Gorillas, Game & Zanzibar (View Gallery)

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After yet another very successful safari this year, Anna will again be escorting a small group to East Africa in 2012. “Gorillas, Game & Zanzibar” will depart Perth on the 4th of August 2012. This exciting safari staying in classic tented camps and boutique hotels features two of Africa’s most prolific and spectacular wildlife countries, as well as the chance to trek with the rare mountain gorilla in the volcanic highlands of Rwanda. With perhaps only 700 gorillas left in existence this is truly a heart-warming experience. In Kenya we visit the Masai Mara Game Reserve during the midst of the seasonal migration. 1.3 million Wildebeest, 200,000 Zebra and 300,000 Thompson Gazelle flood the plains of the Mara following the rains. The diversity of wildlife in this sensational region is second to none. The southern region of Tanzania is home to vast remote wilderness and many little seen species of game, such as the rare wild dog, amongst a myriad of other mammals and birdlife. In Selous we stay in a luxury tented camp with the added bonus of a night spent like the explorers of old in a mobile “fly-camp”. The exotic spice island of Zanzibar offers a chance to experience Swahili culture and history, with the last nights spent relaxing beside the pristine beaches in the comfort of our east coast resort.

Saturday 4 August 2012:  We catch the evening flight from Perth to Nairobi via Dubai with Emirates.
Sunday 5 August:  Arriving mid-afternoon we are met and transferred to a comfortable hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is at our leisure.
Monday 6 August: This morning we fly north from Nairobi to Nanyuki airstrip, before transferring to Laikipia Camp. This afternoon we will enjoy our first game drive.  (BLD)
Tuesday 7 – Wednesday 8 August: The Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers an incredibly uncrowded environment for game viewing. Laikipia is home to Kenya's largest population of Black Rhino, large numbers of elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard and plentiful plains game. There are also a number of rarer Northern species such as Grevys Zebra, Jacksons Hartebeest and Beisa Oryx.  (BLD)
Thursday 9 August: Our flight today takes us to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.  On arrival we will be transferred to the rustic bush camp, Kicheche. Our game drives take us in search of the “Big 5” along with the myriad of other species the Mara has on offer.  (BLD)
Friday 10 August:  August is the middle of the migration season in the Mara, with wildebeest, zebra and many antelope species providing a real spectacle.  We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, returning at sundown, in time to freshen up, before pre-dinner drinks around the camp fire, followed by dinner. (BLD)
Saturday 11 August:  With another day in the Mara the choices abound; perhaps a full day game drive; an optional visit to a local Masai Village, there are also escorted bush walks available from the camp, or spend some time just relaxing in the communal Nyati tent. (BLD)
Sunday 12 August:  A last morning game drive before our return flight to Nairobi arriving early afternoon. The rest of the day is at our leisure. (BL)
Monday 13 August:  Our sightseeing around Nairobi, includes a visit to Daphne Sheldrick’s Animal Orphanage, The Giraffe Centre, Matbronze and Kazuri Beads (B)
Tuesday 14 August:  An early transfer to the airport for our flight to Rwanda.  After lunch in Kigali we meet our guides before a spectacular 2 hour drive through the verdant hills to Ruhengeri and onto our overnight lodge. (BLD)
Wednesday 15 August:  It takes on average 2-3 hours through sometimes steep terrain to reach the gorilla group.  Any hardships are quickly forgotten once we make eye contact with our first gorilla and the sensation of kinship is almost overwhelming.  1 hour will be spent with the gorilla group (**please remember gorillas are a wild animal and are not enclosed in any form and free to move as they please.  For this reason actual sightings cannot be guaranteed). (BLD)
Thursday 16 August:  This is a morning of options.  You may choose to trek to a second gorilla family, trek with the Golden Monkeys or take a trek up to the grave of Dian Fossey and the remains of the old Karisoke Research Station.  **Please note these options will need to be pre-booked and confirmed at time of purchase of the main tour. We return to Kigali arriving early evening. (BLD)
Friday 17 August:  Morning departure for our flight. Overnight Dar es Salaam (B)
Saturday 18 August:  Today we board our charter flight to Selous Game Reserve, 55,000 km of remote pristine wilderness.  Selous Safari Camp is our base for the next 4 nights.  To take full advantage of this stunning reserve we will spend a night in a “fly-camp”, walking out to a remote location with an armed escort, before enjoying an evening around the camp fire in a fully mobile camp. (BLD)
Sunday 19 August:  The Selous is home to largest population of the rare wild dog, along with a myriad of other mammals and birdlife.  The park is traversed by the mighty Rufiji River, allowing for game viewing not only from open vehicle and foot, but also by boat on the lagoons, lakes and river.  For those that are keen, fishing is an option available. (BLD)
Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 August:  Two full days to make the most of this vast area. (BLD)
Wednesday 22 August:  Today our short charter flight takes us directly to the spice island of Zanzibar.  Overnight in Stone Town (B)
Thursday 23 August:  A free day allows us to wander the labyrinth of streets that make up historic Stone Town and enjoy the wonderful Swahili cuisine. (B)
Friday 24 August:  This is the perfect way to end our African adventure.  Relaxation is the key note at Azanzi Beach Resort located on the east coast of Zanzibar.  A spice island tour is included as part of our transfer to Azanzi today. (BLD)
Saturday 25 August:  A day to relax beside pristine beaches or enjoy both the underwater and land activities available. (BLD)
Sunday 26 August:  This morning we will transfer by road to Zanzibar Airport.  A short domestic flight connects us with our international flight from Dar es Salaam to Perth via Dubai. (B)
Monday 27 August:  Arrive into Perth ETA – 5:10pm

B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner

INCLUDED
Economy class International, Regional and Charter flights as shown; Transfers and local transport as shown; National park and Reserve fees; Services of local Driver/Guides; Game viewing activities as shown; 1 pre-purchased gorilla trek permit; 1 night “fly-camp” in Selous; Accommodation in hotels, lodges and tented camps as shown; Meals as indicated.
NOT INCLUDED
Airport Taxes and airline security/fuel levies; Optional excursions; Travel insurance; Visa fees (some paid locally); Gratuities and personal expenses.

Places have started to fill already, so please if Africa is calling, contact Anna as soon as possible for further details on 9321 1259 or e-mail anna@peregrinewa.com.au