Itinerary
- Day 1
Cape Town
You'll land in Cape Town where there's time to explore if your flight arrives early. Check out Newlands Forest for a walk, ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, or head to Cape Town Stadium at the waterfront. Your welcome meeting starts at 6 pm this evening, then there's a group dinner to meet everyone.
Optional Activities
- Table Mountain Hike - ZAR1600
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway - ZAR380
- Robben Island Tour - ZAR550
- Best of the Cape Combo Tour (Full Day) - ZAR2000
- Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour (Full Day) - ZAR2100
- Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour (Full Day) - ZAR1800
- Winelands Tour (Full Day) - ZAR1800
- Winelands Tour (Half Day) - ZAR1350
- Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour (Full Day) - ZAR2000
- Cape Malay Cooking Tour (Half Day) - ZAR1200
- Township Experience (Half Day) - ZAR965
- City and Waterfront Tour (Half Day) - ZAR1100
- Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour (Full Day) - ZAR2000
- District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour (Half Day) - ZAR965
- Walk in Newlands Forest
- Visit Cape Town Stadium
- Welcome dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Table Mountain Newlands Forest Cape Town Stadium Cape Town Waterfront - Day 2
Cape Town to Western Cape
Head north through the Western Cape countryside to a working farm in a remote area. This is your chance to see farm life up close. If time allows, take a walk around the nearby mountains and farms. You'll spend the night here at the farmstead.
Optional Activities
- Walk around nearby mountains and farms
- Day 3
Western Cape to Orange River
Travel toward the Orange River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia. You'll pass through Namaqualand, famous for wildflowers that bloom late July through mid-September. The Orange River (traditionally the Gariep) flows 2200 km from the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho to the Atlantic at Alexander Bay.
Landmarks/POIs Orange River Namaqualand Alexander Bay - Day 4
Orange River to Fish River Canyon
Start with an optional canoe trip down the Orange River, a relaxed float to see the region's landscape. After that, head west into Namibia's desert toward Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, the canyon offers granite rocks that shift color as the sun sets, creating great photo opportunities.
Optional Activities
- Canoe adventure on the Orange River - NAD550
Landmarks/POIs Fish River Canyon Orange River - Day 5
Fish River Canyon to Namib Desert
It's a long travel day heading to Namibia's famous dunes. Stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies for tomorrow's bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the desert. You'll camp in the heart of the Namib Desert near Sesriem Canyon, so get an early night before dawn.
Landmarks/POIs Namib Desert Sesriem Canyon - Day 6
Namib Desert
Wake before sunrise and climb to the dune tops for a dramatic view as the sun rises. Watch the colors change across the landscape. Afterward, have brunch at this setting. Then jump in a pickup truck to visit Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan, and explore it on your own. Later you'll head to your bush camp.
- Meals
- Brunch (Brunch at sunrise viewing location in Namib Desert)
Included Activities
- Sesriem Sand dunes visit
- Sossusvlei 4x4 Tour
Landmarks/POIs Sossusvlei Sesriem Canyon - Day 7
Namib Desert to Swakopmund
Travel to Swakopmund, a unique coastal town with the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the fourth. The town has a German-Namibian atmosphere. You can visit the Swakopmund Museum, which has collections on zoology, geology and technology.
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Explore German-Namibian architecture
- Souvenir shopping
Landmarks/POIs Swakopmund - Day 8
Swakopmund
You have the full day here to spend however you'd like. Check out the Germanic architecture and shop for souvenirs. If you're interested in history and culture, visit the lighthouse and museum. If you prefer action, Swakopmund is known as Namibia's adventure-sports capital with lots of outdoor options.
Optional Activities
- Explore Germanic architecture
- Souvenir shopping
- Lighthouse visit
- Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Sea kayaking - USD85
- Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60
- Horse riding - USD65
- Living Desert Tour - USD60
- Township Tour - USD45
Landmarks/POIs Swakopmund - Day 9
Swakopmund
Another free day in this seaside town. Relax with a book and swim, or venture further out. Explore the Okakambe Trails or visit the Camel Farm, both about 12 km east of town. You could also try a horse ride or camel ride for a different perspective of the desert.
