Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi to Nakuru
You'll leave Nairobi early in the morning and drive down through the Great Rift Valley, watching the landscape change as you descend the escarpments toward the valley floor. Once you arrive in the Nakuru area, you'll switch to a specialized safari vehicle with a local guide for an afternoon game drive through Nakuru National Park, keeping your eyes open for wildlife in the park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Afternoon game drive in Nakuru National Park with local guide
Landmarks Great Rift Valley Lake Nakuru National Park - Day 2
Nakuru to Eldoret
This morning takes you across the Equator and up the other side of the Great Rift Valley as you head toward Eldoret, Kenya's 5th largest town. You'll drive through lush farmland dominated by grain, dairy and horticultural farms, with the landscape showing you the agricultural heart of the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Equator - Day 3
Eldoret to Kampala
You'll cross your first border into Uganda and continue westward toward Kampala, the capital city built across several hills. The route takes you through a busy landscape with markets, roadside traders and matatu stands everywhere, giving you a real sense of daily life in the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kampala - Day 4
Kampala to Chimpanzee Trekking Base
You'll depart Kampala before dawn and drive westward across the Equator through fertile terraced hillsides, dense banana plantations and tangled forests. The journey brings you to your overnight destination, with the landscape gradually shifting as you move deeper into Uganda's western reaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Equator - Day 5
Kibale Chimpanzee Trek
Early this morning you'll trek into the forest with a guide to look for chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Spending a few hours observing these animals in their natural habitat, you'll also notice the lush forest canopy overhead and listen for the calls of colorful bird life all around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking in the forest
Landmarks Kibale National Park - Day 6
Kibale to Lake Bunyonyi
You'll travel to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa at depths reaching 900m, surrounded by lush forested hills. This is your chance to relax and take a break before potentially heading out on mountain gorilla treks, or you can simply enjoy the peaceful setting and natural beauty around the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Bunyonyi - Days 7 - 8
Lake Bunyonyi
One of these two days you'll trek into the surrounding mountains searching for endangered mountain gorillas, a demanding but rewarding experience. When not trekking, you can take village walks to meet local people, go out on boat trips across the lake, or explore the area on day trips to see more of what the region offers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mountain gorilla trekking (one of two days)
Optional Activities
- Village walks to see local culture
- Boat trips on Lake Bunyonyi
- Day trips to explore surroundings
Landmarks Lake Bunyonyi Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 9
Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala
You'll leave Lake Bunyonyi and travel back across the Equator toward Kampala for your final night here. Once you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to try local food and check out some of the city's nightlife, giving you a taste of Ugandan culture and urban energy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Landmarks Equator - Day 10
Kampala to Jinja
From Kampala you'll head to the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Your camp sits right on the banks of the Nile River with great views over the water. You can relax by the pool with a drink, walk through local villages, or sign up for optional river rafting if you want some adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- River rafting on Grade 5 rapids
Landmarks Lake Victoria River Nile - Days 11 - 12
Jinja
You have two days here with plenty of optional activities to choose from. White water raft the Nile rapids, explore nearby villages on a quad bike or mountain bike, volunteer at a local school project, or simply take it easy and do as much or as little as you want. The choice is yours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- White water rafting on Nile rapids
- Quad biking through local villages
- Mountain biking through local villages
- Volunteering at local school project
Landmarks River Nile - Day 13
Jinja to Eldoret
You'll say goodbye to Uganda and re-enter Kenya, retracing your route back to the camp you stayed at in Eldoret. The drive takes you through familiar landscapes as you head eastward, retracing some of the ground you covered on the first days of the tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 14
Eldoret to Nairobi
You'll make your fourth and final crossing of the Equator as you travel south back into Kenya and toward Nairobi. After returning to the capital, you might celebrate the first section of your tour at one of the local restaurants with your group, reflecting on the journey so far.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- Celebration dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks Equator - Day 15
Nairobi
