Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

An early ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to this exotic "Spice Island", where we will spend the next few nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history which is reflected in the varied architecture of Stone Town while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 2 to 3, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 4, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

We take the ferry back to mainland for another night in Dar es Salaam. Time permitting there may be an opportunity to visit one of the local craft markets offering a large range of exquisite products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills).

Day 5, Dar Es Salaam to Arusha

After passing through the bustling town of Moshi, (the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions) we arrive at Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha where you have the option of taking a 1 or 2 night tour of the Serengeti and/or Ngorongoro Crater. See if you can catch a glimpse of the biggest mountain in Africa which lives most of the year under cloud!

Day 6, Arusha to Serengeti National Park

From Arusha you have the option of visiting the famous Serengeti National Park. You will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides, if you take up the two-night/three day option. From Arusha you drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you descend down onto the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game has never stopped to suprise anyone entering this wildlife heaven. The afternoon will be spent game spotting before setting up camp in the midst of the park. A camp fire and the night time noises of the wildlife finish off a day in one of East Africa's most famous game parks!

Day 7, Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An absolute 'must do' when in Tanzania. Pass through the 'Cradle of Mankind' and the Rift Valley whilst enjoying one of the best game viewing opportunities Africa has to offer. An early start takes us off for a full morning game drive in the Serengeti. We head back towards Ngorongoro where we camp on the Crater's edge. We suggest you wear your winter woollies as it can get pretty cold on the rim of the crater during night times. If you choose to do the one-night/two day option you will be collected from Arusha today in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. In the morning you will then join the rest of the group for your Ngorongoro game drive.

Day 8, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls. This Garden of Eden is 20-kilometre wide and a true natural wonder. The size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers great photo opportunities of most of East Africa's mammals, such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, and plain's game. After spending the morning in the Ngorongoro Crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for the night.

Day 9, Arusha to Namanga

After stopping in Arusha to restock our supplies and view the craft markets, we head for our camp just over the Kenyan Border.

Day 10, Namanga to Nairobi

The bustling, busy city of Nairobi awaits us today where some of our fellow travellers will leave us and others will join.

Day 11, Nairobi to Masai Mara

We depart from the bustling city of Nairobi and leave for our first viewpoint where we stop to overlook the Great African Rift Valley. We then descend into the valley and enter Masai land. The Masai, habitual pastoralists are seen quite regularly on the side of the road as they tend their cattle. We arrive at our campsite in the early evening in time to enjoy sunset over the plains of the Masai Mara.

Day 12, Masai Mara

We will look for the infamous Big 5 as well as the plentiful plains game and birdlife on our game drives. You will see this 'garden of Eden' in a state nature intended it to be, rolling hills, huge plains, and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. Buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck just to name a few of the animals that inhabit this wild wonderland. Sitting around a campfire listening to the bush sounds, whilst watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day's game viewing in the Mara.

Day 13, Masai Mara to Kisumu

Leaving early in the morning and passing stunning tea plantations, we descend the glorious Rift Valley Plateau on our way toward Lake Victoria. We restock our supplies and overnight here.

Day 14, Kisumu to Kampala

After an early start we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda is a small country with beautiful scenery and friendly people. Don't forget to wave at the kids when they come running out of their houses to check you out!

Day 15, Kampala to Kisoro

After passing through some beautiful countryside we arrive at Kisoro - our base for the Gorilla trekking adventure - in time to get organised for tomorrow.

Day 16, Kisoro

From our base in Kisoro and depending on permit availability and the location of the Gorillas, we have the option of joining a Gorilla trek in either Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga in the DRC, or the Ruhengeri, Rwanda. An unforgettable experience! 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to protect and promote these amazing creatures.

Day 17, Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni

After our gorilla trek it's now time for some downtime. We head for Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa. We can camp on the shores and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this pretty lake. If you're lucky you'll spot some of the elusive otters or just enjoy the variety of birdlife present.

Day 18, Lake Bunyoni

A day of leisure today. Visit the local village, hike, canoe, swim, catch up on writing your postcards... or relax, and sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake and its creatures. We have the whole day to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni and its surrounds.

Day 19, Lake Bunyoni to Kampala

We return to Kampala after enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni. We cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing. If you want to try out Kampala's night life then tonight is your chance!

Day 20, Kampala to Jinja

A short drive brings us to Jinja, at the Source of the River Nile. We have the option to either white water raft the Nile or visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Day 21, Jinja to Lake Nakuru National Park

We leave Uganda behind and  head in Kenya today where we overnight in Nakuru, capital of the Rift Valley Province, in preparation of our journey into Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 22, Lake Nakuru National Park

After restocking our supplies in town we explore the Lake Nakuru National Park - a soda lake that is famous for the huge volumes of lesser and greater flamingos that flock here. A truly spectacular sight! We also keep an eye out for Black and White Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe, antelope and the occasional Hippo before spending the night at a bush camp within the Park.

Day 23, Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha

Moving east again we head to Lake Naivasha, home to the magnificent African Fish Eagle. At 1880 m this is the highest Rift Valley lake and time permitting we can spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions close by. We spend our last night in a lovely campsite on the lakes edge.

Day 24, Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Our trip of a lifetime is drawing to a end... We leave Naivasha after breakfast and return to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.

Meals included in your tour cost

20 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 18 Dinners

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There are 28 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $30 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• $10 Elsamere
• $600 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• $600 Gorilla Trekking in the DRC
• $600 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• $45 Hells Gate National Park
• $10 Jinja Guided Village Walk
• $70 Jinja Quad Bike Safari
• TBA Lake Nakuru National Park
• $5 Masai Cultural Village
• $435 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $65 Nairobi National Park
• $60 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• TBA Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
• $30 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $40 Prison Island Excursion
• $20 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $450 Serengeti National Park Excursion
• $520 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $10 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Rhino Sanctuary
• $25 Softpower Community Project
• $35 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $110 Swimming with Dolphins
• $125 White Water Rafting on the Nile
• TBA Zanzibar Scuba Diving