56 days tour

Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 Days

$ 7,399 .25 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $7,399.25

Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 Days

This tour includes:

Transport

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

Guide

Sossusvlei shuttle, guided walk and Dune 45 excursion Chobe River boat cruise and Chobe National Park game drive in a purpose-built safari vehicle with a resident guide South Luangwa National Park game drive in a purpose-built safari vehicle with a resident guide Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident 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)

Others

Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew Cape Town Township Tour Sesriem & Fish River Canyon visit Spitzkoppe excursion to see Bushmen paintings Etosha National Park game drives Kalahari Bushman Walk Okavango Delta excursion including mokoro and walking safari Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit Zanzibar return ferry ticket Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag) All road tolls and vehicle taxes

Meals

55 breakfasts, 45 lunches & 43 dinners

Accommodation

48 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, 1 night permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta & 4 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar (please refer to the trip notes for details)

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are 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 International flights and visas Airport transfers - can be booked on request Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Sleeping bag - please bring your own Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)

Flights

Flights are not included.

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Itinerary of your trip Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 Days

  • Day 1 Day 1: Our Adventure Begins
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Our Adventure Begins

      Cape Town - Cederberg. Our African adventure begins today with a tour of the Cape Flats, to the east of the city. Visiting a local township, weโ€™ll meet local people and discover some of the community projects in the area. Then itโ€™s time to climb aboard our overland truck as we head north, through the Western Cape and the fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent camping by the Olifants River in the Cederberg area, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the regionโ€™s famous wines. 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 Cape Town 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: The Orange River
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: The Orange River

      Cederberg - Orange River (Namibia). Continuing north, we pass through drier, rockier territory until we reach the Namibian border, crossing at Vioolsdrift. Tonightโ€™s campsite is beside the Gariep (AKA Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia for much of its length. The river is safe for swimming, and you can also enjoy an optional canoe trip on this important waterway either today or on day 3. The dark skies in this isolated area are also great for stargazing.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Fish River Canyon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Fish River Canyon

      Orange River - Fish River Canyon. There is time for the optional canoe safari this morning, if we didnโ€™t have time yesterday. Then we drive north to Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 metres deep and scarring the land for 160km, itโ€™s a jaw-dropping sight to behold. Weโ€™ll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyonโ€™s famously sharp bend, known as โ€™Hellโ€™s Cornerโ€™.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Namib Naukluft National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Namib Naukluft National Park

      Fish River Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park. We have a long drive today as we journey to the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects great swathes of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountains. Weโ€™ll camp on the edge of the park, ready to explore tomorrow.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Dune 45, Deadvlei & Sesriem
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Dune 45, Deadvlei & Sesriem

      Namib-Naukluft National Park - Solitaire. Itโ€™s time to explore the Namib Desert! Our first stop is mighty Dune 45, one of the tallest sand dunes in the region. Itโ€™s a dazzling sight, and the reward for climbing to the top is incredible views over the surrounding area. Then itโ€™s on to Deadvlei, a barren salt pan with petrified trees, completely surrounded by rolling sand dunes. Our last stop is Sesriem Canyon, which isnโ€™t as impressive as Fish River Canyon, but it is worth a visit nonetheless. Tonightโ€™s campsite is in the tiny desert settlement of Solitaire.

  • Day 6 Day 6-7: Swakopmund
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6-7: Swakopmund

      Solitaire - Swakopmund. On day 6 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibiaโ€™s famous Skeleton Coast. Weโ€™ll be staying in simple dormitory accommodation in Swakopmund, rather than camping. The rest of day 6 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.

  • Day 7 Day 8: Spitzkoppe
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Spitzkoppe

      Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Weโ€™ll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink. Please note that some travellers may be joining the tour in Swakopmund.

  • Day 8 Day 9-10: Etosha National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9-10: Etosha National Park

      Spitzkoppe - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibiaโ€™s iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources. We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. Weโ€™ll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 9 before spending our first night at a camp with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions. Day 10 is spent on a full dayโ€™s game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first campsite, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leaderโ€™s decision.

  • Day 9 Day 11: Windhoek
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Windhoek

      Etosha National Park - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibiaโ€™s charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibiaโ€™s early colonial past. Our camp is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joeโ€™s Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia. Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Windhoek.

  • Day 10 Day 12: San Bushmen Experience
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: San Bushmen Experience

      Windhoek - Gobabis. Say goodbye to Windhoek as we travel east to the city of Gobabis, near the Botswanan border. Today we meet some of the local San Bushmen. The San culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa and weโ€™ll enjoy a bush walk and learn more about the way of life which has endured for centuries. The San people work with nature and manage their resources responsibly, something we could all learn from.

