Eco-Zone Explorers

With Isabelle Alvarez, Resource Person and Tour Conductor

JULY 11 – 28, 2012

Peru is well known for its Andean Cordillera and the legacy of the Incas, the latter being well represented by its renowned and well visited lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. However, we ignore too often that Peru is more than that since a large part of its territory lies within the Amazon basin rainforest east of the Andes.

This 18 day educational journey is intended mainly to make you discover this amazing rainforest of Peru by taking you to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, located in the Amazon Basin of southeastern Peru. This biosphere, also a World Heritage Site, with over 1,8 million ha., and extending from the Puna of the highlands at13,000ft to the lowland tropical rainforest at 666ft, is one of the jewels of Peru. It has an international reputation especially amongst the scientific community since it holds one of  the world’s highest levels of biodiversity, including 13 species of monkeys and approximately 1000 species of birds, both being world records.

Since the Incas could not live apart from the rainforest to which they made several expeditions to enlarge and protecttheir realm and gain access to products from other ecological zones, we cannot travel to the rainforest without first visiting the highlands and the legacy of the Incas and that of the Spanish conquistadors who also explored the rainforest of Manu. We will then visit Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a World Heritage Site, the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo and the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also a World Heritage Site. The group will visit one or two local projects, most likely projects involving children.

A short visit to Lima will serve as an introduction to our journey.

Goal and Philosophy of the Trip

Through this dual environmental and cultural exposure, this journey’s ultimate goal is to make us reflect on our lives, on our connection to the rest of the world and on our footprint on the environment as well as the actions we can take to reduce it.  Hence, the group will be encouraged to engage in evening conversations as often as possible to share their impressions and concerns, and to discuss topics related to the areas visited, the environment and communities.

Sustainability and education are the leading drivers of this journey in which, as responsible travelers, we will observecodes of conduct and guidelines in order to minimize our negative impact on the environment and maximize our positive contribution to local communities. When organizing this trip, we carefully chose the services of hotels and other businesses that are as environmentally and socially responsible as possible.

This trip was designed by Isabelle Alvarez, the Resource Person and Tour Conductor for this trip. Her two partners, Worldwide Ecotours, http://www.worldwideecolodges.com/wp/tours-and-expedition-planning/, and InkaNatura Travel, www.inkanatura.com/aboutus_inkanatura.asp, were chosen because of their commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Highlights of the Trip

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lima center, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Manu Biosphere Reserve.
• Protected Areas: Machu Picchu National Historical Sanctuary, Manu Biosphere Reserve (the largest tropical rainforest biosphere reserve in the world , holding one of the highest levels of biodiversity
• Rainforest communities belonging to different ethnolinguistic groups (Machiguenga, Amarakaeri, Huachipaeri and Yine)
• Andean Quechua linguistic group, especially in Cusco, Pissac, Ollantaytambo and Paucartambo
• The Amazon rainforest with its meandering rivers and primary and secondary forests, and its living creatures
• The beautiful and colorful macaws and parrots, as well as the outstanding national bird of Peru, the Andean cock-of-the-rock.

Who This Tour is For

This tour is for participants who:

• Are mainly adults (no age limit). Youth are welcome but it depends on the child, on his/her experience travelling, and if he/she is comfortable being with a group of adults.  Youth must be accompanied by adults.
• Are in reasonably good health and somewhat physically active.
• Have an interest in sustainability, conservation, and local cultures.
• Have a spirit of adventure and a passion for the outdoors.
• Speak English, Spanish or French. The Resource Person and Tour Conductor is trilingual and the local guides are bilingual (English-Spanish) and sometimes speak French too.

Itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

July 11

Travel from Calgary to Lima.

