Vic Falls to Gorillas
Trip Details
- Duration: 39 days
- Visited Areas: Pacific Islands , Kenya , Malawi , Tanzania , Uganda , Zimbabwe , Mozambique , Rwanda
Want to experience the best that East Africa has to offer? Then hop on this journey from Zimbabwe to Kenya to witness changing landscapes, experience close encounters with iconic wildlife and meet friendly locals in small villages. Travel through a region abundant in natural wonders and colourful cultures - from the furious beauty of Victoria Falls and the fragrant delights of Zanzibar spices, to the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi and the modern culture of Nairobi. This trip offers the chance to get acquainted with some of the animal kingdom's most spectacular creatures - spot elephants in Zimbabwe, see lions in the Serengeti, spy chimps in the forests of Uganda and track gorillas in Rwanda. This journey will create memories to last a lifetime!
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Victoria Falls
The adventure begins in Zimbabwe's adventure capital. Experience the sheer wonder of the mighty Victoria Falls - they can be heard long before they are seen.
Day 3 Hwange National Park
Learn about the efforts to save the African wild dog from extinction on a visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Group. Later, journey to Hwange National Park to see herds of majestic elephants.
Days 4-5 Bulawayo
Embark on a walking safari through Matobo National Park in search of rare black and white rhinos.
Day 6 Masvingo
Explore ancient ruins thought to have once been the palace of Zimbabwean royalty.
Day 7 Harare
Unwind in the gardens, galleries and cafes of Zimbabwe's capital city.
Days 8-9 Blantyre/Lilongwe
Soak up Malawian culture in Lilongwe.
Days 10-11 Lake Malawi
Chill out on the serene shores of Lake Malawi and spend time chatting to the friendly locals.
Days 12-13 Chitimba/Iringa
Forge through lush highlands and set up camp in the grounds of a Tanzanian farmhouse.
Day 14 Dar es Salaam
Traverse Mikumi National Park and spot elephants, buffaloes and giraffes. Camp on a balmy beach outside Dar es Salaam.
Days 15-17 Zanzibar
Plunge into the sensuous delights of Zanzibar by exploring historic Stone Town, touring fragrant spice plantations and lounging under coconut palms beside the Indian Ocean.
Day 18 Dar es Salaam
Return to this port city by ferry and spend another night camping on the beach.
Day 19 Marangu
Leave the beach behind and travel high onto the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Stay overnight amid acres of beautiful, tropical gardens.
Day 20 Mto Wa Mbu
Witness the day-to-day life of the Chagga people - sample the traditional food on offer and learn about the customs and culture that shape their lives.
Days 21-22 Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti National Park
Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in a 4x4 to seek out lions, zebras and rhinos. Afterwards, head to the Serengeti and safari across the grassy plains of the savanna, home to some of Africa's best game viewing. In the evenings, fall asleep to the sounds of animal calls.
Day 23 Arusha
Observe local life in the village of Mto Wa Mbu. Perhaps pick up some souvenirs from the market before continuing to Arusha.
Day 24 Nairobi
Stroll the streets of Kenya's vibrant capital.
Day 25 Lake Nakuru
A favourite spot with birdlife, Lake Nakuru is a shimmering pink sea of flamingos. Be on the lookout for the Big Five and listen for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above.
Days 26-27 Eldoret/Kampala
Meet local children and their families at the Kariandusi School Trust project and lend a hand with teaching or construction. Cross the border into Uganda and camp near Kampala.
Days 28-29 Kibale Forest National Park
This equatorial rainforest shelters the highest concentration of primates in the world. Watch the resident chimpanzees squabbling and playing, then wander through the surrounding tea plantations to visit villages.
Day 30 Queen Elizabeth National Park
Set out on game drives to try and spot elephants, lions, buffaloes and antelope. Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where pelicans and fish eagles soar and hippos wallow.
Day 31 Lake Bunyonyi
Gliding across the lake in a traditional dugout canoe is a fun way to enjoy the amazing scenery.
Days 32-34 Gorilla Trek
Cross over the border into Rwanda and make camp at Ruhengeri, gateway to the 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 giants is unforgettable. Head out on rainforest treks to glimpse some of the forest's other inhabitants and pay a visit to the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Day 35 Lake Mburo National Park
Back in Uganda, head to Lake Mburo, home to the large eland antelopes as well as zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals.
Days 36-37 Jinja
Enjoy a morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, then perhaps try white-water.
Days 38-39 Eldoret/Nairobi
Pass through Eldoret once more on the way back to the busy streets of Nairobi, where the adventure ends.
