World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
EAST AFRICAN SAFARI
Countries visited: Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania
East Africa is THE family vacation destination. It is home to the best wild life game in the world with an interesting local culture, village life and breathtaking beautiful scenery. This safari has been so tailored to give you, within a short span of 3 weeks, a real experience of the diversity in game, cultural life and scenery in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. There are also two gorilla tracking opportunities – one at the world famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the other at an equally well known Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Our safari ends at Nairobi from where optional diverse attractions like Zanzibar, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and others can be conveniently included.


Tour Summary
Map
Day

Place
01
Entebbe
02
Arrive Entebbe / Kampala (Uganda)
03 Entebbe / Mburo National Park
04
Mburo National Park / Bwindi
05
Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
06
Bwindi / Musanze (Rwanda)
07
Volcanoes National Park
08
Musanze / Kigali
09
Kigali / Nairobi (Kenya)
10
Nairobi / Lake Nakuru
11
Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara
12
Masai Mara
13
Masai Mara / Serengeti (Tanzania)
14 Serengeti
15 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater
16 Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara
17 Lake Manyara
18 Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (Kenya)
19 Amboseli
20 Amboseli / Nairobi / Departure

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites in Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania covered in this tour
Bwindi Impenterable National Park (2011) Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979) A large permanent concentration of wild animals can be found in the huge and perfect crater of Ngorongoro. Nearby, the crater of Empakaai, filled by a deep lake, and the active volcano of Oldonyo Lenga can be seen. Excavations carried out in the Olduvai Gorge, not far from there, have resulted in the discovery of one of our more distant ancestors, Homo habilis. Laitoli Site, which also lies within the area, is one of the main localities of early hominid footprints, dating back 3.6 million years.
Serengeti National Park (1981) The vast plains of the Serengeti comprise 1.5 million ha of savannah. The annual migration to permanent water holes of vast herds of herbivores (wildebeest, gazelles and zebras), followed by their predators, is one of the most impressive natural events in the world.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: FRI: Depart home city for Entebbe
The excitement starts as we embark on our flight from our home city to Entebbe in Uganda.

Day 02: SAT: Arrive Entebbe / Kampala (Uganda)

Upon arrival at Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Gately Inn, Entebbe (1 night)

Day 03: SUN: Entebbe / Mburo National Park
We drive to Mburo, which harbors several species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes. For birders, this is one of the best place to see the African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife. We visit the Royal Drum makers located right on the Equator - where one can stand with one leg on the northern and the other on the southern hemispheres. An exciting evening safari before we end for the day.
Overnight: Mantana Tented camp (deluxe) (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04 MON: Mburo National Park / Bwindi
We drive to the Impenetrable National Park via Kabale with beautiful scenery and terrace farming arriving in the afternoon. Best known for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. Tonight we take a good night’s rest to get ready for the following day’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge. (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05 TUE: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Southern sector)
An exciting day as we have an early morning Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. There are now only 650 left in the world! The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but its well worth it. Park guides accompany you and interpret the flora, fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon, relax at the lodge or go for an optional Village walk returning to the lodge in the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 06 WED: Bwindi / Musanze (Rwanda)
Today we cross to Rwanda – the land of chimps and gorillas. We view beautiful scenery and terraced farming as we arrive the town of Musanze in time for lunch. Relax in the afternoon or see the Ibyiwatu Cultural group performance where you are entertained by the Rwandese and get to know about their culture in music, dance and drama. An early retirement to get ready for tomorrow’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: La Palme hotel, Musanze (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07 THU: Volcanoes National Park – 2nd gorilla tracking (optional)
Early morning wake up call to get ready for our optional Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take all necessary gear to track down the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. This exciting tracking may take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Accompanying Park guide explains us about flora, fauna and lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon free to relax. Walk around this small and colorful African town (B, L, D)

Day 08 FRI: Musanze / Kigali
We drive to Kigali the capital of Rwanda. We tour and explore Kigali visiting the Genocide Museum, Caplaki Crafts Centre. Located at Rwanda’s geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business centre and main port of entry.
Overnight: Lemigo hotel, Kigali (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09 SAT: Kigali / Nairobi (flight) (Kenya)
Day to relax before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nairobi. Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix in English words, in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other African country.
Overnight: Pan Africa Hotel/ Nairobi Serena Lodge (1 night) (B)

Day 10 SUN: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru (165 Kms)
We start with an interesting countryside drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for its flamingos and home to many animals including waterbuck, leopards Rothschild giraffe and the endangered black rhino. After a filling lunch at our lodge, we head out for the first of the many exciting game drives in our East African Safari.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Lion Hill Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day11 MON: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara (310 Kms)
After breakfast we traverse the Great Rift Valley and ascend to its western rim into the Maasai land. Red-clad Maasai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. Here we also find the Masaai giraffe. After lunch, at our lodge, we embark on the most exciting game drive Africa has to offer.
Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge / Mara Serena Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12 TUE: Masai Mara
Morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, all with superb photographic opportunities. Blessed with a permanent water supply, Masai Mara has a permanent population of plains game. The "big five" - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino are quite common. Today we may opt for an early morning optional balloon excursion to experience a birds-eye view of the vast Mara. (B, L, D)

