27 Days East Africa Essentials Tour Package

Duration: 27 Days / 26 Nights
Priced From: $8,921 (All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses)
Dates : Jul, Oct, Jul, Oct   

Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi

Today we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences. This evening we enjoy dinner at the famous Tamarind Restaurant. PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make substitutions of a similar standard if necessary. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton (or similar). Dinner if required.

Day 2 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

Today we travel south from Nairobi to the Amboseli National Park. Just across the border from Tanzania, this park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains. The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon's game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Kili providing the classic backdrop (weather permitting). Overnight in the Amboseli National Park. Amboseli Sopa or Serena Lodge or similar. All meals.

Day 3 Amboseli, Kenya - Ngorongoro, Tanzania

We depart early this morning as our destination today is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.* We pass through Arusha, the starting point for the northern safari routes of Tanzania, and one of the country's most attractive towns. The surrounding area is primarily a highland forest park and it is a good place to see black and white colobus monkeys and bushbuck. You may catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After lunch in Arusha (on your own account), we continue to Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara, another Rift Valley lake, renowned for its unique rainforest micro climate. A rough road takes us up the rift escarpment, through dramatic rolling green fields and tiny traditional villages. Our arrival at the crater rim near sunset coincides with the best time to see the elusive leopard as they quietly patrol the thick forests. Called the 'eighth wonder of the world' and stretching across some 8,300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. *NOTE: Due to an extreme shortage of accommodation presently in Tanzania, we may have to make some adjustments to our final itinerary. Most commonly, we occasionally need to split the two nights at Ngoronongoro and spend one of the nights at Tarangire National Park or Gibbs Farm or elsewhere. Overall sightseeing content and the number / duration of game drives will not be affected. Any such changes will be indicated on your final hotel list sent as part of your final documents. Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 4 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.* After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2300 feet) high where we may see the "Big Five" as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos. * As of July 2005, in order to reduce congestion and stress on wildlife, the Tanzanian government began limiting visitors to half-day visits of the crater. Depending on what time "window" we are assigned, our excursion may take place first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon (both of which are equally advantageous for game viewing, given the relatively mild climate at this altitude). Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.

Day 5 Ngorongoro - Serengeti National Park

Departing the Ngorongoro Conservation area this morning we descend onto the Serengeti Plain, stretching out endlessly before us. Indeed the name "Serengeti" derives from a Maasai word meaning "Land-without-end." This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth--the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic landscape and the biodiversity it supports. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.

Day 6 Serengeti National Park

Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the "kopjes," a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. During this time, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land. Following this spectacle, of course, are the meat-eating opportunists, hoping to capitalize on the physical toll this journey exacts on the desperate grazers. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.

Day 7 Serengeti - Lake Manyara National Park

Travelling back to Manyara today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years. Pundits in the life sciences have argued that the Olduvai contribution to the story of human origins remains unsurpassed by any other prehistoric site in the world. A small museum on site outlines the unique geological and human history of the area. Later we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at Gibb's Farm. Founded during German colonial times and still privately owned, Gibb's Farm is now a small hotel perched on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations with long views over lush and beautiful agricultural country. We continue to the vicinity of Lake Manyara National Park, the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake. We will spend the night at a lodge near Lake Manyara. Overnight near Lake Manyara. Serena Lodge or E Unoto Lodge or similar. All meals.

Day 8 Lake Manyara - Arusha

We have a morning game drive through this beautiful park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprising of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Wildlife interest at Lake Manyara is not confined to bird life only, many game animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park. After lunch we continue to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Mountain Village Serena or similar. All meals.

Day 9 Arusha - Zanzibar: Town Tour

This morning we fly o Zanzibar and transfer to our hotel in Stone Town. Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Zanzibar Island is 96 km (60 miles) long and 32 km (20 miles) wide, occupying a total area of approximately 1040 km sq (650 sq miles). It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town--said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City, which has approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birthplace of the language. This afternoon we have a walking tour of Stone Town, the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. 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. Our tour takes us to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), the old slave market, the Arab Fort, and the Hamamni Persian Baths. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. NOTE: The exact order of our Zanzibar sightseeing may vary depending on variables such as weather and other logistical considerations. Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town). Zanzibar Serena or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 10 Jozani Forest & Stone Town

This morning we visit the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve located in the central east region of Zanzibar Island, home to the rare red colobus monkey, endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve's perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke's monkeys, small buck and bushpigs. This afternoon is free to enjoy Stone Town. Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th Century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to coordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Overnight on Zanzibar (Stone Town). Zanzibar Serena or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 11 Spice Tour - East Coast

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without a 'spice tour.' Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices were as important to the Sultans of Oman as the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and our morning tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. It is fascinating the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments and culinary applications. We then travel to our resort-style hotel located on a beach outside of Stone Town. Overnight on Zanzibar (beach resort). Breakfast and dinner.