July 12

We have one day to explore Lima. Our tour will include the Huallamarca huaca in San Isidro, the Museo de la Nación, central historical Lima with its Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Monasterio de San Francisco, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and the Plaza San Martín, and finally Miraflores with its Parque del Amor. (B, L, D)

July 13

Travel from Lima to Cusco. The group will have a free and easy afternoon to adjust to the high elevation (just above 11000ft). This will be the perfect occasion for the group to have a taste of Peruvian culture by savoring the mate de coca or coca leaf tea, a natural remedy highly recommended to alleviate altitude sickness. In the evening we will meet to discuss the program for the next five days. (B,D)

July 14

We will spend the day strolling the streets of Cusco and visiting: the Qorikancha (temple of the sun), the Plaza de Armas with its Cathedral and many surrounding churches, the neighborhood of San Blas and its Museo Inka, and finally the Plaza de San Francisco and its nearby Central Market.  (B, L)

July 15

Today´s excursion will take us to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way we will stop at the ruins of Saksayhuaman. Then we will head down to the valley where we will visit colonial Pisac with its colourful food and craft market as well as art and craft galleries. We will stop in Urubamba for lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo with its narrow cobblestone streets and massive Inca fortress above. We will spend the night in Ollantaytambo.  On this day we will visit a local school. (B, L, D).

July 16

We take an early train to Aguas Calientes where a bus will take us up to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.  We will spend the rest of the day at the sanctuary. (B, L, D)

July 17

After a quick morning tour of Aguas Calientes, we will take the train back to Cusco. Afternoon at leisure in Cusco. (B)

July 18

We leave the Andean highlands to begin our 8-day journey to the Manu Biosphere Reserve and surroundings in the rainforest of southeastern Peru. On this first day the road takes us in a few hours from the Puna or tropical alpine grassland to the Yungas or cloud forest, where we will find our first lodge. We will pass several Quechua Andean communities, including Paucartambo. We will also stop at Oropesa (famous for making local bread), the Chullpas of Ninamarca (some pre-Inca burial tombs), and at a cloud forest research station where an amazing canopy walkway awaits us. (B, L, D)

July 19

Early morning we will go for a walk in search of the outstanding cock-of the-rocks, Peru´s national bird. Then we will continue our journey down through the cloud forest to finally reach the lowland rainforest. En route we will stop in Patria and Pillcopata, two rural communities of settlers. In Patria we will visit a coca plantation. In Pillcopata, we will meet with some of the members of Huacaria, a rainforest native community of Machiguengas. Then we will continue on to Atalaya where we will board our dugout motorized canoes that will take us downstream on the Alto Madre de Dios River to our lodge located in Manu Biosphere Reserve. On route we will stop in Shintuya where we will meet with its native people. We will arrive at our rainforest lodge before dusk (B, L, D)

July 20-22

Pantiacolla Lodge, at the base of the Pantiacolla Mountains, is set in a beautiful rainforest of bluffs overlooking the turbulent Alto Madre de Dios. Its 900 ha. of land offer miles of trails traversing a variety of habitats.  Our activities during the three days at the lodge will include: day and night guided walks; going to a macaw lick; great opportunities at all times to observe the so many species of wildlife that inhabit the highly diverse forests of Manu, including howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, brown capuchin monkeys, peccaries, deer, agouti, birds and many others; fishing; bathing in the nearby hot springs; and relaxing on the beach or simply on the hammocks hanging outside our rooms. We will also engage in evening discussions to share our impressions and if possible we will meet with special guests from nearby communities. (B, L, D)

July 23

Today we resume our downstream boat journey to the Yine Lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. En route we will make two stops. The first one is Diamante, a native community of Yine. We will meet with some of its members who will show us their school, catholic chapel, gardens and craft work. Our second stop will be at Boca Manu, located at the mouth of the Manu River. This is a relatively significant community of settlers where we find a medical station, a school and some basic small stores, bars and restaurants. We will have time to enjoy some refreshments. We will arrive at our lodge before sunset.  (B, L, D)

