Join us on our next East African Adventure
**December 30th 2024 - January 18th 2025
Rwanda . Uganda . Kenya . Tanzania
Small group tours for women
The cost of this amazing adventure of a lifetime is $8,500 USD
* This cost excludes international airfares.
* This cost includes a gorilla trek. For non trekkers, please contact us for alternative pricing.
* Please note, all prices are in USD. The conversion rate to your local currency will vary depending on time of booking.
What does my investment get me?
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A life changing experience like no other
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Visit to the Genocide Memorial, Rwanda
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Intimate and personal remote village stay, including village walks, home visits with locals and lots of fun with the kids.
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Cultural performances
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Visit to 2 local schools and time spent interacting with the children
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A gorilla Trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Visit to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)
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Visit to Giraffe Centre Nairobi
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Entrance into Karen Blixen Museum
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7 day safari on the Serengeti and throughout the most breathtaking areas of Tanzania, including 4 nights in lodge accommodation and 2 nights camping - *campsites are set up and packed up for you and you have your own personal chef...so you get to sit back and enjoy a sundowner if you wish!
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Visit to a traditional Masai village
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Visit to the Hadzabe tribe, who are some of the last hunters and gatherers to walk the earth
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Visit with the Blacksmith tribe
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1 economy class flight within Africa
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Bus trip from Nairobi to Tanzania
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All airport transfers within Africa
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All transport between destinations - All touring in air-conditioned vehicles (excluding pop up open safari 4WD)
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Boat ride x 2
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Many amazing restaurants
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Personal photographers who love to capture those magic moments
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A lifetime of incredible memories
Accommodation & Meals
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5 nights in good quality hotel
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7 nights in tented lodge style 3-4 star
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2 nights in apartment - 4 star
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2 nights in camping tents
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3 nights in village accommodation
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Includes all meals
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Fresh bottled water every day
Tour Guides
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Experienced, English-speaking locally based drivers/guides
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24/7 personal care from Patti and Susie
Entrance Fees & Permits
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Entrance fees to all national parks are included
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Gorilla permit
What is not included?
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International return airfares
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Alcoholic beverages
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Optional extra activities ie Balloon Ride
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Tips, donations
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Visas
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Travel Insurance
Other stuff I need to know....
Before the trip
You will become a member of a private Facebook group for your tour. Here you will get the opportunity to meet and get to know the other women you will be travelling with. It is a place to find out information and other handy hints and tips and a great opportunity to ask questions and get support.
If distance separates our travellers and we cannot meet up in person, there will be an opportunity to connect via one or two live online chats so everyone can meet in 'person' so to speak.
Prior to the trip, you will receive a welcome pack in the mail with all the forms and helpful information sheets that you require eg: What to pack, info on the gorilla trek and other useful tips.
How do I Get to Rwanda?
You will fly into Rwanda and out from Tanzania - we can organise airfares for you with a trusted travel agent or you can sort this yourselves. *You must book your flights to arrive into Rwanda on 30th December
* We do not recommend booking your airfare until our minimum number is reached. Please chat to us prior to any flight bookings.
Will we be escorted from Australia?
Our tours are not escorted from Australia. We will be there to meet you on arrival at Kigali, Rwanda and your tour will begin from there.
Maximum Numbers
For an adventure such as this, our maximum number is 6. This is so we can provide you with a truly intimate experience. Get in early so you don't miss out. Why not share this incredible experience with a couple of friends. A minimum number of people must book to make the trip viable, if our minimum number is not reached, the trip will be rescheduled. In the event of cancellation by us for any reason, you will be refunded all monies paid. We would not recommend booking your airfare until we have reached our minimum number.
Do I need to Share a Room?
Where lodge and hotel accommodation is used, there may be triple, twin and single rooms available. *Prices are based on twin share. A single supplement can be provided on application dependent on availability and the room type chosen. Some accommodation, such as village stay and camping will be twin share.
Will I be Safe?
Africa is no different to anywhere in the world, in that it is advisable to always use common sense wherever you are.
We will be accompanied by trusted local guides and drivers at all times. They will make you feel more like a friend than a client, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
Challenges.
There will be aspects of this trip that will possibly cause discomfort, such as, roads, toilets, showers, change of itinerary, delays, power cuts and culture shock. We believe this is all a part of experiencing other countries and cultures. An open mind and an easy going attitude will go a long way to ensuring this trip is enjoyed by everyone.
What if I don't want to do something?
We understand that not everyone will want to participate in all activities and that is fine. Whilst some planned activities are for everyone, i.e., the safari, if you do not wish to take part in any of the planned day activities in Kenya or Uganda, we would be happy to facilitate alternative options for you where available. You can also opt to take this time to remain at our accommodation and have a rest day.
What level of fitness do I need?
Some aspects of this trip require a moderate level of fitness. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can complete this tour.
Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, but being prepared makes it easier. Keep in mind that conditions may vary; the terrain could be wet or dry, and the hike may take 3 - 6 hrs. The group will travel only as fast as the slowest person. Though this description is a bit vague, the point is to be prepared for all possible conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically fit to participate. If you are unsure please check with your GP.
*More info regarding the trek will be supplied to those who book this activity.
What if I don't like the food?
Whilst you will have many opportunities to sample local fare, most of the places we will dine, with the exception of the village, will have western items on the menu. Having said this, Africa has some of the best fruit and vegetables you will ever taste, so we are confident you will find plenty of food to your liking.
Drinking Water.
As a rule we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Bottled water will be readily available and will be supplied during the tour.
I have a food allergy?
