Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari

This is an unforgettable Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari combining top East African Safari destinations. Experience the ever changing faces of Africa on this camping trip that will leave you wanting more!

Explore the exotic island paradise of Zanzibar, the ‘Spice Island', and its sandy beaches surrounded by warm tropical waters.  

Go mountain gorilla trekking in the rain forests of Uganda, where you come face to face with these gentle primates in their natural surroundings. The memory of the Gorilla Trek and observing these gentle giants as they roam and feed in their ever-diminishing habitat will remain with you forever. Your trek will contribute to the ongoing battle to help the endangered gorillas survive in their threatened habitat.

Embark on exhilarating game viewing drives in search of Africa's "Big 5" in the best game parks in Tanzania and Kenya, including the famous Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater!

This Budget African Safari ends back in Kenya's colourful capital Nairobi, where you can re-adjust to civilization by visiting the markets and becoming a part of the hustle and bustle of every day African Life.

DAY 1: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

This Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari starts in Dar es Salaam on the coast of Tanzania.

From Dar es Salaam we travel to Zanzibar on our optional island excursion, taking a ferry across to the "Spice Island," where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past once serving as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa.

Kindly Note:

The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation in Zanzibar.

For travellers choosing not to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar excursion.

DAYS 2 & 3: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.

Explore a spice plantation, an interesting experience on Zanzibar Island, which is famous for its spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

Other interesting activities include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.  

There are a variety of restaurants on Zanzibar Island offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Dinner)

Departing from Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our relaxing beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening and spend the night at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 5: Dar es Salaam to Arusha – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Dar es Salaam we travel through African bush and expansive sisal plantations on our way to the pleasant town of Arusha.

We pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through Moshi town. Moshi is a great place from which to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day - a fantastic photo opportunity!

The town of Moshi forms the base for climbing expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes to its snowy summit. The night is spent camping in scenic Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha.

Next we have the option of taking an excursion to the legendary Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

DAYS 6 - 8: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Arusha town is located at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway for excursions to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara Park and the Serengeti Park. These game viewing excursions are run in locally operated 4WD safari vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.

Explore the thriving town of Arusha in the morning if you like, while we stock up on supplies for our wildlife excursion. You can browse the vibrant craft markets, go shopping or perhaps catch up on the news back home at one of the small internet cafes. 

Heading back to our base camp, Meserani Snake Park, those that are participating in the optional Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park Trip can prepare for their departure this afternoon.

For those choosing not to visit the Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater various alternative activities are available. You can explore the nearby town of Arusha and visit the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next two days of this Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari.

The Optional Ngorongoro & Serengeti Trip goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) located next to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, which is a higher lying village offering spectacular views over the surrounding hills.

Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its picturesque scenery. We stay at pleasant campsite in Karatu overnight, departing early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. Driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we head deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife. This crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Ngorongoro Crater game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.

We explore the Crater on a game drive before moving on down the crater rim and passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti Park. Then we camp in the heart of the untamed bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night.

In the morning we take a thrilling game drive in Serengeti Park, admiring the surrounding landscape as we search for game in the area. With some luck we get to sight the famous 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) of Africa on our Serengeti game drive. After the morning game drive, we retrace our steps crossing the vast plains and lush Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Back in Tanzania's Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of the wildlife encounters on the plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro.

DAY 9: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Driving north early this morning we head to the Tanzania-Kenyan border via the small border town of Namanga. Crossing into Kenya we journey to our next overnight campsite located on the outskirts of the Capital City of Nairobi.

The Safari Camp in Nairobi is ideally situated next to the Nairobi National Park, and is close to the giraffe sanctuary and elephant orphanage. The camp is also close to the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

DAY 10: Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast)

Today is free for you to enjoy some of the many things to do in Nairobi on this Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari.