Optional Activities
- Reading and relaxation
- Swimming
- Okakambe Trails visit
- Camel Farm visit - around 12 km east of town
- Horse riding - USD65
- Camel riding
Landmarks/POIs Okakambe Trails - Day 10
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Head north along the Atlantic Coast to Spitzkoppe. See thousands of olive-colored seals at Cape Cross. Visit wild lands around Spitzkoppe mountain, also called the 'Matterhorn of Namibia,' with excellent hikes and guided walks. The area is famous for thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings. Don't miss the sunset from your bush camp as oranges and reds transform the landscape.
Included Activities
- Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony visit
Optional Activities
- Spitzkoppe hikes and guided walks
- San People rock painting guided walk - ZAR50
Landmarks/POIs Cape Cross Spitzkoppe - Day 11
Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park
Travel to Etosha National Park this morning, stopping at a market or ATM if needed. This is one of the world's best wildlife destinations. Southern Africa's animals roam here including big carnivores and rare species like black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, and black-faced impala. There's an optional evening game drive before spending the night at Okaukuejo Camp overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
Optional Activities
- Evening game drive in Etosha - ZAR750
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Camp - Day 12
Etosha National Park
Spend the full day doing a game drive in Etosha. Wildlife viewing is relatively easy because of constructed waterholes and open pans. You'll likely spot elephants, antelope and other herbivores thanks to strong anti-poaching efforts here. Tonight you'll stay at Namutoni Camp.
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park Namutoni Camp - Day 13
Etosha to Grootfontein
Leave Etosha and continue to your camp 50 km outside Grootfontein, which will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. Stretch your legs when you arrive, maybe go for a swim and relax with fellow travelers.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Relaxation at camp
Landmarks/POIs Grootfontein - Day 14
Grootfontein
Take a 180-km round trip to visit the San people today. Walk with tribe members, listen to their stories and songs, and discover their unique 'clicking' Khoisan dialect. The San are Namibia's oldest ethnic group, living here for about 20,000 years. Today only about 2,000 San follow a traditional lifestyle. Learn about their knowledge of nature and how they live in harmony with their environment.
Included Activities
- San Bushman cultural experience
Landmarks/POIs Grootfontein - Day 15
Grootfontein to Bagani
Head to Bagani, a small friendly town with nice spots to relax. Catch the sunset over the Okavango River where you might spot hippos coming out to graze. Bagani is home to the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing over Okavango River
- Hippo watching
- Explore local town
Landmarks/POIs Bagani Okavango River - Day 16
Bagani to Okavango Delta
Cross into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle to Sepopa. Leave your vehicle here and take a boat into the delta to reach your island bush camp away from civilization. You'll punt past birds and lily pads while hearing occasional hippo grunts.
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to island camp in Okavango Delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta Okavango Panhandle Sepopa - Day 17
Okavango Delta
After breakfast, take a mokoro (small dugout canoe) out on the water. Each mokoro carries two people and is poled through winding waterways by a local tribesman. Do a short nature walk with your guide to see the surroundings, learn local history, and look for birds and occasionally elephants. Return to camp which has hot showers, a swimming pool and bar. There's an optional scenic flight available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
- Okavango Delta - Boat Safari
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over the delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 18
Okavango Delta to Bagani
Leave the delta and return to Bagani for the night. There's time for an optional boat trip when you arrive, or try a sunset cruise. Alternatively, just relax and recharge at camp.
Optional Activities
- Boat trip
- Sunset cruise - USD25
- Relaxation at camp
Landmarks/POIs Bagani - Day 19
Bagani to Chobe National Park
Leave Bagani this morning and drive to Chobe National Park. Watch the rolling landscape from your window seat or play road games with friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border. When you arrive, there's an optional cruise on the Chobe River, a great way to see hippos, elephants and buffalo.
