East Africa Loop

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

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Day 1, 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 2, 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 3, 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 4, 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 5, 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 6, 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 7, 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 8, 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 9, 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 10, 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 11, 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 12, 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 13, 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 14, Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

We head back to our Kenyan starting point of Nairobi in preparation to continue our trip further south to the coast!

Day 15, Nairobi to Arusha

After a short but somewhat bumpy trip we cross the border at Namanga, enter Tanzania and continue to Arusha in the heart of Masai lands. This pleasant town is situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for your optional excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and/or Serengeti National Park.

Day 16, 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 17, 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 sleep 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.

Day 18, 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 our overnight stop near Arusha for the night.

Day 19, Arusha to Pangani

Leaving Arusha we head towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling through the town of Moshi we cross the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. If we're lucky the day is clear and you might be able to view the snowy summit & another great photo opportunity. Continuing south we pass the Usambara Mountains on our left and after driving past vast sisal plantations we are on our way to Dar es Salaam.

Day 20, Pangani to Dar Es Salaam

Leaving Pangani early we head for exotic Dar Es Salaam. A long day's drive through beautiful lush scenery and palm trees sees us arriving late in Dar. We sent up camp for the night at a beach hotel/campsite which is situated to the north of the city. There is time to prepare for your departure to Zanzibar tomorrow.

Day 21, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We have the option to spend the following nights on the famous 'Spice Island'. The long and rich history of Zanzibar is reflected in the varied architecture, markets and cultures of Stone Town, while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 22 to 23, 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 24, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

Take the ferry back to the Tanzanian mainland where our tour finishes on arrival.

Meals included in your tour cost

19 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 19 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 31 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $20 Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• $15 Elsamere
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in the DRC
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• $50 Hells Gate National Park
• $15 Jinja Guided Village Walk
• $70 Jinja Quad Bike Safari
• $15 Karen Blixen Museum
• $20 Langata Giraffe Centre Visit
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• $450 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $65 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• TBA Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
• $35 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $500 PADI Dive Course - Zanzibar
• $50 Prison Island Excursion
• $25 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $450 Serengeti National Park Excursion
• $550 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $15 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Rhino Sanctuary
• $25 Softpower Community Project
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins
• $125 White Water Rafting on the Nile
• $75 Zanzibar Scuba Diving