Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya by Helicopter
Prepared for Gian Rico
Itinerary
Day 1: Burunge & Lake Manyara
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport to meet you pilot and helicopter. Fly northwards to the Burunge Wildlife Area located between Lake Manyara and Tarangire. The region has a diversity of habitats and exciting wildlife.
Chem Chem, 2 nights.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Continue North towards the Northern Rift, flying over this volcanic area where the landscape is constantly changing. From the lodge walk around the Ngorongoro crater. Take a day trip to Lake Manyara and Eyasi where you will stop to visit the Hadza tribe.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, 1 night.
Day 4: Grumeti Reserve
The next stop is Grumeti, a wildlife conservancy. Fly over Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai, the coolest volcano in the world. Spot vast numbers of game from the helicopter as you fly over wildlife conservancies. Spend time on game drives and walking through the bush.
Sasakwa Lodge, 2 nights.
Day 6: Lake Victoria
Our final stop in Tanzania is an island off the shores of Lake Victoria. Fly around this vast lake before meeting a boat for a sundowner. First we must clear customs at Mwanza and Kisoro before flying to an Island off the shores of Lake Victoria.
Rubondo Island Lodge, 1 night.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
We leave the Savannah behind, our next stop the forests of Uganda. First we must clear customs at Kisoro and Mwanza before flying to our destination, Clouds - positioned on 'Nteko Ridge' high above the afro-montane forest on the south side of Bwindi.
Trekking for Gorillas from the lodge.
Clouds Lodge, 2 nights.
Day 9: Crater Lakes
Fly north to the Great Lakes region of western Uganda. Afternoon Kibale Forest Chimpanzee trek. Evening flight over the Rwenzori mountains.
Ndali Lodge, 1 night.
Day 10: Murchison Falls
Continue north to Murchison Falls. Boat cruise and wildlife experience.
Nile Safari Lodge, 1 night.
Day 11: Kidepo National Park
Enjoy the wildlife and landscapes of Kidepo National Park
Apoka Lodge, 2 nights.
Day 13: Lake Turkana & The Suguta Valley
Leaving the forests behind, we fly to the North of Kenya. Here we spend time exploring Lake Turkana and the Chalbi desert. Head out on quadbikes to explore the arid surroundings. Take the fishing boat out on to the Lake for the day.
Koros Camp, 2 nights.
Day 15: Borana conservancy
Fly down the Suguta Valley towards Laikipia for our last days in Kenya.
Arijiju, 2 nights.
End of your safari
TANZANIA
Outlined with the delicate blush of tens of thousands of flamingos, Lake Manyara is a must-see birding experience between November and April. Surrounded by lush marshland, the lake is home to large populations of wildlife, among them lions famous for climbing trees. If a contemplative soak is the order of the day, there are hot springs ideal for the task.
DAY 1 - 2: LAKE MANYARA
A stylish, secluded, 5-star safari lodge, where the concept of Slow Safari was born. Walk with the Maasai, track giraffes on foot and savour sundowners on the edge of Lake Manyara
CHEM CHEM LODGE
DAY 3: NGORONGORO CRATER+ LAKE NATRON
Close to the Kenyan border within the Gregory Rift Valley lies Lake Natron, one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. Its alkaline waters are often bright red in colour, due to the salt-loving microorganisms that thrive here. Caustic and forbidding in nature, Lake Natron is strikingly fascinating, and a spectacle worth experiencing.
On the northern Tanzania boarder, stands the astonishing mountain of Ol Doinyo Lengai - the “Mountain of God” in Maasai. It is unique, as it is the only known active volcano to erupt natrocarbonatite (sodium-rich) lava. Its lava fountains harden midair, then shatter like glass. Ol Doinyo Lengai rises majestically about 2,000 meters from the East Africa Rift Valley depression to a summit elevation of 2,890 meters.
We will visit Lake Manyara, which stretches 50km along the base of the vast Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara is a scenic gem offering a wilderness experience in diverse habitats. Its alkaline waters attract over 400 species of birds, the most prolific are pink flamingos that flock here in thousands. It also has an acacia woodland where tree-climbing lions have become a Manyara legend.
On the banks of Lake Eyasi, lives the world’s last hunter-gatherer tribe - the Hadza. They live a life unchanged for more than ten thousand years, hunting baboons, birds, antelope and buffalo with hand-made bows and arrows, in a hot desolate landscape. Their language, Hadzane, is rhythmic and punctuated by clicks, and believed to be the oldest language still spoken. About one thousand Hadza still live in caves; no laws, taxes or money is of relevance to them.
