East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking Adventure Tour

There's nothing like watching an animal approach your safari vehicle, trying to keep your voice to a whisper as it gets close enough to count its eyelashes. If it's experiences like this that you're after, this three-week adventure through Kenya and Tanzania will absolutely hit the spot. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai community by staying at a lodge owned and operated by the Maasai themselves. Go on dual safaris and witness once-in-a-lifetime wildlife in renowned national parks. Spend an extraordinary day hiking up iconic Mt Kenya, with each step more breathtaking than the last. Travel to Gombe Stream National Park and follow the path of Dr. Jane Goodall in hopes of spending time with the chimpanzee families who call the park their home. Brace yourself: this adventure is East Africa beyond your wildest dreams.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/driver throughout, local guides

Max Pax  

12

Accommodation  

Community Owned Lodge (2nts) Hotel (5nts), Safari Lodge (11nts).

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Group Leader Description  

On this tour, you will be accompanied by a group Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. All of our leaders in southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they've studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you'll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.

As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. In addition, as an integral part of the team, your driver is skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes travelled.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

About Accommodation  

Rustic Community Owned Lodge (2nts), Hotel (5nts), Safari Lodge (10nts)

Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

For any issues relating to pre-booked transfers for Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including delays or missed transfers, please contact our airport transfer operator:
Musaddiq: +255 754 400 141 or +255 787 400 142
(From outside Tanzania) Musaddiq: 0754 400 141 or 0787 400 142

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya)
From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832
From within Kenya: 0727 208 832

G Adventures Local Representative (Tanzania)
During office hours, 9am-5pm local time:
From outside Tanzania: +255 754 400 141
From within Tanzania: 0754 400 141

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Snow Boots
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Size Notes  

Max 12

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Please Note:
If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall, the sign will not have your name on it, instead our driver will ask for your name as confirmation of your transfer with us. Enjoy your ride to Nairobi!


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu
Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Cooking Class, Mto wa Mbu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Oloololo Escarpment Hike or Maasai Mara Safari Drive, Masai Mara
Your OMG Day: Mount Makarot Hike- Challenging or Moderate Trail, Ngorongoro Crater. Complimentary Arrival Transfer. Welcome and Farewell dinners. Maasai Guided Bush Walk and Safari Game Drive, Maasai Village Visit, Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary Tour, Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safari Game Drive, Hike Mt Kenya, Maasai Mara National Park safari game drive, Dinner in the Bush, Tree Planting Project, Nai Nami Tour of Nairobi, Complimentary Arrival Transfer. Welcome and Farewell Dinners. Elephant Caves Walk, Ngorongoro Crater Safari Drive, Serengeti Safari Drive, Chimp Trekking, Kakombe Waterfall Visit, Hike to Jane's Peak, Visit Jane Goodall's House, Visit Bongoyo Island.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Night 2, 3, 15, 16

Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

Kenya:
As of January 1st 2024, the Kenyan government announced the introduction of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) scheme, eliminating the requirement for all nationalities to obtain a visitor visa for Kenya. ALL travellers must apply for the eTA, including those that were previously exempt. 
For more information, please refer to the eTA site here

IMPORTANT NOTE:
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.

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East Africa Tourist Visa:
An East Africa Tourist Visa allows the holder to move freely between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with only one Visa, and is valid for a period of 90 days. It also acts as a multiple entry Visa, so if you leave any of the above countries, you do not need a new Visa to re-enter (provided it is within the 90 day validity period).
This needs to be applied for in advance, for visitors who wish to visit simultaneously the three countries (Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda) for tourism.
If acquiring the EATV visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100.

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Tanzania:
Border crossing from Malawi into Tanzania is via the Songwe Border Post and from Tanzania into Kenya through Namanga Border Post.

Tanzania Host information for the online Visa application for travellers:
1) Host - G Adventures
2) Full Name - G Adventures
3) Email - [email protected]
4) Relationship - Tour Operator
5) Mobile No - +255 754 400 141
6) Company Name / Organisation registration No - G Adventures
7) Physical Address: P.O.Box 1912, Boma Road, Arusha

Information is accurate as of March 1st, 2024.

Optional Activities  

Masai Mara
- Masai Mara Balloon Safari (480USD per person)

Arusha
- Kikuletwa Hot springs
- Kili Estate Horse Riding
- Coffee Tour

Serengeti National Park
- Serengeti Balloon Safari

Gombe Stream National Park
- Kayak on Lake Tanganyika
- Fishing on Lake Tanganyika

Dar es Salaam
- Bongoyo Island Visit

Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures  

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

About our Transportation  

This trip is done in private 7 seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, these vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2 vehicles will be used.

Tipping  

On the Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the CEO or Porterage. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person, per day.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Africa to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.

Highlights  

Day Hike on Mt Kenya on the Sirimon Route, Visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta. Stay at a Maasai owned and operated lodge, Go on a tracking walk with a Maasai guide. Safari drives in the Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater safari, Cooking demonstration and lunch at Mto wa Mbu, Serengeti safari drives, Chimp Trekking in Gombe Stream National Park, Visit Dr. Jane Goodall's former home and research station, Hike to Jane peak

Meals Included  

18 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 18 dinners

Transport  

Private vehicle, plane, walking, open-air safari vehicle, boat.