Herd of Elephants | Africa Safaris | Africa
FROM: USD $3,475 pp

Adventure overdrive. Trekking for gorilla, game-spotting, kicking back on Zanzibar, this expedition takes in some of the best of Eastern Africa and culminates at the breathtaking Victoria Falls - Africa's adrenaline playground!

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Campsites
COVID SAFE GUIDE
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Kenya: go on safari in the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, stay in the capital Nairobi and visit a traditional Masai settlement
Tanzania: spot Africa's Big Five in some of the continent's premier game reserves, including the Ngorongoro Crater and the mighty Serengeti
Malawi: visit the Malawian capital of Lilongwe and spend three days camping along the shore of spectacular Lake Malawi, which takes up one third of the country
Botswana: camp in the wilderness of Chobe National Park, listening for the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife
Uganda: spend time in Kampala and relax at Lake Bunyoni before your optional gorilla trek in search of endangered Mountain gorillas
Zanzibar: unwind on pristine white sandy beaches and opt for a sunset dhow cruise, snorkelling or scuba diving
Zambia: admire the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and search for giraffes, elephants and more on safari in South Luangwa National Park
Zimbabwe: end your safari adventure at Victoria Falls, where you can marvel at the cascades and opt for bungee jumping or helicopter rides

Included

30 breakfasts, 29 lunches, 29 dinners
3 night Zanzibar Excursion including ferry transfer, accommodation, Spice Tour and Dhow Sunset Cruise
A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)
All road taxes and tolls
1st night dormitory accommodation at Wildebeest Eco Camp and 31 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats provided
Arrival transfer from Nairobi Airport on day 1
Park entry - Lake Naivasha NP. Park entry and game drives - Masai Mara, Ngorongoro NP, Serengeti NP, Lake Nakuru NP, South Luangwa and Chobe NP
All camping fees and appropriate equipment

Not Included

Sleeping bag - please bring your own
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: Gorilla Permit + Transfer Aprox USD$805pp, paid in USD
Gorilla Permit and transfer fee: Please note that Gorillas often move across the border, between the national parks in Rwanda and Uganda, therefore itineraries often have to be changed at short notice in order to track the Gorillas in whichever National Park they have migrated to. For this reason the cost of the Gorilla Permit and relevant transfers varies, as do the applicable visa costs, dependent upon which country we need to travel into. Permits are subject to availability and need to be booked in advance.
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Local Payment: $2100pp, paid in USD

Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi

Welcome to Nairobi! We’ll be there to collect you at Nairobi Airport and transfer you to the Kenya Comfort Hotel. Tonight you will stay in shared dorms. There will be a pre departure meeting at 17.00.
Overnight: Nairobi

Days 2-3

Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara. Heading west from Nairobi on day 2, we reach possibly Kenya’s most famous natural attraction - the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kenyan section of the wildly beautiful Serengeti Plains teems with wildlife. The highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these beasts plus zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stray north from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania in search of lush grass on the savannah plains. Elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe and a multitude of hooved herbivores also inhabit the reserve. A game drive through the Mara on day 3 gives us the chance to spot the Big Five. During our stay we can also opt to visit a local Masai tribe.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 4-5

Eldoret & Kampala

Masai Mara - Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Leaving the Masai Mara early on day 4, we head out of Masai Land and pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau. The following morning, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala.
Overnight: Eldoret (1), Kampala (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 6-9

Lake Bunyoni & Gorilla Trekking

Kampala - Lake Bunyoni. From Kampala we drive to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, which is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda.

We depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in either Kisoro en route. The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite.

Please note: Gorilla permits need to be purchased in advance, please ask your reservations consultant or visit our Gorilla trekking travel guide.
Overnight: Lake Bunyoni  |  Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4

Days 10-11

Kampala & Jinja

Lake Bunyoni - Kampala - Jinja. After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!

On day 11 we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or visiting a volunteer and community project.
Overnight: Kampala (1), Jinja (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 12-13

Lake Nakuru

Jinja - Nakuru - Naivasha (Kenya). Departing early, we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route. We overnight outside Nakuru. Nakuru is Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province and lies adjacent to the small but wildlife rich Lake Nakuru National Park.

