Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 Days Starting in Nairobi and ending in Zanzibar

Visiting: Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Kalinzu Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro, Gorilla Trek, Mbarara, Jinja, Kericho, Masai Mara National Reserve, Mto wa Mbu, Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park, Serengeti National Park, Serengeti National Park / Mto wa Mbu, Usambara Mountains, Dar es Salaam, Stone Town, Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

YXOCC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 22

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $7695

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the astounding diversity of landscapes and wildlife in East Africa. Visit green-clad highlands, steamy rainforests, tropical beaches and epic grasslands in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, enjoying unrivalled opportunities to get close to gorillas, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, flamingos and chimpanzees. This tour gives you an awesome itinerary, gorilla trek permits, plenty of included game drives, and key cultural experiences. How you spend the rest of your time is up to you! It doesn’t matter if you’re relaxing in the wild or taking part in optional excursions, the wonders of East Africa will remain vivid in your memory long after this tour ends.

Highlights

  • Trek through Uganda's steamy forests with expert gorilla trackers and a local ranger to seek out rare mountain gorillas. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, watching how they play, laze in the sun and groom each other.

  • Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. This plat is famous for its rhino population, so you’ll have a good chance to snap a photo of these gorgeous beasts.

  • Explore Serengeti National Park – a wildlife arena like no other – and look for lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes during daily safari drives.

  • Embark on a hike through the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, through mountains, rainforests and local villages, to the Irente viewpoint. Then, stop at a local farm on the way back for a picnic lunch with the locals.

  • See what it’s like living in Zanzibar with a walking and street food tour of Stone Town – visiting the markets and tasting some local fare.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Nairobi

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation: Hotel

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Nairobi. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, and markets and shops for essentials as well as arts and crafts from the region. After the welcome meeting, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional group dinner.

Optional Activities:
-Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure

Day 2: Lake Nakuru National Park

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Take in spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts.

Included Activities:
-Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Day 3: Eldoret

Location: Eldoret

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Rise early this morning for tea or coffee before going back into the park for a morning game drive. Return to camp for brunch before driving north-west to Eldoret, one of Kenya's fastest growing towns. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle- and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside of Eldoret town.

Included Activities:
-Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Day 4: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Accommodation: Hotel with shared facilities

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you will leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 30 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel. After your long drive enjoy a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night rest.

Day 5: Kalinzu Forest

Location: Kalinzu Forest

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.

Optional Activities:
-Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking
-Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Day 7: Kisoro

Location: Kisoro

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different gorilla groups located in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi.

Included Activities:
-Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Day 8: Gorilla Trek

Location: Gorilla Trek

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi National Park to encounter rare gorillas. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance or the chances of 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 quite strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in 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 up to four hours – up and down hills. You 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. Be mesmerised as you watch them eat, sleep, groom and play – the giant silverback surveying the scene as the smaller ones laze in the trees or play like children. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour.

Included Activities:
-Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Day 9: Gorilla Trek

Location: Gorilla Trek

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.

Optional Activities:
-Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking
-Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From
-Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit
-Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour

Day 10: Mbarara

Location: Mbarara

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Farewell the lands of the gorilla and turn back towards the capital, Kampala. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. You’ll be honest – there’s not a great deal to do here, however it’s a great opportunity to spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at the camp, or even to have a leisurely look around the town.

Day 11: Jinja

Location: Jinja

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda, a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile but also the adventure capital of Uganda. Tonight, camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 12: Jinja

Location: Jinja

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. You’ll enjoy two days here at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose from (at extra cost) if you want. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or kayaking. Alternatively take a boat cruise to the source of the Nile or to enjoy the river and quench a thirst.

Optional Activities:
-Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day)
-Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise
-Jinja - Source of River Nile tour

Day 13: Kericho

Location: Kericho

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.

Included Activities:
-Kericho - Tea plantation visit

Day 14: Masai Mara National Reserve

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village which was founded for widows who had lost their cows due to drought and can never remarry. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here the women are engaged in making handicrafts and sewing eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals.

Travel on to the Masai Mara, a quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.

Included Activities:
-Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
-Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

Day 15: Masai Mara National Reserve

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife. Plus, an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the dawn skies, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and of the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before returning to your campsite.

