Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi
Land in Nairobi and get settled. There's a welcome meeting at 6 pm, so if you arrive with time to spare, walk around the city and check out the bars, restaurants, markets and craft shops. After the meeting wraps up, you'll join your group for a welcome dinner where everyone gets to know each other.
Optional Activities
- Nairobi City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
Landmarks Nairobi - Day 2
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive northwest through the Rift Valley, taking in views of Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita along the way. You'll reach Lake Nakuru National Park in time for a short game drive this evening. The park is compact but great for spotting rhinos and other members of the Big Five.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks Lake Nakuru National Park Great Rift Valley Lake Naivasha Lake Elementaita - Day 3
Lake Nakuru to Eldoret
Start early with breakfast and an overland game drive out of the park. Lunch happens at the gate, then it's northwest to Eldoret, a city known for its elevation and training elite distance runners. Dinner tonight is traditional food at your campsite just outside the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional dinner at campsite)
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks Eldoret - Day 4
Eldoret to Kampala, Uganda
Cross the border into Uganda and head toward Kampala, the capital. It's a long travel day, so you'll stay in a hotel rather than camping tonight. Dinner and a good night's rest are provided by the hotel to help you recharge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner prepared by hotel)
Landmarks Kampala - Day 5
Kampala to Kalinzu Forest National Park
Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park and settle into camp. Once you're set up, explore the surroundings with your group. Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons live here, along with elephants and buffalo if you're lucky.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kalinzu Forest National Park - Day 6
Kalinzu Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning you can choose to trek for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, or stay at camp and relax to the sounds of the forest. Later, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and set up camp. An optional boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel lets you see pelicans, eagles, hippos and other birdlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking - USD205
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
Landmarks Kalinzu Forest Queen Elizabeth National Park Kazinga Channel - Day 7
Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kisoro
Take a short game drive leaving Queen Elizabeth and head southwest toward Uganda's corner where Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet. Look for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. By evening you'll reach Kisoro and camp on Lake Mutanda's shore with views of the Virunga Mountains. Swimming and exploring are options here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Mutanda Virunga Mountain Range - Day 8
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trek
With a local ranger and gorilla trackers, climb through rugged mountain terrain in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to find gorilla families. Only 8 people per day visit any one family to keep disturbance minimal. The hike is strenuous but you'll see gorillas eating, sleeping, grooming and playing with a great silverback leading the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Landmarks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 9
Kisoro
If yesterday's gorilla trek didn't happen, you'll head out today. Otherwise, it's a free day and your group leader will suggest options. You could do rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take nature walks, or consider a day trip to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women's center.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking - USD160
- Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From USD75
- Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit - USD35
- Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour - USD35
Landmarks Kisoro - Day 10
Kisoro to Mbarara
Head back toward Kampala on a travel day. You'll break the journey in Mbarara for the night. There isn't much around Mbarara, so use this as a chance to recharge, read or simply relax at camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mbarara - Day 11
Mbarara to Jinja
Keep heading inland toward Jinja, one of Uganda's highlights. This riverside town sits at the source of the Nile and is known for adventure activities. Camp at a scenic riverside spot and prepare for tomorrow's activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Jinja Nile River - Day 12
Jinja
You have a full free day in Jinja at the source of the Nile. This place caters to adventurers and eco-travelers. Explore at your own pace with optional activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, or a boat cruise to the Nile's source.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140
- Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise - USD40
- Jinja - Source of River Nile tour - USD45
Landmarks Nile River Source Lake Victoria - Day 13
Jinja to Kericho, Kenya
Leave Uganda and start your journey back to Kenya and Nairobi. You'll stop overnight in Kericho, a town blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Visit a tea plantation and learn about farming directly from local farmers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kericho - Tea plantation visit
Landmarks Kericho South-Western Mau National Reserve - Day 14
Kericho to Maasai Mara National Park
Drive to the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills at Tepesua Village where Maasai warriors greet you with traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts, learn about their culture and see women making eco-friendly handbags. Then continue to Maasai Mara for an early evening 4WD game drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Maasai Mara - 4WD Safari
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
- Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Landmarks Loita Hills Maasai Mara National Park - Day 15
Maasai Mara National Park
Optionally take a sunrise balloon ride over the Mara this morning for great photos. You'll be picked up before dawn, get a safety briefing and enjoy bush breakfast after landing. Join the rest of the group for a full day 4WD safari with expert guides to see diverse wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
Landmarks Maasai Mara National Park 
- Day 16
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Make your way back to Nairobi, the bustling capital. Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. At 6 pm, attend a second welcome meeting to meet your new group.
