East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking - 19 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Nairobi: Welcome to KenyaArrival Day

  From culture to wildlife to active adventures, Kenya has it all and has well-earned its reputation as one of the best places for safari in Africa. But this adventure goes way beyond that, bringing you a step further off the beaten path. Welcome to Nairobi and to Kenya, where we invite you to leave your hesitations behind and dive straight into the most exhilarating ten days you'll ever have. Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, head out for a delicious welcome dinner.

• Days 2-1: Il Ngwesi: Maasai Wildlife Tracking

  Without a doubt the Maasai people have become the symbol of East Africa in many ways. North of Nairobi, south of Samburu, sits a very special lodge with a very special story. Il Ngwesi is owned and operated by the local Maasai community. The aim is to invite travelers to meet the community and feel completely immersed into your surroundings. It can be hard to really understand a culture when you are limited to a quick hour-long visit, and this experience at Il Ngwesi is the exact opposite. Spend plenty of time with your hosts, asking questions and discussing life. Join them on a bush walk to learn local techniques, or visit the village to learn how to craft some beautiful beadwork. With a laid back pace and a completely private experience, your stay at Il Ngwesi is completely worthy of its OMG status. After a short flight from Nairobi to Laikipia, transfer to a vehicle to make your way north to Il Ngwesi. Keep your eyes peeled as you will be on safari some of the way to the lodge. Stretch your legs this afternoon and join your Maasai guides on a bush walk as they teach you different bird calls and how to spot elephant tracks in the bush.

• Days 3-2: Il Ngwesi: Village Life & Safari

  Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi and with no front wall whatsoever, the fresh air wafts in as the sun rises. Rooms are built in the traditional style using wood and earth to afford travelers the opportunity to feel connected to traditional Maasai life in a very unique way. The lodge has an incredible location, set away from other tourist spots, and your hosts and guides are the Maasai men and women from the nearby community. Though not quite as modern as other facilities in Kenya, Il Ngwesi brings you straight into the heart of a Maasai community who are keen to welcome you and engage with you from the moment you arrive. Head out on safari to start the day. Begin the day with a safari drive led by your local guides. You can spot wildlife out at the watering hole directly from the main area of the lodge, but getting out in a safari vehicle brings you much closer to the action. The afternoon includes a visit to the Maasai village with your local hosts.

• Days 4-3: Nanyuki: Jane Goodall's Chimp Sanctuary

  Bid farewell to your Maasai hosts after an incredible two days of cultural discovery. Head south to Nanyuki where you will meet with 35 of your new best friends. While chimpanzees may not originate from Kenya, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy opened to ensure a safe, peaceful and lifelong refuge for orphaned and abused rescued chimpanzees. Habitat loss, disease and hunting are among the main reasons chimpanzees are endangered and why Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opened their doors. Today you have a special opportunity to visit the furry residents here at Sweetwater and take a tour of the sanctuary. Today we have the opportunity to visit The Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary supported by the Jane Goodall Institute. While visiting with the over 30 rescued Chimpanzees, discover how Ol Pejeta Conservancy is working to not only provide a safe place for these animals in need, but also to reduce the harm caused to primates across central and western Africa. In the afternoon, join a safari drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

• Days 5-4: Nanyuki: Mt Kenya Exploration

  Covered in afro-alpine flora and capped with glacier, Mt Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa. Experience another side of all that Kenya has to offer by hiking a portion of this impressive mountain. Starting from Sirimon Gate and trekking through 12 km of forested slopes, crossing rivers and enjoying wildlife filled panoramic views. Though you wont summit Mt Kenya, the views from the final viewpoint on the Sirimon route are undeniably breathtaking. Mt Kenya is the second tallest peak in Africa and today is your chance to climb part of it. Channel your inner mountaineer as you hike 12 kilometers across this extinct volcano. We'll take the Sirimon Route, popular for its unique forest and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for zebras as your trek this gentle hike.