Today is yours to explore Nairobi at your own pace. Check out the museums around the city, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery to see young elephants being cared for, or simply take some downtime to rest up before the next leg of your journey begins.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit museums
- Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery
- Explore city at leisure
Landmarks Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery - Day 16
Nairobi to Masai Mara
You'll cross a different section of the Great Rift Valley, stopping along the way to take in the sweeping vistas. Traveling in specialized game viewing vehicles, you'll head toward the Masai Mara Reserve. Your tented camp sits right at the edge of the reserve, putting you in the ideal spot for exploring this famous wildlife area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Great Rift Valley Masai Mara National Reserve - Day 17
Masai Mara Game Drive
You'll spend the full day game driving with specialized guides through the Mara. The year-round wildlife viewing here is excellent, giving you great chances to spot the Big 5. If you're visiting between July and October, you might see the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River, one of nature's most dramatic events.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve with specialized guides
Landmarks Masai Mara National Reserve Mara River - Day 18
Masai Mara to Nairobi
You'll leave the open plains and Acacia trees of the Mara behind and head back to Nairobi. Once you arrive, you'll be reunited with your adventure vehicle and settle in for your final night in the capital before heading south toward Tanzania and the next section of the tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 19
Nairobi to Arusha
You'll head south from Nairobi, crossing into Tanzania at the Namanga border, and continue toward Arusha, known as Tanzania's safari capital. After picking up supplies in town, you'll reach your camp on the open plains. If time allows, you'll visit a local Maasai village to see the day-to-day life of these traditionally dressed and proud people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Maasai village walk
Landmarks Namanga Border Crossing Arusha - Day 20
Arusha to Serengeti National Park
You'll meet local specialized guides and board 4x4 game viewing vehicles for another safari into the Serengeti National Park, an endless sea of grass that borders the Mara to the north. Entering the park in the early afternoon, you'll drive deeper into the park, spotting wildlife along the way, until you reach your unfenced camp deep inside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game drive to Serengeti National Park with specialized guides
Landmarks Serengeti National Park - Day 21
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
In the morning you'll explore the rocky tracks and rock kopjes, searching for wildlife with your experienced guides. Later you'll travel through the conservation area and head to the neighboring Ngorongoro Crater. Your camp sits on the rim at 2,400m high with views down to the crater floor about 600m below.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning game drive in Serengeti National Park
Landmarks Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro Crater - Day 22
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
You'll bundle up against the early morning chill and watch the sunrise over the crater rim. After climbing into your vehicles, you'll descend the steep road down to the crater floor for a morning of game driving, seeing animals and bird life throughout this wildlife haven. By afternoon you'll climb back out and return to Arusha, saying goodbye to your wildlife guides.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning game drive on Ngorongoro Crater floor
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater - Day 23
Arusha to Bagamoyo
You'll head east early this morning toward the warm Indian Ocean, traveling through Moshi with hopes of catching a view of snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro at 5,895m towering on the horizon. The route takes you down through sisal plantations until you reach sea level and arrive at Bagamoyo, an old trading port, and your camp near the palm-fringed beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mount Kilimanjaro Bagamoyo Indian Ocean - Day 24
Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam
You'll continue south along the coast through Dar es Salaam, a hot, humid and colorful sea port and the jumping-off point for the spice island of Zanzibar. Your camp sits where you can catch the balmy Indian Ocean breezes, and you'll fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Dar es Salaam - Day 25
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Stone Town
You'll board a morning fast ferry and cross over to Stone Town on Zanzibar, leaving the mainland behind. Once you arrive on this exotic island, you'll walk through the alleyways, bazaars and markets of this historic port, spending your first night exploring this colorful destination.
Landmarks Stone Town Zanzibar - Days 26 - 27
Zanzibar Northern Beaches
You'll travel north from Stone Town toward idyllic white sandy palm-fringed beaches. You might take a spice and slave tour, snorkel and dive in the clear azure waters, or simply relax on the sand. You have two nights on these northern beaches to unwind and enjoy the island pace.