Optional Activities
- Chobe River boat cruise - BWP270
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River Goma Border - Day 20
Chobe National Park
Get up early for a morning game drive in Chobe. Get close to wildlife and hopefully see lions, buffalo and exotic birds. The park is famous for high elephant numbers, so watch for herds and swimming elephants. The river attracts buffalo, hippos and sunning crocodiles. In the afternoon, try an optional boat cruise or another optional game drive.
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park - Dawn 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Afternoon boat cruise on Chobe River - BWP270
- Afternoon 4WD Safari - BWP580
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 21
Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls
Travel to Victoria Falls, crossing into Zimbabwe in time for lunch on the Zambezi banks. Set up camp and have free time to relax, freshen up, and plan your next couple of days. Ask your local leader for tips and advice.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River)
Optional Activities
- Relaxation at camp
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls Zambezi River - Day 22
Victoria Falls
Spend the day exploring Victoria Falls, a thundering curtain of water about 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge. During wet season, spray rises 400 m and the falls become a raging torrent. In dry season, the view is clear and you can see small islands. Your welcome meeting is at 4 pm. After the meeting, have dinner with your new group.
Optional Activities
- Explore Victoria Falls
- Welcome dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls - Day 23
Victoria Falls
You have a completely free day to choose your own adventure. Consider an optional helicopter flight for views from above, visit one of the local breweries for craft beer, or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Whatever you do, rest up for tomorrow's journey into Zambia.
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight for aerial view of falls - USD150 (12 mins, excludes USD25 fuel surcharge and park fees) or USD284 (25 mins, excludes USD30 fuel surcharge and park fees)
- Visit local breweries
- Sunset cruise along Zambezi River
- Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
- Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Village & township tour - USD61
- Canoe trail wine route - USD55
- Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls Zambezi River - Day 24
Victoria Falls to Bulawayo
Leave Victoria Falls and travel to Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation's projects. Learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, human-wildlife conflict, and anti-poaching work. There may be a chance to meet rescued or orphaned animals. Bulawayo, known as the 'City of Kings,' is Zimbabwe's second-largest city with interesting history and colonial architecture.
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust visit
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Bulawayo - Day 25
Matobo National Park
Wake early and head to Matobo National Park to track rhinos on foot. The park has significant populations of black and white rhino. With your expert guide, look for other game like leopards, warthogs and springhares. Learn about local plants and see San paintings and rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual significance and many sites are still used for important ceremonies.
Included Activities
- Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
Landmarks/POIs Matobo National Park - Day 26
Matobo to Masvingo
Drive to Masvingo today, Zimbabwe's oldest settlement, which makes a good base for the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was first built in the 11th century and is thought to be the former royal palace. Spend a few hours exploring before heading to camp.
Included Activities
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Landmarks/POIs Great Zimbabwe Ruins Masvingo - Day 27
Masvingo to Harare
Travel to Harare, arriving in time for lunch. You have only an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital. If you're feeling active, take a stroll around. Check out the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or wander the city center and colorful markets.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- National Gallery visit
- Museum visit
- Botanical gardens visit
- City center walk
- Colorful markets exploration
Landmarks/POIs Harare - Day 28
Harare to Lusaka
Cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The scenic drive takes you to the border. You'll have stops to visit an ATM and stock up at a shop or market.
Optional Activities
- ATM stop
- Shop or market stop for supplies
Landmarks/POIs Lusaka - Day 29
Lusaka to Petauke
Spend some time exploring Lusaka before a long travel day. You'll see it's a modern city that keeps a traditional African feel. After exploring, travel on to Petauke where you'll spend the night.