July 24-25

Early in the morning our canoes will take us to Manu Wildlife Center, two hours downstream on the Madre de Dios River, where we will spend the next one and one half days. Although located outside the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the forests of MWC are still highly diverse and scientists often come here to do research. Our activities will include guided walks, going to a forest mammal lick and a river bank parrot and macaw lick, accessing lake floating platforms as well as canopy platforms. All these will give you great opportunities to sight the vast array of wildlife species that inhabit this area amongst which tapirs, deer, black spider monkeys, giant otters, macaws, and curassows. We will also engage in evening discussions to share our impressions and will have time to relax. (B, L, D)

July 26

Our dugout canoes will take us on our last river journey downstream to Puerto Maldonado where we will catch our afternoon plane to Cusco. The rest of the day in Cusco will be spent at leisure. (B,L)

July 27

This day gives the group the opportunity to do some shopping since Cusco has many places to buy crafts and Alpaca clothing.  Those interested can also visit other places of interest in Cusco (e.g., museums), around Cusco (e.g., the salt mines of Maras, and Moray) or one can head back to Sacsayhuaman above the city to take some last great pictures. We will also have our concluding meeting and dinner. (B, D)

July 28

Travel from Cusco to Lima where we will catch our flight back to Calgary. (B)

July 29

We arrive in Calgary.

Cost

Price in CAD$ per person, based on 15 participants and double occupancy: $5,450

• Single room supplement: $1,030
• If you are willing to share your room, we can try to make a roommate match.
• Included: all taxes, all domestic flights (Lima-Cusco-Lima and Puerto Maldonado-Cusco), all surface travel, all transfers, accommodation, all meals as listed in the itinerary, local Peruvian guides, entrances to sites, canopy walkway, visits to local communities and projects and respective donations, accompanying resource person and tour conductor, pre-departure orientation sessions (5 hrs) and trip handbook.
• Not included: international flights, local airport departure taxes, meals not included in the itinerary, travel insurance, tips and local gratuities, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
• Price based on: the costs and exchange rate at the time of printing and is subject to change to reflect any changes in hotel rates, entrance fees, airfares, fuel surcharge, currency rates, land costs and others beyond our control. Therefore, there are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment.

For More Information on the Trip Please Contact:

Isabelle Alvarez        ialvarezal@hotmail.com

Tel: 1-403-264-5348

Ruth MacRae               rmacrae@worldwideecotours.com

Tel:  1-403-247-8843              Toll Free:  1-888-788-2378

 

 

 

 

 

Featuring cloudforest visit,  high Andes paramo eco-zone, Incan culture, Amazon ecolodge, Huaorani indigenous experience, Galapagos 3 island stay and Avenue of the Volcanoes. You will make a connection with local people, contribute directly to conserving precious and threatened environments, help foster respect for native and traditional peoples and cultures, and support local projects that provide benefits for the communities you visit. This is the Ultimate Ecuador Eco-Zone Explorer Tour.

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Meet your driver at the airport and be welcomed into Ecuador. From here you will be transferred to your night’s hotel.

Day 2: Mindo

This morning the first destination is in the Mindo Cloudforest. Cloud forests are at mid altitude and frequently become misty, creating a cool humid environment that supports an abundant biodiversity. You will travel through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and, upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction to the ecolodge facilities. This is a very interesting place where the owners have created a mini micro hydro site, and organic vegetable garden, a lovely main lodge with expansive sitting areas open to the cloud forest. The individual bungalows are self contained units with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Rough hewn construction, very comfortable and secure feeling. There are daily guided hikes and a tour of the facility included. (BLD)

Day 3: Mindo An optional 6:30 wake up call begins the day that starts with a guided walk to observe wildlife. You might see toucans, quetzals, parrots and sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis. After breakfast is another guided nature walk and several other optional activities: mountain biking, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding. Make a point to visiting the town of Mindo to try out the freshest chocolate you will ever taste at the Quetazal Cafe. They offer a free tour of the mini-plantation and show you the magic transformation from seed to elixir. Cacao pods actually originated from this region and were traded and then cultivated by the Azteca in Mexico. For many years, Ecuador was the world’s largest producer. (BLD)

Day 4: Otavalo

If you are inclined, you can take a very early morning excursion to see the rare courtship display of the cock o the rock. The trip involves a steep hike into a reserve, and then sitting in a blind to see the birds. They appear daily, but you must be quiet and unobtrusive. The display is quite riotous and colourful, although the air can also be quite misty. You come back to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will travel to Mojanda, a mountainside ecolodge and organic farm, located near the town of Otavalo. (BLD)

Day 5: Otavalo (You can also read more in detail about Otavalo market by searching this blog for posts.)

