Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas - 27 Days

From £4,560£169 per day Save 20%

Who is this trip for

Age range

15 - 99

Start / End

  • Zanzibar
  • Nairobi

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 22

Meals included

65

Highlights

  • Take a trek through Uganda's steamy forests to seek out acclaimed mountain gorillas, getting the rare chance to spend an unforgettable hour in their presence.
  • Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, well known for its rhino population, and explore the plains of the Serengeti in search of lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes.
  • Spend a few days at your own pace in Jinja, which can be either a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital, depending on your style of travel!
  • Meet with Maasai communities – known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery – and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
  • Embark on a hike through the Usambara Mountains to the Irente viewpoint, then stop at a farm on the way back for a picnic lunch.

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Summary

Journey through the heart of East Africa and be amazed by the astounding diversity of landscapes – verdant highlands, steamy rainforests, beaches and grasslands – home to some of the planet’s most amazing wildlife. Get closer to nature than you ever imagined in the parks of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, and embark on game drives in search of the Big Five, plus the rare mountain gorilla deep in the rainforest. Along the way, meet with local village communities, spend time relaxing on the idyllic shores of Zanzibar, and learn more about the enduring cultures this region is known for. Experience the wonder of East Africa in 27 unforgettable days.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Stone Town

    Welcome to Zanzibar! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Aside from this important meeting, there are no planned activities for the day and you are free to explore on your own. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

  • Day 2

    Zanzibar Northern Beaches

    Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

  • Day 3

    Zanzibar Northern Beaches

    Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!

  • Day 4

    Bagamoyo

    Spend a final morning relaxing on the sandy northern beaches before returning to Stone Town to catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam. Then board your overland vehicle (and meet your driver and cook) and take the short drive to your camp at Bagamoyo, a lovely spot by the beach.

  • Day 5

    Usambara Mountains

    Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains (approximately 7 hours). This unspoilt area of Tanzania attracts very few tourists, making it the perfect place to soak in your surroundings. The forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. You base is the old German colony of Lushoto, where you’ll stay on the grounds of one of the earliest hotels in Africa.

  • Day 6

    Usambara Mountains

    Today, explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience this area’s gentle hospitality on a visit to some of its small communities. From your base, hike to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project based at Irente farm and enjoy a locally prepared lunch.

  • Day 7

    Arusha

    Today, journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha. While there are no planned activities, enjoy the drive through Tanzania's picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the bustling gateway to the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival at your campsite on the outskirts of town, unwind and settle in for a restful evening and prepare for the adventures ahead.

  • Day 8

    Karatu

    After breakfast this morning, head to Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, you'll hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and the Endoro waterfalls along the way. Rich with calcium, the Elephant Caves got their name as elephants would come here and break off pieces of rock, eating the dust to receive important minerals. Today's trek, accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger, is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area here and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk. After, head to Karatu village for a tour of the local coffee farm. Here, you'll see the innovative farming practices from the locals and learn about the farming activities that sustain the coffee, bean, maize, banana, soya and pea crops. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family in their home, who will cook you a few different dishes to try. Learn about the local culture with educational stories from a locally trained guide. What a night!

  • Day 9

    Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park

    Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending between 3 and 4 hours exploring this perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. Next, move on to the open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

  • Day 10

    Serengeti National Park

    Wake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then go back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option today of a balloon ride over the park (in place of a portion of the morning game drive). If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to your camp.

  • Day 11

    Mto wa Mbu

    Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu.

    After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious locally prepared dinner in town.

  • Day 12

    Nairobi

    This morning, you'll make your way back to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi. On arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure before attending a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group.

  • Day 13

    Lake Nakuru National Park

    Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts.

  • Day 14

    Eldoret

    Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.

  • Day 15

    Kampala

    Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest.

  • Day 16

    Kalinzu Forest

    Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.

  • Day 17

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.

  • Day 18

    Kisoro

    Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.

  • Day 19

    Gorilla Trek

    Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans.

  • Day 20

    Gorilla Trek

    If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.

  • Day 21

    Mbarara

    This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.

  • Day 22

    Jinja

    Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures.

  • Day 23

    Jinja

    Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak. You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.

  • Day 24

    Kericho

    Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.

  • Day 25

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development. There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Travel on to the Masai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.

  • Day 26

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.

  • Day 27

    Nairobi

    Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today. When you arrive, you'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (3 night), Bunglow (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (17 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 25, Lunches: 18, Dinners: 22

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 25

    from £5,328
  • Sep 25

    from £4,560
  • Oct 25

    from £5,700
  • Nov 25

    from £5,480
  • Jan 26

    from £5,985
  • Feb 26

    from £5,755
  • Mar 26

    from £5,755
  • May 26

    from £5,755
  • Jun 26

    from £5,985
  • Jul 26

    from £6,215
  • Aug 26

    from £6,215
  • Sep 26

    from £5,985
  • Oct 26

    from £5,755
  • Nov 26

    from £5,755
  • Jan 27

    from £5,755
  • Feb 27

    from £5,755
  • Mar 27

    from £5,755
  • May 27

    from £5,755
  • Jun 27

    from £5,755
  • Jul 27

    from £5,755
  • Aug 27

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  • Sep 27

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  • Oct 27

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  • Nov 27

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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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