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Canoeing in Lake Malawi

37 Day East Africa Overland Camping Safari & Gorilla…

Tour Length37 days
Priced from pps $6324 R119900 £4969 5816 A$9645 C$8560 NZ$10398 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Livingstone, Zambia
  • Ends at Nairobi, Kenya
  • Accommodation Standard Camping / Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Game Viewing Vehicle / Ferry / Boat
  • Wildlife Big 5, Chimpanzees, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Gorillas, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

An unforgettable five weeks of adventure in East Africa visiting top wildlife parks, rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and Rift Valley lakes on this epic East Africa Camping Safari & Gorilla Tour from Livingstone, Victoria Falls to Nairobi.

Highlights include game viewing in the untamed South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, a few laid-back days on the shores of Lake Malawi, ferry to the tropical beaches and history of exotic Zanzibar Island, safari in famous Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania’s famed Northern Safari Circuit, a Kenya wildlife safari in the legendary Masai Mara, traveling through the Great Rift Valley and its many lakes in Kenya and Uganda. Round off this excellently priced East Africa Overland Camping Tour with the magical experience of Uganda gorilla trekking in the rainforests of Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest.

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant, or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.

We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Livingstone (Victoria Falls) to Chirundu – Zambia

This extraordinary East Africa Camping Overland Tour departs from Livingstone on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls early today. We journey to the town of Chirundu, which lies on the banks of the Kafue River close to where it joins the mighty Zambezi. Along the way, we pass bustling markets, small villages, and rural landscapes. As we drive deeper into Zambia you will see the vegetation becoming more sub-tropical and the roads a little rougher. Zambia's wilderness areas remain wild and unspoiled, having undergone little development. The largely unexplored wild places of Zambia offer an uncrowded and authentic African adventure. This evening your guides make a hearty dinner at our first campsite and fill you in on the overland adventures ahead as we enjoy the sun setting over the river.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chirundu – Zambia

Day 2 is free to relax on the Kafue riverbank or try one of the many optional activities on offer. The area is popular with fishermen because of the prevalence of Tiger Fish in the rivers, known for their fierce fighting spirit. Anglers need to be quick and focused, as these fish put up quite a challenge. You could also take a hike to a nearby bat cave and baobab forest or book a river safari. You could opt to for a game drive in Lower Zambezi National Park. This is a truly remote national park of 4,092 square kilometers (980 square miles) along the north-western bank of the Zambezi River, known for its abundant wildlife, including buffalo, fish, and four of the Big 5 (rhino are absent).

We spend a second night camping at our campsite on the banks of the Kafue River.

  • Optional Activities: Fishing, Lower Zambezi National Park Game Drive, River Safari Birding, Baobab Forest & Bat Cave,
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chirundu to Petauke – Zambia

Today our Africa Overland Tour takes a long drive along the Great East Road, a crucial road link connecting Zambia with its neighbors – Zimbabwe in the west and Malawi in the east. The road goes through bustling capital city, Lusaka, then winds through expansive landscapes dotted with quaint villages and subsistence farms, offering an authentic glimpse into the everyday lives of the Zambian people. Crossing the bridge over the magnificent Luangwa River, lifeblood for this part of the country, we stop at the bustling Luangwa Market, a vibrant hub of activity where local vendors proudly display their goods, from local fruits and other edible delights, to an eclectic collection of African curiosities and crafts.

We overnight at a campsite in the town of Patauke.

  • Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 & 5: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Early on Day 4 we leave Petauke headed to the magnificent South Luangwa National Park. We stop at Mulberry Mongoose on the way, an exceptional jewelry enterprise in the South Luangwa Valley renowned for its handcrafted accessories made by local Zambian women from local resources carefully sourced. The company takes a stand against poaching by repurposing brutal snare traps, which are often used illegally to capture wildlife, into stunning pieces of jewelry.

We will spend the next two nights camping at a comfortable safari camp on the banks of the Luangwa River in South Luangwa National Park. Sitting at the camp bar you can spot hippos, birds, and various animals coming to the river to drink while you enjoy sundowners as the setting sun creates a beautiful scene along the river.

