Day
4 11 July 2008 Nairobi - Lake Nakuru (B,L,D)
Depart after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time
for your lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge situated not far from the shores of Lake
Nakuru, one of the many beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, also home of thousands of
flamingos and other bird and animal life. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and
overnight at the lodge.
Lake Nakuru lodge is
situated in the South East Ecological niche of Lake Nakuru National Park. The
Lodge is an oasis of comfort and excellent service, with commanding views of the
lesser Flamingo dotted with the Greater Flamingo for which Lake Nakuru is justly
famous for. The lodge blends well with its surrounding and the animals often
browse peacefully close to the lodge and environs, much to the fascination of
the visitorsDay 5 12 July 2008 Lake Nakuru (B,L,D)
Full day at Lake Nakuru National Park with two game drives, one in the morning and the other one in the afternoon. All meals and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 6 13 July 2008 Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara (B,L,D)
We leave in the morning and head across the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the longest rift in the crust of the earth, to Masai Mara. We spend two full days in this natural paradise among zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, buffalo, elephant, antelope and gazelle. We will encounter prides of lions resting in the shade of acacia trees or lying low in the tall grass, in wait for their next meal. There is a good chance of spotting cheetah and if you are lucky, the shy leopard. Then it’s lunch, dinner and an overnight stay at the David Livingstone Lodge. The David Livingstone Safari Resort is situated to the northeast of the Masai Mara National Reserve in the Koiyaki Lemek Wildlife Sanctuary on a broad bend with hippo pools on the Mara River. The lodge is set in 40 acres of tropical gardens with indigenous plants and botanical gardens.
Day 7 14 July 2008 Masai Mara (B,L,D)
We go game viewing before breakfast and again in the afternoon, with lunch and a siesta at the lodge. In the evening, it is time for a well-deserved shower and a refreshing drink before dinner. Overnight at David Livingstone Lodge.
Day 8 15 July 2008 Masai Mara - Amboseli (B,L,D)
(flight Masai Mara - Nairobi)Transfer after breakfast to the airstrip for the morning flight back to Nairobi. Flight departs at 1100 hrs and arrives at 1215 hrs. Met at Wilson airport and transferred to The Carnivore restaurant for lunch. After lunch proceed to Amboseli National Park beautifully situated at the foot of snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro- Africa’s highest mountain. Arrive in the early evening at Amboseli Sopa Lodge. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. At the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is the Amboseli Sopa Lodge, set on 200 acres of precious land, not far from where Ernest Hemingway lived whilst writing his famous novel, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Amboseli National Park is home to the Masai, over 400 species of breeding birds, and teems with rare and wonderful wildlife. The rustic luxury of Amboseli Sopa lodge makes it the perfect rendezvous for the adventurer wishing to conquer the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or for the seasoned traveler indulging in the luxury safari experience.
Day 9 16 July 2008 Amboseli (B,L,D)
Full day with game viewing in the morning and afternoon in Amboseli National Park, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above a saucer of clouds, dominates every aspect of Amboseli, and forms a backdrop to an impressive display of wildlife with its population of lion, elephants, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippos and other savannah game. A photographer’s paradise. Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Day 10 17 July 2008 Amboseli - Manyara (B,L,D)
Transfer after breakfast to Namanga border where you will be met by our Tanzanian driver for safari continuation to Tanzania. Arrive for lunch at Arusha hotel and depart for Lake Manyara after breakfast, traversing the Great African Rift Valley that scars Africa from the Red Sea to Mozambique, and arriving at E-Unoto Lodge in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at E-Unoto Lodge. E Unoto Lodge is located in a beautiful natural setting overlooking the papyrus-bound Lake Miwaleni, whilst the Great Rift escarpment stands boldly above. The lodge consists of 25 Masai-style bungalows placed at various heights up the escarpment. The bungalows are big and have comfortable chunky wooden beds, leather armchairs, en-suite bathrooms and large open-air verandas from which you can admire the attractive views down to the lake.
Day 11 18 July 2008 Manyara (B,L,D)
Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara National Park was immortalised in Hemingway’s “Green Hills Of Africa” and represents a habitat distinct from elsewhere in our safari. Our afternoon game drive allows us to explore the ground-water forest, rich in birds and monkeys, visit the hippo pool, and the acacia woodlands that border the soda lake swathed in the pink of the resident flamingos. There is an option to stop and explore Mto Wa Mbu, the nearby market town. Dinner and overnight at E-Unoto Lodge.