Today, see the famous Otavalo market. Lunch is in a local indigenous-owned restaurant after which you will participate in a guided tour of local craft workshops, homes and nearby villages. Later, back at the lodge, you can take a walk in the amazingly beautiful hills, along foot paths adjacent to local farms. If you are lucky, you can be led by the lodge’s mascot to a pretty waterfall. (BLD)

Day 6: Cotopaxi

Today we’ll continue touring the highlands area, taking a scenic route south and east In the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito. Here travellers can choose between hiking and mountain biking in the clouds, riding horses with the local ‘chagras’ or Andean cowboys, and ziplines that will take you soaring over the spectacular mountain scenery.

Close to the truly majestic snow capped Mount Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, visitors will experience an authentic taste of Ecuador’s colonial past during their stay in the comfortable accommodation provided by a real working ranch house built in colonial style, and nestled in the unsurpassed beauty of this region of the Andes.

Before we arrive at the lodge there will be a chanced visit to Cotopaxi National Park where the interpretation centre will give you an opportunity to get to know something about the plants and animals that populate this lush green mountain region. You will also learn about ancient eruptions of this truly majestic, snow capped, cone shaped volcano that have left an indelible imprint on the area.

After driving slowly up through the park and enjoying the mountain we will start our climb to the Padre Rivas mountain climbers´ refuge, situated at an altitude of 4,800m (15,744 feet) above sea level. Here you will be above the clouds, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This is truly the land of the gods. In the afternoon we will explore some of the other interesting areas of this important national park: the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon situated in the mountain peaks, and 15 km beyond the lake, located on a small hill, we will explore the ruins of ancient Inca fortress (pucara) of Salitre.

And at the end of day, a delicious dinner, a warm fireplace and conversation in cheerful company will be waiting for us at our Mountain Lodge.

Day 7: Horse Riding on the Volcano
After a good breakfast an expert ‘chagra’ (Andean cowboy), who will also be our local guide, will show us how to ride a horse provided by the lodge. The ´chagras´ their colourful clothes and their well groomed horses are a reminder of the days when the horse was the main form of transport in the area. Our ride starts in the foothills of the craggy Rumiñahui volcano, named after a famous Inca general who lead the first uprising against the Spanish conquistadors. During the ride our local guide will share with us his knowledge of the ancient lore and myths of the region.

We will be back for lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon we will walk around the hacienda and visit the Manto Blanco waterfall. Or if you prefer, we can relax in the Hacienda take part in some of the activities or just settle in front of the fire and relax before the evening meal. Night: Mountain Lodge (BLD)

Day 7: OPTIONAL

For the traveller interested in a more active day we offer an optional, more adventurous excursion, that will take you across these beautiful Andes highlands:

The journey starts with a visit by horse back, mountain bike, hike (or if you prefer, drive) to El Tambo, a pre-colonial Inca refuge and stockyard that hosted and supplied Inca travellers that moved from the mountains to the coast and vice versa.

The journey up to El Tambo (the word signifies Travellers Rest), is truly impressive, the mountains, the llamas, the local communities, the Quichua culture. All these we can take in on the way up and back, accompanies by our local guide who will give us some insights into the culture and this beautiful part of the country.

At night we will stay at a hacienda where you can still see the original handcrafted stone floor of the Inca Tambo. This magical place is surrounded by volcanic sand and has fantastic views of Mt. Cotopaxi.
Alternative night: El Tambo, Cotopaxi

Day 8: Ecological Reserve and Ziplines
Today we will visit the Santa Rita private ecological reserve

We make our way up to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve to explore the forest canopy by zipline. This system was originally used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy and includes five cables between 100 and 480 meters long. The zipline provides a great vantage point for bird watching and enjoying the scenery, and will give you a real adrenaline rush as you soar above the trees. After a good picnic lunch, the group will be lead by the Reserve’s park rangers as they perform trail maintenance and rehabilitation.