After waking up beside the Luangwa River in the unspoiled African bush, you have the option of taking a morning game drive in the park. If you’re here during the dry season, you have the option of a walking safari in the game-rich bush. South Luangwa is renowned as one of the first places to offer game walks. Beautiful and wild South Luangwa National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, zebra, elephant, giraffe, hippos, and crocodiles. Keep an eye out for leopards too as this is known as a top destination for spotting leopards in Africa.

Later in the afternoon we embark on a sunset game drive, heading out as the heat of the day subsides and animals become more active. We go in search of the rich variety of wildlife and birds, stopping for sundowners to admire the sights and smells of the bush against the backdrop of the setting sun. We continue our game drive after dark in the hopes of spotting the elusive nocturnal animals of South Luangwa not active during the day, especially the shy leopards.

  • Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
  • Optional Activities: Walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park or Morning Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 6 & 7: Central Lake Malawi – Malawi

On Day 6 our East Africa Camping Safari crosses into the next country on our overland adventure - Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Border formalities complete, we make our way to Lake Malawi, third largest and second deepest lake in the African Rift Valley that borders Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. We will spend two nights at a comfortable campsite in the historic town of Ngala Beach in the Nkhotakota Region of Malawi. Here you are free to relax and unwind.

Take a stroll along the sandy beach past fishing villages. Lake Malawi enjoys a pleasant climate for swimming year-round and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visibility can extend to depths of up to 20 meters (65 feet), ideal for observing the incredible diversity of colorful fish species and underwater rock formations. Otherwise, explore the waters on a kayak or motorboat trip, do some bird watching, or take a guided hike to a nearby waterfall and forest reserve.

  • Optional Activities: Waterfall Hike, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Motorboat Trips, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 8: Northern Lake Malawi - Malawi

We travel a little further north along the shores of Lake Malawi to our next lakeside campsite. We pass by a number of the fishing villages dotted along the shoreline and stop at one local village where your guide will lead you on a walk to meet some of the friendly locals and see what rural Malawian life is like. By late afternoon we arrive at the campsite on the northern shores where you can watch the sun go down over the lake as you recline in a hammock with an iced drink in hand.

  • Included Activity: Malawi Village Tour with your guide
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Lake Malawi to Mbeya region – Tanzania

This morning our East Africa Safari takes us north into neighboring Tanzania. Crossing the border, we head into the Mbeya Mountain region of the Southern Tanzania Highlands. This is coffee country and tonight we stay in a shared bungalow on a coffee plantation set in the scenic hills.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania

Day 10 kicks off with a coffee plantation visit. We get to see how coffee is grown and harvested in this part of Tanzania and sample the delicious coffee beans for ourselves. Then its back on the overland truck, traversing some spectacular mountain passes of the Rift Valley Highlands past lush tea plantations on the hillsides. We overnight at a campsite on a working farm just outside the town of Iringa.

  • Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Iringa to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania

From Iringa, we continue north to the town of Mikumi. Along the way we stop to admire Baobab Valley, a landscape dotted with the silhouettes of these majestic trees. We take photographs against this dramatic backdrop.

Tonight, we camp at a Safari Camp on the outskirts of the Mikumi National Park which forms part of a vast wilderness area with the historic Selous Game Reserve. You have the chance to enjoy an optional game drive in the park this afternoon. The expansive Mkata Floodplains host abundant herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo, with lion and other predators alongside.

  • Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit
  • Optional Activity: Afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

Today our Overland Africa Safari leaves the plains behind and heads for the balmy Indian Ocean coastline and the vibrant port city of Dar es Salaam. The name "Dar es Salaam" translates to "Haven of Peace" in Arabic. We stay at a centrally located hotel. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the city and enjoy the varied cuisine which reflects its mix of indigenous Tanzanian, Arab, Indian, and European influences. We will have an early start in the morning for our trip to the exotic Zanzibar Islands.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 13: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar - Tanzania

In bustling Dar es Salaam, we catch an early ferry to Zanzibar Island - our home for the next three blissful nights. Arriving on the main island of Zanzibar we head to our hotel in historic and fascinating Stone Town, once a major port on the slave and spice trade routes.

