Bushtracks Expeditions

Africa by Air, and The Great Rift Valley

Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe - A wildlife and cultural odyssey through East and Southern Africa, with an extension to Cape Town and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Departure Dates:

Sep 01, 2008 - Sep 19, 2008

Day 1

Monday, September 1

Nairobi, Kenya

Gather in Nairobi, Kenya and meet your fellow expedition travelers at a welcome dinner.

Lodging: Norfolk Hotel, 1 night (D)

Days 2 - 4

Tuesday - Thursday, September 2, 3 & 4

Masai Mara National Reserve

Transfer to Wilson Airport for your private flight to a romantic tented safari camp in the heart of the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Little Governors Camp is one of the few safari camps located in this prime viewing area of the world famous Masai Mara game reserve, and is on the route of the great wildebeest migration.

In the days that follow enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of big cats and mighty herds, as well as optional hot air balloon flights. Large animal viewing is not the only in-house entertainment.

You may be amused by a family of warthogs, baboons playing chase, or vultures scrapping over a kill, and the diversity and color of the birds is amazing.

Lodging: Little Governors Camp, 3 nights (B,L,D)

Days 5 - 7

Friday - Sunday, September 5, 6 & 7

Virunga National Park and Gorillas, Rwanda

Board your private airliner and fly to Kigali. On arrival drive in safari vehicles through lush plantations to Kinigi and the Gorilla Nest Lodge, a basic lodge with all the necessary amenities, and the best location for gorilla trekking. This afternoon meet your guides for a briefing on gorilla behavior and trekking protocol, and this evening enjoy dinner at the lodge. We’ll split into smaller groups over the next two days, and set off early for Volcanoes National Park to track mountain gorillas.

On our last day, you’ll have the option for another full day of gorilla tracking or to take a drive through lush fields and patches of rainforest. Our destination will be the shores of Lake Kivu, a crystal clear inland sea of blue situated along the Congolese border, and enclosed by steep green terraced hills.

Lodging: Gorilla Nest Lodge, 3 nights (B,L,D)

Days 8 - 9

Monday - Tuesday, September 8 & 9

Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania

Today your private airliner takes you in comfort and with great efficiency to Kigoma, Tanzania. Here you have the opportunity to reflect on your experiential encounters with Fossey’s gorillas as you drink in the beauty of Lake Tanganyika. But not for long. Prepare now to track the world-famous chimps of Gombe Stream, the legacy of primatologist Jane Goodall.

The next day you are off by boat via fishing villages and mountain scenery to Gombe Tented Camp. After a rest stop with refreshing drinks and snacks, continue by boat to Kasekela and the ranger office to sign in officially. Trek for chimps, then return to camp for a rest stop after your vigorous hike. Then, satiated with your accomplishments and tea, continue back to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel for dinner. Your accommodations here are comfortable with superb views of the lake and abundant bird life from your private cottage on the lush hilltop setting.

Lodging: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, 2 nights (B,L,D)

Days 10 - 12

Wednesday – Friday, September 10, 11 & 12

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

This morning tour the Dr. Livingston Memorial in Ujiji. Proceed to Katonga fishing village and the local market, which hold a very different magic and tone for your visit to the area. Return to the airport for your flight south to South Luangwa National Park.

Take an afternoon game drive out to your intimate bush camps built in the back country under cool shade trees and situated near the Luangwa River. Known for its unspoiled beauty and abundant game, walking safaris and night drives, South Luangwa encompasses an extensive riverine habitat, many oxbow lagoons, and shady ebony groves.

Lodging: Bush Camps, 3 nights (B,L,D)

Days 13 - 14

Saturday - Sunday, September 13 & 14

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Another private flight transports you to exquisite Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Before landing, the aircraft may circle the falls, offering aerial views and photographic opportunities of this spectacular natural wonder. Over the next two days visit the beautiful falls, with an expert historian, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and visit a local village. As the sun sets, drift along the river, cocktail in hand, then indulge in a delicious dinner at the hotel's formal dining room.

Lodging: Victoria Falls Hotel, 2 nights (B,L,D)

Days 15 - 17

Monday – Wednesday, September 15, 16 & 17

Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Board your private airliner and fly to Maun, followed by a light aircraft transfer to a luxury tented camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, near the Okavango Delta. This is home to lily-dressed waterways, mopane and acacia forests, and superb savannah game viewing with naturalist guides.

Game drives and walking safaris take you along the game rich Khwai river, ending with wonderful red sunsets and cocktails on the river bank. Then its off on a night drive, searching for nocturnal species and hunting cats. A full day excursion is also available to the Okavango delta, including a boat trip, and birding is excellent at this time of year. Accommodations offer luxurious twin tents with en-suite bathrooms and a central thatched dining room. After each day's game viewing spotting elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and red lechwe antelopes, enjoy ice-cold sundowners, followed by dinner and coffee around the campfire.

Lodging: Khwai River Lodge, 3 nights (B,L,D)

Day 18

Thursday, September 18

Johannesburg, South Africa

On arrival, depart for an afternoon tour of Sterksontein Caves, one of the richest sites of hominid fossils in Africa, then continue to your hotel for a farewell dinner.

Lodging: Westcliff Hotel, 1 night (B,L,D)

Day 19

Friday, September 19

Departure

Transfer to the airport with plenty of time for your departing international flight. (B)

The Details

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