Included Activities:
-Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:
-Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price)

Day 16: Nairobi

Location: Nairobi

This morning you'll make your way back to Nairobi for a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. When you arrive, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

Optional Activities:
-Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure

Day 17: Mto Wa Mbu

Location: Mto wa Mbu

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.

Day 18: Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park

Location: Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities are unrivalled. Next, it's on to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

Included Activities:
-Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
-Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Day 19: Serengeti National Park

Location: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp.

Included Activities:
-Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:
-Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price)

Day 20: Serengeti National Park / Mto Wa Mbu

Location: Serengeti National Park / Mto wa Mbu

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. Once camp is set up, join the local community for a guided stroll around the farming areas, milling machine, and local homes and farmlands. After, we'll share a local dinner in town and if time permits you may have the oppertunity to watch how it's made with a local cooking demonstration.

After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, milling machines, and local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious local dinner in town. If time permits, you might even get to witness a local cooking demonstration and see how it's made.

Included Activities:
-Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
-Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner

Day 21: Usambara Mountains

Location: Usambara Mountains

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.

Day 22: Usambara Mountains

Location: Usambara Mountains

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project based at an Irente farm and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Included Activities:
-Irente - Lushoto hike
-Irente - Local lunch

Day 23: Dar Es Salaam

Location: Dar es Salaam

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp at Kipepeo is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.

Day 24: Stone Town

Location: Stone Town

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide and taste the local delicacies on a market tour, gaining insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar.

When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

Optional Activities:
-Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market
-Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour
-Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure

Day 25: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Location: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Accommodation: Bungalow

Meals Included: breaksfast

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Optional Activities:
-Zanzibar - Spice tour

Day 26: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Location: Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Accommodation: Bungalow

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!

Optional Activities:
-Zanzibar - Snorkelling
-Zanzibar - Dhow Trip

Day 27: Stone Town

Location: Stone Town

Meals Included: breaksfast

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (18 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Bungalow (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)

  • Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

  • Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

  • Kericho - Tea plantation visit

  • Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
  • Kericho - Tea plantation visit
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
  • Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
  • Irente - Lushoto hike
  • Irente - Local lunch

Transport

  • Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/Kenyan 3 pronged outlet.
  • There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
  • African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
  • The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
  • There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
  • Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
  • Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
  • At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2.This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD 1000, USD 1000, EUR 800, NZD 1250, GBP 650, CAD 1000, ZAR 8000, CHF 900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
  • 3. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
  • 4. This trip is a combination of YXOG YXOP and YXON our most popular itineraries. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on days 16 and 24.
  • 5. The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have a few more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
  • 6.Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.

Mode of Transport

  • Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/Kenyan 3 pronged outlet.
  • There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
  • African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
  • The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants.
  • There may be the occasional night stop, when we stay in the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nights accommodation. The day by day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
  • Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same sex rooms.
  • Campsites do have facilities but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
  • At times there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately these cannot be used without purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear, or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Conditions in the forest where we track gorillas can sometimes be wet, muddy and hot. But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas makes up for any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk for up to 4 hours – up and down hills. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist with any uphill climbs. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/gorilla-trekking for more information.

    We use our purpose-built overland vehicles for the duration of this trip. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates and see https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland for more info on this style of travel.

    You’ll be camping a lot on this trip, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, plus the joy of staying right in the heart of the action.

    This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!

    As the early bird catches the worm, so the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts on this trip, either to make better use of the safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
$7855

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 16, 2025
$8170

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 11, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 05, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

May 03, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$8000

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$8310

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 08, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 12, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 09, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 16, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 06, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 13, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
$8310

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 11, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 08, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 25, 2025
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 06, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026
$7695

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 13, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 22, 2026
$8000

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 10, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 07, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 21, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

May 02, 2026 - May 28, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

May 16, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jul 02, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
$8400

Tuesday - Sunday

Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026
$8725

Tuesday - Sunday

Jul 07, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 11, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 13, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 08, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 05, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 08, 2026
$8725

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2026 - Nov 05, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 07, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$8080

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 12, 2026 - Jan 07, 2027
$8400

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 21, 2027
$8400
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

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