The following morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way. After our game drive, we head to our campsite, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 14-15

Lake Naivasha & Nairobi

Lake Nakuru - Naivasha - Nairobi. Departing Lake Nakuru, we head for Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. We spend the day enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. The next morning we head back to Nairobi.
Overnight: Naivasha (1), Nairobi (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1

Days 16-19

Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Leaving Nairobi, we cross the border into Tanzania. Arusha is the starting point for the optional 3 day excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

The Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. After our game drive in the Crater, we continue down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we bush camp (no ablutions) in the wild surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident wildlife. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
Overnight: Arusha (1) Karatu (1) Serengeti (1) Arusha (1)  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4

Days 20-21

Pangani & Dar es Salaam

Arusha - Pangani - Dar es Salaam. We return to Arusha before continuing on towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. We may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We spend the night in Pangani midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam before reaching our lovely seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam the following day.
Overnight: Pangani (1), Dar es Salaam (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 22-24

Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. A ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes us to ‘Spice Island’, where we have the option to spend the next three nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and offers a wealth of experiences. Wander the streets of Stone Town, take an excursion around a spice plantation or simply laze on one of the pristine white sandy beaches, the choice is yours!
Overnight: Zanzibar  |  Breakfast x 1

Days 25-26

Mikumi & Iringa

Zanzibar - Mikumi - Iringa. Leaving Zanzibar in the morning, we return to the mainland and head west to Mikumi for an overnight stop. The next day we continue our journey west. Our destination today is Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Overnight: Mikumi (1), Iringa (1)  |  Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 27-29

Lake Malawi

Iringa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we travel into Malawi, a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days. Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches.
Overnight: Lake Malawi  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Days 30-31

South Luangwa National Park

Lake Malawi - South Luangwa (Zambia). We head away from Lake Malawi, and cross into Zambia. Across the border we head towards South Luangwa National Park. This breath taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc.
Overnight: South Luangwa National Park  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 32-33

Livingstone

South Luangwa - Lusaka Area - Livingstone. Today we depart this amazing National Park and make our way down south. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. Heading further south on day 33, we journey to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
Overnight: Lusaka Area (1) Livingstone (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 34

Chobe National Park

Livingstone - Chobe (Botswana). Today we cross the border into Botswana and continue to the town of Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River which forms a border between Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.

Tonight we enjoy an exciting overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife.
Overnight: Chobe National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 35

Victoria Falls

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe, a short drive takes us to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. We enjoy our last day in the adrenaline playground of Africa, where there are optional activities aplenty here including Zambezi white water rafting, bungy jumping from 111m and flights over the Falls in a variety of airborne machines!
Overnight: Victoria Falls  |  Breakfast

Day 36

Victoria Falls

Saturday marks the end of our expedition. Consider extending your stay in Victoria Falls to take advantage of all the exciting optional excursions available.
Breakfast

GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS

Please note: Uganda Gorilla trekking permits need to be purchased in advance, and are subject to availability. Due to the limited availability of the trekking permits, we are unable to guarantee your permit upon receipt of payment. Should we be unable to obtain your permit you will receive a full refund. Please click here for further details on Gorilla permits.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Local payment - $2100pp, paid in USD

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $4,075
N/A
USD $4,075
N/A
USD $4,075
N/A
USD $3,835
N/A
USD $3,835
N/A
USD $3,835
N/A
USD $4,075
N/A
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,475
N/A
USD $3,835
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Kenya Comfort Hotel, Nairobi

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Comfortable dormitory accommodation in central Nairobi (upgrades available on request). The Kenya Comfort Hotel also features an outdoor pool, restaurant serving a good array of local and international dishes as well as a fully stocked bar - perfect for relaxing before or after your epic overland adventure.

Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Wildebeest Eco Camp is a distinctive starting point from which to explore Nairobi and beyond. The camp offers a shaded campsite for budget travellers, or luxury ensuite tents for those looking to splurge a little on their safari experience. Located in the vibrant Langata area, Nairobi National Park and the Galleria Shopping Centre are among the attractions just 10 minutes' drive away. After a long day of travelling, indulgences such as an infinity pool and guest library are available, as are free Wi-fi and laundry service.