  • Day 11 Day 13: Maun & Optional Okavango Delta Flight
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Maun & Optional Okavango Delta Flight

      Gobabis - Maun (Botswana). Today sees us travelling to Maun in Botswana, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we havenโ€™t got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 15 instead.

  • Day 12 Day 14-15: The Okavango Delta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14-15: The Okavango Delta

      Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 14 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our campsite, which is located in the delta itself. Day 15 sees us enjoying another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didnโ€™t have time for this on day 13. Horse riding is also offered, or you can simply relax by the pool at our campsite.

  • Day 13 Day 16: Nata Region
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Nata Region

      Maun - Nata region. Todayโ€™s drive takes us through a wildlife corridor between the desolate Nxai and Magkadigkadi pans. Weโ€™ll stop en route to admire some of the regionโ€™s towering baobab trees and arrive at our unfenced campsite in the afternoon. If youโ€™re lucky, you could see all sorts of wildlife, including elephants and antelope, come right up to camp.

  • Day 14 Day 17: Chobe River Cruise
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Chobe River Cruise

      Nata Region - Kasane. We make the journey to Kasane in Botswanaโ€™s north. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park and weโ€™ll enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River today. Chobe is home to huge herds of elephants, which we may be able to see down at the waterโ€™s edge. Other species to look out for include hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and the rare African fish eagle.

  • Day 15 Day 18: Chobe Game Drive & Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Chobe Game Drive & Victoria Falls

      Kasane - Chobe National Park - Livingstone (Zambia). This morning we transfer to specialized safari vehicles for a game drive in Chobe National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), although rhinos are very rare here. Itโ€™s then time to say goodbye to Botswana as we board a ferry in our overland truck to cross the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers into Zambia. Our destination is the town of Livingstone, Zambiaโ€™s base for exploring Victoria Falls. Known as โ€˜Mosi oa Tunyaโ€™, the โ€˜Smoke that Thundersโ€™, Victoria Falls is the worldโ€™s largest falling sheet of water. Thereโ€™s an included visit to the waterfall today, and we set up camp at a campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River.

  • Day 16 Day 19-20: Livingstone
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19-20: Livingstone

      The next two days are completely free for you to explore Livingstone and join some of the optional activities available. Abseiling, bungee jumping, scenic flights over Victoria Falls, rafting on the Zambezi River and fishing trips are just some of the options - see the Trip Notes for details. You could also pop over the border into Zimbabwe, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a good book before we head into East Africa. Some members of the group may finish their tour in Livingstone, and others may join for the next section of the tour.

  • Day 17 Day 21: Lusaka
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Lusaka

      Livingstone - Lusaka. After a relaxing break in Livingstone, we get back on the road today, crossing Zambia to reach Lusaka, the countryโ€™s rapidly growing capital city. The city is something of a hub in southern Africa, with four main highways running in all directions to nearby cities including Harare in Zimbabwe, Lilongwe in Malawi, and Ndola, another large city in Zambia. Our campsite is located away from the metropolis, on a rural farm just outside Lusaka.

  • Day 18 Day 22: The Great East Road
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 22: The Great East Road

      Lusaka - Petauke. Leaving early this morning, we take the Great East Road, linking Zambia with neighbouring Malawi. We drive through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.

  • Day 19 Day 23: South Luangwa National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 23: South Luangwa National Park

      Petauke - South Luangwa National Park. We make our way to South Luangwa National Park today. This is Zambiaโ€™s premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more than 400 bird species. After setting up camp, there is free time to embark on optional game walks or game drives.

  • Day 20 Day 24: South Luangwa Np Game Drive
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 24: South Luangwa Np Game Drive

      South Luangwa National Park - Chipata. This morning we embark on an open vehicle game drive in South Luangwa National Park, with a local ranger. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Following the game drive, we make our way to Chipata.

  • Day 21 Day 25-26: Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 25-26: Kande Beach, Lake Malawi

      South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi and head to the shore of Lake Malawi, which covers more than one-fifth of the entire country. Our campsite is right on the shore of the lake, and youโ€™ll have time to go for a swim or relax at the camp. Day 26 is free to partake in optional activities. You could hire a traditional bwato canoe, go horse riding around the lake, or visit a nearby village to meet the friendly Malawian villagers.

  • Day 22 Day 27: Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 27: Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi

      Kande Beach - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi. This morning we take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the town of Mzuzu, where we pick up some supplies and visit the market before travelling on to our beach-side camp at Chitimba Beach. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.

