Ultimate African Adventure
Trip Valid:
01/07/2008 to 31/12/2008
Also runs from:01/01/2008 to 30/06/2008
Duration:
46 days (Nairobi to Johannesburg)
Highlights:
Put a smile on the face of local kids at the Soft Power Education Centre in Jinja, Go in search of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda, Spot the Big Five on safari in the Masai Mara, Search the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater for big cats, Explore the awesome Victoria Falls region, Dive into the Spice Island's intriguing past, Visit the warm heart of Africa, Listen out for the call of the African fish-eagle on a Chobe River cruise, Stalk predators in the Kruger
Trip Code:
UOV
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 24
Price:
Prices from USD $3090
Park & Permit Fees USD$510 cash to be paid on the ground in addition to local payment amount.
In order to ensure a permit for the Gorilla trek will be available for purchase when you arrive in Africa, an increased deposit (USD$525 + US$250 per person) will apply at time of booking. The Gorilla Permit is in fact paid for locally and is included in the advertised Park & Permit fee. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking. Please note your deposit is non refundable.
*(plus local payment USD $1550)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Travelling through the stunning Great Rift Valley and all the way down to Johannesburg, this trip covers all the highlights of Africa: safari and the Big Five, spectacular scenery, an exotic Spice Island and ample opportunities to meet the locals. Give the Soft Power school a hand and help African kids learn to read, go trekking in Uganda to uncover gentle mountain gorillas, and enjoy game drives in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and the Kruger. There's also plenty of time in between the action to simply sit back and soak up the sun on a sandy beach in Malawi or Zanzibar. So come along and see all of Africa's star attractions on this ultimate African adventure.
about acacia
For over fifteen years Acacia has shared & developed their knowledge of Africa with travellers from all over the world. The company's staff are chosen for their love of this vast continent while their local, well-qualified guides are happy to share their in-depth knowledge. This local expertise, combined with their respect & love for Africa's people, traditions, wildlife and wonderful flora, ensures travellers will get the most out of their Intrepid African adventures.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
rating definitions
culture shock rating:
rating definitions
passenger feedback rating: N/A as this is a new trip.
meals included: 41 Breakfasts, 36 Lunches, 36 Dinners
transport: Fully equipped safari vehicle
accommodation: Participatory camping (42 nts)
budget: Allow USD $255 for meals not included.
departs: selected Sat
important notes:
1. This trip departs early in the morning on day 1 and it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least one day prior.
2. Accommodation for 3 nights on Zanzibar is not included in the trip price. Please allow US$15-25 per night 3.Tour price includes trekking permit to visit gorillas. In order to secure this, an additional non-refundable deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Please note that the minimum age for this trip is 18 years of age.
we also recommend:
Why not continue the journey on a small group adventure through Mozambique and the Garden Route all the way from Kruger to Cape Town (URS)
Day 1 Nairobi
The journey begins in Kenya's multicultural capital, brimming with colourful markets, welcoming restaurants and bars.
Day 2 Lake Nakuru
Spend the morning at a rural school on the outskirts of Nairobi before pitching tents within the park at Lake Nakuru and heading out on an afternoon game-viewing drive. Fringed by beautiful acacia trees, the lake shimmers pink throughout the year as hundreds of flamingos descend upon it. The savannah area of the park also boasts a wide variety of animals including giraffes, rhinos and lions. Excitingly, this is one of the best places to see leopards in Kenya.
Day 3 Eldoret
Enter the lush green Western Highlands- Kenya's tea country.
Days 4 -6 Jinja/ Kampala
Entering Uganda, experience the breathtaking beauty of the Bujagali Falls and perhaps even try taking on the raging rapids in a raft.
Day 7 Lake Bunyoni
Travel through the mystical landscapes of the Lake Bunyoni region to discover some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Uganda. It's possible to hire a traditional dugout canoe to take to the lake. They can be hard to master at first but great fun.
Days 8-11 Gorilla Trek
Travel over dramatic mountains and through ancient forests to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This steamy rainforest derives its name from the dense vegetation that makes entry decidedly difficult, so come prepared with comfortable hiking boots, full water bottle and rain jacket. Tracking gorillas is a tremendous test of endurance but the time spent observing these gentle giants makes it totally worth it. The sight of these wonderfully human-like creatures munching on branches, climbing trees and cradling babies is completely captivating and few wildlife experiences can compare.
Day 12-14 Kampala/ Eldoret/ Nairobi
It's back to Nairobi, Kenya's exciting capital.
Days 15-18 Nairobi/ Masai Mara/ Nairobi
The Masai Mara is the first stop for unforgettable game viewing. There is time to experience village life as well as spotting the 'big five'.
Days 19-20 Arusha
Enter the bustling melting pot of markets, vehicles and tribesmen of Arusha, all nestled in the shadow of a spectacular volcano, the brooding Mt Meru.
Day 21 Serengeti National Park
Call in at Olduvai Gorge to learn about the Cradle of Mankind enroute to the Serengeti.
Day 22 Ngorongoro Crater
The animal-packed Ngorongoro Crater is an excellent place to spot the Big Five.
Day 23 Arusha
Try to spot Kilimanjaro, Africa's Queen of Mountains, before browsing the bustling markets of a local village and maybe bargaining for some unusual carvings.
Day 24 Dar es Salaam
The road travels past the snow-dusted summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Dar es Salaam is the launch pad for the Spice Island of Zanzibar.
Days 25-27 Zanzibar
With its idyllic, palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and a charming town packed with Arabic, Oriental and Indian-inspired architecture, this island is a delight.
Day 28 Dar es Salaam
The road travels past the snow-dusted summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Dar es Salaam is the launch pad for the Spice Island of Zanzibar.
Days 29-30 Boab Valley
Continue on to spot giraffes in the Mikumi National Park en route to Malawi.
Days 31-34 Lake Malawi
The sandy shores of Lake Malawi await. With more fish species than any lake on earth, why not dive in and explore this unique freshwater paradise? Wake early to take in the peaceful sight of fishermen out on the lake in their traditional dugout canoes, waiting for their catch of the day.
Days 35-36 Chipata/ Lusaka
Travel through rural villages, cross the mighty Luangwa River and arrive in the capital, Lusaka.
Days 37-40 Livingstone/ Victoria Falls
Set up camp on the banks of the Zambezi, a haven for hippos and the occasional bull shark. Canoe alongside these creatures for a closer look or visit nearby Victoria Falls, the crashing waters spray up watery clouds of mist.
Day 41 Chobe National Park
Overland and boat safaris in Chobe National Park are a chance to see some of the reserve's many elephants and eagles.
Days 42-43 Polokwane/ Nata
Travel through the vast grasslands of Botswana to South Africa, stopping off to visit Martins Drift, Francistown, Nata on the way.
Days 44-45 Kruger National Park
Spend two nights within the Greater Kruger, in search of Africa's 'big five': lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos. The Greater Kruger offers opportunities to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment are endless. For those who just can't get enough wildlife there is an optional night drive through the park to spot some nocturnal beasts.
Day 46 Johannesburg
Leaving the Kruger National Park behind we head to Blyde River for some awesome views over the world's third largest canyon. Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial capital, in time to head out on the town, or maybe grab a bite to eat and relive tall tales of Africa's magnificent wildlife.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 24 May 08 | Tue 08 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 07 Jun 08 | Tue 22 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 21 Jun 08 | Tue 05 Aug 08 |
