Gorillas to Zanzibar - South  

  Duration25 Days

Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice. A detailed, up-to-date dossier itinerary is available to download. Be aware it can also be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice. 

Day 1 – Nairobi
This morning we make our way to Nairobi where we will overnight. You will have the afternoon free to repack your bags in preparation for your excursion into the Masai Mara. 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 2 – 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.

Day 3 – 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 elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Hippos and crocodiles 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 4 – 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 rhinos, leopards, lions, and numerous bucks. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.

Day 5 – Jinja
This morning we cross the border into Uganda and make 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 6 – 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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 11 – 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 12 – 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 13 – 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 focused 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 quad bike adventure on dry land.

Day 14 – 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 15 – 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 16 – Arusha
Returning to Tanzania, we head to Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro. We spend the night in this bustling town.

Day 17 – 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 18 – 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 19 – Karatu
Although it is a 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 Conservation Area. Tonight, our guide will brief us on our 2-night excursion.

Day 20 – Arusha
We return to Arusha with amazing memories and spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 21 – Bagamoyo
We head towards Bagamoyo where we will spend the night.

Day 22 – Zanzibar Beaches
We catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island from Dar es Salaam. After arriving at the ferry port, we make our way 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 23 – 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 24 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)
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 back to Dar es Salaam, bid farewell to the island and board our return ferry. You will have the opportunity to leave your main luggage with the driver in the truck while you are on Zanzibar. If you so wish to do so, please ensure you pack a smaller backpack before meeting the crew.

Day 25 – Dar es Salaam
After saying goodbye to our crew and fellow passengers, we head out early to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island from Dar es Salaam, marking the end of our journey.