Landmarks Nairobi - Day 17
Nairobi to Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania
Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. Cross the Kenya-Tanzania border with your passport ready. There'll be stops at an ATM and a market to pick up supplies. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu, a small village that offers a genuine look at small-town African life away from typical tourist routes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mto wa Mbu - Day 18
Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park
Get up early, gear up in a six-person jeep and head into the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend 3 to 4 hours exploring this intact volcanic caldera watching for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. About 30,000 animals live here year-round. Then move to the wide-open Serengeti plains and camp in the park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park 
- Day 19
Serengeti National Park
Wake at dawn for a game drive when animals are most active, then head back to camp for brunch around 11 am. Spend the middle of the day resting like the animals do, then go out again for an afternoon game drive before dinner. Hot air balloon rides are available if pre-booked, gliding through dawn at tree height with a five-star bush breakfast after.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Brunch around 11 am), Dinner
Included Activities
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
Landmarks Serengeti National Park - Day 20
Serengeti to Mto wa Mbu
Rise with the sun for another game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Head back to Mto wa Mbu in your overland vehicle. After setting up camp, take a guided stroll through local farming areas and homes to connect with the community and their way of life. Local dinner in town follows.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Local dinner in town)
Included Activities
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Landmarks Mto wa Mbu - Day 21
Mto wa Mbu to Lushoto, Usambara Mountains
Get ready for a long travel day heading to the Usambara Mountains. There's a brief stop in Arusha, then you'll watch the scenery change as you drive. Your base is Lushoto, an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at around 1400 meters. Camp in the grounds of one of Africa's oldest hotels.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lushoto Usambara Mountains Arusha 
- Day 22
Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains, a part of Tanzania not many tourists visit. The real draw here is the local people and villages. Hike out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint, bringing water and snacks for this day hike. On the way back, visit a local cultural project where you'll have lunch prepared for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local lunch at cultural project), Dinner
Included Activities
- Irente - Lushoto hike
- Irente - Local lunch
Landmarks Irente Usambara Mountains - Day 23
Lushoto to Dar es Salaam
Leave the mountains behind and travel south to Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is right by the beach, so take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and get settled in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Dar es Salaam Kipepeo Beach - Day 24
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's Spice Island. Explore Stone Town on foot with its markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. The winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars tell stories of slave traders, Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. Watch traditional dhows sail along the coast. Grab a drink at a seafront bar at sunset or try a seafood curry at a local restaurant. Spend the night in a basic inn in Stone Town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market - USD20
Landmarks Zanzibar Stone Town 
- Day 25
Spice Plantations - Northern Beaches
After checking out, think about booking an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations to learn about the spice trade. You'll smell and taste cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, and sample teas made from these spices. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches where white sands and sparkling blue seas await.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Zanzibar - Spice tour - USD25
- Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour - USD25
- Zanzibar - Snorkelling - USD50
- Zanzibar - Dhow Trip - USD35
Landmarks Zanzibar Spice Plantations Northern Beaches - Day 26
Northern Beaches
Ease into the day with gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. You have a full free day to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline however you like. Take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach under the palms, or have a seafood dinner by the water. Today is about slowing down and letting island life take over.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour - USD25
- Zanzibar - Spice tour - USD25
- Zanzibar - Snorkelling - USD50
- Zanzibar - Dhow Trip - USD35
Landmarks Northern Beaches - Day 27
Stone Town
Spend a final morning relaxing on the sandy northern beaches, then return to Stone Town for the afternoon and evening at leisure. Ask your leader where to grab a urojo, a unique street treat made from potatoes and noodles stewed in turmeric, mango and flour. Or try some sugarcane juice and wander. Make the most of your free time before tomorrow's long drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market - USD20
Landmarks Stone Town - Day 28
Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park
Take an early 7:30 am ferry back to the mainland, then drive for Mikumi. Watch the Tanzanian landscape pass by on this long drive, gazing at vast plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees and maybe catching glimpses of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. Your leader helps you set up camp for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mikumi National Park - Day 29
Iringa
