Uganda, Victoria Falls & Kruger: 46 Day Safari Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park Highlights. Lake Nakuru, Kenya.

Kenya is well known as a leading safari destination and the first day of our adventure tour takes us to one of its premier parks - Lake Nakuru National Park. With prolific wildlife, you'll get to see the fabulous pink flamingos that live on the edge of the shallow soda lake and loads of magnificent wildlife throughout.

3 images Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Day 2. Nakuru to Eldoret Highlights. Equator.

Driving northwest we gain altitude and head to the town of Eldoret near the border of neighbouring Uganda. We stop off at the equator crossing en-route, and enjoy an evening at our camp - once home to the ancient Sirikwa tribe.

3 images Equator

Day 3. Eldoret to Kampala Highlights. Kampala, Uganda.

Crossing the busy land border into Uganda, we drive through the villages on our way to the Capital city Kampala. Situated across five rolling hills, Kampala is growing fast and the hub for the country's economy.

3 images Kampala, Uganda

Day 4. Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park area

Heading west we travel further into the lush Ugandan countryside seeing villages, farmlands and local businesses along the way. Keep your eye out for the Ankole cattle, with their iconic, sweeping horns that were migrated down from ancient Egypt.

Our camp is located just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once settled, explore the surrounds and have a look at the nearby village community.

Day 5. Queen Elizabeth National Park Highlights. Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

After breakfast, we divide into our groups (some may trek later or the following day) and head into the Queen Elizabeth National Park to seek out the local wildlife and trek the Kyambura Gorge in search of Chimpanzees. Unlike their larger cousins the mountain gorilla, chimps live mostly in the trees and so our viewing is usually peering into the forest canopy.

3 images Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda

3 images Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Day 6. Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Bunyonyi Highlights. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

Departing the lush Albertine Valley we head further south to the high-lying Lake Bunyonyi - a pristine crater lake surrounded by terraced farms and local settlements.

Situated high in the mountains of South-Western Uganda, we have a few days at Bunyonyi to allow for gorilla trekking in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and to relax and enjoy some of the local activities.

3 images Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Day 7-8. Lake Bunyonyi - Gorilla Trek Highlights. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mountain gorillas.

The next two days are available to explore the nearby rain forests in search of the endangered Mountain Gorilla in their natural jungle surroundings.

Dividing ourselves into smaller groups taking turns to trek means you'll have a day free to explore your surrounds at Lake Bunyonyi. Relax on the lake shore with a good book or take a tour of the nearby orphanage, Batwa village or see if you can paddle the local canoes on the tranquil lake waters.

3 images Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

3 images Mountain gorillas

Day 9. Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala

We bid our farewells to the volcanic mountain ranges of southern Uganda and trace our steps back up to Kampala stopping off at the equator along the way.

Kampala offers a great opportunity to explore an African city with a vibrant nightlife. Head out on the city tonight and explore the local nightlife.

Day 10. Kampala to Jinja

Leaving the Capital we have a short drive to nearby Jinja on the banks of the White Nile.

Our base for the next few nights is perfectly located to take full advantage of the many activities on offer here - whether you're an adrenaline junkie heading to the grade 4 and 5 rapids on the Nile; or prefer to explore the surrounds on a quad bike or mountain bike. The nearby Soft Power project is also a great inclusion where you'll get to volunteer to their worthy cause for a day or two.

Day 11-12. Jinja Highlights. Jinja, Uganda.

You have two days free in Jinja to enjoy activities or simply kick back and listen to the water's of the Nile rushing over the rapids.

The nearby town has a few monuments of interest too - why not seek out the John Hanning Speke or the Mahatma Ghandi monument.

3 images Jinja, Uganda

Day 13. Jinja to Eldoret, Kenya

After a relaxing few days we cross back to Kenya today and spend the night at Eldoret once more.

Day 14. Eldoret to Nairobi

Journeying back up the Kenyan Rift Valley we head to the Capital city Nairobi. Tonight you'll have the option to explore one of the local restaurants for dinner - the Carnivore is a firm favourite with a variety of carnivorous options in addition to African dishes on offer.

Day 15. Nairobi Highlights. Nairobi.

Spend a day exploring the 'Garden City' and its sights. The morning is ideally spent at the Langatta Giraffe Centre or Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage giving you the afternoon to seek out the local markets and cafe's.