Optional Activities
- Spice and slave tour
- Snorkeling in azure waters
- Diving
Landmarks Zanzibar - Day 28
Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
You'll travel back down to Stone Town and then board an afternoon fast ferry to return to the mainland and your beachfront camp. The crossing takes you back to the Tanzanian coast where you'll spend the night before heading inland the next day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Zanzibar - Day 29
Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
You'll leave the Indian Ocean coastline behind and travel southwest toward your camp just outside Mikumi National Park. Before dinner, you might have time for a game drive in the park, then you'll settle in for the evening around the fire under a sky full of stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Optional game drive in Mikumi National Park
Landmarks Mikumi National Park - Day 30
Mikumi to Southern Highlands Organic Farm
You'll ascend steadily into Tanzania's Southern Highlands into a lush farming region. You'll stay at a comfortable organic farm that's been run by the same family for over 70 years and is known for their warm hospitality. The nights here are cooler, a welcome change from the coastal heat, and don't miss the chocolate brownies served in the warm bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Southern Highlands - Day 31
Southern Highlands to Chitimba Beach
You'll head toward Malawi with a stop at Utengule Coffee Lodge in the Mbeya range. You can enjoy views of the East African Rift Valley, relax by the pool, or try activities like squash, tennis, table tennis or volleyball. An optional guided coffee plantation tour with roasting demonstration is available. You'll overnight at Chitimba Beach at the foot of the Livingstonia Plateau.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided coffee plantation tour with roasting demonstration and coffee tasting at Utengule Coffee Lodge
- Squash at Utengule Coffee Lodge
- Tennis at Utengule Coffee Lodge
- Pool at Utengule Coffee Lodge
- Table tennis at Utengule Coffee Lodge
- Volleyball at Utengule Coffee Lodge
Landmarks Utengule Coffee Lodge Mbeya Range East African Rift Valley Livingstonia Plateau - Day 32
Tanzania to Malawi
After your last night in Tanzania, you'll head to the Songwe border post and enter Malawi. Lake Malawi covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a living for many through fishing. You can relax on the beach, take a village walk, visit local craft markets to see woodcarvings, learn to play Bao, or haggle for souvenirs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Relax on the beach
- Village walk
- Visit local craft market
- Learn woodcarving
- Learn to play Bao
- Haggle for souvenirs
Landmarks Songwe Border Crossing Lake Malawi - Day 33
Lake Malawi to Mzuzu
You'll drive through rubber plantations toward Mzuzu, the capital of Malawi's northern region and the country's third largest town. You'll stop to pick up supplies and check out the markets before arriving at your destination for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mzuzu - Day 34
Mzuzu Free Day
You have free time to try optional activities like kayaking on the lake, snorkeling in the water, taking village walks, hiking to waterfalls, or simply relaxing and enjoying the warm, fresh waters of Lake Malawi. The choice depends on what appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Kayaking on Lake Malawi
- Snorkeling
- Village walk
- Waterfall hike
- Relax and swim in Lake Malawi
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 35
Mzuzu to Zambia
You'll say goodbye to Lake Malawi and drive through Nkhotakhota Game Reserve toward the border where you'll cross into Zambia. After handling border formalities, you'll continue your journey to Petauke, a region known for agriculture and crops like maize, cotton, sunflower and soya beans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Nkhotakhota Game Reserve Petauke - Day 36
Petauke to Lusaka
This is a long day on the road covering considerable distance toward Lusaka, Zambia's capital. You'll drive through many small villages and communities, with your camp set up a short distance outside the city where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lusaka - Day 37
Lusaka to Livingstone
You'll travel from Lusaka to Livingstone, the adventure capital of southern Africa. Your camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, and from there you can see the mist rising from Victoria Falls themselves. The local name 'Mosi oa Tunya' means 'The Smoke that Thunders', and you'll explore the paths around the falls to get different perspectives on this natural wonder.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore paths around Victoria Falls
Landmarks Victoria Falls Zambezi River Livingstone - Days 38 - 39
Livingstone Final Days
You have your final two days here at leisure in Livingstone. Working with your experienced Acacia crew and camp team, you can tackle bucket list activities like the 111m bungee jump or tackle Grade 5 rapids with names like 'Overland Truck Eater'. Days will be filled with action and fun. The tour ends after breakfast on day 39, bringing your overland journey to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- 111m bungee jump
- White water rafting on Grade 5 rapids
- Other adventure activities
Landmarks Victoria Falls Zambezi River
