Mix some of the most amazing wildlife experiences that the continent has to offer with some of it’s lesser-known gems.
Explore the historic UNESCO world heritage city of Harar, an ancient trading hotspot, and in stark contrast discover the abundance of wildlife as you wander the Bale Mountains National Park.
Journeying through the Rift Valley you’ll truly get off the beaten track and experience overloading at its best.
As your trip travels over the north of Lake Victoria you’ll be treated to a selection of unforgettable experiences. From the adrenaline activities of Jinga, to the safaris of Nakuru and Queen Elizabeth National Park and the mesmeric activity of watching a family of mountains gorillas interact with each other in Bwindi.
A real mixed trip with just over half of it spent camping and the rest in a mixture of hotels, guesthouses and hostels. Local hotels will be comfortable but don’t expect any luxuries. With some long drive days to be expected, you’ll get to bond with the rest of the group as you watch the world go by.
You’ll have the experience of an African camp master to help prep food when camping - but don’t forget you’ll have your own jobs around camp too! An adventurous journey that will be one that you won’t forget!
Launch cruise on the River Nile to the mighty Murchison Falls
Border Information: If joining the trip in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code: NBO).
Welcome to Kenya! There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please do not be alarmed if there is no welcome note, as this will often be a travelling day for the crew who will be joining you.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Nairobi before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Nairobi.
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Visit the David Sheldrick animal orphanage
Entrance donations: 500 KES
Learn all about the different tribal groups of Kenya at the Bomas of Kenya cultural centre in Nairobi
Entrance: 10 USD
Visit the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
Entrance: 1,000 KES
Explore the museum at the site of the former home of Karen Blixen, the author of 'Out of Africa'
Entrance: 1,200 KES
Discover some of Kenya's ancient hominids at the National Museum in Nairobi
Entrance: 1,200 KES
Head out on a guided safari walk in Nairobi National Park
Entrance and walk: 50 USD
This morning we will drive on to Kericho, throughout this drive you will have sights of the world famous tea plantations in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Border Information: Exit Kenya at Busia, enter Uganda at Busia.
Today we have a full day's drive across the border into Uganda as we travel to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we will have a free day to get involved in the many optional adventure activities available here, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and boat trips on the White Nile!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Go on a boat trip to discover the source of the Nile where the river outflows from Lake Victoria
1.5 hours: 20 USD
Head out horse riding along the banks of the White Nile
3 hours: 80 USD
Full Day rafting Jinja
Full day tour: 140 USD
Shoebill tour with the Ugandan Rhino Fund
Shoebill: 35 USD
Today we continue our journey and head north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary close to the town of Nakitoma. Here we will have the chance to track rhinos on foot with a local ranger!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Optional Activities
Bird watching tour in Ziwa searching for shoebills
3hrs: 35 USD
Nakitoma Ziwa Night Walk
Night Safari: 35 USD
Rhino tracking with the Ugandan Rhino Fund
2hrs: 45 USD
Today we continue to Kaniyo Pabidi in the Budongo Forest, in the southern part of the Murchison Falls NP. Here we will head out for our included chimpanzee tracking walk in the afternoon!
Please note that for conservation reasons the maximum group size to track the chimpanzees is 12 people, so if we have a large group we will split in half, one half going on the walk this afternoon and the other half going tomorrow morning.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Included Activities
If we had to split the group for chimpanzee tracking, the other half of the group will head out for the walk this morning. When we are ready to continue, we will drive to the central region of Murchison Falls NP to reach our campsite.
Please note that the roads leading into and around Murchison Falls are very poor and can be hazardous in wet conditions. If there has been heavy rain recently, it may not be possible to go into the NP beyond Kaniyo Pabidi - this is firstly for safety reasons on the drive in, and secondly due to the risk of extreme bogging that could cause us to miss the gorilla treks further along in our trip. We will always endaevour to reach the NP as per the itinerary; but when this is occasionally not possible, please respect the tour leader's decision in this matter. On these occasions we will be able to utilise this time with spending longer in Lake Bunyonyi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today, we will head out early in the truck for a included morning of game driving around the northern area of the NP - we will take a local vehicle barge to get over the Nile and pick up a ranger to show us around in search of wildlife!
