Adventure & Volunteer programs in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

  Rwanda

Kigali

  Tanzania

Arusha

  Uganda

Jinja

Dates: All year round

Description: 9 Days: Wildlife Safari In Kenya

Includes meals as indicated, accommodations, park entry fees, airport transfers, all activities listed, return ground transport, and services of driver/guide.

Day 1
You will be met at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and driven to The Stanley Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2
After breakfast at The Stanley Hotel, we leave Nairobi for the drive to Maasai Mara, the perfect wildlife sanctuary. Lunch is served upon your arrival at Sarova Mara Lodge. The greatest animal spectacle in the world - The Great Migration, occurs here every year. Besides the numerous zebras and wildebeests, the park hosts rhino, giraffe, topi, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, jackals, hyena, hippo and much more. This park, which is an extension of Tanzania's Serengeti, has more wildlife than anywhere in East Africa. The Maasai, who live and graze their herds on the outskirts of the park, enjoy a peaceful co-existence with the wildlife. Enjoy a 2 hr game drive in the Mara and then back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3
An early wake up call will be followed by a cup of tea or coffee before a game drive. Then, back to the lodge where breakfast awaits. You will then have some free time to laze by the pool, have lunch or visit the gift shop before your afternoon game drive. Back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4
After breakfast, we leave the lodge for the drive to Nakuru National Park. Lunch is served at Lion Hill Lodge upon arrival. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake on the basin of the Rift Valley. The main attraction to this national park is the large concentration of nearly two million flamingoes that flock seasonally to feed on the blue-green algae. You may spot resident rhinos as you enjoy your afternoon game drive. Drive back to Lion Hill Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5
Breakfast will be served at Lion Hill Lodge before leaving Nakuru for Aberdare National Park, where the high altitude makes the park different to the typical savannah of most Kenyan parks and creates a cool alternative to the traveller. The forest is rich in wildlife; elephant, rhino, warthogs, bushbuck, waterbuck, buffalo and the giant forest hog are all to be seen. Lunch is served at Aberdare Country Club in Nyeri upon arrival. A separate vehicle will then transfer you to The Ark Tree Hotel for game viewing, tea, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6
After breakfast, we set off for Shaba National Park, near Samburu. Samburu lies in a vast area of semi-desert and desert. We will enjoy lunch at Sarova Shaba lodge and then a game drive seeking the most unusual fauna of all East Africas major savannah reserves, including Grevys zebra, Gerenuk giraffe and Reticulated giraffe. Dinner and overnight will be spent at the lodge.

Day 7
After an early wake up, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before your morning game drive. Breakfast, lunch and some leisure time is yours before we set off for another afternoon game drive. Later, we return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8
Following breakfast, we will drive to Mt Kenya Safari Club where you will have majestic views of the famous mountain. After lunch you will have the whole day at leisure. A formal dinner is served at the restaurant. Please note that formal wear is required for this. Overnight stay is at Mt. Kenya Safari Club.

Day 9
After breakfast at Mt. Kenya Safari Club, we depart for drive to Nairobi. We will arrive at the airport in the early afternoon for the end of your Wild Kenya safari.

Pricing based on Double Occupancy per person rate in USD.
Note that Christmas and Easter supplements apply.

Please visit our website for updates on prices.
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14 Days in Uganda

This safari encompasses the best that Uganda safaris have to offer - exciting primate tracking, game drives, boat rides, and stunning scenery. You may encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, other primates, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, leopard, buffalo, lions, waterbuck, wart hogs, giraffes, zebras and a huge variety of birds.

Safari includes accommodations, meals as indicated, park entry fees, game drives, Mountain Gorilla permits (USD500), boat cruise, chimpanzee permits, dug out canoe trip, ranger fees, guided wild animal walk, return ground transport, and services of driver/guide. Not included are tips, souvenirs, all beverages and items of a personal nature. Note that at times during high season, gorilla permits may not be available in Uganda and we may need to take you into Rwanda, in which case itinerary and price will change.

Optional Activities: (2nd day)

Due to accommodation & Gorilla permit availability, all prices and itinerary are subject to change without notice.

Please note this trip can start and finish in Jinja, Kampala or Entebbe (Uganda).

Safari Grading: Moderate to Difficult mountain gorilla trekking conditions can be hard and the length of trek can be anything from 3 to 10 hours. You will need a good level of fitness and mobility.

