Cape Town to Nairobi and Gorillas Safari (Inclusive) (Under 39’s) (55 Day)

Day 1

Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transported to your hostel. Following a pre-departure meeting with your group, you should ensure that you have all necessary visas for the trip. You will then have free time to explore the Mother City, but please be back in time for the welcome meeting. Take a few hours to discover this cosmopolitan city rich in history and extremely diverse in culture. The city boasts over three million residents and is the Western Cape’s capital. If you arrive early you can spend time shopping, dining and enjoying various entertainments in the city itself where you will be based.

Accommodation: Once in Cape Town (or similar)

Day 2

Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

On day two we make our way out of the city to start our adventure with a stopover by the coast. Here, we visit a local vineyard, do some wine tasting, play some football with the local children and spend time exploring the camp surrounds in this stunning area of South Africa. There is also a swimming pool at the campsite where you can chill out.

The local wines of this area are said to be superb so why not sample a few. You can visit a wine cooperative as an optional excursion and learn about and taste the wines while viewing the surrounding winelands.

Accommodation: Highlands Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Cederburg – Orange River, South Africa

On day three we make our way northward to the South African side of the Orange (Gariep) River. Following camp setup, we indulge in some early evening swimming, unwinding and maybe even some river canoeing (optional). Or just sit by the banks and watch the water wind it’s way to some heavy rapids.

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Orange River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

We cross the border into Namibia today, so be sure to have your correct visa ready. We then travel through to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, the biggest in the continent and the second largest in the world. We spend some time exploring this area and, in the late afternoon, admire the dramatic sunset disappear behind the edge of the canyon. We spend the evening camping in the surrounding area.

The Fish River stretches 650 kms in length, making it Namibia’s longest river. Its source is located in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and runs southwest of Ai-Ais into the Oranje. The canyon itself is situated along the lower area of the Fish River, and is one of the most remarkable natural creations of Southern Africa. It runs 550 metres deep, 27 kilometres wide and is the oldest canyon in the world, formed around 500 million years back, with some of its bottom rocks aging up to about 2,600 million years. Cat fish can be found in the River and survive the arid seasons by digging into the mud and waiting for the water to return. The River is very slow moving and shallow, making it more like a stream. The levels of the water are usually highest from February to April, and the highest known temperature at the Canyon’s floor is 58 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation: Hobas Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Fish River Canyon – Namib Desert, Namibia

We carry on northward today, passing the small and isolated towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen on the way to the Namib Desert. Namib’ comes from the Nama culture, with the name referring to a huge savannah located in the Desert. The region is extremely arid, receiving less than 100 millimetres of yearly rainfall. The sand dunes are mostly formed from deposits that run down the Orange River. The most common dunes are Star Dunes, created by wind rushing from every direction. Barchan dunes are crescent shaped and formed when the wind blows mostly from one direction, whilst Linear dunes, created by two dominant southerly and easterly winds of central Namib, line up in a north-south direction.

Upon your arrival in the early evening, spend some time admiring the massive scarlet sand dunes of Sossusvlei that create the gateway into the Desert. This is a truly remote area, giving you a sense of being alone with nature.

In the evening just before sunset we set off for Sesriem Canyon which stretches 14 kilometres in length and was created by the Tsauchab River. An incredible range of wildlife has adjusted to the living standards of this seemingly uninhabitable area. We will watch the sun set over the rim of the canyon.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Namib Desert, Namibia

We will be visiting Sossusvlei today which is a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and surrounding ancient dead trees. You can take an optional guided walk around the dunes or explore the area on your own. We will then return to our campsite at lunch time and take down our tents, pack the truck and then drive to our next desert campsite. At our new campsite you can go on an optional desert dunes bush walk which is highly informative and teaches you about the desert, dunes and bushmen who live in the area.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Camp Boesman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today gives you the opportunity to truly explore the Namib Desert as you spend hours traversing across this barren area and cross through a couple of arid mountain passes. Prior to your arrival in Swakopmund, you will travel past Walvis Bay – the only town on the Namibian shoreline that contains a deep-sea harbour. We spend two evenings in this region, where you will have time to explore the town drenched in history. Swakopmund is home to spectacular lunar landscapes, vibrant sunsets and strange prehistoric Welwitchia vegetation.

