30 Days – Exploring the Wonders of East Africa: An Essential Study Tour

On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport, Inclusive Holidays Africa representatives will warmly meet you and welcome you to Kenya and subsequent transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Ole Sereni Hotel DBB

After breakfast you will link up with your tour leader at the Louis Leakey memorial hall in the National Museum of Kenya for a detailed safari orientation program and a guided tour of the Museum galleries. Mid-morning tea at the cafeteria then proceed to the AFEW Giraffe centre for lunch and a special Session with and the Education Officer. Leave for Naivasha at 3.00pm (latest) to arrive in time for a boat ride to the crescent island before retiring at the late Joy Adamsons Lake Naivasha home. Joy will ever be remembered for painting almost 700 portraits of the vanishing ethnic communities of Kenya in their traditional garb and of the flora found in Kenya so finely detailed that the British Horticultural Society awarded her a gold medal. Her paintings hang is state house and replicas of the prints are found everywhere -including here at her home in Elsamere. Dinner and overnight at Elsamere CampLDBB

An early morning bird walk at 6.00 am is inevitable here at Elsamere. With lunch boxes in the car, proceed to Hells Gate - A national Park characterized by awesome geological features. Here you will have the experience of walking in the African heat between the towering walls of the volcanic rocks which will no doubt take you to another world. The steam jets at Ol Karia geothermal power station inside the park which provides 15% of Kenya’s electricity was developed to exploit the super-heated steam locked some 1,200 ft below the surface. Other volcanic features such as hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles are simply fascinating. Enjoy your picnic lunch amid Rock hyraxes at Fischer's towers, and then leave the park for Nakuru through the southern end of Lake Naivasha. Stop over at Kariandusi, Lake Elementeita, and Hyrax Hill before setting down at the Sundowner Hotel and taking a self-guided tour of Nakuru town at night. Dinner and overnight at Greenpark Sundowner Hotel      LDBB

You definitely would not like to miss the rising sun from the East into a golden field as you look at the flamingoes around Lake Nakuru lakeshore from the baboon cliffs. Breakfast at Lake Nakuru Lodge. The 188km square park was gazetted in 1961 and is probably the world's biggest ornithological spectacle with flamingoes which at times number up to one million along the shallow shoreline. Since the park also covers grasslands and forest habitats, it is very ideal for plains game, the newly introduced Rhinos (both black & white) and the Rothschild Giraffes which we talked about at the Giraffe Centre. Leave the park for lunch at Nakuru Town then proceed to Lake Bogoria National Reserve for 'the mother of all geysers, steam jets and hot springs'. If you are lucky you may see the Greater Kudu - a very rare antelope in the same category of endangered species with the Sitatunga Bongo and Sable Antelope. Enjoy the drive along the winding road to Kabarnet where the team will be waiting to receive you at Kabarnet hotel with a welcome drink. Dinner and overnight at Lake Bogoria Hotel   LDBB

Again your day starts early because you wouldn't like to miss the Elephants in the Kitum Caves in Mt. Elgon National Park on your way to Jinja on the shore of Lake Victoria and very close to Owen Falls - the biggest hydro-electric power Station in Uganda, at the source of the River Nile. Your overnight is at the Crested Crane hotel- named after the Uganda emblem. Dinner and overnight at Crested Crane Hotel, Jinja  LDBB

After breakfast you proceed with your journey past Owen Falls to Kampala and further west to Mbarara. After City Tour of Kampala which is spread over seven hills, there will be time for an early lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch proceed Southwest crossing the equator passing Lake Mburo with its gentle hills and wooded acacia to Mbarara. The night will be spent at the superb lake view hotel. The hotel has a swimming pool for freshening up after a long drive and sauna for a very romantic evening in the 'Pearl of Africa'. Dinner and overnight at Lakeview Resort Hotel  LDBB

Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, heading westwards towards the rim of the Western escarpment, where you'll be greeted by playful baboons enjoying their morning meal of bananas. Indulge in a delightful lunch at Mwea Safari Lodge, relishing the commanding view of Lakes George and Edward, with the majestic Mountains of the Moon (Ruwenzoris) as a picturesque backdrop. The afternoon brings an enchanting cruise on the Kazinga channels, offering the perfect vantage point for observing wildlife and birds leisurely congregating by the water. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge  LDBB

Commence your day with a pre-sunrise breakfast, preparing for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek in either the Kyambura Gorge or on Isinga Island, subject to permit availability. Following a picnic lunch, journey towards Ibanda at the base of the Ruwenzori Mountains. Continue your scenic drive to the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, where you can savor dinner on the veranda, overlooking the Nile below. Dinner and overnight at Mountains of The Moon Hotel, Fort Portal  LDBB