On the edge of the Ngorongoro crater lies an elegant baroque châteaux. With an eclectic blend of teak paneling, Victorian furnishings and interesting African touches this lodge creates an atmosphere that is as elegant and unique in the Crater. The dramatic contrasts, of natural luxury and the beautiful setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture.
It is divided into three camps, with 30 suites. Each camp has its own sitting and dinning area.
NGORONGORO LODGE
DAY 4 + 5: GRUMETI
Situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park, it is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It provides 350,000 acres of exceptional landscape for wildlife - and the ultimate safari experience.
The Grumeti river has one of the major river crossings for the Serengeti Great Migration. Between May and August, thousands of wildebeest cross this crocodile infested river.
A lodge built in the style of an Edwardian manor house but with the light and airy atmosphere of the African Savannah. Watch wildlife from your cottage and from the swimming pool.
Offering expansive en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, fireplaces, living rooms and French doors opening onto welcoming verandas, the elegant cottages feature polished parquet floors, vintage collectables and comfortable furnishings – and provide guests with complete privacy, as well as unfiltered space and time to connect with the breathtaking surrounds.
SINGITA SASAKWA LODGE
DAY 6: LAKE VICTORIA
Lake Victoria is the world's largest tropical lake and the largest lake in the African Great Lakes region. The lake supports the largest freshwater fishery in the world, producing 1 million tons of fish per year and employing 200,000 people in supporting the livelihoods of 4 million people. Rubondo Island is home to chimpanzees and other wildlife.
In the southwest of Lake Victoria lies Rubondo Island, an extraordinary example of wildlife conservation. It’s Africa’s largest island national park at 26km long and up to 10 km wide. More than 75 percent of the island is covered in pristine equatorial rain forest. Since the 1960s, the island has been a haven for wild chimpanzee, sitatunga antelope, elephant and giraffe.
Rubondo Island lodge is the only camp on the Island, it has eight waterfront rooms which have been hand-built using traditional methods and local materials. All meals are served outdoors, under the stars in front on the vast lake.
RUBONDO ISLAND
UGANDA
DAY 7 + 8: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Within the remote Kigezi highlands of south western Uganda, deep in the Virunga mountain range is the primeval forest of Bwindi - a
region of tremendous beauty, best known for its endangered Mountain Gorilla.
Mountain Gorillas can only live in dense vegetation. Bwindi alone is home to half the worlds population of Mountain Gorillas.
Coming face to face with a Mountain Gorilla is one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Gaining an insight into the behaviour and family dynamics of one of the world’s rarest primates is nothing short of captivating.
After trekking for Gorillas, spend an evening exploring the Virunga Mountains. They are a chain of 8 volcanoes running along the borders of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, 7 of which are found in the Virunga National Park and only two are active – Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo.
Clouds lodge is where you will stay for the first two nights in Uganda. It is located in the southern corner of Bwindi National Park, with the gorilla walking trails starting at the lodge. It is surrounded by rich vegetation and botanical gardens and has eight spacious and cosy cottages overlook the Virunga volcanoes.Warm and welcoming, each cottage features a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate lounge. Comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect vantage point to admire the unforgettable vistas of the forest below. Blazing fireplaces create a cosy glow as evening falls.
CLOUDS LODGE
The Crater Lakes region of Western Uganda lies in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountain range. Ancient volcanic activity has created ‘explosion craters’ in which today lies dozens of beautiful fresh water lakes, each of varying colours. Aside from being spectacular, they offer great places for swimming and nature trails, with an incredible variety of birds.
Inside Queen Elizabeth National Park lies Lake Katwe - a crater lake which several streams drain into, but without an outlet, intense evaporation has resulted in the water having a 60% salinity. Salt mining here dates back to the 13th century, and remains the main source of income among the inhabitants.
The shimmering waters of Lake Albert, a fresh water lake lying between two parallel escarpments, supports thousands of people that depend on commercial fishing activities. Small fishing boats dock for the night, and nets are untangled, repaired and laid out for the morning.
We will arrive at the Kibale forest, a tropical rainforest home to a fascinating diversity of animals. It is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda, with Africa’s highest diversity and density of primates. We will trek through this rainforest in search of red tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, olive baboons and chimpanzee's.
DAY 9: CRATER LAKES
You will spend one night at Ndali Lodge, perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, in which lies the breath-taking Lake Nyinambuga. Ndali is a family run business, with 8 en-suite cottages. The cottages are thatch, wood and stone build, all made from locally sourced materials. Each en-suite cottage has a double or twin bed, plenty of changing room, a seating area and private veranda.
From here we will trek the Kibale forest in search of chimpanzees. There are also many lovely walks around Ndali estate, and the neighbouring vanilla plantation.