• Days 6-5: Maasai Mara: Gateway to Safari

  Hosting the safari Big Five, the Great Migration and offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, the Mara is a destination you could easily spend weeks discovering. With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. After your flight, waste no time before your first unforgettable safari out in its rugged grasslands. If safari is what brought you to Africa, then get your binoculars ready. After a flight to Maasai Mara, we'll head out on safari in the national park renowned for having the highest concentration of big cats in the world. You'll be amazed how these giant cats are still master disguisers.

• Days 7-6: Maasai Mara: Your OMG Day

  Today you get to choose! Do you want to hike or do you want to ride? If hiking sounds right for you, you'll head off to the Oloololo Escarpment for a hike along the granite plateau. The escarpment receives more rain than any other place in the Mara triangle so picture thick, green vegetation and full watering holes that attracts thirsty wildlife. The hike takes around 3.5 hours and has an elevation gain of around 300 metres. If you're looking for something a little less green or less physical, choose to join your local guide on a morning safari drive. Both options allow for amazing safari time out on the grasslands. At night we continue our adventure in the wild savannah with a dinner in the bush. Today might just be the best day of your trip. For your OMG Day, stay active on a 3 hour hike along the Oloololo Escarpment, or join your local guide on a safari drive. In the afternoon, you'll head out on an afternoon safari drive that concludes with dinner in the bush under the stars.

• Days 8-7: Maasai Mara: Safari from Sunrise to Sunset

  You start to recognize familiar sounds of wildlife at dawn, the smell of the fire in the evenings after a day on safari and the feel of the vehicle as it treads through the bush. The exhilaration of spotting something new, witnessing some incredible display of Earth's diversity, is hard to give up once you've felt it. Luckily one final day of safari awaits. After a morning on safari, we'll join a local reforestation project to plant native Acacia trees. This small exercise affords the tour operator travellers an opportunity to ensure the land and wildlife of the Mara is vibrant for years to come. While trees are planted on your behalf when you book an adventure with G, this morning you plant an extra special one in Kenya with your fellow travellers. Take a well-deserved break after lunch at the lodge before a final afternoon safari drive.

• Days 9-8: Nairobi: Farewell to Kenya

  A final morning in the Maasai Mara brings the opportunity to capture a few final mental snapshots of your time on safari. Making your way north towards Nairobi, stop for a delicious lunch at Cafe Ubuntu, a social enterprise empowering women and families to provide for their communities through both the cafe and a crafts shop. Once in Nairobi, join your CEO and fellow travellers for a final farewell meal.

• Days 10-9: Arusha: Welcome to Tanzania

  From one East African gem to another, its onward to Tanzania. Arusha is the gateway to all of your Tanzania explorations. After touching down, your CEO will get you familiar with the city. This morning, say goodbye to Kenya and hello to Tanzania. After your flight to Arusha, choose to rest or spend the day exploring the city. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and CEO for a welcome briefing and group dinner.

• Days 11-10: Ngorongoro Crater: Mto wa Mbu and Crater Safari

  Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon after a day of cooking classes and a traditional lunch at your G for Good moment in Mto Wa Mbu. Your first stop of the day is to Mto wa Mbu, your G for Good moment, where you'll participate in a cooking demonstration led by the women of the community. To understand this unique town more, we will take a walking tour through some of its most notable landmarks before enjoying a traditional lunch. Then head out in search of wildlife as you descend into Ngorongoro Crater on safari.

• Days 12-11: Ngorongoro Crater: Your OMG Day

  Safaris don't always have to involve being seated, so set out today on two feet. On your OMG Day, choose between two incredible hiking options. The opportunity to explore the crater on foot provides a connected and humbling experience unlike any other safari adventure. If you are ready for a physical challenge, hike to the peak of Mount Makarot, arguably the most stunning view over the Ngorongoro plains. For a more mellow adventure, take Mt Makarot's more gentle trail to ascend to a view of Lake Eyasi on a laid back hike surrounded by the Ngorongoro highlands. No matter which way you choose to hike Mt Makarot, you are guaranteed to feel the vast grandness that is so unique to the East African landscape. Enjoy a well deserved afternoon at leisure before a delicious dinner at camp.

