If an African safari has always been on your bucket list, it doesn’t get any better than this Ultimate East Africa Safari. This 26-day small group tour includes searching for the Big 5 in the famous Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, admiring the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, trekking for gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild and more.
Starting in Nairobi, immerse in the magic of Kenya as you witness the natural beauty of Kakamega Forest and the protected wildlife of Crescent Island. Venture on to a camp near Jinja, the adrenaline capital of Uganda, located at the source of the Nile.
In Lake Mburo National Park, be on the watch for crocodiles and hippos cooling off as vibrant birdlife fills the air. Journey on to Lake Bunyonyi to trek into the wild and search for gorillas in their natural habitat. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, take the chance to get close to one of Africa’s most amazing creatures.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, experience an exhilarating 4x4 safari game drive to seek out lions, leopards, hippos and the beauty of thousands of pink flamingos by the Kazinga Channel. Still in Uganda, set off on an unforgettable trek to discover chimpanzees in the wild (inclusive of permits) and take a Nile cruise to the exhilarating Murchison Falls.
Crossing back into Kenya, visit the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve where you will enjoy two unforgettable game drives. Search for the Big 5 including lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards as you journey through beautiful grasslands.
From here, cross over into Tanzania and the Serengeti National Park where vast open plains play home to millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions and more. Camp in luxury tents and fully immerse in the African safari experience.
Staying in Tanzania, venture to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most-populated wildlife areas in the world. Look out for an incredibly diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered Black Rhino. Heading to Arusha, Tanzania, discover the majestic plains surrounding Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro as you soak up your last days on safari.
This outstanding deal includes return international full-service flights; 23 nights of hotel, guesthouse & camping accommodation; 61 meals, including daily breakfast; travel by Overland Truck on a small group tour and so much more. So what are you waiting for? Book now!
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
Today, depart from Australia to Nairobi, Kenya.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2 and will arrive on day 2.
Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Welcome to Nairobi! Upon arrival, be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn or similar
Meals included: None
Enjoy breakfast and a full day at leisure in Nairobi. Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, a country in East Africa. It's known for its dynamic urban culture and historical significance. Discover the city or relax at the hotel, take a dip in the pool or unwind on a sun lounger.
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, travel from Nairobi to Naivasha, located in the beautiful Kenya Rift Valley basin. Naivasha is a small market town northwest of Nairobi, best known as a stopping point for spellbinding Lake Naivasha. Aspiring wildlife photographers and nature lovers will marvel at Lake Naivasha and its abundance of wildlife. Here visitors can spot wallowing hippo pods, clouds of vibrant birdlife, zebras and various other game. Shop for unique mementoes in town and check out the variety of restaurants offering delicious local dishes.
In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Crescent Island. A natural sanctuary that lies in the eastern part of Lake Naivasha. It is a serene location known for its accessible wildlife and stunning views. Unlike other parks in Kenya, Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary is unique because there are no predators, allowing visitors to walk freely among the wildlife. The island hosts a variety of animals such as giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, impalas and a wide array of bird species. The close proximity offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching.
(approximately 92 km/day)
Camping: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: West Beach Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, continue the journey to Kakamega. Located in southwestern Kenya, Kakamega is set 30 kilometres north of the equator in Kakamega County. It serves as a great base from which to explore the nearby Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Kakamega Forest is home to ancient woodlands encompassing some of Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. It consists of virgin stinkwood, teak trees, ferns and flowering plants.
In the afternoon, visitors can look forward to a guided tour through the forest along scenic trails. Look out for an array of wildlife and learn about the biodiversity of these magnificent woods.
Golf Hotel Kakamega
Golf Hotel Kakamega is located in a plush area of Kakamega town next to a golf course. Accommodation consists of a variety of guest rooms, each equipped with a telephone, mosquito nets, private bathroom with a shower and a TV with satellite channels. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant (not included). Other amenities offered are internet access, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
(approximately 290 km/day)
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Golf Hotel Kakamega or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
This morning, enjoy breakfast before crossing the border into Uganda to a camp near Jinja on the northern shores of Africa’s largest lake. Jinja is the second largest city in Uganda and is famous for being located at the source of the Nile. The rapids on the Nile make Jinja the white water rafting capital of East Africa and it is also known as the adventure capital of Uganda. While the main attraction is undoubtedly rafting down the Nile, there are also a variety of other adrenaline-filled activities such as quad biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding (not included). Other popular activities include browsing the colourful Jinja market and viewing the faded grandeur of the crumbling colonial architecture lining the streets.
After arriving at the camp, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure while admiring the beautiful views of the Nile.
Kalagala Falls Overland Camp
Located near Jinja, Kalagala Falls Overland Camp is situated in a private concession within the Nile Bank and Kalagala Central Forest Reserves. With direct access to the Nile River, the camp is ideally positioned for a range of land and river-based activities. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant or unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar (not included). Additional amenities include a private swimming pool, a bungee tower and activity centre (additional costs may apply).
There’s so much to do, but don’t worry you’ll be back to Kalagala Falls on Day 14 and Day 15 of the itinerary!
