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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Scott Murray" data-source="post: 795010" data-attributes="member: 9753">LINKS TO TRIP DETAILS <a href="http://www.geckosadventures.com/africa/rwanda/animals-like-you---reverse-2013" target="_blank">http://www.geckosadventures.com/africa/rwanda/animals-like-you---reverse-2013</a> <a href="http://www.nomadtours.co.za/campingtour/nairobi-to-cape-town-2013/" target="_blank">http://www.nomadtours.co.za/campingtour/nairobi-to-cape-town-2013/</a>Africa BlogToday is 12th January 2013 and I still have 62 days before I depart on my African adventure, as every day passes I am getting more and more excited. But I am also worried, I worry that I may have forgotten things. But what things? I think its time to make up a check sheet so I can mark off what I have completed and what is still yet to be done.Vaccinations - I have considered this one of the most important parts of my pre-departure preparation. So far my vaccinations include, yellow fever, cholera, polio, enough Malaria tablets for the entire trip.Tickets - Now this is very important and due to my first trip being cancelled I am a bit skeptical to say the least. But I have confirmed my tickets from Australia to Africa I am just yet to receive them. How to pack - I am yet to do a test run but I have a list of requirements thanks to Nomads whom I will be camping with over a 44 day period. Kit for all weather conditions including:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2/3 shorts</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2/3 long sleeve shirts</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">1 Jacket/Anorak</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Smart casual change of clothes</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Tracksuit/pullover</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Swimwear</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2 pairs of long pants/jeans</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Underwear & socks</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2 pairs of walking shoes/boots/trainers</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sun hat</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">1 pair of sandals</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Raincoat</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">3 to 4 T-shirts/short sleeve shirts</li> </ul>Additional Items:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Towel & Facecloth</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Biodegradable laundry detergent</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Baby wipes/wet wipes</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Passport (plus copies of passport and visa)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">personal toiletries</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Extra passport photos</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">sleeping bag</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Vaccination certificate</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">torch & spare batteries</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Money</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Camera & spare batteries & memory cards</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Small sewing kit</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">water bottle (empty 2 litre coke bottle)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Plastic bags</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">penknife</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Clothes line and pegs</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Insect & Mosquito repellent</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Small scrubbing brush</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Suntan lotion</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Small padlock</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sunglasses</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Small basic first aid kit</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Watch</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Day pack</li> </ul>As you can see the list of things needed on a  camping safari in Africa is quite substantial and I hope it will all fit in my bag with out going over weight. Below is my itinerary, I will be updating it on a daily basis with more information. I will upload updates when I can and have access to the internet.Africa Leg #1 <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Arrive in Kigali.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Visit Genocide Museum. Travel to Ruhengeri.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Gorilla Trekking, Parc National des Volcans</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Morning game drive and afternoon launch cruise, Queen Elizabeth National Park.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Travel to Entebbe. Afternoon at leisure.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary then onto Jinja.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Optional activities at Bujagali Falls, Jinja</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Travel to Kericho, Kenya. Visit tea estate.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Drive to East Africa Mission Orphanage. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner with children.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Full day game drive Lake Nakuru National Park</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">School visit at orphanage. Travel to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon for optional activities.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Optional activities Lake Naivasha. Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Full day game drive Masai Mara National Reserve</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Drive to Nairobi. Tour ends upon arrival. Transfer to Nomads 44 day camping Safari</li> </ol>The next leg of my Adventure is with Nomad Africa Adventure Tours. Below is my trip itinerary. Africa Leg #2Day 1 ArushaToday we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. We will stop in Arusha to visit the local Masai Mara Museum and the snake park. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater. Meals: Lunch, DinnerDay 2/3/4 Serengeti & Ngorongoro CraterThese 4 days are set aside for the optional 3-night camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. On the first day from Karatu to Ngorongoro, there will be time for visiting the Oldupai gorge and museum.  The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4x4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities for those not doing the Serengeti Excursion: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours and many more various day trips.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 5 Tanzania, KaratuToday those that went into the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro will meet up with the truck in Karatu, where there will be time to share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park.  Meals:     Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 6 LushotoLushoto is the major town and district centre, albeit small, in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the parks.  The popular pot plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mts. Here you will have the chance to hike in the surrounding area, or just relax.Meals: Breakfast, DinnerDay 7/8/9 ZanzibarAfter an early wake up, we leave Lushoto and head for Dar es Salaam, where a local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets to be explored. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach. Optional Activities: Lunch and Dinner, Motorbike hire, Spice tour, Walking city tour, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling etc.Meals: Breakfast x 3Day 10 Dar es SalaamToday we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 11 MikumiToday we leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline and our journey leads us to Mikumi National Park.  Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephant and today we have the opportunity enjoy an optional afternoon game drive through the park.  Optional Activity:  Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 12 Iringa Today we travel inland and up to Iringa in the highland tea growing area. This evening our dinner is in a local Masai Hut where we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian evening.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 13 Malawi - Northern Lake MalawiLeaving Tanzania we descend though scenic mountain passes to our lakeshore camp at Chitimba.  Lake Malawi is a beautiful destination and for those wanting more variety there is a short hike to the Manchawe Falls.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 14/15 Kande BeachAfter arrival at Kande Beach, we will spend the next 2 days enjoying the many optional activities available, such as horse riding and different water sports.  We will go on a guided village walk in order to meet the local people and learn more about Malawian life. Optional Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling etc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 16 LilongweToday we visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals.  The Centre is set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland, Lilongwe’s only protected wilderness. Optional Activities:  City TourMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 17 Zambia - South Luangwa National ParkEarly in the morning we drive from Malawi and cross in to Zambia and continue to the South Luangwa National Park where we spend the next two nights right on the banks of the Luangwa River. You can often see hippos and other animals from the camp bar.  This afternoon we enjoy an included sunset game drive in the South Luangwa NP. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 18 South Luangwa National ParkIn the morning you have the opportunity to take another game drive. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. After lunch we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Game Walk inside park.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 19 ChipataWe leave South Luangwa and drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon. Zambia is truly Africa, with its lush, sub-tropical vegetation.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 20 LusakaThe journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.Meals: Lunch, DinnerDay 21/22/23 Zimbabwe - Victoria FallsOn arrival in Victoria Falls town, we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities.  During your stay here you will have the opportunity to visit the Victoria Falls for great photo opportunities. Most people will spend the next day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Full day white water rafting, Flight over the falls, Full day low/high water river boarding, bungee jump (solo), morning/afternoon lion or elephant encounter, Dinners outMeals: 3 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch (Day 21 only)Day 24 Botswana - Chobe National ParkWe depart Victoria Falls and head towards Kasane.  Upon arrival at Kasane we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic sunset boat cruise in Chobe National Park. Elephants, Hippo, Crocodiles, Eland and many other creatures reside in Chobe so keep your cameras ready.  Optional Activities: Chobe NP game drive Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 25 MaunAn early start and our journey will take us to Maun where we will spend the night.  Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and this afternoon we will prepare for the bush-camping excursion, packing small overnight bags. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days’ activities and the community run tourism operation.  Optional Activities: Crocodile farm visit, Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta (time permitting)Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 26 Okavango DeltaAfter breakfast we board our local 4x4 truck transport for the 2 hour trip into the Okavango Delta, where we meet with our local guides and polers for our mokoro (traditional canoe) trip to our remote bush camp. In the afternoon there is a nature walk with a local guide which gives a great chance to view wildlife on foot. Tonight is spent swapping stories around the camp fire and enjoying the serenity of the Delta.