The rest of the day is yours to go exploring in Stone Town. Step back in time as you walk through narrow, winding alleyways lined with centuries-old coral stone buildings adorned with intricately carved wooden doors. The town offers a sensory feast of vibrant marketplaces filled with exotic spices, fresh fruits, and local handicrafts, while the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer echoes from the numerous mosques. At the waterfront, the sight of traditional dhow boats against the backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean completes the picturesque charm.

  • Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry Trip
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 & 15: Zanzibar Island Beach Resort – Tanzania

Day 14 starts with a walking tour of Stone Town led by your guide who will show you well known landmarks (including the birthplace of Queen singer, Freddy Mercury). Then our East Africa Safari heads out of town. En-route to our beach resort on the island’s eastern coast, we stop at a local village to do a Spice Tour. Take a walk through a spice plantation to learn about the spice trade and see the cultivation of spices like cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. You will have a chance to buy some fresh spices.

On reaching the beach resort, you are free to spend your days lazily soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise ocean. There are a host of activities on offer, from snorkeling and fishing to scuba diving and sailing trips on traditional wooden dhow sailing boats that have plied these waters for centuries. Hire a scooter to explore the islands on your own or take a guided trip.

  • Included Activity: Stone Town Walking Tour, Zanzibar Spice Tour
  • Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing Trips, Jozani Forest Trip, Village Tours, Turtle Sanctuary, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x 2

Day 16: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam & Bagamoyo – Tanzania

This morning on our overland adventure leaves the beach paradise of Zanzibar Island behind as we catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Here we are reunited with our overland truck and drive north to Bagamoyo for an overnight stay. Founded in the late 1700s, this is a town where the dhow sailing boats are still built in the traditional way. The name "Bagamoyo" originates from the Swahili language and means "Lay down your heart", a touching reminder of the town's history as a major trading post where slaves, ivory, and salt were commonly traded.

  • Included Activity: Zanzibar return ferry
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Bagamoyo to Arusha – Tanzania

Day 17 sees our camping safari take a scenic drive to Arusha, the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit in Tanzania. Our drive takes us north up the Indian Ocean coastline before heading inland towards the mountains fringing the Great Rift Valley. We overnight at a campsite in Arusha which is located in the cool foothills of Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest peak. Arusha is conveniently located close the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater of the Northern Safari Circuit and is also a base for climbers planning to attempt Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro not far away. Tomorrow, we will embark on a three-night Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari in smaller 4x4 Safari vehicles, so we will need to pack a smaller bag to take on this adventure.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Arusha to Karatu – Tanzania

Leaving Arusha today we drive through stunning Rift Valley scenery to the town of Karatu, in the Ngorongoro Highlands area. This busy small town lies between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater serving as our base for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. En-route we stop in the village of Mto wa Mbu and visit the vibrant market where vendors sell local produce and crafts. Once in our safari camp in Karatu, we will be briefed about our full-day trip to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater planned for the following day.

  • Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market
  • Optional Activities: Local Brewery Tour, Karatu Iraqw Market, local coffee plantation tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Rise and shine early this morning for an action-packed day of 4x4 game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. You are collected from the safari camp in Karatu and set off for the Crater where most of your day is spent exploring. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts one of the densest large animal populations in Africa due to its unique geography – a collapsed volcano caldera which forms a vast natural amphitheatre enclosing a unique, hidden world. Members of most of Africa's large mammal species are found roaming freely in the crater so a wide range of wild animals is usually spotted on this day safari.

After a memorable day of game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, we head back up the steep slopes of the crater and drive to Serengeti National Park located nearby. Entering the legendary Serengeti we have a game drive on the way to our overnight safari camp, located in the central Seronera region of the park. Our tented camp offers beautiful views of the central plains teeming with large herds of animals. Sit back and enjoy a serene sunset over Serengeti looking out for wildlife in front of your walk-in safari tent while you sip on a cold drink.

  • Included Activity: 4x4 Ngorongoro Crater Safari, Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania

Most of Day 20 on our East Africa Safari is spent exploring the Seronera region of central Serengeti. These central plains attract great herds of herbivores for the juicy grazing. And where large numbers of prey congregate, so do the predators. The Seronera area is famous for its outstanding big cat sightings, earning it the title of the 'Big cat capital of Africa'. Sit back and soak up the iconic African safari landscapes of the vast Serengeti Plains teeming with wildlife. After our rewarding wildlife safari in Serengeti, we return to our tented camp for another magical night under the stars.

