35 day Gorilla Overland Safari. Nairobi to Victoria Falls

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Your Gorilla safari departs from the Boulevard Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. You climb the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley, your first viewpoint stop. You descend into the Masai land, where the traditional Maasai people can be regularly seen along the roadside.

You arrive at Acacia Camp where you spend the evening enjoying the sunset and listening to the sounds of the nocturnal world of the Masai come to life. Lunch and dinner is included.

Day 2: Masai Mara, Kenya

You spend the day on game drives through the Masai Mara in search of the infamous Big Five. The majestic plains and rolling hills of the Masai is home to a spectacular array of wildlife, namely Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and Waterbuck, to name a few.

Sit around the campfire and watch the sun set over the vast and beautiful African savannah. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 3: Masai Mara to Nakuru, Kenya

Today you depart the Masai Mara, passing through the third largest town of Kenya, Nakuru. You will spend the night in Nakuru with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Nakuru to Kampala, Uganda

Today you cross the border into Uganda, traveling via the town of Jinja before reaching Kampala, the capital of Uganda, where you will spend the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 5 & 6: Kampala to Kisoro, Uganda

After departing early in the morning, the tour drives further west into the depths of Uganda to arrive at your base in Kisoro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Depending on where the Gorilla permits are available and where the Gorillas are located, viewing will either take place the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the DRC, or Ruhengeri in Rwanda. Due to the nature and habits of these majestic giants, viewing cannot be guaranteed.

It might be necessary to trek for quiet a while through dense forest vegetation, sometimes up to 5 hours. Gorillas are sensitive to human diseases and sicknesses, therefore people of ill health are not allowed to visit the Gorilla groups, as well as children under the age of 15 years.

Days 7 & 8: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni, Uganda

Enjoy a short and scenic drive through Africa to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake on the continent, and home to an impressive variety of bird and fish species, including otters. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

You spend day 8 at leisure, enjoying the beauty and splendour of Lake Bunyoni. You have the choice to swim, visit the local villages, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wild. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Days 9 & 10: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala to Jinja, Uganda

Today the tour drives to Kampala for another night, maybe even sample the nightlife. Today you would have crossed the equator for the second time, and there will be plenty of opportunities for photos. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 10 you have the choice of either white water rafting down the Nile River, or visiting the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary before your departure to Jinja. You overnight at a camp right on the edge of the Nile River. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 11: Jinja to Nakuru, Kenya

Today is a full day of driving back towards Kenya, crossing the border before lunch. You will overnight in Nakuru. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 12: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Today the tour travels to Lake Nakuru National Park, an area famous for its thousands on graceful Flamingo inhabiting the Lake's edge.

The park is also a haven for Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Waterbuck, various antelope, Leopard and the occasional Hippo. You spend the day game viewing in this spectacular Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 13 & 14: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya

Today the tour moves further east to Lake Naivasha, where you camp in tranquil surroundings. Your afternoon is spent at leisure with the opportunity (time permitting) to partake in some optional excursions, including boat rides to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park or Elsamere, the retirement home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 14 of your overland adventure holiday, you leave Lake Naivasha after breakfast, returning to Nairobi. The truck will stop at the Boulevard Hotel for guests staying there, and then continues to your campsite for the night. Breakfast included.

Day 15: Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania

Today the tour departs Nairobi, crossing the border to Tanzania at Namanga, then proceeding to Arusha. This pleasant town is situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for optional excursions to the Ngorongoro Crater and/or the Serengeti National Park. Lunch and dinner is included.

Day 16: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (optional)

If you choose the two night/three day option, you depart Arusha in the morning and drive to the Serengeti National Park via the Maasai town of Mtu Wa Mbu.

The plains of the Serengeti is home to a spectacular array of wildlife, an the amount of plains game is amazing. Your afternoon is spent game viewing before setting up camp in the heart of the bush. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 17: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

You enjoy a full morning of game drive in the Serengeti before departing to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will camp at the edge of the Crater for the night. It is suggested that you pack in warm clothes as it can get very cold on the rim of the crater at night.