We will return to our campsite for lunch, and then embark on an included launch cruise on the Nile to spot wildlife from the water and to see the spectacularly-powerful Murchison Falls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Included Activities
Launch cruise on the River Nile to the mighty Murchison Falls
This morning we will make our way out of the NP and head South to Mpanga Forest via Kampala. This is a chance to experience a new environment as we camp in the forest near traditional communities. We will hopefully be able to visit the Mpambire drum making village to experience their ancient traditions and culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
This morning we travel to the Queen Elizabeth NP, beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Lake Edward and Lake George, undertaking a game drive on our way to the campsite.
During our time in the park we hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
This morning we are up early to go on a full day game drive making our way the visit the volcanoes and salt mines onthe edge of the park. We will experience areas of the NP that are impossible to reach without a full days excursion!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Queen Elizabeth NP Night Safari
Cost per vehicle: 100 USD
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Here we will go on what is undoubtedly the highlight of the trip - trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest habitat.
This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than 8 people per day can visit any one habituated family, and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.
Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid; however, the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk at least 4 hours - uphill and downhill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself! Once you find them, you will stay with the gorillas for one unforgettable hour!
When visiting the gorillas you will be assigned a trekking group and time on your permit. The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day.
In Bwindi we will stay in a campsite that occasinally has some very special visitors, the incredible mountain gorillas!
Please note that the gorilla permits are paid for in full by the trip kitty - however, we have to purchase the permits in advance on the customers' behalf, so a higher deposit is charged on the trip price to protect us from losing this money in the event of cancellation - please see the notes at the end for further detail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
This morning we will make our way into the stunning Lake Mburo NP. This drive will take us across the equator - a prime moment for some photos!
In the afternoon we may have time for a walking safari or even a boat trip on Lake Mburo.
We will stay in an incredible campsite close to the lake where you may be lucky enough to see hippos leaving the water in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Optional Activities
Boat trip on Lake Mburo
2 hours: 15 USD
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
2 hours: 30 USD
After waking up in the beautiful Lake Mburo NP it is time to head back to Jinja and all of the comforts that it has to offer. You may even have time for an evening activity here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Border Information: Exit Uganda at Malaba, enter Kenya at Malaba.
This is our base for tomorrow's excursion into Nakuru NP. If we make good time on the drive we may have the opportunity to take a walk around the working dairy farm where our campsite is, and to visit a local women's knitting collective.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
This morning we head into Nakuru NP for an included half-day game drive in local safari trucks. Nakuru is a beautiful park with a large lake and many forested areas - it is teeming with wildlife and there is an excellent chance to see both black and white rhinos.
In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take a walk around the working dairy farm where our campsite is, and to visit a local women's knitting collective.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park
Optional Activities
Walk to explore a colonial dairy farm and visit a local women\'s knitting collective
Entrance: 5 USD
Today we will be met by our 6-person 4x4 jeeps that will take us on our 2-night excursion to the Maasai Mara. We will load the jeeps with our personal gear and camping equipment and then head off to Maasai Mara, leaving our truck behind.
We will also be leaving our large bags behind (where they will be stored in a secure location in Nairobi), and advise you to bring along a smaller daypack for your personal gear for this trip that will need to be packed soon after the group meeting before we set off. You should pack clothing for 3 days (including a warm jumper or fleece and long trousers), a waterproof jacket, toiletries (including sun screen and insect repellent), your camera and charger, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, a small towel, a head torch, a water bottle, books and personal snacks, etc.