Day 12 19 July 2008 Serengeti -
Ngorongoro (B,L,D)After breakfast, we start our journey to Ngorongoro Crater, climbing through the coffee plantations of Karatu and the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, to arrive at our lodge and check in. Packed lunch in the crater. We then descend down the 2000-ft walls of the Crater, a World Heritage Site and home to nearly 25,000 animals, for a game drive. Here you have a very real chance of spotting the big five: lion, elephant, endangered black rhino, buffalo and leopard plus countless other African mammal species. We return to the Lodge just before dusk. Dinner and overnight at Plantation Lodge, situated in Karatu outside the Crater Area. The Plantation Lodge is surrounded by coffee plantations and the famous Green hills of Africa that Hemingway found so inspiring. Replete with charm and comfort the Lodge is hidden in the heart of the African bush. From your veranda you enjoy the luxuriant colors and fragrant blossom splendor in the delightful park.
Walk underneath the avocado and eucalyptus trees and listen to the various voices of over 40 different kinds of domestic birds. Observe the snuggling geckos doing their mating dance or the cackling geese on their way to the morning bath. Every room has its own style. African safari-antiques and Tanzanian arts and crafts dominate the room, without neglecting the modern European comfort. Bedroom, veranda, or bathroom - all rooms and facilities are designed with love for the detail and convey a very special way of living.
Day 13 20 July 2008 Ngorongoro (B,L,D)
A full day in Ngorongoro Crater Area and 6 hours in the crater game viewing, with picnic lunch, gives us time to explore in detail this fascinating wildlife amphitheatre. We then descend down the 2000-ft walls of the Crater, a World Heritage Site and home to nearly 25,000 animals, for a game drive. Here you have a very real chance of spotting the big five: lion, elephant, endangered black rhino, buffalo and leopard plus countless other African mammal species. This caldera, formed by a volcano sinking, hosts a unique cross-section of eco-systems, from soda lake to savannah and is home to almost every major species of African mammal. Our presence does not threaten the wildlife making for an exhilarating proximity to the game that we rarely encounter elsewhere. Dinner and overnight at Plantation Lodge, situated in Karatu outside the Crater Area.
Day 14 21 July 2008 Ngorongoro - Serengeti (B,L,D)
Depart for Serengeti after breakfast. We stop at Olduvai Gorge to visit the site where Mary and Louis Leakey first discovered the remains of Zinjanthropus Bosei, a distant ancestor of man believed to be 1.8 million years old, Australopithecus Bosei, the ‘Nutcracker Man’, a species that became extinct about 1 million years ago and fossilised foot prints that date back 3,6 million years. From here the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti unfurl before us as we game drive through the park for the remainder of the day to arrive at Lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at Mbalageti Lodge. The Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the Western corridor of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Our lodge is situated on the Mwamyeni hill and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Serengeti plain lands and the Mbalageti River. The pool is made out of local rocks and situated on the edge of the hill. This allows for a 360 degree view of the Serengeti so your game viewing can continue even while you're at the camp. The bar is situated in the centre of the main building, and is the natural meeting place and heart of the lodge, where you can compare your day’s game experience while being served the drink of your choice. You can also sit back and relax in the lounge loft, a cozy corner on the second floor in the main building. Board games, puzzles, magazines and books are available for all the guests. Situated on either side of the Mwamyeni hill, 24 luxury tented chalets - 12 a side - offer breathtaking sunset or sunrise views of the Serengeti plain lands and the Mbalageti River. With a structure of local rock and wood, these canvas fitted chalets are the perfect way to relax after a day of game viewing. All chalets have a bathroom with luxury amenities and are designed with attention to the smallest detail. Pamper yourself in the bath while enjoying a spectacular view. The private veranda with its cooling thatch roof is a private oasis and works as an extension of your bedroom in the wild.
Day 15 22 July 2008 Serengeti (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart on a full day game drive though the western parts of Serengeti. We carry our packed lunch with us so as to make the most of the day, our trip might include a trail along the banks of the Grumeti River in search of basking crocodiles. The Nile crocodile is one of the biggest crocodile in the world. Dinner and overnight at Mbalageti Lodge.
