Summary of this Camping Overland Tour
This Budget African Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south, exploring Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, before ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Highlights on this Budget Camping Safari through Africa include:
Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya
Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyoni in Uganda
Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya
Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park Trip in Tanzania
Zanzibar Island Trip & Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Lake Malawi Beaches in Malawi
Livingstone, Lusaka & Chipata in Zambia
Chobe Game Park in Botswana
Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Mozambique Beaches - Vilanculous to Praia de Zavorra, Inhambane
Game Viewing in Kruger National Park of South Africa
The epic African Wildlife, Beaches & Gorilla Safari visits a whopping nine African countries and an abundance of top game parks and natural wonders over 49 days.
Itinerary for this Camping Overland Tour
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa (L / D)
This budget camping safari sets off from Johannesburg travelling into the Lowveld of South Africa towards the renowned Kruger National Park. Our journey takes us through the southern part of the scenic Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking views.
We enter Kruger Park in the late afternoon and enjoy our first game drive on the way to our campsite within the Kruger Park. Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger.
DAY 2: Kruger National Park (B / L / D)
Today we explore the world-famous Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This top African game park covers an area of 21 497 km2 (60 km wide and over 350 km long).
The vast Kruger Park conservation area is home to over 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. Around 23 000 different types of plants have also been recorded in this wilderness area.
We spend the day driving through Kruger Park in South Africa in search of the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the game reserve, stopping off at view points as we explore. Tonight we spend the evening at one of the southern camps in Kruger National Park, surrounded by the game-rich bush.
DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Praia de Zavorra near Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)
We hit the road early today, driving across the border we leave South Africa and travel to the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique coastline.
Mozambique's Inhambane was the trade centre of Portuguese East Africa in colonial years. Today Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and the centre of its trade industry.
Our journey takes us through scenic landscapes to Praia de Zavora Bay, via a less travelled route that bypasses Maputo
Praia de Zavora boasts one of the most idyllic stretches of Mozambiquan coastline in the Inhambane region. We set up camp here, kick-back and take in the beautiful scenery of the area.
DAY 4: Praia de Zavorra, Inhambane Area – Mozambique (B / L / D)
The beaches near Inhambane are well known for their world-class scuba diving sites, by both locals and holidaymakers, due to the variety of reefs nearby.
You are free to spend the day at leisure soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
For the more active travellers, there are numerous watersports and activities available in the area. Go diving or snorkelling to discover the abundant marine life along this pretty coast, take a swim in the warm waters, go fishing or explore the beaches on horseback.
The Inhambane area offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with reefs close to all of the beaches, including the famous Manta Reef and Gallaria. Marine sightings include Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles and a host of other marine life.
There are various professional scuba diving operators along this stretch of Mozambique coast, including a well-equipped diving centre at our campsite. You can book dives with them on arrival at the safari camp. For those wishing to see the spectacular marine life along the coast without scuba diving, the snorkelling is also excellent.
DAY 5: Inhambane Region to Morrungulu – Mozambique (B / L / D)
On day five of this African Budget Safari we take a leisurely drive up the coast of Mozambique to the picturesque Morrungulu Resort. The resort camp is set among coconut palm plantations, offering a truly tropical island feel – beware of falling coconuts!
Try out deep-sea fishing, or stroll along the lovely beach at Morrungulu.
DAYS 6 & 7: Morrungulu to Vilanculous – Mozambique (B / L / D)
The coastal town of Villanculous is the stepping stone to the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago off Mozambique.
We spend the next two nights of our epic African journey in Vilanculous, to enable those who wish to take a boat charter to the smaller island of Magaruque to do so on day seven. Other activities include traditional Dhow sailing trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and more.
DAY 8: Vilanculous to Bandula – Mozambique (B / L / D)
Continuing our drive northwards we say farewell to the tropical coastline of Mozambique heading inland to Bandula.
Our drive on day eight takes us through more rural parts of Mozambique giving us the chance to see local Mozambican villages and farmsteads.
Arriving at our next overnight stop in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the banks of the Chicamba Dam.
DAY 9: Bandula to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)
Today we cross from Mozambique into Zimbabwe. A beautiful southern African country, rich in culture, history and tradition. We drive into the Zimbabwe Midlands, to the town of Gweru.
Here we stop over at Antelope Park. Rumour has it that “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls… and the Antelope Park.”
Antelope Park offers a wide variety of game viewing activities in this wilderness area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and of course numerous antelope (as the name suggests)! Seize the unique opportunity of walking with lions, riding or swimming with elephants, viewing game from horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.
