Safari 25 days
East Africa Safari Adventure: Gorillas & Zanzibar
This East Africa safari adventure takes you in 25 days from the beaches of Zanzibar across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
The Journey
East Africa Safari Adventure with Masai Mara Safari
Your East Africa safari adventure begins in Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s coast. As you land at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you’ll be greeted by the warm African breeze and the vibrant atmosphere of this port city. Depending on your energy and interests, you have several options for your first day: visit the National Museum, take a trip to Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach, or get your first glimpse of East Africa’s wildlife at the Dar es Salaam Zoo. From here, your grand Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda tour begins, with the Zanzibar safari combination, Ngorongoro Crater safari and Masai Mara safari ahead of you.
- Duration
- 25 days
- Sleeping
- Tent or lodge
- Group
- 6 to 20 guests
- Safari days
- 20 of 25
- Demands
- Moderate
- 3 countries
- Kenya Uganda Tanzania
Wildlife
Key Highlights of the Trip
What the itinerary names. Wild animals cannot be ordered, but the parks, the season and the hours at the water are chosen so the odds are good.
Big Five
5 of 5 on this route
- Lion Named in the itinerary
- Leopard Named in the itinerary
- Elephant Named in the itinerary
- Rhino Named in the itinerary
- Buffalo Named in the itinerary
Also along the way
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Hippo
- Cheetah
- Mountain gorilla
- Chimpanzee
- Crocodile
- Flamingo
- Antelope
01
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
01
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
The highlight of your journey: on the mountain gorilla trek in Uganda, you’ll hike through dense rainforest at Lake Bunyonyi until you come face to face with a gorilla family. Permits are strictly limited and help fund the protection of these endangered animals.
02
Serengeti & Ngorongoro
02
Serengeti & Ngorongoro
In the Serengeti, you’ll witness the Great Migration on game drives as wildebeest and zebras cross the plains. The next day, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, where lions, elephants and rhinos live on the crater floor.
03
Masai Mara safari
03
Masai Mara safari
The Masai Mara safari takes you to Kenya’s most famous reserve with endless grasslands. On full-day game drives, search for elephants, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest and zebras, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Mara’s rivers.
04
Lake Nakuru & flamingos
04
Lake Nakuru & flamingos
At Lake Nakuru, enjoy a flamingo safari: the alkaline lake turns pink with huge flocks of flamingos. On your game drive, you’ll also spot rhinos, lions, leopards and numerous antelope in the national park.
05
Zanzibar & Stone Town
05
Zanzibar & Stone Town
Your Zanzibar safari combination starts on the spice island: stroll through UNESCO-listed Stone Town, visit a spice plantation and relax on white beaches before heading to the mainland for your Tanzania safari.
Tanzania
Your East Africa safari adventure begins in Tanzania: from the beaches of Zanzibar, through Arusha, to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where Africa’s wildlife awaits you.
Days 1-9
Dar es Salaam, arrival
Welcome to your East Africa safari adventure! As you land at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be greeted by the warm breeze of this vibrant coastal city. Depending on your energy levels, you might visit the National Museum, take a trip to Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach, or get your first glimpse of East African wildlife at the Dar es Salaam Zoo.
Zanzibar, Stone Town
After meeting your crew and fellow travellers, you’ll take an early ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. In Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, African, Arab, Indian and European influences blend together. You can leave your main luggage in the truck and explore the winding alleys with just a small backpack, the perfect start before your later gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Zanzibar, city & spice tour
Your Zanzibar safari combination tour begins with a guided walk through Stone Town, passing the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. Once a major port on the slave and spice trade routes, the city is rich in history. Afterwards, you’ll head to your base for two nights, stopping en route for a guided spice tour through villages and plantations, where you can buy fresh spices directly from the source.
Zanzibar, beach day
Today is a free day on Zanzibar. Water sports are on offer, and there’s plenty of time to create your own island memories. Explore the many local attractions or simply relax on the beach in the sunshine. Recharge your batteries before your East Africa camping safari continues to mainland Tanzania and the savannah.
Arusha, gateway to safari
This morning, you’ll head north through the regions of northern Tanzania. Your destination is the bustling city of Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. Founded by the Germans as a garrison town in the early 20th century, Arusha is now the starting point for your Tanzania Kenya Uganda round trip through three countries.
Karatu, towards Ngorongoro
On the short drive to Karatu, you’ll get closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you’ll visit the market in Mto wa Mbu, famous for its rice and distinctive red bananas. This melting pot is home to over 120 different tribes. In the evening, your tour leader will brief you on the two-day Ngorongoro Crater safari excursion.
Ngorongoro, crater & Serengeti
Early this morning, you’ll set off in safari vehicles for your Ngorongoro Crater safari. You’ll explore the crater floor in search of the animals roaming these plains, the crater was formed millions of years ago by a volcanic explosion and is considered the eighth wonder of the world. In the afternoon, you’ll reach your camp in the Seronera region at the heart of the Serengeti.
Serengeti, game drive
A full day Serengeti safari adventure awaits you: on game drives through the national park, you’ll search for the abundant wildlife of the plains. The Serengeti is world-famous for the Great Migration, when vast herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the savannah, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on earth. Optionally, you can take a hot air balloon safari.
Arusha, return journey
With plenty of memories, you’ll leave Serengeti National Park and drive back to Arusha for an overnight stay. Here, you can reflect on your experiences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before your Tanzania Kenya Uganda round trip crosses the border into Kenya and continues towards the Masai Mara the next day.
Kenya
After Tanzania, your East Africa safari adventure continues in Kenya: via Nairobi to the world-famous Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, home to flocks of pink flamingos.
Days 10-13
Nairobi, border to Kenya
This morning, you’ll cross the border into Kenya and travel to Nairobi for an overnight stay. Spend the afternoon repacking for your trip to the Masai Mara, you’ll be travelling there in safari vehicles rather than the overland truck. Pack a small overnight bag with a towel, clothes and toiletries. Nairobi grew from 1899 as a railway depot for the Uganda Railway.
Masai Mara, into the reserve
You’ll leave Nairobi and head to the Masai Mara safari, Kenya’s most famous reserve with endless plains teeming with wildlife. The Mara is named after the Maasai, who have lived in harmony with nature in this region for centuries. In the afternoon, you’ll settle into your camp and get ready for two days of wildlife viewing.
Masai Mara, full-day safari
The gentle grasslands of the Masai Mara offer perfect conditions for wildlife viewing and photography. On a full-day Masai Mara safari, you’ll search for elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. The muddy rivers are home to hippos and crocodiles. You’ll spend the entire day on game drives through the Mara.
Lake Nakuru, flamingos
You’ll say farewell to the Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a Lake Nakuru flamingo safari: the alkaline lake, rich in algae, attracts huge flocks of flamingos that turn the shores pink. The park is also home to black and white rhinos, leopards, lions and numerous antelope species. The lake was declared a national park in 1968.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Uganda
In Uganda, your East Africa safari adventure reaches its peak: from the Nile in Jinja and the Murchison Falls to gorilla trekking at Lake Bunyonyi and chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest.
Days 14-23
Jinja, source of the Nile
Today, you’ll cross the border into Uganda and travel to Jinja, Uganda’s second largest city. Here, the Nile leaves Lake Victoria and begins its 6,695 kilometre journey to Egypt. Founded in 1907 as a British administrative centre, Jinja is now considered the adventure capital of East Africa, perfect for a Nile cruise in Jinja and water sports.
Masindi, Murchison Falls
After a short stop in Kampala, you’ll head towards Murchison Falls National Park. On a Murchison Falls safari, you’ll witness the mighty Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge to form one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. After checking in at Masindi, your tour leader will brief you on the next day’s activities.
Budongo, chimpanzee trekking
The Budongo Forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and home to most of Uganda’s chimpanzees, an estimated 600 to 700 animals. On a Budongo chimpanzee trekking experience, a guide will accompany you on a walk through the forest. You’ll also enjoy a boat trip in the park. As tracking is limited to 12 guests, it may be split between morning and afternoon.
Lake Kikorongo, Queen Elizabeth NP
Today, you’ll leave Masindi and travel to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your accommodation is set on a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo. Named after Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1954, the park is renowned for its high biodiversity and is a highlight of any East Africa camping safari.
Lake Bunyonyi, arrival for gorillas
You’ll cross the equator again and head south to the scenic landscape of Lake Bunyonyi. Full of anticipation, you’ll prepare for gorilla trekking; in the evening, you’ll receive a briefing on what to expect. Lake Bunyonyi is Africa’s second deepest lake and is called the “place of many little birds” thanks to its 29 islands.