Day 16 23 July 2008 Serengeti - Arusha (B,L,D) (flight Serengeti to Arusha)
After breakfast transfer to Seronera Airstrip for flight to Arusha. Departing 11:05 arriving 12:05. Continue to the Lodge for lunch and an afternoon relax. Here can also a nature and village walk be arranged. People talk about going on a none touristy village visit then they should do the walk here at Mount Meru Game Lodge. Dinner and overnight at Mount Meru Game Lodge. Nestled between the peaks of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru Game Lodge & Sanctuary was created in 1959 to provide intimate accommodation to discerning lovers of both wildlife and nature. The lodge is located within 33 acres of mature, well manicured gardens bounded on one side by the tranquil waters of the Usa River and on the other by the Animal Sanctuary. The main emphasis of the Game Sanctuary is to provide safe haven to African plains game and birds. These include eland, ostriches, waterbucks, zebras, buffalo, small carnivores such as Monitor lizards, small wild cats and of course the enormous variety of birdlife who come to feed, breed and enjoy the unique freedom offered by our very safe environment. The design and character of the rooms are as individualistic as the lodge itself. All rooms have a veranda with comfortable chairs where guests may sit during the late afternoons enjoying the peace of the surroundings, soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Lodge and watching the animal and birdlife. All rooms have four-poster, wrought iron beds with fitted mosquito nets, continental quilts (sheets and blankets are available on request), large and small pillows for reading and sleeping and much more.
Day 17 24 July 2008 Arusha - Nairobi (B,D)
After breakfast we will drive from Arusha to Nairobi airport for our flight to Mauritius. Accommodation: Merville Beach Hotel 4 nights (B,D) Merville Beach is situated in Grand Bay, on the north coast of Mauritius where traditions and colours blend harmoniously together to create a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Our hotel is only a few minutes walk away from the holiday village filled with numerous restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. The north coast is famous for its exceptionally mild climate and its continuous sunny days.
Day 18 25 July, 2008 Mauritius (B,D) Relax today or take an optional tour which can be booked at the hotel.
Mauritius and its people is like taking a journey into some of the most fascinating and refined ancestral traditions ever. The legacies of those who, for the past 400 years, have settled on its shores, where Europe meets India, China and Africa in a frenzy of colours, scents and savours. Strolling through the streets, it is not unusual to find yourself in a little China after alleys filled with the scent of saffron, of cinnamon, reminiscent of India. Alongside, churches with a medieval architecture are remembrances of the European heritage of the island. Hence shopping can become a very interesting or enticing experience, with the variety of products, their diverse origins and the quality of the craftsmanship.
Day
19 26 July, 2008 Mauritius (B,D)
Perhaps spend the day soaking up the culture of Mauritius.
The Sega is a
traditional dance which originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and the
mainland of Africa. Sega is one of the cultural pleasures to be enjoyed in
Mauritius. Half of the population in Mauritius is Hindu and
approximately a fifth is Muslim. Both religions are descendent of indentured
labourers that were brought during British Colony to work in cane fields. The
remaining population comprises mainly Chinese and Sino - Mauritians, Creole
(descendants of African slaves) and Franco Mauritian (the original settlers of
the island). The latter today still occupy many of the sugar estate and control
almost all sugar plantation. One interesting thing of a visit to
Mauritius is the variety of cuisines it offers. The most common varieties are
Creole, Chinese, European and Indian. A typical Mauritian cuisine includes
rougaille (a Mediterranean dish of tomatoes), Sounouk (Salted dry fish), Octopus
stew, Daube de poisson and Biryani (Mauritian version). Our favourite Mauritian
beverages include Alooda (a syrupsy brew of agar, milk and flavourings such as
vanilla or Almond. You can also try some of the traditional snacks : Dholl puri
(thenational food), Gateaux piment, Samoussa and BaDay 20 27 July, 2008 (B,D) The warm crystal clear waters of the lagoons and white sandy beaches are ideal for any water sport activities. Sailing, diving, snorkelling, water ski-ing etc, as well as fishing for Blue and Black Marlins, sail fish and tunas which thrive in the tropical water around the island. With record catches the island boast one of the best reputations around the world for deep-sea fishing.
Day 21 28 July, 2008 (B,D) After breakfast this morning we'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell to Mauritius and the end of our tour. We have an overnight flight to Melbourne.