(approximately 300 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Please note: customers purchasing the camping option are required to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow.
Overnight: Kalagala Falls Overland Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, depart Kalagala Falls and continue the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is an easily accessible, compact little gem. Renowned for its impressive biodiversity, Lake Mburo National Park is home to seventy mammal species and over 300 avian species in its forests, swamps and grasslands. This spectacular landscape features open plains of savanna interrupted by rocky ridges, forested gorges and lush dense woodland. Crocodiles, hippos and a myriad of water birds are found in and around the five lakes of which Lake Mburo is the largest. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: impala, oribi, eland, zebra, buffalo, defassa waterbuck, leopards, hyena, hippos and reedbuck. Upon arrival at the camp, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Leopard Rest Camp
Leopard Rest Camp is located just 2 minutes outside the Nshara entrance gate on the north side of Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy the panoramic view from the restaurant and listen to the birds.
(approximately 287 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Leopard Rest Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning, depart on a Lake Mburo National Park walking safari. Lake Mburo National Park, located in the south western part of Uganda, is one of the country's most accessible and spectacular wildlife parks. Unlike many other national parks in East Africa, where game drives are the primary means of wildlife viewing, Lake Mburo offers a unique and intimate experience through walking safaris. These safaris allow visitors to explore the park's landscapes and wildlife on foot, offering a different perspective and a closer connection to nature.
After, continue the journey to Lake Bunyonyi located in southern Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest lake in Africa and is home to a variety of water birds, giving it the name ‘place of little birds’. This spectacularly scenic lake is dotted with gorgeous misty islands and surrounded by verdant, terraced hillsides. It is also a popular stop-off on the way to the famed gorillas that live nearby and unlike many lakes in East Africa, it is crocodile, hippo and bilharzia free. Highlights of this magical destination include swimming in the lake’s crystal clear waters, bird watching, canoeing, and hiking.
Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Bunyonyi Overland Resort is an ideal nature getaway situated on the lake. A dining area, bar and free Wi-Fi are all available at the resort.
(approximately 293 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, tick off gorilla trekking from your bucket list! With a one day gorilla permit included in your package, set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation so participants do need to be reasonably fit. The time taken to track the gorillas will vary enormously but coming face to face with these amazing primates is extremely rewarding! For those not wishing to participate, you are welcome to relax at the lodge and enjoy the day at leisure.
Due to the availability of permits we allow 2 days for trekking in case we are not able to get permits for all customers on the same day. Each customer will get 1 trekking day, the other will be a day at leisure at the camp. There are a number of optional short activities as well as an opportunity to do a day visit to Rwanda on the free or non-trekking day. Please note that optional activities are not included in the package and can be purchased on tour.
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
If you attended gorilla trekking yesterday, enjoy a full day at leisure. If not, it is your turn to embark on a trekking adventure in search of some magnificent primates.
Due to the availability of permits we allow 2 days for trekking in case we are not able to get permits for all customers on the same day. Each customer will get 1 trekking day, the other will be a day at leisure at the camp. There are a number of optional short activities as well as an opportunity to do a day visit to Rwanda on the free or non-trekking day. Please note that optional activities are not included in the package and can be purchased on tour.
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, travel to the northern end of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most popular parks in Uganda. The northern part of the park is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks of the Kazinga channel, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock every year. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest and three salty crater lakes are decorated with pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy an exhilarating game drive through this magnificent national park. Embark on a thrilling adventure that showcases the diversity and beauty of one of the country's most famous wildlife reserves. Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its wildlife, including elephants, the famous black-maned lions, leopards, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. The northern sector, particularly the Kasenyi Plains and the area around the Kazinga Channel, is renowned for its excellent game-viewing opportunities. Don’t forget your camera to capture these magnificent moments!
Simba Safari Camp
In December 2008, Simba Safari Camp opened its doors in one of the most frequently visited parks in Uganda. The comfortable camp is located right on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park and only two kilometres from the Equator.One side overlooks the scenic crater lakes and plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, while on the other side the high peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains stand out against the horizon.
(approximately 267 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Simba Safari Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, check out of the camp and continue your journey to Masindi. Masindi is a relatively small, scenic agricultural town in Western Uganda. Upon arrival, check into the Kabalega Resort Masindi and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Kabalega Resort Masindi
The hotel offers both spacious self-contained rooms and camping facilities. Seek out a variety of amenities such as a swimming pool, gardens, a cosy bar and restaurant (additional costs may apply).
Please note: the accommodation stated above is subject to availability. If unavailable, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided.
(approximately 249 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kabalega Resort Masindi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest in the whole of East Africa and home to the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda. It is believed that there are 600 to 700 chimpanzees in Budongo Forest.
This morning, meet with the chimpanzee guide who will take you on a trek through the forest in search of the chimps. Afterwards, enjoy a boat cruise in the park to view Murchison Falls.
Please Note: As the chimpanzee trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon running two groups. Therefore, you may find that first you do the boat activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. This will be advised on the day of the Chimpanzee trekking.