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata for game viewing, then Nairobi National Park offers some great day trips or if you haven’t quite got all those souvenirs you wanted, take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets near the campsite. This evening you might like to try the fair on offer at the famous Carnivores restaurant.

DAY 11: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Leaving the lively streets of Nairobi behind we climb the gentle slopes of the escarpment. Along the way we stop at a viewpoint overlooking the splendid Great Rift Valley.

We then descend into the Rift Valley, entering Masai territory where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle along the roadside.  We drive through the town of Narok, possibly sighting some wildlife as we head for our campsite outside of town. The Safari Camp overlooks the Meguarra hills and a meandering stream that forms a natural border with the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 12: Masai Mara – Kenya (B / L / D)

Departing shortly after sunrise we embark on a game drive into the Masai Mara Reserve. Kenya's Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best Game Parks and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

Mara is most famous for the Annual Wildebeest Migration, also called the Great Migration. This wildlife spectacle occurs when impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. 

Masai Mara is particularly popular between July and October when these huge herds of herbivores search for fresh grazing. These grazers in turn attract Africa’s predators, often seen at a kill during the migration. Our game drive takes us through a section of the Mara Park in search of Africa's ‘Big Five’- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this wilderness area.

After our game drive in Masai Mara, we have the option of visiting one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – traditional hamlets where the Masai Tribe still live in their traditional way. In the evening we relax around the camp fire, watching the sun set over this African “Garden of Eden”.

DAY 13: Masai Mara to Kisumu – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The early morning sees us departing the Masai Mara Game Reserve, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau.

We travel to Kenya's harbour town, Kisumu, located on the banks of Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa's lakes. Here we stock up on supplies and rest at the lakeside for the night.

DAY 14: Kisumu to Kampala – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Crossing the border from Kenya we travel into the striking African country of Uganda.  

We stay in the capital city, Kampala, for our first night in Uganda. Uganda is a small country, covering diverse terrains. Habitats vary from fertile areas of greenery in the northern area around the shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountain peaks in the west and the captivating semi-desert region in the north of Uganda. 

The political instability in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialisation. The current administration has devoted considerable efforts and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring travel destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialisation than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.

DAY 15 - 18: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

On day 15 we depart from Kampala early in the morning heading west into the heart of beautiful Uganda.

Our next overnight base on this Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari is located at the scenic Lake Bunyoni, “place of many little birds”. Around 200 bird species have been recorded at this tranquil lake dotted with islands. 

From Lake Bunyoni we have the option of participating in exciting Gorilla Trekking excursions. The gorilla treks take place in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo), or Ruhengeri National Park (Rwanda); depending on the availability of gorilla trekking permits.

The prices of the trekking permits change, sometimes without prior notice. The price is currently at US$500 depending on which National Park we are gorilla trekking in. The gorilla permit fee is used to help conserve these endangered animals. A local transport and handling fee is charged, at between US$65 and US$70 per person (this includes the return transfer and booking fee with the Wildlife Authority).

When gorilla trekking takes place in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also need to pay for the additional visa for either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa when we re-enter the country. The trip leader will advise at the pre-departure meeting as to where the permits have been secured, and will assist with the online visa application for Rwanda en-route if needed. Please take these costs into account when budgeting for the gorilla trekking excursions.

We also advise budgeting a little extra for tipping the local guides and game rangers. Please budget accordingly as payment for the trekking permit must be made in US$ cash at the pre-departure meeting.

Gorilla Trekking Procedures:

With only about 700 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking is an extraordinary opportunity to encounter these gentle primates in the wild. On these unforgettable treks we get to watch the mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), one of our closest living relatives, in its natural habitat – a rare and unique wildlife experience! The gorillas are monitored on a daily basis giving the rangers a good idea of where to find these endangered primates at any given time. This said, sightings of the mountain gorillas cannot be guaranteed, as they are still free roaming wild animals.

