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Gorillas & East Africa Explorer
CAMPING SAFARI: Experience the best of five stunning African countries on a 39-day camping safari. Embark on a game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, seeking lions, rhinos, and flamingos. Trek to spot chimpanzees, hike the lush Bwindi National Park for rare mountain gorillas and explore Jinja's Nile. Discover the Big Five in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Relax in Zanzibar then journey south and unwind by Lake Malawi. Pass through Zambia before reaching Livingstone to view the spectacular Victoria Falls.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Download our Trip Notes
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Overview
Duration
39 daysStarts
NairobiEnds
LivingstoneRange
Overlanding AdventuresTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leaderGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 18Minimum age
18 years (16 years from 2026 onward)Maximum age
75Departs
SaturdaysHotel Rating
CampingCountries
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, ZimbabwePhysical Rating
ModerateDemands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Pace
MediumA balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn’t visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Arrival Transfer
No - can be booked on requestDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked on requestMeals included
Breakfast: 38, Lunch: 30, Dinner: 30Choose your desired standard of accommodation. See Ships for more information
Passengers
$8,178.75
$500.00
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
293 reviews
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Itinerary
Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
Day 1 - Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2 - Crossing the Equator
Day 2 - Crossing the Equator
Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our camp on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.
Day 3 - Into Uganda
Day 3 - Into Uganda
Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Tonight we stay in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4 - Kampala to Chimpanzee Trekking Area
Day 4 - Kampala to Chimpanzee Trekking Area
Kampala - Chimpanzee Trekking Area. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests. From our vehicle we witness herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns roaming the roads and paddocks. Our first evening here is free to unwind and relax, take a walk in the surrounding areas and take in the local ambient of the community.
Day 5 - Chimpanzee trekking
Day 5 - Chimpanzee trekking
Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge. Today, we head out in search of chimpanzees. Unlike their larger cousins, the mountain gorillas, chimps primarily lives in the trees, making our viewing experience one of gazing up into the dense forest canopy. Unsurprisingly, witnessing human's closest relative in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in small group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.
Days 6-8 - Gorilla trekking & Lake Bunyonyi
Days 6-8 - Gorilla trekking & Lake Bunyonyi
Chimpanzee Trekking Area - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 9 - Return to Kampala
Day 9 - Return to Kampala
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 10 - To the Nile
Day 10 - To the Nile
Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!
Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Days 11-12 - Free time in Jinja
Days 11-12 - Free time in Jinja
The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!
Day 13 - Return to Kenya
Day 13 - Return to Kenya
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret.
Day 14 - Nairobi
Day 14 - Nairobi
Eldoret - Nairobi. This morning, we cross the Equator and make our way south to Nairobi and to our accommodation in the city.
Day 15 - Nairobi
Day 15 - Nairobi
Today offers you the freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Alternatively, the following optional excursions are available to book locally. Enjoy close encounters at the the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery and the Giraffe Centre, or discover the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. Alternatively, you can opt for a day of relaxation and pure leisure, making the most of some well-deserved 'downtime'.
Day 16 - Masai Mara
Day 16 - Masai Mara
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later. In the Masai Mara, we will be staying in twin-share pre-erected tents with ensuite facilities.
During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Day 17 - Masai Mara
Day 17 - Masai Mara
Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 18 - Nairobi
Day 18 - Nairobi
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night.
Day 19 - Arusha
Day 19 - Arusha
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country's safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our accommodation at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 20 - Serengeti National Park
Day 20 - Serengeti National Park
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we drive around the rim of the spectacular UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see.
The Serengeti and neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Days 21-22 - Ngorongoro Crater
Days 21-22 - Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 21, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 22 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who can't manage the steep climb down the crater rim! Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Day 23 - Bagamoyo
Day 23 - Bagamoyo
Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak.
Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 24 - Dar es Salaam
Day 24 - Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania's main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colourful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We stay by the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar.
Days 25-27 - Paradise island of Zanzibar
Days 25-27 - Paradise island of Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 25, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. You'll also want to visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
In Zanzibar we typically spend day 25 in Stone Town and days 26 and 27 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 28 - Return to Dar es Salaam
Day 28 - Return to Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and travelling on to our accommodation by the coast for the evening.