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 27 Okavango DeltaThere is normally an early morning nature walk with your local guides, splitting up into small groups so there is a better chance of seeing the wildlife. This is followed by breakfast and a relaxed day around the camp site. Often there is the chance to swim in the clear water.  Test your skills as a mokoro poler, it’s not as easy as the locals make it look!  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 28 Delta to MaunAnother early morning walk before breakfast and then it’s time to board our mokoro canoe for the trip back to the truck (depending on the water levels). Then we say good bye to our local guides and journey back to the Maun campsite for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.   Do not be alarmed if we are joined at camp by a local dairy cow later in the evening as they sometimes roam through the back of the camp.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 29 GhanziAnother early start and we drive to Ghanzi. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing. There are also some traditional bushman huts that you have the opportunity to stay in for a nominal fee.  Optional activity: Bushman walkMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 30 Windhoek, NamibiaToday is a long driving day to the Namibian border and on to Windhoek in the centre of Namibia arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Windhoek our guide will take us on a short city tour in our truck.  Tonight there is an optional dinner out in town at Joe’s Beer House, definitely a feast for all the senses.  Optional Activities: Dinner out at a local restaurant.Meals: Breakfast, LunchDay 31/32 Etosha National ParkLeaving the city sights behind, we travel north into Namibia’s barren northern area.  On the way we stop at a popular craft market where you can barter for handmade gifts to take home.  We enter Etosha National Park and game drive through to our campsite for the night.  On the 2nd day, there is more breathtaking game viewing en-route to a different campsite. Etosha National Park is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa.   We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the water holes for some excellent game photography. Optional Activities: Night or Dawn Game Drives in safari vehicles.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 33 Himba TribesLeaving Etosha we drive towards Kamanjab.  The Himba are pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats. They are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. Today you have the chance to visit the Himba camp and see how these interesting people live. The facilities at our camp site are minimal, so its best to treat this as bush camping; however there are basic outdoor showers and toilets. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 34 SpitzkoppeFrom culture to creation we travel to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, known as Namibia’s Matterhorn. A huge rocky outcrop where we set up camp in the wild, beneath the mountain. This afternoon our guide will take us on a guided walk to explore the unique rock formations.  For the more adventurous traveller you may want to venture up the mountain behind camp before dinner for some stunning views of the landscape.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 35 SwakopmundToday we travel to Namibia’s Atlantic coast and Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. You will be briefed on the optional activities available here. At night there is an optional dinner at a local restaurant where you can try different types of local dishes.  Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Dinner etc.Meals: Breakfast, LunchDay 36 SwakopmundToday is your chance to experience the adrenalin filled atmosphere that Swakopmund offers.  Most activities include a pick up and drop off service to/from your hostel. You can also take time to go to the internet café or wander through the shopping streets.  Meals: BreakfastDay 37 SesriemAfter the adventure and adrenaline rush of Swakopmund, we drive south into the mysterious Namib Desert. We will be joined by a local expert on a guided hike and learn more about the unique desert ecosystem and how the bushmen survived in the harsh desert conditions.  Tonight we enjoy dinner around the campfire, do a little star gazing and listen to the calls of the Jackals and barking geckos.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 38 Sossusvlei DunesToday is our earliest start as we wake before dawn for one of the highlights of the trip, hiking up Dune 45 to watch the sun rise.   After our hike, we will have the chance to explore Sossusvlei and relax at camp before taking a short hike into Sesriem Canyon. Optional activity: Transfer into DeadvleiMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 39 Fish River CanyonToday we travel south to the Fish River Canyon where we hike along the edge of the canyon and see the amazing sunset. (It is possible that you may see the sunrise at the canyon next morning instead due to the road conditions or time of year you are travelling).Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 40 Gariep / Orange RiverWe leave early on our last day in Namibia travelling south to the border with South Africa at the Gariep / Orange River. Our campsite lies on the banks of the Orange River on the South African side. In the afternoon there is an optional canoeing activity on the River or you can just chill out at the campsite and go for a swim. Optional Activities: Gariep /Orange River canoeingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 41 CitrusdalToday is a long drive through the Northern Cape to the fruit producing area in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 42 Cape TownOur final day on tour, we head to the mother city, Cape Town. On the way we visit !Kwa ttu where we enjoy a San guided tour & museum visit. After the tour, lunch will be prepared and afterwards we continue to Cape Town, stopping at Table View for a magnificent view of Table Mountain from the other side of the bay.  This is the spot from which the most photographs are taken of Table Mountain.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch</blockquote>

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