEF)
Intro
Combine our “Visions of Africa” and “Hidden Gems of Africa” tours for an epic journey through an incredible landGroup Size
Max 15Activities
Game drives, hiking, optional activities in Usumbara MountainsAccommodation
5 nights tourist class hotel, 6 nights tented camp, 13 nights lodgeTransport
Private bus, 4WD vehiclesFully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader or local tour leaderMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-DinnerEntrance Fees
Included for sites listed as part of the itineraryCOMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Applies to single travellers and those occupying a single roomINCREASE IN PARK FEES:
From 1st July 2008 due to an increase in park fees there will be an increase in the local payment of an additional $135. The local payment for tours departing after 1st July 2008 will now be $1135.Itineraries
Day 1,NAIROBI - LAKE NAKURUWe depart early for Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is renowned for large concentrations of flamingos and is also a sanctuary for the endangered black and white rhinos. (LD).
Day 2,MASAI MARAAfter a morning game drive we head to the Masai Mara. This reserve has one of the highest densities of wildlife to be found on the continent, and our chance of spotting lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo are excellent. Game drive on arrival. (BLD)
Day 3,MASAI MARAFull day of game drives through this amazing reserve. (BLD)
Day 4,LAKE VICTORIAAfter a morning game drive, we leave the Masai Mara behind and cross into Tanzania, heading for the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. (BLD)
Day 5,SERENGETIDrive to the Serengeti. The Serengeti is unequalled for its natural beauty and contains more than 3 million large mammals all spread over the vast endless plains. On arrival we take a game drive. (BLD)
Day 6,SERENGETIFull day of game drives. (BLD)
Day 7,SERENGETI – NGORONGORO CRATERAfter an early morning game drive we depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival we descend to the crater floor, where we hope to see some, if not all, of the Big Five. (BLD)
Day 8,NGORONGORO CRATER AND HIGHLANDSA morning excursion on the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the natural wonders of the world. A large extinct volcano, with an area of 259 sq. km, it is a self contained park with a huge variety of game and birdlife. Game viewing here is superb. This afternoon we drive to the village of Nainokanoka where we meet our Masai guides. We will then hike up to Olmoti Crater where we explore the crater rim on foot, hoping to see some of the several species of antelope that live here. (BLD)
Day 9,LAKE MANYARAAfter a relaxing morning we drive to Lake Manyara National Park, where we take a game drive on arrival. (BLD)
Day 10,LAKE MANYARA – KILIMANJAROThis morning we take a game drive through the national park. One of Tanzania’s most diverse parks, the combination of lakes, woodlands and mountains make for excellent game viewing. We then drive to Moshi at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, to spend the night. (BLD)
Day 11,KILIMANJAROWe spend today walking through superb forest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. We visit Maundi Crater before descending back to Moshi for the night. (BLD)
Day 12,MKOMAZI GAME RESERVEWe drive to the little visited reserve of Mkomazi, bordering on Kenya’s mighty Tsavo West National Park. At certain times of year huge migratory herds of elephant roam through the park. Travel to Lushoto in the Usumbara Mountains to spend the night. (BLD)
Day 13,USUMBARA MOUNTAINSA free day to enjoy the wealth of activities that are available here. The Usumbara Mountains form a biologically distinct area and are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, where flora and fauna has been isolated from other pockets of rainforest and developed uniquely. We have the chance to take hikes in the forest, visit local villages and spot some of the unusual animal and birdlife that lives here. (BD)
Day 14,DAR ES SALAAMTravel to the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam, where the rest of the day is free. (BL)
Day 15,SELOUS GAME RESERVETravel to the Selous Game Reserve. We enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, a vast network of swamps, lagoons and channels which harbours an incredible array of birdlife. (BLD)
Day 16 to Day 17,SELOUS GAME RESERVETwo days spent exploring the reserve. We visit the Maji Moto hot springs, take game drives and also enjoy a walking safari. Our chances of spotting lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant and antelope are excellent. (BLD)
Day 18,MOROGOROWe leave the Selous behind and drive to Morogoro. The rest of the day is free to explore this busy town or simply relax. (BLD)
Day 19,RUAHA NATIONAL PARKWe drive to Ruaha National Park, one of the most remote wildlife areas in East Africa and covering a massive 13000 sq. km. There are large numbers of predators here, taking advantage of the huge herds of herbivores that roam the park. (BLD)
Day 20 to Day 21,RUAHA NATIONAL PARKWe explore the park in 4wd vehicles, all the time on the lookout for game and birdlife. (BLD)
Day 22,UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINSDrive to the Udzungwa Mountains, an area of pristine rainforest which was isolated millions of years ago from the stretches of forest that once covered much of Africa. This area is excellent for spotting primates and has many species of animals and birds which are found nowhere else. (BLD)
Day 23,UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINSHike through the forest to the Sanje Waterfalls, a series of dramatic falls that drop 170m to the ground. Our walk offers good opportunities to spot wildlife, and we have the chance to cool off in one of the nearby pools when we arrive. (BLD)
Day 24,DAR ES SALAAMTravel back to the lively port town of Dar es Salaam to spend the night. (BL)
Day 25,DAR ES SALAAMTour ends. (B)
Last updated: 20th October 2009
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