Optional activities you can choose from during your time here are: Sandboarding: 400-500NAD or Quad biking 600NAD.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Swakopmund, Namibia

We head to one of the adventure capitals of the world to take part in a variety of activities. Choose from the activities below:

• Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 600NAD per person – Grab a board and sail down the dunes for an adrenaline kick of note
• Skydiving in Swakopmund 2515NAD per person – Take a plummet into skies of Namibia with your trusted and skilled instructor
• Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 500NAD per person – Enjoy a historical guided tour of the back streets of Swakopmund and visit the home of a local Herero woman. Sip on local brews at a shebeen (pub).
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 3h-4h 3500NAD per person – Get a bird’s eye view of the ship wrecks, Damaraland and the unusual Spitzkoppe rock formations

Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge (or similar)
No meals will be provided so that you have a free day to partake in activities and sample the local cuisine.

Day 9

Swakopumud –  Spitzkoppe, Namibia

In the morning we make our way north to the granite rocks of Spitzkoppe. You can explore by foot and relaxing in the evening looking up at the beautiful night’s sky! We will be roughing a bit in the bush with long-drop toilets and no running water.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Spitzkoppe – Damaraland, Namibia

Today will present you with the opportunity to admire the incredible desert landscapes that seem to never end. We get to visit the Damaraland Living Museum where we learn about the Damara People.

Around 100,000 Damara people reside in Namibia, all sharing a common language with the Nama, but keeping a distant relationship with each other. Some evidence suggests that the Damara have gathered small herds of stock for thousands of years, as well as grow tobacco and pumpkins (and, more recently, vegetables and corn).

The region is well-known for its bushmen paintings that can be spotted all over the area and you can go on an optional Pre-historic Rock Engravings Tour (100NAD).

We will arrive at the camp by mid-afternoon.

Accommodation: Aba-Huab Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Damaraland – Etosha National Park, Namibia

When you arrive in the afternoon, we embark on a game drive through the massive arid pan in search of elephant, hippo, antelope herds and lions gathered around the waterholes. Once the sun has set, spend some time observing wildlife at the watering holes, located close to the secure camping space that is floodlit. Game drives are conducted in an overland car, with evening game drives giving you a first-hand experience of seeing the animals behaviours at night. There is the option of joining in on a Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (660NAD) with a naturalist guide.

In Wambo, ‘etosha’ ,means ‘the great white place of dry water’, or ‘water of mirages’. As one of the best features of Africa, the Etosha National Park provides a wide range of fauna, flora and exquisite natural splendour.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is a full day of driving in our 4×4 in Etosha National Park in search of wildlife such as lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas.
There is the option of joining in on an Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (660NAD) with a naturalist guide who will take you in search of wildlife.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Etosha National Park – Windhoek, Namibia

Please note that as this is a combo tour some of your fellow travellers might be ending their journey in Windhoek. You might also have some new people joining the tour who can meet in the welcome meeting. We depart from the Game Park today and make our way south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek.

This is Namibia’s capital, with a population of around 230,000 and an altitude of 1,654 metres. During WW1, Windhoek was taken over by South African troops and was converted into a British dominion. Until Namibia’s independence in 1990, Windhoek was known as the capital of Southwest Africa. The city is known as ‘Ai-Gams’ by the Nama, and ‘Otjomuise’ by the Herero, both names referring to the hot springs of the area.

Accommodation: Urban Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14

Windhoek – Ghanzi, Botswana

Today we make our way across the border into Botswana. Please ensure to have your visa ready at this point. We travel through the eastern portion of Namibia today, entering Botswana and making our way into the centre of the Kalahari. Take this chance to embark on a San Bushmen Walk (10USD) with a local San Bushmen guide to be educated about plenty of interesting bush skills.

Ghanzi, situated in the western side of Botswana on the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert, is the administrative hub of the Ghanzi District and is also referred to as the ‘Capital of the Kalahari’. Ghanzi is a fascinating town, focused on farming that provides the Botswana Meat Commission with majority of the required beef produce. Ghanzi is mostly made up of a wide range of ethnic cultures, including the Bushman, Batawana and Afrikaners.