Embark on a northbound journey after breakfast, heading towards the breathtaking spectacle of Murchison Falls on the River Nile. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Masindu before continuing to a tented camp strategically located with a panoramic view of Lake Victoria Nile, providing a stunning backdrop of the Murchison Falls—aptly named after the esteemed president of the Royal Geographical Society from the early part of the century. Dinner and overnight at Bwana Tembo Tented Camp  LDBB

Following breakfast, embark on a leisurely boat cruise upstream the River Nile, navigating amid the resident Nile crocodiles, hippos, and an array of birdlife. The journey takes approximately three hours, bringing you to the base of the falls, where you may even have the chance to spot elephants along the riverbank. Today's highlight is witnessing the terrestrial Victoria Nile cascading down 40 meters through a narrow gap, a truly remarkable feature of your 'Pearl of Africa' tour. While wildlife faced challenges during years of conflict, government protection efforts have led to a steady increase in their population. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a tented camp, surrounded by the tranquility of the remarkable landscape. Dinner and overnight at Bwana Tembo Tented Camp  LDBB

Following breakfast, commence your journey back to Kampala, passing through the Lowero triangle with scenic stopovers at Lake Albert and Masindi for a refreshing lunch. Arrive in Kampala for dinner and an overnight stay at the Hotel Africana, providing an opportunity to experience the vibrant nightlife. The following day offers optional tours to various notable sites that may have been missed during the city tour. Choices include visits to the Parliament buildings, the National Museum, the century-old cathedral, Kasubi tombs, Kibuli mosque, Makerere University, or the Namugongo martyrs shrine, commemorating the tragic events of 1886 when 20 Christians were burnt alive on the orders of the Kabaka. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Africana 2006  LDBB

Traveling via Jinja, today's journey takes you to Busia, the primary Kenya-Uganda border post. In Kakamega, a brief stop is planned at the Golf Hotel, boasting beautiful gardens, for a refreshing lunch break. As you ascend to the Kenyan highlands, leaving behind sugarcane plantations, you'll enter an evergreen area adorned with expansive tea plantations. The evening brings you to the Tea Hotel in Kericho, where you will spend the night and indulge in dinner, accompanied by a cup of the renowned Kenyan tea. Dinner and overnight at Tea Hotel Kericho  LDBB

Today, your journey takes you to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, often referred to as the 'Animal Kingdom,' situated on the plains bordering the Serengeti. Upon reaching the tented camp around lunchtime, take a short break before immersing yourself in the first impressions of the Maasai Mara during an evening game drive. Witness the stunning sunset casting a warm glow on the savannah, home to predators lurking in the tall grass. Although the day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp, the allure of the reserve is almost irresistible, prompting the anticipation for more. Dinner and overnight at Sentrim Mara Camp LDBB

After a refreshing cup of tea or coffee, continue your Mara adventure, reaching a nearby observation hill just in time for the sunrise. Following breakfast, embark on a full day of game viewing within the park, with the main focus on encountering the majestic 'Big Five”. Dinner and overnight at Sentrim Mara Camp LDBB

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara as you embark on your journey to Tanzania. The landscape undergoes a dramatic change, transitioning from vast plains to densely populated agricultural land. Upon reaching Isebania, you cross the border into Tanzania, where, during the clearance process, you may choose to enjoy your provided lunch boxes. Your destination is the Kijereshi Camp, located on the periphery of the Serengeti National Park. This tented camp, complete with private bathrooms, offers a delightful experience with international cuisine. After savoring your meal, retire to bed in anticipation of the upcoming adventure in the Serengeti. Dinner and overnight at Kijereshi Tented Camp LDBB

Departing from the camp after breakfast, your journey towards the Serengeti, a Maasai word signifying 'endless plains,' reveals the striking similarities between the Mara and the Serengeti. These two regions, separated only by an international boundary, demonstrate the unrestricted movement of wildlife. Lunch awaits you at a tented camp, and an evening game drive unfolds the rich diversity of wildlife in the area, offering a promising preview of what lies ahead. A historical count in 1978 documented an impressive 1.5 million wildebeests and an astonishing 3,000 lions, underscoring the remarkable abundance of wildlife in this region. Dinner and overnight at Kijereshi Tented Camp LDBB

