East Africa and Gorillas - North  

  Duration37 Days

Day 1 – Livingstone – Chirundu

Setting off early from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before we head off on a long day travelling. We get our first impressions of East Africa through the window of our truck: colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey as we travel through Zambia. We enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as our guides brief us on the days ahead.

Day 2 – Chirundu

As our lodge is situated along the banks of the Kafue River, today is free for you to participate in some of the activities on offer.  Fishing on the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities, or book a full day safari experience in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Other optional activities include a river safari, birding and an excursion to the baobab forest and bat cave.

Day 3 – Petauke

This morning we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home. We make a delightful stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local Zambian vendors showcase their wares. Among the treasures on display are masau and masaku, delectable fruits that are available year-round and renowned for their mouth-watering taste. In addition, other African curios catch our eye, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets, adding to the colourful tapestry of this vibrant marketplace.

Day 4 – South Luangwa National Park

We look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to view their local jewellery and curios, these accessories are hand crafted by local ladies from South Luangwa using organic materials originating from the African bush. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton and we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

Day 5 – South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a sunset drive in the park including a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Day 6 – Lake Malawi

This morning we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of the lake this natural wonder.

Day 7 – Lake Malawi

Today is all about the lake and this day is set aside for you to relax at the lake.  Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer. If you wish, an optional hike can be done with a local guide to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall. Located a short 30-minute drive from Nglala Beach Hotel, the waterfall offers a breath-taking panorama from the summit. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the pristine waters surrounded by the lush greenery and natural splendour of the surrounding landscape.

Day 8 – Lake Malawi

Today we are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi.  Our Nomad guide will lead us on a village walk through a nearby village in the afternoon.  After the walk, enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

Day 9 – Mbega

We depart this morning and continue north, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where we will overnight.

Day 10 – Tanzania – Iringa

Before heading to Iringa, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We then ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way further into Tanzania.

Day 11 – Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. We have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley, Tanzania. A mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breath-taking scene, casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah, the perfect backdrop to stop for a group picture. We then reach Mikumi, which ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Today you will have the opportunity to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park.

Day 12 – Dar es Salaam

We overnight in Dar es Salaam before an early start the following morning to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island.

Day 13 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)

We head out early to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island from Dar es Salaam. After arriving at the ferry port we make our way to our hotel located in Stone Town.

Day 14 – Zanzibar Beaches

Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.  Our morning begins with a walking tour of Stone Town to discover the more well known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.  After our city tour, we travel by road to our base for the next 2 nights. Before our arrival, we will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations.  You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms.

Day 15 – Zanzibar Beaches

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day.  Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 16 – Bagamoyo

We bid farewell to the island and board our return ferry, on arrival back at the Dar es Salaam port, we reunite with our truck and return to Bagamoyo where we spend the night.

Day 17 – Arusha

Heading north this morning we travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, our destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro.

Day 18 – Karatu

Although it is short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater.  Before our arrival in Karatu, we will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market which is situated in the little village of Mto wa Mbu.  Known for crops such as rice and their distinctive red bananas, the town sits on the main road that leads directly to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area.   Tonight, our guide will brief us on our 2-night excursion.

Day 19 – Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park (Seronera) Excursion

We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles.  We will spend the morning exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park.  The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent.

Day 20 – Serengeti

This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day’s game drive through Serengeti National Park.  Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here.

Day 21 – Arusha

We depart the Serengeti National Park with amazing memories, and make the return journey to Arusha where we will spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 22 – Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi where we will overnight.

Day 23 – Masai Mara National Reserve

We leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty.  The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles and not the Nomad truck. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials.

Day 24 – Masai Mara National Reserve

The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today we will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals.

Day 25 – Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park where we will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.

Day 26 – Jinja

This morning we cross the border into Uganda and make our our way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.

Day 27 – Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park

After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park.   Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and is located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day.

Day 28 – Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning we will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps.  We will also enjoy a boat cruise in the park. Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited

to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.

Day 29 – Lake Kikorongo

This morning we depart Masindi and transfer towards the edges of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Our accommodation for the night is nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo.

Day 30 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

Crossing the Equator once more we travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.

Day 31 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Day 32 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.

Day 33 – Lake Mburo

We depart the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for another of Uganda’s beautiful water bodies – Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is situated in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara, and spans an area of approximately 260 square kilometers and is surrounded by rolling hills, open grasslands, and patches of woodland. With over 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include acacia woodlands, savannahs, and wetlands, provide optimal habitats for numerous bird species, including the rare and odd looking shoebill stork.

Day 34 – Jinja

This morning we leave the Ankole region and set off on our return journey to Jinja. Jinja offers many exciting optional activities which are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river.  While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land.

Day 35 – Jinja

Jinja offers many optional activities for the adventurous and for the not so adventurous. Today you’ll have at your leisure, and your guide will assist you to plan for this day.

Day 36 – Kenya – Eldoret

Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.

Day 37 – Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.