Transport

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

Accommodation

40 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)

Meals

45 breakfasts, 36 lunches & 36 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 Matobo National Park half day game drive and wilderness walk with resident guide Kruger National Park, full day open vehicle game drive with resident guide and Shangaan cultural evening

Others

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

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 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)

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 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: Kampala To Queen Elizabeth National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: 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 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: Free Time By The Nile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11-12: Free Time By The Nile

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 this evening.
Day 11 Day 14: Back To Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Back To 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: Nairobi To Masai Mara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Nairobi To Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara. Early this morning we depart Nairobi and drive to the Masai Mara. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour to enjoy a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience. In the Masai Mara we spend two nights on the edge of the reserve in permanent en suite tents and spot wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives.
Day 14 Day 17: Masai Mara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Masai Mara

We go in search of the Big Five and other wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive in the legendary Masai Mara today. Between July and October the Masai Mara plays host to The Great Migration, when giant herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other grazing animals migrate from the adjoining Serengeti plains, followed by predators and scavengers. The Masai Mara is excellent for game viewing at any time of year but the enormous congregation of wildlife during The Great Migration is simply spectacular.
Day 15 Day 18: Return To Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Return To Nairobi

Masai Mara - Nairobi. We leave the Masai Mara this morning and travel back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi where we spend the night.
Day 16 Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Bidding farewell to Kenya we board our overland truck and cross the border into neighbouring Tanzania today, travelling on to Arusha. Arriving in Tanzania’s ’safari capital’ late afternoon we stop to browse the curio markets before heading to our camp just outside the city. If time permits we enjoy a walk around a traditional Maasai village to gain an insight into their everyday life and traditions.
Day 17 Day 20: Serengeti National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Serengeti National Park

Arusha - Serengeti National Park. This morning we set out on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Spot an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. Camping in the wilderness, with wildlife roaming nearby, is an experience you’ll never forget!
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, keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. After lunch we ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, where wildlife roams free. We wake early the next morning and drive down a steep road into the crater for a game drive in this incredible wildlife haven, which is home to all Africa’s major mammals except giraffes. Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Day 19 Day 23: Onwards To The Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Onwards To The Coast

Arusha - Bagamoyo. It’s a long but scenic drive today as we travel to Bagamoyo on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. Passing Mount Kilimanjaro en route, if the weather is clear we’ll get an excellent of Africa’s highest mountain. The port town of Bagamoyo 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. We make our way south along the coast to the bustling seaport city of Dar es Salaam today. Setting up camp on the beach just outside the city, there’s time to relax and take in the balmy Indian Ocean sea breeze before we travel to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Day 21 Day 25-27: Tropical Zanzibar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25-27: Tropical Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. Leaving our overland truck on the mainland we take the ferry to Zanzibar on the morning of day 25. Idyllic Zanzibar, with its sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests, is our home for the next three nights. In Zanzibar we stay in simple hotels, usually spending day 25 in Stone Town and days 26 and 27 at one of the northern beaches. Enjoy free time on the island or choose from a range of optional excursions. Opt for a tour of Stone Town’s Slave Markets or a Spice Tour. Go snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relax on the tropical beaches. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
Day 22 Day 28: Dar Es Salaam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Dar Es Salaam

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean before we board the ferry back to the mainland and return to our camp on the beach.
Day 23 Day 29: Mikumi National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Mikumi National Park

Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Leaving the coast we drive inland through Mikumi National Park, where we might be lucky enough to spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. Our campsite tonight is a short distance from the park and, if time permits, there will be the opportunity to go on an optional game drive, exploring Tanzania’s 5th largest park.
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, Chitimba Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31-32: Lake Malawi, Chitimba Beach

Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). On day 31 we travel through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations en route to Malawi. We drive 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. Our first two nights in Malawi at spent at Chitimba Beach, where we enjoy free time. On day 32 relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or enjoy an optional full day trip to Manchewe Falls where, after an 11km hike, you can cool off in a natural bath.
Day 26 Day 33-34: Lake Malawi, Kande Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 33-34: Lake Malawi, Kande Beach

Chitimba Beach - Mzuzu - Kande Beach. We take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the large town of Mzuzu on day 33, where we pick up some supplies and visit the markets before travelling on to Kande Beach. The remains of the day and day 34 are spent at leisure. Stroll around the craft market and meet the locals, relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the lake. You can also partake in the optional activities on offer, including diving, snorkelling, horse riding and a guided village walk.
Day 27 Day 35: Chipata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 35: Chipata

Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Leaving the sandy shores of Lake Malawi we head cross into Zambia at the border town of Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, Chipata is the capital of Zambia’s Eastern Province. If time permits we’ll stop in Chipata before travelling on to our campsite a short distance from the town centre.
Day 28 Day 36: Lusaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 36: Lusaka

Chipata - Lusaka. Departing early this morning we travel along the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and rural villages to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. 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 37-40: Livingstone & The Victoria Falls
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 37-40: Livingstone & The Victoria Falls

Lusaka - Livingstone. Heading south we travel to Livingtone on day 37 and set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just a few kilometres from Victoria Falls. This will be our home for the next four nights. During your stay in Livingstone a visit Mosi oa Tunya National Park to see the spectacular Victoria Falls is included. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry! Spend your time in Livingstone at leisure. There’s plenty to keep you entertained! Explore Livingstone and perhaps cross the border to see the Zimbabwe side of the falls. You can also enjoy a whole range of optional activities which are available to book locally, such as rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, and flights over the falls, to name a few.
Day 30 Day 41: Bulawayo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 41: Bulawayo

Livingstone - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). This morning we depart Livingstone and cross the border into Zimbabwe, passing through the town of Victoria Falls en route to Bulawayo. Camping just outside the city centre, once we’ve settled in the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area.
Day 31 Day 42: Matobo National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 42: Matobo National Park

Today we enjoy a half day tour of Matobo National Park which is just a short drive from Bulawayo. This remarkable reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and it also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world. Knowledgeable guides will take us on a nature drive and wilderness walk, leading us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these incredible animals. After the tour drive back to camp for an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively there’s the option to upgrade to a full day tour (optional - pay locally). On the full day tour explore the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills, see the Bushman paintings and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Day 32 Day 43: Crossing Into South Africa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 43: Crossing Into South Africa

Bulawayo - (South Africa). Today we continue our journey south, crosTshipisesing into South Africa at Beitbridge. Then we cross the mighty Limpopo River and travel on to the town of Tshipise, in the northern Limpopo province. Our campsite for the night is adjacent to Honnet Nature Reserve and there are hot spring in the area, surrounded by dense woodland and Baobab trees.
Day 33 Day 44-45: Kruger National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 44-45: Kruger National Park

Tshipise - Hazyview (Greater Kruger). From Tshipise we travel to Kruger National Park, southern Africa’s flagship game reserve. Several years ago fences between the national park and surrounding private reserves were removed to form the Greater Kruger where an abundance of wildlife roams free. Almost every major Africa mammal can be found in Kruger including all of the Big Five and there’s also prolific birdlife. We set up camp in Hazyview and enjoy an evening of Shangaan tribal dancing and singing. The following day we wake early, board 4x4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide and set out on a full day in the national park itself. Going in search of the Big Five and other resident wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive, with a break during the middle of the day to relax at a rest camp. Late afternoon we return to our campsite in Hazyview for the night.
Day 34 Day 46: Pretoria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 46: Pretoria

Hazyview (Greater Kruger) - Pretoria. Bidding farewell to Kruger we make our way to Pretoria where our tour ends late afternoon / early evening. Please note: We recommend that you spend the night in Pretoria. Pretoria accommodation and a transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport can be booked locally or in advance.

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46 days tour

Jungle, Falls & Game Parks - 46 Days

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Jungle, Falls & Game Parks - 46 Days

Day 1: Nairobi To Lake Nakuru

Day 2: Crossing The Equator

Day 3: Into Uganda

Day 4: Kampala To 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: Free Time By The Nile

Day 13: Return To Kenya

Day 14: Back To Nairobi

Day 15: Exploring Nairobi

Day 16: Nairobi To Masai Mara

Day 17: Masai Mara

Day 18: Return To Nairobi

Day 19: Crossing Into Tanzania

Day 20: Serengeti National Park

Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 23: Onwards To The Coast

Day 24: Dar Es Salaam

Day 25-27: Tropical Zanzibar

Day 28: Dar Es Salaam

Day 29: Mikumi National Park

Day 30: Iringa

Day 31-32: Lake Malawi, Chitimba Beach

Day 33-34: Lake Malawi, Kande Beach

Day 35: Chipata

Day 36: Lusaka

Day 37-40: Livingstone & The Victoria Falls

Day 41: Bulawayo

Day 42: Matobo National Park

Day 43: Crossing Into South Africa

Day 44-45: Kruger National Park

Day 46: Pretoria

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