Indulge in the captivating spectacle of a morning game drive, where the rising sun transforms the plains into a golden expanse, breathing life into the landscape. Witness the majesty of lions poised for their hunt, and realize that the scenes depicted in the film 'The Serengeti Shall Not Die' have now become your reality. Around 9:00 am, return to the camp for a satisfying breakfast. Yet, the allure of the plains beckons you once more, and you may opt for an extended day of immersive game drives. Alternatively, return to the lodge for lunch and take respite at the swimming pool to replenish your energy for an enchanting evening game adventure. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Safari Lodge LDBB

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the Great Plains and journey to another captivating destination: the Olduvai Gorge. More than just a lunch stop, this site offers a profound opportunity to delve into the origins of mankind. The Leakey family made groundbreaking discoveries here, unearthing some of the oldest human fossils, including the Homo habilis, dating back 1.8 million years. A small museum at the gorge provides further insights into the archaeological significance of the area. In the afternoon, ascend the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, passing through a landscape adorned with plains game intermingled with herds of Maasai cattle. Your overnight stay awaits at a tented camp perched on the crater rim. As you relish your dinner, marvel at Grzimek's seventh wonder of the world—the 18km caldera—an awe-inspiring preview of the adventure awaiting you tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at Tloma Lodge LDBB

After breakfast, embark on a descent to the crater floor, armed with lunch boxes for a full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Garden of Eden." Here, black-manned lions rule unchallenged, and a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, are easily spotted among the plains game that forms the lions' feast. In the afternoon, ascend the steep track to the crater rim, continuing your safari to Karatu. Your overnight stay is at Tloma Lodge, where dinner is served amidst the tranquility of surroundings enveloped by coffee bushes, offering only homegrown food. The ambiance of Tloma Lodge provides a serene space to reflect on the wonders of the "Garden of Eden" and appreciate Grzimek's conservation efforts. Dinner and overnight at Tloma Lodge LDBB

Embark on a journey today that traces the footsteps of the white hunters from the mid-20th century in Lake Manyara National Park. Departing from Karatu with a packed lunch, descend the escarpment, and enter the park through Mto wa Mbu, also known as Mosquito Place. Begin your exploration in search of tree-climbing lions, giraffes, baboons, zebras, and wildebeests. Along the lake shores, encounter numerous hippos, and depending on the season, witness a plethora of water birds, with flamingoes dominating the scene. Following a lunch break at the hot springs, proceed to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at the Serengeti Villa, Arusha. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Villa LDBB

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to Amboseli, reaching the Kenya-Tanzania border town of Namanga and on to Sentrim Amboseli Lodge for lunch. Nestled at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is renowned as the ancestral home of the Maasai tribesmen. Consider making Mt. Kilimanjaro your next destination if you aspire to etch your name in the storied history of Africa. This 394 square kilometer National Park is recognized as the haven for the least disturbed yet most abundant herds of elephants globally. Embark on an afternoon game drive, including a visit to the Elephant Research Center, where you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro provides a breathtaking panorama during your exploration. Dinner and overnight at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge LDBB

Indulge in an early morning breakfast, an essential start to your day. Following this, immerse yourself in the authentic daily life of the Maasai people. As you explore a traditional Maasai village, seize the opportunity to actively participate in their essential activities, seamlessly integrating into their routine. Engage in activities such as fire starting, milking, and cow breeding, all of which are integral parts of their daily life that your arrival won't disrupt. Later, join the Maasai community in hands-on experiences like house construction using cow dung, spear throwing, or herding. Immerse yourself in their traditions and gain firsthand insights into their unique way of life. After this enriching experience, depart for Nairobi and culminate your day with dinner at the renowned Carnivore restaurant. Dinner and overnight at 254 Ole Sereni LDBB

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive across the expansive Laikipia Plains, passing through the vast wheat and barley fields around the majestic Mt. Kenya, its snow-capped peaks a stunning sight on the equator line. Enjoy the picturesque landscape as you make your way towards the Northern Frontier District town of Isiolo. Upon reaching Isiolo, the town's ambiance might evoke memories of Somalia for those familiar with the region. Take a break for lunch in this distinctive setting. Afterward, unwind at the "natural" swimming pool around Buffalo Spring before checking in at the lodge. Indulge in a refreshing shower, ensuring a rejuvenating end to your day. Dinner and overnight at Sentrim Samburu Lodge LDBB

