19 Day East Africa Overland Adventure: Kampala to Zanzibar

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.

Today you’ll cross the equator as you travel from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “place of many little birds,” the lake is dotted with 29 islands and framed by steep, terraced hillsides. On arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the area or take a refreshing swim in the calm waters.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. With permits included, you’ll hike through forested volcano slopes to encounter endangered mountain gorillas—nearly half the world’s population lives here. Treks last up to 6 hours at altitudes of 2,500m, with rugged terrain and sudden rain. Waterproof gear, layered clothing, long sleeves, and hydration are essential. Groups are limited to 8 trekkers to protect the gorillas, making this an intimate and unforgettable wildlife experience.

Enjoy a full day at leisure on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. You can choose from a range of optional activities, including swimming, hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, or a motorboat cruise around the lake. In the evening, regroup at the lodge and unwind together.

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.

Today you’ll travel back across the equator into Uganda, one of the few places where this famous line can be crossed by land. En route, stop for lunch at the G Adventures–supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. Continue on to Jinja, arriving in the evening.

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.

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

Discover the Serengeti safari you’ve always dreamed of—golden plains, acacia trees, hippo-filled rivers, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Embark on a 3-day, 2-night adventure through the Serengeti National Park and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, where Africa’s most iconic landscapes and animals await.

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.

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.

Depart Arusha early this morning in your private vehicle and travel toward Dar es Salaam. Take in the changing Tanzanian landscapes along the way, with glimpses of the Indian Ocean as you near the coast. You’ll spend the night in this bustling port city before continuing on to the beaches of Zanzibar.

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

Spend the day discovering the heart of Zanzibar at your own pace. Wander through winding streets, explore bustling squares, and sample local treats from street vendors. Later, the group will continue to the tropical paradise of Jambiani for the next few days.

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.