DAY 10: Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)
Enjoy close encounters with Africa’s wildlife and feel the thrill of a walk with lions, or a ride on elephant back at Antelope Park today.
In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park!
DAY 11: Gweru to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)
From Gweru, we set off for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is known for its extra wide streets, originally designed for full span ox wagons.
The British Colonial influence can still be seen in Bulawayo, with many of the character buildings being preserved as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest worth visiting include, the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs more than 70 people.
DAY 12: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park (B / L / D)
Today we drive north-west to the oldest and largest game park in Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park. Hwange Park is well known for its abundant and varied wildlife species, including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope.
We embark on a rewarding game drive, in the late afternoon or early morning, to explore the wildlife haven of Hwange Park in search of resident wildlife species.
DAY 13: Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls (B / L)
We leave Hwange Park and drive on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe today.
Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.
A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!
A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!
DAY 14 & 15: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B x 2)
For the next two days you are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.
Some of our fellow travellers may end their tour in Vic Falls and new passengers often join us for the next leg of our affordable African Safari.
Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!
All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
DAY 16: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)
After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.
Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant.
We take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River after lunch.
For the adventurous safari goers, there is the option of taking a Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National Park. After the boat cruise we return to Kasane and prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilds.
Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.
We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!
After our night in the Botswana bush, we head out early on a game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and heading back north to Kasane.
DAY 17: Chobe National Park to Livingstone – Zambia (Brunch / D)
On our return to the camp in Kasane, we get back on our safari truck and continue to the Zambian town of Livingstone.
This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. More fantastic photo opportunities!
DAY 18: From Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Today we make an early start and head northwards, passing through villages and towns in southern Zambia en route to our next campsite. The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia's capital city.
Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and was able to establish extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. With the decline of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and the infrastructure fell into ruine. But today Zambia is again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. The rising prosperity can be seen in the cities of Zambia where foreign stores, banks and imported cars are increasing, but the villages and smaller towns are less cosmopolitan.
Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, share the safari campsite with us!
DAY 19: Lusaka to Chipata – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Travelling on the old "East Road" we drive in a northeasterly direction from Lusaka, finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.
We follow what was once the route from Cape Town to Cairo that passes through Lusaka on its way to Malawi. While most of today is taken up by driving, we do cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge which is closely guarded due to its close proximity to the Zimbabwean & Malawian borders.
We’ll also stop to stock up on some fresh produce and supplies from the local sellers along the way. We overnight at our lovely campsite, before heading into neighbouring Malawi.
DAYS 20 - 23: From Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches – Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next our safari takes us to find out why. We stop in the administrative centre and capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi.
Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets.
The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.
You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.
DAY 24: Lake Malawi to Iringa – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
We leave Lake Malawi utterly relaxed after four days and enter Tanzania via the border post at Songwe. We take in the beauty of the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations of the area as we head for our next night's stop, Iringa.
The rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite in Iringa is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, worth savouring.
DAY 25: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
After a good night's rest in Iringa we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam.
We pass through the Mikumi National Park of Tanzania seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside. The wild animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing.
Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we find our lovely campsite set at the seaside and busy ourselves with preparations for the next stretch of our African journey. The next morning we embark on the trip to Zanzibar Island.
DAY 26: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)
On day 26 we travel to Zanzibar on our optional excursion. From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island," where we spend three nights.
Zanzibar has a colourful past once serving as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour back in Dar es Salaam.
KINDLY NOTE:
The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation in Zanzibar.
DAYS 27 & 28: Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.
Explore a spice plantation, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.
Other interesting activities include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.
There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.
DAY 29: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Dinner)
Departing from Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our relaxing beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening and spend the night at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.
DAY 30: Dar es Salaam to Arusha – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
From Dar es Salaam we travel through African bush and expansive sisal plantations on our way to the pleasant town of Arusha.
We pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through Moshi town. Moshi is a great place from which to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day - a fantastic photo opportunity! The town of Moshi forms the base for climbing expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes to its snowy summit. The night is spent camping in scenic Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha.
Next we have the option of taking an excursion to the legendary Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
DAYS 31 - 33: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Arusha town is located at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway for excursions to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara Park and the Serengeti Park. These game viewing excursions are run in locally operated 4WD safari vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.
Explore the thriving town of Arusha in the morning if you like, while we stock up on supplies for our wildlife excursion. You can browse the vibrant craft markets, go shopping or perhaps catch up on the news back home at one of the small internet cafes.
Heading back to our base camp, Meserani Snake Park, those that are participating in the optional Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park Trip can prepare for their departure this afternoon.
For those choosing not to visit the Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater various alternative activities are available. You can explore the nearby town of Arusha and visit the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next two days of this Gorilla, Beaches & Wildlife African Safari.