The reserve is located on the slopes of Mt. Pasochoa. The trail we will take crosses high mountain forest at 3,300 m (10,824ft) above sea level. During our walk we will pass native forest until we get to the open grassland locally know as paramo, at 3,700 m above sea level. From here you will be able to view a magnificent panorama that includes the Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua volcanoes.

In the afternoon we will head further down the Avenue of Volcanoes to the town named Banos, in the shadow of the active volcano Tungurahua . (BLD)

Day 9: The Avenue of the Volcanoes and flight over the Amazon Rainforest

Getting to the Huaorani’s world is an amazing part of the experience. We drive from Banos to the town of Shell, a town named after the oil company, and we board a small plane, flying for 35 minutes to Quehueri ́ono over spectacular rainforest panoramas. A dug- out canoe will then take us to the Lodge where, after settling in, you will get your first taste of the Amazon, and explore one of the short forest trails close to the Lodge. Night: Huaorani ecolodge (BLD)

Day 10: Getting to know the Community
This is the day we get a chance to know the people of the Huaorani Community of Quehueri’ono. You will be able to join them in some of their daily activities and have a chance to share some of their history, myths and magic. Later, in the warmth of the evening we will relax in the company of the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. (BLD)

Day 11: On the Trail With the Huaorani
On the Hunting Trail. Accompanied by our guide and a member of the community equipped with lance and blow pipe, we explore the ways of the forest and the animals, entering the world the Huaorani share with them. You will be able to try your hand (or mouth) at the blow pipe and get to know more about this marvellous world that is now threatened by oil fields and palm plantations. (BLD)

Day 12: Reality Tour and Back to Quito
We travel on the Via Auca to the town of Coca (the formal name is Puerto Francisco de Orellana after the Spanish conquistador/explorer) where we will board the flight back to Quito. The journey will be revealing. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life. (BL)

Day 13: Flight to Galapagos Islands
Fly to San Cristobal Island, and transfer to your hotel. After a tasty lunch, we’ll ride bikes to the Interpretation Center, and then on to the Loberia, a great spot to see colonies of sea lions. (B, L)

Day 14: Kayak and Snorkel
Today is the perfect day for taking to the water. We start with a great intro to kayaking, paddling from the Puerto Baquerizo beach to Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigate Hill, which gets its name from the large number of Frigate Birds (Tijeretas) that live and nest there. Later we’ll snorkel at Leon Dormido, enjoy some fantastic kayaking next to a cliff filled with Galapagos birdlife (experienced paddlers can catch a big wave), and then try some snorkeling, with the chance to see dozens of harmless sharks and a colorful rock channel teeming with tropical fish. (B)

Day 15: Island of Isabela
Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Isabela Island and check into our hotel. After breakfast we’ll head to the small Tintoreras islands, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we’ll see white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays and Galapagos penguins. There’s also the chance to snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of the bay, where we’ll be able to get a close up of the islands’ famous underwater life. In the afternoon we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding centre. (B)

Day 16: Volcano Crater Hike
Today it’s time to stretch our legs. We’ll visit Sierra Negra, the largest crater of all the Galapagos volcanoes. It is a spectacular hike, and a perfect primer on the geology of the archipelago. We’ll enjoy some spectacular vistas over the island before returning to our hotel. (B)

Day 17: Wildlife and Water
This morning we’ll leave from the white sandy beach in front of our hotel and paddle to Villamil Bay, passing rays, penguins, and blue footed boobies, and watching the friendly sea lions that paddle along with us. In the afternoon we will walk the Wetlands Trail, through the mangroves and marine iguana colonies, to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by WWII prisoners housed at the island’s US base. (B)

