19 Day East Africa Overland Adventure: Kampala to Zanzibar (Mixed Accommodation)

Day 1

Kampala, Uganda

Arrive in Kampala – Welcome to Uganda! Settle into Kampala, meet your fellow adventurers at a crucial welcome meeting (ensure all visas are ready!), and consider an optional local dinner to kick off your epic Uganda to Tanzania overland safari.

Accommodation: Red Chilli Hideaway or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Dinner
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day

Day 2

Kampala – Lake Bunyoni, Uganda

Today’s journey takes you from Kampala towards the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, featuring an exciting Equator crossing aboard the overland vehicle. This picturesque lake, whose name translates to “place of many little birds,” captivates with its winding shores that embrace 29 enchanting islands, all set against a stunning backdrop of steep, terraced hillsides. Upon arrival, you’ll have ample free time to truly immerse yourself in these idyllic surroundings, with the inviting option to swim in its calm, bilharzia-free waters—a rare and refreshing treat.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ± 520 km
Travel Time: ± 12 hours

Day 3

Gorilla Trek, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Our time in this lush, magical, mountainous region of Uganda is spent on unforgettable guided trek deep into the forest-sloped volcanoes for a wild encounter of a family of mountain gorillas (Gorilla Permits Included). Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the home to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the world’s most endangered ape. One of Africa’s major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking.

The terrain is rough and at times muddy and slippery. It can rain at a moment’s notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential along with protective bags for your camera and film. We also suggest dressing in ‘layers’ as often it’s chilly at first until you start trekking. We also suggest long sleeves and long pants to protect you from stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek can last up to 6 hours, exceeding altitudes of 2500m. It is essential to keep hydrated at all times. About 98% of the trekking is successful but we cannot guarantee that there will be gorillas seen as they are always moving around. For the remainder of your time here, you have the chance to participate in optional activities. You will be sub-divided into groups of 8 to protect the Gorillas from too much exposure or disruption.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mountain Gorilla Trek

Day 4

Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Enjoy a day of leisure or partake in one or two of the activities listed below.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Swimming, Canoe Rental 10 USD per person, Nature Walk 5 USD per person, Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi 40 USD per person, Bird Watching Walk 10 USD per person

Day 5

Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda

Journey through Uganda’s picturesque countryside to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, nestled adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This northern gem offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, promising thrilling encounters. Spend your afternoon at leisure, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of this remarkable Ugandan wilderness.

Accommodation: Craters Campsite or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Optional Activity: Boat Cruise 40 USD per person
Distance: ± 155 km
Travel Time: ± 3 hours

Day 6

Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

An early morning rise will enable us to go on a chimpanzee tracking excursion after which we will visit a tea plantation where a local guide will inform you about the varieties of tea and the farming process before making our way to Lake Mburo. Enjoy an optional boat cruise on the lake in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Leopard Rest Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion, Tea plantation visit
Optional Activities: Lake Mburo Boat Safari 30 USD per person, Nature Walk 25 USD per person
Distance: ± 150km
Travel Time: ± 3 – 4 hours

Day 7

Lake Mburo National Park − Jinja, Uganda

Today we make our way back across the equator to Jinja, our next destination for the following two nights.

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: AidChild Café & Gallery
Distance: ± 325 km
Travel Time: ± 7 – 8 hours

Day 8

Jinja, Uganda

Spend time exploring Jinja and taking part in activities such as Quad Biking along the banks of the Nile or sip on some G&T’s while lying on a hammock floating down the Nile. Watch a spectacular sunset while cruising on a boat. Jinja has something for everyone.

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: At your own expense
Optional Activities: Nile River Kayaking 140-160 USD per person, Mabira Forest Mountain Biking 55 USD per person, Quad Biking 105 USD per person, Bungee Jumping 145 USD per person, Nile River Sunset Cruise 30 USD per person, Jinja River Rafting 140 USD per person

Day 9

Jinja – Eldoret, Kenya

We will cross over into Kenya for a night in Eldoret which is an overnight stop to break the long driving days.

Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: ± 270 km
Travel Time: ± 7 hours

Day 10

Eldoret – Nairobi, Kenya

Journey through the Kenyan countryside back to Nairobi, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenic views, relax with music, or connect with your fellow travelers. We’ll make convenient stops along the way, allowing you to grab lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Heron Portico or similar
Route: Eldoret – Nairobi
Distance: ± 315 km
Travel Time: ±11 hours

Day 11

Nairobi – Arusha, Tanzania

Embark on a thrilling shuttle journey across the semi-arid plains of the Maasai people in Kenya, culminating in the vibrant Tanzanian town of Arusha. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the distance while enjoying captivating conversations with fellow travelers. This unforgettable road trip promises a unique blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking scenery, and shared camaraderie

Accommodation: Comfort Eland Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: ±290 km
Travel Time: ±7 – 8 hours

Day 12

Arusha – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Following breakfast, we start our adventure into the Serengeti National Park and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater – two of Africa’s leading wildlife regions. Your 3-day and 2-night excursion starts as you hop on the specialised 4×4 safari vehicle which leads us on an incredible game drive through the park by expert driver/guides. The trucks we use have sliding windows and a big, pop-up roof that is ideal for fantastic game viewing.

With an area of 14,763 square kilometres, the Serengeti is incredibly vast. We camp and spend time game viewing in the central Serengeti ‘Seronera’ region, which is situated in the southeast of the park. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, lions, zebras, wildebeest, elephants along with many other animals.

Due to the size of the reserve, certain areas will not be available to visit during our stay here. As we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti National Park, you will begin to realize the enormity of this region, admiring the huge populations of wildlife that roam the acacia-spotted plains.

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Distance: ±320 km
Travel Time: ± 8 hours

Day 13

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

We will continue to experience the Serengeti on more game drives in the morning. When we return to the campsite we will pack up and journey to the Ngorongoro Crater for spectacular views of the rim populated with a variety of wildlife where we will camp for the night.

Some of you may have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari in which case this activity will likely take place today. In this case you will miss the morning game drive.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Optional Activities: Serengeti Balloon Safari
Distance: ±160 km
Travel Time: ± 4 hours

Day 14

Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Tanzania

The time has come for you to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” up close. A final safari experience awaits the group today on the crater floor. If you want to see wildlife, make sure your camera is charged! Because of the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater, its own ecosystem has been created, including grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat. With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. While cruising along, swap stories, pull out your favorite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and take it all in.

Accommodation: Comfort Eland Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive, Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch
Distance: ±200 km
Travel Time: ± 4 – 5 hours

Day 15

Arusha – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Today we travel through varied landscapes on our way to the warm Indian Ocean Coast. We depart Arusha early to travel to Dar es Salaam. Be sure to look out for Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain! Dar es Salaam is a coastal town and is the largest city in Tanzania.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express you will transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Zanazibar. Upon arrival in Stone Town enjoy a free day of shopping, relaxing or wandering through the markets. Meet with the group again tomorrow.

Accommodation: Kipepeo Beach Village or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Express
Distance: ±650 km
Travel Time: ± 12 – 13 hours

Day 16

Bagamoyo – Zanzibar Beach Resort, Tanzania

Get ready for the picturesque beaches of Zanzibar as we drive from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, we will take a ferry to explore the picturesque beaches of the northern tip of Stone Town. During your stay here we encourage you to dress modestly due to the Muslim religion. Women are asked to cover up and men should refrain from wearing shorts. Please always ask before taking photographs.

Accommodation: Fun Beach (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activity: Snorkelling (35 – 60USD per person), Scuba Diving (65USD per person)
Distance: 60 km (2 -3 hours travelling time in the overland truck) + 2 hour Ferry trip

Day 17

Beach day in Zanzibar

Explore Zanzibar’s heart today in Stone Town. Pass by balconies and huge wooden carved doors in Stone Town’s winding historical alleyways. Spend hours wandering the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from sidewalk vendors, and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. You’ll find tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautiful printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by locals), carved copper chests, and spices to take home. Join your group for a relaxing few days at Jambiani, a tropical paradise.

Accommodation: S&S Hotel Jambiani or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Swimming, Jozani Forest Tour 35 – 150 USD per person
Distance: ±60km
Travel Time: ±1½ hours

Day 18

Beach Day in Zanzibar

Enjoy a relaxing morning on this island paradise. Africa meets Arabia and the Indian Ocean is the cherry on top of this great cultural crossroads. Whether you want to go diving, snorkeling, sailing, or just lazing on the beach, the day is yours. Located in the East African Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is known for its tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene.

Accommodation: S&S Hotel Jambiani or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19

Zanzibar Beaches – Stone Town, Tanzania

You will have a difficult time pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani today. Explore Zanzibar’s heart by traveling to Stone Town on the other side of the island.

In the late morning, the tour comes to an end.

The tour will end on arrival in Stone Town after you have been transferred from Jambiani. A transfer to the airport will be provided. Otherwise, please feel free to spend some more time in Stone Town before departing for the airport on your own. Please do not make any onward travel plans for earlier than 2:30pm.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.