The Optional Ngorongoro & Serengeti Trip goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) located next to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, which is a higher lying village offering spectacular views over the surrounding hills.
Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its picturesque scenery. We stay at pleasant campsite in Karatu overnight, departing early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. Driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we head deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife. This crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Ngorongoro Crater game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.
We explore the Crater on a game drive before moving on down the crater rim and passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti Park. Then we camp in the heart of the untamed bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night.
In the morning we take a thrilling game drive in Serengeti Park, admiring the surrounding landscape as we search for game in the area. With some luck we get to sight the famous 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) of Africa on our Serengeti game drive. After the morning game drive, we retrace our steps crossing the vast plains and lush Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Back in Tanzania's Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of the wildlife encounters on the plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro.
DAY 34: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Driving north early this morning we head to the Tanzania-Kenyan border via the small border town of Namanga. Crossing into Kenya we journey to our next overnight campsite located on the outskirts of the Capital City of Nairobi.
The Safari Camp in Nairobi is ideally situated next to the Nairobi National Park, and is close to the giraffe sanctuary and elephant orphanage. The camp is also close to the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
DAY 35: Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast)
Today is free for you to enjoy some of the many things to do in the bustling city of Nairobi.
Visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata for game viewing, then Nairobi National Park offers some great day trips or if you haven’t quite got all those souvenirs you wanted, take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets near the campsite. This evening you might like to try the fair on offer at the famous Carnivores restaurant.
DAY 36: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Leaving the lively streets of Nairobi behind we climb the gentle slopes of the escarpment. Along the way we stop at a viewpoint overlooking the splendid Great Rift Valley.
We then descend into the Rift Valley, entering Masai territory where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle along the roadside. We drive through the town of Narok, possibly sighting some wildlife as we head for our campsite outside of town. The Safari Camp overlooks the Meguarra hills and a meandering stream that forms a natural border with the Masai Mara National Reserve.
DAY 37: Masai Mara – Kenya (B / L / D)
Departing shortly after sunrise we embark on a game drive into the Masai Mara Reserve. Kenya's Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best National Reserves and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.
Mara is most famous for the Annual Wildebeest Migration, also called the Great Migration. This wildlife spectacle occurs when impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya.
Masai Mara is particularly popular between July and October when these huge herds of herbivores search for fresh grazing. These grazers in turn attract Africa’s predators, often seen at a kill during the migration. Our game drive takes us through a section of the Mara Park in search of Africa's ‘Big Five’- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this wilderness area.
After our game drive in Masai Mara, we have the option of visiting one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – traditional hamlets where the Masai Tribe still live in their traditional way. In the evening we relax around the camp fire, watching the sun set over this African “Garden of Eden”.
DAY 38: Masai Mara to Kisumu – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
The early morning sees us departing the Masai Mara Game Reserve, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau.
We travel to Kenya's harbour town, Kisumu, located on the banks of Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa's lakes. Here we stock up on supplies and rest for the night.
DAY 39: Kisumu to Kampala – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Crossing the border from Kenya we travel into the striking African country of Uganda.
We stay in the capital city, Kampala, for our first night in Uganda. Uganda is a small country, covering diverse terrains. Habitats vary from fertile areas of greenery in the northern area around the shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountain peaks in the west and the captivating semi-desert region in the north of Uganda.
The political instability in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialisation. The current administration has devoted considerable efforts and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring travel destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialisation than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.
DAY 40 - 43: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
On day 40 we depart from Kampala early in the morning heading west into the heart of beautiful Uganda.
Our next overnight base is located at the scenic Lake Bunyoni, “place of many little birds”. Around 200 bird species have been recorded at this tranquil lake dotted with islands.
From Lake Bunyoni we have the option of participating in exciting Gorilla Trekking excursions. The gorilla treks take place in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo), or Ruhengeri National Park (Rwanda); depending on the availability of gorilla trekking permits.
The prices of the trekking permits change, sometimes without prior notice. The price is currently at US$500 depending on which National Park we are gorilla trekking in. The gorilla permit fee is used to help conserve these endangered animals. A local transport and handling fee is charged, at between US$65 and US$70 per person (this includes the return transfer and booking fee with the Wildlife Authority).
When gorilla trekking takes place in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also need to pay for the additional visa for either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa when we re-enter the country. The trip leader will advise at the pre-departure meeting as to where the permits have been secured, and will assist with the online visa application for Rwanda en-route if needed. Please take these costs into account when budgeting for the gorilla trekking excursions.