Optional Activities
- Explore Lusaka city
Landmarks/POIs Lusaka Petauke - Day 30
Petauke to South Luangwa
After breakfast, visit a workshop in South Luangwa where craftswomen turn snare wire from poaching traps into jewelry. They'll show you the workshop and let you try coiling or hammering wire yourself. Sales support anti-snare patrols. Then head through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park where animal concentrations around the river are among Africa's highest. There's an optional river trip available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Optional Activities
- River trip - ask group leader for details
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 31
South Luangwa
Rise early with light breakfast and get ready for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Return to camp for early lunch. During the heat of the day, rest or take an optional village walk to see daily community life. Return to the park for another evening game drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast), Lunch (Early lunch)
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Village walk - USD50
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park - Day 32
South Luangwa to Lake Malawi
Cross into Malawi and drive straight to your camp on Lake Malawi's shores. Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country. You'll see fishermen in bwatos (dugout canoes) and net makers on the water. Kande Beach camp is right on the shore, so take time to rest and relax.
Optional Activities
- Rest and relaxation on the beach
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi Kande Beach - Day 33
Kande Beach
Enjoy a free day on Lake Malawi's sandy shores. Take a dip in the lake or explore by bike if you prefer action. Try an optional guided snorkeling trip. The lake's high alkalinity creates abundant brightly colored fish, giving a tropical ocean-like snorkeling experience in this landlocked freshwater lake.
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Lake Malawi
- Bike hire - USD25
- Guided snorkeling trip
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi - Day 34
Kande Beach to Chitimba
Drive to your camp in Chitimba along Lake Malawi's coast. The area has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere. When you arrive, take a stroll to get acquainted. You'll see banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Chitimba
Landmarks/POIs Chitimba Lake Malawi - Day 35
Chitimba to Tanzania
It's a long travel day into Tanzania's southern highlands. Sit back and watch the countryside pass. When you arrive, you'll set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts. The natural bushland here makes it a bird watcher's paradise. Try some stargazing before turning in for the night.
Optional Activities
- Stargazing
Landmarks/POIs Tanzania Southern Highlands - Day 36
Mikumi National Park
Drive to Mikumi National Park's edge. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, it's Tanzania's fourth largest park. In the afternoon, head out on a 4WD game drive with a local expert. This less touristed park has impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs and maybe a predator or two.
Included Activities
- Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park Uluguru Mountains - Day 37
Mikumi to Kipepo Beach
Enjoy a scenic drive to Kipepo Beach just south of Dar es Salaam. Take time to unwind when you arrive, perhaps with a peaceful stroll on the shore. Your camp sits on hotel grounds right next to the beach, so you can relax and take a dip in the ocean.
Optional Activities
- Peaceful stroll along shore
- Swimming in ocean
Landmarks/POIs Kipepo Beach - Day 38
Kipepo Beach to Zanzibar
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's 'Spice Island.' The island has pristine white-sand beaches, cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars with a colorful history from slave traders to Arabian sultans. Traditional dhows sailing the coast feel centuries old. Explore Stone Town on foot, finding markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. Grab a drink at a seafront bar at sunset or try a seafood curry at a local restaurant. You'll stay the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.
Optional Activities
- Explore Stone Town on foot
- Visit markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards
- Seafront bar visit
- Seafood curry dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Zanzibar Stone Town - Day 39
Zanzibar
After checking out, consider an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations. Learn about the spice trade and smell and taste cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and sample teas made with these spices. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches where white sands and sparkling blue seas await.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Guided spice plantation tour - USD25
Landmarks/POIs Zanzibar Spice Plantations Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 40
Northern Beaches, Zanzibar
Start the day with gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. You have the full day free on Zanzibar's coastline. Choose to swim, stretch out on the beach under the palms, or have seafood by the water. Today is all about slowing down and letting island life take over.
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Indian Ocean
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dinner by the water
Landmarks/POIs Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 41
Zanzibar to Bagamoyo
Travel to Stone Town this morning. Meet your new leader and group at an 11 am welcome meeting at the hotel. After, catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam. Board your overland vehicle and meet your driver and cook. Take the short drive to your Bagamoyo camp by the beach.
Landmarks/POIs Stone Town Bagamoyo - Day 42
Bagamoyo to Lushoto
Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains, approximately 7 hours away. This unspoilt area gets very few tourists. Forests cover the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. Your base is Lushoto, an old German colony where you'll stay on the grounds of one of Africa's earliest hotels.