Accommodation: Ghanzi Trailblazers Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Ghanzi – Maun, Botswana

We will leave Ghanzi in the morning and drive across Botswana towards Maun. For those of you who want to have a different view of the Okavango Delta you can take a flight over and see the vast wilderness and waterways and hippos below (120USD).

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and enjoys the reputation of being the premier town of Botswana. It was initially founded in 1915 by the Batawana, with the name ‘Maun’ meaning ‘place of reeds’. Though officially still a village, Maun is the fifth biggest town in Botswana. It is a diverse combination of contemporary structures and traditional huts. Maun is renowned as the tourism capital of Botswana and the administrative hub of the Ngamiland district. The town has swiftly grown from a rural town, stretching along the Thamalakane River. However, it still manages to maintain a rural atmosphere and local tribesmen continue to lead their cattle to the town to sell. This community is presently peppered along the broad Thamalakane Riverbanks, where red lechwe can still be spotted grazing near local donkeys, goats and cattle.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16

Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Today we embark on our thrilling adventure into the Delta as we travel for about 1-2 hours. We then board our mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) that carry us into the depths of the Delta. A few hours later we arrive at our bush camp for lunch which has basic ablutions with no shower and dig-out bush toilets, but you are surrounded by the beauty of nature so it is well worth it.

In the afternoon we will set of on a guided game walk and in the evening the locals will join us for some singing and dancing around the campfire.

The region of the delta was once a portion of Lake Makgadikgadi – an old lake that dried up more than 10,000 years back. Presently, the Okavango River has no exit into the ocean. Instead, it drains into the Kalahari Desert plains which water the arid area. The water rushing into the delta is extremely pure, mostly because of the lack of agriculture and industry along the Okavango River. It runs through the sand aquifers of the various delta islands and evaporates, leaving massive amounts of salt remaining.  The Okavango Delta experiences seasonal flooding, which starts every mid-summer in the north and six months later in the south. During the peal floods, the islands of the Delta can completely disappear beneath the water, making an appearance again at the end of the season.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

Okavango Delta – Gweta, Botswana

Admire one final sunrise in the Delta before returning back to Maun in mokoro, then by car. We collect our luggage and carry on through to Gweta where we will be treated to the unique experience of camping beneath beautiful old Baobab trees. The town is located between the bigger towns of Nata and Maun, and is situated on the Makgadikgadi Pan’s rim, an enormous region void of anything but salt and glimmering horizon.

We will arrive at the campsite at noon where you can have a walk around and take a nice shower after a night in the bush.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Gweta – Kasane

We make our way to Chobe National Park close by to the town of Kasane. In the afternoon, feel free to embark on a game drive through the Park, or perhaps an afternoon Chobe River Sunset Boat Cruise (50USD) where you will have the incredible chance to spot hippo, and crocodiles, and to observe the plenty elephants splashing in the water.

Chobe National Park is the first national park of Botswana and is located along the Chobe River. It contains one of the highest populations of game in all of Africa, and is one of the world’s last remaining large wilderness regions. In terms of size, the Chobe NP is the third biggest reserve in the country, sporting the most diverse and fantastic fauna and flora. The Park is most well-known for its magnificent elephant concentration, and with more than 120,000 of the species, the reserve has the biggest elephant population in the continent. Majority of these mammals are part of the biggest surviving elephant concentrations in the world. The numbers of elephant have risen dramatically since 1990, with Kalahari elephants inhabiting the Park (the biggest known elephant species). During the rainy seasons, the elephants embark on a 200 kilometre migration to the southeast area of the Park.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19

Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We will cross the border into Zimbabwe at the Kazangula border post to see the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

The source of Victoria Falls is situated on the borders of the DRC. The Zambezi flows for 1,300 kilometres across the wooded highlands of Zambia, forming a shallow valley on its slight descent to the Falls. The River eventually located a weak spot on the surface on which it passed through, and eroded a passage that slowly deepened into an exit gorge.