Day 13 WED: Masai Mara / Serengeti (Tanzania) (275 Kms)
Today we depart for Tanzania, home to the best game in the world. We cross the Isebania Border to Tanzania – also the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Game Parks as well as the spice island of Zanzibar. Our destination is Serengeti, which literally means “endless plains”
Overnight: Serengeti Serena / Bilila Lodge Kempenski (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14 THU: Serengeti
We begin our Tanzanian adventure at the world famous wildlife sanctuary - the Serengeti National Park which at 14,763 sq kms is the largest National Park in Tanzania. Summed up as 'one of the most unique areas in the world', Serengeti contains the largest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale, which has no parallel any where in the world. The abundance of herbivores includes wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Topi, Buffalo, and Hartebeest, to name but a few. Serengeti is also famous for Predators e.g. Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Hyena and contains a wide variety of birdlife, believed to be in the region of 500 species. (B, L, D)

Day 15 FRI: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater (145 Kms)

Another day game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch. We explore various areas like Moro kopjes and Gol kopjes. The extensive grasslands are interspersed with Kopjes rocky outcrops like islands in the flat plain, each with their own wildlife communities. Discover the Seronera River, which flows through the park, providing habitats for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Afternoon we proceed to Nabi Hill gate were you enjoy our picnic lunch before proceeding to the Malanja depression entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Farm House (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 16 SAT: Ngorongoro Crater / Lake Manyara (60 Kms)
We descend the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a day of superb game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most magnificent wildlife arenas, is approximately 19 km/12 miles across and its prairies are a haven for an estimated 30,000 large mammals, including lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Hyena, Hippo, Wildebeest, Baboon, Gazelle and the endangered black Rhino. At a depth of 610 meters/2,000 feet, this crater, created by the collapse of an extinct volcano, contains a "Lost World" of wildlife. It is our exciting crater safari today before we drive to Lake Manyara in the later afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena / Kirurumu Tented Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 17 SUN: Lake Manyara
We drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, which is one of the finest parks in Tanzania. You will enjoy your game drive followed by lunch. After lunch, we will visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu and The Great Rift Valley and then proceed to your unique safari lodge, which offers a spectacular view of Lake Manyara National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 18 MON: Lake Manyara / Arusha / Amboseli (Kenya) (205 Kms)
After our Northern Tanzania game experience, we take another scenic drive crossing the beautiful Great Rift Valley to the colorful villages of Mto wa Mbu and Makuyuni. At Arusha, which is the exact center between Cape Town and Cairo, we stop for lunch. We then cross the Namanga border between Tanzania and Kenya and then drive to the Amboseli National Park that is situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (5922 meters/19,430 ft). Amboseli is also famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. We take the opportunity of another game drive before checking into our lodge for the night.
Overnight: Amboseli Serena Lodge / Oltukai Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 19 TUE: Amboseli
After breakfast drive to Amboseli, situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,430 ft). Amboseli is famous for its vast herds of elephants and stunning views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. Be sure to have your camera ready. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon game drive en route to your lodge in search of Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo and much more. (B, L, D)

Day 20 WED: Amboseli / Nairobi (220 Kms) departure
After breakfast at our lodge, we again take on the wildlife against the backdrop of the highest peak in Africa. With lunch at the lodge, we bid farewell as we drive to Nairobi airport for our departure flight. For optional extension to Zanzibar, Mombasa, Lamu or joining our gorilla safaris, please ask for details. (B, L)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Back to top



Departure Dates

2012
Jan 13, Feb 03 & 17, Mar 02, 16 & 30, Apr 13, May 04 & 18, Jun 01, 15, 22 & 29, Jul 13, Aug 03, 17 & 31, Sep 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26, Nov 16 & 30, Dec 07



Prices
Season (2012) 2012 Season Tour Price US$ Single Sup US$
Low Mar 30 to May 04 8950 690
Shoulder Mar 02 to Mar 16
Oct 26 to Nov 30
9350 1095
Mid-Shoulder Jun 01 to Jun 15
Dec 07
9795 1195
High Rest of the year 10480 1295

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
  • International airfare from NYC (add on’s from other cities available)
  • Regional Airfare Entebbe / Nairobi
  • Accommodation as per itinerary (or similar)
  • 50 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All game drives and transfers by safari vehicles
  • Road taxes, parking fees, drivers overnight wages
  • Services of local English speaking guides
  • Entrance fees at all Parks based on every fee being valid for 24 hours
  • Airport taxes (approx $ 495)
  • Visa fees and insurance
  • Tips / gratuities
  • Gorilla permit fees (per person per viewing $ 500 for Uganda/$ 750 for Rwanda)
  • Balloon Safaris at Masai Mara & Serengeti $ 525 (subject to change)
Domestic / Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price
NOTE:
International airfare ex New York has been calculated as per current airfare at US$ 1650 and may be subject to change. Airport taxes have not been included in the above price.


Estimated International Airfare( not included in tour price)
East Coast US $ N/A
West Coast US $ N/A
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants.

Other Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Customized tours can be conducted in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted in the designated language only.

Contact Information
Bestway Tours & Safaris
Fax: +1-604-264-7774
206–8678 Greenall Ave Phone: +1-604-264-7378
Burnaby B.C., Canada Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844
V5J 3M6 Email: bestway@bestway.com
33 years in small group journeys

Back to top

photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated Nov 07, 2011
World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Middle East World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia