Kenya – Rwanda Safari – Hills In The Mist Tours Ltd

Kenya – Rwanda Safari

NAIROBI – SAMBURU G.R 320 KMS 4-5 HRS DRIVE

You begin your magical holiday as you board your flight to Kenya THE HEART OF AFRICAN SAFARI on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will clear with the customs as Heritage of African Jungles representative will be waiting to meet you after briefing, , drive further north to Samburu on the south bank of the Uaso Nyiro River, downriver from Archer’s Post. North of the Equator some of the animals and vegetation are a little different from those commonly found south. Elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and cheetah and the usual buck and antelopes are common to both north and south of the equator. However unfamiliar animals are the Gravy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe and the Somali ostrich. There is also the long neck gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, and hunting dog. Crocodiles in the river can be seen from the lodge/tented camp. The vegetation is usually dry grass with a few swampy patches. There is some forest cover along the Uaso Nyiro River and an abundance of doum palms. Activities: Afternoon game drive Accommodation and Meals: Ashnil Samburu camp 5* / Samburu sopa lodge 4* / similar.

Day 1

SAMBURU GAME RESERVE

Another day in this harshly beautiful terrain where wildlife abound especially near the river which is their only source of drinking water. TheUaso Nyiro River flows gently through the dry landscape sustaining life in this harsh land. Shaba National Reserve is where the famous conservationist George Adamson did his research on lions. In the Afternoon you will set out on another game drive and return to the lodge or camp for dinner. Activities: Afternoon game drive Accommodation and Meals: Ashnil Samburu camp 5* / Samburu sopa lodge 4* / similar.

Day 2

SAMBURU – LAKE NAKURU 350KMS 4-5 HRS DRIVE

After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru national park, this park was famous only as a bird sanctuary especially the lesser and greater flamingos. However, now it is home to the white rhino and Rothschild giraffe, besides the herbivores like buck and antelope. Leopard can also be seen in this park. The vegetation is of the drier type. The flat-topped acacia and the candelabra cactus are a feature of the landscape. Lake Nakuru is reached in time for lunch at the hotel. Activities: Full day game viewing. Accommodation and Meals: Sarova Lion Hill 5* / Lake Nakuru Lodge 4* / Milimani guest house 3* / similar Meal plan: Full board.

Day 3

LAKE NAKURU –MAASAI MARA 250KMS 3-4 HRS DRIVE

After breakfast, drive south- west to Maasai mara game reserve, however after about 60kms the tour arrives at the Mau escarpment, There is a ‘look out’ from where one can view this natural wonder of the Great Rift Valley, then climbing the western wall entering Hemmingway’s country “Serengeti plains, arriving in time for lunch at the lodge or camp. The meals are buffet, enjoyed either in the dining or under the shade of indigenous trees. The culinary affair is indeed one to delight the senses. Embark on an afternoon game drive till dust where you return to the camp or lodge for hot showers, then an aperitif dinner. Maasai mara is named after the traditional inhabitants (Maasai) and the Mara River. At s some point during your stay in Mara; you will be driven by the river which is a great place to spot wildlife. This area is a photographer delight where with any luck you will be able to take amazing pictures of the hippos and crocodiles in the water. The small size funnels animals into a tight space; park rules allows for off road driving which means that guests can venture into plains with hundreds and thousands of animals. Mara Leisure camp: www.maraleisurecamp.co.ke Set in what is considered Kenya’s prime wildlife area, Mara Leisure Camp is located along the Talek River, at the confluence of the Masai Mara’s four wildlife viewing areas, on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Mara Leisure Camp is located within one of the most spectacular locations in the entire Masai Mara Game Reserve. One of the most exciting spectacles in the world is that of the ‘Great Migration’, where two million wildebeest, zebras and other herbivores pass through theMasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania. This is a perilous migration for the animals, where they encounter many river crossings, and have to run the gauntlet of crocodiles in waiting. Activities: Afternoon game drive. Accommodation and Meals: Mara Serena lodge 5* / Mara Leisure camp 4* / Mara sopa 4* / Ollmoran tented camp 3* / similar. Meal plan: Full board.

Day 4

FULL DAY MAASAI MARA

Optional activity: Rise early with tea or coffee brought to your tent. A hot air balloon taking off in the beautiful early morning, you drift above the browsing game and have tremendous opportunities for unusual photographs. What could be more uplifting than an early morning safari in a hot air balloon flying over vast plains of Africa? Witness an African Sunrise s a plethora of wildlife roams the land beneath you. At the end of the flight you land on the plains in the midst of this enchanting Savanah champagne, breakfast is laid out with the aroma of sausages, eggs and bacon sizzling over charcoal fire. Drive leisurely fashion with game viewing on your way back to your camp or lodge. Afternoon game viewing in this reserve which actually forms the northern part of “The Serengeti plains”, in Tanzania where the great wildebeest migration takes place at the beginning of August. Months before the actual migration the herds ‘assemble’ in Serengeti in readiness for the crossing into Masai Mara. The plain is literally covered with these animals. Grunts and other animal sounds are heard, and territorial fights are common place. The migration, now declared the Seventh Wonder of the World takes place from end July to September. The afternoon is spent on a game drive in search of the black manned lions which the park is famous. Lion making a kill can be witnessed in the late afternoon or a leopard in a tree enjoying the meal he has dragged up to avoid disturbance and detection. This reserve has hilly savanna, rolling grasslands, gallery forest on the Mara River and its tributaries.

Day 5

FULL DAY MAASAI MARA

After breakfast, yet another full day game viewing inMaasai mara in search of the ‘big five’ which are positively represented here.The large predators are the lion, leopard and cheetah. The smaller predators are the hyena and jackal. The large herbivores are the elephant, rhino,Burchell’s zebra, hippo, buffalo and giraffe. The smaller herbivores are the antelope and bucks. The Maasai ostrich, the world’s largest bird is found in the park. Soak in the abundance of untamed wilderness, fresh and natural scenery, filled with exotic wildlife during our expertly guided game drives enjoyed in open vehicles. For those interested in a more intimate encounter, we contact a safe and exciting walking safari where you will have a chance to come face to face with nature’s beauty both in Flaura and Fauna. Other optional activities Nature walk Our naturalist will take you within the camp compound. He will give you detailed information on plants, birds and other small animals. This takes about 1.5 hours. An extended nature walk going to the Mara river, which takes about 2.5 hours, is also available.» Duration: approx.1.5-2.5hours, starting at 10:00AM Hot air balloon safari Float in the breeze over the Savannah in a balloon that give you a unique vantage point and toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast. You will also have a game drive about 2.5hours on the way back to the club. » Duration: approx.5.5-6hours including about 1hr flight, starting at around 5:00AM Maasai village visit You can visit a maasai village to see their traditional life. Photography is NOT prohibited here. A maasai guide at the village will escort and explain to you in English about their lives. It takes about 2 hours including the return transfers by us.» Duration: approx.2hours, starting at 10:00AM A maasai lady will give you a lecture on how to make a beaded bracelet at our library. It will be one of your souvenirs once completed. The lecture takes about 3 hours. Activities: Full day game viewing Accommodation and Meals: Mara Leisure camp / similar Meal plan: Full board.

Day 6

MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAIVASHA 185KMS 2-3HRS DRIVE

After breakfast, drive south to Lake Naivasha to arrive in for lunch, Afternoon proceeds on your adventure to various attractive features and places in Lake Naivasha. Covered by ashes from the Longonot eruption which occurred 100 years ago, the Park is famous for its geothermal station, Lower Gorge and spectacular sceneries (cliffs, volcanoes, gorges, geothermal steam). Hell’s Gate National Park is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five meters. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the Lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. For this reason, the local Masai christened the lakeNai’posha meaning ”rough water”, which the British later misspelled as Naivasha. Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and Naivasha is known as a world class birding. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleeps the day out in the shallows. The region surrounding the Lake is well worth exploring. There are two smaller lakes nearby, Oloidien, and Sonachi, a bright green cater lake. Hell’s Gate National Park lies beside the lake. This Park was named for its pair of massive red tinged cliffs framing a geothermically active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Activities: Various optional activities eg Horse riding, boat ride, biking, hiking, a visit to hells gate N.p etc Accommodation and Meals: Lake Naivasha simba lodge 5* /Lake Naivasha country club 4* / Lake Naivasha resort 3* / similar Meal plan: Full board.

Day 7

LAKE NAIVASHA – AMBOSELI 330KMS 4-5 HRS DRIVE

After breakfast, drive south past Nairobi, passing through the Athi Plains where formerly the Burchells zebra, the Masai giraffe and smaller herbivores roamed about freely. With human encroachment the wildlife is confined to game parks. There is an advantage to this because one has to drive inside a park to be rewarded with the sight of many different species of animals. Amboseli National Park is reached in the afternoon, for lunch; embark on an afternoon game viewing in the park at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft). In the late afternoon one is likely to see a lion or cheetah make a kill. Ideal photography opportunities with Mount Kilimanjaro highest mountain in Africa providing a beautiful back drop. Afternoon game drive in Amboseli , This area has much game, large and small, high concentration of Elephant, rhino, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, eland, Masai giraffe and small species of the antelope family, the common water buck, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, and the diminutive duiker among others. Return to the camp or lodge for dinner and overnight. Activities: Afternoon game drive Accommodation and Meals: Amboseli Serena lodge 5* / Amboseli sopa lodge 4* / Kibo safari camp 3* / similar. Meal plan: Full board.

Day 8

AMBOSELI – NAIROBI

Early morning pre breakfast game drive in Amboseli when Mt. Kilimanjaro usually appears from its mantle of clouds, return to the lodge for breakfast, and proceed to the area of Lake Amboseli, which is a wide salt pan, consisting of permanent swamps. Return to the camp or lodge for full breakfast , check out and drive back to Nairobi arriving late in the afternoon. Dinner & Overnight: Nairobi Serena5* / Hilton Hotel 4 * / Panasonic Hotel(Budget).

Day 9

Nairobi – Kigali – Ruhengeri

Transfer to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport , board flight to Kigali .international airport . Your private driver-guide and 4×4 vehicle will meet you at the airport and drive you to Musanze at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, a journey of around 2 1/2 hours. Here you can relax for the rest of the day or explore the surrounding area with your guide. Dinner & Overnight: Mountain Gorilla view lodge(Deluxe) La Palme Hotel(Luxury ) Virunga Hotel(Budget).

Day 10

Volcanoes National Park – Ruhengeri

Gorilla tracking day! Set off early this morning for a briefing at the park HQ before you start the trek through the bamboo zone and into the forest. The trek will take anything between 2 and 5 hours to reach the gorillas and you then have one precious hour to spend watching these fascinating primates before trekking back to the trailhead. Spend the time taking photos, learning about the gorillas` behaviour from the guide and watching them interact.

Day 11

Volcanoes National Park – Ruhengeri

A different day in the forest – set off this morning to track one of the troops of golden monkeys. They live in troops of approximately 80 members on the lower slopes of the forest, making it an easier trek. They are wonderfully lively and entertaining to watch, leaping through the bamboo above your head! There will be time this afternoon to either relax or explore the area with your guide.

Day 12

Ruhengeri – Kigali – Airport

Day 13