Gorillas and Beaches

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

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Day 1 to 2, Nairobi to Lake Naivasha (via Rift Valley)

Travelling through the East African Rift Valley is a stunning sight as we wind our way towards Lake Naivasha. Walk to Elsamere - old home of Joy Adamson and Elsa the Lion (Born Free), hire bikes and cycle through Hells Gate National Park or visit a game sanctuary.

Day 3 to 4, Lake Naivasha to Kampala (via Eldoret)

Further west we go and enter mountainous Uganda. The bustling capital of Kampala gives us a chance to stock up supplies and check out the nightlife.

Day 5 to 6, Kampala to Kabale

Where our Gorilla Trekking permits are valid for will determine where we spend the next few days. Departing Kampala we will drive further west to either Kibale, Kisoro, Kigali or Lake Bunyoni to prepare for our awesome trek!

Day 7 to 10, Kabale to Kabale (via Lake Bunyoni)

We are based at one of 4 possible destinations to see the rare Mountain Gorilla's in one of 3 National Parks! Gorilla's know no borders and getting up close to these beautiful creatures is definitely a experience of a lifetime! Afterwards there is the calm Lake Bunyoni, historic Kigali (Rwanda) or the mountainous Virunga Ranges to explore.

Day 11 to 15, Kabale to Jinja (via Kampala)

After passing back through Kampala we travel back east to Jinja perched on the edge of Lake Victoria and overlooking Bujagali Falls. The source of the Nile River is just upstream and there are plenty of adventure activities to occupy your time. For the less adventurous, a visit to a local community project is a memorable and heart-warming experience.

Day 16 to 19, Jinja to Nairobi (via Lake Nakuru National Park)

If time allows then Sipi Falls could be worth a visit as we make our way back into Kenya and aim for Lake Nakuru National Park. A variety of wildlife inhabit this park but it is possibly better known for its huge volumes of Greater Flamingos which turn the surface a gorgeous pink. From here it is only a short drive to Nairobi.

Day 20, 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 21, 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 22, 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 23, 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 24 to 27, Arusha to Dar Es Salaam

On our way to Dar es Salaam we have a chance of viewing the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. We will stop off at Marangu where you’ll have the opportunity to tackle a climb to Kilimanjaro base camp, or take a walk through the awesome surroundings with its coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and local people. The temperature becomes noticeably hotter as we get closer to Dar es Salaam.

Day 28, 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 29, Zanzibar Island

Another day to explore the variety of adventure and optional activities on this beautiful island.

Day 30 to 32, 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 33, 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 34, Dar Es Salaam to Iringa

Today we head deeper into Tanzania. Passing through Mikumi National Park we might be lucky and view a fair amount of wildlife from our truck. We spend the night at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic spot in rural Tanzania. Try one of their famous Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 35, Iringa to Lake Malawi

The following morning we head for Malawi passing through some gorgeous rolling hills, and beautiful tea and rubber plantations before exiting Tanzania.

Day 36, Lake Malawi

The huge Lake Malawi stretches as far as you can see as you drive along the western coastline. Other than the beautiful views, spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer or trip into a local village to meet some real 'salt of the earth' Malawians.

Day 37, Lake Malawi

Today you can spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer, trip into a local village or relax on the beach and read your book.

Day 38, Lake Malawi

Other than water activities, scuba diving, visits to local villages or relaxing on the beach there is also time for some shopping! Locally made crafts are often beautifully turned out and reasonably priced. Don't forget to check your home country's rules regarding importing these products before you buy. Bartering with the locals is expected!

Day 39, Lake Malawi

After all that shopping, water sports, village visits, horse rides and scuba diving, today should be a day to rest! Catch up on your postcards and diary and hang out on the beach.

Day 40, Lake Malawi to Lilongwe

During our visit in Lilongwe we will go shopping for African curios while the crew stocks up on supplies.

Day 41, Lilongwe

A free day today to explore at leisure while the Crew sort out your visa's for the crossing through Mozambique.

Day 42 to 43, Lilongwe to Harare

The Lake disappears behind us as we travel further south and enter Mozambique. The infamous Tete Corridor was well known for gun running in it's day. Fortunately for us it is now all quiet and we make our way through this strip of Mozambique before crossing into Zimbabwe and arriving in Harare - the capital.

Day 44, Harare

A free day today to explore this once glorious capital, visit a local orphange, and stock up for the next few days.

Day 45 to 47, Harare to Chimanimani National Park

Moving through Harare’s fascinating blend of history, culture and scenery, we make our way to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe where we will either visit Chimanimani National Park or Vumba Gardens. Here you’ll have the opportunity to exercise your inner adventurer with a hike in the mountain wilderness or to the nearby bridal veil falls. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed day, strolling through the sleepy village and exploring the local market is also an option.

Day 48, Chimanimani National Park to Gweru

Leaving Chimanimani National Park, we head off to what we like to call the best camp in Africa: Antelope Park! After travelling through Mashonaland we arrive at the park and look forward to a couple of days playing, walking and taking photos of lion - big and small.

Day 49 to 50, Gweru

Spend the next few days at leisure and try one of the many activities that are available: try your hand at fishing, elephant riding, walk with lions, the list is endless - you can even swim with elephants, assuming it is warm enough to do so!

Day 51, Gweru to Bulawayo

A scenic drive takes us to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a nice, laid back atmosphere and its unusually wide streets used to accommodate turning a full span of oxen. Many old British colonial buildings are still maintained as heritage sites and this tree-lined town has many interesting places to visit.

Day 52, Bulawayo

Here we visit the Matobo National Park which is renowned for its many leopards, black eagles and rhino. Many caves and rock paintings are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants in this area and Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) was buried here at his own request.

Day 53, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Now we head north, making our way to one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) will be a memorable finish to this trip and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and approx 100 m high, this is the world's biggest sheet of falling water!

Day 54, Victoria Falls

Today you will have a chance to do a few of the optional activities on offer in this adventure paradise. The Falls can be seen from many viewing points in the Victoria Falls Park or from the Zambian side. You will have many photo opportunities. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and the White water rafting is considered world class. Also, flights over the Vic Falls and the islands are available.

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 59 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• TBA Antelope Park Lion Breeding Program
• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $40 Chobe National Park Game Drive
• $20 Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• $15 Domwe Island Excursion
• $15 Elsamere
• TBA Fishing on the Dam
• $75 Game Ride by Horseback
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in the DRC
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• $20 Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• $130 Gweru Elephant Ride
• $40 Gweru Elephant Swim
• $50 Hells Gate National Park
• $15 Jinja Guided Village Walk
• $70 Jinja Quad Bike Safari
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• TBA Kande Beach Water Sports Equipment
• $15 Karen Blixen Museum
• $20 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $130 Lake Malawi Water Skiing
• $20 Langata Giraffe Centre Visit
• $15 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $65 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• $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
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $130 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $75 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $30 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $80 Walk with the Lions - Gweru
• $130 Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls
• $125 White Water Rafting on the Nile
• $130 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $165 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• $75 Zanzibar Scuba Diving