Day 18: Island Santa Cruz
We’ll leave in the early morning sun and travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into our hotel we’ll head to the Highlands to see Giant Tortoises, and then explore lava tunnels and the ‘Los Gemelos’ a pair of giant volcanic craters. In the afternoon we’ll head to the spectacular white sand beach at Tortuga Bay where we can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, and paddle amongst marine iguanas, sharks, and sea turtles. (B)

Day 19: Charles Darwin Research Centre and Mainland
After a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, we transfer to Baltra for our return flight back to mainland Ecuador. Of course, if you’ve fallen in love with these ‘enchanted’ isles – many people do – you can decide to extend your stay for a few days. There’s lots of scuba diving and naturalist day trips you can take to explore some of the other fascinating Galapagos islands. (B)

Day 20: Return Home
This morning the tour finishes with a transfer to the airport. You may want to extend your stay a few days and explore Quito. If so, be sure to ask about adding on some nights.

DETAILED ITINERARY
19 Day World in One Country – Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Game Drives in Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, Cultural Experience and Game Drives in Zululand, Walking in the Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho 4×4 Route, Garden Route, Cango Caves & Karoo, Cape Town

A semi-participation safari from Johannesburg to Cape Town through South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Meal Key:
B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner

Itinerary
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South Africa LD
Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30 we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night just outside the old gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest, a living museum dating back to 1873. We explore the quaint town and visit the Mac Mac falls.

Distance: 500 km
Accommodation:Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 2 – 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa BLD
This morning we stop at the “God’s Window” viewpoint before heading to the Kruger National Park. Big game country – exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife.

Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: Berg en Dal Camp (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 4: Kingdom of Swaziland BLD
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi’s are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Hlane is a home to white rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephant, ostrich, crocodile, wildebeest and impala as well as small populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena.

Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Ndlovu Camp (Huts with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 5-6: Zululand, South Africa BLD, BLD
After visiting a craft market en route, we re-enter South Africa. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the white rhino. We have an afternoon and the following morning to do game drives in our vehicle and stop at hides and waterholes to watch game come down to drink. The first afternoon we visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Hluhluwe Hilltop Camp (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 7: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa BLD
Moving further south to the base of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). We spend one night here allowing time for walking along beautiful mountain stream paths the next morning.

Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Underberg Region (Cottages with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 8: Sani Pass, South Africa BLD
Early this morning we explore the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains on a short guided walk. Afterwards we make our way up the scenic Sani Pass in direction of Lesotho. The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho.

Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Sani Top Chalet (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 9 & 10: Lesotho BLD
Today we cross the border into Lesotho and make our way down the Sani Pass along an adventurous 4×4 route towards the western border of Lesotho. After a long day we arrive at Malealea Lodge, where we spend two nights. Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. This is a chance to experience traditional Basotho life. On Day 10 we enjoy pony trekking through the magnificent landscapes that Lesotho has to offer.

Distance: 520 km
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 11: Cradock, South Africa BLD
We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and cross the border back into South Africa. We drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality, situated close to natural sulphur springs.

Distance: 395 km
Accommodation: Die Tuishuise (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 12-13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa BLD
A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals.

Distance: 600 km
Accommodation: Addo Elephant Campsites (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 14-15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa BLD, BLD
Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite at Storms River mouth, and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option of world’s highest bungi jump (own expense). Whale watching in season (July to November).
Distance: 260 km
Accommodation: Storms River Campsite (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 16: Karoo, South Africa BLD
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we visit the famous Cango Caves. We camp outside Oudtshoorn and enjoy our final night under Africa’s starry skies.

Distance: 400 km
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Campsite (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & cafeteria)

DAY 17 – 18: Cape Town, South Africa B, B
Visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Explore Cape Town and the ‘Mother City’s’ many attractions; visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak drive, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). Meals at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).

Distance: 410 km
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge in Cape Town (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, close to restaurants & shops)

DAY 19: Cape Town, South Africa B
We climb Table Mountain in the morning admiring the views over Table Bay and Cape Town. Spend the afternoon catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape’s sunshine.
Tour ends at +/-18h00 at your hotel.

Please note that there will be 2 additional hotel nights on this tour, one pre tour night and one post tour night. These will be prearranged for your convenience.

This tour is one for people looking for that once in a lifetime trip to Kenya. It is leisurely paced and suitable for any age. It is privately guided throughout. Ask about family rate.

Day 1: Nairobi
Arrival at the airport at night and transfer from the airport to La Mada or equivalent hotel in Nairobi.

Day 2, 3, 4:  Masai Mara
This tour starts with the very best of Kenya’s national parks, Masai Mara the Africa that every one dreams of. For the 3 days we will explore the open savannahs plains, the riverine forests and meandering rivers for elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, crocodiles and hippos.

Wildlife viewing in Masai Mara is an all year-round affair and not restricted to the July-Sep period of wildebeest migration. There is a resident population of wildebeests and plains game throughout the year. The cats, which by nature are territorial, are also permanently there defending their corners. You will possibly see a wide variety of game in Mara outside the migration period as most animals move out with the high stress of the wildebeest “invasion”.

On day 4, after a game drive in the morning, Masai Morans will guide us on a soft walk in the rolling hills and grasslands, out of the park boundaries where we will have close encounters with gazelles, zebras and giraffes. En route we will visit a Masai village.

3 nights at Mara Simba Lodge / Sarova Mara Tented Camp / Keekorok / Mara Leisure Tented Camp. BLD

Day 5: Menengai Crater – Nakuru
We arrive at the Maili Saba tented camp, our base for 2 days, in the late afternoon. With 10 luxurious tents built on the edge of the dormant Menengai Crater, Maili Saba offers all what a nature traveler would want in an African holiday: silence, tranquility, one-off scenery, unique accommodation and food worth traveling for, all rendered in a level of service that is professional and non-intrusive. With a limit of only 20 guests, this is a place for anyone who wants to be away from mass tourism. BLD

Day 6:  Lake Nakuru
We will spend the day in the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its thousands of flamingos as well as vast herds of buffaloes and tens of rhinos. There is a good chance to see cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion. Back to Maili Saba tented camp for overnight. BLD

Day 7:  Swara Conservancy
For wildlife seekers, birders, walkers as well as anyone looking for a nature based tour in Kenya, Swara Plains is ideal for all the right reasons: one-off wildlife viewing experience, guided nature walks, colorful and easily found birds.

Just 30 minutes out of the city of Nairobi, the 20,000 acres ranch is old wild Africa at its very best: wide open savannah grasslands, tall yellow fever trees, endless views.  Swara Plains is part of the Tsavo-Amboseli eco-system and with exception of elephants, rhinos and buffaloes all the other plains game found in Tsavo and Amboseli are found here. You will see big herds of oryx, elands, wildebeests, giraffes, monkeys, hartebeests, zebras, impalas, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles, warthogs and the occasional gerenuk in total absence of mass tourism.

There is also a good number of cheetahs and leopards but unlike the cats in other national parks which are now socialized to act for visitors (a cheetah sitting on a car’s hood is not natural!) Guided walks and game drives.
Overnight at Acacia Camp BLD

Day 8, 9 & 10: Amboseli
We drive south to Amboseli national park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The magic of Amboseli is seeing the big game including huge herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, Grant’s gazelles and elands with the backdrop of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

Should you be a birder Amboseli has +425 species of birds recorded. There are water birds, birds of prey as well as dry scrub birds. 3 nights at the Kibo Tented Camp. BLD

Day 11: Transfer To Nairobi
Leave Amboseli in the late morning and drive back to Nairobi and your evening flight out or onward travel. Lunch At Acacia Camp  BL

Includes: 10 nights accommodation, Guided walks and tours as described. all transfers, meals as noted (BLD = breakfast, lunch, dinner), all local taxes. Flying Doctors Evacuation cover. Can be modified to suit your time and interests. Airfares not included.