Day 12 Zanzibar: East Coast Resort

A day at leisure to enjoy the beach and to rest up after our journey... Overnight on Zanzibar (beach resort). Breakfast and dinner.

Day 13 Zanzibar, Tanzania - Nairobi, Kenya

Today we fly from Zanzibar to Nairobi. Time permitting in Nairobi you may chose to take an optional excursion to Giraffe Manor or alternative sightseeing. Your Tour Leader will help you plan your day. NOTE: Due to ever-changing flight schedules to Madagascar, we may have to leave Zanzibar a day earlier or later in order to make the connection. Final arrangements will be advised closer to departure. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton or similar. Brealfast and dinner.

Day 14 Nairobi, Kenya - Antananarivo, Madagascar

Today we fly from Kenya to Antananarivo (Tana), the Malagasy capital city. Antananarivo means City of the Thousand', supposedly because a thousand warriors protected it. Until the French conquest in 1895 Madagascar's history centred around the royal palace or rova, and the rock cliffs near the palace became known as Ampamarinana, the place of the hurling', as Christian martyrs met their fate at the command of the Queen. There was no reason for the French to move the capital elsewhere: its pleasant climate made it an agreeable place to live, and plenty of French money and planning went into the city we see today. Overnight in Antananarivo. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 15 Antananarivo - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

In the morning we will have a sightseeing tour of Antananarivo, known as Tana. Tana has the quality of a child's picture book, with brightly coloured houses stacked upon the hillsides, and mauve jacarandas and purple baugainvillea against the dark blue of the winter sky. Rice paddies are tended right up to the edge of the city, clothes are laid out on the river bank to dry, and zebu-carts rumble along the roads on the outskirts of town. After lunch we will transfer to the popular rainforest reserve of Andasibe-Mantadia (formerly known as Perinet). The drive over highlands into the escarpment is pleasant and the scenery is stunning. Since this is in the eastern escarpment, the climate is not too hot and rain falls mostly at night. The mist-enshrouded rainforest creates an awesome spectacle in the early morning. This evening we will go for a walk through the Analamzaotra Special Reserve. There are nine species of lemur altogether here, (including the recent discovery of the aye-aye). Your most likely encounter will be with a troop of grey bamboo lemurs which are diurnal and sometimes feed on the bamboo near the warden's house. On a nocturnal lemur hunt one should look for mouse lemurs, and the greater dwarf lemur which hibernates during the cold season. Pack raincoats and a good flashlight for a night walk to see nocturnal animals. NOTE: There are some moderate to strenuous walks on this tour that, though optional, are an integral part of experiencing the highlights of the country. Reasonable level of physical fitness and steadiness on one's feet is important for the participant to fully and comfortably enjoy such tour activities. Overnight in Andasibe-Mantadia. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 16 Analamazaotra Special Reserve

We visit Analamazaotra Special Reserve today (walks/hikes in the Reserve). This Reserve protects the largest of the lemur family, the indri. Standing about three feet high, with barely visible tails, black and white markings and surprised teddy-bear faces. You will be an observer: most people see indris in Analamazaotra Special Reserve, and if they don't see them they hear them. For it is their voice that makes this lemur extra special: while other lemurs grunt, the indri sings. It is an eerie, wailing sound somewhere between the song of a whale and a police-siren, and it carries for up to two miles as troops call to each other across the forest. In Malagasy the indri is called Babakoto. There are various legends connected with the indri, and explaining the esteem with which the local people hold them (it is unlucky to kill an indri). A popular legend tells of a man who climbed a forest tree to gather wild honey, and was severely stung by the bees. Losing his hold, he fell, but was caught by a huge indri which carried him on its back to safety. This is a good place for bird watching. There are flowering trees of a species much favoured by the Madagascar green sunbird (Cinnyris notatus) which has an iridescent green head and throat, and such nectar like the new World hummingbirds. There are also plenty of the cuckoo-like blue couas, blue pigeons, paradise flycatchers, two species of falcon (Newton falcon and Madagascar falcon), two species of black vasa parrot, and many others. Overnight in Andasibe-Mantadia. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 17 Andasibe - Mantadia - Antsirabe

Today we depart from Analamazaotra and travel towards Antsirabe. Antsirabe was founded in 1872 by Norwegian missionaries attracted by the cool climate and the healing properties of the thermal springs. The name means "place of much salt". Antsirabe is the agricultural and industrial centre of Madagascar: but don't worry, there are no salt mines here, it's mainly cotton goods, cigarettes, and--most important for some tourists--beer. Overnight in Antsirabe. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 18 Antsirabe - Ambositra - Ranomafana National Park

