STAGE

Stage 18

Arusha - Dar es Salaam

18.7. to 1.8.2015

Distance: 3.090 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Challenge

Offroad

Wildlife

15 Days

4.380 €

Adventure around Lake Victoria

The East African Rift is not only regarded as the ‘cradle of mankind’ but also as one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse areas. The route runs along the over 6,000 km rift through the breathtaking and animal-filled steppe landscape of the Serengeti, past the vast expanses of Lakes Victoria and Turkana to the over 5,000 m high Mount Kenya. The journey along the history-steeped Rift Valley on adventurous tracks through diverse landscapes makes this trip simply unforgettable.

Wildlife spotting in the world famous Ngorongoro Crater

Crossing the Serengeti

Driving along Lakes Victoria and Turkana

Crossing the ‘green border’ from Kenya to Ethiopia

Travelling along adventurous tracks through the Rift Valley in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia

Highlights

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Day 1:

Flight to Arusha.

Day 2:

After arriving at the airport in Arusha, we meet at the hotel in the evening. During our first meal together, we take a look over the maps and discuss the route.

Day 3:

280 km

After receiving a short briefing on the vehicles and loading the luggage, we set off on our XWORLD stage and travel north. Visibility is good and we enjoy clear views of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, before arriving at the border crossing between Tanzania and Kenya at midday. When the border formalities are complete, we drive on well-surfaced roads to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

Day 4:

400 km

The day is characterised by the East African Rift. Our route takes us through Rift Valley and we are lucky enough to enjoy views over majestic Mount Kenya before arriving at today’s destination in the afternoon: the small town of Kitale. Stay overnight in a basic hotel and group dinner.

Day 5:

460 km

After breakfast, we head for Mount Elgon National Park. Today’s route passes along sandy trails and tracks through idyllic little towns in the national park that owes its name to the extinct volcano, Mount Elgon. We already cross the border from Kenya into Uganda in the morning. In the early evening, we reach Mbale – our destination for the day. Stay overnight in a basic hotel and dinner.

Day 6:

390 km

We set off early for today’s destination: Murchison Falls National Park. The roads are well maintained and we make good headway. We are able to spot the first animals on the way to our lodge in the national park. Lions, buffalo, elephants, different species of antelope, giraffes and hippos are just a few of the creature dwelling in the park. We cross the Nile and arrive at our lodge at dusk.

Day 7:

310 km

We spend the morning in the national park. There is the option of taking a boat trip to Murchison Falls before travelling on.

The route leads further into the national park and along the Lugogo River towards Jinja, all the way to the Nile where we move into our idyllically-located accommodation for the night.

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Day 8:

310 km

Today’s route first leads through the country’s capital of Kampala, along the western shore of Lake Victoria. At around midday, we leave the main road and take a minor road through little towns and less touristy areas to today’s destination: Lake Mburo. We enjoy the views over the lake whilst enjoying a cocktail and bring the evening to a pleasant close with a group dinner.

Day 9:

730 km

The longest day of driving means an early start. In the morning, the convoy reaches the border between Uganda and Tanzania. After crossing, the route continues along the lake’s western shore. The road is tarmacked and leads all the way to Mwanza on Lake Victoria. We reach our destination late and stay overnight in a basic hotel in the town. We treat ourselves to a dinner with specialities from the lake.

Day 10:

280 km

We breakfast at the hotel before heading off into the Serengeti. On the way to our lodge at the heart of the national park, we drive across vast plains and have ample opportunity to marvel at the diverse wildlife dwelling there. We overnight in a lodge in the national park and conclude this impressive day with a sundowner.

Day 11:

370 km

The route leads through the Serengeti to the eighth wonder of the world: the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We take a game drive through this natural paradise in search of gnus, lions, gazelles, cheetahs and zebras and are even lucky enough to spot a rare black rhinoceros. Before sunset, we leave the breathtaking crater landscape and drive to our lodge. We move into our rooms and have dinner together.

Day 12:

680 km

Today the route leads past Lake Manyara and along the Massai steppe, past Mount Kilimanjaro and the Pare Mountains. The road is tarmacked and we make good progress. We travel through the foothills of the Usambara Mountains and reach today’s destination, the former caravanserai town of Tanga beside the Indian Ocean. We check into our hotel and dine together.

Day 13:

380 km

Today is the last day of driving on our tour. After breakfast, we head south. The gravel road leads along the coast through the little town of Pangani and turns inland at Mkwaja. The final few kilometres to the country’s economic centre are on tarmac. After checking into the hotel, we have time to review our exciting trip during our last dinner together.

Day 14:

return flight I

After a final breakfast, it is time to say our goodbyes and head home.

Day 15:

arrival in Germany.