You have the option of going on a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise (58USD) to enjoy a picture-perfect sunset while sipping on cold drinks – the perfect way to end a day. Or take a Helicopter flip (160USD) to see Victoria Falls in all its beauty from above as the river makes its way to the gorge and plummets to the depth below. You will hopefully also be able to spot giraffes and elephants in the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Explorers Village camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

You can spend another day viewing Victoria Falls or take part in the optional activities. Go Whitewater Rafting (150-160USD) on the raging rapids of the Zambezi for some thrilling excitement as you navigate your way through grade 5 rapids. Lunch is included in this activity.

Please note: The river conditions will vary depending on the time of the year. High water season is from February to July and low water season is from August to January.

Another popular and exciting activity is bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge (160USD).
Or take a Helicopter flip (160USD) to see Victoria Falls in all its beauty from above as the river makes its way to the gorge and plummets to the depths below. You will hopefully also be able to spot giraffes and elephants in the surrounding area. In the evening you can go on a sunset cruise to toast the end of the day.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)

Day 21

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today is our third day in Victoria Falls where you can take part in any other adventures you have not experienced yet such as Ziplining (45USD), a Bridge Swing over the Zambezi (160USD) or a Sunset Cruise (58USD).

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping

Day 22

Victoria Falls – Lusaka, Zambia

Today’s lengthy adventure through rugged roads leads us to an exclusive game farm located 20 kilometres outside of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Here, you will be able to admire the many zebra, buffalo and springboks that wander freely around the area. At the campsite you can unwind next to the swimming pool, or at the camp’s bar.

Accommodation: Eureka Camping Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23

Lusaka – South Luangwa, Zambia

We travel across the Zambian side making our way to our next camp for the evening, on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24

South Luangwa, Zambia

Today is at leisure to explore the South Luangwa National Park.  There are plenty of activities to partake in and enrich your time here such as walking safaris, night drives and a visit to the local village.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25

South Luangwa –  Chipata, Zambia

The morning you can enjoy an optional morning walk (seasonal) or drive, on our way we pass through a local village where we enjoy lunch and visit a craft market before arriving at camp in Chipata.

Accommodation: Mama Rule’s Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26

Chipata – Kande Beach, Malawi

We cross the border into Malawi today, so be sure to once again have your visa ready. We spend four evenings unwinding on the shores of ‘the Lake of Stars’. Beach strolls, swimming in the sparkling water and snorkelling amongst exotic fish are all part of your incredible stay here. Pay a visit to a range of lakeside camps as we drive northward along Lake Malawi’s shores.

The Lake is the primary attraction of Malawi, and is the third biggest lake in the continent and is around 500 kilometres in length. The lake houses more fish types than any other lake in the world, boasting over 600 different species. The biggest fish family is the Chichlids, which are sent all around the world to pet shops and such. The Lake is renowned for its fantastic snorkelling and diving, and it is depended on by the locals for their survival – they use mokoros (dugout canoes) to fish from and throw out long nets. There is a wide variety of diverse ethnic groups here, all speaking their own language.

Accommodation: Kande Beach Lodge & Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27

Kande Beach, Malawi

If you have had a few days of fun activities you can take some time to relax and enjoy Kande Beach. A traditional dinner cooked by the locals can be enjoyed tonight.

Accommodation: Kande Beach Lodge and Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28

Kande Beach – Chitimba, Malawi

In the morning we will leave the beach and drive north to Chitimba which has beautiful views of Tanzania which you can see from across the lake. You are free to spend the day as you wish.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Lodge and Camp
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner

Day 29

Chitimba, Malawi

We have a final day at Lake Malawi today for you to take time to see anything or do anything that you would like to do such as swimming or snorkelling, or visiting the local village (10USD). There is also a hike along the Nyika Plateau where you can have a great view of Lake Malwai (5USD).

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Lodge and Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30

Chitimba – Iringa, Tanzania

We make our way into Tanzania today, travelling out of the Great Rift Valley through some incredible mountain passes. During our journey we can spot the massive tea plantations of the highlands as we head through to Iringa, where we set up camp.

Accommodation: Kisolanza Farm (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31

Iringa – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Today we depart for Dar Es Salaam, a city that began as a fishing village before becoming a port and trading hub. It will be a long driving day of about 10 hours excluding border formalities. Dar was once the capital of the country, and is presently the main commercial city, as well as the de facto seat of majority of government institutions in Tanzania. It is the primary seaport for the country, landlocked by adjacent countries.