Naiberi River Campsite & Resort, Eldoret

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Camp by the river Naiberi at this vintage resort 16km from Eldoret, which also offers spacious dorms, log cabins, and executive rooms built into the valley slopes. During the day, admire the wildlife, with a variety of local nature trails offering the chance to encounter over 250 bird species. At night, venture down to the famous cave restaurant and enjoy a meal within the stone walls, believed to have once housed members of the ancient Sirikwa tribe. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and extensive bar selection.

Red Chilli Hideaway, Kampala

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Located on a purpose-built, 5-acre site in a peaceful suburb, the Red Chilli Hideaway offers affordable accommodation ranging from a campsite which we use for our overland safaris to private ensuite rooms for upgrades. Settle down for the day at the Hideaway's saltwater pool, self-catering kitchen, or restaurant & bar. The camp supports sustainable tourism and operates the Steve Willis Memorial Fund, whose proceeds go to providing clean drinking water in the Murchison Falls region.

Kipepeo Village , Dar es Salaam

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant.Upgrades are available to the twenty elevated ensuite chalets, built in the bush and decorated in traditional Swahili style, provide a stunning ocean views.

Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Croc Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River, and provides accommodation ranging from riverfront tents to ensuite chalets, built on stilts to avoid the off-season floods. Watch elephants roam across the campsite, experience a game drive through South Luangwa National Park, or relax with a gin & tonic at the bar. The camp also features a large outdoor pool, kitchen facilities, and daily laundry service.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Camp

Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4 out of 5 based on 1 recent reviews

I fell in love with Africa the minute I arrived. I thought the tour was fantastic but the reason I rate it 4/5 is because it is too fast paced. Some days I felt like all I experienced was the truck. If the long drives were broken up with a few extra nights here and there so we arrive at our camp in the day light and can go for a walk or relax it'd be 5/5.

Chris my guide was exceptional. He gave us so much information about Africa and its culure. And he answered all our questions even though he must get asked them all the time. He was also a friend to us by playing uno on the truck or just chatting with us.

• Submitted 23 Jun 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

Great trip - I enjoyed every monetnt of it! It has changed my vue of Africa dramatically, thank you very much - I absolutely loved it!

Stacey • Submitted 04 Jun 2010

I've had a great tour on the truck. Steve, our driver was exceptional. Hizzi, the cook, never let us down.

Natasha did a great job dealing with such a variety of personalities. Her knowledge of an African culture, politisc and especially animals was outstanding! She made this a real memorable African Safari.

Thank you.

Katrin Berwick • Submitted 02 Aug 2009

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Nairobi
Ends
Victoria Falls
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 30
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$2100pp, paid in USD
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 30, Lunch: 29, Dinner: 29
Visiting
Nairobi, South Luangwa National Park, Livingstone, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Masai Mara, Eldoret, Kampala, Lake Nakuru, Dar es Salaam, Lake Naivasha, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar
Countries
Rhino standing in front of a flock of flamingos at a water hole at Lake Nakuru
Click to play videoHundreds of wildebeests on the savannah plains of Ngorongoro Crater
Click to play videoZanzibar Highlight
Muddy elephant at Livingstone
Aerial view of the dazzling blue water of Victoria Falls

Extra Tour Info

Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Africa and info on getting your visa
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the BIG 5
The Great Migration
The best places and times to see the great migration
Gorilla Trekking
Close encounters with these gentle giants of the jungle
About Overland Safaris
Information on travelling in Africa on an overland safari
Updated
26th October 2021

I fell in love with Africa the minute I arrived. I thought the tour was fantastic but the reason I rate it 4/5 is because it is too fast paced. Some days I felt like all I experienced was the truck. If the long drives were broken up with a few extra nights here and there so we arrive at our camp in the day light and can go for a walk or relax it'd be 5/5.

Chris my guide was exceptional. He gave us so much information about Africa and its culure. And he answered all our questions even though he must get asked them all the time. He was also a friend to us by playing uno on the truck or just chatting with us.

Sarah Beck
OTG000155Big Five Safari Explorer - 36 daysAfricaOverlandingAfricafalse0Kenyahttps://www.onthegotours.com/Zimbabwe/Big-Five-Safari-Explorer-36-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Herd-of-elephants--Africa-Overland-Safaris--Africa-Lodge-Safaris--Africa-Tours--On-The-Go-Tours-228051391086326_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgOverland_Camping_Safaris