NDALI LODGE
The Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation area, through which flows the River Nile from its source at Lake Victoria to Lake Albert. Located in the heart of the Park is an area where the entire Victoria Nile is forced through a narrow 6 meter gap creating one of the most powerful forces of water.
We will take a boat trip on the Nile, backing onto Murchison Falls National Park. It is a magnet for wildlife - elephant, buffalo, Nile crocodile, and has one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos. Birdlife is thrilling, and particularly unique are the shoebill stork, African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek and Black bee-eater.
DAY 10: MURCHISON FALLS
A family owned lodge located on the southern bank of the mighty River Nile, easily accessible to the vast wilderness of this much sought after National Park. The eight bandas are built of local wood and grass thatch. Full of charm, the lodge is furnished simply with stylish touches. The rooms are spacious and airy, with private viewing decks, large double beds and en-suite bathrooms with a ‘monsoon’ shower and freestanding bathtub.
The main living areas focus on comfort, space and outdoor living – with ample decking, a fire pit and choice of places to relax. The service and food is a priority, and despite the remoteness of the Lodge, produce is fresh and meals are always delicious.
NILE SAFARI LODGE
Situated in the far north east, Kidepo is Uganda’s most remote national park. The pristine wilderness with rolling savannah grassland and rugged spectacular mountain landscape has a constant source of ground water.
An astounding 475 bird species are found here - including some of the rarest such as the Rose ringed parakeet and Claperton’s Francolin. Kidepo has 80 mammal species, 28 of which are found in no other park in Uganda.
DAY 11 + 12: KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK
Apoka has 10 semi tented cottages, each with its own bathroom and veranda, looking out onto the savannah landscapes.
Raised on decks the rooms have wooden floors, canvas sides and large 4 poster beds. The interiors are crafted locally and add to the charm of this beautiful lodge. The open plan mess area with the bar, lounge and dinning, is also raised on a wooden deck with uninterrupted views over the water hole.
APOKA LODGE
KENYA
The largest desert lake in the world lies in Northern Kenya. One of the most remote and hostile places on Earth, with black volcanic rocks and soaring daytime temperatures, yet so scenically spectacular. The collapsed volcano of Nabuyatom lies at the southern end of the lake. Surrounded by jade waters, this is the most iconic feature on the lake’s shore.
Lake Logipi lies at the top of the Suguta Valley, a seasonal saline lake - often full of flamingo. The lake is about 6km wide by 3 km long, and very shallow.
DAY 13 + 14: LAKE TURKANA + SUGUTA
In a remote and unspoiled spot, Koros, a luxury desert retreat with 6 thatched cottages, is nestled away amongst acacia trees and semi arid scrubland at the northern end of the South Horr valley. A small rock pool is a welcome escape from the heat of the day, located at the top of the camp with views over the South Horr Valley.
Spend the day out on the fishing boat on Lake Turkana, catching enormous nile perch. Explore the arid landscaped by quad bikes, thrroigh dried up river beds and spotting wildlife on your way.
KOROS CAMP
The vast plateau of Laikipia rolls from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the arid deserts of what used to be known as the Northern Frontier District. Situated in the arid north of the country, the region offers a real and pristine wilderness experience. More endangered species can be seen here than anywhere else in East Africa.
DAY 15 + 16: LAIKIPIA
Lengishu is located on Borana conservancy, to the north and east of Lengishu lie snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sprawling deserts, while to the south looms Mount Kenya. Spend three nights here, exploring the area walking, on horseback and even on e-bikes.
Lengishu is nestled quietly into a ridge line and blends seamlessly into its surroundings, due to its sustainably sourced design. Stone was excavated from the site itself, earth from the hillside clads the walls and all the timber work was sourced from within Kenya.
The main house forms the focal point of Lengishu with vaulted ceilings and large inviting replaces. Four cottages are arranged along the hillside, each elegantly furnished with unique style and character. Accommodating up to twelve guests, this private home is perfect for large family gatherings and groups of friends.
LENGISHU
AIRBUS H125
Capacity: 5 passenger seats and 1 pilot
Passenger Configuration: 1 passenger front left and 4 in the rear, forward facing
Cruise Speed: 133 knots
Endurance: 4.3 hours
These helicopters are the best in their field, they are high performance, single engine helicopters. They are designed for maneuvering through the air with agility and speed, with superior abilities in extreme environments. They are perfectly suited for operations in high altitudes and hot temperatures, typical of east Africa.
They are the most amazing way to travel, reaching places that are inaccessible by any other form of transport, allowing a panoramic sight seeing of all that Uganda has to offer.
Tropic Air is based in Kenya, and offers a broad range of professional air services using helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Areas of operation: 16 African countries, covering more than 10 million square kilometers: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Chad, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.