Meals

38 breakfasts, 31 lunches & 31 dinners

Guide

Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below) Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below) Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide

Transport

Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment

Others

Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles Zanzibar return ferry ticket Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag) All road tolls and vehicle taxes

Accommodation

33 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar and 2 nights permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara (please refer to the trip notes for details)

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Others

Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $935pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit Local Payment - A higher local payment of USD $1945 is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023. See trip notes for details. International flights and visas Airport transfers - can be booked on request Sleeping bag - please bring your own Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Nairobi To Lake Nakuru
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Nairobi To Lake Nakuru

Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi early this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa’s most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves. Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2 Day 2: Crossing The Equator
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Crossing The Equator

Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country’s economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our campsite on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.
Day 3 Day 3: Into Uganda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Into Uganda

Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the ’Pearl of Africa’. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Our campsite tonight is in the country’s capital, Kampala.
Day 4 Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Day 5 Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking

Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives. Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.
Day 6 Day 6-8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6-8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi’s islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake. On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family. Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash. One of the world’s most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species. When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 7 Day 9: Return To Kampala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Return To Kampala

Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 8 Day 10: To The Nile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: To The Nile

Kampala - Jinja. It’s a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey! Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Day 9 Day 11-12: Jinja
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11-12: Jinja

The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!
Day 10 Day 13: Return To Kenya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Return To Kenya

Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret, where we will camp for the evening.
Day 11 Day 14: Eldoret
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Eldoret

Eldoret - Nairobi. This morning we cross the Equator and make our way south to Nairobi and to our base just outside the city. Please note that some group members may be finishing their tour in Nairobi today.
Day 12 Day 15: Exploring Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Exploring Nairobi

Today offers you the freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Alternatively, the following optional excursions are available to book locally. Enjoy close encounters at the the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, or discover the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. Alternatively, you can opt for a day of relaxation and pure leisure, making the most of some well-deserved ’downtime’.
Day 13 Day 16: Welcome To East Africa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Welcome To East Africa

Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world’s last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later. In the Masai Mara, we will be staying in twin-share pre-erected tents with ensuite facilities. During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Day 14 Day 17: Masai Mara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Masai Mara

Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 15 Day 18: Return To Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Return To Nairobi

Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night at a campsite on the edge of the city.
Day 16 Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country’s safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our camp at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 17 Day 20: The Mighty Serengeti
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: The Mighty Serengeti

Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We then drive around the rim of this spectacular UNESCO-listed crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see. The Serengeti and neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Day 18 Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 21, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife areas. On day 22 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who can’t manage the steep climb down the crater rim! Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Day 19 Day 23: To The Coast!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: To The Coast!

Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It’s a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak. Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 20 Day 24: Dar Es Salaam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Dar Es Salaam

Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania’s main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colourful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We’ll be camping on the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar, and you’ll have time to go for a swim or head into the city and explore.
Day 21 Day 25-27: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25-27: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 25, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests. Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. You’ll also want to visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details. In Zanzibar, we will not be camping, but staying in standard hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 25 in Stone Town and days 26 and 27 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 22 Day 28: Return To Dar Es Salaam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Return To Dar Es Salaam

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Wake early for a final swim before breakfast, as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. The rest of today is free to further explore Dar es Salaam and we go back to camping by the coast tonight.
Day 23 Day 29: Mikumi National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Mikumi National Park

Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Making our way southwest, we head back inland and towards the border with Malawi. We’ll be driving through Mikumi National Park for a large chunk of the day, and will hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives in Tanzania’s fifth-largest game reserve. Our campsite for the night is right on the edge of the park and, if time permits, there’s an optional game drive to search for elephants, giraffes and other species that call Mikumi home. Later we relax with sun downers at the local bar, and enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Day 24 Day 30: Iringa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 30: Iringa

Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known camping spot, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 25 Day 31-32: Lake Malawi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31-32: Lake Malawi

Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). We wave farewell to Tanzania on day 16, crossing into neighbouring Malawi. We head straight to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country’s population. Fishermen paddle their traditional Bwato canoes on the lake, which has a huge number of fish species found nowhere else in the world, making it a popular spot for scuba divers. Arriving at our campsite by Chitimba Beach, the rest of today and tomorrow are at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets. On day 32 there is an optional hike to Manchewe Falls. This 11km hike requires decent fitness, but the rewards are spectacular views of the waterfall and a dip in a natural bath. David Livingstone lived and worked in this area during his time in Malawi.
Day 26 Day 33-34: Free Time At Lake Malawi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 33-34: Free Time At Lake Malawi

Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Mzuzu - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi. Day 33 sees us driving through rubber plantations to the small town of Mzuzu, where we visit the local market and resupply the truck. Then it’s onwards to Kande beach, another part of Lake Malawi around 240km down the shoreline. The rest of today and day 34 are free to relax or join some of the optional activities on offer. You can go diving, canoeing, or snorkelling in the lake, or opt for a horse ride along the beach. You can also join a guided walk to a nearby village to meet the Malawian locals.
Day 27 Day 35: Crossing Into Zambia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 35: Crossing Into Zambia

Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Travelling via the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, we make the border crossing into Zambia. We arrive at the town of Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jamerson. We should have time to wander around the town, home to a large Indian community and a number of ornate mosques. Then we continue to our campsite a little way out of town.
Day 28 Day 36: Lively Lusaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 36: Lively Lusaka

Chipata - Lusaka. Today we have a long drive through the picturesque scenery of Zambia. We’ll travel along the Great Eastern Road and cross the Luangwa River before reaching the capital, Lusaka. This is southern Africa’s fastest-growing city, but we’ll enjoy a slice of tranquillity at our campsite on a rural farm.
Day 29 Day 37-38: Thundering Victoria Falls
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 37-38: Thundering Victoria Falls

Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 27 we drive to Livingstone, our final destination, and home to Victoria Falls. There is an included visit to see the Zambian side of this famous cascade before day 35 is completely free so that you can relax at our campsite and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available. Activities range from a further visit to see the cascades (prepare to get wet!), canoeing and rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping and fishing to a scenic flight over the falls, or an abseiling experience - the choice is yours!
Day 30 Day 39: Livingstone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 39: Livingstone

Today our tour comes to an end after a final breakfast in the hotel. If you’d like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.

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39 days tour

Gorillas & East Africa Explorer - 39 Days

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Gorillas & East Africa Explorer - 39 Days

Day 1: Nairobi To Lake Nakuru

Day 2: Crossing The Equator

Day 3: Into Uganda

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking

Day 6-8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Day 9: Return To Kampala

Day 10: To The Nile

Day 11-12: Jinja

Day 13: Return To Kenya

Day 14: Eldoret

Day 15: Exploring Nairobi

Day 16: Welcome To East Africa

Day 17: Masai Mara

Day 18: Return To Nairobi

Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania

Day 20: The Mighty Serengeti

Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 23: To The Coast!

Day 24: Dar Es Salaam

Day 25-27: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar

Day 28: Return To Dar Es Salaam

Day 29: Mikumi National Park

Day 30: Iringa

Day 31-32: Lake Malawi

Day 33-34: Free Time At Lake Malawi

Day 35: Crossing Into Zambia

Day 36: Lively Lusaka

Day 37-38: Thundering Victoria Falls

Day 39: Livingstone

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