KENYA TANZANIA - ZANZIBAR KENYA & TANZANIA Nairobi Sweatwaters Nakuru NP Lake Naivasha Masai Mara Nairobi Ngorongoro Crater Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar 19 days / 18 nights Highlights: Stunning Mt Kenya scenery Sweetwaters Game Reserve Lake Nakuru National Park home of hundreds of species of birds plus black & white rhino Lake Naivasha and Elsamere' former home of Joy Adamson Masai Mara National Park - home to the Big 5 and colourful Maasai tribesmen Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its amazing wildlife Snake Park, and a chance to wear a living snake necklace! Zanzibar - historic Stone Town and relaxing beaches Day 1 Nairobi On arrival into Nairobi International Airport, you will be met and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. Time to relax after a long flight. In the evening gather together to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group participants for a meal. Accommodation: Silver Springs Hotel (A/E) Day 2 Mt Kenya National Park We leave Nairobi in the morning and drive north to Nanyuki, a market town in the central-east Rift Valley area. You will have the opportunity to visit the wildlife sanctuary at The Mt Kenya Safari Club in the afternoon before stopping at the Mountain Rock Lodge for the night. You will most certainly enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this unique country lodge tucked away in the woods on the lower slopes of Mt Kenya. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Mountain Rock Lodge (H) and the Big 5. The combination of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open plains of Ol Pejeta guarantees you a great day out as we game drive for most of the day before returning to Mountain Rock Lodge. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Mountain Rock Lodge (H) Day 4 Nakuru Today we drive through Nyeri and the Aberdare s stopping enroute at a lookout over the Great Rift Valley. We ll stop in the town of Nakuru for supplies this is a good place for souvenir and handicraft shopping, or to visit an internet cafe. A short drive brings us to our camp within a well secured farm with beautiful gardens and excellent facilities. This is a great place to kick-back. You can spend the afternoon going on a farm walk and/or visit the Kenana knitters project. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Kembu Farm (A/E) Day 5 Nakuru National Park Later this morning we enter Nakuru National Park where we spend the afternoon on a game drive. This small park is packed with wildlife. The soda lake has over 400 species of birdlife, including thousands of pink flamingos an ornithologist s paradise. It is also home to both the black and white rhino, and where some scenes from the movie Out of Africa were filmed. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Camp in National Park (C) Day 3 Sweetwaters Game Reserve Today we enter Sweetwaters Game Reserve which is situated between the foot hills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. This Reserve boasts an astounding variety of animals including the non-indigenous chimpanzees
Day 6 Lake Naivasha Today get up early for a morning game drive, before exiting the park and driving to Lake Naivasha. This afternoon we take a boat ride on the lake viewing hippos, fish eagles, and lots of birdlife before arriving at Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy & George Adamson. Joy became world famous for her pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film, Born Free. After a video presentation on the life of the Adamsons, we ll spend some time relaxing over a delicious afternoon tea in the gardens. The gardens are a haven for lovers of nature, set in Acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Fish Eagle Camp (A/E) Day 9 Nairobi After breakfast we will game-drive out of the Park and journey back to Nairobi. Our campground for tonight is located in the upmarket suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi. You will have the opportunity to stock up on personal supplies at a large modern supermarket, visit an internet café, and dine out in one of the local restaurants. (B, L) Accommodation: Karen Camp (A/E) Day 10 Nairobi Free day to catch up on your washing, emails, shopping etc. There is a good choice of restaurants and bars close by, plus a modern supermarket where you can stock up on personal supplies. Option to visit the nearby animal orphanage. Accommodation: Karen Camp (A/E) Day 11 Karatu Today we cross into Tanzania via the Namanga border and drive through Arusha and the northern highlands. After climbing the Manyara Escarpment, the vegetation becomes more lush and green, especially around the highlands of Karatu where we will spend the night. The extinct volcano of Ol Deani has gentle slopes and is a prominent feature of the landscape. Accommodation: Camp (C) (B, L, D) Day 7 Masai Mara Today there is a reasonably long, but interesting, drive into The Masai Mara stopping along the way for lunch. As we get closer to the park you will see herds of goats & cows wandering the vast plains and dutifully looked over by their Maasai owners. We enter the main gate by mid-afternoon and game drive through to our accommodation. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Mara Springs Tented Camp (PT) Day 8 Masai Mara We spend the day game driving around the Park. You will not be disappointed with the game in the Masai Mara! Vast herds of Zebra, Wildebeest and Antelope and The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino). The Masai Mara is quite simply one of the greatest wildlife attractions in the world and at this time of year we may see the migration which is spectacular. We ll have lunch by the Mara River and free time to wander about for photo opportunities of whatever animals might be around the river at the time. In the afternoon we will visit a Maasai village to meet the local tribes people and learn about their age-old customs and the way they live their seminomadic lifestyle. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Mara Springs Tented Camp (PT) Day 12 - Ngorongoro Crater We will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area early in the morning and spend a half day game driving in 4WD within the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater and the Conservation Area are without a doubt some of the most beautiful parts of Tanzania, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. Within the crater rim large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze, and we will hopefully spot The Big 5. Outside the crater s ridge, tall Masaai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes. This evening we camp at The Snake Park don t worry the snakes are locked up! You can take a guided tour and learn about some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, from the Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, Puff Adders and many more. You can even hold a real live snake. This evening relax and enjoy a fully equipped camp site and legendary bar. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Snake Park (C) Day 13 Marangu Leaving the Snake Park after breakfast we make a brief stop in Arusha for supplies before heading through Moshi and on to Marangu which is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. We will take a walk through the village to see how they grow coffee and learn about the Chagga people. Our accommodation for the night has great facilities, and magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Marangu Hotel (H)
Day 14 Korogwe Today s scenic drive takes us past the Pare and Usambara mountain ranges. We will break our journey in Korogwe tonight. (B, L, D) Accommodation: The White Parrot (C) Day 15 Dar es Salaam Our destination today is Dar es Salaam, located on the coast of Tanzania. This colourful city is steeped in history from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village, through colonialism, financial collapse, and re-growth to its current status as one of the world s leading shipping ports. To the south of the bustling city lies the tranquil beauty of Mikadi Beach, a long stretch of sweeping sand, fringed with swaying palm trees. Tonight, we will make camp on the beach and fall asleep to the sound of the Indian Ocean. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Mikadi Beach (C) Day 17 Zanzibar beach The history of Zanzibar would be not be complete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. Our half day tour will wow you with the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. Later this afternoon we continue to the northern end of the island at Nungwi Beach. Accommodation: Amaan Bungalows (H) Day 18 Zanzibar beach Enjoy free day to relax on Nungwi Beach. Diving, fishing and sailing on a Dhow are just some of the optional activities you can do here. This evening dine out at one of the many beachside restaurants. Accommodation: Amaan Bungalows (H) Day 18 Zanzibar - Stone Town Enjoy another free morning to relax on the beach. Our last night together will be spent back in Stone Town, where no doubt a fine meal and refreshments will be in order to take stock of your whole adventure! Accommodation: Hotel in Stone Town (H) Day 16 Zanzibar - Stone Town We leave our overland vehicle and depart on the early morning ferry to Zanzibar, arriving at the Island before lunch. We will transfer by minibus from the ferry terminal to our accommodation in the old town. Little has changed in the last 200 years in Stone Town. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. The afternoon is free to explore the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, and watch the sun sink into the sea over a cocktail at the end of the day. Accommodation: Hotel in Stone Town (H) Day 19 - Departure day You will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport today for your onward flight. Or you may choose to stay on extra days at the beach.
DEPARTURES Start: Nairobi Finish: Zanzibar Departure: 16 October 4 November 2016 COST NZ$6,300/AUD5985 per person twin share NZ$700/AUD665 Single supplement * * If you are willing to share, we will endeavour to match you up with another same-gender solo traveller to share at the twin price. If we are unable to provide a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. MEALS B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner GROUP SIZE: Minimum 8, Maximum 18 TRADE BOOKINGS: Email: info@innovativetravel.co.nz Phone: 0508 100 111 (within NZ) ** Prices subject to currency fluctuations please check at the time of booking. INCLUSIONS 19 nights accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated Sightseeing as indicated Services of experienced driver/guide plus camp/cook assistant Fully equipped safari vehicle, with camping / cooking equipment All road tolls, vehicle taxes, National Park entry fees Airport transfers on Days 1 & 20 between the hours of 0600-1800 EXCLUSIONS International airfares from New Zealand or Australia Travel Insurance (mandatory) Optional activities you choose to take yourself Entry Visa to all countries (purchased at each border) Items of a personal nature (e.g. drinks, souvenirs) Sleeping bag & pillow ACCOMMODATION H A/E PT C Standard hotel with ensuite facilities. Basic accommodation (most with ensuite facilities), e.g. chalet, cottage, banda Permanent tent with wooden floor and twin beds. Short walk to shared bathroom facilities. Camping in easily erected dome tents 50mm foam mattress & built in mosquito net Short walk to basic shared bathroom facilities.