25 Day Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari – Zanzibar to Gorillas
Quick Itinerary Overview
Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, explore its historic port of Stone Town, and experience the stunning wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The adventure continues in Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara before crossing into Uganda to visit beautiful Rift Valley lakes, chimpanzees in Budongo Mahogany Forest, and exciting Nile River activities in Jinja. The highlight of this Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari is trekking with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your adventure concludes in Nairobi, with comfortable lodge stays and luxury tented camps along the way.
Responsible Travel Note
We do not endorse wildlife interaction activities, such as walking with lions or riding elephants, as these exploit wild animals. Our focus is on ethical safari experiences that respect Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitats.
Itinerary
Day 1: Stone Town, Zanzibar – Tanzania
Welcome to Zanzibar! Your Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari begins in Stone Town. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city, once a major port for the Swahili trade routes. Visit its narrow streets, coral stone buildings, and historical landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. The day ends with a group meeting to discuss your upcoming adventure.
Meals: None
Day 2 & 3: Zanzibar Beach Resort – Tanzania
Day 2 kicks off with a walking tour of Stone Town. Then we head to our Zanzibar Beach Resort for two relaxing nights. Along the way, stop for a spice tour to explore the island’s spice plantations, learning about the production of cloves, nutmeg, and more. After check-in, enjoy free time to unwind on the beautiful beaches or take part in optional activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or dhow sailing.
Included Activities: Stone Town Walking Tour, Spice Tour
Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Village Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 4: Zanzibar to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
Depart Zanzibar and head to Bagamoyo, a historic town known for its traditional dhow boat building. Bagamoyo was once a key trading hub and a prominent site during the slave trade era. Spend the night here, soaking in its rich history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Bagamoyo to Arusha – Tanzania
Continue your Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari north to Arusha, a bustling town nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha serves as a launch point for safaris to the Northern Circuit and for mountaineers attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Tonight, we prepare for the next phase of our safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Arusha to Karatu & Northern Safari Circuit – Tanzania
Travel west from Arusha through lush farmlands, stopping in Mto wa Mbu to visit the local market. Then, continue through the Ngorongoro Highlands to Karatu, where we will stay overnight, getting ready for an early safari to the Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow.
Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Optional Activities: Coffee Plantation Tour, Local Brewery Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania
Start early with a 4×4 safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Explore this incredible ecosystem that hosts the Big Five and a variety of bird species. Afterward, head to the Serengeti National Park for more game viewing before reaching our tented camp in the heart of the park.
Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Safari, Serengeti Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania
Rise early for a full day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park. The central Seronera plains are famous for their large herbivore herds, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Optional hot air balloon rides provide a unique aerial view of the park.
Included Activity: Serengeti Game Drive
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Serengeti to Arusha – Tanzania
On Day 9, we return to Arusha, traveling via the Great Rift Valley and reflecting on the incredible wildlife experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight, we stay at our lodge in Arusha before preparing for the next leg of our journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya
Our Adventure In The Wild Safaris journey continues as we travel northward into Kenya. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days as we cross into Kenya. We will pass through small villages and vibrant towns before reaching Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. Nairobi, named after the Maasai word “Enkare Nyorobi” meaning “place of refreshing waters,” offers a chance to experience the lively city culture. You can explore Nairobi’s rich culinary landscape, with local dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat) and international flavors. Tomorrow, we embark on a two-night adventure to Masai Mara, so don’t forget to pack smaller bags for the journey ahead.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11 & 12: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
On Day 11, we leave Nairobi in smaller 4×4 safari vehicles, heading southwest toward Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s iconic safari destination. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this is the quintessential “Out of Africa” safari spot. We will pass through picturesque rural areas where the semi-nomadic Maasai people live in colorful traditions. During our two-night stay at a beautiful tented camp, we’ll explore the park’s wildlife, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), and many other animals like cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest. The Masai Mara is also famous for the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains and brave the Mara River, evading crocodiles.
- Included Activity: Masai Mara Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 13: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya
We head to Lake Nakuru National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley. Famous for its pink flamingos, this alkaline soda lake offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to black rhinos, white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide variety of bird species. Enjoy a game drive in the afternoon, where you may also spot buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles. Our overnight stop is in Nakuru, Kenya’s third-largest city.