Day 29 - Mikumi National Park
Day 29 - Mikumi National Park
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park Area. Making our way southwest, we head back inland and towards the border with Malawi. We'll be driving through Mikumi National Park for a large chunk of the day, and will hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives in Tanzania's fifth-largest game reserve.
Our accommodation for the night is right on the edge of the park and there is an optional additional game drive if you'd like to search further for elephants, giraffes, or the other species that call Mikumi home. Alternatively, you can relax in the local bar and restaurant, or enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Day 30 - Iringa
Day 30 - Iringa
Mikumi National Park Area - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known stopover, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 31 - Mbeya Region
Day 31 - Mbeya Region
Iringa - Mbeya Region. As we head towards Malawi, we make a stop at the tranquil Utengule Coffee Lodge, nestled amidst the majestic Mbeya range in Southern Tanzania. We take in breathtaking views of the East African Rift Valley, unwind by the poolside, or enjoy activities like squash, tennis, pool, table tennis, and volleyball. For those of us interested in coffee, we have the option to join a guided tour through the coffee plantation, complete with a roasting demonstration and a delicious cup of home-grown coffee.
Day 32 - Chitimba - Lake Malawi
Day 32 - Chitimba - Lake Malawi
Mbeya Area - Chitimba (Malawi). After our last night in Tanzania, we make our way to the Songwe border post and cross into Malawi. Lake Malawi, formerly known as Lake Nyasa, covers nearly a fifth of the country and is a vital source of livelihood for many Malawians. Fishermen, fish traders, and canoe and net makers all rely on the lake, and at dawn, we see fishermen in their Bwato—traditional dugout canoes—casting their nets as the sun rises over the water. The lake is also home to the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species in the world. We have plenty of free time to relax on the beach, stroll through the village, and explore the local craft market, where we can try our hand at woodcarving and create our own souvenir. We also have the chance to learn the traditional game of Bao or test our bargaining skills while shopping for unique handmade treasures.
Days 33-34 - Lake Malawi
Days 33-34 - Lake Malawi
Chitimba - Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi). On day 33 we take a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu - the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi - where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets, before arriving to Ngala Beach Lodge by Lake Malawi.
day 34 is free to try some of the optional activities, such as hiring a kayak, snorkelling, village walk, waterfall hike, or simply relax and enjoy the warm, fresh waters of Lake Malawi.
Day 35 - Crossing into Zambia
Day 35 - Crossing into Zambia
Nkhotakota Region - Petauke (Zambia). Travelling via the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, we make the border crossing into Zambia. We arrive at the town of Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jamerson. We should have time to wander around the town, home to a large Indian community and a number of ornate mosques. Then we continue to our accommodation on the outskirts of town.
Day 36 - Lively Lusaka
Day 36 - Lively Lusaka
Petauke - Lusaka. Today we have a long drive through the picturesque scenery of Zambia. We'll travel along the Great Eastern Road and cross the Luangwa River before reaching the capital, Lusaka. This is southern Africa's fastest-growing city, but we'll enjoy a slice of tranquility at our accommodation on a rural farm.
Days 37-38 - Thundering Victoria Falls
Days 37-38 - Thundering Victoria Falls
Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 37 we drive to Livingstone, our final destination, and home to the Victoria Falls. There is an included visit to see the Zambian side of this famous cascade and the following day is free to relax or enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available. Activities range from a further visit to see the cascades (prepare to get wet!), canoeing and rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping and fishing to a scenic flight over the falls, or an abseiling experience - the choice is yours!
Day 39 - Livingstone
Day 39 - Livingstone
Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. If you'd like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jan - May)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jun - Dec)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, tent
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation Nairobi - Hotel Boulevard
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Mandatory Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit (to be paid at time of booking and non-refundable) (Acacia)
$1,455
per passengerAdd on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (1 person) (Acacia)
$75
per passengerAdd on: Livingstone Airport Shuttle Transfer (Acacia)
$55
per passengerAdd on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (max. 3 ppl) (Acacia)
$55
per passengerAccommodation Standard
Camping
Campsites
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent/room. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent/room with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Please note, this tour has a non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $995pp (or equivalent in your currency) - paid at time of booking in addition to the tour price.
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