  • Included Activity: Seronera Serengeti game drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Serengeti to Arusha – Tanzania

On Day 21 our overland camping tour takes us back to Arusha, via the scenic Great Rift Valley. This evening we relax back at our campsite in Arusha and recount our incredible Tanzania wildlife adventures in Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya

We travel north, keeping a lookout for a view of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro which is visible on a good day. Crossing into Kenya, we continue through lush savannah past towns and villages to dynamic Nairobi, our next exciting overnight stop. The name 'Nairobi' comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi, which translates to "place of cool waters".

Nairobi's culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of international and Kenyan dishes and street food stalls serving delicious nyama choma (grilled meat). Tonight, you can eat out in Nairobi or dine at the hotel (own expense) and sample the nightlife of this African megacity. You will need to pack an overnight bag with camping essentials for our two-night Masai Mara trip tomorrow as smaller safari vehicles are used, and space is limited.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 23: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

Today our East Africa Overland Tour & Gorilla Safari leaves Nairobi, largest city in Kenya, in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles. We drive southwest to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve which is (arguably) the best safari destination in Africa. This is the game-rich landscape where wildlife documentaries and films of untamed Africa are made - the quintessential African safari destination.

We travel via the Great Rift Valley of East Africa passing through scenic landscapes dotted with rural villages. The semi-nomadic Maasai people are from this region of Kenya and are best known for their brightly-colored robes and fierce warriors, as well as their traditional dancing. We will spend two nights at a tented camp.

  • Included Activity: Masai Mara Safari
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 24: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

An exciting day of wildlife adventures in Masai Mara lies ahead! Today we explore world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, boasting the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya. The name "Maasai Mara" is derived from two significant components. "Maasai" refers to the Maasai people who have lived in the region for centuries, and "Mara" means "spotted" in the Maasai language, referring to the dotted nature of the landscape with trees, animals, and acacia bushes. It is in the southwestern part of Kenya, adjacent to the Tanzanian border, covering approximately 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) of protected land.

We spend the whole day game viewing in Masai Mara, one of the greatest wildlife parks on earth lauded for its spectacular scenery. Our game drives take us in search of the Big 5 of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, smaller creatures like jackal, hyena, baboons, warthog, bat-eared fox, and numerous antelope species, such as impala and topi.

Masai Mara Reserve is best known for the annual Great Migration that takes place between its vast plains and the Serengeti Park on the other side of the border in Tanzania. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thompson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains dashing through the Mara River dodging the Nile crocodiles lying in wait. Note that this is a seasonal migration with sightings occurring at different places during the months.

  • Included Activity: Masai Mara Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 25: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Kenya

This morning our East Africa Camping Safari rejoins our overland vehicle and heads north to the next lake on our overland adventure – Lake Nakuru. This Great Rift Valley soda lake is famous for the huge flamingo flocks that sometimes gather here (seasonal). In the afternoon we head out into the bush on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park that surrounds the lake. This recently expanded 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) game park is home to more than 25 black rhinos, one of the highest concentrations in Kenya, as well as about 70 white rhinos. Wild animals commonly sighted include impala, gazelle, warthog, waterbuck, resident hippos, and large tree pythons. Lion, cheetah, buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, eland, and leopard also inhabit Lake Nakuru Park. Originally established as a bird sanctuary this national park is home to a wide array of birds, with over 400 resident species as well as various migratory birds.

We overnight at a comfortable hotel in nearby Nakuru, third-largest city in Kenya.

  • Included Activity: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 26: Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda

Next up on our East Africa Overland Tour & Gorilla Safari is a crossing into Uganda. Fondly called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda boasts lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous Rift Valley lakes and rivers. En-route we cross the equator and stop to take photos to mark this auspicious occasion.