- Included Activity: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda
Today, our Adventure In The Wild Safaris journey crosses into Uganda, known as “The Pearl of Africa.” Along the way, we cross the equator, a great photo opportunity. Our overnight stop is in Jinja, located on Lake Victoria’s northern shore, marking the start of the Victoria Nile. Jinja is an adventure capital, famous for white-water rafting and as the source of the Nile River. Tonight, we stay at a lodge near Kalagala Falls, surrounded by rainforest.
- Included Activity: Crossing the Equator
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Jinja to Masindi & Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda
Our adventure continues toward Murchison Falls National Park. This park is Uganda’s largest and offers rich wildlife experiences. We pass through Masindi, known for its colonial architecture, before reaching our lodge near the park. In the afternoon, opt for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to endangered rhinos. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in rhino conservation efforts. Your safari experience in Murchison Falls includes witnessing the impressive waterfall as the Victoria Nile flows through a narrow gorge.
- Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Budongo Central Forest Reserve & Chimpanzee Trek – Uganda
On Day 16, we explore Budongo Forest in search of chimpanzees. The forest is home to over 600 chimps, making it one of the best places in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking. After the trek, enjoy a Nile River boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, offering views of wildlife like lions, elephants, and buffalo along the riverbanks. We may also spot various bird species during the cruise.
- Included Activity: Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest & Nile River Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – Uganda
Today, we continue our journey to Lake Kikorongo, a serene crater lake nestled on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species. Spend the day soaking in the park’s beauty, with opportunities for game viewing and birdwatching.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
We head toward southwestern Uganda, near the Rwanda border, to reach Lake Bunyonyi. This peaceful lake, one of Africa’s deepest, lies within gorilla territory. Enjoy the stunning scenery, with 29 islands dotting the lake, as well as the opportunity to take part in watersports or a hike around the area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19 & 20: Lake Bunyonyi & Gorilla Trekking – Uganda
The highlight of the journey arrives – the Gorilla Safari. In Bwindi National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, we embark on a thrilling trek to encounter these endangered creatures. With a limited number of permits available, we ensure flexibility in the schedule. The trek is physically demanding but rewarding, as you get the rare opportunity to sit and observe a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
- Optional Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Pygmy Village Visit (including motorboat transfer), Rwanda Day Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Note: Gorilla Trekking permits are not included in the overland tour price.
Day 21: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda
On Day 21 of our epic Adventure In The Wild Safaris, we bid farewell to the tranquil environment of Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park in Western Uganda. This park has five shallow lakes encircled by acacia savannah dotted with papyrus swamps and verdant rolling hills. Bird lovers are in for a treat as this location attracts over 300 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork.
We stay at a beautiful lodge on the outskirts of the park. Listen to the melodic symphony of the birds as you unwind with a refreshing drink and soak in the panoramic vistas from the camp restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22 & 23: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda
Today, we return to Jinja, the second-largest city in Uganda, and settle back into our overland camp on the riverbanks, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning views of the Victoria Nile and breathtaking Kalagala Falls. We will be staying here for two nights.
On arrival, enjoy a hearty lunch and then your time is free to soak up the surroundings. Unwind at the resort or opt for various adventure activities on offer. The most popular is tackling the legendary rapids on a white-water rafting half-day expedition. Alternatively, try river bugging, kayaking, or take a motorized boat cruise to explore Lake Victoria and discover the source of the White Nile. You can go bungee jumping, or for those who prefer staying on solid ground, opt for horse riding or quad biking.
- Optional Activities: White Water Rafting (half-day), River Bugging, Kayaking, Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Horse Riding, Quad Biking, and more
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 24: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya
Day 24 sees our Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari cross back into Kenya. Our last night will be spent at a lodge in Eldoret, the country’s fifth-largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and Eldoret lies at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. Many famous Kenyan athletes, including Olympic champions, hail from Eldoret, and the city is now a center for high-altitude training camps that attract athletes from across the globe.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
Day 25 sees us heading southeast, returning to Nairobi where our epic tour will come to an end. Many tour groups opt to gather for an optional dinner this evening, providing an opportunity to swap memories and exchange contact information with fellow travelers.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overland Tour Notes
The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas. The permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Stone Town and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Nairobi to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a budget-friendly Camping Overland Tour – Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda – Zanzibar to Gorillas Camping Overland, which follows the same itinerary, with camping accommodation at campsites instead of staying in lodges.
For more details contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Wildebeest Great Migration Explained
Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1,200 miles (1,931 km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, while at other times, the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season, but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.