|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
The tour begins on a high note in Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa. The route continues through Zambia and Malawi, where you'll spend a few days enjoying the secrets of South Luangwa National Park and the world-renowned Lake Malawi. Tanzania is the next destination, and you'll some time in the must-see Tanzanian coastal capital city of Dar Es Salaam. From here it's just a ferry ride to the paradise of the exotic Zanzibar 'spice islands', where you can relax and soak up the African sun on pristine white sandy beaches.
After returning to the mainland, it's time for some big game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. From Nairobi you then drive west into Uganda where you'll experience the possible highlight of your overland adventure: tracking the endangered mountain gorillas on foot. After the excitement of your gorilla encounter you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the activities and beauty of the Queen Elizibeth Park and white water rafting in Jinja on your way back to Nairobi.
Please note that Visas are the responsibility of the traveller and that the Whichway Adventure Company will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 1: Victoria Falls |
 |
Your tour begins in Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. You spend your first day enjoying some of the many exciting activities on offer in this, the adrenaline capital of Africa, or finalizing arrangements for your trip.
Optional Activities: Zambezi White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Back Safari, Zambezi sunset cruise, Vic Falls National Park |
 |
|
Meals: LD
|
 |
|
Location: Livingstone,
Zambia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 2: Lusaka |
 |
You leave behind the excitement of Vic Falls and head towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka, a chaotic city with an African energy. You can spend you evening relaxing after your long drive and getting to know your travelling companions. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Lusaka,
Zambia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 3: Luangwa River |
 |
You begin today with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards the Luangwa River where you spend the night. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals, and a walk along the river is a rewarding experience. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Luangwa Parks Area,
Zambia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 4-5: South Luangwa |
 |
You drive from the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park where you will spend 2 nights on the riverbanks. If you arrive in South Luangwa early enough then an optional excursion to the community textile factory is recommended.
The next day you can choose to explore the area on a morning or night game drive, or a game walk accompanied by a professional local guide. South Luangwa is home to many unique animals and the concentration of game around the river is among the most intense in Africa. Alternatively you can relax by the pool or spend some time with the local communities.
On occasion in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa. If this happens then an alternative itinerary will be followed. Normally groups choose to spend the additional nights in Malawi or on Zanzibar
Optional Activities: Game Drive, Night Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Luangwa Parks Area,
Zambia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 6: Malawi |
 |
You leave South Luangwa early and pass through the Zambia / Malawi border. Heading north you enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest, part of the largest man-made forest in Africa. There are some wonderful hikes in the area as well as other optional activities to enjoy.
Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Southern Highlands Area,
Malawi
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 7-8: Lake Malawi |
 |
You soon catch sight of Lake Malawi where you will spend the next couple of carefree days. The lake is nearly 600km long and well-known for its golden shores and stunning natural scenery. If you feel energetic there are endless leisure and water sport activities to keep you busy. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most scenic and memorable holiday destinations in Africa. Your evenings are spent beside the lake’s tranquil waters.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and many more |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Malawi,
Malawi
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 9-10: Northern Malawi |
 |
You continue a short way further along the northern part of the lake, close to the Livingstonia Mountains. Take a stroll through the nearby craft market and discover why Malawi is called the friendly heart of Africa. If you're feeling energetic and the weather is favourable you can hike to Livingstonia (7 to 8 hours) or the waterfall (5 hours).
Optional Activities: Craft shopping, hiking and more… |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Malawi,
Malawi
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 11: Iringa |
 |
Today you make the border crossing out of Malawi. Leaving the lake behind you, you gain an hour as you cross into Tanzania and the East African time zone. As you climb out of the Great Rift Valley you travel through some spectacular mountain passes and past vast tea plantations en route to your camp outside Iringa. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Iringa,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 12: Dar Es Salaam |
 |
Your route takes you on a transit through Mikumi National Park to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam. You go down a pass and through an area called Baobab Valley, before reaching your destination. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 13: Zanzibar |
 |
A transfer by ferry takes you to Zanzibar. You will spend the next few days exploring this fascinating island with its renowned architecture, beautiful beaches and colourful history.
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Excursion: Ferry, Food, Accommodation, Spice Tours, Dolphin Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Note: The excursion is at your own expense, which can vary grdepending on your preferred level of accommodation and activities. |
 |
|
Meals: B
|
 |
|
Location: Zanzibar,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 14-15: Zanzibar |
 |
Zanzibar is an amazing island and there are many things that you can do here. It is a good idea to read a guide book before you go as well as speak to your guide so that you can get the most out of this excursion.
Zanzibar is not included as part of the organized tour as most people prefer to explore the island on their own, or with some of their new friends from the tour. |
 |
|
Meals: -
|
 |
|
Location: Zanzibar,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 16: Dar Es Salaam |
 |
Today you leave magical Zanzibar, catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to your campsite. |
 |
|
Meals: D
|
 |
|
Location: Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 17: Arusha |
 |
A long and scenic drive takes you to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. If there are clear skies en route you might see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving in Arusha you prepare to explore the Serengeti National Park - one of the most abundant wildlife reserves in the world. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Arusha,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 18-19: Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
 |
There are many options available for you to explore this incredible area, ranging from a one-day trip to the Ngorongoro crater, to a 3-day trip into the Serengeti. As this is for your own expense, you are able to match the activity to your budget.
