24 Day Nairobi to Stone Town Tour (Camping)

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Spend the evening at the hotel bar with your new friends before tomorrow’s early morning. Spend a chill night getting to know your group and guide while filling those food and drink needs.

Accommodation: The Heron Portico or similar
Optional Activities: Karen Blixen Museum 34-75 USD per person, Railway Museum 6-34 USD per person, The Carnivore Restaurant 51-87 USD per person, Bomas of Kenya Tour 26-83 USD per person, National Museum 21-48 USD per person

Day 2: Nairobi – Masai Mara, Kenya

On the way to Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve and one of the most famous national parks in Africa, travel through the Great Rift Valley today. Take some time to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery before heading out for a late afternoon wildlife safari drive where there is an excellent chance of seeing the “big five”. Combined with the park’s diverse wildlife, this natural environment makes for an unforgettable safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kenia Campsite or similar
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Nairobi – Masai Mara
Distance: 386 km
Travel Time: 7 hours

Day 3: Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is an excellent place to see wildlife, so grab your cameras and board a safari vehicle with your driver/guide. Discover one of the world’s top safari destinations with the help of your guide as you traverse the African bush. Big cats and wildebeest are abundant in the Masai Mara (see if you can capture a photograph of one).

The Masai Mara Balloon Safari is likely to take place today if you have pre-booked it. You will receive final confirmation from your guide as to the time and date of the event, as it may vary. As a result, you will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will be able to enjoy the view from above much more.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kenia Campsite or similar
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Optional Activities: Masai Mara Balloon Safari

Day 4: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Start your day by listening to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before taking down your camp and jumping into your Land Rover. In the morning, the group will head to Lake Nakuru, which is known for its flocks of pink flamingos and wide variety of bird species.

Lunch will be served at Café Ubuntu, a project which trains and employs women and mothers of children with disabilities. Discover the craft center, meet the women who make what you see, and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal.

In the afternoon, the group will stop at a safari lodge within Lake Nakuru National Park before embarking on a wildlife drive through the park in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nderit Campsite or similar
Included Highlights: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Masai Mara – Maai Mahiu – Lake Nakuru National Park
Distance: 280 km

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park – Eldoret, Kenya

A new day brings a new opportunity to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. As you drive along on the way to Eldoret, your group will share photos of your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru, keeping your eyes peeled for buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite or similar
Included Highlights: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Lake Nakuru National Park – Eldoret
Distance: 170 km

Day 6: Eldoret – Kampala, Uganda

Crossing the border from Kenya into Uganda is your opportunity to add another country to your travel list. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Kampala (the country’s capital) and camp there, reminiscing about inside jokes and memories from the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Red Chilli Hideaway or similar
Optional Activities: Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Route: Eldoret – Kampala
Distance: 350 km

Day 7: Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

We will cross the equator today (which we think is an impressive accomplishment to add to a travel resume) and head over to Lake Bunyonyi, even though you get to do something pretty awesome every day.

There is no doubt that Bunyonyi Lake is the most beautiful lake in Uganda. Its name means ‘place of many little birds’. In addition to the winding shorelines, it is surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will make you wonder if you are somewhere in Asia. There is nothing better than swimming in a crystal-clear lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) that is free of crocodiles and hippopotamuses!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar
Route: Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi
Distance: 520 km

Day 8: Gorilla Trek, Uganda

You are about to embark on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (so cool!). Get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger in search of mountain gorillas. There is a wide variety of difficulty and length of the treks, so be prepared for a challenge, but if you are lucky enough to see these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them), it will all be worth it.

Please note that Ugandan authorities are fiercely protecting this natural resource, and currently permit only eight visitors per day to visit a given gorilla family. It is likely that the group will be divided into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of participants, different sub-groups will trek at different times.