  • Day 23 Day 28: Crossing Into Tanzania
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 28: Crossing Into Tanzania

      Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we have a long but scenic drive as we cross into Tanzania. Climbing through the Southern Highlands, we arrive at Kisolanza Farmhouse, a family-run working farm in a spectacular location. The farm has been managed by the Ghaui family for more than 70 years and produces organic crops and meat for the local community and Dar es Salaam.

  • Day 24 Day 29: Mikumi National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 29: Mikumi National Park

      Iringa - Mikumi National Park area. Heading east, we travel to Mikumi National Park, the fifth-largest reserve in Tanzania. Our campsite is located on the very edge of the park, and weโ€™ll enjoy an evening around the campfire. If time permits you can book an optional game drive to see some of the resident wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile.

  • Day 25 Day 30: Wildlife & Dar Es Salaam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 30: Wildlife & Dar Es Salaam

      Mikumi National Park area - Dar es Salaam. Our journey to the Indian Ocean coast city of Dar es Salaam takes us through the heart of Mikumi National Park. We will probably see some wildlife on this drive, and will stop if we see anything of note, such as forest elephants or giraffe feeding at the roadside. Arriving at our campsite on the beach outside Dar es Salaam, there is time to browse the local markets or head into town to explore.

  • Day 26 Day 31-34: Zanzibar Beach Break
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 31-34: Zanzibar Beach Break

      Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 31, 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 historic Stone Town and relax on the islandโ€™s pristine beaches. Thereโ€™s also plenty of optional activities on offer including a visit a spice plantation, snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details. In Zanzibar, we stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 31 in Stone Town and days 32 - 34 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.

  • Day 27 Day 35: Bagamoyo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 35: Bagamoyo

      Zanzibar - Bagamoyo. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland, Dar es Salaam and onwards to Bagamoyo for the evening. The quaint town of Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was one of the most significant trading ports along the East African coast. Our camp for the evening is situated close by to the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean

  • Day 28 Day 36: Views Of Kilimanjaro
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 36: Views Of Kilimanjaro

      Bagamoyo - Marangu. Departing early from Bagamoyo, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear you will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the mountain from our campsite and the surrounding area.

  • Day 29 Day 37: Arusha
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 37: Arusha

      Marangu - Arusha. This morning we drive past the town of Moshi to Arusha, Tanzaniaโ€™s safari capital and our base for exploring the Serengeti and famed Ngorongoro Crater. With time to explore the town we head out to our camp just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains. This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Maasai villages. Here we visit a local school and clinic, browse the small Maasai museum and see the crocodiles, pythons, and other species at the Meserani Snake Park. There is optional camel riding available too.

  • Day 30 Day 38: Serengeti National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 38: Serengeti National Park

      Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Today we embark on our excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Leaving our overland truck behind we transfer to designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world. Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Look out for the Big Five and see abundant wildlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. With lions and hyena roaming nearby, listen to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a night in the wild!

  • Day 31 Day 39-40: Ngorongoro Crater
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 39-40: Ngorongoro Crater

      Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 39, 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 Africaโ€™s most spectacular wildlife areas. On day 40 we drive down into the crater itself, following the steep road into the reserve. On our early morning game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim! Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.

  • Day 32 Day 41: Nairobi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 41: Nairobi

      Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). After a last night in Tanzania, we make our way across the Masai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenyaโ€™s capital and to our camp for the evening.

  • Day 33 Day 42: Exploring Nairobi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 42: 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 โ€™downtimeโ€™.

  • Day 34 Day 43: Lake Nakuru National Park Safari
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 43: Lake Nakuru National Park Safari

      Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africaโ€™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.

  • Day 35 Day 44: Crossing The Equator
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 44: Crossing The Equator

      Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenyaโ€™s fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the countryโ€™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 36 Day 45: Into Uganda
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 45: 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 โ€™Pearl of Africaโ€™. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Our campsite tonight is in the countryโ€™s capital, Kampala.

  • Day 37 Day 46: Kampala To Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 46: Kampala To 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 38 Day 47: Chimpanzee Trekking
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 47: 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 46, morning or afternoon of day 47, or morning of day 48.

  • Day 39 Day 48-50: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 48-50: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

      Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 48 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 Bunyonyiโ€™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 48 or 49 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 worldโ€™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 40 Day 51: Return To Kampala
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 51: 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 41 Day 52: To The Nile
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 52: To The Nile

      Kampala - Jinja. Itโ€™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 42 Day 53-54: Jinja
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 53-54: 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 43 Day 55: Return To Kenya
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 55: Return To Kenya

      Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Our final evening is spent around the campfire, sharing our favourite memories from the last two weeks, and exchanging contact details with the rest of the group!

  • Day 44 Day 56: Nairobi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 56: Nairobi

      Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Here our tour arrangements come to an end.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 75

Select a country to define if the visa is required