On arrival, we will have the chance for a short evening game drive in the Maasai Mara NP before heading to our campsite. The Maasai Mara is an incredibly scenic area and is one of the world's greatest places for wildlife spotting which is absolutely teeming with giraffe, buffalo, zebra, elephants, lions, cheetah, leopards, and other big game!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Head out on a phenomenal safari in 4x4s into the Maasai Mara - one of the best areas in Africa for wildlife and scenery
Today we will go out for the full day game driving in the NP before returning to our campsite for a second night. There is also the opportunity for a balloon flight over the savannah - demand for this activity is very high so you must reserve this at the time of booking your trip to avoid disappointment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Take a hot air balloon flight to see the sunrise over the incredible scenery of the Maasai Mara (alternative to the scheduled game drive). This must be pre-booked through your sales consultant.
Balloon: 595 USD
Today we will have a final game drive in the Maasai Mara in the early morning, before heading back to Nairobi and our campsite in Karen, arriving at about 4:00pm or 5:00pm. This is where we will meet our overland truck and start using the truck's camping equipment.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Border Information: If joining in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code: NBO).
There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the reception when you arrive giving more details about this important meeting - your leader will need to check your Ethiopia visa (please see below for details).
If you would like to explore Nairobi fully, we advise you arrive a day earlier, or arrive early in the morning to give yourself a full day before the meeting in the evening. Possible activities include visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, the National Museum and the Langata Giraffe Centre. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Nairobi before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Nairobi.
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Learn all about the different tribal groups of Kenya at the Bomas of Kenya cultural centre in Nairobi
Entrance: 10 USD
Explore the museum at the site of the former home of Karen Blixen, the author of 'Out of Africa'
Entrance: 1,200 KES
Visit the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
Entrance: 1,000 KES
Head out on a guided safari walk in Nairobi National Park
Entrance and walk: 50 USD
Discover some of Kenya's ancient hominids at the National Museum in Nairobi
Entrance: 1,200 KES
Today we make our way to Naivasha, on the edge of a beautiful calm lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here we will have the chance to take an optional boat trip on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles, and also to visit the Elsamere Born Free Foundation at the old home of Joy Adamson.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Today we will have some free time for optional activities in Naivasha before we head through the hills of central Kenya through the area's beautiful scenery and tea plantations, to arrive at the small village of Naro Moru at the base of Mount Kenya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will have a free day in Naro Moru to take optional walks around the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, explore the nearby Mau Mau caves, or take an optional game drive in the nearby Sweetwaters National Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today we will travel to the Samburu region near to the small town of Archer's Post, where we will visit a Samburu village. Here we will be shown around the village and their homes, play with the children and learn all about the way of life here for the Samburu people!
We will camp in the village in the heart of the community tonight, where there are no toilet or washing facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project
This morning we will enter the Samburu National Reserve, where we will enjoy game drives in the truck (breaking for a long lunch during the heat of the day).
Samburu is a stunning National Reserve and is a great opportunity to spot big game such as cheetah, leopards, lions, and buffalo. The Reserve is also home to other animals rarely seen in the NPs further south, such as Grevy's zebras, Somali ostriches and gerenuk ('giraffe-necked antelopes').
Please note that during very wet conditions we may need to use locally-chartered 4x4 jeeps rather than our truck to get a good game drive in - in this instance we may make this option available at extra cost.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today we will have an early start to travel through the very rarely-visited region of northern Kenya, crossing the infamous Marsabit-Moyale road to the very northern border town of Moyale. The scenery today is spectacular as we travel through the black lunar landscapes near Marsabit and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters, watercourses, bush country and termite mounds.
Please note that due to security issues in this particular area, we will sometimes be accompanied by two armed police escorts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Border information: Exit Kenya at Moyale, enter Ethiopia at Moyale.
For those on a longer combination trip starting in Cape Town or Victoria Falls, please play special attention to the visa notes in the information below.
Today we will cross the border into Ethiopia and have a full day of travel to Konso, home to the local Konso people and our gateway to southern Ethiopia.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we will arrive in the town of Arba Minch, a small town overlooking Lake Chamo. On route we will visit Konso Village and a Cultural Centre.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Border Information: If you are joining in Arba Minch, you will most likely enter Ethiopia at Arba Minch Airport (IATA code: AMH).
