Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches Northbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Dar es Salaam

Arrive in the steamy port city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial heart.

Days 2-4 Zanzibar

Take a ferry to the 'Spice Island' and be transported to a world of perfect beaches, scented markets, marvelous mosques and ancient alleyways. Head out on a spice tour and be immersed in the smells of cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Walk around historic Stone Town and be sure to take time out to swim, snorkel and relax by the Indian Ocean.

Day 5 Dar es Salaam

Transfer back to the bustling city of Dar es Salaam by ferry.

Days 6-7 Usambara Mountains

This lush region is perfect for hikes and guided walks. Visit small communities for an insight into their lives and learn about locally run cultural and ecological projects.

Day 8 Marangu

Visit Mshiri village and witness the day to day life of the Chagga people. Visit their homes, farms, schools and sample a typical Chagga lunch.

Day 9 Karatu

Spend time with the kids at the Amani Children's Home then stroll the streets of Karatu.

Days 10-11 Serengeti National Park

Head into the open plains of the Serengeti to search out Africa's Big Five. For a different perspective, take an optional sunrise balloon ride over the plains.

Day 12 Ngorongoro Crater

Enjoy a game drive across the floor of the crater, home to endangered black rhinos and a remarkable number of lions and elephants.

Day 13 Arusha

Stop by the village of Mto Wa Mbu to peruse the colourful craft market, then camp on the outskirts of Arusha.

Day 14 Nairobi

Cross the border into Kenya and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Nairobi.

Day 15 Lake Nakuru

See a lake filled with pink flamingos and listen out for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above.

Days 16-17 Eldoret/Kampala

Meet local children and their families at the Kariandusi School Trust project. Lend a hand with teaching or construction. Travel into Uganda and camp near Kampala.

Days 18-19 Kibale Forest National Park

This equatorial rainforest is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world, so it's the ideal place to enjoy chimp-spotting. Watch the resident chimpanzees squabbling and playing. Wander through the surrounding tea plantations to visit villages or simply kick back at the campsite.

Day 20 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set between Edward and George lakes in Great Rift Valley, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife. Embark on game drives to try to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes and antelope. Cruise the Kazinga Channel where pelicans and eagles soar and hippos wallow.

Day 21 Lake Bunyonyi

Gliding across the lake's surface in a traditional dugout canoe is a fun way to enjoy the amazing scenery.

Days 22-24 Gorilla Trek

Cross over the border into Rwanda and make camp at Ruhengeri, gateway to our gorilla adventure. Accompanied by a guide and trackers, hike through rugged terrain to come face-to-face with a family of rare mountain gorillas - the sight of these gentle mountain giants is unforgettable. Head out on rainforest hikes to glimpse some of the forest's other inhabitants and pay a visit to the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Day 25 Lake Mburo National Park

Back over the border in Uganda, journey to Lake Mburo. Discover plenty of magnificent animals - including large eland antelopes - on walking safaris through this secluded park.

Days 26-27 Jinja

Enjoy another walk in Lake Mburo National Park, then travel to Jinja where adventure activities abound. Try white-water rafting for some aquatic thrills or go souvenir hunting at the markets.

Days 28-29 Eldoret/Nairobi

Pass through Eldoret once more on the way back to the busy streets of Nairobi, where the adventure ends.