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1
We start early and pause for supplies in Kampala before heading north through Luwero Triangle and on towards the town of Masindi, the gateway to Murchison Falls National Park, where we stop for lunch. We continue driving into the park and to our accommodation, on the south bank of the river.
Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: LD

Day 2
We rise with the sun for our first early morning game drive in order to be on the first ferry across the river, thus making the most of the best hours for game viewing on the northern banks. Here we hope to find lions, leopard, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and many more of Africas big game. We will return to our accommodation for a late breakfast and to relax during the hottest part of the day when most of the animals are also hiding from the midday sun. At 2pm we will proceed for the guided boat trip on the placid Victoria Nile, upstream of the base of the falls. En-route we will see many hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and a wide variety of birds like the unusual shoebill stork. The boat stops about 50 metres away from the base of the falls, allowing ample time to get some wonderful photos of one of the most powerful flows of water in the world. Afterwards we return to our accommodation for a sundowner and dinner.
Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: BLD

Day 3
In order to be on the first ferry across the river, again were up early. Today we try to find the animals that may have eluded us the previous day, taking our time to drive around the infamous sausage trees looking for leopard. Afterwards we return to our accommodation for a late breakfast and to relax during the hottest part of the day with a cool drink. Later in the afternoon we load our vehicle and drive to the top of the Falls, where you get to experience the awesome site of the whole river getting compressed through a 6 metre gap in the rocks before dropping 44 metres with a thunderous roar. It creates rainbows and plumes of spray giving opportunities for some great photographs. From here your guide will drive you out of the park and to Masindi where we stay the night in this small town.
Masindi
Meals: BLD

Day 4
This morning we take the long drive down the north west curve of Uganda towards the crater lake region of Fort Portal. The scenery is breathtaking, enabling plenty of photo opportunities. We arrive at our accommodation where you get the chance to sit back and take in the stunning views.
Fort Portal
Meals: BLD

Day 5
We are up early and, after breakfast, head off for a guided trek through Kibale Forest in search of mans closest relative, the chimpanzee. The sounds of the chimps carry through the forest very clearly, so approaching and watching these creatures in their natural habitat is a fantastic wildlife viewing experience. The forest is also home to 11 other species of primates and an incredible array of birdlife.
Fort Portal
Meals: BLD

Day 6
This morning we take the road which runs straight through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Driving alongside Africas highest mountain range, The Rwenzori Mountains, we sweep into the savannah plains of the park. In the afternoon we take the boat launch on the Kazinga Channel where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo will be in great abundance either at the waters edge, or alongside your boat! We return to our accommodation in time for a well deserved sundowner.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: BLD

Day 7
Up early we head out into the national park in search of of elephants, leopard, buffalo, lions, waterbuck, wart hogs and birds of which there were over 650 species identified in QE alone, making it the number one park with the highest number of bird species in Africa. We continue our drive south into the remote area of the park, known as Ishasha, searching the vast fig trees for the infamous tree climbing lions! Later in the day we return to our accommodation for dinner.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: BLD

Day 8
This is our last game drive in QE, and the last chance to find those wild animals that may have so far eluded us! Later we drive south and into the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes towards Lake Bunyoni, also known as little Switzerland due to the landscape and scenery that encompasses it. We stop for the night next to the lake where we get the chance to enjoy the sunset while looking out for otters and the many different types of bird life found in this beautiful area.
Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: BLD

Day 9
After breakfast you have the opportunity to take a local dug out canoe trip in order to discover the many islands around the lake. We will explore Kabale Town and have lunch before continuing our drive into the hills towards the forests of the Mountain Gorillas. We spend the night just next to the National Park where the sounds of the forest can be heard very clearly.
Mountain Gorillas accommodation depends on where you trek
Meals: BLD

Day 10 Gorilla Trek
We arise with the sun in order to eat a good breakfast, followed by a meeting with a ranger guide before setting off into the gorilla sanctuary. The rain forest landscape is steep and densely forested, but criss-crossed with animal trails allowing access to tourists. The trek to find the earths greatest primate can take up to a full day, but the thrill of discovering this gentle giant in its own habitat is rated as one of Africas best wildlife watching opportunities. By the time you return to the camp the memories will be embedded in your mind forever.
Mountain Gorillas accommodation depends on where you trek
Meals: BLD