These mountain gorillas share much of our DNA, therefore anyone with even the mildest cold or any transferable disease will not be permitted on the gorilla treks. There is an age restriction of a minimum of 16 years of age for trekking. The number of daily visitors allowed on the gorilla treks is limited, thus we depart from our Lake Bunyoni base in small groups over the next 3 to 4 days, depending on the size of our group. 

From Bunyoni we wind our way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, travelling to Kisoro town, our next overnight base. (If we are gorilla trekking in Rwanda our overnight stay will be in Ruhengeri). The next morning, we pack a picnic lunch and transfer to a ranger’s station, the starting point for our trek.

The rangers lead you through cultivated lands and onwards into the dense rain forest in search of a family of gorillas. Gorilla trekking can take anything from 45 minutes to 8 hours depending on how easy the gorillas are to locate. Trekking can be fairly strenuous; therefore it is necessary for participants to be reasonably fit.

We get to spend a maximum of one hour with the mountain gorillas, to ensure that the animals do not get too accustomed to humans and to protect them from any of our diseases. The visit allows for ample time to observe the gorillas from close range and take photographs of them. Your ranger will be able to give you the background on the particular gorilla family that you encounter.  When your visit comes to an end you trek back through the rain forest to the meeting point, from where you are transferred back to our Lake Bunyoni base.

The increase in daily gorilla trekking plays a vital role in the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas.

After years of being ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, to be sold as ashtrays and lampshades, tourism is helping to ensure the survival of this threatened species. Large numbers have also been killed while attempting to stop poachers from stealing baby gorillas to sell to zoos, where their lifespan is never long.

The entire cost of the gorilla trekking permits is used by the National Park authorities to protect the gorillas. The gorilla permit fee is used to fund patrolling, key to protecting the gorillas from poachers and deadly snares, as well as to promote awareness of these unique animals.

Lake Bunyoni:

Lake Bunyoni, a nature lover’s delight, is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa. There are a number of activities for you to enjoy at Lake Bunyoni, while you wait for your turn to go gorilla trekking. These activities include: hiking in the hills of this beautiful area, canoeing on the lake or going on a bird watching walk in this birding paradise.

Or you can experience the local culture by visiting a nearby village or church or exploring the local markets of Kabale. You could also choose to take it easy, simply relaxing on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyoni or taking a dip in its clean waters.

DAY 19: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience and soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.

We then cross the Equator for the second time on our African camping safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo. We overnight in Kampala and have the option of sampling the nightlife.

DAY 20: Kampala to Jinja – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities.

In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project. In the afternoon you can relax on the riverbanks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area of Uganda.

DAY 21: Jinja to Nakuru – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

With the 'Pearl of Africa' behind us our Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari returns to neighbouring Kenya, pausing along the way for supplies and lunch. Back in Kenya we sleep at a lovely campsite on a farm just outside of Nakuru, one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province.

The town of Nakuru is located next to the compact and wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park.

DAY 22: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before beginning our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. This Kenyan game park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos flocks along the shores of its soda lake.

The flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low. We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope species and sometimes hippos too.

After our game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, we head to Lake Naivasha arriving in the late afternoon.

DAY 23: Lake Naivasha – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On day 23 we travel to the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. Lake Naivasha is home to a multitude of birds, including the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. 

We spend the day participating in optional excursions near Lake Naivasha, such as visiting Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.

DAY 24: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast)

On the last day of this diverse Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Gorillas Safari we share breakfast and head back to the camp in Nairobi arriving by the early afternoon.

We exchange contact details and say goodbye to the friends and travel companions who shared this African Safari Adventure of a lifetime with us!

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Nairobi and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available in this vibrant city. You can visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, to see the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata (if you haven’t had your fill of game viewing), take a day trip to Nairobi National Park or take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari starts in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and travels to Zanzibar Island  and then north through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, before ending Nairobi, Kenya.

The budget camping safari departs from Dar Es Salaam early on Thursday mornings. Should you wish to explore Dar es Salaam, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.