East Africa and Gorillas

Overview

East Africa and Gorillas

East Africa and Gorillas, As we start with our East Africa & Gorillas adventure tour we leave the dazzling Victoria Falls and head to the South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination. When we have discovered the wide variety of wildlife in the park we will travel into the warm heart of Africa, Malawi. Lake Malawi is one of the ten largest lakes in the world. We spend a few days indulging in the many attractions that underlie the charm of the Lake and its people.

Before we go on to the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Zanzibar we enjoy a game drive in Mikumi National Park. We then travel to Arusha and the Serengeti National Park where you are sure to see incredible wildlife! Our next leg of the tour starts in Nairobi and we head to the Masai Mara National Park, Lake Naivasha and Nakuru National Park for world class game viewing. We cross into Uganda and enjoy a trek through Budongo Forest, the biggest Mahogany forest in East Africa and the home of the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. We travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyoni and there we will be taken into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to visit the endangered Mountain Gorilla.

2020 Early Bird Special –  For July 2020 we are offering you the opportunity to book this tour for travel in 2021  at our current 2020 rate. Applies for departures between 01 January 2021 until 31 July 2021!

Email us for more information

Gorilla permits excluded. 

This tour has a Comfort Option available.

ONE NIGHT PRE-ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED

Included

1. All meals which are prepared and served at the Overland truck
2. Accommodation
3. Qualified crew
4. Filtered water
5. Transport in the Overland truck
6. Included highlights as per the itinerary
7. Entrance fees to National Parks.

Excluded

1. Items of a personal nature (snacks, alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, tips)
2. Entrance fees (associated with optional activities
3. Souvenirs and optional activities.
4. Gorilla Permit – USD630 – USD730

NOTE Prices are subject to change

**Price is per person sharing, excludes single supplement and any additional meals or activities not set out in the itinerary.

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Route: Victoria Falls to Lusaka

Setting off early from Victoria Falls, we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While we have a long day travelling today, we get our first impressions of the Africa that awaits us. Colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. We enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as our guides brief us on the days ahead.

Route: Lusaka to Petauke

This morning we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Route: Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

With two days of travel behind us we look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton famers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, we split our time between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Route: South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi

This morning we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Today we visit a local village near our lodge with the Nomad guide. The rest of the day is set aside for you to relax at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer.

Route: Central Lake Malawi to North Lake Malawi

Today we are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your afternoon will be spent walking through the small village of Ngala.

Route: Northern Lake Malawi to Iringa

Today as we leave Malawi, we ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa.

Route: Iringa to Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing

Route: Mikumi via Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry

We rise early and travel from Mikumi to the Port of Dar Es Salaam, where we will board the ferry and make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. Our home for the next three nights, Stone Town offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer.

This morning we enjoy the local scenery by embarking on a spice tour with a local guide. The afternoon is free to enjoy some of the many attraction sand activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and you have the opportunity to book activities such as 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.

Route: Stone Town

Today we explore the beautiful Jozani Forest. For those wanting to do their last bit of sightseeing, the afternoon is free for optional activities. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.

Route Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry: Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo

This morning we have some time to explore the sights of Stone Town, the rich history and vibrant markets are some of the highlights of any visit to Zanzibar. 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.

Route: Bagamoyo to 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.

Route: Arusha to 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 the full day excursion into the crater. Karatu is conveniently situated to allow you the opportunity to participate in various optional activities in the coming days. Those guests who have purchased the Serengeti excursion will be collected from Arusha this morning.

Route: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and return

We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater. We will spend the bulk of our day exploring the Crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. We will arrive back in Karatu in the afternoon.

This morning we rise early for a hike to the Elephant Caves, taking you through untouched forests with amazing wildlife.The rest of the day is free for you to relax at camp or participate in a number of optional activities available from the accommodation establishment. Some of the optional activities include village walking visits or a visit to Lake Manyara National Park.These activities need to be booked directly with the accommodation provide upon arrival in Karatu.

Route: Serengeti National Park to Arusha (Serengeti excursion guests) / Karatu to Arusha (Non-excursion guests)

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.

Route: Arusha to Nairobi

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

Route: Nairobi to Masai Mara

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.

The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the other 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.

Route: Masai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, here 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.

Route: Lake Nakuru to 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.

Route: Jinja to Masindi

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 are 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.

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.

Route: Masindi to Lake Mburo

Today we make our way to Leopard Rest Camp, nestled on the border of Lake Mburo National Park. This National Park consists of Woodland interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges. Lake Mburo is one of 13 other lakes, forming a 50km wetland system, linked by a swamp. The Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, buffalo, leopard, hippo and hyena to name but a few.

Route: Kampala to 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.

Route: Lake Bunyonyi National Park to the starting point of the gorilla trek (in safari or smaller vehicles)

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.

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.

Route: Lake Bunyonyi to 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.

Route: Kampala to 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.

Route: Jinja to 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.

Route: Eldoret to 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.