Leaving Antsirabe we continue to pass through typical Highland scenery of rice paddies and low hills. We stop in Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry--even the houses have ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters. There is an abundant choice of good quality carved figures and marquetry in several shops. From Ambositra, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. We now pass remnants of the western limit of the rainforest. The road runs up and down steep hills, past neat Betsileo rice paddies interspersed with eucalyptus and pine groves. Before you reach Ranomafana you first have the marvellous drive down, with the dry highland vegetation giving way to greenery and flowers. Then there are the views of the tumbling waters of the Namorana river, and the relief when the hillsides become that lovely unbroken, knobbly green of virgin forest. The village of Ranomafana is situated by a river in the lush greenness of the eastern rainforest. The name Ranomafana means "hot water" and it was the waters, not the lemurs, which drew visitors in the colonial days to this place. Today the people give more attention to the Ranomafana National Park. This unprotected fragment of high altitude rainforest first came to world attention with the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in 1986 and is particularly rich in wildlife. Overnight in Ranomafana. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 19 Ranomafana National Park

Today we will take morning and evening walks/hikes in the National Park. Hidden in these trees are at least 12 species of lemur: diademed (Milne-Edwards) sifaka, red-bellied lemur, red-fronted lemur, ruffed lemur and three species of bamboo lemur. At night you can add mouse lemur, avahi, lepilemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and even aye-aye. Then there are more than 100 species of birds with 36 endemic, reptiles, butterflies and other insects. Even if your wildlife viewing is limited, there is enough variety in the vegetation and scenery, and enough pleasure in walking the well-constructed trails. During our walks through the National Park we are most likely to see red-fronted brown lemurs and perhaps the rarer red-bellied lemur. The golden bamboo lemur is less easily seen. The most memorable of the easily found lemurs is a subspecies of the diademed sifaka, Milne-Edward's sifaka. Unlike the more familiar Verreaux's sifaka which is largely white, this is dark brown with cream-coloured sides. Overnight in Ranomafana. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 20 Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa

This morning we depart from Ranomafana and journey onwards to Fianarantsoa. On our way there we pass forest, then open country, rice paddies and houses as we begin the approach to Fiarantsoa. The name means Place of good learning'. Fianarantsoa (Fianar for short) was founded in 1830 as the administrative capital of Betsileo. It is one of the more attractive Malagasy towns, built on a hill like a small-scale Antananarivo. The Upper Town, with its narrow winding streets and plethora of churches, is one of our stops today. Fianarantsoa has a wonderful market, which features a great variety of herbal medicines and dried fish brought up by train from Manakara. Overnight in Fianarantsoa. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 21 Fianarantsoa - Ambalavao - Isalo National Park

This morning we drive through rice, corn, potatoes, vegetable, coffee and wine fields to arrive in Ambalavao. This is where the famous Malagasy Antaimoro' paper is made. This papyrus-type paper impregnated with dried flowers is sold throughout the island as wall-hangings and lampshades. The people in this area are Betsileo, but paper-making in the area copies the coastal Antaimoro tradition which goes back to the Muslim immigrants who wrote verses from the Koran on this paper. This Arabic script was the only form of writing known in Madagascar before a written Malagasy language was invented nearly five hundred years later using the Roman alphabet. Antaimoro paper is traditionally made from the bark of the araho tree from the eastern forests, but sisal paste is now sometimes used. After the bark is pounded and softened in water it is smoothed on to linen trays to dry in the sun. While still tacky, dried flowers are pressed into it and brushed over with a thin solution of the liquid bark to hold the flowers in place. This afternoon we drive to Ranohira through an awesome landscape. Here we may see zebu herds' of the Bara tribe. Ranohira is situated on the bottom of the Isalo mountains. The combination of sandstone rocks (cut by deep canyons and eroded into weird shapes), rare endemic plants and dry weather (between June and August rain is almost unknown), makes this Isalo National Park particularly rewarding. Abstract sculpturing and colours of the eroded terrain sweeping panoramas and absolute and enveloping silence. Overnight in Ranohira. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 22 Isalo National Park

