Gorillas, Gameparks & The Roof of Africa
44 days
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Group Tour
This 44 day overland tour journeys from Nairobi to Addis Ababa through Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda
Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- 3 nights at Murchison Falls National Park
- Chimpanzee Budongo Forest Trek
- 2 night safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 2 Nights Bwindi National Park
- Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda
- Walking safari in Mburo National Park
- Wildlife safari in Nakuru National Park
- 2 night jeep safari in Maasai Mara Reserve
What's this trip about?
This 44 day overland tour journeys from Nairobi to Addis Ababa through Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityNairobi
End CityAddis Ababa
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- All activities that are listed as included
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Border Information: If joining the trip in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code: NBO).
Welcome to Kenya! There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please do not be alarmed if there is no...
Day 2: Kericho
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
This morning we will drive on to Kericho, throughout this drive you will have sights of the world famous tea plantations in the area.
In Kericho we will stay at a well equipped campsite.
Day 3-4: Jinja
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Border Information: Exit Kenya at Busia, enter Uganda at Busia.
Today we have a full day's drive across the border into Uganda as we travel to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa!
On the following day we will have a free d...
Day 5: Nakitoma
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Today we continue our journey and head north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary close to the town of Nakitoma. Here we will have the chance to track rhinos on foot with a local ranger!
In Nakitoma we will stay in a well equipped campsite within the Rhino Sanctuary.
Day 6: Kaniyo Pabidi
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Today we continue to Kaniyo Pabidi in the Budongo Forest, in the southern part of the Murchison Falls National Park. Here we will head out for our included chimpanzee tracking walk in the afternoon!
Please note that for conservation ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Trek on foot in the Budongo Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees
Day 7-8: Murchison Falls National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours (to the campsite).
If we had to split the group for chimpanzee tracking, the other half of the group will head out for the walk this morning. When we are ready to continue, we will drive to the central region of Murchison Falls National...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Launch cruise on the River Nile to the mighty Murchison Falls
Head out game driving in our overland truck in Murchison Falls National Park
Day 9: Mpanga Forest
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
This morning we will make our way out of the national park and head South to Mpanga Forest via Kampala. This is a chance to experience a new environment as we camp in the forest near traditional communities. We will hopefully be able to visit the Mpambire drum making village to experience their ancient traditions and culture.
Day 10-11: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
This morning we travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Lake Edward and Lake George, undertaking a game drive on our way to the campsite.
After lunch we will take an includ...
Day 12-13: Bwindi
Here we will go on what is undoubtedly the highlight of the trip - trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest habitat.
This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than 8 people per day can visit any one habi...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Trek out for this once in a lifetime experience - Gorilla Tracking with the endagered Mountain Gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest
Day 14: Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Mburo
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
This morning we will make our way into the stunning Lake Mburo National Park. This drive will take us across the equator - a prime moment for some photos!
In the afternoon we may have time for a walking safari or even a boat trip on ...
Day 15-16: Jinja, Nakuru National Park
Estimated Drive Times - 7-9 hours each day.
Border Information: Exit Uganda at Malaba, enter Kenya at Malaba.
Over the next 2 days we will travel back to the east through Jinja to Nakuru.
We will most likely split the drive with a nightstop in Jinja, but if the roa...
Day 17: Nakuru National Park
This morning we head into Nakuru National Park for an included half-day game drive in local safari trucks. Nakuru is a beautiful park with a large lake and many forested areas - it is teeming with wildlife and there is an excellent chance to see both black and white rhin...
Day 18-19: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Today we will be met by our 6-person 4x4 jeeps that will take us on our 2-night excursion to the Maasai Mara. We will load the jeeps with our personal gear (but we will not need our camping equipment) and then head off to Maasai Mara, leaving our truck behind.
We will ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Head out on a phenomenal safari in 4x4s into the Maasai Mara - one of the best areas in Africa for wildlife and scenery
Day 20: Nairobi
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will have a final game drive in the Maasai Mara in the early morning, before heading back to Nairobi and our campsite in Karen, arriving at about 4:00pm or 5:00pm. This is where we will meet our overland truck and start using the truck's camping equipment. In Nairobi we will stay in a well equipped campsite in the suburb of Karen on the outskirts of the city.
Day 21: Nairobi
Border Information: If joining in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code: NBO).
There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the reception ...