Landmarks/POIs Usambara Mountains Lushoto - Day 43
Usambara Mountains
Explore the Usambara Mountains today and experience this area's gentle hospitality. Hike to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint, packing water and snacks. On your way back, visit a local cultural project at Irente Farm and enjoy a locally prepared lunch.
- Meals
- Lunch (Locally prepared lunch at Irente Farm)
Included Activities
- Irente - Lushoto hike
- Irente - Local lunch
Landmarks/POIs Irente Viewpoint Irente Farm - Day 44
Usambara Mountains to Arusha
Journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the drive through Tanzania's picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival at your campsite on the town's outskirts, unwind and settle in for a restful evening.
Landmarks/POIs Arusha - Day 45
Arusha to Karatu
After breakfast, head to Karatu, the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater. Hike through the reserve forest to Elephant Caves and Endoro Waterfalls. Trek with an expert local guide and armed ranger through the rainforest as they explain the area and point out animal tracks. Then visit a Karatu village coffee farm to see local farming practices. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family in their home.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional home-cooked dinner with local Tanzanian family)
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek
- Karatu - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Karatu - Coffee Farm Tour
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Reserve Elephant Caves Endoro Waterfalls Karatu - Day 46
Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Get up early, load your gear into a six-person jeep and head via Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari inside the crater, spending 3 to 4 hours watching for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. Then move to the Serengeti plains. This is the quintessential Africa, home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself.
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park - Day 47
Serengeti
Wake at dawn and do a game drive while animals are active. Return to camp for brunch around 11 am. Relax during the heat of the day like the animals do, then head out again as it cools. There's an optional balloon ride over the park at sunrise with a bush breakfast afterward. If pre-booked, you'll be picked up before dawn and glide through the dawn sometimes at tree height.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Balloon ride over the park (from USD800) - in place of portion of morning game drive
Landmarks/POIs Serengeti National Park - Day 48
Serengeti to Mto wa Mbu
Rise with the sun for another game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head to Mto wa Mbu. After setting up camp, take a guided stroll through farming areas, local homes and farmlands. Later, enjoy a locally prepared dinner in town.
- Meals
- Dinner (Locally prepared dinner in Mto wa Mbu town)
Included Activities
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mto wa Mbu - Day 49
Mto wa Mbu to Nairobi
Cross the border into Kenya and soak up Nairobi's cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city has good bars and restaurants, while markets and shops have arts and crafts from the region. Join the welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet new group members.
Optional Activities
- Explore Nairobi bars and restaurants
- Visit markets and shops
- Browse arts and crafts
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi - Day 50
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
Take in spectacular Rift Valley views, Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita on the drive northwest to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley's heart. You'll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the lake shore. This small, compact area is great for spotting wildlife including rhinos.
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks/POIs Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Naivasha Lake Elementaita Great Rift Valley - Day 51
Lake Nakuru to Eldoret
Rise early, have breakfast and break camp for an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret, one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Its high altitude makes it an ideal training ground for distance runners. Enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite just outside town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at park gate), Dinner (Traditional dinner at campsite)
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks/POIs Eldoret - Day 52
Eldoret to Kampala
Leave Kenya and cross into landlocked Uganda, traveling to its capital Kampala. Uganda has a population over 45 million and great cultural diversity. Since today is a long travel day, you'll stay at a hotel tonight instead of camping. After your long drive, the hotel will prepare dinner before you settle in for rest.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner prepared by hotel)
Landmarks/POIs Kampala - Day 53
Kampala to Kalinzu Forest
Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. The forest is home to chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into camp and perhaps stretch your legs exploring with the group.
Optional Activities
- Explore camp surroundings
Landmarks/POIs Kalinzu Forest National Park - Day 54
Kalinzu Forest to Queen Elizabeth
This morning, you have the option to see chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, they're delightful to watch as they play in fruiting trees. Or choose to stay at camp and soak in the forest sounds. Later, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. There's an optional boat cruise on Kazinga Channel known for pelicans, eagles and hippos.
