37-Day Nairobi to Victoria Falls & Gorilla Trekking Lodge Safari
Embark on an unforgettable Africa Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, discovering East Africa’s top wildlife parks, iconic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This 37-day accommodated safari adventure travels from the Masai Mara in Kenya to the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia, with unforgettable wildlife encounters and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Experience a fully accommodated Africa overland journey through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Spot the Big 5 in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, trek chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, and encounter rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Enjoy thrilling adventures in Jinja, cruise the Nile, and explore the vast Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, explore Mikumi and South Luangwa National Parks, and conclude at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
Adventure In The Wild Safaris ensures comfortable lodge accommodation throughout, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic East Africa overland safari without compromising on comfort.
Responsible Travel
Adventure In The Wild Safaris supports ethical wildlife experiences. We do not endorse any form of wildlife interaction tourism such as lion walking or elephant rides. These practices negatively affect animal welfare and conservation.
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1–2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Begin your overland journey in Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy full-day game drives in search of the Big 5 and witness the region’s abundant wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, and more.
Included: Masai Mara Safari | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Visit Lake Nakuru, known for flamingos and rhino populations. Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on a game drive and overnight in Nakuru town.
Included: Lake Nakuru Game Drive | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Jinja, Uganda
Cross into Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”, and arrive in Jinja—East Africa’s adventure capital—on the shores of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile River.
Included: Equator Crossing | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Jinja to Masindi & Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Continue to Masindi and settle near Murchison Falls National Park. Optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to spot endangered rhinos on foot.
Optional: Ziwa Rhino Walk | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trek in Budongo Forest & Nile River Cruise
Trek into Budongo Forest to find chimpanzee families in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Nile through Murchison Falls National Park.
Included: Chimpanzee Trekking, Nile River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo, Uganda
Journey through Uganda’s western region to Lake Kikorongo near Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and volcanic landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes. This peaceful location will be your base for gorilla trekking. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, or village visits.
Included: Equator Crossing | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9–10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Embark on a life-changing Gorilla Safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (or in Rwanda/DRC depending on permit availability). Spend time observing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Non-trekking day options include local exploration, boat tours, or visits to a nearby pygmy community.
Optional: Gorilla Trekking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rwanda Day Tour | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo, Uganda
Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, known for its lakes, acacia woodlands, and over 300 bird species including the rare shoebill stork.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi to Victoria Falls Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris – Days 12 to 30
Day 12: Jinja – Uganda
Today, our Nairobi to Victoria Falls Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris returns to Jinja, Uganda’s vibrant second-largest city. Nestled within lush rainforest and located on the banks of the Victoria Nile, our overland lodge overlooks the spectacular Kalagala Falls. We spend two nights here, relaxing and enjoying the adventure activities Jinja is famous for.
Experience thrilling white-water rafting on the legendary Victoria Nile, or enjoy more relaxed activities such as river bugging, kayaking, or a boat cruise on Lake Victoria to explore the source of the White Nile. For land-based thrills, choose from bungee jumping, horseback riding, or quad biking through scenic surroundings.
- Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, River Bugging, Kayaking, Boat Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Horse Riding, Quad Biking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya
We bid farewell to Uganda and cross into Kenya, heading for Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth-largest city located in the Great Rift Valley. At an altitude of 2,100 meters, Eldoret enjoys a cool climate and is known for producing world-class athletes thanks to its high-altitude training conditions.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
We return to Nairobi for an overnight stay in a centrally located hotel. Enjoy your free time strolling along vibrant Moi Avenue, sampling street food, exploring markets, or unwinding with a drink at a rooftop bar as you admire the city skyline.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania
Crossing the border into Tanzania, we journey toward Arusha, a town at the foothills of Mount Meru and the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. On a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro may be visible in the distance. We overnight at a comfortable lodge before our Serengeti adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17–18: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
In 4×4 safari vehicles, we travel through the scenic Rift Valley to Serengeti National Park. Our luxury tented camp in the central Seronera region offers ideal wildlife viewing and stunning vistas. The Serengeti’s vast plains are teeming with wildlife, from herbivore herds to the big cats that follow them.
On Day 18, we enjoy a full-day game drive in the Seronera area, famous as the “big cat capital of Africa.” You may spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, and elephants. Optional hot air balloon safaris offer a breathtaking aerial view of the plains (pre-booking essential).
- Included Activity: Serengeti Game Drives
- Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania
We exit the Serengeti and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in wildlife. Spot the Big Five and a variety of other species on a morning safari. We then continue to Karatu for our overnight stay at a charming lodge.
- Included Activity: 4×4 Ngorongoro Crater Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania
We travel through the Rift Valley back to Arusha, stopping at the culturally rich village of Mto wa Mbu to explore its lively market and sample local produce. We return to our lodge in Arusha and reunite with our overland truck.
- Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
We descend from the highlands to the Indian Ocean coastline, heading south to Bagamoyo. This historic coastal town is known for its dhow boat craftsmanship and was once a major port in East Africa.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22–23: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania
We ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, heading to a beachfront resort on the island’s eastern coast. Spend two days unwinding by the ocean or enjoying optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, or cultural tours.
- Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry
- Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing, Forest Trips, Village Tours, Turtle Sanctuary, Diving, Snorkeling
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 24: Stone Town – Zanzibar
Today we head to Stone Town, stopping for a Spice Tour along the way. Discover the island’s spice heritage before exploring the winding alleys and historic sites of Stone Town. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this UNESCO-listed site full of Swahili culture and charm.
- Included Activity: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
We return by ferry to Dar es Salaam and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Tanzania’s largest city. Explore its diverse culinary scene and lively streets before continuing our safari journey.
- Included Activity: Zanzibar Return Ferry
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 26–27: Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
Our Nairobi to Victoria Falls Safari ventures inland to Mikumi. We stay at a safari lodge on the edge of Mikumi National Park for two nights. Optional activities include game drives and cultural tours. The Mkata Floodplain is a wildlife-rich area where elephants, zebras, and lions roam freely.
- Optional Activities: Game Drive, Cultural Tours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 28: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania
We continue to Iringa, stopping to admire the scenic Baobab Valley. Tonight, we stay on a working farm near Iringa with stunning views over the Ruaha River Valley.
- Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Iringa to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania
Travel through the picturesque Southern Highlands to Mbeya, passing tea and coffee plantations. We visit a local coffee plantation to learn about cultivation and enjoy a fresh brew. Overnight at a bungalow on the plantation.
- Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Mbeya to Lake Malawi – Malawi
Leaving Tanzania behind, our journey continues as we head toward Malawi and the serene shores of Lake Malawi. (Full details of this day continue in the next part of the itinerary.)
Day 31 & 32: Ngala Beach – Lake Malawi, Malawi
Your journey with Adventure In The Wild Safaris continues as we head south to the stunning Ngala Beach on the shores of Lake Malawi, located in the central Nkhotakota Region. We spend two nights at a peaceful lakeside lodge — the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of this extraordinary freshwater lake.
Lake Malawi’s warm waters are ideal for swimming, and the lake offers excellent visibility (up to 20 meters), making it a premier destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Discover vibrant schools of freshwater fish and fascinating underwater rock formations. Optional activities include kayaking, motorboat excursions, and guided hikes to nearby waterfalls and forest reserves. Enjoy the serenity of sandy beaches and watch local fishermen at work in nearby traditional villages.
- Optional Activities: Waterfall Hike, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Motorboat Trips
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (2 days)
Day 33 & 34: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
After a beautiful sunrise over Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia and head to South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. Our safari lodge is set along the Luangwa River, offering spectacular sunset views and excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings right from the camp.
Spend the next two days exploring South Luangwa’s rich biodiversity. Go on a thrilling sunset game drive (included), or choose an optional early morning drive or walking safari. This park is renowned for its leopard sightings, as well as large populations of elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Enjoy sundowners in the bush and continue your drive into the evening for a chance to see nocturnal animals unique to South Luangwa.
- Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
- Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari (dry season only)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (2 days)
Day 35: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Today, Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes you from the Luangwa Valley to Petauke, with a stop at Mulberry Mongoose, a local workshop in Chipata. Here, local women craft jewellery from recycled snare wire and natural materials, supporting both their families and anti-poaching efforts.
We continue to Petauke and overnight at a comfortable lodge in this small Zambian town.
- Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 36: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Our overland adventure continues west through Zambia’s rural heartland. Along the way, we stop at the vibrant Luangwa Market, where local vendors sell produce, crafts, and traditional goods. It’s a great opportunity to experience daily life in Zambia and shop for souvenirs.
Tonight, we stay just outside Lusaka at a safari lodge surrounded by natural bush — a haven for impala, zebra, giraffe, and an array of birdlife.
- Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
Our final travel day with Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes us to Livingstone, home to the majestic Victoria Falls. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke that Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Witness the Zambezi River plunge 108 meters into Batoka Gorge in a powerful display of nature’s grandeur. The mist rising from the falls often creates brilliant rainbows, making this a truly unforgettable experience. We recommend extending your stay in Livingstone to enjoy optional activities such as helicopter flights, river cruises, bungee jumping, or a visit to the local markets and museums.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overland Tour Notes
For the best experience on this Nairobi to Victoria Falls & Gorillas Safari, we recommend arriving in Nairobi one day before the departure date and flying out of Livingstone at least one day after the tour ends. Our travel experts at Adventure In The Wild Safaris can assist with booking pre- and post-tour accommodation.
Prefer to travel in reverse? This tour is also available from Livingstone to Nairobi. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we offer a camping version of this itinerary — the 37-Day Gorillas & Kenya to Vic Falls Overland Camping Safari — with accommodation in campsites instead of lodges.
Wildebeest Great Migration Explained
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events, involving millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems. Predators such as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas closely follow these herds, providing an awe-inspiring display of nature’s survival drama.
Peak viewing typically occurs from June to August in the Serengeti and July to September in the Masai Mara, depending on rainfall patterns. Contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris for the latest updates and to plan your migration safari at the best time.