Day 22: Naivasha
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we make our way to Naivasha, on the edge of a beautiful calm lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here we will have the chance to take an optional boat trip on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles, and also to visit the Elsa...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit to Lake Naivasha
Day 23-24: Naivasha, Naro Moru
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will have some free time for optional activities in Naivasha before we head through the hills of central Kenya through the area's beautiful scenery and tea plantations, to arrive at the small village of Naro Moru at the base o...
Day 25: Samburu Village
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will travel to the Samburu region near to the small town of Archer's Post, where we will visit a Samburu village. Here we will be shown around the village and their homes, play with the children and learn all about the way of ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project
Day 26: Samburu National Reserve
This morning we will enter the Samburu National Reserve, where we will enjoy game drives in the truck (breaking for a long lunch during the heat of the day).
Samburu is a stunning National Reserve and is a great opportunity to spot big game such as cheetah, leopards, l...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve
Day 27: Moyale
Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.
Today we will have an early start to travel through the very rarely-visited region of northern Kenya, crossing the infamous Marsabit-Moyale road to the very northern border town of Moyale. The scenery today is spectacular as we trave...
Day 28: Konso
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Border information: Exit Kenya at Moyale, enter Ethiopia at Moyale.
For those on a longer combination trip starting in Cape Town or Victoria Falls, please play special attention to the visa notes in the information below.
Today we...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit this traditional village and see how locals have lived there for hundreds of years. Soak in the calm atmosphere of a village that has stood the test of time.
Day 29: Arba Minch, Konso
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Today we will arrive in the town of Arba Minch, a small town overlooking Lake Chamo. On route we will visit Konso Village and a Cultural Centre.
In Arba Minch we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Day 30-31: Arba Minch
Border Information: If you are joining in Arba Minch, you will most likely enter Ethiopia at Arba Minch Airport (IATA code: AMH).
Welcome to Ethiopia! Today is the arrival day for those joining in Arba Minch, and will be a free day to explore the town.
There will be ...
Day 32: Awassa, Wendo Genet
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
Today we will head north to the small town of Awassa, where we can visit the local fish market.
After our visit we will head to Wendo Genet, a small town in the hills above Awassa, where we will stay for the night.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Experience the true local culture at this fish market. If you would like to try the soup make sure you bring your own bowl!
Day 33-35: Bale Mountains National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours.
Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains National Park.
We will enjoy 2 full days to explore the National Park. We will keep one day completely free to head out for optional guided walks - there are se...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Guided hikes through Bale Mountain National Park
Head up to the incredible Sanetti Plateau on a day trip with our overland truck, stopping to explore the area on foot and search for Ethiopian Wolves
Day 36-37: Lake Ziway
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will leave the Bale Mountains and head to the small town of Ziway.
The following day we will take an included boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island, where we will have a short guided tour of the ancient monastery there and view some of the old religious manuscripts.
In Ziway we will stay in a small local hotel.
Day 38: Awash National Park
Estimated drive time - 7 - 8 hours
Toady we will drive to Awash National Park and overnight in the lovely Awash Falls Lodge. Who said luxury was not part of overlanding! This is a stunning place to experience this great little National Park.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Head out with a scout to explore the trails of this National Park.
Day 39-41: Harar
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours
Today we will have a long drive east through the mountains to the ancient trading city of Harar. We will stay in a charming small hotel in the old city inself.
The following day we have a free day in ancient Harar and will have an i...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city.
Witness Harar's tradition of feeding wild Hyenas by hand each evening just outside the city walls.
Day 42-44: Addis Ababa
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we will travel to the bustling Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, where we will have a free afternoon to explore the city.
In Addis Ababa we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Border Information: if you are...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $4,450
Price per day$101
Last Updated: 1/7/2022
Pricing details includes
The Trip Price, which is payable to Dragoman or your travel agent before departure.
The Kitty Payment, which is payable to your tour leader in cash when you join your trip, or in advance via bank transfer.
The Trip Price covers the cost of all our operations, including the running of our trucks ,our staff, and the provision of local guides around the world where needed, plus local transport, if for some reason we can’t use our trucks.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
A well run trip
A well run trip in a tough climate (very hot and humid) for passengers
Enjoyed most
Enjoyed most the contact with the locals, but also the many animals we could see. There were very fast solutions to any (minor) problem that came up. Great work of t...
The trip was fun
The trip was fun. The tour guide did a good job. Everything was more or less organized, which is just enough organization for me. I have nothing but praise for the c...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers
- Border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city
- Passports and visas
- Vaccinations and first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
dragom-EAR
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