Welcome to Ethiopia! Today is the arrival day for those joining in Arba Minch, and will be a free day to explore the town.
There will be an important meeting with your crew at 6:00pm today. Look out for a note from them at the hotel reception letting you know where to meet.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we have time for optional activities such as taking an optional boat trip on Lake Chamo to the view the crocodiles that reside there (known locally as the crocodile market) or to take bike rides around the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Hire bicycles to explore the stunning surrounds of Arba Minch
Hire, Guide and Park fee: 400 ETB
Visit the fascinating village of Chincha to learn all about the culture of the Dorze people
Entrance: 300 ETB
Guide cost (per group): 200 ETB
Today we will head north to the small town of Awasa, where we can visit the local fish market.
After our visit we will head to Wendo Genet, a small town in the hills above Awasa, where we will stay for the night.
During our stay here we may have time to explore the region, go on an optional walk to some nearby waterfalls, or take a dip in the nearby hot springs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Included Activities
Experience the true local culture at this fish market. If you would like to try the soup make sure you bring your own bowl!
Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains NP.
We will enjoy 2 full days to explore the NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Horse/mule treks or guided hikes through Bale Mountain National Park
Today we will drive in the truck up to the Sanetti Plateau, all the way to the second-highest point in Ethiopia (the 4359m summit of Tulu Dimtu) to explore the primeval landscape and search for Ethiopian wolves.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Head up to the incredible Sanetti Plateau on a day trip with our overland truck stopping to explore the area on foot and search for Ethiopian Wolves
Today we will leave the Bale Mountains and head to the small town of Ziway.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will take an optional boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island, where we will have a short guided tour of the ancient monastery there and view some of the old religious manuscripts.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Take a boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island and explore the old Coptic monastery on the island
Tulo Gudo Island trip (price per 10 pax): 3,700 ETB
Monastery entrance: 1,000 ETB
In the morning we will leave early and head for Awash NP.
In the afternoon we will take a park scout out with us to explore the surrounding area and to try to find game or just to enjoy the stunning scenery of this lovely NP. We overnight in the lovely Awash Falls Lodge; who said luxury was not part of overlanding! This is a stunning place to experience a great little NP .
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Included Activities
Head out with a scout to explore the trails of this National Park.
Today we will have a long drive east through the mountains to the ancient trading city of Harar.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we have a free day in ancient Harar and will have an included guided city tour of the walled city of Harar (Harar Jugol). Enjoy its colourful markets, mosques and shrines. In the evening you can visit the Hyena Men who feed the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Included Activities
Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city.
Our final day in this incredible city is a free day to explore this amazing city on your own. It is one of the most important historic sites on this trip and one not to be missed.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today we will have a long drive West through the mountains to the capital city, Addis Ababa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Today we have a free day in Addis Ababa and will organise an included guided tour of the city including visiting St. George's Cathrdral, The Menelik mausoleum, The national Museum and the colourful city market.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Visit Africa Hall - a symbol of African independence and optimism
Entrance: Free
Explore the fascinating Ethnological Museum one of the best museums in Africa set in a former palace of Haile Selassie
Entrance: 100 ETB
Visit the Menelik Mausoleum, built to serve as the tombs of emperors and princes
Entrance: Free
Stroll through the Addis Ababa Mercato - one of the largest markets in Africa
Entrance: Free
Visit the St. George's Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral), built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians in 1896
Entrance: 100 ETB
Visit "Lucy" one of the oldest complete hominid skeletons ever found at the National Museum
Entrance: 10 ETB
Today the trip ends and so there is no accommodation booked if you are leaving from Addis - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Border Information: if you are leaving in Addis Ababa, you will most likely exit Ethiopia from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (IATA code: ADD).
Meals: Breakfast
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