Visit Gorillas on our Southern Discoverer Overlanding Tour

DAY 4: Maasai Mara to Eldoret (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving the Masai Mara early, we head out of Masai Land pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Eldoret.

DAY 5: Eldoret to Kampala (Uganda) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala.  Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert region in the north.  The political instability that has haunted Uganda in the past has actually had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to return Uganda to its former status as one of Africa’s most prosperous and, from a tourist’s point of view, one of the most appealing and interesting countries to visit.

DAY 6 – 9: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni.  

Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. 

The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced from US$825 excluding transfer. For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda (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), we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry. We also advise budgeting a little extra for tips for the local guides and rangers. 

Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives.  A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience – one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are.  However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old. 

Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors to these incredible animals, we depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size.  We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in either Kisoro or in Rwanda. The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences.  Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours (not including transfer time) and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour.  You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite. 

You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals.  The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival.  For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades!  In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long.  100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.

Depending on where the trek takes place you may also pass through some of the local villages that have settled in this region due to the high number of refugees fleeing from the Rwandan Genocide, or from the continued unrest in the DRC. The villagers in this area are mostly subsistence farmers, and families that farm against the slopes of the volcanoes. It is impressive to see how they have ploughed, planted and harvest their crops in such an unlikely landscape. 

GORILLA TREKKING IS OPTIONAL

DAY 10: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala.  We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!  

DAY 11: Kampala to Jinja (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or visiting a volunteer and community project.  Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area.

DAY 12: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Departing early, we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route.  We overnight outside Nakuru. Nakuru is Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province and lies adjacent to the small but wildlife rich Lake Nakuru National Park. Departing early, we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route.

DAY 13: Lake Nakuru National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen.  We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way.  After our game drive, we head to our campsite, arriving in the late afternoon. 

Included Activity: Games drives through Lake Nakuru National Park.

DAY 14: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Lake Naivasha, is home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry.  At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. We spend the day enjoying optional excursions like 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. 

Included Activity: Lake Naivasha

DAY 15: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi usually arriving by late morning, or early afternoon.  On arrival, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

DAY 16: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we head out of busy Nairobi and travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga.  Tonight, we stay at a campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow. 

DAY 17: Arusha to Karatu (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we visit the Meserani Reptile Park and Masai Cultural Museum. A few minutes’ walk from the campsite is a gallery selling the bright and iconic Tinga Tinga paintings. Alternatively, the town of Arusha is nearby to explore. After enjoying lunch at our camp against the backdrop of Mount Meru we meet our Tanzanian guides and transfer into locally operated 4WD vehicles. These vehicles have been adapted for safari use and allow excellent viewing and photographic opportunities through the opening roof hatches. 

Included Activity: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater excursion.

Leaving our camp, we travel via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and then up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well-established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. Tonight, we spend the evening at a very pleasant campsite in Karatu (campsite has ablution facilities). 

DAY 18: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. Comprising of open savannahs, acacia forests and both soda and fresh water lakes, the Ngorongoro Crater is truly a miniature ‘Garden of Eden’. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.

After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight, we camp (no ablution facilities) in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. Without any fences surrounding our campsite we are truly in the midst of nature!

DAY 19: Serengeti National Park to Arusha (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! Following our morning drive, we retrace our journey back across the plains and along the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

DAY 20: Arusha to Pangani* (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We head to Arusha this morning to stock up on supplies before continuing on towards Dar es Salaam. On the way, we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain.  

Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit – a photo opportunity not to be missed!  We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

*Some trips may choose to forego this night at their own cost.

DAY 21: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam.  Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean.  Today’s drive time is extended due to the heavier amount of traffic heading in to the city, but the sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.  

DAY 22: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the ”Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 nights.  Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.  New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

Included Activity: Spice Tour & Dhow Excursion
Included Activity: Zanzibar Excursion

PLEASE NOTE:  Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget.  The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

PLEASE NOTE: New legislation prohibits the taking of photographs during the Zanzibar ferry ride. Spot fines can be issued, if legislation is not obeyed.

DAY 23 & 24: Zanzibar (No Meals)

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor.  Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade.  The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow.  Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean – crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.

DAY 25: Zanzibar to Mikumi (Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic.  This is where we will spend the night.

DAY 26: Mikumi to Iringa (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

MALAWI

A variety of attractions can be found in this exquisite country such as, forest, mountains and many a rural village, but there is one major attraction – Lake Malawi. There are many small rustic resorts along this fresh water lake where you can kick back on the sand, and enjoy the perfect sunset over this lake. Malawi will offer you the perfect sub tropical climate, allowing you ample time to soak up the sun and work on that tan. Lilongwe is the largest city in Malawi, as well as the capital city. Malawi plays host to just over 12 million people, with English and Chichewa being the main languages. 

Lake Malawi

Most your time in Malawi will be spent enjoying the white beaches and warm waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is also known as “the lake of stars”, offering an abundance of water activities. With the staggering amount of 500 species of fish, this lake makes for an excellent spot for fresh water diving after meeting and greeting all the welcoming locals. 

DAY 27 – 29: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.  

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi.  We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches.  Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch.  Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school.

Optional activities vary; however, we do recommend that you partake in the village tour. Please note that you can bring along pens, pencils, notepads etc for the villagers.

DAY 30 & 31: Lake Malawi to Luangwa National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we leave Malawi and cross over into Zambia. This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc. 

Included Activity: Game drives through South Luangwa National Park in the ATC vehicle. 

DAY 32: Luangwa National Park to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we depart this amazing National Park and make our way down south. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper.

DAY 33: Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian towns mostly supporting local agriculture and farming on our way to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia – a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight, we have the option of enjoying an optional sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset River boat cruise

BOTSWANA

The size of this successful country can be compared to countries such as Kenya or France, and fairly smaller than Texas. Botswana is a landlocked country with borders such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which can all be crossed overland. For such a small country, it boasts an array of spectacular game viewing opportunities such as, hundreds of elephants splashing in the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta and its maze of lagoons. 

DAY 34: Livingstone to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We leave Zambia and cross the border into Botswana at the Kazangula Ferry. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. After lunch, we have time at leisure to relax. In the afternoon, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds.  Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane. 

Included Activity: Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion

ZIMBABWE

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona. 

DAY 35: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Brunch)

Once returning to camp, we get back on our truck and continue to the border of Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed border formalities, we have a short drive to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A short walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing, the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town! 

Included: Entrance to Victoria Falls

DAY 36: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls. 

Optional Activities: 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 is world class.  Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the ”floats,” where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.