Alternatively, take a day trip to the Nairobi National Park situated on the edge of the city where you can see a variety of wildlife including lions.

3 images Nairobi

Day 16. Nairobi to Masai Mara

We pack our gear into our specialist game viewing vehicles and travelling along the Rift Valley Escarpment we stop off at a viewpoint before continuing on the to the Maasai town of Narok on the outskirts of the well known Maasai Mara National Reserve. From here we travel through the buffer zone to the reserve where we may see some wildlife roaming freely between the local Maasai Manyatta (villages).

Day 17. Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Today we head out into the wilds in search of the famed Maasai Mara wildlife. With rolling hills and savannah grassland, there is much to explore here. Search out the Big Five and marvel at the wildebeest, giraffe and other species you'll see along the way.

3 images Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Day 18. Maasai Mara to Nairobi

With memories of the famed reserve, we retrace our steps back through the Maasai lands to Narok, and onto Nairobi for the night.

Day 19. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.

Departing the city we head south to the border and cross over to Tanzania. See the towering Mount Meru along the way and we stop off in the bustling Arusha en-route to our camp.

Arusha is the half-way point on the old Cape to Cairo trade route with the city's clock tower marking the spot. The town is well known as the gateway to the Serengeti but is also home to a number of coffee plantations. Head to a local cafe and enjoy a fresh cup and decide for yourself!

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

Day 20. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

This morning we pack our gear into the 4x4 safari vehicles and meet our local guides before driving on via the small towns of Mto Wa Mbo and Karatu to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which we must cross to get to the Serengeti.

Enjoy the marvellous scenery and views from the Crater rim before hitting the flat savannah plains of the Serengeti. We game drive en-route to our campsite in the wilds of the Serengeti.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Day 21. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

This morning we wake early and take in the surrounding wilderness seeking out the carnivores that have been most active overnight. After breakfast we pack up and game drive out via the plains and onto the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Our campsite is located on the rim at high altitude with magnificent views into the surrounding caldera.

Day 22. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Waking early we grab our cameras and descend into the vast crater base and spend the morning in search of the resident game.

The Crater is a spectacular wildlife haven with a number of different habitats in a relatively small area allowing for a high density of wildlife here. Enjoy the different scenes, animals and birdlife as we explore.

After lunch, we pack up and head back to our camp outside Arusha.

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Day 23. Arusha to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Heading south toward the coast we pass through the town of Moshi at the base of the massive Mount Kilimajaro - Africa's highest peak. With a bit of luck we'll glimpse the snow-capped tip on our drive this morning.

Bagamoyo was once a busy port for trade on the African East Coast and has a rich history - from the sordid slave trade that flourished here to the explorers in old colonial days.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Day 24. Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Making our way down the coastal road to the busy port-city of Dar, we'll see an increase in villages, local businesses and people amidst the milieu of traffic en-route.

With a mix of Arabic and African influences, Dar es Salaam has an eclectic mix of architecture and culture and offers a fascinating opportunity to simply sit and watch as the world passes you by.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 25. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania.

We leave our beach-side camp and head to the Spice Island by ferry. On arrival in the busy port we head through the island immigration and on to our lodge in the Capital - Stone Town.

The rest of the day is free to explore the winding alleyways, sample the delicious fresh fruity cocktails with an ocean view, or head out and haggle at the markets for some retail therapy.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 26-27. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.

You'll have the opportunity to be as busy or relaxed during your stay on Zanzibar. En-route to the northern beaches there's an option to enjoy a tour of the local spice farms to taste and learn all about the trade that put this island on the map.

The northern beaches offer a variety of activities including diving, snorkelling, fishing, sunset dhow cruises and more. There are also a number of restaurants to enjoy the local fare during your stay.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 28. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

After our last morning at leisure on the tropical island enjoying the azure waters and powdery beaches, we head back to the mainland and our camp for the night.

Day 29. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Heading inland from the lush tropical coastline, we travel through the Mikumu National Park to our camp.

Time allowing you'll have the opportunity to explore the Park on an optional game drive this afternoon.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 30. Mikumi to Iringa

Situated on the Tanzanian highlands, the small farming town of Iringa offers a lovely stop-over for the night. With its high altitude, the air is brisk and the nights cool - perfect for savouring one of their specialist Amarula hot chocolate!

Day 31. Iringa to Chitimba Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Heading back down the escarpment we pass through the bustling mining village of Mbeya before heading south and to the border of Malawi.

After border formalities it's not long to our camp on the northern lake shore where we spend the next two nights.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 32. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi.

Today is free to relax, explore the nearby village on a tour or flex your muscles on a hike up to the Livingstonia Mission up in the surrounding hills.

Malawian's are well known as expert wood carvers so this is a perfect place to keep an eye open for souvenirs. The local craftsmen are delighted to chat to visitors and even share a game of Bao.

3 images Chitimba Beach

3 images Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi

Day 33. Chitimba to Kande Beach

Travelling further along the lake we first head inland to the town of Mzuzu to stock up on supplies and enjoy the sights at the local market before heading through the rubber plantations and on to the central lakeside, and our camp for the next two nights.

Day 34. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.

Today is a free day to enjoy some rest on the beach or enjoying the activities available here.

Diving the freshwater lake is a popular choice owing to the unusual and prolific tropical fish species found here. Animal lovers will enjoy a horse ride through the villages and even swimming on horseback after the ride.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 35. Kande Beach to Chipata, Zambia

We bid our farewell's to the friendly smiles and waving people of Malawi and travel inland via the Capital city Lilongwe to the border with Zambia.

After border formalities we continue to our camp outside the small farming town of Chipata.

Day 36. Chipata to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.

Continuing through Zambia we cross the great Luangwa River Bridge and make our way south to the Capital city Lusaka.

Lusaka is one of Africa's fastest growing cities with an influx of trade into the country motivating economic growth. Here you'll find modern malls alongside traditional markets and sprawling mansions next to traditional huts. It's a diverse and bustling place to behold.

Day 37. Lusaka to Livingstone

Journeying further through Zambia we reach the town of Livingstone - named after the famed explorer David Livingstone who made great efforts throughout southern Africa to fight slavery, and spread the christian faith.

Our camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River about 10 km from the majestic Victoria Falls which is known locally as 'the smoke that thunders'.

Day 38 to 40. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

We spend the next days enjoying some free time allowing time to enjoy some of the many activities on offer in the area. Whether you're after an adrenaline activity like white water rafter, bungee jumping or gorge swinging; or something more peaceful like scenic flights over the falls, horseback riding or village visits - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The camp has a relaxed atmosphere with a swimming pool and restaurant at the look out deck where one can enjoy the views out over the Zambezi.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 41. Livingstone to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Crossing the border to Zimbabwe over the famed Victoria Falls bridge, we journey through the Zimbabwean countryside to the second city, Bulawayo.

We base ourselves a short drive from the city in the Matopos area where our camp has spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 42. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

This morning we head out on our adventure in the Matobo National Park where we learn about the cultural history of the region and seek out game on foot. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and we try to see if we can see these giant beasts on our wildlife adventure.

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 43. Matobo National Park to Tshipise, South Africa Highlights. Tshipise, South Africa.

Bidding farewell to Zimbabwe, we cross the Limpopo into South Africa - our final country on our Ultimate African Adventure.

Heading into the hills, our camp for the evening is at the Tshipise hot springs resort where you'll have the opportunity to have a swim in the waters that bubble up here from natural hot spring.

3 images Tshipise, South Africa

Day 44. Tshipise to Hazyview Highlights. Shangaan Cultural Evening.

Winding our way through the scenic villages and landscape of the Limpopo Province, we make our way toward the borders of the famed game mecca - the Kruger National Park.

We spend the night at our camp in the small town of Hazyview on the outskirts of Kruger and make ready for our guided game drive tomorrow.

3 images Shangaan Cultural Evening

Day 45. Hazyview - Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Waking early we board our 4x4 game drive vehicles, meet our local guides for the day and hit the open road to the Kruger National Park.

Once entering the park we begin seeing why it is held in such high regard. With over 500 species of birds, 148 species of mammals and many reptiles, there is much to discover on our day out exploring.

Lunch is enjoyed at one of the rest-stops in the park and the remainder of the afternoon is spent exploring. With so much ground to cover and an array of wildlife to seek out - this is your last chance to spot any species you've missed on you bucket-list!