Wake early for a 4WD game drive into Mikumi with local expert guides while animals are active. This less-visited park has impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas, and you may spot predators. Drive to Iringa and camp on farmhouse grounds on the outskirts where you'll have a chance for stargazing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari
Landmarks Mikumi National Park Iringa - Day 30
Iringa to Chitimba, Malawi
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba. Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa and dominated by its vast lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country. You'll see fishermen in traditional bwato canoes, hollowed tree trunks, and meet fish traders and net makers working on Lake Malawi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi Chitimba - Day 31
Chitimba to Kande Beach
Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach on Lake Malawi's shore. There's a chance to stop at a shop or market for supplies. This is a relaxing getaway from commercialism and crowds with a few days on the lake's quieter beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kande Beach Lake Malawi - Day 32
Kande Beach
Enjoy free time soaking up your lakeside surroundings. Chill on the sandy shores and meet some local Malawians, who are known as some of the friendliest people in Africa. Hire canoes, bikes or pedalos to add some activity to your time here if you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25
Landmarks Kande Beach - Day 33
Kande Beach to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Journey through southern Malawi and enter Zambia, continuing to South Luangwa National Park. Handle border crossing formalities and stop to stock up on supplies or hit an ATM. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Watch for colorful birds and herds of elephants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 34
South Luangwa National Park
Rise early, grab a light breakfast and head out for a morning 4WD game drive with a local guide. Return to camp for early lunch during the hottest part of the day. Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to see daily life in the local community. Head back to the park for an evening game drive as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Evening Game Drive
Optional Activities
- South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 35
South Luangwa to Petauke
After breakfast, visit a workshop where local craftswomen turn snare wire from poaching traps into jewelry inspired by the African bush. The women will show you their workshop and let you try coiling or hammering wire yourself. Donations support anti-poaching patrols dedicated to conservation. Then head further south to Petauke.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Landmarks Petauke - Day 36
Petauke to Lusaka
Get back on the road heading toward camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch your legs and stroll through town on foot. Though fast developing, Lusaka keeps a strong African feel and locals are usually happy to chat. Your leader will share insights about the area. Chill out under the stars at camp tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lusaka - Day 37
Lusaka to Harare, Zimbabwe
Travel to Harare today. Head to the Zimbabwe border, go through border formalities, then continue to Harare. There'll be a chance to explore town when you arrive and stock up on supplies at a market or local shop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Harare - Day 38
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Head to Masvingo this morning, Zimbabwe's oldest colonial settlement and the perfect base for exploring Great Zimbabwe's ruins. Spend a few hours at this UNESCO World Heritage site, originally built in the 11th century and believed to be a monarch's seat of power. Head to camp where your night is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Landmarks Great Zimbabwe Masvingo - Day 39
Masvingo to Bulawayo
Travel to Bulawayo today, locally called the City of Kings and Zimbabwe's second largest city. The town has impeccable historical architecture, so walk around at your own pace. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore or ask your leader about optional activities like browsing local markets, visiting the Natural History Museum or National Art Gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Balawayo - Natural History Museum - USD10
- Bulawayo - Railway Museum - USD5
Landmarks Bulawayo - Day 40
Matobo National Park
Get ready to track rhinos on foot with an expert guide in Matobo National Park, which is home to black and white rhinos. You'll also see klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares here. Learn about these animals and discover local plants like wild pear and paperbark. Explore San paintings and the fascinating rock formations in this spiritually and culturally significant area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
Landmarks Matobo National Park - Day 41
Matobo to Victoria Falls
Depart Bulawayo this morning and drive toward Victoria Falls, one of the world's natural wonders. Stretching 1.6 km wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge, the falls are spectacular. A visit to the falls themselves is optional but highly recommended. In wet season, spray rises 400 m and can be seen from far away. In dry season, you get an unobstructed view. Your leader takes you to a local activity centre with various optional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Flying fox - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD130
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
Landmarks Victoria Falls 
- Day 42
Victoria Falls
No activities are planned today, so you're free to leave camp whenever you'd like. You may want to try some optional activities available here, so book any flights for later in the day. If you'd prefer to stay in Victoria Falls longer, speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange extra accommodation.
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Flying fox - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD130
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
Landmarks Victoria Falls
