Zanzibar to the Gorillas  

  Duration25 Days

Day 1 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)

After meeting our crew and fellow passengers, 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.  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 2 – Stone Town – Nungwi

Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.  This morning we will travel by road to the north of the island, Nungwi and our base for the next 2 nights. Before our arrival in Nungwi, 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 3 – Nungwi

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 4 – 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 5 – 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. You will be briefed this evening by our local guide on what to prepare for the coming days. 

Day 6 – Karatu

Although it is short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater.  Upon arrival in Karatu, our guide will brief us on our overnight excursion into the crater. 

Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater & 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 bulk of our day exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at our overnight 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 8 – Karatu

This morning we rise early to enjoy our time game driving 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.  We will arrive back in Karatu in the late afternoon and will spend our evening reminiscing about our encounters of the past two days. 

Day 9 – Arusha

Returning to Arusha, tonight we will reunite with our fellow travellers who opted for the optional Serengeti excursion and we share our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.  

Day 10 – Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi.

Day 11 – Nairobi

Today is free for you to explore the streets of Nairobi.  A number of optional day trips can be booked including a visit to the Giraffe Centre and the Nairobi National Park.

Day 12 – 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 13 – 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 14 – 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 15 – Jinja

This morning we not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning we cross the Equator on 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 16 – 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 17 – 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 18 – 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 19 – 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 20 – 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 21 – 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 22 – Lake Bunyonyi – Kampala

This morning we set off on our return journey to Kampala and make a third crossing of the Equator along our way. Tonight your guide will brief you on the activities available in Jinja so that you can plan your day tomorrow. We overnight in Kampala.

Day 23 – Jinja

A short distance from Kampala, Jinja offers many exciting activities and your guide will assist you to plan for this day. Most activities 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 24 – 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 25 – 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.

The Itinerary is flexible and can 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.