Experience the diversity of East Africa whilst staying in comfortable lodges in the heart of the African bush. Explore some of the famous National Parks of Kenya and Tanzania, which are some of the best in Africa for not only wildlife viewing, but also for spectacular, contrasting landscapes. We include the Masai Mara, home not only to a vast array of wildlife, but also home to the Masai people. We explore the Lake areas of Naivasha and Nakuru, before crossing into Tanzania home to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. To end the tour we fly to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar to wander the fascinating streets of Stone Town and relax on the pristine sandy white beaches.

Masai Mara Game Reserve.   This morning you will have the option of a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara (please note this is an optional activity, and can be arranged with your tour guide on the previous day, subject to availability. You will also have the opportunity to do this over the Serengeti when you reach Tanzania).

For those not partaking in the optional activity you will start the day early for a morning game drive in the Masai Mara. It is the most famous and prolific game park in Kenya, covering an area of 1672 square kilometers. It is classified as a Reserve as opposed to a National Park to allow the Masai people to use the area to graze their cattle. A highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these beasts stray north from the Serengeti in search of grass for food, before turning south again. The Masai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of lion in Africa and is a good place to try and spot the elusive leopard. Game Parks are places where the enthusiastic use a lot of film so it is advisable to have some extra. Hopefully we should be able to spot prides of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebra and hippo and other more common animals such as wart hog, giraffe, and baboon - almost every conceivable species of East African wildlife can been spotted here!

We return to the lodge for a buffet breakfast, after which you are free to spend the morning at your leisure.

In the late afternoon you are taken back out into the Mara for another chance to see the diverse range of animals that reside here. This evening, after dinner, there is the opportunity to learn more about the Masai and their way of life with a talk about their rich culture and an option to join them in traditional dancing.   (B,L,D)

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru. We depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving mid-morning for check in. On our way, we drive along tree edged roads through the town of Nakuru. This is the fourth largest city in Kenya and has an official residence for the President of Kenya. Nakuru is also the primary trading centre for the Masai, and the town is full of markets selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to sofas and coffins (yes, really!). It’s a truly unique place, full of the colour of the Masai.

You arrive at the lodge, where lunch is served. You will be taken for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is most famous for its population of pink flamingos, which featured in the movie ‘Out of Africa’. Aside from flamingos, Lake Nakuru boasts a sizeable population of rhinos, both black and white. The more sociable white rhino is a common sight seen grazing on the open plains. However, it’s less sociable cousin, the black rhino often remains hidden in the dense bush. Although not native to this park they were introduced here because the park offered good security from poachers and they are being used in a breeding program to maintain and improve the rhino population and gene pool. This park is also home to lions, leopards, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbucks, reedbuck, baboons and many other species of plains game as well as a large, diverse bird population, which was the original reason the park was established.   (B,L,D)

Nairobi to Arusha.  We may be joined today by new fellow travelers joining us for the remainder of the tour. We spend the morning visiting the Giraffe Sanctuary, which is run by African Endangered Wildlife. The sanctuary was started by a couple, who died in 1989, to save the Rothschild’s Giraffe, of which there were only 140 left at the time the sanctuary was set up. Here, you will get the opportunity to interact and feed the giraffes if you wish.

After this, we visit Daphne Sheldrick’s Animal Orphanage, which is part of the Nairobi National Park. It is home to many young elephants who have been orphaned through poacher kills, man holes or rejections from their mothers. The centre also currently houses two rhinos. The aim of the centre is to return all the young elephants back into the wild in the future.

Lunch is taken at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. It is an experience in itself, with a very extensive variety of meats available. Vegetarians should not worry though - the restaurant also offers extremely good vegetarian options on the Herbivores menu!

In the afternoon we will head towards Tanzania and the border town of Namanga. Our route to Arusha takes us through the Masai tribe lands and along the western slope of Mt Meru. Some fantastic photos can be taken of the sweeping plains and Masai tribesmen herding their goats and cattle. If there are clear skies we may catch a glimpse of the snow-peeked caps of Mt Kilimanjaro.

From Namanga we cross over the border into Tanzania. Tanzanian visas will be required by most nationalities and can be purchased at the border. Please note: USD$ cash will be needed for visas. Be ready to be swamped by Masai ladies selling jewellery, you can pick up some great bargains from them whilst we clear customs and immigration formalities.

Once you have cleared immigration and customs your Tanzanian guide will take over. Driving into Tanzania immigration and customs your Tanzanian guide will take over. Driving into Tanzania an abundance of flame trees, with their vibrant red flowers, greet you. Your guide will take you on to Arusha, where your hotel is situated. At the hotel you will be met by your new tour representative who will fill you in, and answer any questions you may have regarding the rest of your tour. You will have the evening at your leisure.

Arusha is situated on the southern slopes of Mt Meru and was originally a coffee town. These days’ safaris have taken over as its primary industry, and it is now the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. In town you will find an excellent market and bakery, along with a post office, banks and e-mail facilities.  (B,L,D)

Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park.  Today we drive to the Serengeti National Park. The drive takes us back through the Ngorongoro area, and then along the rim of the crater itself, with the chance to stop at a scenic view-point along the way. Depending on the time you travel, you will be able to see the migration tracks of the wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle and zebra. Crossing over the Ngorongoro/Serengeti border we continue our journey and arrive at our Serengeti lodge where there is time to relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. 

The Serengeti is the oldest and largest National Park in Tanzania, its name coming from the Masai word meaning “endless plains”. Its landscape varies from the long and short grass plains in the south, to the central Savannah, the hilly wooded areas in the north, and extensive wooded areas in the west. It is world renowned for its immense concentration of game, in particular its lion and zebra populations and the annual wildebeest migration which commences in July – the beginning of the dry season - when they move in search of pasture towards the Masai Mara. It is a time when you will see the full circle of life for these animals sometimes called “the clowns of the plains”. The migration journey is hazardous and many of the older and weaker animals will lose their lives to predators such as lions and crocodiles. The migration also coincides with the annual rutting season, the calves being born at the beginning of the rains when there is plenty of fresh grass for feeding.  (B,L,D)

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater. We make our way back across the Serengeti plains to the Ngorongoro Crater. On the way you have the option to visit Oldavai Gorge where some of the earliest fossils of mankind have been found.

Descend onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full game drive in one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. At 19km across and 600m deep, this is the fifth largest crater in the world. It is a World Heritage site and boasts a unique eco-system. The crater itself reflects a mini Rift Valley. It has a soda lake with flamingos, fresh water, open plains and a forest area. There is a high concentration of animals that reside here, and it is also home to a small population of black Rhino. Dinner and overnight at lodge.  (B,L,D)

Stone Town - Prison Island, Spice Tour.  Breakfast is included at the hotel. There will be a Spice Tour and Prison Island Tour.  Please note that the order of the tours may change.  

Prison Island is one of the nearest islands from Stone Town, just 20 minutes by boat. It is also known as Changuu Island. There are many trees and plants on this island and it is a delight to walk safely and unhindered through the dappled shadows. Birds a bound and bird watchers will find plenty of species to delight them. Its original use was as a prison and later it was taken over to be used as quarantine station by the British Army. Another prison was then built but never used.

Today Prison Island is a pleasant destination for a day trip. It has some excellent coral formations just offshore providing a good opportunity for snorkeling. Another main attraction is the giant tortoises which are over 100 years old. These tortoises are only found on this island. Not indigenous to continental Africa, the original tortoises were brought from Aldabra in the Seychelles in an effort to extend the tortoise conservation efforts. Aldabra is famous for harboring endemic and rare marine life species, and along with the Galapagos Islands, is one of the worlds few places where giant tortoises exist. Some of the tortoises at Prison Island were rescued from poachers who were intercepted on their way from Aldabra to other parts of the world, where they would sell the animals to private collectors or zoos. These giant tortoises have been living in the Indian Ocean Islands for over 100 million years, but their numbers have fallen to such critically low levels that they are now classified as endangered. The adult tortoises of Prison Island are already producing the next generations, and the future is looking good for the continued survival of this ancient reptile

We advise clients to bring waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkelling.

Since the abolition of the slave trade, spices have been at the heart of Zanzibari enterprise. The sheer variety highlights the Islands strategic location as well as the depth of cultural interaction. Indeed no trip to Zanzibar could be considered complete without a visit to one of our carefully selected spice farms. This involves visiting the spices growing areas to see different spices and to learn their nature, uses and taste some of them right on the spot depending on the season. In addition it involves visits to the famous spices producing area where you can see medicinal, cosmetics, ornamental plants and herbs. Most of the interesting items are cloves, nut meg, rambutan, lipstick, iodine plant, lemon grass, vanilla, henna, shampoo plant etc.

Our spice tour offers you the opportunity to indulge your senses with a kaleidoscope of smells, tastes and textures. From the punch of a chili to the refreshing succulence of green coconut flesh, we promise that this tour will awaken your senses. It also provides you with the unique opportunity to purchase these exclusive spices straight from the source. 

Sensible shoes and hats are advisable.   (B)

Zanzibar Beach.   The next two days are free for you to enjoy the beach or optional water sports which are available. 

Zanzibar is renowned for some of the best diving in the world. Other water sports activities include windsurfing, sailing and kayaking, together with a range of dolphin tours and boher at trips. Another option is a visit to Jozani Forest to see the Red Colobus Monkeys. Alternatively just relax on the sandy white beaches or in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.  (B,D)

Ocean Paradise Beach Resort  (or similar)

Kijangwani

Zanzibar

Tanzania

Tel: +255 774 440990/1/2/3/4/5

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change frequently, www.kumuka.com  provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-250 per week for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money, however in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania the exchange rate is higher for large denomination notes.

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities and in Southern Africa; they are, however, useful in case of emergency.

Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.

How much should I take?· 

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

As a general rule when travelling, it is worthwhile being prepared for all types of weather.  Keep a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho – this should prepare you for all seasons!

For detailed climate information about the areas you are travelling to, please visit our website www.kumuka.com

English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.  A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you.

On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com