For those opting for the one night/two day option, you will be collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening, where you will join the rest of the group the following day for a game drive in the Ngorongoro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 18: Ngorongoro to Arusha, Tanzania

This morning you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, an area home to nearly every species of African mammal and boasts a large concentration of wildlife, including Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion and plains game.

You spend a full morning in the crater, then return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both of these optional excursions will follow the same schedule today. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 19 & 20: Arusha to Pangani to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Today you leave Arusha heading towards the warm Indian Ocean. You travel through the town of Moshi, crossing the southern slopes of the highest mountain in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. You will have an opportunity to view the snowy summit, weather permitting. You continue your journey south, passing the Usambara Mountains towards Dar Es Salaam. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 20 is another long day of driving through lush scenery and palm trees. You set up camp for the night. Upon arrival in Dar Es Salaam, you spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite situated in the city, preparing for your departure to Zanzibar the following morning. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 21: Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar

A ferry takes you to the magnificent Spice Island of Zanzibar, where you will spend 3 memorable nights. Breakfast is included.

Please Note: Accommodation and food is on the client's own account while in Zanzibar. A trip leader will escort you to the island and will be able to book accommodation and island tours for you.

Days 22 & 23: Zanzibar

Spend 3 days exploring the many wonders of Zanzibar, from the ancient Stone Town, tours around the spice plantations, to visits to the nearby Prison Island, or even motor biking to the more remote parts of the island.

Guests can also indulge in the most exquisite seafood at the island's many restaurants and fast food stalls. Food in Zanzibar is reasonably priced.

Days 24 & 25: Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam to Iringa, Tanzania

Today you leave Zanzibar, taking the ferry back to the mainland for an overnight in Dar Es Salaam. Dinner is included.

On day 25 you leave Dar Es Salaam and head to Iringa, passing through Mikumi National Park. Here you will be able to view a multitude of wildlife from the roadside. You camp at the Old Farmhouse, a charming rustic camp in rural Tanzania. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 26 - 29: Iringa to Lake Malawi, Malawi

The next morning the tour heads to Malawi, entering through the Songwe border post. You head to Chitimba Beach campsite in Malawi for the night.

You will get a chance to participate in water sports, visit the nearby villages and schools, as well dine with the locals or haggle for bargains at the local markets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 30 & 31: Lake Malawi to Chipata to Lusaka, Zambia

Today you cross the border into Zambia, heading to your beautiful camp situated just 10 kilometres before the Zambia/Malawi border. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 31 you leave Chipata, passing through the city of Lusaka for one night. You campsite offers an abundance of local wildlife and boasts wonderful facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 32 & 33: Lusaka to Lake Kariba, Zambia

You leave camp early in the morning for Lake Kariba, where you spend the next 2 nights. Lake Kariba is the world's largest man made lake, and also boasts a wide variety of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.

You will have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boat, or participate in fishing, canoeing, hiking or exploring the local villages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

House Boat option 2 night/2 day:

You board the House Boat and sail out to Maaze River where you enjoy the beautiful African sunset over the Lake.

The following day is yours to enjoy, relax on the deck in the Jacuzzi, fish or partake in optional game walks on the Maaze Island. You will also get a chance to tour the Crocodile Farm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 34: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today you cross the border into the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The majestic Victoria Falls is definitely one of the most memorable sights of your Africa safari, and boasts lots of exciting activities. Breakfast is included.

Activities available include flights over the Falls, white water rafting in the Batoka Gorge, and bungi jumping from the Zambezi Bridge. Optional activities include day trips to the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, visits to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at the Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, and the Falls Craft Village.

Day 35: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today your tour ends in the morning after breakfast. Breakfast is included.

Optional Excursions:

Free Trips:

Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari and a 3 day Hwange Safari. Local Payment is still applicable for these trips. This offer must be taken when booking your main trip. Please ask your consultant at Siyabona Africa for more details. Conditions apply.