Day 11
This morning you have the chance to go on one of the optional guided walks around the area, visiting the local communities and meeting with the local people, or alternatively you can spend the morning relaxing in light of yesterdays big trek! After lunch we take the slow drive to Kabale town where we spend the night.
Kabale
Meals: BLD

Day 12
Today we will drive through winding roads and lake dotted countryside, before emerging onto the lower thorn and savannah scrub lands of Lake Mburo National Park. Zebra, buffalo, Ugandan Kob and plenty of other species abound in this beautiful park, where you either stay in the stunning lodge built atop a kopje with incredible views across the park or in the National Park bandas, down by the lake - where hippos usually come and graze close by.
Lake Mburo
Meals: BLD

Day 13
This morning we are going to take a walking safari, complete with a ranger, so we can get up close and personal on ground level to the many animals that roam within the park. Later we stop for lunch and a cappuccino at the Equator, giving you plenty of time to shop for crafts and watch the local water demonstration of the different gravitational pulls! Afterwards we continue our drive down to the edge of Lake Victoria, arriving in Entebbe by late afternoon.
Entebbe
Meals: BLD

Day 14
An early breakfast sees you being shown around the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre and afterwards you take the boat ride across Lake Victoria, over to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. In depth explanations from the trained guides who work at the sanctuary make this a day to remember for all visitors. Lunch is provided on the island. Once back on terra firma, and dropped at your final destination, this is the end of your safari.
Meals: BL

Pricing based on double occupancy per person rate

Accommodation
2 people
4 people
6 people

Budget hotel
USD3500 pp
USD2950 pp
USD2800 pp

Lodge
USD4900 pp
USD4300 pp
USD4200 pp
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Home Stay in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

Live with a Family and Learn their Language:

V I P DMS offers YOU a chance to experience life in a foreign land within the community through people to people, live-in and seeing style of Tourism, where you enjoy the culture of people by volunteering and learning or Teaching abroad and Touring. This is an immersion program in a foreign country with totally a different culture and tradition. The rewards are great!

* Study about new cultures and tradition.
* Be part of the community
* assist other people
* assist the surrounding
* Study & assist the animals
* Study about conservation
* Study about other people
* Learn a foreign language & Teach English
* And so much more

Highlights: Nairobi is a City in the Sun, full of Melancholy and busy streets, alive with enchanting and warm hearted people, many of whom are descendants of the Kenyan tribes and races from all over the world.

The Kenyan people love their languages, traditions and Culture, colorful dresses like the ones of the Maasai Shukas, Red in Color. Kenya has stunning, diverse landscapes, from the Rift Valleys to the Coastal Regions of Mombasa. The food is fantastic. The language, surprisingly easy to pick-up.

Game viewing wonderful and can not be compared anywhere else and you're sure to see Flamingos, Lions, Zebras, Baboons, Elephants, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Giraffes, the tough Buffaloes and other unique animal species.

Highlights:
* 2 weeks of Immersion Kiswahili language and other local languages like Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba and Luhya . All levels catered for.
* Home-stay with local families in Nairobi or Kisumu or Mombasa to enhance the language acquisition.
* Explore Historic Fort Jesus at the Coast, former the Home of Arabs and Persians, later taken by the British colony, finish slave trade.
* Hike the Maralal areas the semi arid region towards the lake Turkana Northern Kenya. The areas of the Camel trails to spectacular Lake Rudolf/Turkana.
* White water rafting trip down the Tana River, Camping nights on the riverbanks or Mount Kenya or Lake Nakuru or Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania..
* Home stay with indigenous islanders on Zanzibar Island in the middle of The Indian Ocean.
* Feel the charms of beautiful fresh water of Lake Naivasha, Camp and watch birds fly over your Head.
* Trek as you hunt for Gorillas in the Uganda's great Bwindi forest as you move towards the frontiers of Rwanda.

Cost in US$: Cost varies per package. Please inquire for more information.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Job and Internship Network

V I P Destinations Management Services's Mission Statement: We offer the widest range of travel styles, Tours, Adventure, Volunteer & Cultural Exchange programs e.g Teach abroad with recognized organizations and other Tour companies. Our professional team have unrivaled expertise on the ground locally and Internationally. We are here to create unique travel experiences for our clients and all the participants in our programs, while providing opportunities that suits everyone plus our partners. We would like to make your dream come true when you visit Africa by showing you the most unique and memorable destinations.

Year Founded: 2003