25-Day Kenya to Zanzibar Overland Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Day 1: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara in a specialised safari vehicle
• First wildlife safari in Kenya's world-renowned reserve

Your Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari begins at 7 am in Nairobi. Travel in safari-style vehicles through rural Kenya and prepare for two nights of immersive safari adventure in the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, celebrated for its sweeping savannahs and abundant wildlife.

• Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Two sharing permanent tent with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Masai Mara Excursion

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Travel Highlights:

• Full-day Safari game viewing in the Masai Mara
• Opportunity to spot the Big Five and other wildlife, scenic landscapes, and river crossings

Your affordable Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari makes an early start today to spend the entire day on thrilling game drives through the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. Expect sightings of elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Two sharing permanent tent with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Full day Masai Mara Safari

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Masai Mara to Nakuru
• Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to view flamingos, pelicans, rhinos, and leopards

Today, we travel to our next reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO-recognised bird sanctuary and rhino conservation area. Enjoy an afternoon game drive to view flamingos, rhinos, and possibly elusive leopards.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Two sharing room with en-suite bathroom
• Included Activities: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive

Day 4: Jinja – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Cross the border into Uganda
• Arrive at the source of the Nile in Jinja
• Scenic views of Lake Victoria

Today, your East Africa overland safari heads across the border into Uganda. Once border formalities are complete, drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa and the source of the Nile River. Set up camp and prepare for optional activities in the days ahead when you return to Jinja at the end of the Uganda leg of this epic overland adventure.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 5: Masindi – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Track Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Travel to the outskirts of Murchison Falls National Park

Continue east, stopping for a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot. After a brief stop in Uganda's capital city, Kampala, continue to the city of Masindi, close to the Murchison Falls National Park, for our overnight campsite.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Ziwa Rhino Walk

Day 6: Budongo Forest – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
• Scenic Nile River boat cruise

Today, your Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari will enjoy the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Forest, home to Uganda’s largest chimp population (optional excursion – pre-booking is essential). Later in the day, head into the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park to cruise the Nile River in search of wildlife. Note: Depending on the number of people who have booked the Chimpanzee trekking, the group may be split into morning and afternoon excursions with the Nile cruise in the other half of the day.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Nile River Cruise
• Optional Activities: Chimp Trekking (Pre-bookable)

Day 7: Lake Kikorongo – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Travel Day through rural Uganda, transitioning from forest to savannah landscapes
• Stay at a hilltop campsite with views of Lake Kikorongo

Enjoy the shift in terrain as you approach one of Uganda’s prime wildlife regions. Camp at a scenic safari camp overlooking Lake Kikorongo.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 8 to 10: Lake Bunyonyi & Gorilla Trekking – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic journey to Lake Bunyonyi, crossing the Equator
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the DRC (permit-dependent)
• Optional boat or hiking excursions around Lake Bunyonyi

Your budget Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari continues south to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, where you’ll receive a briefing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience ahead. Due to limited gorilla trekking permits and the gorillas' cross-border habitat, flexibility in the location of the trek is required. While trekking in Uganda's Bwindi National Park is preferred when permits are available, we may need to travel just across the border to neighboring Rwanda or the DRC instead. Trek through dense forest to encounter endangered mountain gorillas and spend time with them in their natural habitat. The rest of your time is free to relax at camp and by the lake, or join optional activities such as cultural visits, hiking, or boat excursions.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x3
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Gorilla Trek (Permit required); Crossing the Equator
• Optional Activities: Golden Monkey Trekking (Pre-bookable), Rwanda Day Trip, Motorboat Trips

Day 11: Lake Mburo – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo
• Birdwatching in Lake Mburo National Park (over 350 bird species, incl. the rare shoebill stork)

Make your way to another of Uganda's beautiful lakes. Lake Mburo National Park is a compact yet diverse wildlife haven known for its acacia woodlands, open savannahs, and wetland ecosystems that are a birdwatcher’s paradise nestled in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 12 & 13: Jinja – Uganda

Travel Highlights:

• Cross the Equator once more en route to Jinja
• Stay on the banks of Africa’s longest river
• Optional whitewater rafting and other adrenaline-pumping activities on the Nile
• Sunset cruise at the Source of the Nile

Your East Africa overland safari crosses the equator once again and heads back to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, where we camp on the river banks for two nights. The Nile River offers exciting optional water activities, including rafting and river cruises. For those who prefer dry land, horse riding and quad biking are also available. In the afternoon of Day 13, unwind on a scenic river cruise at the Source of the Nile, enjoying sunset views over Africa’s most iconic river.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Crossing of the Equator; Source of the Nile River Cruise
• Optional Activities: Whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, river bugging, Source of the Nile cruise, and more

Day 14: Eldoret – Kenya

Travel Highlights:

• Cross the border back into Kenya
• Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley to Eldoret, Kenya’s high-altitude sports center

Your East Africa and Zanzibar overland adventure crosses the border back into Kenya today, and heads to Eldoret, a high-altitude town nestled within the Great Rift Valley. This region is known for its stunning landscapes and the high-altitude training center that draws athletes from all over the world.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 15: Nairobi – Kenya

Travel Highlights:

• Travel to the bustling capital of Kenya
• Evening at leisure in Nairobi

Your East African Overland Tour arrives back in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city, where you’ll enjoy one final evening in the country before crossing into Tanzania.

• Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Two sharing room with en-suite bathroom

Day 16: Arusha – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Cross the border into Tanzania
• Travel through Maasai lands and rural towns to Arusha, gateway to Northern Tanzania’s parks

Today’s journey takes you south to Tanzania. After clearing border formalities at Namanga, continue to our campsite in Arusha, the safari hub for northern Tanzania’s wildlife-rich destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 17 & 18: Serengeti National Park (Seronera Region) – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic drive into Serengeti National Park & afternoon game viewing en route to camp
• Stay two nights at a tented camp in Seronera, at the heart of the Serengeti
• Full-day Safari in the Serengeti for opportunities to spot the Big Five and more

You are collected in Arusha in 4x4 safari vehicles and venture deep into the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, home to rich wildlife and the iconic seasonal Great Migration. Enjoy your first sightings of animals as you journey to the tented camp in the central Seronera region, known for its big cats. Spend a full day on safari in Serengeti National Park, in search of lions, elephants, cheetahs, and so much more. You may also opt for a hot-air balloon safari for an unforgettable aerial view, but this needs to be pre-booked.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
• Accommodation: Two sharing permanent tent with en-suite bathroom
• Included Activities: Serengeti Safari
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required)

Day 19: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Safari in the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, known for its wildlife density
• Overnight in Karatu, a gateway to northern parks

Today, your Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari takes a final drive through the Serengeti and then onward to the Ngorongoro Crater, the collapsed caldera of an extinct volcano that is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning safari drive in one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. After a rewarding game drive, head up the crater walls once again and travel to the lush highlands of Karatu, where we camp for the night.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Day 20: Moshi – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Visit the colorful Mto wa Mbu Market
• Travel through varied landscapes to Moshi with views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)

Travel through northern Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from farmlands and villages to the lush foothills of Kilimanjaro. Stop at the vibrant Mto wa Mbu Market before reaching our Moshi campsite for an evening at leisure.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions
• Included Activities: Visit to Mto wa Mbu Market

Day 21: Bagamoyo – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Scenic journey to the Indian Ocean coastline

Take in the vibrant scenes of rural Tanzania as your overland safari journeys to the coast, heading south to the historic town of Bagamoyo. Along the way, witness bustling markets, picturesque villages, and rolling landscapes before reaching this culturally rich coastal town.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite with shared ablutions

Day 22 & 23: Zanzibar Beaches – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Ferry crossing from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island
• Beach escape at a Zanzibar seaside resort
• Relax on the beach, explore local attractions, and soak up island life

Today, your Kenya to Zanzibar camping safari catches the ferry to cross from mainland Tanzania to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, we travel to the island’s tranquil eastern coast to unwind at a beachside resort—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or cycling along coastal paths. Enjoy a full day of leisure on Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline. Whether you opt for adventure or relaxation, this is your time to swim in turquoise waters, try optional excursions, or simply bask in the sun.

• Meals Included: Breakfast x2
• Accommodation: Two sharing room with en-suite bathroom
• Included Activities: Ferry to Zanzibar
• Optional Activities: Swimming, bicycle rental, Snorkeling, diving, dhow cruises, massage treatments, and more

Day 24: Stone Town (Zanzibar) – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Guided walking spice tour
• Explore Stone Town’s history, architecture, and landmarks

Today, your overland tour travels to historic Stone Town, once a bustling center in the Swahili trade route. Stop on the way to enjoy a guided spice tour through lush plantations and local villages to discover why Zanzibar is known as 'the Spice Island'. Continue to historic Stone Town. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking city tour of Stone Town, exploring its winding alleys and cultural highlights, including Freddy Mercury’s birthplace.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Two sharing room with en-suite bathroom
• Included Activities: Spice Tour, Stone Town walking tour
• Optional Activities: Shopping, museum visits, rooftop dining, and more

Day 25: Stone Town (Zanzibar) – Tanzania

Travel Highlights:

• Farewell breakfast in Zanzibar’s iconic Stone Town
• Final day for exploration or onward travel

After breakfast, your epic and budget-friendly Kenya to Zanzibar overland safari comes to an end in the heart of Stone Town.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Optional Activities: Local sightseeing or shopping before departure

Kenya to Zanzibar Overland Safari & Gorilla Trekking Notes

• We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Kenya to Zanzibar camping safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Nairobi, Kenya, and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Stone Town, Zanzibar, to allow for delays and changes. Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
  
• Gorilla Trekking: A Gorilla Trekking Permit (currently US$ 865 to US$ 965) is required for this overland safari. You will be pre-invoiced for this non-refundable amount. Note: the permit cost may change without notice, so you will need to confirm the actual amount closer to departure. The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas.
  
• Chimp Trekking: This activity is optional. The permit is currently US$ 140 to US$ 240. If you do not wish to participate in the chimp trekking, you will remain at the visitor’s centre (limited facilities) for between 2–4 hours while the group participates in the activity.

Kenya to Zanzibar Overland Camping Safari Alternatives

Prefer a little more comfort? This route is also available as the Kenya to Zanzibar Overland Lodge Safari & Gorilla Trekking. It follows the same journey from Nairobi to Zanzibar, including gorilla trekking, the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, but stays in comfortable lodges, safari camps and beach accommodation instead of camping.

If you would prefer to travel in the opposite direction, this East Africa overland route is also available from Zanzibar to Kenya, ending in Nairobi instead of Stone Town.

Speak to your travel consultant to compare the camping, lodge and reverse-route options.