If you have a serious allergy to a particular food, we would ask that you bring medication with you and brief us on use and dosage before departure so we can get any training that we need. We will provide a card in each of the languages of our destinations so there can be no confusion.
What if I get sick on Tour?
If you unfortunately become sick on tour, our tour escort or local guides can organise a doctor or pharmacy visit for you. We always recommend packing a well-stocked travel medical kit including gastro stop, hand sanitiser and Betadine. *Speak with your travel doctor about obtaining a travel medical kit.
I have never travelled without family or friends?
Then this is the trip for you! You'll be travelling with like minded women who together, will experience the most life changing adventure. There is something about Africa that bonds people in a way that no other place can. Relationships are forged quickly here and sharing such intense experiences, forms deep and lasting friendships. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions but we guarantee there's always lots of laughter!
Before the trip you will be connected through a Facebook group, where we can become acquainted and have some online meetups and answer any extra questions you have.
What is the climate in East Africa?
There are two distinct seasons. The wet and dry season. Temperatures are reasonably consistent.
The dry season, Dec - March, has an average high temperature of 26 - 28 degrees C during the day with an average low temperature of 15 degrees C at night.
Itinerary changes.
Travel requires flexibility. Unforeseen factors may impact our plans. This could include flight delays, traffic delays, mechanical issues and cultural celebrations. Drive times can vary and be unpredictable. Your patience will go a long way in these circumstances.
Do I need vaccinations where we are going?
We will travel to countries where specific vaccinations are not only recommended but required. Please contact your local Travel Doctor or visit www.traveldoctor.com.au for more details.
Some vaccinations need to be started as early as 6 months prior to travel, so ensure you allow yourself time for this. *Many African countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination on entry.
Travel expectations.
All participants must comply with laws, customs and drug regulations of all countries visited and agree to travel in accordance with these laws. Participants are also expected to comply with the tour leader's decisions and must not interfere with the well being and safety of the group. Failure to comply may result in your tour being terminated with no right to refund.
Passport and Visa information.
Visas are required for all African countries. It is your responsibility to have correct documentation.
An East African visa will allow you to travel to multiple countries within East Africa.
We will apply for your visa as part of our service. Please note you will pay visa costs on arrival in Africa.
Passports must have a minimum of 6 months remaining from the date you will be arriving back in YOUR home country after the tour. Please ensure your passport is up to date and has the required time remaining.
Will I need travel insurance in order to travel?
Yes you will need to have full comprehensive travel insurance. Unfortunately this is not a choice it’s compulsory as we’d hate for something to happen and you not to be covered. We can arrange insurance for you, just ask us at the time of booking.
*Please do not book flights until we confirm that minimum numbers are met, we will not refund you for these in the unlikely event the tour does not go ahead.
We also highly recommend getting your insurance as soon as your flights have been booked.
How much spending money will I need and can I access funds easily in Africa?
We will have opportunities to shop for souvenirs throughout our trip, as well as visits to local market places where you can purchase fabrics and other items. It is difficult to tell you how much to bring - it depends if you are a shopper or not, although many prices are low here compared to western countries. You may also like to take into account that there will be times you wish to make a donation to a family or individual. Trust us.......it will happen, you cannot visit here without feeling compelled to help in some way, but of course there is no pressure to do so.
All major cities and most smaller towns have ATM's and many establishments accept credit and debit cards. If we are travelling to a remote area we will ensure you have access to funds before heading off.
What is the best way for me to take money?
We recommend you take a combination of cash and a credit/debit card along with a travel card if you wish. ATM's are available in all major cities. You can obtain cash from the ATMs with your credit/debit card and travel card which comes out of the ATM in the local currency of the country that the ATM is located in. US dollars are also widely accepted throughout Africa.
Limitation of Liability.
We are not responsible for any acts or omissions for any third party used to assist in the running of our tours. Activities not included in the trip, even if your tour leader organises these activities, render us not liable for them in any way. If you wish to undertake higher risk activities, such as hot air ballooning or water sports, they will need to be covered by your own travel insurance.
Right of refusal.
Little Africa Tour Company reserve the right to refuse any persons we deem unsuitable for our tours.
Age and fitness level & outlook on life.
Due to our full itinerary each day, a reasonable level of health and fitness is required to participate in our tours. We will consider women into their 60's, but all of our clients must have a sense of adventure and a positive outlook on life.
Can I pay for my trip in instalments?
On payment of your deposit, a payment plan will be arranged for you. There is a $1000 USD deposit to secure your place and then the required instalment payments with balance to be completed by 28th November of the year you are traveling.
What is the cancellation policy?
The $1000 deposit is non-refundable if you simply change your mind - if it is due to illness of yourself or a person you care for then you will have $750 of this refunded.
On receipt of your deposit a suitable payment plan will be established. You will then be sent a registration form and an invoice for the balance. Full payment is due 28th Nov.
Cancellation 90 plus days from the trip start date: 70% refundable
60 - 90 days 60%
30 - 60 days 20%
Less than 30 days no refund
We strongly recommend and advise that on paying your deposit, that you take out appropriate International Travel Insurance so if you need to cancel your trip due to health or medical issues of yourself or a family member, you can be refunded through them.
Cancellation by Little Africa Tour Company.
If a trip is cancelled due to not reaching minimum numbers, you will receive a refund, however we are not responsible for any incidental expenses incurred as a result of your booking, i.e. vaccinations, non refundable flights. Again, please do not book your return flight until advised by us to do so. Please check your travel insurance policy for further information regarding refunds.
*Price increases within Africa each year will affect the total cost of the tour for that year.
*Any optional extras undertaken (activities, donations) will also affect the total cost of the tour.