Dar Es Salaam, or ‘Abode of Peace’ in Arabic, is Tanzania’s biggest city, with a population of more than 2.5 million. It is also the country’s wealthiest city, and a significant economic hub.

Accommodation: Mikadi Beach Lodge (Or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32

Dar es Salaam – Nungwi/Stone Town, Zanzibar

We will take a ferry to explore the picturesque beaches of the northern tip of Stone Town. During your stay here we encourage you to dress modestly due to the Muslim religion. Women are asked to cover up and men should refrain from wearing shorts. Please always ask before taking photographs.

Accommodation: Amaan Bungalows (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 33

Nungwi, Zanzibar

Following our arrival in Zanzibar, we will travel to Nungwi to the pristine beaches here. You can spend some time here walking along the beaches or going on snorkelling (35-60USD), scuba diving or sailing trips (60-100USD). The locals here get very excited about seeing visitors and will offer you a plethora of activities to partake in. Try not to be overwhelmed by their enthusiasm!

Accommodation: Amaan Bungalows (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 34

Nungwi – Stone Town, Zanzibar

We will travel back to Stone Town stopping for a guided tour of the spice plantation where you can walk through the farmlands and learn more about the spices and their medicinal and culinary uses.

Have the rest of the day free to explore the centre of the island, Stone Town. It boasts a fascinating labyrinth of slim, cobbled streets lined by Arabic structures. The best way in which to view the town is to get lost within it. Hours can easily be spend roaming through the many alleys and squares, drinking strong coffee from street cafes, or purchasing sweetmeats from a variety of small stores.

Accommodation: Tausi Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 35

Stone Town – Bagamoyo, Zanzibar

A ferry will take us back to the mainland and we make our way north to the coastal town of Bagamoyo.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express you will remain in Stone Town where you can enjoy a free day of shopping, relaxing or wandering through the markets. Tomorrow you will fly to Arusha to meet the group.

Accommodation: Firefly Bagamoyo Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 36

Bagamoyo – Arusha, Tanzania

We pass Africa’s tallest mountain today, Mount Kilimanjaro, and make our way toward Arusha, situated at the base of Africa’s fifth tallest mountain, Mount Meru. Also referred to as the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania, Arusha is most certainly the most significant centre in northern Tanzania. With plenty of protected national reserves and mountains, Arusha is a picturesque contemporary town. Boasting an array of markets, services and a fantastic location, this is the finest base for our next expedition.

In the afternoon you will have time to pack a day-pack for our three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Be sure to pack warm clothing for the evenings and insect repellent, sunscreen and water for the hot days.

Zanzibar Express: You will be transferred this morning from Stone Town to the airport for a scenic flight to Arusha. From Arusha you will be taken to the camp where you will meet up with the group.

Accommodation: Meserani Snake Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 37

Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Following breakfast, we start our adventure into the Serengeti National Park and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater – two of Africa’s leading wildlife regions. We switch to specialised four wheel drive safari vehicles today, and are led on an incredible game drive through the Park by expert driver/guides. The trucks we use have lovely sliding windows and a big, pop-up roof that is ideal for fantastic game viewing. They are smaller than our traveling vehicle, which lets us move more easily through the plains.

With an area of 14,763 square kilometres, the Serengeti is incredibly vast. We camp and spend time game viewing in the central Serengeti ‘Seronera’ region, which is situated in the southeast of the Park.

Due to the size of the reserve, certain areas will not be available to visit during our stay here. As we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti National Park, you will begin to realise the enormity of this region, admiring the huge populations of wildlife that roam the acacia-spotted plains.

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 38

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

We will continue to experience the Serengeti on more game drives from our specialised vehicles in the morning. When we return to the campsite we will pack up and journey to the Ngorongoro Crater for spectacular views of the rim populated with a variety of wildlife where we will camp for the night.

Some of you may have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari (599USD) in which case this activity will probably take place today. This will be confirmed by your guide.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Today we travel to the floor of the Crater, experiencing our last expedition whilst observing the massive variety of fauna and flora, including zebra, gazelle, impala and cheetah that are enclosed by the Crater’s walls.