• Days 13-12: Serengeti: Safari in the Serengeti

  Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two of the world's most renowned safari destinations. Driving from one iconic spot to the next means three and a half hours of nonstop beauty, wildlife and adventure. But don't go anywhere, because your time in the Serengeti is just starting. So grab your binoculars and your camera and get ready to experience some of the most jaw dropping wildlife encounters. Today is a full day out on safari as we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife on our drive out of the Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park. Your first safari in the Serengeti wouldn't be complete without a picnic. So set the blanket up, relax and enjoy your first moments in one of the most incredible parks in the world.

• Days 14-13: Serengeti: Wildlife of Tanzania

  The Serengeti is famed for its sheer numbers of wildlife. Millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles flock to this national park every year—accompanied by hungry predators. See for yourself how huge lions can blend into the golden backdrop of the savannah, or how giant giraffes can bend down so low that you don't see them until they're right in front of you. What better way to spend your time in the Serengeti than a full day out on safari? Grab your camera and head out for your game drives. Have a picnic in the park and enjoy all the magic the Serengeti has to offer from sunup to sundown.

• Days 15-14: Gombe: From Kigoma to Gombe Stream National Park

  The encounters you experience on safari are life changing and some are more rare than others. With so few places left on Earth that are home to wild chimpanzees, your trek into Gombe Stream National Park may be one of the most special moments on your Tanzania trip. Adventure to the national park where Dr Jane Goodall lived and conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Her work there, and her lifelong commitment to conservation and the protection of animals, continues to inspire travellers to this day. To arrive to this remote part of the world, we take a plane, a road transfer and a boat to our lakefront jungle lodge. Just like the gorillas of Rwanda, trekking to see an endangered wild animal like the chimpanzee requires special care and attention to ensure their environment remains safe and protected. Tonight with your group, learn all there is to know about ensuring the safety of yourself and the chimpanzees throughout your trekking experience.

• Days 16-15: Gombe: Chimp Trekking

  Spending an hour with a family of chimpanzees is a life changing event. With complex social hierarchies, intelligent communication and human-like behavior, it's easy to see why these are our closest relatives. Spend the day trekking to see the chimpanzees. With any luck, encounter them and spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. Today will be a magical day. Meet your guide and head out to Kasekela where you'll begin your chimp trek. Travel on foot as your guide uses their tracking skills to find where the chimpanzees are that day. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can remember this moment forever. In the afternoon, spend free time on Lake Tanganyika.

• Days 17-16: Kigoma: Dr. Goodall's Footsteps

  Since chimpanzees are gravely endangered, there are many efforts in place to help protect the species in Tanzania. Thankfully, there are legendary conservationists, like Dr. Jane Goodall, paving the way for their protection. Spend the day exploring some of Jane Goodall's most iconic spots. Visit her former house and the research station. Hike to Jane's Peak and take a moment to reflect on yesterday's adventures before travelling to Dar es Salaam. On the unusual occasion that you did not see chimps on your trek the day before, you have the option to go out on an early morning trek for a second attempt. After the day spent exploring, return to the town of Kigoma on a boat across Lake Tanganika and fly to Dar es Salaam.

• Days 18-17: Dar es Salaam: A Seaside Farewell to Tanzania

  On your final day in Tanzania, spend time by the coast to rest your mind and body before the return home. After an epic 10 days spent discovering Tanzania's diverse beauty, a free full day in Dar es Salaam's seaside coastal area is the perfect end to an incredible adventure. Enjoy free time in Dar es Salaam and choose how you want to spend your last day. Join your CEO on an excursion to the tropical island reserve, Bongoyo Island. Or choose to explore the city, do some last minute souvenir shopping or relax at the hotel. In the evening join your group for a farewell dinner together.

• Days 19-18: Dar es Salaam

  Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.