We also advise budgeting a little extra for tipping the local guides and game rangers. Please budget accordingly as payment for the trekking permit must be made in US$ cash at the pre-departure meeting.
Gorilla Trekking Procedures:
With only about 700 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking is an extraordinary opportunity to encounter these gentle primates in the wild. On these unforgettable treks we get to watch the mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), one of our closest living relatives, in its natural habitat – a rare and unique wildlife experience! The gorillas are monitored on a daily basis giving the rangers a good idea of where to find these endangered primates at any given time. This said, sightings of the mountain gorillas cannot be guaranteed, as they are still free roaming wild animals.
These mountain gorillas share much of our DNA, therefore anyone with even the mildest cold or any transferable disease will not be permitted on the gorilla treks. There is an age restriction of a minimum of 16 years of age for trekking. The number of daily visitors allowed on the gorilla treks is limited, thus we depart from our Lake Bunyoni base in small groups over the next 3 to 4 days, depending on the size of our group.
From Bunyoni we wind our way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, travelling to Kisoro town, our next overnight base. (If we are gorilla trekking in Rwanda our overnight stay will be in Ruhengeri). The next morning, we pack a picnic lunch and transfer to a ranger’s station, the starting point for our trek.
The rangers lead you through cultivated lands and onwards into the dense rain forest in search of a family of gorillas. Gorilla trekking can take anything from 45 minutes to 8 hours depending on how easy the gorillas are to locate. Trekking can be fairly strenuous; therefore it is necessary for participants to be reasonably fit.
We get to spend a maximum of one hour with the mountain gorillas, to ensure that the animals do not get too accustomed to humans and to protect them from any of our diseases. The visit allows for ample time to observe the gorillas from close range and take photographs of them. Your ranger will be able to give you the background on the particular gorilla family that you encounter. When your visit comes to an end you trek back through the rain forest to the meeting point, from where you are transferred back to our Lake Bunyoni base.
The increase in daily gorilla trekking plays a vital role in the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas.
After years of being ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, to be sold as ashtrays and lampshades, tourism is helping to ensure the survival of this threatened species. Large numbers have also been killed while attempting to stop poachers from stealing baby gorillas to sell to zoos, where their lifespan is never long.
The entire cost of the gorilla trekking permits is used by the National Park authorities to protect the gorillas. The gorilla permit fee is used to fund patrolling, key to protecting the gorillas from poachers and deadly snares, as well as to promote awareness of these unique animals.
Lake Bunyoni:
Lake Bunyoni, a nature lover’s delight, is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa. There are a number of activities for you to enjoy at Lake Bunyoni, while you wait for your turn to go gorilla trekking. These activities include: hiking in the hills of this beautiful area, canoeing on the lake or going on a bird watching walk in this birding paradise.
Or you can experience the local culture by visiting a nearby village or church or exploring the local markets of Kabale. You could also choose to take it easy, simply relaxing on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyoni or taking a dip in its clean waters.
DAY 44: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
After the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience and soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.
We then cross the Equator for the second time on our African camping safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo. We overnight in Kampala and have the option of sampling the nightlife.
DAY 45: Kampala to Jinja – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities.
In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project. In the afternoon you can relax on the riverbanks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area.
DAY 46: Jinja to Nakuru – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
With the 'Pearl of Africa' behind us we return to neighbouring Kenya, pausing along the way for supplies and lunch. Back in Kenya we sleep at a lovely campsite on a farm just outside of Nakuru, one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province.
The town of Nakuru is located next to the compact and wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park.
DAY 47: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before beginning our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. This Kenyan game park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to the edge of its soda lake.
The flamingo numbers at Nakuru vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low. We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope species and sometimes hippos too.
After our game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, we head to Lake Naivasha arriving in the late afternoon.
DAY 48: Lake Naivasha – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)
On day 48 we travel to the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. Lake Naivasha is home to a multitude of birds, including the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry.
We spend the day participating in optional excursions near Lake Naivasha, such as visiting Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.
DAY 49: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast)
On the last day of this epic African Safari Adventure we share breakfast and head back to the camp in Nairobi arriving by the early afternoon. We exchange contact details and bid farewell to the friends and travel companions who shared this safari trip of a lifetime with us!
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Nairobi and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available in this vibrant city. You can visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, to see the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata (if you haven’t had your fill of game viewing), take a day trip to Nairobi National Park or take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets.
Please Note:
This Budget African Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda before ending in Nairobi, Kenya.
The budget camping safari departs from Johannesburg in South Africa early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.
For booking purposes please notify African Budget Safaris as soon as possible should you choose not to go Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
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