Commence your day with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, setting the stage for an early morning game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, seeking the elusive Leopards and Lions. Following a satisfying breakfast, it's time to check out and journey towards Shaba, passing through the historical colonial outpost of Archer's Post, which stands as a poignant reminder of its past. Upon arrival at Shaba, the Sarova Shaba Lodge management takes pride in guiding you through the grounds where the late Joy Adamson tragically lost her life on January 3, 1980, while rehabilitating her cherished cheetah. The semi-desert ecosystem of this region is fascinatingly adapted, evident in the wildlife you encounter. From the Grevy's Zebra, with its white belly designed to repel heat, to the petite Kirks Dik Dik, which remarkably doesn't need to drink water at all. Observe the unique adaptations, such as the reticulated Giraffe, whose coat pattern mirrors the reticulum, one of the four chambers of a ruminant’s stomach. It's a captivating exploration of a diverse and resilient ecosystem. Return to your overnight lodge with game viewing enroute. Dinner and overnight at Sentrim Samburu Lodge LDBB

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading to Nyeri, where you'll arrive in time for lunch at The Aberdare Country Club. Situated just two and a half hours northeast of Samburu, this charming retreat is perched on Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, forming part of the Great Rift Valley. Originally the homestead of an English couple who settled in Kenya, the property, known as "The Steep," underwent a transformation almost half a century later. It was renamed the Aberdare Country Club and opened its doors to guests. Recognized as a heritage property in Kenya, the Aberdare Country Club maintains the allure of a private home while offering the simple comforts of a country inn. At the end of the day you are very lucky today because you have special permission from Kenya Wildlife Service to conduct a self-guided game drive within the "salient" zone of Aberdare National Park before settling at Honi Campsite within the park. Dinner and overnight at Honi Camp LDBB

Embark on an early morning game drive, retracing the footsteps of Sir Joseph Thomson, who named the Aberdare region in 1872 after the then President of the Royal Geographical Society. Experience an exclusive guided tour in the African "jungle," surrounded by a diverse range of wildlife, including the possibility of encountering Black Rhinoceros, Elephants, or Lions. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to Thompsons Falls, named after the same explorer, for a breathtaking view. Journey via Gilgil to Nairobi and arrive at the Nairobi Train Terminus in time for your train to Mombasa, the Indian Ocean tourist resort. Reach Mombasa around 20:00 and transfer to the nearby Kanamai Centre. Dinner and overnight at Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort Kanamai LDBB

Spend the next two day exploring the island of Mombasa. Enjoy lunch meals, choosing from a diverse array of restaurants offering oriental cuisine, local spices, and fruits, along with delicacies from the nearby Indian Ocean. Explore Mombasa through a city tour and shopping, immersing yourself in its cosmopolitan character shaped over centuries. Feel the historical echoes of the Portuguese and Arab influences from the 16th century, evident in landmarks like the Fort Jesus Museum and the old town with its charming Arab buildings. Explore the Bamburi Nature Trail, a testament to successful wilderness reclamation from a limestone quarry in Africa, showcasing the region's ecological resilience and beauty. Dinner and overnight at Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort Kanamai LDBB

Following breakfast, embark on a 120-kilometer drive to the north coast town of Malindi, arriving in time to witness the "spring tide" at Malindi Marine Park, where you can explore the coral gardens. While at Casuarinas Point, visit Vasco Da Gama’s Pillar. Enjoy lunch and a city tour before taking an afternoon local flight to Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago. On Manda Island, discover one of Kenya's oldest monuments, the Takwa ruins, featuring a mosque dating back to the 10th century and tangible evidence of early Arab settlement. Transfer by boat to Lamu Island for an overnight stay at the Lamu Stone House Hotel. Dinner and overnight at Stone House Lamu LDBB

Be mindful of the daytime heat in Lamu, making evenings more active. Explore the town known for its dhow building and Arab architecture. Wander through cool narrow streets, marveling at castled buildings, arches, and Arab-studded doors. Visit the local museum to delve into Lamu's ancient history within its predominantly Muslim culture. Navigate the narrow streets by affordable donkey rides, except for the District Commissioner's Land Rover. Enjoy a donkey ride through bustling streets with cafes offering local delicacies. Lunch at a seafood restaurant with a hint of coconut flavor. Retire to Lamu Stone House Hotel, conveniently located 200 meters from the harbor, for relaxation and local interactions. As evening falls, stroll along the waterfront road, encountering locals with loaded donkeys, playing children, and vibrant fishermen and women. Lamu's essence unfolds at your hotel door. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in squash, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more; connect with your tour leader for facilities. Conclude your safari in style on your last day. Dinner and overnight at Stone House Lamu LDBB

Seize every moment on your final safari day. Enjoy lunch and then head to Manda Airstrip for your local flight to Nairobi, connecting to your homeward-bound flight. Before departing, savor a farewell dinner at the renowned Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi as a stop en route to the airport.