Uganda Gorilla Tour to Cape Town: 56 Day Adventure (Camping)

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

Heading off from the bustling Capital city, you'll head down the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the town of Nakuru and the game-rich Lake Nakuru National Park. Explore the park on an afternoon game drive with an expert resident guide.

3 images Great Rift Valley

3 images Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Day 2. Lake Nakuru to Eldoret Highlights. Equator.

Eldoret is named from the Maasai word 'Eldore' which means stoney river and is a growing town on the frontier to Uganda. Crossing from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, you'll get to stop off at the Equator to learn about its significance.

3 images Equator

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

Crossing into Uganda, you'll experience the busy road border with the local vendors, boda-boda taxis and other traffic before heading on to Uganda's Capital city - Kampala. Sprawling across five sacred hills, Uganda's economic growth can be seen with the spread of the city and its inhabitants.

3 images Kampala, Uganda

Day 4. Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park area Highlights. Equator.

Heading west, the Ugandan countryside opens up with its lush banana plantations, terraced hillsides and smiling rural population waving as we go past. Keep an eye out for the majestic Ankole cattle with their long curved horns along the way.

3 images Equator

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

Today you'll have the opportunity to trek into the forest in search of the resident chimpanzees and see them in their natural habitat (permit holders only).

Permits for this excursion are issued in groups of 8 so the group will be divided and will trek in turns throughout the day, and on the following morning if necessary.

Free time can be enjoyed at camp, or exploring the surrounding village.

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.

Named for the many birds that are found around this picturesque crater-lake, Bunyonyi is a hidden gem and offers a lovely stop over on this tour.

During our stay, the group will be divided into smaller groups for the opportunity to trek the rare and endangered mountain gorilla (permit holders only).

3 images Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

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

This region of Africa is home to the world’s remaining 700 free-roaming mountain gorillas, many of which inhabit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. During our stay at Bunyoni the group will head off for their trek on either day 7 or 8.

When not trekking there is free time to enjoy the explore surrounding villages and countryside or simply lay back on the green grass and chill. Head out onto the water in a traditional canoe, visit a local Batwa village, or pop into the local school and orphanage - there are many options to keep you as busy as you'd like during your stay.

3 images Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

3 images Mountain gorillas

Day 9. Lake Bunyoni to Kampala Highlights. Kampala, Uganda.

We leave the terraced slopes of the Bunyoni area and head back north-east to Kampala.

Tonight you'll have the opportunity to explore the city and it's vibrant night-life. Explore one of the many restaurants or bars for a night out on the town!

3 images Kampala, Uganda

Day 10. Kampala to Jinja

Named for the orange hue of the soil on the banks of the Nile, the town of Jinja is home to markets and the Mahatma Ghandi monument.

This afternoon is spent at leisure either relaxing at camp or exploring the town and its sights. You'll also have the opportunity to book onto white water rafting for tomorrow, or a visit to the local Soft Power volunteer program.

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

Spend 2 days enjoying the tranquil feel of the Nile and surrounds. Optional excursions include quad biking, white water rafting, community school project, Nile SUP, fishing trips, mountain biking and kayaking.

The camp is situated on the banks of the Nile, so for those looking for some free time for some R&R - you've found your perfect place.

3 images Jinja, Uganda

Day 13. Jinja to Eldoret, Kenya

Retrace your steps across the border and back to Kenya where the night is spent at Eldoret.

Day 14. Eldoret to Nairobi

Heading back up the Rift Valley Escarpment the trip heads back to Kenya's Capital Nairobi where you'll have the afternoon at leisure to explore the local markets and the city sights.

The group may choose to dine together tonight at one of the local restaurants to say goodbye to any members who may be leaving the tour here.

Day 15. Nairobi Highlights. Nairobi.

Today is free to enjoy some of the optional activities available in Nairobi. Popular choices include the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Langatta Giraffe Centre or check out the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. The Nairobi National Park is also nearby and offers an excellent opportunity to see wildlife.

3 images Nairobi

Day 16. Nairobi to Maasai Mara

Today we board our safari vehicles and head out to Kenya's most famous reserve, Maasai Mara, en-route we pass the Rift Valley Escarpment viewpoint and the small town of Narok.

The sweeping plains, distant horizons, low slung Acacia trees, and plentiful wildlife ensure a deeply evocative few days spent out game driving.

