Gorilla Trek, Kenya & Tanzania - 28 days
Gorilla Trek, Kenya & Tanzania - 28 days
Gorilla Trek, Kenya & Tanzania - 28 days
28 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Visiting: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Jinja, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2729/GTKT
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 28-day Gorilla Trek adventure through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where you'll experience the thrill of African wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Nairobi, exploring the vibrant city before venturing into the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Witness the majestic wildlife of Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, and cross the Equator to Uganda's lush Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The highlight awaits in Bwindi National Park, where you'll trek through steamy jungles to encounter endangered mountain gorillas. Relax by Lake Bunyonyi and the Nile in Jinja, then continue to Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for more iconic wildlife encounters. Conclude your adventure with a serene beach escape on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town and indulging in the island's tropical beauty. This small group camping tour offers an authentic and immersive African experience, complete with expert guides and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our campsite on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.
Day 3: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Our campsite tonight is in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.
Day 6-8: Bwindi National Park
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 9: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 10: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!
Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Day 11-12: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!
Day 13: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret.
Day 14: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon.
Day 15: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers you the freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Alternatively, the following optional excursions are available to book locally. Enjoy close encounters at the the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, or discover the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. Alternatively, you can opt for a day of relaxation and pure leisure, making the most of some well-deserved 'downtime'.
Day 16: Nairobi
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later.
During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Day 17: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 18: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night at a campsite on the edge of the city.
Day 19: Nairobi
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country's safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our camp at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 20: Arusha
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles to embark on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.
Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We game drive to our unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife roaming nearby.
Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Crater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 21, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 22 we drive down a steep road into the crater itself for an unforgettable morning game drive. You will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes. Interestingly, they cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Day 23: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. Today we have a long but scenic drive as we travel away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and towards the Indian Ocean coast. We will pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route, and if the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of Africa's highest mountain.
The port town of Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 24: Bagamoyo
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. It's only a relatively short drive south along the coast to Dar es Salaam today. The city is Tanzania’s main port and is a hub of commerce and industry - a hot, humid, and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets, and Arab-influenced architecture on the coast. We set up camp on the beach just outside the city tonight, and you'll have time to go for a swim.
Day 25-27: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 25, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Enjoy free time on the island. Independently explore historic Stone Town on day 25 before we drive to one of the beautiful beaches in the north of the island for two days of Indian Ocean relaxation. Perhaps visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. You can also enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
In Zanzibar, we stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 25 in Stone Town and days 26 and 27 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 28: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean or do some last-minute shopping before we board the ferry back to the mainland. Feeling refreshed after your three-day beach break, it is time for our tour to come to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
27 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 22 dinners are included in the tour.
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Accommodation
21 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in a permanent tented camp, and 3 nights twin share tourist class hotel in Zanzibar are included.
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Tour Crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.
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Sleeping Equipment
A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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Road Tolls and Taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included.
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Game Drives and Excursions
Lake Nakuru National Park game drive, Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking, Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking, Masai Mara Excursion, Maasai Village Walk, and Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion are included.
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Zanzibar Ferry
A return ferry ticket to Zanzibar is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
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Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $995pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit
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International flights and visas
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Sleeping bag - please bring your own
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
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Local payment - US$1025pp, paid on arrival in USD
Age Policy
18 and over. From departures starting in Jan 2026, the minimum age will be changing to 16 if accompanied an adult or legal guardian. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey. Specialized safari vehicles are used for game drives, and a ferry is included for the Zanzibar leg of the trip.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of camping and comfort with 21 nights in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in a permanent tented camp, and 3 nights in twin-share tourist class hotels in Zanzibar. Enjoy the great outdoors while having access to essential amenities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and the endangered mountain gorillas. The tour also offers opportunities to see the Big Five and other iconic species like wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, as well as over 500 bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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What activities are available during the stay in Jinja?
In Jinja, you can enjoy a range of optional activities such as quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips, and mountain biking. There is also an opportunity to visit a local school initiative where you can help with painting, plastering, or other labor to improve the local schools.
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What should I expect during the gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park?
During the gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, you will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as the trek goes through steamy jungle. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend around an hour watching them from a safe distance. It is important to keep quiet, stay low to the ground, and follow all instructions from your guide for your safety and the welfare of the gorillas.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes 21 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in a permanent tented camp, and 3 nights in twin share tourist class hotels in Zanzibar. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, but a sleeping mattress is provided.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there are additional costs such as the non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit which costs USD $935 per person, international flights and visas, a local payment of US$1025 per person paid on arrival, and optional activities. Tipping is also an entirely personal gesture.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 and over. Anyone over 65 is required to complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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