Our first destination in Uganda is Jinja, Uganda's second-largest city located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This is considered the starting point of the Nile River (officially called the Victoria Nile) where the river flows out of Lake Victoria. From here the famous river travels 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles) north through East Africa to Egypt and into the Mediterranean. The area is known for its host of adventure activities on offer, particularly white-water rafting. It is also reputedly the home of East Africa’s sweetest pineapples!

We camp at an overland camp surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Victoria Nile at the spectacular Kalagala Falls. We will return here after our Uganda adventure to take advantage of the activities on offer.

  • Included Activity: Crossing the Equator
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27: Jinja to Masindi & Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

On Day 27, we head northwest through Uganda, making our way to Lake Albert. Our destination for the next two nights is a campsite just outside the city of Masindi, known for its historic buildings from the British colonial era and its proximity to Budongo Forest, one of the largest natural mahogany forests in Uganda, and the Murchison Falls National Park, largest national park in Uganda that is home to a diversity of wildlife. The Victoria Nile River runs through the park, plummeting through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls before flowing into Lake Albert.

Later, you have the option to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to take a bush walk in search of highly endangered rhinos. This 7,000-hectare sanctuary is part of a rhino conservation program run by a non-profit called Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) to address the rampant poaching of Rhinos in Uganda’s national parks. Rhinos are bred here for release back into the wild.

  • Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28: Budongo Forest Reserve Chimpanzee Trekking – Uganda

Today our East Africa Safari goes in search of chimpanzees in the wild! In the morning we set off for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. This forest of majestic Mahogany trees is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, hosting around 600 to 700 chimps, and eight other primate species. It is a place of incredible beauty and biodiversity. Your local guide will lead small groups in search of these primates, and you will have the opportunity to spend an hour watching their antics in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon we take a boat cruise on the Nile River in the Murchison Falls National Park, the ideal way to spot animals on the riverbanks. We hope to encounter four of the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo - along with many other wild animals and birds.

For larger safari groups, your tour group may be split into smaller groups for chimpanzee trekking, thus you may end up taking the boat cruise in the morning and chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon, and vice versa.

  • Included Activity: Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest & Nile River Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo - Uganda

On the morning of Day 29, we travel to our next campsite, on a hill with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Kikorongo on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake Kikorongo is a crater lake, an extension of Lake George on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This National Park is known for its tree climbing lions and its quirky volcanic rock features. The landscape attracts hippos, Nile crocodiles, bush elephants, buffalos, lions, chimpanzees, and more as well as over 500 bird species.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 30: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda

Today we cross the equator again on our way to southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda. Our destination is scenic Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Africa, located in the heart of gorilla country. We stay at a lovely campsite on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi which will be our base for three days for our exciting trek to the mountain gorillas. Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful setting and a haven for birdwatchers. Its name means "place of little birds," and the calm waters dotted with 29 small islands and surrounded by lush green hills makes the perfect habitat. The lake is safe for swimming and is a popular spot for watersports.

This evening you will be briefed on the Uganda gorilla trekking excursion taking place on the following days.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 31 & 32: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Uganda

Time for one of the most memorable highlights of our trip - a Gorilla Safari in Uganda. African Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered, with only around 800 wild mountain gorillas remaining in the world. Gorilla trekking permits are required in order to limit the numbers of people coming into contact with these creatures, and to fund the efforts to protect these highly endangered primates. The habitat of these magnificent creatures in this area doesn't conform to the human-drawn borders, as their range extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Bwindi National Park in Uganda is our intended gorilla trekking destination, but this is subject to the availability of permits. If permits for Uganda's Bwindi Park are not available, you will be informed beforehand, and we will travel to neighboring Rwanda or the DRC.

You set off in groups of 6 people accompanied by local rangers who will lead you up the mountain slopes through dense undergrowth in search of a gorilla family group. The trek can be strenuous but this fades into insignificance once you chance upon the gorillas and settle in to observe them. Watching the antics of the group, from the powerful silverback patriarch to the youngsters is truly a breath-taking experience.

Two days have been set aside on the itinerary to allow for flexibility in case of limited permits or large tour groups. On your free day you will have the chance to relax and enjoy the serene surrounding of Lake Bunyoni. Take to the waters on a kayak or boat trip, go hiking or mountain biking on land, take a day tour to neighbouring Rwanda or visit a local pygmy village.

