The Highlights of East Africa
Overview
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.
We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.
Contact us to request the itinerary in PDF format.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Kigali or Entebbe International Airport, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation of choice.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities or head out and explore Kigali or Entebbe, either on your own or on a guided city tour.
In the evening, there are many charming restaurants in Kigali or Entebbe to choose from for dinner.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
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After an early breakfast, you are met by your Travulous guide at your hotel, after which you either drive or fly to Volcanoes or Bwindi National Park for gorilla tracking. After checking in at your accommodation, spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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After an early breakfast, we make our way to the Volcanoes or Bwindi National Park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you depart with the guide and rangers to find the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from two to six (or more) hours, with the guides stopping frequently to allow people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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After an early breakfast we return to Kigali or Entebbe.
Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure, either enjoying your accommodation's facilities, or discovering the highlights of Kigali or Entebbe on a guided tour. In the evening, choose from a selection of dining options.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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After an early breakfast, depart for Kigali or Entebbe airport, to commence your transfer to either the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara:
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s best-known national park. Every year, from December to July, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate across the plains following the rains.
The Maasai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s national parks. The annual wildebeest migration sees over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.
Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Time permitting, depart on a late afternoon game drive, followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Maasai Mara or Serengeti
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Today you have an opportunity to enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure, flying across the plains of the Serengeti National Park or Maasai Mara Game Reserve in a hot air balloon.
During the early hours of the morning, we depart for the launch-site. Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing, after which you climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn.
The flight lasts an hour, and each journey is unique as it’s dictated by the direction of the wind. After your basket returns to the plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, you are served breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the middle of the picturesque plains. After breakfast, we depart on a full day game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Maasai Mara or Serengeti
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After an early breakfast, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.
Both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The further north in the Serengeti one travels, the more similar it becomes to the Maasai Mara, which boasts a higher density of trees and more of a hilly landscape.
Apart from seeing the wildebeest and plains wildlife that make up the Great Migration, you will also have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). In addition, you should also keep a lookout for giraffe, cheetah, hyena, crocodile, hippo, and an incredible selection of bird species.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Maasai Mara or Serengeti
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After breakfast, depart on your last day of morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara. An optional activity includes visiting a traditional Maasai village and immersing yourself in authentic Maasai culture. There is no better way of gaining an understanding of the ancient way of life of this famous tribe, that still flourishes today.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Maasai Mara or Serengeti
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Today we depart for Zanzibar located off the Tanzanian coast, or Lamu in northern Kenya, or Diani beach near Mombasa in Kenya. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure:
Few names evoke such a romantic image as the spice islands of Zanzibar. It’s beaches are the Indian ocean at its very best, and its capital Stone Town a beautiful World Heritage site.
Voted Africa's leading beach destination five years running, Diani’s activities include Dhow trips, playing golf, snorkelling and scuba diving, and visiting Fort Jesus World Heritage site.
Founded in the 14th century, Lamu island is a World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Highlights include long beach strolls and dhow trips.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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After breakfast, you meet your guide at your hotel for a walking tour of Zanzibar’s capital Stone Town, or Diani, or Lamu. You will visit the main attractions in each location.
After lunch, transfer to your beach accommodation. Time to unwind on the beautiful beaches and enjoy a selection of optional land and water based activities, including historical tours, cultural excursions, sailing tours, snorkelling and diving.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. For dinner, consider sampling the local Swahili cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Time to unwind and spend your days at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Relax by the pool or go for a swim to cool down in the heat of the day.
Alternatively, discover the local beaches and many optional activities and tours on offer.
Another option is to spend your days learning about the rich history of the area, its culture or stunning marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Time to unwind and spend your days at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Relax by the pool or go for a swim to cool down in the heat of the day.
Alternatively, discover the local beaches and many optional activities and tours on offer.
Another option is to spend your days learning about the rich history of the area, its culture or stunning marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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After breakfast, we depart for the airport.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
General Info
Highlights
GORILLA TRACKING
Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes or Bwindi NP, and spend a magical hour with the mountain gorillas
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a selection of world famous wildlife sanctuaries located across Kenya and Tanzania
BIG 5 & GREAT MIGRATION
Marvel at the Great Migration and Big Five from a hot air balloon in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti
SWAHILI COAST BEACHES
Relax on the palm-fringed and white sand beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Diani or Lamu
Accommodation Options
Click on each photo to learn more about the featured property, or click here to discover additional accommodations.
Map
Extension Ideas
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas
BEHIND THE SCENES
Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the increadibe work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili are widely spoken and understood.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for travellers from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie at all ports of entry.
For travellers of other nationalities, the Rwandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers needing visas before arrival should carry a printed copy to present to immigration officials.
Uganda Climate
Uganda is tropically warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain showers are commonplace, with the dry seasons being December to March and June to August. In the south, April is the rainiest month, and the rains can stretch into May.
Although the dry months are more popular for gorilla trekking and birding, you might see more during the wetter months as this is the peak breeding season for wildlife.
Language & Currency
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Access to cash machines is available in most towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Ugandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Kenya Climate
Kenya is generally warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude. One of the most popular times to visit Kenya is from July to September, which coincides with the Great Migration. A good time to see baby animals and migratory bird species is typically from December to February.
The approximate seasons are January to March, short dry season; April to June, long wet season; July to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During rainy seasons there are fewer tourists, and the landscape is strikingly green and lush.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Kenya. Kiswahili is spoken by most Kenyans, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and cities. There are over 65 languages spoken throughout Kenya, which mainly belong to the various Bantu and Nilotic tribal populations.
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling, which divides into 100 cents. US dollars are often accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Hotels in tourist areas generally accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Remote lodges often accept cash only. When making payments in US dollars, many businesses only accept notes that are dated 2013, or newer. Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Kenya. Please check with your local Kenyan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Kenyan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for issuing all visa types in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Tanzania Climate
Tanzania is a year-round destination with the weather varying by location, altitude and season. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. Visiting the Serengeti is popular in June and July to see migrating wildebeest and in January and February to see calving.
The approximate seasons are January to February, short dry season; March to May, long wet season; June to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry.
The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
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