Optional Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest - USD205
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
Landmarks/POIs Kalinzu Forest National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Kazinga Channel - Day 55
Queen Elizabeth to Kisoro
Drive out of Queen Elizabeth National Park toward Uganda's southwest tip. On this short game drive, look for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at Uganda's corner where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You'll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on Lake Mutanda's shore with views of the Virunga Mountain range.
Included Activities
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities
- Swimming off dock at Lake Mutanda
- Search for weaver bird nests and African clawless otters
Landmarks/POIs Kisoro Lake Mutanda Virunga Mountain Range - Day 56
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
With a local ranger and gorilla trackers, climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (meaning 'dark') Impenetrable National Park. No more than eight people daily can visit any one gorilla family. The terrain is strenuous but coming across a group dominated by a great silverback male makes it worth it. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play.
Included Activities
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Landmarks/POIs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 57
Bwindi Area
If you didn't complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you'll go out today. With your free day, your leader will offer options on spending time around Kisoro. Head out on rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take nature walks, or perhaps day trip to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women's center. Make sure you have Rwanda or East Africa visa.
Optional Activities
- Rainforest hikes to see monkeys
- Nature walks
- Rwanda day excursion - from USD75 (includes genocide memorial, art museum, Nyamirambo women's center)
- Golden Monkey trekking - USD160
- Batwa Village visit - USD35
- Coffee Farm tour - USD35
Landmarks/POIs Kisoro Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 58
Kisoro to Mbarara
Turn back toward Kampala this morning and do a travel day. You'll stop in the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There's not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight's a great chance to recharge, get into a book or relax at camp.
Optional Activities
- Relaxation at camp
- Reading
Landmarks/POIs Mbarara - Day 59
Mbarara to Jinja
Continue your journey inland toward Jinja. The Jinja region is one of Uganda's highlights, a riverside retreat at the Nile's source and the adventure capital of the country. Tonight you'll camp at a scenic riverside site and rest up for tomorrow's adventures.
Landmarks/POIs Jinja - Day 60
Jinja
Located where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is for the adventurer, adrenaline junkie and eco-traveler. You have a full free day here to explore at your own pace. Get active with whitewater rafting or float on a kayak. You can also boat to the Nile's source or try other optional activities.
Optional Activities
- Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140
- Kayaking on the river
- Nile Boat Cruise - USD40
- Source of River Nile tour - USD45
Landmarks/POIs Jinja Source of the Nile River - Day 61
Jinja to Kericho
Leave Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight in Kericho, one of Kenya's popular towns. It's known for tranquil surroundings blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from locals themselves.
Included Activities
- Kericho - Tea plantation visit
Landmarks/POIs Kericho South-Western Mau National Reserve - Day 62
Kericho to Maasai Mara
Drive to Maasai Mara National Park this morning. Stop in Loita Hills to visit Tepesua Village, home of the traditional Maasai people. You'll be welcomed with song and dance by Maasai warriors. Learn about this ancient culture and meet the community creating eco-friendly handbags. Travel on to Maasai Mara and do an early evening game drive.
Included Activities
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
- Maasai Mara - 4WD Safari
Landmarks/POIs Loita Hills Tepesua Village Maasai Mara National Reserve - Day 63
Maasai Mara
Maybe take an optional balloon ride over Mara at sunrise. If pre-booked, you'll be picked up before dawn for a safety briefing, then glide through the skies sometimes at tree height for amazing photos. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast. Later, venture into the reserve with expert local guides for a day-long 4WD safari.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Bush breakfast after balloon ride (for pre-booked balloon activity only))
Included Activities
- Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Balloon ride over Mara at sunrise (from USD470)
Landmarks/POIs Maasai Mara National Reserve - Day 64
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Return to Nairobi today. When you arrive, you'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel where your trip ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Nairobi (speak to booking agent)
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi