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

This morning we head out early on our specialised game vehicles with expert local guides to show us the way. The Maasai Mara is well known as a wildlife mecca during the Great Migration when the massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their way across from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

The day is spent out enjoying the wildlife in its natural surroundings and marvelling at the breathtaking views.

3 images Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Day 18. Maasai Mara to Nairobi

We bid the reserve and the colourful Maasai of this region farewell and head back to the bustling Capital.

There are many traditional markets along the way - stop off and see if there are any souvenirs you'd like and assist in supporting the local community.

Day 19. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.

We cross from Kenya into Tanzania and pass through Arusha on the way to the small settlement outside of town at Meserani arriving in the late afternoon.

The town of Arusha is situated on the half-way point between Cape Town and Cairo along the old trade route and is famously known as the Safari Capital of East Africa.

3 images Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

Day 20. Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Packing the gear into the 4x4 safari vehicles in the morning and getting prepped for the tour into the Serengeti National Park makes for some excitement this morning.

From Meserani the road winds along to the Rift Valley Escarpment at Mto Wa Mbo and the farming village of Karatu before winding up the steep slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. At the viewpoint you'll see the enormous size of this intact Caldera before heading down the other side and on to the plains of the Serengeti.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park lie adjacent to one another with no fences hampering wildlife to freely roam between. From the Naabi Hill entry point there's ample opportunity to spot wildlife en-route to the camp where you'll overnight in the open African wilderness.

Day 21. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Waking early to the sounds of the wilderness we head out on an early game drive to explore the resident wildlife and prolific birdlife before packing up the camp over breakfast.

Our next journey for the day takes us across the Serengeti Plains exploring as we go to the Ngorongoro Crater rim and our camp for the evening, overlooking the base 600m below.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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

After a cool night at the Crater camp, we head off to descend the crater walls in today's wildlife extravaganza.

At 326 square kilometres, the Ngorongoro Crater is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the Crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable.

With black rhino, cheetah, lion, hyena, buffalo and a host of other wildlife species - this morning is sure to be filled with excitement and excellent game viewing.

We head back to our camp for lunch, pack up our tents and make our way back to Arusha for the night where we'll have ample opportunity to regale our group members with tales of the magnificent creatures seen on our safari.

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

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

Driving through Moshi at the base of Kilimanjaro where with a bit of luck we'll catch a glimpse of this magnificent snow-capped mountain, Africa’s highest peak (5895m). This afternoon we arrive at Bagamoyo - once a thriving port city to the colonials.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

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

Travelling down the trade-route road from Bagamoyo to Dar, there is lots to see along the way with larger villages and more business activities. A hub for commerce and trade in Tanzania, the city is a base for many consulates and businesses and is often mistaken as the Capital of Tanzania.

Arriving to our beach-side camp you'll have the afternoon free to explore or simply lay back and listen to the lulling sound of the Indian Ocean.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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

This morning brings the next adventure as you head to the port and board the ferry to Zanzibar. Arriving to Stone Town, the rest of the day is free to explore the myriad of alleyways in the city or discover the markets and shops for some excellent souvenir shopping.

There are many restaurants and cafes in and around the city where lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at your leisure.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

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

Spices are grown in plantations outside Stone town and you can take day tours to visit these and have your senses dazzled by the tastes and scents experienced. If it’s white sand, sparkling ocean and hot sun you prefer – head to the northern beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, indulge in some sumptuous seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 28. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving the tropical spice island we head back to the mainland on the ferry and to our Acacia vehicle awaiting us at camp. The evening is enjoyed with the group reminiscing about our island adventures

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

Driving west we pass through the Mikumi National Park and possibly spot some giraffe or elephant browsing the nearby trees. The Park forms the north-western border of the great Selous Game Reserve.

Time allowing there is an option for an afternoon game drive to explore the wilderness in this area.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 30. Mikumi to Iringa

Heading into the highlands we wind our way through the Baobab Valley and on to the small farming village of Iringa.

We spend the night at the Kisolanza farm under a crisp, starry sky or huddle into their boma-bar for a tasty Amarula hot chocolate as a treat.

Day 31. Iringa to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach.

Bidding farewell to Tanzania we make our way back down the Rift Valley Escarpment and into Malawi.

After border formalities we head to our camp on the banks of northern Lake Malawi where we set up for the next 2 nights.

3 images Chitimba Beach

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

Enjoy a free day to explore the local village, take a hike up to the Livingstonia Mission or simply relax and enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the lake.

Malawians are well known as expert wood carvers and there are ample markets and vendors who sell a variety of carved souvenirs. Pick from ornaments to practical items like salad bowls or picture frames or take some time to sit with the locals and play a game of Bao.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

3 images Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi

Day 33. Chitimba to Kande Beach

Today we pass through the town of Mzuzu and stock up on supplies in the local market before heading to the central lake area and our camp at Kande Beach.

Driving through the villages, rubber plantations and along the lake, there is much to see along the way.

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

Diving the fresh waters of tropical Lake Malawi offers a myriad of fresh water tropical fish to see - most famously of the Cichlid family.

For non-divers there is horse riding, village visits and of course the sandy beach to enjoy.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 35. Kande to Chipata, Zambia

Taking our wonderful memories of Malawi with us, we pass through the Capital Lilongwe and on to Zambia where we spend our first night at Chipata.

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

Zambia is fast becoming one of the leading farming and mining countries in Southern Africa with an economy that is recovering from a detrimental crash in the late 70's.

Today we pass through much of rural Zambia, across the magnificent Luangwa River bridge, and on to the Capital city Lusaka.

Day 37. Lusaka to Livingstone Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.

Winding through the farming towns of southern Zambia we make our way to the famed Livingstone - named for the colonial explorer David Livingstone. Time allowing we head to the Victoria Falls at Mosi oa Tunya National Park and see what the hype of this UNESCO Site is all about.

Our camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi and offers a pool, restaurant and booking centre for activities in the area.

As most travellers are out and about during their time in Livingstone meals are restricted to breakfast only. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at a number of restaurants in the town or surrounding lodges, or at our accommodation venue.

3 images Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia

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

It's time to explore! Three full days are available to enjoy the many sights and experiences in the Livingstone and Victoria Falls area. From white water rafting the Zambezi, scenic flights over the falls and bungee to mountain biking through the villages, volunteering with GreenPop and canoeing the upper Zambezi.

This is an ideal time to catch up on messages to friends and family at home, chill out enjoying a cocktail looking over the river or enjoying a night out on the town with the locals.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 41. Livingstone to Kasane, Botswana Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana. Chobe National Park, Botswana.

We cross from Zambia to Botswana at the Kazangula ferry and make our way to the gateway of the Chobe National Park - Kasane.

This afternoon we head out on the Fish Eagle boat cruise to explore the watery wilderness that attracts all manner of wildlife, and especially elephants. Enjoy the tranquil waters with the coloured birds, slurping elephants and whooping hippos of the Chobe River.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

3 images Chobe National Park, Botswana

Day 42. Kasane to Nata Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana.

Waking early we board our game driving vehicles with resident guide and head out into the Chobe National Park.

By size, Chobe is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse - home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and abundant birdlife, including the famous African fish eagle.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

Day 43. Nata to Maun Highlights. Maun, Botswana.

Botswana is home to many interesting wildlife havens including wide tracts of migration routes from east to west and north to south. We travel west today to Maun - the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

After stocking up on supplies we head to camp for some free time this afternoon to enjoy a swim, a game of volleyball or simply kick back and relax.

3 images Maun, Botswana

Day 44. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.

We board our 4x4 transfer this morning and wind through the small settlements surrounding Maun and on into the Okavango Delta wilderness.

Once we reach the water's edge, we meet the polers and transfer our luggage to the mokoros for the remainder of our transfer to camp. Mokoros are traditional dug-out canoes used by the locals to travel the shallow waterways around the Delta.

On arrival to Elephant Camp we enjoy a bit of free time before heading out on a nature walk in the late afternoon.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 45. Okavango Delta to Maun

Waking at dawn we head out on foot to further explore the surrounds. The experience of walking in an open game area is like none other with the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness to enjoy.

After our walk we pack up camp and head back along the waterways to our 4x4 transfer and on to our camp in Maun.

Weather permitting, there is an option to enjoy a scenic flight over the Delta to gain a different perspective of this watery wilderness.

Day 46. Maun, Botswana to Omaheke Region, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia.

Today's journey takes us from Botswana to Namibia. After our formalities at the border we head to our camp for the night.

This afternoon we gain an insight into the San culture on the Kalahari Bushman Walk where we learn about how they survive in these desert conditions.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

Day 47. Omaheke Region to Windhoek, Namibia Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.

Rising early, we make tracks to the Capital city - Windhoek. With a rather low population owing to the arid climate across Namibia, Windhoek is the commercial and business hub of the country.

Tonight you'll have the option to visit one of the greatest 'eateries' in southern Africa - Joe's Beerhouse.

Day 48. Windhoek to Etosha National Park

Journeying north through the smaller towns we head to Namibia's most famous National Park, Etosha.

Tonight we stay within the park where we can enjoy viewing wildlife coming to drink at the floodlit waterhole. Patience is often rewarded with excellent sightings including the opportunity to see the endangered black rhino.

Day 49. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Today we spend the day out on the pathways around the park seeking the animals that make this dry area their home.

Etosha is a vast reserve of over 20,000 sq km surrounding a central salt depression or pan. The pan is seasonally full of water but specially managed waterholes sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species throughout the rest of the year. Look out for the majestic oryx, the quirky springbok and the diving yellow-billed hornbills along the way!

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 50. Etosha to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

We leave the wilderness and travel to the stark boulder-mountains of the Spitzkoppe. Once massive volcanic batholith's that now lay above the ground.

We take a walk to see the ancient San paintings and learn about why they believed this to be a sacred area.

Spitzkoppe community camp is located in and around the vast boulders and offers a spectacular opportunity to spend a night out under the stars.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 51. Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund

Departing the giant granite mountains we head to the Atlantic Ocean and the seaside town of Swakopmund.

Here we will have some free time to enjoy some of the many adventure activities on offer or explore the local museums and shops.

Day 52. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

The day is yours to head out and explore, or enjoy a few days back in 'civilization'.

The quaint architecture of this town hails from the German influences of the days when South West Africa was a German colony. There are still many little cafes, bakeries and shops where patrons are greeted in German and offered traditional specialities.

For the adventurous at heart, there is skydiving over the desert, quadbiking through the massive dunes or sandboarding down the sandy slopes to entertain. The ocean also offers activities including fishing and dolphin watching trips.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 53. Swakopmund to Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn.

Getting back inland today, we leave the cool Atlantic coastline and drive rugged mountain passes to our desert camp situated in the Khomas Region of Namibia. Enjoy an afternoon desert experience or simply marvel at the spectacular views.

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 54. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Sesriem Area Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

This morning we rise early and head out with the sunrise to Sesriem and Sossusvlei within the Namib Naukluft National Park.

With towering red sand dunes serving as sentinels as we journey along the valley, there are stark scenes and breathtaking views to enjoy. We board the shuttle into Sossusvlei where our guide will share the significance of the dead vlei and strange tree formations.

On our way to our camp we also stop at the small yet unique Sesriem Canyon to take a walk and see the odd formations found here.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

Day 55. Sesriem Area to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.

We awaken in the tranquil desert and head further south to the majestic Fish River Canyon.

Second in size to the Grand Canyon of north America, the Fish River Canyon spans a massive 165km. The viewpoint allows for an excellent look at this scar in the horizon surrounded by the dry desert air and the soft sound of the wind as it glides over the arid surroundings.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 56. Fish River Canyon to Orange River Highlights. Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia.

Heading south through rugged mountainous desert terrain dotted with quiver trees and euphorbia's, we arrive at the Orange (Gariep) River.

This afternoon there is an option to enjoy a canoe trip on the River. Alternatively, relax at camp and enjoy a swim, an ice-cold beverage at the bar, or just chill out on the water's edge.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

Day 57. Orange River to Cederberg Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa.

Leaving Namibia behind, we journey further south through South Africa's northern Cape region to the majestic Cederberg. Our camp is situated in the small farming town of Trawal where we enjoy our last evening 'on the road' together.

3 images Cederberg, South Africa

Day 58. Cederberg to Cape Town Highlights. Cape Town, South Africa.

Our final journey brings us to the South Africa's mother city with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop.

This tour ends on arrival in Cape Town however should you wish to stay on for a few days after to explore the city, we are able to book post-tour accommodation for you. Please enquire at the time of booking.