Please note: The Gorilla Trekking permit is not included in the overland tour price.

  • Optional Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Pygmy Village Visit (including motorboat transfer), Rwanda Day Tour, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x 2

Day 33: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda

On Day 33 of this epic Africa Overland Tour, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park in Western Uganda. The park features a cluster of five shallow lakes surrounded by acacia savannah alongside papyrus swamps and lush rolling hills. The area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, attracting over 300 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. We overnight in en-suite bedrooms at a scenic lodge on the outskirts of the park. Grab a cold drink, enjoy the panoramic views from the lodge restaurant, and listen to the birds.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 34 & 35: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda

Today we head back to Jinja, Uganda’s second-largest city, and settle back into our overland camp surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Victoria Nile at the spectacular Kalagala Falls. We will stay here for two nights. We arrive just in time for a hearty lunch and can then look forward to some free time to experience this magical place. Unwind at the resort or embark on some optional adventure activities. Most popular is the white-water rafting on these legendary rapids, try river bugging, kayaking, or take a motorised boat cruise exploring Lake Victoria and the source of the White Nile. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can try Bungee Jumping, Horse Riding, or Quad Biking.

  • Optional Activities: White Water Rafting (half-day), River Bugging, Kayaking, Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Horse riding, Quad biking, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 36: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya

Today, our Africa Overland Camping Tour & Gorilla Safari takes us back into Kenya where we spend our last night at a campsite in Eldoret. Established by a post office on a local farm in 1910, today Eldoret is the 5th largest city in Kenya. Eldoret enjoys a cool climate as it lies 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level in a farming area of the Great Rift Valley. Eldoret is renowned as a breeding ground for world-class long-distance and middle-distance runners. Many successful Kenyan athletes, including Olympic champions, have their roots in Eldoret. The town's high-altitude location is conducive to training for endurance sports, and numerous high altitude training camps attract athletes from around the world.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 37: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya

On the last day of our epic East Africa Safari, we drive southeast to Nairobi. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.

Most tour groups choose to meet for an optional dinner tonight to share stories and exchange memories and contact details with fellow travelers.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Overland Tour Notes

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this East Africa & Gorilla Trekking Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Livingstone and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Nairobi to allow for delays and changes.

Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

This northbound East Africa Safari is also available in the opposite direction as the East Africa & Gorillas Safari - South, starting in Nairobi and ending in Livingstone, Victoria Falls.

This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour - East Africa Safari (Overland Tour & Gorilla Trekking) which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Wildebeest Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert at African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

ZIMBABWE ACTIVITIES (VICTORIA FALLS) ACTIVITIES:

  • White Water Rafting - Full Day
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board 
  • Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/ Full Day
  • Half Day Adrenaline - George Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox 
  • Bungee Jump (111m)
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Micro Light over Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Falls 

MALAWI ACTIVITIES:

  • Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach
  • Horse Riding at Kande Beach (Bush, Beach & Swim)                             
  • Village Walk & Meal at Kande Beach 
  • Traditional Healer Visit 
  • Livingstonia Mission Hike
  • Carving Lessons & Local Fishing

TANZANIA (ZANZIBAR) ACTIVITIES: 

  • Prison Island Snorkeling Trip
  • Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing
  • Motorbike/ Car Hire 
  • Local drivers license/insurance
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+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

ZIMBABWE ACTIVITIES (VICTORIA FALLS) ACTIVITIES:

  • White Water Rafting - Full Day
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board 
  • Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/ Full Day
  • Half Day Adrenaline - George Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox 
  • Bungee Jump (111m)
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Micro Light over Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Falls 

MALAWI ACTIVITIES:

  • Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach
  • Horse Riding at Kande Beach (Bush, Beach & Swim)                             
  • Village Walk & Meal at Kande Beach 
  • Traditional Healer Visit 
  • Livingstonia Mission Hike
  • Carving Lessons & Local Fishing

TANZANIA (ZANZIBAR) ACTIVITIES: 

  • Prison Island Snorkeling Trip
  • Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing
  • Motorbike/ Car Hire 
  • Local drivers license/insurance
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • Registered guides
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated 
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal items and tips
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Optional activities
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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