Accommodation: Meserani Snake Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 40

Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya

Depart Arusha in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi. Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening. There will be a border crossing so get your passports ready.

Accommodation: Hotel Boulevard (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 41

Nairobi, Kenya

Enjoy a free day in Nairobi to explore, or relax, before heading off to Uganda.

Accommodation: Hotel Boulevard (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 42

Nairobi – Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

We will drive across the Rift Valley to the most famous national park in Africa, Masai Mara National Game Reserve. We enjoy the afternoon on a game drive in search of the Big Five. We arrive at camp for the evening in the afternoon.  Once settled in, we embark on another game drive in the park.

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast

Day 43

Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi

With an early start to the morning we embark on another game drive in the park. Enjoy the variety of game viewing today as we cross the plains and rivers of the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 44

Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park

We leave behind the Masai Mara and make our way to Lake Nakuru National park today. Our afternoon is spent game driving through the national park in search of the many animals such as the black rhino, buffalo, impala and the elusive leopard.

Day 45

Lake Nakuru National Park – Eldoret

Enjoying one last game drive before making our way to Eldoret.

Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 46

Eldoret – Kampala, Uganda

Get your passport ready for more countries to add as you enter Uganda. We will camp outside of the country’s capital today. Enjoy a welcome meeting to connect with your new travel companions.

Accommodation: Red Chilli Hideaway (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 47

Kampala – Lake Bunyoni, Uganda

Today we head towards Lake Bunyonyi, making our way across the equator and enjoying a meal at a Cafe upon our arrival.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 48

Gorilla Trek, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Our time in this lush, magical, mountainous region of Uganda is spent on unforgettable guided trek deep into the forest-sloped volcanoes for a wild encounter of a family of mountain gorillas (Gorilla Permits Included). Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the home to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the world’s most endangered ape. One of Africa’s major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking.

The terrain is rough and at times muddy and slippery. It can rain at a moment’s notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential along with protective bags for your camera and film. We also suggest dressing in ‘layers’ as often it’s chilly at first until you start trekking. We also suggest long sleeves and long pants to protect you from stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek can last up to 6 hours, exceeding altitudes of 2500m. It is essential to keep hydrated at all times. About 98% of the trekking is successful but we cannot guarantee that there will be gorillas seen as they are always moving around. For the remainder of your time here, you have the chance to participate in optional activities. You will be sub-divided into groups of 8 to protect the Gorillas from too much exposure or disruption.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 49

Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Enjoy a day of leisure or partake in one or two of the activities listed below.

• Canoe rental (10USD) Paddle around the islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
• Bird watching (5USD) ‘Bunyoni’ actually means ‘place of little birds in the local language and this is a haven for bird lovers.
• Nature Walk (5USD) Take a lovely walk around the area to see the incredible landscape of Lake Bunyonyi, the villages and the local communities.
• Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi (25-80USD) Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Lake as you spot wildlife and learn about the surrounding islands.
• Rwanda Day Tour (40-250USD) There is plenty of culture and history in the ‘land of a thousand hills’. An East African visa will need to be purchased for this section.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 50

Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda

We will travel across the countryside of Uganda today.

Accommodation: Craters Campsite & Country Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Day 51

Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

An early morning rise will enable us to go on a chimpanzee tracking excursion after which we will visit a tea plantation where a local guide will inform you about the varieties of tea and the farming process before making our way to Lake Mburo. Enjoy an optional boat cruise on the lake in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 52

Eldoret – Nairobi, Kenya

Our tour ends after we have safely arrived in Nairobi in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 53

Jinja

Spend time exploring Jinja and taking part in activities such as Quad Biking along the banks of the Nile (99USD) or Mountain Biking in the Mabira Forest (45USD).

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 54

Jinja – Eldoret

We will cross over into Kenya for a night in Eldoret which is an overnight stop to break the long driving days.

Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 55

Eldoret – Nairobi, Kenya

Our tour ends after we have safely arrived in Nairobi in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to on the road variable beyond our control (such as border crossings, traffic, delays, etc) on the tours. The end time on the last day can’t be guaranteed and therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.