Lake Bunyonyi, gorilla trekking
Today is all about gorilla trekking in Uganda. The mountain gorilla is critically endangered, with only around 650 individuals left. Your visit helps support their conservation, as the permit fees go directly towards their protection. As permits are strictly limited, flexibility is required; depending on availability, the group may travel to Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC.
Lake Bunyonyi, buffer day for gorillas
Although two days are set aside for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, you’ll only trek to the gorillas on one day. The extra day provides a sufficient time window to secure permits and ensure the whole group can participate if there are more than six people. Optionally, you can explore the area by mountain bike or on foot.
Lake Mburo, national park
You’ll leave Lake Bunyonyi and travel to Lake Mburo National Park in the Ankole region near Mbarara. Covering around 260 square kilometres, the park is surrounded by gentle hills, grasslands and patches of forest. With over 350 bird species, including the remarkable shoebill, Lake Mburo National Park is a favourite for birdwatchers. It was upgraded to national park status in 1983.
Jinja, Nile adventure
You’ll leave the Ankole region and return to Jinja. Here, you’ll find a wide range of optional activities on and around the Nile: a Nile cruise in Jinja, rafting, kayaking and various boat trips on Africa’s largest river. If you prefer something quieter, you can enjoy a horse ride or a quad bike adventure on land.
Jinja, free day
Jinja offers countless optional activities for thrill-seekers and those who prefer a slower pace. Today is yours to spend as you wish, whether it’s white-water rafting, bungee jumping or a relaxing Nile cruise. Your tour leader will be happy to help you plan this day of your East Africa camping safari.
Kenya
To finish, your East Africa safari adventure returns to Kenya: through Eldoret in the Great Rift Valley and on to Nairobi, where your round trip ends.
Days 24-25
Eldoret, city of champions
Back in Kenya, you’ll visit Eldoret, the country’s fifth largest city. The Great Rift Valley continues to shape the landscape, and Eldoret sits at an altitude of 2,100 metres. The city is famous for producing some of Kenya’s greatest long-distance runners and is known as the “City of Champions”, a peaceful finale to your Tanzania Kenya Uganda round trip.
Nairobi, end of the journey
In the afternoon, you’ll return to Nairobi and look back on the many shared memories of your East Africa safari adventure. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi, the “Green City in the Sun”, the only capital in the world with a national park right on its doorstep.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
PRICE
from
€ 6,199
/ person
Price Options
Explorer (Camping Expedition)
€ 6,199
Classic (Hotel trip)
€ 6,799
Additional Options
Solo tent surcharge (Explorer)
€ 399
Single room supplement (Classic), mandatory for solo travelers
€ 699
Pre-Tour Zanzibar activities including Jozani Forest, sunset cruise or sandbank picnic
Price on request
Pre - Tour available on request
Price on request
Day 8 Hot Air Balloon Safari
Price on request
Day 16 Chimpanzee Trekking
Price on request
Day 19 Gorilla Trek
Price on request
Day 19 Golden Monkeys Trekking
Price on request
Day 23 White Water Rafting
Price on request
Day 23 Bungee Jumping
Price on request
Day 23 River Bugging
Price on request
Days 23 Source of the Nile Cruise
Price on request
Trip includes
- Meals as per itinerary, freshly prepared at the truck, 24× breakfast, 21× lunch, 20× dinner
- Vehicles for your East Africa safari adventure: overland truck and 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation in camps and apartments
- Experienced, qualified team
- Filtered drinking water
- Transport in the overland truck
- All highlights as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to national parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Masai Mara and others)
Service
For entry and onward travel to Zanzibar, the island off the coast of Tanzania, an additional health insurance is now mandatory. This must be applied for online in advance and costs $40, which is often seen as a rip-off. However, there is no way around it if you want to visit Zanzibar with its treasures and dream beaches. You must apply for this insurance online with the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via Visit Zanzibar.
FAQS
-
Which vaccinations are recommended?
For your East Africa safari adventure through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, you should check in advance about vaccinations, such as for yellow fever, and discuss malaria prophylaxis with your doctor. -
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your nationality. For the Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda tour, it’s best to check the visa requirements for all three countries in good time. -
Are there any extra costs?
Optional activities such as gorilla trekking in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo or rafting in Jinja, as well as personal expenses and drinks, are not included in the tour price.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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