East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. From the wildlife of Uganda to the source of the Nile and onto the sunny beaches of Zanzibar, this 19-day journey overland across East Africa is nothing short of mind-boggling and mind-blowing. Track mountain gorillas through remote forest for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and pursue the elusive "big five" across open savannah on wildlife safari drives. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) are an adventurous and affordable way to see the highlights while wilderness camping will bring you as close as you can get to the region’s wildlife.
Highlights
- Track the "big five" on wildlife safari drives in the Serengeti National Park
- Meet mountain gorillas
- Raft the White Nile River
- Discover Zanzibar's crystal-clear waters
Trip Details
Product Code: 2100
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Lando, 4x4 safari vehicles, walking, shared shuttle, tuk-tuk, ferry.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: DUGZ
Starts: Kampala, Uganda
Finishes: Stone Town, Tanzania
Duration: 19 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch, Mto wa Mbu Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Jinja
- Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits
- Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- Tea plantation visit
- Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi
- Entrances and wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and in Ngorongoro Crater
- Ferry to Zanzibar
- Stone Town orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Basic hotel (2 nts, single or twin-share), participation camping (9 nts), full-service camping (2 nts), hostels (5 nts, multi-share with 3-4 people).
- 17 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
- Lando, 4x4 safari vehicles, walking, shared shuttle, tuk-tuk, ferry.
Group Leader
- Uganda portion: 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) as head guide/cook and driver, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides. Tanzania portion: certified safari guides/drivers, local guides. 1 CEO on transfer between Nairobi and Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,799 ($358 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala
Arrive at any time.
Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together. As you will be at the campsite for this portion of the trip you will be enjoying yourselves at the Red Chilli Bar. Hang out along the beer terrace or at the pool-side bar and have conversations with fellow travellers. There's plenty of communal areas to kick back, relax with a beer in hand, and make some friends before you embark on your next adventure.
Day 2: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi
Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you're going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi.
The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds' and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It's winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like… such bliss!
Day 3: Gorilla Trek
Today's the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it.
Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi
Let's give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake there's no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today's journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country.
The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There's a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!
Day 6: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park
You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families.
Afterwards, the group will visit a tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja
Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.
Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.
Day 8: Jinja
Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer.
Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 9: Jinja/Eldoret
Today is a bit of a travel day but you won't mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.
Day 10: Eldoret/Nairobi
After your adventurous experiences yesterday you'll be glad to have a more low-key travel day to replenish your energy. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We're thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto's Africa song anyone?)
Day 11: Nairobi/Arusha
Hop in the shuttle and hit the road in style as you cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route to Arusha, Tanzania. Marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and swap stories with your road trip buddies!
Day 12: Arusha/Serengeti National Park
Well folks it's time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti.
Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 13: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp.
Then it's on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You'll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.
Day 14: Ngorongoro/Arusha
It's time to experience “Africa's Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let's face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)!
The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater means its own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic.
With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.
Day 15: Arusha/Dar es Salaam
Leave Arusha early and be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro on the road towards Dar es Salaam and watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut.
The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.
Want to cut travel time in half and spend more time in Stone Town? Pre-book the Zanzibar Express on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Day 16: Dar es Salaam/Stone Town
After the jam packed last few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Dar es Salaam before hopping on the ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar.
Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it's sandy shores.
Day 17: Beach day in Zanzibar
Roll out of bed this morning in Stone Town and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way.
Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home. Transfer to the tropical haven of Jambiani for a relaxing few days as a group.
Day 18: Beach day in Zanzibar
Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You'll be exploring one of the world's great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top.
The day is yours to spend as you choose; head out for a diving experience, grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar's tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.
Day 19: Stone Town
Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. Travel back to Stone Town on the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar.
The tour ends in the late morning.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Heather P. - Traveled, June 2024
This was a great adventure and truly a once in a lifetime experience. From hiking to see Mountain Gorillas, to trekking through the jungle to find Chimpanzees and than seeing the Big Five in Tanzania. I am going to be talking and remembering all the gre...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Theodore L. - Traveled, March 2024
Loved the wildlife (Gorillas, chimps, safari), the beach, and the knowledgeable tour guides. It was a great experience to see this part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Johan C. - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic places, well organized and great people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024
Luca H. - Traveled, December 2023
one highlight followed the next, every day was an adventure with unique memories
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Laura C. - Traveled, December 2023
The tour was excellent. I really enjoyed Africa and felt safe on my trip at all times. I would highly recommend this tour to friends and family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Lachlan W. - Traveled, December 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We saw the highlights of East Africa over an amazing 3 weeks, and the memories will last a lifetime. The G Adventures staff were amazing as always, and were one of the highlights of my holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Emily A. - Traveled, October 2023
Overall my experience on the G adventure East africa trip was great, apart from Hubert which really put a damper on those days, the trip was awesome. I would find a new vehicle for the transfers from arusha to dar e salaam. Also the only other part that ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Alberto L. - Traveled, August 2024
It was amazing. It was my sixth tour with G. It was the most tiring if then all for sure, I just got back home and I'm exhausted. But it was everything I had hoped and more. I really love traveling with G. Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2024
Oyvind W. - Traveled, June 2024
Very good. A lot of experiences in a limited amount of time. A little much traveling by bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Lauren J. - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was amazing! Our CEOs were so wonderful and helpful. We met amazing new friends and saw so many wonderful places and we saw all of the animals I was hoping to see while we were there! My expectations for this trip were exceeded and I would reco...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Zechariah J. - Traveled, June 2024
The East Africa Overland: Serengetti and Safari Drives trip was an immersive trip that encompassed many different cultures and an enormous amount of wildlife within the African continent. I would recommend this trip to anyone that would like to experienc...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2024
Nienke G. - Traveled, September 2024
The tour was amazing, and so diverse! We went from the lush jungle in Uganda where we saw gorillas, to the desert like flats of the Serengeti to spot the big 5. Ending the trip in Zanzibar was the perfect way to reflect on all the adventures and experien...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2024
Dina N. - Traveled, July 2024
This was my first G Adventures tour and was very memorable. All 4 CEOs were fantastic, with a special shout out to Linda and Ben who were with us from Uganda - Kenya. I met some great people and had a packed itinerary. Would recommend for travellers that...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2024
Nicholas O. - Traveled, June 2024
I didn’t know what to expect from East Africa and I was even a bit nervous, but the trip was the adventure of a lifetime. I can’t believe how many different and incredible experiences we had; from trekking deep in the Ugandan jungle to find gorillas to r...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2024
Christopher H. - Traveled, February 2024
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Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Rachel E. - Traveled, February 2024
This review asked me to be honest and not hold back, so I was. It feels like I listed a lot of negatives in my review, but that is in hopes that G can improve in those areas and offer a greater experience for future tours. Overall, I enjoyed my trip very...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Katherine S. - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing!! Gorillas were definitely a highlight and I love the Serengeti!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
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