**The gorilla trek may take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi, depending on the date of our permits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar
Included Highlights: Mountain Gorilla Trek

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Let’s show some love to Lake Bunyonyi today. Explore this magical location while the morning mist rises from the gently lapping waters. Swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake are just a few of the optional activities to choose from. In the evening, the group can relax together at the lodge and discuss their experience with the gorillas.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp or similar
Optional Activities: Swimming, Canoe Rental 3h-4h 10 USD per person, Bird Watching Walk 5 USD per person, Nature Walk 5USD per person, Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi 15m-1h 25 – 80 USD per person

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda

Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel to Kalinzu Forest Reserve in the north of the country today. Located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, the forest reserve consists of an open savannah, a large swamp area surrounding Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest to the south. What are you waiting for? There are many landscapes to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Craters Campsite & Country Lodge or similar
Optional Activities: Boat Cruise 30 USD per person
Route: Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Distance: 155 km

Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

Those who are early birds get the worm, right? Well in this case, the early birds get to see chimpanzees. Explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while keeping an eye out for these chimpanzee families on an included chimpanzee tracking excursion.

Following the visit to the tea plantation, the group will proceed to Lake Mburo. After arriving at the resort, you have the option of booking a boat cruise on the lake or exploring the surrounding area on foot.

Accommodation: Leopard Rest Camp or similar
Included Highlight: Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion, Tea Plantation Visit
Optional Activities: Lake Mburo Boat Safari 70 USD per person, Nature Walk 10 USD per person
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo National Park
Distance: 150 km

Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park – Jinja, Uganda

It is only in Uganda that you can cross the equator on land; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world that allows this phenomenon to take place.

The Aid Child Equation Café & Gallery provides a unique opportunity to observe water swirling in opposite directions on either side of the equator. After a full stomach and even more full hearts, the group will proceed on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp or similar
Included Highlight: Aid Child Cafe & Gallery
Route: Lake Mburo National Park – Jinja
Distance: 325 km

Day 13: Jinja, Uganda

It’s time to get out there, get active, and have some fun! Discover the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities available at Jinja today, whether you’re traveling alone or with a group.

Take a raft down the White Nile River, mountain bike up and down the hills surrounding the town, or just stroll around the local market for a more laid back day. Watch out for monkeys and other wildlife that may wander into this town’s outskirts.

If you would like to include Jinja River Rafting on your tour, you will need to pre-book it through the checkout process or ask your guide or travel agent for assistance.

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp or similar
Optional Activities: Mabira Forest Mountain Biking 45 USD per person or 180 USD per group, Quad Biking 99 USD per person, Nile River Kayaking 5h-6h 140-160 USD per person, Bungee Jumping 3h-4h 115 USD per person, Nile River Sunset Cruise (food and drinks included) 45 USD per person, Jinja River Rafting (including photos and videos) 140 USD per person

Day 14: Jinja – Eldoret, Kenya

You will not mind today’s travel day since you could use the time to relax, plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to post those Instagram photos that your family and friends are eager to see.

For a night out in Eldoret, the group will cross into Kenya from Uganda. Taking a group photo, perhaps getting a drink somewhere, and reminiscing about the epic(ness) of the journey thus far would be a great idea. There will be an overnight stop in between two long driving days.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite or similar
Route: Jinja – Eldoret
Distance: 270 km

Day 15: Eldoret – Nairobi, Kenya

Having experienced an adventurous day yesterday, you will appreciate a more relaxed travel day today. Take advantage of the ride to Nairobi as the group transfers through the Kenyan countryside. To get you through the day, we are planning on naps, story time, and perhaps a mini dance party in the overland vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Heron Portico or similar
Route: Eldoret – Nairobi
Distance: 315 km

Day 16: Nairobi – Arusha, Tanzania

Enjoy a shuttle ride to Arusha, Tanzania as you cross semi-arid lands of the Maasai people. Get a glimpse of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and share stories with your road trip companions.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vijiji Lodge or similar
Route: Nairobi – Arusha
Distance: 290 km

Day 17: Arusha – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Now it is time for the Africa that you have all imagined, the Africa that has been portrayed in countless books, movies, and television shows. The Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks in Africa, so grab your cameras, buy a bucket hat, and embark on a wildlife safari drive.

On a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater, you will encounter abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and rivers teeming with hippopotamus.

This trip includes a combination of 4×4 7-seater safari vehicles, accompanied by experienced safari guides and drivers, who will ensure that you have a wonderful encounter with the wildlife of the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater. There is a sliding window on each safari vehicle as well as a large pop-up roof, which makes them ideal for viewing both the animals and the scenery. Within the next three days, the group will be divided among several vehicles, and your guide will spend time in each vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seronera Campsite or similar
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Route: Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Distance: 320 km

Day 18: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Embark on a safari in the Serengeti with your friends one last time. Before returning to break down camp, watch the animal kingdom awaken in this grassland savannah as the sun rises higher in the sky.