If you decide not to go to the parks, you can take this opportunity to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. One of the guides will remain with those that decide to stay in Arusha. |
 |
|
Meals: -
|
 |
|
Location: Serengeti,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 20: Arusha |
 |
You are reunited with your fellow travelling companions after your various game viewing activities. The last night in this beautiful country is spent swapping big game stories around the campfire. |
 |
|
Meals: D
|
 |
|
Location: Arusha,
Tanzania
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 21: Nairobi |
 |
After crossing the border into Kenya, with Kilimanjaro receding into the distance, you continue on towards Nairobi. Your evening can be spent dining at a unique open-air meat speciality restaurant.
Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore |
 |
|
Meals: BL
|
 |
|
Location: Nairobi,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 22: Lake Naivasha National Park |
 |
You depart the colourful metropolis of Nairobi and travel north to Lake Naivasha where you spend the day at Hells Gate National Park, so named for the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the its entrance. Park entry fees are included in the tour.
This is the only National Park you can go hiking in, as well as game and bird watching or the popular option of game viewing on bicycles. You may prefer to take high-tea at Elsamere – the former home of Joy Adams, best known for her autobiographical novel Born Free. |
 |
|
Meals: -
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Naivasha,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 23: Masai Mara |
 |
Today you enter the 2 430 sq km Masai Mara to photograph some of Africa’s most abundant wildlife. Best known for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other plains animals including lions. Exciting game viewing combined with cultural interaction with Kenya’s native Masaai people round off your safari experience. |
 |
|
Meals: LD
|
 |
|
Location: Masai Mara,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 24: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru National Park |
 |
After some further game viewing in the Masai Mara you travel towards central Kenya and Lake Nakuru. Although the shallow soda lake is most famous for its large flocks of brilliant pink flamingos, the National Park is also home to a further 450 species of birds and over 50 species of mammals. White rhino inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake and if you are lucky you will get some great photographs. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 25: Kampala |
 |
Today you cross the border into Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', and also cross the equator. The night is spent in Uganda's bustling capital city, Kampala.
Although it's a typical capital city with a compact, high-rise centre, Kampala retains a small town charm and is one of East Africa's most laid-back and friendly cities. The Nakasero fresh food market just off the city's main drag is one of the most colourful places in East Africa with piles of bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes and every fruit and vegetable you can think of. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Kampala,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 26: Kampala & Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary |
 |
You can either spend today exploring the city of Kampala, or take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit, eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for the orphaned chimpanzees that are the sad result of the illegal bush-meat trade. Ngamba Island is situated in Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat. |
 |
|
Meals: BB
|
 |
|
Location: Kampala,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 27: Lake Bunyoni |
 |
Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, Lake Bunyoni is best known for its dense otter population and beautiful scenery. You relax and spend the night in this beautiful spot in anticipation of one of the highlights of your tour, tracking the mountain gorillas. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Bunyoni,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Days 28-30: Gorilla Trek |
 |
The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered with only around 650 remaining. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future as the money spent on permits is used for their protection, an extremely important part of which is the local community development work – changing people's attitudes so they start to protect rather than poach.
Whenever possible you will make use of the National Parks in Uganda, but should permits not be available for either Bwindi or Mgahinga then you will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.
Your trek through the forest is sure to be an unforgettable experience. At times the gorilla tracking can be demanding and the day long as you search for the elusive primates. This is quite possibly one of the most thrilling and evocative experiences that Africa has to offer, and certainly one that will remain an enduring memory from your travels. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Bwindi National Park,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 31: Queen Elizabeth National Park |
 |
Today you travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as the Ruwenzori National Park for many years until it returned to its colonial name. The Rwenzori Mountains, or 'Mountains of the Moon', rise majestically above Lakes Edward and George.
This 1 995 sq km park consists mainly of wetlands, and contains over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions. Game is best viewed from the water and so a sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel is recommended. |
 |
|
Meals: BLD
|
 |
|
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 32: Kampala |
 |
You spend the morning in the park and then in the afternoon return to Kampala. In the evening you have the opportunity to dine out at one of the city’s many restaurants. Tomorrow you leave early for Jinja – home to some of the best white water rafting in the world. Should you wish to partake in this exciting activity, you need to pre book today in Kampala. |
 |
|
Meals: BL
|
 |
|
Location: Lake Naivasha,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 33: Jinja |
 |
Jinja is Uganda's 2nd largest city and the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. If you do not want to go rafting, there are many other exctiting activities on offer. You can also choose to volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education - a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job in the education of Jinja’s youth. |
 |
|
Meals: BL
|
 |
|
Location: Jinja,
Uganda
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Day 35: Nairobi |
 |
Today you make your way back to Nairobi for the end of your adventure. You may want to finish off your tour with a final dinner with your travelling companions in one of the excellent local restaurants. Once again 'Carnivore' is always a popular choice, where vegetarians are catered for, but not encouraged. |
 |
|
Meals: BL
|
 |
|
Location: Nairobi,
Kenya
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|