Today we spend exploring the Isalo National Park. Beautiful flora and fauna, deep canyons eroded into weird shapes, rare endemic plants. This eroded mountain range is a marvellous and magical place. A flat grassy plain is surrounded by wind sculpted rocks and cliffs, seemingly full of eyeholes, noses and beaks. At ground level, there are strange leaves which grow lying flat on the ground, thousands of termite mounds, tiny stalagmite pinnacles, and mini baobab trees which look like inflated rubber gloves or planted human hearts! Some of these produce beautiful yellow flowers. Running through the middle is a small stream, which at two points runs into little lake gardens. These oases couldn't have been created more perfectly by a Hollywood set builder working on "Adam & Eve in Paradise". One in particular has a natural stone bridge and cave with a waterfall that tumbles into a cool, clean and deep pool, surrounded by overhanging pandanus trees. This spot, where you can swim, is simply Eden. Don't eat the things that look like oranges as they are the inedible kaboka fruit. Overnight in Ranohira. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 23 Isalo National Park - Toliara

This morning as we drive from Ranohira to Toliara (Tulear), the rugged mountains give way to grasslands. It is the human aspect that makes the final stretch so rewarding. There are some charming villages on our way, and as you get closer to Toliara you'll see baobabs and pass through a cotton-growing region. The name of the town is thought to derive from an encounter with one of those early sailors who asked a local inhabitant where he might moor his boat. The Malagasy replied: Toly eroa, "Mooring down there". Toliara is relatively modern (1895) and designed by an uninspired French architect. His tree-planting was more successfully aesthetic, and the shady tamarind trees, kily, give welcome respite from the blazing sun. Overnight in Toliara. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 24 Toliara - Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)

Today we fly to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin). The remains of two forts can still be seen in or near this town on the extreme south-east tip of Madagascar: Fort Flacourt built in 1643; and one that dates from 1504, the oldest building in the country, which was erected by shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. This ill-fated group of 80 reluctant colonists stayed about 15 years before falling foul of the local tribes. The survivors of the massacre fled to the surrounding countryside where disease and hostile natives finished them off. The year 1642 saw a French expedition, organised by the Societe Francaise de l'Orient and let by Sieur Pronis with instructions to found colonies and commerce in Madagascar and to take possession of it in the name of His Most Christian Majesty'. An early settlement at the Bay of Sainte Luce was soon abandoned in favour of a healthier peninsula to the south, and a fort was built and named after the Dauphin (later Louis XIV) in 1643. At first the Antanosy were quite keen on the commerce part of the deal but were less enthusiastic about losing their land. The heavily defended fort only survived by use of force and with many casualties from both sides. The French finally abandoned the place in 1674, but their 30-year occupation formed one of the foundations of the later claim to the island as a French colony. During this period the first published work on Madagascar was written by Pronis's successor, etienne de Flacourt. His Histoire de la Grande le de Madagascar brought the island's amazing flora and fauna to the attention of European naturalists, and is still used as a valuable historical source book. Overnight in Taolagnaro. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 25 Berenty Private Reserve

This morning we drive through beautiful landscape (mountains, endemic plants, baobab, cactus, sisal) to the Berenty Reserve. The reserve lies some 80 km to the west of Tolagnaro, amid a vast sisal plantation, and the drive there is part of the experience. For the first half of the journey the skyline is composed of rugged green mountains. Travellers' trees (ravenala) dot the landscape. Near Ranopiso is a grove of the very rare three-cornered palm, Neodypsis decary. We will first stop to visit some pitcher plants whose nearest relatives are in Asia. The yellow flowers' (actually modified leaves) lure insects into their sticky depths where they are digested, probably for their nitrogen content. Before reaching the spiny forest we will stop at an Antanosy tomb' (actually the dead are buried elsewhere) known as the tomb of Ranonda. It was carved by the renowned sculptor Fiasia. The artistry of this unpainted wooden memorial is of a very high standard although the carvings are deteriorating in the frequently wet weather. Berenty is famous for its population of ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas. Henri de Heaulme and now his son Jean have made this one of the best-studied 260 hectares of forest in Madagascar. Although in the arid south, its location along the river Mandrare ensures a well-watered habitat (gallery or reverine forest) for the large variety of animals that live there. In previous years the forest itself was threatened by the rampant spread of the cactus-like rubber vine', Cissus quadrangularis, but this is being vigorously tackled. The following species of lemur are often seen: brown lemur, ring-tailed lemur and sifaka. The lemurs here are well-used to people. There are approximately 350 ring-tailed lemurs in Berenty, and the population has stayed remarkably stable considering that only about a quarter of the babies survive to adulthood. The young are born in September and at first cling to their mother's belly, later climbing on to her back and riding jockey-style. Ring-tails eat flowers, fruit and insects. Overnight at Berenty Private Reserve. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 26 Fort Dauphin - Antananarivo

Today we fly from Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) to Antananarivo. Overnight in Antananarivo. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 27 Departure

Departure from Antananarivo. NOTE: Ever-changing air schedules from Antananarivo may necessitate an extra overnight at the end of the tour which has NOT been included in tour pricing. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE!

10/09