After that, we will travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Enjoy the spectacular views from the crater rim and watch the animals meandering through the crater floor drinking water from the permanent supply. The camp will be set up near the rim of the crater in the late afternoon, and then you will have the rest of the day to explore one of the world’s most beautiful wildlife habitats.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Simba Campsite or similar
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Optional Activity: Serengeti Balloon Safari
Route: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro
Distance: 160 km

Day 19: Ngorongoro – Arusha, Tanzania

It is time to get a closer look at the “Garden of Eden” in Africa. We will embark on a final safari experience today at the bottom of the crater. Make sure you charge your cameras and have them at the ready because, let’s face it, if you are going to see any wildlife, this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)!

This area is surrounded by crater walls and is therefore bound to animals, and due to its enclosed nature, a unique ecosystem has been created, such as grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat.

Following the completion of the camera rolls, the group will exit the crater in the late morning and return to Arusha. While cruising along, swap stories, pick out your favorite photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the passing scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Vijiji Lodge (or similar)
Included Highlight: Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch, Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Ngorongoro – Arusha
Distance: 200 km

Day 20: Arusha – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Watch the Tanzanian countryside pass by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean as you leave Arusha and travel towards Dar es Salaam.

The city was originally a fishing village in the mid-19th century before becoming a major port and trading center. Before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar, the group will spend the night here.

Would you like to cut down your travel time and spend more time in Stone Town? To include the Zanzibar Express on your tour, please pre-book it on the checkout page.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Kipepeo Beach Village (or similar)
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Express
Route: Arusha – Dar es Salaam
Distance: 650 km

Day 21: Dar es Salaam – Stone Town, Tanzania

The next stop on your trip is going to be just what you need after the last few days of this trip were packed with activities. After waking up in Dar es Salaam, you will take a ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar.

Prepare yourself for scenic island beaches that will have you contemplating the possibility of living off the grid here. Get ready to enjoy this Tanzanian archipelago, take tons of pictures, and relax in a place that has long attracted backpackers and adventurers to its sandy shores because there are few places on earth that are as captivating and exotic as this archipelago.

Islam is the predominant religion in Zanzibar. A woman or man who is immodestly dressed or wearing shorts is likely to be harassed in Stone Town and cause offense. While customs are less strict on the beach, travellers are encouraged to respect the island’s culture by covering up when walking around. It is always a good idea to ask permission before taking a photograph.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Spice Palace Hotel or similar
Included Highlight: Stone Town Orientation Walk
Optional Activities: Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market 5 USD per person, Sultan’s Palace Museum 3 USD per person, House of Wonders 5 USD per person, Stone Town Walking Tour 20-40 USD per person
Route: Dar es Salaam – Stone Town (Ferry)

Day 22: Beach day in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Explore the heart of Zanzibar this morning when you wake up in Stone Town. You will pass by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way as you wind your way through the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town.

Spend hours wandering the streets and squares, sipping potent coffee from sidewalk vendors, and buying sweets from small cafes. Among the many things you should look out for are tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed fabrics (kangas and kikois worn by the locals), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all of which make wonderful gifts or memories to bring home. Group members will travel to Jambiani, a tropical haven, for a few days of relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel or similar
Optional Activities: Jozani Forest Tour 3h-4h 35-150 USD per person, Swimming
Route: Stone Town – Jambiani
Distance: 60km

Day 23: Beach day in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Take advantage of the opportunity to wake up in this island paradise and seize the day. Imagine Africa meeting Arabia and adding the Indian Ocean to the mix as a cherry on top, and you have one of the world’s great cultural crossroads.

You may spend the day as you wish; you may dive, snorkel, board a sailing trip, or simply lounge on the beach and relax. It is Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and lively beach party scene that make this place one of the most enjoyable East African Indian Ocean destinations.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel or similar

Day 24: 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 at the Tausi Palace Hotel in Stone Town after you have been transferred from Jambiani. A transfer to the airport will be provided if you have an early flight. Otherwise, please feel free to spend some more time in Stone Town before departing for the airport on your own.

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.