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kabalega Resort Masindi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, depart Masindi and return to Kalagala Falls near Jinja. Marvel at the spectacular views of the Nile and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Kalagala Falls Overland Camp
Welcome back to Kalagala Falls Overland Camp!
The camp is ideally positioned for a range of land and river-based activities. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant or unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar (not included). Additional amenities include a private swimming pool, a bungee tower and activity centre (additional costs may apply).
(approximately 239 km/day)
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kalagala Falls Overland Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, enjoy a full day at leisure or choose to embark on an optional excursion.
Additional activities include bungee jumping and white water rafting. All optional activities can be booked on tour and are not included in the tour price.
Camping: Camping with shared bathroom facilities
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kalagala Falls Overland Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Depart on a journey across the border to Nakuru, a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. Nakuru is located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. After reaching your accommodation, head out on an exhilarating 4x4 safari game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to exceptional birdlife and over 50 varieties of mammals. Look out for lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and various primates.
After the game drive, return to your accommodation and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Hotel Waterbuck
Located in the Nakuru region of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Hotel Waterbuck offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, eateries and entertainment venues. Guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, TV and coffee making facilities. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, swimming pool and a decadent health club (additional costs may apply).
(approximately 512 km/day)
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Hotel Waterbuck or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, continue to the world renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. A highlight of the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the annual wildebeest migration. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet with more than a million animals seeking rainfall. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can all be spotted in the reserve.
After arriving at your accommodation, enjoy an exhilarating game drive through the Maasai Mara National Park! Then return to your camp and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Kenia Safari Camp
Kenia Safari Camp is a tented eco campsite located next to the Sekenani gate at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Solar panels provide all-night electricity, making it the perfect hub to charge electronics. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the Maasai-themed dining tent and picnic lunch boxes when out on full day game drives.
(approximately 169 km/day)
Camping: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kenia Safari Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Enjoy another game drive in Maasai Mara National Park before returning to your accommodation for a night at leisure.
Camping: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kenia Safari Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Cross the border from Maasai Mara into Tanzania and arrive at Seronera in the middle of Serengeti National Park. The Seronera region sits directly on the Great Migration route and offers excellent viewing of the incredible annual phenomenon.
Enjoy an afternoon searching for magnificent wildlife on a game drive in Serengeti National Park. After, return to the camp for an evening at leisure.
Central Serengeti Osinon Camp
Located just a few minutes drive from Seronera airstrip at the heart of Serengeti National Park. The camp offers 14 luxury en-suite canvas tents, all with spectacular views. Each of the tents includes a king/queen size bed, study table and chair, traditional sofa, coffee table, 24-hour solar power and free Wi-Fi. The ensuite bathroom includes a hot water shower, washbasin and toilet. The camp offers a true bush experience with a very private atmosphere and personalised service. Meals are served in the dining tent close to the communal lounge where guests can enjoy a cold drink (charges may apply).
(approximately 528 km/day)
Camping: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Central Serengeti Osinon Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, enjoy a full day game drive in Serengeti National Park!
Serengeti National Park, spanning over 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles), is one of the world's most famous wildlife sanctuaries. It’s known for its vast open plains where millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles migrate with predators following closely behind. The Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros making it a prime destination for safari enthusiasts!
After the full day game drive, return to your accommodation for a well deserved dinner and an evening at leisure.
Camping: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Safari Tent with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Central Serengeti Osinon Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning, wake up early and enjoy your last morning game drive in the magnificent Serengeti National Park. After, depart the camp and make your way to the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Situated near the towering Oldeani volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplaces, sampling beer at a local brewery or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro forest in search of waterfalls and caves (charges may apply).
Kudu Lodge
Kudu Lodge & Camp is set on 11 acres of farmland approximately 2 kilometres from the main road through Karatu. This places it in close proximity to famous National Parks in Northern Tanzania like Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
(approximately 189 km/day)
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathr
Overnight: Kudu Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, embark on an exhilarating full day game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. A game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique safari experience, set within the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans approximately 260 square kilometres (100 square miles) and is home to an estimated 25,000 large mammals. It is one of the most dense wildlife areas in the world, hosting an incredibly diverse array of wildlife. The endangered Black Rhino is a notable resident, as the crater is one of the few places in East Africa where visitors have a good chance of seeing this magnificent animal in the wild.
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Kudu Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic surrounding area, including the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving at your accommodation, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Njiro Legacy
Njiro Legacy is located in Arusha and boasts breathtaking views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. The guest rooms are light, comfortable and elegantly decorated. They are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, coffee-making facilities and private bathrooms. The property also offers spacious and fully equipped campsites. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant or relax at the bar with a refreshing drink (not included).
Additional amenities include beautiful gardens, a sports ground, a billiards table, conference facilities, parking and reception.
(approximately 140 km/day)
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Njiro Legacy or similar
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Today is your last day on tour as you return to Nairobi, Kenya. After arriving at your accommodation, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
(approximately 273 km/day)
Camping: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Accommodation Upgrade: Twin room with en-suite bathroom
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Use the complimentary airport shuttle to transfer to the airport in time for your international flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note that some customers may arrive +1 day.
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